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 $15 each and 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 Diffrent 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 loop around the walking trail with multiple glimpses through small karst opening into underground caverns along the path. Find out about the new interpretive signage coming this summer!

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

Explore downtown with a Sip and Snack Walking Tour including a tour of the King Street murals and local businesses:
Nancy’s Coffee Bar, Pancake Underground, Sammy Lou’s Bake Shop, Half and Half Saloon, and Box Office Brewery.

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

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.

An Art Tour in Woodstock OCTOBER 18th, 2023

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