This Virginia Town Is One Of The South’s Most Underrated Vacation Spots

Are you a beach person or a mountain person? If you fall in the either camp, the South is a treasure trove of places to explore. But when fall and winter come around, something about a mountain town seems extra enticing. From the Great Smoky Mountains to the Blue Ridge Mountains –and all the foothills in between—there are dozens upon dozens of towns big and small perfect for a weekend away. Spend your days leaf peeping on a scenic drive, hiking to waterfalls tucked deep in the woods, strolling through quaint downtowns, and sitting down for dinner next to a crackling fireplace at the end of it all. We can’t think of anything that sounds better—except maybe a dip in the hot tub with a glass of wine after.

The Most Underrated Vacation Spot

If you’re looking for a new or new favorite mountain town to love, there’s no better place than Luray, Virginia. The tiny town is tucked in Shenandoah Valley between towering mountain ranges—Blue Ridge in the east and Massanutten in the west. With fewer than 5,000 residents, it’s best known for Luray Caverns, an underground wonderland that also happens to be the largest cavern in the eastern U.S. But once you come out into the daylight, there’s plenty more to see and do. Everyone knows about places like Asheville and Gatlinburg, and there’s no denying their many merits, but if you’re looking for an under-the-radar, best-kept-secret type spot, Luray (pronounced Loo-ray) is ideal.

Things To Do In Luray, Virginia

Explore Underground At Luray Caverns

It’s not a trip to Luray without a jaunt through Luray Caverns, where you can traverse the paved and lighted walkways to marvel at towering limestone columns, crystal-clear pools, and other natural wonders in the cathedral-sized underground rooms. Once you’ve explored underground, check out the rest of the onsite attractions that include the Car, & Carriage Caravan Museum, Shenandoah Heritage Village (a recreation of a 19^th century farming community), Toy Town Junction (a massive toy train display)—all of which are included in the price of your cave ticket. For an additional fee, you can try your luck in the massive Garden Maze or tackle obstacles at Rope Adventure Park.

luraycaverns.com; 101 Cave Hill Road, Luray, VA 22835; 540-743-6551

Go Canoeing with Shenandoah River Adventures

If you visit during the summer before temperatures get too chilly, you can take your adventure off land and see the sights from the water. Shenandoah River Adventures rents canoes and kayaks, so you can paddle the Shenandoah River at your leisure. In especially hot months, you might be interested in a tubing trip. The season ends at the end of September.

shenandoahriveradventures.com; 415 Long Ave, Shenandoah, VA 22849; 888-309-7222

Visit a Winery

Idyllic orchards, farms, and vineyards are common sighting in Luray, and many are open for the public enjoy by picking fruit or grabing a glass of the house blend. For the full family farm and orchard experience, pay a visit to Wisteria Vineyard. The 15-acre property features three acres of orchards where Steve and Cassidy Wallace grow grapes to make 100% Virginia wine. Stop by the tasting room to try their whites, reds, and blends (there are usually around 15-18 available). To get a full tasting experience, order a flight and you can choose four to try.

wisteriavineyard.com; 1126 Marksville Road Stanley, VA 22851; 540-742-5215

Have a Farm Experience at Massanutten Country Corner

There’s a little something for everyone at this quaint country store—a small farm market, gifts to buy, a garden shop, and even a rocks and minerals collection. Stop by for some shopping, or come on select days to give goat yoga a go with the operation’s four-legged friends.

massanuttencc.com; 3546 US-211, Luray, VA 22835; 540-843-0744

Visit Shenandoah National Park

One of the best things about Luray is its proximity to Shenandoah National Park. The park’s Thornton Gap entrance is just a 15-minute drive, and from there, you’ll have access to all kinds of adventure. Hike to the top of Mary’s Rock for incredible views of the Shenandoah Valley, or hop on Skyline Drive for the scenic drive of a lifetime.

nps.gov/shen

Where To Eat And Drink In Luray, Virginia

Gathering Grounds

Located in Luray’s historic downtown, Gathering Grounds is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, or an afternoon pick-me-up. The patisserie and café goes beyond your average coffeehouse fare. For breakfast you can grab a muffin or scone, but you can also order steak and eggs or avocado toast too. At lunch, sandwiches, salads, and soups share space with fish and chips and even fried green tomatoes. Of course, there’s an extensive specialty coffee and tea menu, and to top it all off, there’s a pie case where you’ll find a rotating selection of flavors ranging from chocolate chess to coconut.

ggrounds.com; 24 East Main Street, Luray, VA 22835; 540-743-1121

Pollock Dining Room

For a meal with one of the best views in all of Virginia, head to Pollock Dining Room at Skyland Resort in Shenandoah National Park. Serving up breakfast, lunch, and dinner, this beloved spot offers 360-degree views of the ever-stunning Shenandoah Valley through it’s giant picture windows and on its generous patio. Expect hearty, seasonal American fare, and don’t forget to order a slice of the Signature Blackberry Ice Cream Pie. Looking for something more casual, head to the Mountain Taproom for a pint, a burger, and live music during summer months.

goshenandoah.com/dining/Skyland;  400 Skyland Upper Loop Mile 42, Luray, VA 22835; 877-847-1919

Chop House Bistro

If you’re in the mood for a classic steakhouse dinner, head to Chop House Bistro, where you can get your preferred cut with all the fixings. Each comes with your choice of sauce (, demi glace, Chop House Steak Sauce, sweet chili) and a side (crème fraiche mashed potatoes, asparagus, chevre mac ‘n’ cheese).

chopbistro.com; 132 E Main St., Luray, VA, 22835; 540-860-5605

Hawksbill Brewing Company

Sometimes the best thing after a long day of hiking or enjoying the great outdoors is an ice-cold beer. Get your post-activity liquid fuel at Hawkbill Brewing Co., which uses hops grown locally in Luray, plus produce (think honey, blackberries, etc.) that’s also grown in the area.

hawksbillbrewing.com; 22 Zerkel St, Luray, Virginia 22835; 540-860-5608 

Where To Stay In Luray, Virginia

Mimslyn Inn

This historic inn features expansive grounds on a gorgeous property that includes pools, fire pits, a hammock garden, spa, and two onsite restaurants. A short walk from downtown Luray, you’ll get all the perks of a centrally located stay but with plenty of room to roam.

mimslyninn.com; 401 W. Main Street, Luray, VA 22835; 540-743-5105

Shadow Mountain Escape

A stay in one of these timber frame cabins will automatically make your vacation 10 times dreamier. Inspired by Old World European craftsmanship, these one-of-a-kind cottages are located on a 15-acre woodland park.

shadowmountainescape.com; 1132 Jewell Hollow Road, Luray, VA 22835; 540-843-0584

Skyland Resort

Stay inside Shenandoah National Park at Skyline Resort, which sits just off Skyline Drive at 3,680 feet elevation—the highest on the drive. Whether you want a room in the lodge or a private cabin for a group, there’s something for everyone across the 27 acre wooded area.

goshenandoah.com/lodging/Skyland; Skyland Upper Loop Mile 41, Luray, VA 22835; 877-847-1919

Hotel Laurance

Newly renovated, this boutique hotel in the middle of downtown Luray is as charming as they come. The building dates to 1830, but became a hotel in 1883. Today, its 12 suites are ideal for travelers looking for a taste of modern luxury in  heart of a pastoral small town.

hotellaurance.com; 2 South Court Street, Luray, VA 22835; 540-742-7060