Whether you enjoy celebrating the fall season with a breathtaking drive, pumpkin picking, or even a spit-roasted turkey leg at a Renaissance Faire, there is something for every autumn-lover in Shenandoah Valley. If you’re looking for a new way to shake up your fall routine, I highly recommend you check out one of these special fall activities in Shenandoah Valley this year!
5 Fall Activities in Shenandoah Valley for Unforgettable Autumnal Memories
Driving Skyline Drive
Skyline Drive is the only public road that runs through Shenandoah National Park. Spanning over 105 miles, it’s a spectacular way to take in some of the most incredible fall foliage in the country. You may even see some animals that call the park home, like deer, wild turkey, and black bear! The speed limit is 35 mph, so you can take your time driving around every beautiful curve.
Plan on it taking about three hours to travel the entire length of the park – pack your favorite fall snacks and put on some great music. Peak fall foliage season usually starts in early October. It runs the entire month, though it can begin as early as mid-September and run through mid-November in temperate years.
Fall Activities Shenandoah Valley Festival of Leaves
The Festival of Leaves is Shenandoah Valley’s most popular autumn celebration! Join hundreds of artists and artisans sharing their fall-themed artwork, jewelry, apparel, and more.
Enjoy a full day of live music spread across multiple stages, and come hungry and ready to chow down on some of the area’s best food vendors. If the cool breeze in the air and the gorgeous colors of the changing leaves “fall” short of putting you in the spirit of the season, the Festival of Leaves certainly will!
Spooky Arboretum Night Hike
Some people love celebrating fall with pumpkins, apples, and changing leaves. But for some people, the real fun of the season is in everything spooky, creepy, and delightfully scary.
The Spooky Arboretum Night Hike at the State Arboretum of Virginia is a guided nighttime exploration of all things that go “bump” in the night like bugs, bats, owls, and more. It’s an outdoor nature walk that covers just about a mile of gently rolling terrain and is suitable for explorers of all ages. Bring a flashlight, or enjoy the solitude of the darkness at one of the best fall activities in Shenandoah Valley.
West Oaks Farm
West Oaks Farm is the perfect place to celebrate everything exciting about the fall season! Shop for produce like pumpkins, apples, and sunflowers, and browse their expansive selection of country gifts and locally sourced products like jams, syrups, and more.
Enjoy breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner at their onsite restaurant. Be sure to swing by the Farmer’s Market for even more fresh produce and freshly baked goodies. Plan to take advantage of their seasonal activities like hayrides, apple cannons, a corn maze, and a tractor bounce house that little ones will love!
Ravenwood Faire
Ravenwood Faire is a seasonal Renaissance celebration of the finest harvest bounties. Enjoy browsing the work of artisans and craftsmen, delight in themed entertainment and concerts, and enjoy a traditional delicacy (perhaps with a glass of Meade?)
You’ll love the roaming storytellers and jesters, exciting horse-riding demonstrations, and much more. It’s a totally unique celebration with something for everyone, in an exciting festival designed to transport you to another time!
Fall Activities Shenandoah Valley
I told you there was something for everyone! These fall activities in Shenandoah Valley are thoughtful, family-friendly seasonal celebrations everyone will love. Be sure to check and book tickets soon – these events are popular for good reason!
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