The first day of summer kicks off this weekend, Sunday June 21st. We’re already starting to feel the days heating up and while the alpacas sure are enjoying their daily sunbathing, we like to have a few options for activities that dodge the heat altogether.
Cider House Bed and Breakfast in Waynesboro, Virginia is just a short trip from Washington, DC, Maryland, West Virginia, and North Carolina, making it the perfect spot for friends and family to spend summer vacation together. Being near Charlottesville, Staunton, skyline Drive and Blue Ridge parkway makes for an unforgettable getaway!
Morning to Noon Outdoor Activities
Sherando Lake
After enjoying breakfast at Cider House, pack up your swimsuit, a towel, and a catered picnic and head just 30 minutes down the road to Sherando Lake. We love Sherando because the picnic areas are shady and wooded, while lounging on the sandy beach allows you to jump into the water anytime you feel a little overheated. Heading out right after breakfast and enjoying the lake until noon gives you several hours to enjoy the outdoors before the heat of the day really sets in. On your way back to Cider House Bed and Breakfast, you’ll pass by Willy’s Ice Cream, one of the best ways to wrap up a beach day!
Blue Ridge Tunnel
Another morning after breakfast, swap out your swimsuit for a flashlight and hiking shoes and hit the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail. This historic 1850s railroad tunnel is flat and straight, and always 55 degrees because you are 700 feet underground. We recommend parking on the Afton side, as parking is easier and the approach to the tunnel less steep. The hike is about 3 miles. Be sure to bring a flashlight! (We provide one at Cider House Bed and Breakfast. Read more about the Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail here.
While you’re down that way consider stopping at Blue Mountain Brewery for lunch!
Grand Caverns
Another way to stay cool underground is in a cave. There are 7 caverns in the Shenandoah Valley (because we are on an ancient limestone formation), the closest of which, and our favorite, is Grand Caverns, in Grottoes. This cave has more history in the tour, as the oldest continually operating show cave in the county, and great geology, with an abundance of shield formations. While in that area, try lunch at Valley Pike Farm Market in Weyer’s Cave for lunch.
Alternatively, the most famous cave in the valley is Luray Caverns, about an hour north. Run up 340 for the scenic route alongside the Blue Ridge, then back down Skyline Drive for the extra scenic route.
Shopping
Downtown Shopping
Head just a few minutes down the road to Waynesboro’s historic Downtown. There’s something for everyone including clothing boutiques like Adorn and Rusticae, Stone Soup Bookshop, South River Fly fishing, Pyramid: Appalachian Magick, and Waynesboro Music. Or downtown Staunton for even more boutique stores.
Antiquing
There are great antique malls in every town nearby, but the granddaddy of them all is the Factory Antique Mall in Verona, the largest antique mall in America. Allow a half day and assume you’ll get lost. The little cafe inside is a great choice for lunch.
The Cheese Shop Country Market and Deli
In Stuarts Draft, The Cheese Shop is a charming local Amish style store. Stop in for the sandwich shop and on your way out grab snacks, sweets, or some unique meats and cheeses.
History
Waynesboro Heritage Foundation
Learn about the people of Waynesboro and their stories through artifacts, records, and landmarks. Open Tuesday – Saturday 10am-5pm.
Augusta County Railroad Museum
Open exclusively on Saturdays 1pm-4pm, stop by to see an ever changing set of model train tracks along with a collection of railroad artifacts, vintage model trains, and an exhibit on the Blue Ridge Tunnel.
Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum
A must-see for history buffs, but also a fascinating look at the early 20th century and World War I, including the historic home where Wilson was born in Staunton.
Evening activities
Wayne Theater
Wayne Theater offers something for everyone. You can simply catch a movie like a classic film from the 60s or one of the box office hits of last year. For live shows, you can choose from concerts from local and visiting bands or amazing productions with a creative spin like Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus told through the lens of My Little Pony characters. Movies can be seen as early as 10am, some offering several show times, while concerts and plays start around 7pm. Check their event calendar for show times and show descriptions.
Breweries and Tasting Rooms
Waynesboro has several amazing tasting rooms and breweries to choose from. We can’t wait to join the line up with our very own company Stone Ledge Cider, opening its tasting room in late Winter to early Spring. In the meantime Cider House Bed and Breakfast guests can purchase bottles during their stay.
Seven Arrows Brewing
Just five minutes down the road, Seven Arrows offers a cozy brewery atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating, TVs to watch your game, a selection of board games, open mic nights, trivia, live music, and more. Choose from 13 drafts and a wonderful lunch and dinner menu from Nobos Kitchen.
Stable Craft Brewery
Head less than ten minutes down country roads to Stable Craft Brewing and Cidery. If the heat of the day is still lingering around dinner time, plan to eat inside in their unique horse stable atmosphere. As the sun is setting, head out to the joining outdoor bar and patio with fire pits and a stage playing live music. Choose from a large selection of award winning drinks.
Bottles
For a high energy night head to Bottles. Family friendly up to 9pm and 18+ after, a wrist band gets you in the door with unlimited games all night. On-demand karaoke, pool, air hockey, Ping Pong, basketball, arcade games, the mechanical bull, and more! Cozy up by the fire pits with a drink and if you’re really trying to make it a night to remember order the donut burger!
The Show Room
For a classy and quirky spot, where every drink has its own lore, spend the evening at The Show Room at Basic City Beer co. Learn of Captain Dick and his world adventures as you try an extensive list of beer, cider, and mixed drinks.
Whether it’s scorching 90s with humidity, or you lucked out on a cool summer weekend vacation, these spots are sure to make your visit a lasting memory. At Cider House Bed and Breakfast, we’re proud to be the place you’re excited to come back to every night of your stay.
To book your visit call 540-932-0370 or reserve online at ciderhousebedandbreakfast.com
