A Weekend Trip to Luray: What to Eat, Drink, See & Do
The perfect autumn getaway awaits.
There is something special about traveling around Virginia in the fall — the weather is crisp and cool, and the fall foliage is breathtaking. If you’re looking to hit the road this autumn, we suggest a weekend in Luray, Virginia. Read on to learn more about where to stay, what to do and see, the best of what to eat and drink in the area, and more in this weekend travel guide.
— by Paige Poprocky, Social Media Manager (and the brains behind Sips & Trips with Paige. Follow her @sipsandtripswithpaige!)
Basic Info
Luray, Virginia, is located 2.5 hours from Richmond, nestled between the Blue Ridge and Massanutten Mountains. Whether you’re looking for extreme adventure or serious relaxation, Luray offers a wealth of experiences to enjoy: from natural wonders, such as Luray Caverns and the Shenandoah River, to the scenic beauty of Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive, to the small-town charm of Luray.
We’ve outlined some more of our favorite experiences from our time in Luray below, but if you are looking for added resources, be sure to check out Visit Luray for more.
Where to Stay
Yak and Yeti Cabin
This cabin is the perfect family getaway to enjoy the Shenandoah River and National Park. Located within walking distance from the river, you have access to canoeing/rafting/tubing nearby. We spent a lot of time at the outdoor fire pit and lounging under the gazebo.
The house offers a relaxed living area and sun room with a fully equipped kitchen, three comfortable bedrooms, and two and a half baths — it comfortably sleeps six.
Booking: Learn more and book here
What to Do
See the Sights
The Luray Caverns are what Luray is famous for. They are the most popular caverns on the East Coast. Millions of visitors have toured the limestone halls since it was first discovered in 1878. You can tour to visit the cathedral ceilings stretching ten stories high, a one-of-a-kind optical illusion at Dream Lake (pictured above), and the Great Stalacpipe Organ!
Location: 101 Cave Hill Rd
Hours: Found here
Need to know: Hike, bike, or cruise Skyline Drive and take in the historic natural beauty from its numerous overlooks in Shenandoah National Park.
Location: Skyline Drive is a 105-mile National Parkway that runs the entire length of the National Park Service's Shenandoah National Park in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
Hours: 24/7/365
Get Outside
Need to know: This multi-use path meanders along scenic Hawksbill Creek through the center of historic Luray. It's a great place to take kids or pets for a walk. You can pick up a coffee from Broad Porch Coffee Co and jump onto the greenway for a beautiful walk. The Wildlife Department regularly stocks the creek with trout for those who enjoy fishing.
Location: 45 E Main St
Need to know: This is beautiful, peaceful pond next to the Yak and Yeti Cabin along the main road. You can walk around the pond and get access to the Shenandoah River. There's a dock where people can go fishing. The pond is also regularly stocked with trout by the Wildlife Department.
Location: 6100 S Page Valley Rd
Need to know: Popular river outfitters are right down the street from the Yak and Yeti Cabin along the main road. This spot can help guests get on the river for canoeing, kayaking, rafting, and river tubing.
Location: 6502 S Page Valley Rd
Hours: Found here
Need to know: This resort features 6,000 acres of mountain fun, including an indoor/outdoor water park, a ski and adventure park area, two fantastic golf courses, farm-to-table dining experiences, shopping and recreation options, along with a day spa for complete relaxation and rejuvenation.
Location: 1822 Resort Dr
Hours: Found here
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Need to know: Home decor boutique specializing in vintage and farmhouse-inspired decor, curated gifts, and designer-made floral decor.
Location: 10 E Main St
Hours: Found here
Need to know: Retail space for small business entrepreneurs. Accessories/gifts, antiques, home decor, arts/crafts, and more!
Location: 139 Virginia Ave
Hours: Found here
Where to Eat
Watch and Warrant Restaurant
Need to know: New gastropub with an upscale atmosphere that brings to life the grandeur of the Roaring 20s; menu here.
Location: 2 E Main St
Hours: Found here
The Speakeasy Bar & Restaurant
Need to know: American comfort food, cocktails, and live music prevail at the Mimslyn Inn's mellow downstairs eatery; menu here.
Location: 401 W Main St #1024
Hours: Found here
Triple Crown BBQ
Need to know: Seasonal BBQ stand, doling out slow-smoked, Virginia-style meats, and sides on weekends; menu here.
Location: 1079 US-211
Hours: Found here
Broad Porch Coffee Co
Need to know: Cute, trendy coffee shop in the middle of downtown Luray with excellent coffee and food options for breakfast/lunch. Good place to work remotely and enjoy the views of downtown and the creek; menu here.
Location: 20 W Main St
Hours: Found here
Gathering Grounds Patisserie & Cafe
Need to know: Cozy cafe with indoor and outdoor seating (outside is pet-friendly). Great option for breakfast and lunch (excellent salads and sandwiches); menu here.
Location: 24 E Main St
Hours: Found here
The Valley Cork
Need to know: Wine bar, restaurant, and bottle shop. The food menu includes hearty flatbreads, charcuterie boards, soups, and various small plates; menu here.
Location: 55 E Main St
Hours: Found here
Where to Drink
Hawksbill Brewing Company
Need to know: Casual, pet-friendly brewery downtown with food trucks and live music; tap list here.
Location: 22 Zerkel St
Hours: Found here
Muse Vineyards
Need to know: Award-winning estate wines from the heart of the Shenandoah Valley; wine and food list here.
Location: 16 Serendipity Ln
Hours: Found here
Glen Manor Vineyards
Need to know: Glen Manor Vineyards produces wines with a sense of place: the soils, the seasons, and the people who make these wines happen; wine list here.
Location: 2244 Browntown Rd
Hours: Found here
Linden Vineyards
Need to know: One of Virginia’s premier wineries, the entire wine production of 4,000 cases comes exclusively from three distinct vineyard sites; wine list here.
Location: 3708 Harrels Corner Rd
Hours: Found here (reservation only)
Rappahannock Cellars
Need to know: Family-owned winery and vineyard producing quality wines, including sparkling wine; wine list here.
Location: 14437 Co Rd 635
Hours: Found here
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