Spring is in the air in the valley and Luray-Page County locals and visitors couldn't be happier!
With spring and warmer weather comes the chance to get outside in the sun. A chance to explore nature and breathe in fresh mountain air. While winter may seem to have briefly returned to disturb the summer preview we enjoyed last weekend, we know spring will return and we will once more be able to slip into shorts and summer dresses and stroll along the Hawksbill Greenway. There's nothing that encourages you to shake off the winter blues like a warm breeze ruffling your hair and the smell of flowers in bloom.
There are countless events each week to bring visitors and locals outside to enjoy the beauty of the valley. From the kickoff of the Mimslyn Inn's Porch Parties, with live music, cocktails, and views of Main Street from the historic inn's front porch, to the first of the Town of Luray's Evenings on Main Concert Series for the 2018 season at Ruffner's Plaza in downtown Luray, music and the arts abound both indoors and outside in Luray-Page this spring and summer. More than that, the Luray Singing Tower, our 47-bell carillon, is back to providing regular shows every Saturday and Sunday.
If you're looking for outside events that are more active than musical, the Shenandoah Speedway is now open with weekend races around their 3/8th-mile asphalt track. Additionally, last month kicked off fishing in Luray-Page with the annual Youth Trout Derby Day event on April 14th. Meaning, there's no better time to throw in your line at Lake Arrowhead, the Hawksbill Creek, or even the Shenandoah River.
Visitors to the Shenandoah National Park can shed their winter coats and enjoy all of the newly re-opened amenities and activities available to guests of the park. Whether it's horseback riding, clogging, white oak basket making, hiking, or just enjoying some good food in one of the dining rooms or tap rooms at Skyland and Big Meadows, there is something to keep everyone in your group occupied while you savor the views of the valley below.
The two biggest events for the month of May come at opposite ends of the month. For the beginning, May 5th is the 14th Annual Festival of Spring in downtown Luray. The festival brings out vendors selling handmade crafts, artwork, and other goods, food trucks and trailers, live music from Cazhmiere and The Reflex, activities to keep the kids busy and entertained all day long, a canine-thrill show, and more. The festival is free to attend and the traditional May Pole Ceremony at 2:00 PM is a favorite for kids and parents alike. Rain or shine, the Town of Luray pulls out all the stops for this annual celebration of spring.
For the end of the month, May 25th and 26th play host to the 21st Annual Memorial Festival and Parade in the Town of Shenandoah. The event is spread throughout the town and includes a variety of activities, including the traditional Memorial Service at the VFW Post, car and truck show, tractor show, and more. Those looking to do a little casual shopping can check out the Pentecostal Church's Yard & Bake Sale and the Shenandoah Library's Book Sale. During the middle of the day, attendees are encouraged to gather along Maryland Avenue, First Street, Virginia Avenue, and Third Street to watch the procession of decorated vehicles and tractors in the Annual Parade as it winds through the downtown area. The evening ends with a special Military Night of racing at the Shenandoah Speedway.
Plus, with Mother's Day right in the middle of the month on Sunday, May 13th, the local businesses are excited to welcome and spoil the special women in your life with garden tours, brunches, and afternoon teas. Visitors and locals in the county for the weekend will be delighted with the activities designed to celebrate and embrace the women who have helped raise each of us.
As you plan your trip to Luray-Page, we encourage you to peruse the Community Calendar on the Luray-Page website to keep up with the constantly changing events in the valley. You can also utilize our monthly visitors' calendar to see an overview, though not all-inclusive, snap-shot of our events.
If you have any questions or are looking for additional information on planning your trip, our Chamber & Tourism Associates are available 7 days a week with information on places to stay and personal recommendations for dinner, adventures, and more. Contact the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center at (540) 743-3915 or info@luraypage.com. We'll see you next month!
