Front Royal: Weekend Getaway
After spending a weekend “flushing out” Front Royal, I realized this town, rich in history and outdoor adventure, is growing into a premiere destination for Northern Virginia residents (and beyond) to soak up all the area has to offer, including top notch food and drinks! I connected with so many people who truly love this area and want to welcome visitors with open arms.
Front Royal is the hidden gem of Warren County, located just on the edge of Northern Virginia, close to the 66/81 interchange. If you and your family want to get out of the hustle and bustle, enjoy the fall foliage, walk a quaint main street, enjoy local artists, drink craft beers, and eat delicious food, this is the town for you!
If you are heading out from Northern Virginia, I recommend getting off of I-66 in Haymarket and taking Rt. 55 into Front Royal. Enjoy the scenic backroads and make some stops along the way in Fauquier County, including The Plains, Marshall, Paris, and Delaplane.
This is just the start of what Front Royal has to offer, so be sure and spend some extra time exploring. You can easily make it a day trip from Washington D.C. but why not make it an overnight stay? Head out after work on Friday and stay for the weekend!
While exploring, I was fortunate to stay at the Hampton Inn Front Royal. They went above and beyond to ensure a safe environment. Towneplace Suites by Marriott Front Royal is another nice option if you are looking for a hotel. They both had lots of accommodations to help adjust to the current pandemic. There are also a number of VRBOs and AirBnb’s in the area.
To bring out your inner Viking, head over to Shenandoah Valley Axe Throwing Co. If you hit the bullseye, you get to sign the wall of fame! It takes about 10 minutes to get used to it, but once you do, you will be determined to hit that bullseye!
If you are looking to get out on the water, be sure and check out Front Royal Outdoors. They offer a variety of activities and rentals, including rafts, kayaks, tubes, canoes, stand up paddle boarding, and fishing. If you are looking to enjoy the trails and mountains in the area, stop by Mountain Trails, located right off Main Street, to pick up all of your hiking and climbing supplies and gear before heading out on the Appalachian Trail.
Looking to take a piece of Front Royal home with you? Be sure and visit local artist and shop owner Scott Turnmeyer at Turnmeyer Galleries, a fine art boutique featuring high quality handmade art along with top quality lines. You’ll want to grab a picture of the beautiful mural he helped design that brings a beautiful pop of color to the town!
Have you ever tried mead? Saga Meadery & Winery has been producing mead since 2015 and is passionate about sharing high quality meads with the world! Stop in for a tasting. My favorite was the spicy jalapeno. I would love to try it in a spicy margarita!
By now you have worked up an appetite! Or, you are simply here for the food and I don’t blame you. There are a ton of great options. I personally ate at Front Royal Brewing Company, Soul Mountain Restaurant, Pave Mint, Talk of the Mountain Seafood, and Happy Creek Coffee.
Front Royal Brewing Co. The building was built in the 1920s and was a garage that housed the fanciest cars in the Valley and later became a pool hall. It was recently refurbished but you can still see many remnants from the building’s history. This will definitely be a must for beer lovers as they have an onsite ten barrel brewing system. You may even get to chat with the master brewer, Mike McCarthy. He has been brewing beer in the DC area since 2002.
Pave Mint Smokin’ Taphouse - Outdoor tents in the back provide nice seating options, with the smokers out front filling the air with tasty barbecue. The best part was the amazing conversations with the staff and owner about the rich history of the restaurant!
Soul Mountain Restaurant - Located right off of Main Street, this is the perfect stop for a snack or full meal! The “Loaded Crab Fries” caught my eye as we walked by and I knew we needed to try them. They did not disappoint!
Talk of the Mountain Seafood - Biggest crab cake I have ever had and absolutely no filling. Some shells made their way in but with the amount of crab, I can let that slide. The hushpuppies were cooked to perfection!
I Want Candy - All the candy you and your kids would want! Located at 201 E Main Street sells candy by the pound, chocolates, fudge and macarons! We took the kids and let them pick out whatever they wanted!
Happy Creek Coffee - They make their own cashew milk. A block off of Main Street, this gem is tucked away but is a must for anyone Gluten Free, as they are a 100% Gluten Free
Some other great eateries on Main Street to check out:
Down Home Comfort Bakery - If you are longing for goodies that taste like they came straight from Grandma’s kitchen, be sure and stop in here!
Vinova Tapas and Wine Bar - I didn’t get a chance to eat here but my friends did and had an amazing time! Located right on Main Street. Who doesn’t love tapas and wine?!?
Element - This was another hot spot I didn’t get a chance to stop in at but this has been a popular date night spot for years!
Manor Line Market - If you are planning to go for a hike, be sure and stop in on Saturday and Sunday mornings, between 9:30-11am for quick bites like sandwiches, charcuterie plates and drinks to take with you on the trails.
Tag #flushingitout and #discoverfrontroyal when you head out so I can follow along with all of your adventures!
