Fall in Love With Luray

The beauty we can’t hide it - it surrounds us, consumes us - especially during the fall season. Our valley location provides viewing for “leaf peepers" from the highest peaks of Skyline Drive to the lower banks along the Shenandoah River. Our surrounding farmland offers a patchwork painting with burnt orange from the maples, red from the sweet gums and goldenrod from the red buds coloring the Valley floor for several weeks.

Fall colors in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley are amazing and the views from Luray are some of the best. We are surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the National Forest to the west. We are a gateway community into Shenandoah National Park where over 75 vista overlooks and 500 miles of hiking trails can be accessed within a short drive. When you arrive at The Mimslyn Inn, you will see the colorful tree line creeping down from these mountainsides. The fall color begins in higher elevations and as the temperatures cool down the Valley begins to turn - making our leaf season last longer than most.

As you drive in, watch for the roadside pumpkin patch or veggie stand where they are selling the latest fall decor and other seasonal goodies like apple butter. While here, you must make the trip to Luray Caverns and experience the cave, museums, ropes course and garden maze. Near Luray Caverns is a small but impressive rescue zoo, Luray Zoo, great place for the kids. Make your lodging reservations ahead of time as this is peak season in our neck of the woods. The Mimslyn Inn is located in downtown Luray, a comfortable walk to one of Virginia’s designated Main Street communities where restaurants and shops provide a backdrop for small town views and southern charm. Our local movie house, The Page Theatre, is a must see - offering first run movies and decor unmatched by any theater around. A true “labor of love” - this place is eye candy and buttery popcorn all in one place thanks to a very involved small business owner.

Plan to spend most of your time outside - colorful foliage can also be seen along the Shenandoah River. The south fork of this river flows through the entire length of the county, making it a playground for canoeing, tubing, fishing, and swimming. Local outfitters can provide adventures all the way into the month of November. The Hawksbill Greenway, a designated VA Birding and Wildlife Trail and Bird Sanctuary, follows a creek and is a perfect 3-mile paved walking and biking loop conveniently located near the inn. Luray is also new to the Virginia Artisan Trail Network, a collaborative crafter/art trail displaying fine and culinary works throughout the county - preview The Warehouse Art Gallery website before heading over for a visit. Also check out Luray’s cooperative market Hawksbill Trading Company and the new “Grown Here - Brewed Here” Hawksbill Brewing Co.