River Dell sits on the west bank of the Shenandoah River at the foot of the Massanutten Mountains, minutes from Luray. Here is how to spend your days, from the hosts' own backyard to the region's greats.
Right here · Free
The Shenandoah, at your doorstep
Take out the house canoe and kayaks for a slow paddle, claim the riverside patio chairs, or end the day with s'mores by the fire pit. Serenity, no driving required.
Paid · ~15 min drive
Skyline Drive & Shenandoah National Park
A 105-mile scenic drive along the Blue Ridge crest. Enter at Thornton Gap, under 15 minutes from downtown Luray. The speed limit is 35 mph, overlooks come constantly, and fall brings heavy traffic. An entrance fee applies.
Paid · ~15 min drive
Luray Caverns
The largest cavern system in the eastern U.S., discovered in 1878 and a registered U.S. Natural Landmark. A 1.25-mile paved walk through cathedral-sized rooms, home of the Great Stalacpipe Organ, the world's largest natural musical instrument. Allow about an hour. The cave stays around 54°F year round, so bring a layer.
Free
Massanutten, across the road
The Massanutten range of the George Washington National Forest rises right across from River Dell. The Kennedy Peak Trail, on the hosts' own recommended list, is a solid free hike with big valley views.
Free
Luray Hawksbill Greenway
An easy, flat town greenway along Hawksbill Creek in Luray. Good for a morning stroll or bike ride before breakfast crowds. Free, and right in town.
Paid · nearby
More ways to play
Shenandoah River Outfitters runs canoe and tube trips on this same river. In winter, Massanutten Resort offers skiing; Jordan Hollow Stables offers horseback rides. Wineries the hosts recommend include Wisteria Vineyard and DuCard Vineyards, and Copper Fox Distillery pours nearby.
Eat
Where to eat
On the hosts' local list: Brookside Restaurant, Gathering Grounds, Main Street Bakery & Catering, Rancho Viejo, Circa 31 & The Speakeasy, and West Main Market. For a special night, the Inn at Little Washington is about 30 to 45 minutes away, as are Local Chop & Grill House and Joshua Wilton House in Harrisonburg, and the Dark Horse Irish Pub in Flint Hill.
A note on prices: the B&B adds a 15.3% tax to nightly rates, and Page County sits near the top of Virginia county lodging tax rates. The hosts reduced their nightly rate by $10 to absorb most of the increase.
Good to know
Getting here & getting around
How to get here: from Washington, D.C. it is about 90 miles, roughly 2 hours by car via I-66 and US-211. Address: 7572 South Page Valley Road, Luray, VA 22835.
Driving traps: cell service is spotty to non-existent inside Shenandoah National Park, so download maps before entering. Fill up gas before the park. GPS can be unreliable at park entrances; follow National Park Service directions instead. On Skyline Drive, expect slow going in October leaf season.
Safety: wear life jackets on the river, even for a casual paddle. Cavern floors can be wet and slippery. In the national park, store food properly and give black bears space. Check Skyline Drive road status in winter, when sections close for ice.
