A Wine Lover's Delight!
Easy to get to, hard to forget. There are so many ways to have fun in the Shenandoah Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains when you're based in the middle of it all at
Natural Bridge!
Day 1:
Walk beside Cascade Falls or shuttle down into the ravine to see the spectacular National Historic Landmark and natural wonder, the
Natural Bridge. Spend the day visiting the Natural Bridge and its group of attractions all on one ticket: the
Natural Bridge & Cedar Creek Trail, with its
Monacan Indian Village, and Lace Falls;
Natural Bridge Caverns; and on-site museums. Stop for a snack or lunch at the
Cedar Creek Café. After you’ve done it all, have a relaxing dinner in the
Colonial Dining Room (reservations recommended). Do sample the Natural Bridge label wines from Virginia's own Barboursville Vineyard, and be sure to stop in the gift shop to pick up a bottle of your favorite to take home. Wander back down to the Bridge at sunset for the presentation of the “Drama of Creation”. Take advantage of a special rate when you stay at the
Natural Bridge Hotel for the night. Other options include a cabin at
Yogi Bear's Jellystone Camp Resort, or if you feel like tent camping for a real refreshing autumn break, check out
Glen Maury Park in nearby Buena Vista.
Day 2:
After breakfast, drive north on I-81 to
Rockbridge Vineyard in Raphine. Taste the wines and tour the vineyard with a host. While you’re in the neighborhood, make a quick stop at
Wade's Mill just up the road. Enjoy the scenic drive back down Route 11 and stop in historic
Lexington to explore, eat lunch, and maybe stroll along the
Chessie Trail (stop in the
Visitor Center for the trail brochure). Then back in the car toward
Lexington Valley Vineyard and more wine tasting. Return to Natural Bridge and kick back in the Red Fox Tavern or on the veranda, and sample more Virginia wines, perhaps a Chateau Morrisette Winery “dog”?
Day 3:
Before heading home, detour up to the
Blue Ridge Parkway. Whether going north or south you’ll find a spectacular scenic drive, hiking, and more vineyard visits. South toward Roanoke, you’ll see some of the area’s highest peaks (Thunder Ridge, mp 74.7; Apple Orchard Mountain, mp 76.5), and can stop at the Visitor Center and self-guided trail at mp 63.7, or at
Peaks of Otter, mp 84-87. At 83.4, hike the Fallingwater Cascades National Scenic Trail. Make time for tasting award-winning fruit wines, and meeting the farm animals at
Peaks of Otter Winery, mp 86. If you’re heading north toward I-64, choose from three vineyard visits off the Parkway for tastings and a picnic:
Wintergreen Vineyard & Winery (mp 13.5); from mp 0,
Veritas Vineyard & Winery, and
Afton Mountain Vineyard.
This fall getaway was submitted by Natural Bridge Hotel & Conference Center. See NaturalBridgeVA.com for more travel opportunities at Natural Bridge.