September is the cusp of fall…not fully ready to commit to the cooler temperatures and not ready to give up the beautiful, sunshiny heat of August. A more mellow middle of the two with cooler evenings and mornings and the heat of the day still coming through to burn off the dew.

The return to school heralds light sweater weather and the coming drop in temperatures, changing leaves, and eventual holiday celebrations. September is the last chance to vacation in the “summer” until next year. For students returning to their studies after Labor Day, it means last-minute trips and a lessening of the crowds. For those already back to their studies, Labor Day weekend is like the last sigh before losing yourself in the every-day. The holiday provides the perfect summer mini vacation to Luray-Page to dive into nature and see everything in bloom before the plants start dropping their leaves and buds for fall. Birdsong Pleasure Gardens are still in bloom and provide a beautiful and unique escape into the trees and flowers of summer before the next season takes hold. For adventure seekers, the weather’s just right for sailing through the treetops at Bear Mountain Ziplines and feeling the breeze cool your skin from the heat of the sun.

As with every month in Luray-Page, September plays host to a variety of things happening in and around the Shenandoah Valley. For wine lovers, kick off the month with Castle Vinayard’s 1-Year Anniversary. Celebrate the growth of the grapes and vines with some wine, live music, and food. And, while October may be Virginia Wine Month, it’s never too early to start sampling and savoring.

If you’re looking for a special wine event that includes a hand-picked and designed menu, Big Meadows Lodge along the Skyline Drive is hosting a multi-day event with Prince Michel Vineyard and Winery from Leon, VA. Wednesday is the main day with a cooking demonstration from one of the Shenandoah National Park chefs and the 5-course vintner dinner in the evening. The event leaves gaps in the schedule for a hike or to sit outside and soak up the sounds of the mountains.

If you like to drink your wine and do some good at the same time by giving back to local causes, Page Paws is back at Wisteria Farm & Vineyard at the end of the month for their Wine & Whiskers event! Have a glass of wine and participate in the silent auction to help these Page County volunteers reduce the cat population through their “Trap, Neuter, and Return” program.

Wine not your cup of tea? How about a little bargain shopping! The second Saturday of September plays host to the Route 340 Yard Crawl. Hundreds of locals line Rte. 340 with their yard sales trying to entice treasure hunters to stop and shop. From Grottoes to Luray, you never know what new-to-you items you might find: candlesticks, a bicycle, cleets for the kids, clothing, power tools, and so much more.

Not a shopper? How about some locally grown, handmade apple butter? The Shenandoah National Park’s annual Apple Butter Celebration lands right in the middle of the month and showcases the applebutter boiling process with apple-infused dishes. The event brings both locals and visitors together to welcome fall with the spicy, apple flavor we all know and love. Moreover, the event includes childrens activities, live entertainment, and cider tastings from Old Hill Cider, making it great for families and kids of every age.

For athletic, outdoor lovers, our 5th Annual Blue Ridge Mountain Mudurance rounds out the end of the month. This 5K mud and obstacle race is devoted more to fun and team/relationship building rather than competition. Hardcore racers can compete for the medals and 1st place victory at the event, but we encourage teams, businesses, and organizations to bring together their members for a bonding experience full of laughter, fun, and overcoming challenges. Racers look forward to a 6’ climbing wall, 200’ water slide, mud trenches, blanace beams, and muddy army crawl, among other obstacles. The course is challenging, but provides a great opportunity to make memories, push yourself, and accomplish something with the help of friends and family.

Looking for more information on other events to fill your week, weekend, or overnight stay in Luray & Page County, Check out our monthly calendar or look online for our community calendar, which is updated daily. As always, feel free to reach out to the staff at the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce and Visitor Center for more information or help in booking your stay in the Shenandoah Valley.

Happy Planning,

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