Spring is on its way to the Shenandoah Valley. More often than not, the day awakens to the sound of birds chirping in welcome of the rising sun. The day progresses with sunshine and warmer temperatures, encouraging you to take a break and outside feeling the warmth of the sun soak into your pores and embrace the fact that warmer weather is just around the corner. Or, if, in true spring fashion, rain invades, seek refuge in the nearest shop, coffee shop, or boutique as the cold winds and drizzling rain rears its head and announces spring is officially blending with winter. Warmer days are on their way. Spring means the blooming of flowers, summer birds returning to the Valley from their winter getaways, and our tourist community flocking back to our shops, restaurants, and accommodations around the county. It's the rebirth of the season, the time when our youth begin pursuing their summer jobs and looking forward to summer vacation, shorter days, longer nights, and freedom.
This March, Luray and Page County are very excited to welcome the first-ever Restaurant Week to the Page Valley. Next month we will celebrate the local talents of our chefs, including their integration with the agriculture industry to bring in fresh produce for specially crafted and designed meals to tantalize the taste buds of our locals and visitors. The week will celebrate not only our brick-and-mortar restaurants, but also our caterers, sweet shops, and all of the wonderful grab-and-go delis, sandwich shops, and coffee places that make Luray and Page County the unique and delicious destination it is. The new website and Facebook pages honoring this event tell the different ways you can dine out in Page County. The founders hope to grow not only Restaurant Week itself as an event, but also the culinary experiences of the Page and Shenandoah Valley throughout the coming year. Keep up with our culinary experiences at www.dineoutpagecountyva.com.
The arts continue to thrive this month with performances at the Performing Arts Luray and Trackside Theater. The Warehouse Art Gallery continues to showcase local artisans who work with pottery, paints, sculpture, and other creative means to bring to life their own unique vision of the area. Organizations like the Page Valley Arts Council are gearing up for the year's festivals showcasing talented local artists including jewelry makers, basket weavers, potters, painters, and artists of all kinds. There are multiple ways to enjoy not only the spring like sunshine of March but also to seek refuge from the March rains that lead locals and visitors to these artistic hubs. These hubs include the different restaurants and venues featuring live music from local performers around the Shenandoah Valley and beyond.
March is also Virginia’s Wine & Dine Month! Which means if you have been looking for an excuse to try our two local wineries, you have found the perfect one. Whether you like the comfortable and cozy atmosphere of Castle Vineyards or the open outdoor spaces of Wisteria Farm and Vineyard, both wineries are ready to welcome guests to taste their full-bodied reds, buttery whites, and delicious sweet wines. Lovers of sweet wines, particularly country wines, need to visit River Hill Distillery. More than just Bourbon and Corn Whiskey await you. This working farm and stable also grows a variety of fruits including peaches, apples, and blackberries, which they work down into sweet country wines. So, however your wine tastes guide you, Luray and Page County have the perfect thing to drink this month. And, if you are looking for an experience that doesn’t have to be 100% in Page County, the Blue Ridge Whisky Wine Loop circles through the surrounding counties. Wind your way through the rural towns and counties that touch and are home to the Shenandoah National Park. The loop is a wonderful, multi-day experience for tastings, food, lodging, and so much more.
Check out our downloadable monthly calendar and website calendar for special events and to learn more. If you have additional questions, we are just a phone call or email away to answer and provide suggestions for your next vacation to the Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah National Park, and our cozy corner of Virginia.
All the Best,
Katie Long
Communications & Marketing Coordinator
Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center
