April is just around the corner! It heralds with sunshine breaking through overcast skies in miniature spotlights illuminating here and there. It showcases chilly mornings around freezing burning off into days of 50, 60, and 70 degree warmth. April is the perfect time to shake off the winter blues and get back outside for daily walks through town, especially on the Luray Greenway. Locals and visitors blend into a procession of smiling faces, people greeting each other, and friends and acquaintances stopping to briefly catch up on one-another’s lives.

The warmer days lean towards picnics on the weekends or a random weekday off of work. Of picking up lunch from a local deli or sandwich shop and heading to one of the numerous parks in each town. Of gazing at the Shenandoah River as it meanders along the banks and listening to the soothing sounds of it bubbling over rocks and other natural byways. Of throwing scraps to the ever-friendly ducks and quacking at them in conversation. Of listening to the squeals of laughter as children get out from school and soak up the fresh air and lingering sunlight now that daylight savings and spring have both arrived.

April also kicks off the start of our festival season. The Town of Stanley welcomes their 3rd Annual Spring into Stanley event at Ed Good Memorial Park in downtown Stanley on April 27th. The event includes a variety of vendors, products, and food celebrating the area and springtime’s arrival to the Shenandoah Valley. Artisans and crafters from Page County and the surrounding areas come together for a fun event benefiting the Stanley Homecoming Committee and their future events, especially the annual Stanley Homecoming days in July.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park and lodging accommodations such as Lewis Mountain Cabins, Big Meadows Lodge, and Skyland Resort begin reopening around this time as well. This seasonal lodging is open spring through fall with winter closed for upgrades and maintenance. The opening of Yogi Bear means the waterpark, mini golfing, and other activities are close to opening for locals and visitors, whether they’re staying on the property or not. Yogi is a family’s playground with themed weekends and weeks, a variety of outdoor activities and scheduled programs, and a community atmosphere where it’s not just the family vacationing together, but also vacationing with the other families in surrounding sites.

Shenandoah National Park’s lodging and accommodations opening mean that the concessions, activities, and events along the Skyline Drive are also kicking off for the season. From educational ranger talks and night sky events to horseback riding along the trails or hiking on your own through the national park to live music, performances, wine tastings, and white oak basket making, there are a variety of programs for kids and adults of all ages and interests.

More than just lodging; April also means that our towns and county are kicking off the fishing season as well. With a variety of fishing spots at the smaller ponds and lakes or alongside the Hawksbill Creek or in the Shenandoah River, fishing is a great pastime in the Shenandoah Valley. Fishermen and women can cast their line at their leisure. Kids looking to enjoy a little fishing competition should check out the Town of Luray’s upcoming Youth Trout Derby on April 13th. Hosted by the town, Parks & Rec, and Police Department, the event includes prizes for a variety of categories and encourages youngsters to spend some downtime outside with their family.

Plus, April also claims the Easter holiday this year. Bring the whole family for Easter Brunch at the Mimslyn Inn or up along the Skyline Drive to Skyland Resort for their annual event. Get gussied up and enjoy some delicious food with the whole family from the kids to grandma and grandpa. 

Check out our monthly calendar for additional events or visit our website's community calendar for up-to-the-minute details.

We cannot wait to see you soaking up the sunshine along the creek and riverbanks this month! Don’t forget your sunscreen and fishing licenses!

Happy Spring,

Katie Long
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce