Always, Bekah

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My Trip To Shenandoah and Why It Needs To Be On Your List

This past weekend, Elliot and I celebrated our anniversary with a trip to Shenandoah National Park! We took the girls and had a lovely time hiking, eating and watching a lot of New Girl.

Do you have a list of places you’d like to visit? I do, and Shenandoah has been on it for several years now. I'm so glad we got to explore the area on a beautiful weekend with perfect weather.

Today, I'm sharing with you our favorite parts of the trip, because it’s an incredible place, and it needs to be on your list. So add it. Or read the post first and then add it, either one is fine with me.

I did consult with Elliot on these, and he agrees that these are the "can't misses". You're welcome.


Hiking.

Well, since 85% of the reason we chose this destination was for the hiking, obviously, this makes the list. There are TONS of hiking trails, with different distances and hiking levels, and it's nice because it makes the trails less crowded. We also chose trails that were pet-friendly (most were), and the girls loved it.

We did 3 hikes - Mary's Rock Summit, Hawksbill Summit, and South River Falls Trail.

Mary's Rock Summit - About 3 1/2 hours long, not too difficult but definitely a challenge, and an amazing view from the top (definitely a great spot to have lunch).

Hawksbill Summit - Short, but steep, about 2 hours total, and the tallest summit in Shenandoah. It was raining when we went so a little cloudy, but definitely worth it for a quick hike.

South River Falls Trail - Funny story, we thought this one was 3 miles long. It was 5. The falls were incredible, and I'm so glad we did it, even though we thought we might die on the way back. About 3 1/2 hours.

Luray Caverns.

My parents took my sister and me to Luray Caverns as children, and I've always been amazed by them. We used the one rainy day we had and did brunch and the caverns, and even though I've been before, I was still stunned at what lies beneath the surface.

Skyline Drive.

One of my favorite things about Shenandoah is that even if you don't feel like hiking, you can still enjoy the mountains and scenic views. Skyline Drive is 105 miles long, the speed limit is 35 mph, and there are overlooks every couple miles, where you can stop, have a snack, take some pictures, and keep on keeping on. Especially after a long hike, it's nice to just cruise along and enjoy the view.

Food.

Last, but definitely not least, was the food. Every meal we had was phenomenal. We stayed in Edinburg in an adorable Airbnb, and we were 5-15 minutes from several restaurants and a couple ice cream places, so we had plenty of options. The first night, we indulged in some delightful Italian food at the local, family-owned, Sal's Italian Bistro. SO GOOD. We also visited Woodstock Brew House (twice actually, because their fish tacos were the best I've ever had) and enjoyed some craft beer and...fish tacos. We had brunch on Sunday at a lovely restaurant called Moonshadows, and they blew us away with a signature mimosa, and a crab cake special. It was the perfect place to enjoy a special brunch.

Enjoy some photos from our trip and be sure to let me know next time you visit Shenandoah!

“He replied, “Because you have so little faith. Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20

“Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,” says the LORD, who has compassion on you.” Isaiah 54:10