Spring into Luray-Page County this April
April is known for the colors that burst from the Earth. Taking a trip to Luray-Page County is the perfect way to not only watch the flowers and trees bloom, but to enjoy the start to your spring, as well. With plenty of attractions, activities, restaurants, and shops, you’re sure to have a hopping good time while you spend your early spring vacation with us.
Fresh Air – Outdoor Activities
One of the best parts of April is the warmer temperatures, making it the perfect time to get outside and enjoy some fresh air during your trip to Luray-Page County.
The South Fork of the famous Shenandoah River runs for 55 miles right through Page County. In our area, we’re lucky to have three great river outfitters that offer a variety of activities on the Shenandoah River. Shenandoah River Outfitters is located right outside of downtown Luray. The friendly staff and guides with SRO offer guests canoeing, kayaking, fishing, floating, and more along South Fork of the river. If you want to stay right on the river during your trip, they also run a group of river-front cabins and a campground. Shenandoah River Adventures is down in the town of Shenandoah. They are a small family-owned river company that offers group river trips for kayaking, canoeing, fishing, tubing, and more. They also offer tent camping, and if you’re having a large group, you can even arrange for catering and food truck services on the property. Downriver Canoe Company is up in the town of Bentonville, just a short drive from Luray. With a group of great guides, you’ll be able to enjoy kayaking, rafting, and more. All our river outfitters are open April-October for guests to enjoy.
Another great way to get outside in Luray-Page County this April is by casting a line and going fishing. From the creek to the river, there are a ton of fishing swimming around in Luray-Page County. While all of our river outfitters offer fishing trips, you can go cast a line on your own, as well. In the town of Luray Plenty of local fishing fanatics love spending time at the Luray Hawksbill Greenway, fishing along the creek that runs through Luray. If lake fishing is more your speed, head down to Lake Arrowhead. With plenty of quiet spots to fish at, you’ll sure to be able to relax and get some bites. If you’re in the town of Shenandoah, you can also head to Big Gem Park and enjoy their beautiful pond. In Stanley, at the Hawksbill Recreation Park, you can fish along the soft creek they have. Or, you can head up to the Shenandoah River State Park and enjoy their fishing along the Shenandoah River, as well as other outdoor activities.
For those that feel at home in the mountains, April’s cooler, yet still warm, weather lends itself to the perfect time to go hiking. If you want to spend your day on the trails enjoy the beautiful of the Shenandoah Valley, head up to the Shenandoah National Park. Along the 105.5 mile Skyline Drive, you have the opportunity to enjoy any of the 500 miles of trails they offer. If you want hiking that’s still beautiful but free, you can head up to the George Washington National Forest, where you’ll find beautiful scenery and plenty of hikes to enjoy. For those who prefer to stay in town, Lake Arrowhead also offers a nature trail that runs all the way around the lake. This trail is perfect for someone who wants to take a walk outside, but not have the strain that some hikes can cause. There’s also plenty of hiking throughout the Shenandoah River State Park.
Outdoor Dining – Food throughout Luray-Page County
Spring is the perfect time to enjoy some outdoor dining. In Luray-Page County, you’ll find plenty of restaurants that offer outdoor dining options for you to enjoy.
If you’re out and about in downtown Luray and want something quick and easy, you’ll find it at West Main Market & Deli. This local deli offers a variety of sandwiches, soups, sides, and more. They have recently expanded their outdoor dining but has plenty of picnic tables for all their customers to enjoy.
For Italian lovers, Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant has you covered. You’ll find a menu filled with authentic Italian dishes made from family recipes, pizza, burgers and more. While eating, make sure to take advantage of their patio area. Not only will you get to enjoy your delicious food, but can take advantage of the cool, fresh air, and beautiful views.
Dinner time is also a great time to enjoy some outdoor dining. Circa 31 at the Mimslyn Inn gives their guests a chance to relax and enjoy a menu that has everything from burgers and bbq to more sophisticated dishes. With their patio open in during the winter months, you can sit outside while you eat and enjoy some great jazz music and stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Don’t forget about the most important meal of the day. For breakfast, make sure to stop in at Baby Moons. This small restaurant has plenty of breakfast options, as well as pastries that are baked fresh every day. While starting your day there, you can sit on their back patio, where you can watch the town wake up.
Hippity Hoppity Family Fun
If you’re coming to Luray-Page County with your family, there’s plenty of spring fun for the whole gang to enjoy.
For the animal lovers, you can take the kids to the Luray Rescue Zoo. Not only will they have fun outside but learn about tons of new animals. You can also book a tour with Fort Valley Ranch, Jordan Hollow Ranch, or River’s Bend Ranch for some nice horseback riding.
Sometimes, spring brings some rainy days. If you have a rainy day during your trip, take the kids to Luray Caverns. You’ll get to enjoy an hour-long tour of the stunning Luray Caverns, and even get the chance to enjoy all three of their museums, Toy Town Junction, Car & Carriage, Caravan Museum, and the Shenandoah Heritage Village. If you want something to do in the evenings that is indoors, catch a movie at Page Theater, or if there’s a performance going on, you can check out Performing Arts Luray.
For the parents that just want their kids to be able to run around and enjoy the fresh air, you can head to any of our parks throughout Luray-Page County. In Luray, they can enjoy Inn Lawn Park and Lake Arrowhead. In Stanley, you can head to Hawksbill Recreation Park and Ed Good Memorial Park. In Shenandoah, you’ll get to enjoy WigWam Village Playground.
April Events
Throughout April, you and your crew will also be able to enjoy a variety of events.
April 9th
2022 Youth Trout Derby, 7:00 AM-1:00 PM, Luray Hawksbill Greenway, Luray
An annual trout derby for kids 15 and under. Enjoy trout fishing in the Hawksbill Greenway and plenty of great prizes. Registration begins at 7:00 am and fishing can start as soon as your registered.
Spring into Stanley, 1:00-6:00 PM, Ed Good Memorial Park, 332 East Main Street, Stanley
Come and enjoy an afternoon of shopping, photos with the Easter Bunny. Easter Egg Hunt at 3:00 pm& food by Stanley Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary. End the night with the Peter Rabbit movie at 8:00 pm.
April 12th
Movies on Main – Paddington 2, 6:30 PM, Page Theater, 33 East Main Street, Luray
Enjoy a free showing of Paddington 2. Hosted by Luray Parks and Rec and Page Alliance for Community Action, and sponsored by Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative. Concessions will be available for purchase.
April 16th
The Winstons, 7:30-10:00 PM, Performing Arts Luray, 1 East Main Street, Luray
Let The Winstons take you down memory lane with their “Memories of Motown and Soul Revue,” featuring the classic hits of The Temptations, The Four Tops, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Jacksons, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and many other legends.
Earth Day Recycling & Live Music, Warehouse Art Gallery, 15 Campbell Street, Luray
Come and take part in some Earth Day Recycling at the Warehouse Art Gallery. While you walk around and enjoy the local art, you’ll also get to enjoy live music.
