We’ve visited the Blue Ridge Mountains region of Virginia at least once per year, either as a destination itself or as an overnight stop on a drive to or from my original home state of Ohio. The area draws tourists all year, but fall foliage and winter skiing are some of the most popular times to visit.

Shenandoah National Park, Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia, 2024

Charlottesville

Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia, can be a different place to visit depending on the time of year. We were actually surprised to find the campus quiet on a weekend with a home UVA game, but then learned that the students were on fall break. We shopped at the small businesses lining the Downtown Mall, a pedestrian shopping and dining area just outside of the campus area.

On this trip we used our Airbnb rental in downtown Charlottesville as a jumping off point for outdoor daytime adventures and returned to town for dinner each night.

Carter Mountain

It’s kind of a rule that if you go to the Charlottesville area in the fall you are required to eat apples. Carter Mountain Orchard may rival the nearby Monticello in must-do activities in the region during this time. We’ve been visiting for over a decade, and only recently have they required reservations and charged $10/person for weekend entry. On the busy holiday weekend we found long lines for apple picking, hot cider and hay rides.

We opted not to do any of the “add-on” activities this trip and spent our hour at the orchard enjoying the views of the valley below and shopping for apple filled baked goods and fall-themed souvenirs in the gift shop.

Michie Tavern

Just down the mountain from Carter Mountain Orchard, Michie Tavern was our last stop before driving the 2 ½ hours back to Norfolk. My first visit to the restaurant was over 3 decades ago when it was a stop for our middle school trip to Williamsburg. It remains one of the favorite places for tour buses filled with adult tourists or school groups. Thankfully they had a separate check-in and dining area.

We arrived just before the 11am opening and there were a dozen families waiting before us. Guests visit the buffet before getting seats, so the wait at the door is rewarded with an immediate meal. Most sides were vegetarian, and those that weren’t regularly had a version without meat that we requested to have sent to the table. Once seated we could not return to the buffet but could request more of any of the dishes to be brought by the server.

Shenandoah National Park at Sunset

Like many National Parks, Shenandoah NP provides easy access to scenic spots without having to work too hard to get to them. We have always entered Skyline Drive at the southern Rockfish Gap Station entrance. With just an hour of daylight left on this trip we only made our way about 13 miles north to Moormans River Overlook (the entire drive across to the northern entrance station is 100+ miles). We then headed back to the Turk Mountain overlook to see sunset.

Photos from past trips to Shenandoah National Park:

Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 2016
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 2016
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 2016
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 2016
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 2016
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 2016
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 2018
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 2018
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 2010
Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, 2018

Crozet to Staunton

There are many stops between Charlottesville and Shenandoah National Park for dining, with the area especially known for breweries and wineries. Blue Mountain Brewery in Afton is a well-known fixture for the area and has grown significantly since we first started visiting in 2012. We also stopped on this trip at Pro Re Nata brewery in nearby Crozet. There were multiple tasting rooms and stages for live music inside. Outdoor seating wrapped around the brewery, and in the back area there was a large stage and a playground. We also ordered a counter-service dinner from Dino’s Pizza and Grill, located inside the brewery.

Pro Re Nata, Crozet, Virginia, 2024
Pro Re Nata, Crozet, Virginia, 2024
Pro Re Nata, Crozet, Virginia, 2024

Staunton has been one of our favorite stops on road trips from the East Coast to the Midwest or as part of a Blue Ridge Mountains vacation. Local shopping includes gift shops, toy stores, clothing shops (including my favorite fair trade store Latitudes) and bookstores.

There are many local small cafes and restaurants; Mill Street Grill has always been a favorite stop on our road trips.