This Under-The-Radar Mountain Town Is A Scenic Gateway To Shenandoah National Park

The Appalachian Mountains of the eastern United States might be overshadowed by the larger Rocky Mountains in the west, but this long stretch of land brings plenty of intrigue, too. In the Appalachians, you can take a drive through beautiful forest landscapes, enjoy quaint towns nestled among nature, and visit popular national parks. It can be hard (an understatement) to narrow down the best places to go for Appalachian adventures. However, a way to combine all of what makes this region of the U.S. special is by visiting Front Royal, Virginia. This city is the perfect gateway to Shenandoah National Park and has plenty of attractions of its own.

With just around 70 miles between the two, Front Royal is an easy road trip from Washington, D.C. There is no shortage of fabulous accommodation options, like the warm and inviting Woodward House On Manor Grade bed and breakfast, which is close to the beginning of the Skyline Drive National Parkway. This pristine 105-mile road winds right through Shenandoah National Park and has plenty of lookout points along the way for perfect views, but before embarking on your nature excursion, check out Front Royal's engaging museums, innovative art, and fabulous restaurants. You won't regret it.

While beer might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Virginia, Front Royal's Virginia Beer Museum reveals a fun and unexpected side of this historic state, and is the first beer museum in the United States that focuses on the beer of just one state. The Virginia Beer Museum walks you through Virginia beer's past, even going all the way back to the 17th century. Museum guests can also sample from an array of beers here. At the time of writing, Virginia has over 200 craft breweries, making a Old Dominion a must-visit for beer lovers.

For history other than just beer history, head to the Warren Heritage Society. This collection of historic buildings includes Balthis House, the oldest house in Front Royal. In the 1860s, Virginia became a Civil War battleground and was one of the 11 states which seceded from the Union. History buffs and curious visitors can explore Front Royal's Civil War history at the Belle Boyd Cottage, the former home of a Confederate spy. Book a tour online to see these houses and all that the Warren Heritage Society has to offer.

Even if you don't take the Skyline Drive all the way through Shenandoah National Park, you can still check out some park highlights close to Front Royal. Drive just a few miles on the National Parkway to the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center. From here, you can start a hike on the Dickey Ridge Trail, which brings you to a spectacular, near-360-degree view of Shenandoah National Park's expansive nature. The most intrepid adventurers should use Highway 340 out of Front Royal to explore a different type of nature at the impressive Skyline Caverns. Throughout Shenandoah, you might catch a glimpse of bears and other incredible wildlife who call this place home — be sure to keep the park safe for them by not leaving any belongings behind and keeping your distance.

After long days of exploring, it will be time to sample some of Front Royal's tremendous cuisine. For classic American fare, get burgers and frozen treats from Spelunker's, while diners looking for American favorites and gourmet options in a more upscale atmosphere should head to Element on Main Street. Elsewhere on Main Street, you'll find restaurants serving Thai, Indian, and more. While you explore these quaint streets, keep an eye out for hand-painted murals decorating some of the buildings, showcasing the artistic side of this vibrant, under-the-radar mountain town.