June 19, 2023 marked the technical beginning of our RV life. It was just 6 days after returning from our honeymoon in Barbados, and the remaining days of June and all of July rushed by in a whirlwind. This phase felt akin to starting a new job; a mix of nerves and excitement, with no clear idea of what was ahead. There was paperwork aplenty all while hanging onto the hope that it would workout and be worthwhile.

Lancaster Pennsylvania became our home base. We spent nearly two months establishing residency while cherishing moments with family and exploring various corners of the state: Gettysburg, Airville, Ohiopyle State Park, Lancaster County (aka Amish Country), Swatara State Park, Harrisburg, and Hershey, yes just like the chocolate! We hiked, biked, and went for runs as often as possible and Stephen of course looked for beautiful rocks to collect and waterfalls to photograph. Our time in this region came to an end on August 9^th. We said our goodbyes and headed to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.

During the drive, we mused about how this truly felt like the authentic start of our RV journey. And what a splendid start it was!

Top 10 things to do in Shenandoah National Park and Beyond

1: Skyline Drive

This was an obvious choice because it would be very difficult to navigate the park without it. The drive is dotted with numerous breathtaking viewpoints for pictures and a plethora of magnificent hiking trails. Our first stop at the Big Meadow Visitors Center earned us a coveted visitor’s stamp for our National Park (NP) journal. We returned to this area to watch the meteor showers and Stephen captured pictures of the Milky Way along with the moon and shooting stars.

2: Dark Hollow Falls Trail

A mere 0.4 miles from the Harry F. Byrd Sr. Visitor Center (Big Meadow) with limited parking. This hillside out-and-back trail packs a heart-umping punch, leading to a picturesque waterfall. A caveat: it’s not suitable for dogs, so leave the fur babies at home. It short but a very enjoyable hike. To make the day even sweeter, Stephen brough us some Italian Ice to enjoy when we got back to the truck.

3: Mary’s Rock Summit Trail

This came as a recommendation from the NP journal that we have. Ample parking spaces are available along with restroom facilities in the parking area. Owen, our adventure dog, accompanied us on this dog-friendly expedition. The vista from the top was stunning. This trail is quite popular with a moderate level of difficulty.

4: Bear Church Rock

A hidden gem of a hike, culminating in a breathtaking summit view. The trailhead situated at the Graves Mill parking area on VA662 was a mere 15 minutes away from our campsite. Owen was along for the fun this day and our intention was a brief hike. While Stephen got pictures of the small waterfalls, Owen and I played fetch with a stick. He was living his best doggie life frolicking in the water. We were all enjoying ourselves and kept going then found trail markers for Bear Church Rock. In the end we hiked approximately 7.75 miles.

5: Jones Run Falls – Lower Doyles River Falls – Upper Doyles River Falls – Browns Gap

This epic finale to our Shenandoah NP hikes was unforgettable. Starting at the Jones Run Falls trailhead, the path descended to a towering 42″ waterfall. En route, Stephen spotted a sunbathing snake in a tree. Despite the scorching day, the majestic poplar and sycamore trees offered a welcome canopy. This hike can be transformed into a loop, promising diverse terrain and striking vistas.

Beyond the Park

6: Wine Tastings

We stopped at the Greene County Visitor Center, and they recommended trying the local wine. They provided us a map and recommendations; we picked two that seemed most interesting.

The first stop was at Burnley Vineyards and is one of the oldest in the area. This was my first wine tasting, and I did not know what to expect. They had a wide range of wines, which is great because Stephen and I have very different pallets. I enjoyed their dessert wines, and he liked their reds. We left with two bottles: one Peach Fuzz and one Barbera.

The second stop was at Barboursville Vineyards. This was a much larger venue which included a restaurant, inn, tasting tours, historical site, and beautiful grounds. There were different types of wine tastings offered and we chose the self-dispensed style. They had very delicious prosecco and a variety of others.

7: Mountain Biking at Preddy Creek Trail Park

This was my initiation into mountain biking and what a thrilling adventure it turned out to be. Stephen, a man of many hobbies, has gradually increased my interest in biking over the years. While our preference generally leads towards rail trails there were none in the area which prompted us to venture into uncharted territory (at least for me). It was fun and fast trail and everyone we encountered was very friendly. There were routes suitable for both beginners and experienced bikers.

8: Antique Shops

Another recommendation from the visitor center was the local antique shops. There are numerous shops with a variety of collections. Everyone is sure to find something that piques their interest. I’m always on the lookout for old books and Stephen found a rock collection that almost came home with us. But since home is an RV, we were just “window shopping”.

9: Gordonsville, VA

This charming town proved a delightful destination with its vintage clothing store, jewelry shop, galleries, restaurants, and coffee houses. At Krecek Kakes Bakery and Coffeeshop we sat and had a delicious cup of cold brew. If I lived in this area, I would go there all the time. With seating options from big round tables, small high top, and multiple couches, this would make a wonderful place to meet a group of friends or to sit and write a travel blog! They even offer free Wi-Fi.

10: Yoders Country Market & Petting Zoo

The market’s offerings ranged from gift-shop treasures to groceries, homemade breads, and indulgent pastries. A unique find was a meat and cheese tray for pets (if you have an extra good fur baby waiting for you back home). Adjacent to the country market, is a petting zoo. They have goats! I’ve wanted to pet goats for awhile now and I was so excited when I got to. The petting zoo is free of charge and offered an assortment of animals including goats, alpacas, pigs, chickens, peacocks, golden pheasants and more. If you want the chance to feed the animals, bring along some quarters as there are feed dispensers or you can head into the market and get a whole bag.  

This delightful roadside stop in Madison, Virginia, was across from Madison Vines RV Resort and Cabins, where we spent two rewarding weeks.