Shenandoah County Tours 2023

Each tour includes a behind-the-scenes experience at a local hospitality business, town or attraction, swag bag, and lunch. Tours are open to business owners, employees, residents, and visitors of Shenandoah County. With so many new developments in our region, there is no better time to engage, educate and activate members of our community to become even more knowledgeable and influential ambassadors for the tourism industry and its impact on our overall economy. Tourism and Economic prosperity depend on each and every one of us; from those who work in the tourism industry daily to those who live here and tell others about it.

Participants will learn about different industry sectors, towns, area attractions, farm operations, outdoor recreation, arts & culture, area resorts, camps, and event venues.

Tours are typically $15 however please check the tour details below. Tours are typically held the third Wednesday of each month starting in March from 9:30am-1:30pm.

Comfortable shoes and an umbrella are recommended. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to each session and pre-register by emailing Brenda Black at bblack@shenandoahcountyva.us no later than one week prior to each tour. For questions call Brenda direct at 540-325-0069.

Fort Valley Ranch and Campground APRIL 19th, 2023
Arrival time 9:30 AM – Program concludes at 1:00 PM
Tour Guides the Heck Family9:30am-10:40am Tour the cabins and campground, ax/archery area and learn about the history of the Fort Valley area.

11:00am-11:30am Short Trail Ride limited to 12 riders.

11:00-11:30 Brand an ornament to take home limited to 8 participants.

1:30am-12:30pm Lunch includes roasting hot dogs over an open fire, toasting smores, chips and a drink.

12:30pm Q&A
1:00pm Tour Concludes

A Tour of Bryce Resort MARCH 15th, 2023 POSTPONED

RESCHEDULED MAY 10th

Arrival time 9:30AM – Program concludes at 1:30PM
Tour 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM – Tour Guide Jennifer Hentzen

The program will begin in the Copper Kettle at Bryce Resort 1982 Fairway Drive, Basye, VA 22810. Participants will receive an introduction to Bryce Resort with an overview of its history in the Shenandoah Valley, as well as a summary of the resort operations. The program will continue with a walking tour of the property with staff who will provide a full scope of operations. This is a walking tour of a large-scale resort. Please wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen and an umbrella if needed. Reusable water bottles will be available on site to fill up as you tour the resort.
– Sports Complex & Golf Course & Putting Green– Bryce Airport & Library
– First Aid & Rental Shop– Ski School – Mountain Operations & Chairlift Ride to the Mountain Top
– The tour will conclude at Carter’s Hutte for lunch with bratwurst, chips, a sweet treat, and drink from 12:30 PM-1:30 PM

Crossroads to Adventure Town of New Market MAY 17th, 2023
Arrival time 9:30 AM Program concludes at 1:30 PM
Hosted by Amber Smoot

Meet at Shenvalee Golf Resort learn about its history, the many amenities lodging options, and look inside the Miller Grille.

The tour continues through the New Market Community Park with event highlights throughout the year.

Enjoy a downtown walking tour with history and learn about the new visitor friendly app J.

Visit Jon Henry General Store, Valley Sports Connection and The Buttercup.

Tour concludes at Jackson’s Corner Cafe for lunch.

Beautiful Ole Fashion Edinburg June 21st, 2023
Arrival time 9:30 AM Program concludes at 1:30 PM
Tour Guides Linda Wooten and Dan Harshman

Meet at Murray’s Fly Shop. and hear from our regional fly-fishing expert Harry Murray on fishing in the Valley.

Edinburg has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1998. In fact, there are 292 buildings comprising the historic district, from Queen Anne, Colonial Revival, and Italianate styles. Edinburg’s walkable Main Street is lined with shade trees and sidewalks, making it easy to admire the town’s lovely old homes, many of which have been carefully restored. Tour Guide Linda Wooten.

At the Shenandoah Valley Cultural Heritage Museum at Edinburg Mill. Mayor Dan Harshman will be on hand to discuss the museum and how it entertains and educates with hands-on exhibits about area transportation and railroad history, period clothing, the Civil War, and America’s first Civilian Conservation Camp.

Enjoy a wine tasting at Heritage Mill Wines 1848 with owner Mike Clem.

Lunch will be served at 12:30 with delicious iconic Bean’s barbeque chicken, a side, lemonade, and dessert at Town Hall.

POI: Include Theater Shenandoah, Sal’s Italian Bistro, Wholesome Foods, Shenandoah Vineyards, Edinburg Mill Restaurant, Creekside Campground, Edinburg Mini Golf and Ice Cream.

Discover the Different Sides of Strasburg with a Sip and Snack JULY 19th, 2023
Arrival time 9:30 AM Program concludes at 1:30 PM

Arrive Strasburg Visitor and Information Center
33229 Old Valley Pike
Enjoy a tour of the Visitor Center and Museum, take a loop around the walking trail with multiple glimpses of small karst openings into the underground caverns below. Find out about the new interpretive signage and the partnership with the Strasburg Museum.

Carpool or Drive to Strasburg Square
Street and Public parking is available.
216 E. King. Hear all about this venue and the events planned in 2023.

Explore downtown with a Sip and Snack Walking Tour including views of the King Street murals and local businesses:
Nancy’s Coffee Bar and Ice Cream Shop, Sammy Lou’s Bake Shop, Amy’s Lush and Local, Alforna’s Pizza, and Box Office Brewery.

Shrine Mont AUGUST 16th
Arrival time 9:30 AM Program concludes at 1:30 PM

The program will begin in the lobby of the Virginia House located at 217 Shrine Mont Circle with a welcome from Executive Director Kevin Moomaw.

We will tour Shrine Mont a conference and retreat center located in Orkney Springs, a community in western Shenandoah County. With accommodations for up to 550 people, Shrine Mont offers groups as well as individuals fun things to do, beautiful places to explore and abundant hospitality. At its heart is the Cathedral Shrine of the Transfiguration, the Cathedral of the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia with public services held at 11:00 on Sundays from early April through mid-November. Learn about workshops, music festivals, family reunions and family vacations, parish weekends or an individual retreat. Hear about the history of Shrine Mont and Orkney Springs while also discussing Shrine Mont’s amenities, conference and dining facilities, and lodging opportunities. This will be a walking tour so bring good shoes and sunscreen.

Lunch will be served at the Virginia House.

Seven Bends State Park SEPTEMBER 20th, 2023
Arrival time 9:30 AM Program concludes at 1:30 PM

Come explore Seven Bends State Park in a way that not many people get the chance to do. During this behind the scenes tour we will see the many different intricacies that it takes to operate a park and how the rangers provide a space for all to safely recreate. Of course, we will be taking the time to enjoy this outdoor space as well with an easy 1.5 mile guided hike. A boxed lunch will be provided. Please wear comfortable shoes and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Wolf Gap Vineyard & Winery OCTOBER 25th, 2023

Arrival time 10:00 AM Program concludes at 12:30 PM

October is Virginia Wine Month!

Founded in 2004, Wolf Gap Vineyard and Winery is a 48-acre estate located in Edinburg with spectacular views of the Great North Mountain from the wine-tasting deck and the pavilion. Meet the new owners, Janel and JC, and learn about the Wine Club, new events, and their plans for the winery’s expansion. Enjoy a tour of our winery, barrel room, and grounds. Join us at the new outdoor wine bar and pavilion where we will enjoy grilled chicken and pasta salad for lunch, paired with a vertical tasting of Chardonnay. At the vertical tasting you will try the same wine from different years and see if you can taste a difference!

Friends via facebook permission from wolf gap

Shenandoah Caverns, Main Street of YesterYear,
American Celebration on Parade and the Yellow Barn NOVEMBER 15th, 2023
Arrival time 9:30 AM Program concludes at 1:30 PM

This Tour is $20

Tour Shenandoah Caverns an underground world of wonders, including what National Geographic described as the world’s most realistic “bacon formation” along a one-mile tour circuit where a comfortable 56-degree temperature is maintained year-round.

Drive or Walk to American Celebration on Parade (ACP) one of America’s most unique museums, offering an up-close look at parade floats from famous national celebrations including Presidential Inaugural Parades, and the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade. On television these floats may seem small, but they’re larger than life at ACP.

Enjoy a lunch in the 1950’s Caverns Café. The menu includes the signature Caverns Burger, fries, sandwiches, fresh salads, milkshakes and features a 1957 Bastian Blessing Soda Fountain. After lunch browse through the gift shop and Main Street of Yesteryear which brings you back to a time when children couldn’t wait to visit city department stores during the holiday season to look at the elaborate window displays.

Virginia Museum of the Civil War and Jacob Bushong Farm. DECEMBER 7th, 2023

Arrival time 9:30 AM Program concludes at 1:30 PM

9:30am-9:50am – Registration

9:50am-10:00am – Welcome, orientation, and site history

10:10am-10:45am – Film

10:45am-11:15am – Self-guided museum visit

11:15am-11:45am – Period Dancing

11:45am-12:30pm – Battlefield Tour and Bushong Farm Visit

12:30-1:15pm – Lunch

1:15pm-1:30pm – Museum Store/Questions