Fallin’ For Front Royal

Hi friends!

I just got back from a festive, fall weekend getaway in Front Royal, VA. This was my first trip out there, even though it’s only a little over an hour away from me. I was thrilled to be a part of the #BackToBusiness initiative that Front Royal was hosting, to help boost tourism and support their small businesses. This is the perfect weekend destination, and it’s so easy for local residents of DC, VA, and MD to visit. #TravelLocal #SupportLocalSmallBusinesses

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Accommodations

Thanks to the TownePlace Suites by Marriott in Front Royal, for the comfortable and convenient accommodations. All of the rooms feature full kitchens, and are available in single & double occupancies, and there’s even a large two bedroom option as well. The stylish decor, and furnishings provided a clean and modern vibe, which I enjoyed.

Axe Throwing

Our first group event was Axe Throwing at Shenandoah Valley Axe Throwing. I was so excited for this, as I have always wanted to try it. It took me a few attempts to get the hang of it, but once I did, I was able to hit the bullseye! The trick is to not forcefully throw it; it’s all about the release and the momentum. It was so much fun, I can’t wait to do it again!

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Front Royal Brewing Company

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After working up an appetite axe throwing, our first dinner was at Front Royal Brewing Company on Main Street. This venue opened in 2018, and brings a fresh vibe and feel to downtown Front Royal. The atmosphere is modern, yet welcoming and comfortable. The food was delicious, as was the beer. If you know me, you know I’m not a beer drinker, but I had the Raspberry Lemon Sour, and it was AMAZING! I even chugged the glass before we left – it was that good.

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We also enjoyed getting a tour of the brewery, and learning the history behind this establishment.

One fun fact I loved was that Front Royal Brewing Co. (along with Mountain Trails, Down Home Comfort Bakery and ViNoVa Wine and Tapas), offers a basecamp, for hikers and outdoor adventurers to relax, freshen up, and even do laundry. It’s currently closed due to COVID, but I can only imagine how useful and helpful it is when it is open! They also have a fun chalk wall that visitors sign, as well as a guest book. I loved reading the entries and seeing how much it meant to hikers to have this space.

Turnmeyer Galleries

Day 2 of our Front Royal weekend started off with a fun tour, and town history overview, on our way to Turnmeyer Galleries. This boutique art gallery is owned and operated by Scott Turnmeyer. His shop features hand selected, original pieces of work by local artisans, as well as his own photography prints, souvenirs, and candles.

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Saga Meadery

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Our next stop was Saga Meadery. I knew about mead, but hadn’t tried it before, so I was excited to to get a true taste of these honey based beverages. Mead is an alcoholic beverage created by fermenting honey with water, sometimes with various fruits, spices, grains, or hops. We tasted several varieties from Saga’s Fall and Reserve lines. My favorite mead from Saga Meadery was the Crisp Apple, which blends juicy apples and sweet clover honey, with a delicate blend of spices.

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Main Street

After enjoying some mead, we headed to town to stroll along Main Street, and grab some lunch. I truly love the vibe of downtown Front Royal and the charming shops and storefronts.

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One cool shop in particular is Mountain Trails, which I didn’t get a chance to experience, but need to when I go back. They have a great mural outside of their store of the Appalachian Trail, and they are the heart of the outdoor scene in Front Royal. They are working on a new website, so you should be able to check them out online soon. You can also find them on Facebook & Instagram.

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Main Street is so picture perfect, especially with the gazebo decorated so festively, and the hand painted LOVE sign. It’s also leaf-peeping season in the Shenandoah Valley, so Front Royal is the perfect place to enjoy fall foilage. They even have a webcam online for you to see the current leaf conditions!

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For lunch, we stopped at the Daily Grind, and enjoyed sandwiches and their specialty coffee.

We of course, had to visit at Down Home Comfort Bakery for one of their delicious sweet treats too!

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To The River

Did you guys know that Front Royal is Virginia’s Canoe Capital? We were initially undecided on whether we were going to participate in canoeing, but I’m SO glad we did! This was my first canoe experience and it was actually really fun. The river was calm and serene, and being in the water, surrounded by nature was a true delight. Thanks to Front Royal Outdoors for this awesome experience! #BackToNature

ViNoVa

Our final dinner was at the European inspired, ViNoVa Wine & Tapas. We met both owners of the restaurant who were so kind, and I loved hearing their stories of how ViNoVa came together.

We were blown away by the setup they had for us. The restaurant’s speakeasy vibe was so fun, and our tablescape included old school disposable cameras, and a souvenir wine glass!

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The menu was beyond amazing; it was so hard to narrow down my selections. I ended up going with the Bocadillo (a sophisticated, grown-up grilled cheese), the Pork Belly, and the famous Crab Roll. Each plate was phenomenal, and I really couldn’t pick a favorite if I had to.

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I can’t thank the owners of ViNoVa enough for their gracious and generous hospitality. I would drive back and forth to Front Royal just to have another wonderful meal from there!

I also heard amazing things about Pave Mint, Element, and Manor Line Market from others in my group who dined there, and I look forward to checking them out on my next visit as well!

I’ll Be Back!

Before we departed Front Royal, we took one last stroll down Main Street. We snapped a few more fun photos too. I’m so grateful for this past weekend, making new friends, creating new memories, and discovering a new place. Everyone we met was so friendly and welcoming. It was beyond heartwarming seeing, hearing, and feeling the pride this community has; I am truly so honored I could experience it. I will definitely be back for another visit soon!

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Be sure to add Front Royal, VA to your next destination list!

Thank you to the following sponsors @discoverfrontroyal, the town of @frontroyalva, @coastalvamag, and @virginiareginaltransit for hosting us this weekend. Thank you to all of the local businesses that welcomed us and made our visit so special. I can’t wait to return!

For more local getaways & hot spots, be sure to check out The 12 Best Airbnbs in Washington DC.