A Virginia Family Vacation In Front Royal

by Celeste Brooks
(Front Royal, VA)

I would like to suggest to your readers a Virginia family vacation in Front Royal. The town of Front Royal, Virginia is exactly the type of town my family would look to vacation in if we didn’t already live here! A lot of folks don’t know about the true Front Royal, because as the town at the northern tip of Skyline Drive, many visitors drive through on Rte 55 and never get to see the rest of this gem. For a small town, it is amazing how there really is something for everyone.

Nature enthusiasts can hike in Shenandoah National Park or the Andy Guest Shenandoah River State Park. Both have excellent trails and educational programs running regularly. The views at either park or on Skyline Drive are gorgeous. Nature buffs can also canoe, kayak, or raft down the Shenandoah River, courtesy of a couple of local outfitters. There are also several stables offering guided horseback rides within Warren County, the home county of Front Royal.

If you’re into caverns, make Skyline Caverns a definite stop—it’s the only place in the world with anthodites, which are beautiful crystals that grow in odd directions—gravity means nothing to these little things. At the caverns, you’ll also find a miniature train ride and a mirror maze, both at reasonable costs, to entertain the kids for a bit. There’s also a picnic area.

History buff? With Virginia family vacation in Front Royal you will have will have plenty of US history—Front Royal changed hands several times in just one day during the Civil War, and on Chester Street you’ll find the home of Belle Boyd, the famous Confederate spy. You can also wander over to Killahevlin Bed and Breakfast (an AWESOME place to stay, by the way) and see the descendent of the tree on which John Mosby and his men were hung.

Shopping, you ask? Well, don’t miss downtown Front Royal, which is NOT just Rte 55. Main Street, Chester Street, and North Royal Avenue have quaint antique and specialty shops, as well as some excellent restaurants. If you’re looking for home-style cooking at good prices, you need to go to Wynn’s or the Mill, both on Main Street, or South Street Grill on Rte 55. Want something a little more upscale? Try Element/Apt 2G, Soul Mountain Café, Lucky Star Lounge, or Wine & Duck, all in the historic district. And if you just can’t live without Target and Wal-Mart...well, we have those too, just north of town off of I-66. To sum it up, you will definitely enjoy a Virginia family vacation in Front Royal.

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