Ice crystals on the grass; little shimmering blades of green standing tall and proud in their ice capes reflecting and shining in the morning sunlight. Winter has its own beauty. From frosty mornings to snow and ice storms crusting over the trees in the Shenandoah National Park and the valley below, winter can be as breathtaking in its beauty as it is through its below freezing temperatures.

This winter has been particularly interesting for our part of the Shenandoah Valley. We’ve had three snowstorms to count so far and more are expected as the season progresses. Yet, between each there has been a warm reprieve, a chance for our locals and visitors to emerge from our houses, cabins, and country homes into blinding sunlight and above freezing days that feel like mini springs. With the winter solstice behind us now, we’re already looking forward to days of more light, to enjoy the beauty of the valley as it’s covered in fluffy snow and crystalline ice.

January falls in the heart of winter, with the holiday celebrations coming to a close. New Year’s Eve is a time of festivity and celebration no matter where you are and celebrating in the Shenandoah Valley is no different. Our locals and visitors merge at our delicious restaurants, sip local wines and beers, and enjoy conversing with old and new friends at the conclusion of another year. The historic Mimslyn Inn’s annual event includes two styles of dining, drinks, and an evening of laughter and festivities in downtown Luray. The event wraps up with fireworks at midnight, which are enjoyed by attendees and everyone in and around the downtown area. Moonshadows Restaurant has also pulled out all the stops with a mouth-watering menu of lobster tail, scallops, shrimp, black angus filet, and a variety of sides, drinks, and such.

January is also known by winter lovers as a snow month. The expectation is that by January we’re through a lot of the rain snow that comes with fall turning into winter in December and most of the winter weather we expect in the Shenandoah Valley happens in January and February before the spring takes hold of March. It’s a wonderful month for cold lovers to experience the outdoors through skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. It’s the perfect time for outdoor recreation lovers to take a day, weekend, or week at Massanutten Resort to enjoy winter sports. Known as a four-season resort, Massanutten Resort, has plenty of activities for spring, summer, and fall, but they are most known for their winter activities. From live concerts at Encounters Lounge during the weekends to occupy the evenings after a day on the slopes, to delicious casual or gourmet food at their numerous on-site restaurants, Massanutten has activities to keep you busy during your whole stay. Located on the mountain range it’s named after, the Massanutten Mountains, Massanutten Resort is a premier winter destination in the Shenandoah Valley. And, to make it even better, it’s just a short jaunt from downtown Luray and Page County destinations.

Massanutten Resort also hosts a New Year’s Eve event throughout the day/evening before with dinner specials, a teen night section, live music and dancing, and more. For them, January and New Year’s Day are more of a kick-off and start to their winter festivities and entertainment than the closing of another year.

For those looking for some time inside and out of the cold, the Performing Arts Luray ramps up their 2019 season with a local favorite, their annual Poetry Slam on January 11th. The event showcases the work of Luray High School seniors in a public setting to give these students a chance to share their voice with the community. Then, on January 19th, comedian Derrik Knopsnyder comes to the stage. A standup comedian renowned as one of the best in the business, Derrik’s show is sure to be a treat for comedy lovers of any age.

While the performing arts are thriving in Page County and the Shenandoah Valley, so are the visual arts. Shenandoah Moon continues with their weekly and bi-weekly classes and workshops to teach locals and visitors new techniques and crafting styles. And, the Page Valley Arts Council is continuing with their Saturday art events at the Warehouse Art Gallery, monthly Second Saturday events at Stevens Cottage in Shenandoah, and more as they gear up for the spring and their second annual Festival of Arts in Page County.

Winter has officially arrived in Luray and Page County and we are embracing the winter outdoor recreation, inside arts, and more. While things seem to drop off in the winter months and inside activities become a focus for many, we look forward to seeing you in Luray-Page over the coming weeks to experience it all in the Shenandoah Valley. As always, attached is our downloadable monthly calendar and website calendar and we are just a phone call or email away.

All the Best,

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