For a town that lays claim to a world-famous geologic wonder and lies minutes from a breathtaking national park, you’d think Luray had enough to brag about.
But wait, there’s more.
For generations, Luray has been known as the headquarters of Shenandoah National Park and home to Luray Caverns. Countless fishermen and canoeists have adventured on the Shenandoah River from Luray as well.
But in recent years, Luray and Page County have expanded on all those anchor attractions. The area has played host to a major triathlon and cycling events, a new half marathon, a growing mud run, festivals on Main Street, summer concerts, the phenomenon of Cooter’s Place, a new brewery and a thriving vineyard —all while the county retains the title Cabin Capital of Virginia.
Luray officials hope to promote all their attractions more intensely with a $10,000 “Crush Friday” grant just awarded by the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) to Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce. “Crush Friday” is part of VTC’s ongoing efforts to support U.S. Travel’s “Project: Time Off” initiative, encouraging citizens to utilize unused vacation days.
Gina Hilliard, President of the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce, believes this new initiative will be of great benefit to citizens. “It encourages more than just taking a day off, it encourages a healthier lifestyle. Taking vacation days increases productivity and keeps employees from getting burned out at work, which also leads to longevity in the workplace, less re-training, and just a happier workplace environment overall.” The Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce partnered with Hawksbill Brewing, Fort Valley Ranch, Shenandoah River Outfitters, and others to supply matched marketing efforts for this project.
A long weekend in Luray/Page County can be active indeed. A few high points and events to help you plan your visit might include:
Cooter’s Place: Concerts, food, the General Lee and other memorabilia from the Dukes of Hazzard
Fort Valley Ranch: Guided horseback rides in George Washington National Forest
Luray Caverns: Luray’s world-famous geologic wonder. Go during the week to avoid the crowds.
Shenandoah River Outfitters: Renting canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes since 1970
Shenandoah River Adventures: In Shenandoah, about 18 miles south of Luray. Canoes, kayaks, rafts and tube rentals
Wisteria Farm and Vineyard: Sample outstanding Virginia wines on this beautiful working farm and vineyard.
Some events coming up:
First Annual Festival of the Arts, March 23-25
14th Annual Festival of Spring, May 5
Swim Fest, June 16
Shenandoah Half Marathon, September 15
Cooter’s Shenandoah Jamboree, Multiple Dates
Lodging in Luray:
All Star Lodging
Brookside Cabins
The Country Place — Lodging and Camping on the Shenandoah River
Crestview Cottage
Fort Valley Ranch
Hotel Laurance
Luray Mountain Cabins
The Manor House and Cottage Collection
The Mimslyn Inn
Shadow Mountain Escape
Shenandoah National Park Lodging
Shenandoah River Outfitters