Your complete guide to exploring the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Waynesboro area. Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about things to do, dining, outdoor activities, and trip planning.
Waynesboro is known for its prime location at the intersection of three iconic scenic routes: Shenandoah National Park’s Skyline Drive, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and the Appalachian Trail. The city features:
The Iris Inn is perfectly positioned for exploring the region:
Yes! Waynesboro bills itself as one of the friendliest dog towns in the Blue Ridge. Many breweries, restaurants with patios, shops, and outdoor attractions welcome well-behaved, leashed dogs. Popular pet-friendly spots include Stable Craft Brewery, 7 Arrows Brewing, and numerous hiking trails.
The nearest airports are:
Must-do activities in Waynesboro include:
Within easy driving distance from the Iris Inn:
Shenandoah National Park – hiking, wildlife viewing, scenic overlooks
Humpback Rocks – iconic Blue Ridge Mountain hike with 360-degree views
Crabtree Falls – Virginia’s highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall
Blue Ridge Flyer – scenic train ride from Staunton
Frontier Culture Museum – living history museum in Staunton
American Shakespeare Center – world-class theater in Staunton
Grand Caverns – America’s oldest show cave
Historic Staunton (12 miles from the Iris Inn) offers:
Performances at the American Shakespeare Center’s Blackfriars Playhouse
Walkable downtown with boutique shops and galleries like The CoArt Gallery
Excellent dining at restaurants like Zynodoa and Mill Street Grill
Scenic train rides on the Blue Ridge Flyer
Charlottesville (29 miles away) features:
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
The University of Virginia and its historic grounds
The Downtown Mall – one of the longest pedestrian malls in the country
Numerous wineries and cideries in the surrounding countryside
Fine dining and cultural attractions
Carter Mountain Orchard for apple picking and cider donuts
Absolutely! Family-friendly attractions include:
Grand Caverns – cave tours suitable for all ages
Troyer’s Farm – berry picking and farm activities
Critzer Family Farm – pick your own berries and enjoy ice cream
Chiles Peach Orchard – fruit picking and indoor tap room
Valley Pike Farm Market – local produce and seasonal events
Easy hiking trails like the Blue Ridge Tunnel
Rivanna River Company – tubing and kayaking trips
Outstanding dining options in Waynesboro include:
Stella Bella & Lucy’s – upscale American cuisine
River Burger Bar – gourmet burgers and craft beers
Benny’s Pizzeria – authentic Italian pizza
Dragon’s Chinese Grill – Asian fusion
El Puerto – Mexican cuisine
Farmhaus Coffee Co. – coffee and breakfast
For fine dining experiences, consider:
Zynodoa in Staunton – farm-to-table Southern cuisine
Mill Street Grill in Staunton – American fare in a historic setting
The Farmhouse at Veritas Restaurant – farm-to-table dining at a vineyard
Fleurie Restaurant in Charlottesville – French-inspired cuisine
The Iris Inn is surrounded by over 30 wineries within 30 miles. Top recommendations include:
Afton Mountain Vineyards – sister property to Iris Inn, stunning views
Veritas Vineyard and Winery – award-winning wines
Cardinal Point Winery – boutique winery experience
Valley Road Vineyards – scenic setting
Barren Ridge Vineyards – family-owned estate
King Family Vineyard – polo matches and wine tastings
Hill Top Berry Farm & Winery – fruit wines
Craft beverage enthusiasts will enjoy:
Stable Craft Brewery – farm brewery with restaurant
7 Arrows Brewing – craft beers and food
Brewing Tree Beer Co. – taproom in Afton
Bold Rock Hard Cider – scenic cidery in Nellysford
Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub – brewpub and restaurant
Blue Ridge Bucha – Virginia’s first kombucha taproom
Yes! Silverback Distillery in Afton offers craft spirits, tastings, and a tasting room experience. They produce vodka, gin, rum, and whiskey.
Top hiking trails within 30 minutes include:
Humpback Rocks – 2-mile round trip, stunning 360-degree views (20 minutes away)
Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail – easy 2.3-mile walk through historic tunnel
Crabtree Falls – 3-mile trail to Virginia’s highest cascading waterfall (30 minutes away)
Appalachian Trail sections – multiple access points nearby
Shenandoah National Park trails – over 500 miles of trails accessible via Skyline Drive
Yes! The South River runs through downtown Waynesboro and offers excellent paddling opportunities:
Waynesboro Water Trail – kayaking and fly fishing
Rivanna River Company – guided kayaking, tubing, and paddleboard trips
South River is one of only two urban trout fisheries in Virginia
Yes! Indian Summer Guide Service offers horseback riding trails at local wineries, combining scenic rides with wine tasting experiences.
Skyline Drive is a 105-mile scenic road running through Shenandoah National Park with 75 overlooks. The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic highway connecting Shenandoah National Park to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Both offer breathtaking mountain views, hiking trail access, and wildlife viewing. The Iris Inn is just 3 miles from the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Peak fall foliage typically occurs:
Higher elevations (Skyline Drive): Early to mid-October
Valley floor: Mid to late October through early November
Best viewing: October 10-25 for the most vibrant colors
Note: Weekends in October can be very crowded; weekday visits are recommended
Check Shenandoah National Park for weekly foliage reports
Yes! The Shenandoah Valley is rich with wildlife including:
Black bears (most active spring and fall)
White-tailed deer
Wild turkeys
Over 190 species of birds
Salamanders and other amphibians
Best viewing times: Early morning and evening
Each season offers unique experiences:
Spring (March-May): Wildflower blooms, moderate temperatures, fewer crowds. Wildflower Weekend in May is a highlight. Ideal for hiking.
Summer (June-August): Long days, lush greenery, full range of activities. Temperatures 10-20°F cooler than surrounding valleys. Perfect for waterfall hikes and outdoor dining.
Fall (September-November): Spectacular foliage, pleasant temperatures, harvest season at wineries and farms. October weekends are busy; weekdays recommended.
Winter (December-February): Peaceful solitude, potential snow, cozy inn atmosphere. Lowest hotel rates. Great for fireside relaxation and less-crowded trails.
Best overall times: May-June for spring beauty and September-early October for fall colors with manageable crowds.
We recommend:
Weekend (2-3 days): Perfect for a romantic getaway, visiting 2-3 wineries, one major hike, and exploring downtown Waynesboro or Staunton
4-5 days: Ideal for experiencing Shenandoah National Park, multiple wineries, Charlottesville, and various outdoor activities
Week-long: Allows for deeper exploration of the region, day trips to multiple areas, and a more relaxed pace
Essential items to bring:
Hiking gear: Sturdy shoes, daypack, water bottles, layers (temperatures vary by elevation)
Casual and dressy casual clothing for wineries and nice restaurants
Camera or smartphone for capturing mountain views
Sunscreen and hat for outdoor activities
Rain jacket – weather can change quickly in the mountains
Binoculars for wildlife and bird watching
Bathing suit to enjoy your private hot tub
Yes, a car is highly recommended. The Shenandoah Valley is rural, and most attractions, wineries, restaurants, and trailheads are spread out and not accessible by public transportation. Scenic drives along Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway are also major attractions.
Are there entrance fees for Shenandoah National Park?
Yes, Shenandoah National Park charges entrance fees:
Private Vehicle: $30 (valid for 7 days)
Motorcycle: $25 (valid for 7 days)
Individual (walking/biking): $15 (valid for 7 days)
Annual Pass: $55 (valid for one year)
America the Beautiful Annual Pass accepted
The Shenandoah Valley has four distinct seasons:
Spring: 50-70°F, mild with occasional rain. Higher elevations cooler.
Summer: 70-85°F in valleys, 60-75°F on mountain ridges. Humid with afternoon thunderstorms possible.
Fall: 45-70°F, crisp mornings, pleasant days. Large temperature swings between day and night.
Winter: 25-45°F, cold with potential snow. Mountains can be 10-20°F colder than valleys.
Pro tip: Always bring layers – mountain weather changes quickly!
Yes, many attractions offer accessible options:
Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive overlooks are accessible by car
Many wineries have accessible tasting rooms
The Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail is relatively flat and accessible
Downtown Waynesboro and Staunton have accessible sidewalks and shops
Several restaurants and museums are ADA compliant
The Iris Inn offers ADA-compliant accommodations – contact us for details
Annual events and festivals include:
Wildflower Weekend (May): Shenandoah National Park celebration with guided hikes
Virginia Street Arts Festival (May): Waynesboro – murals and public art
Music at the Market (Summer): Valley Pike Farm Market concerts
Apple harvest season (August-October): Multiple orchards
Oktoberfest events: Various breweries and vineyards
Holiday performances: American Shakespeare Center
Check local event calendars for updated schedules
Winter is a beautiful, peaceful time to visit! What’s available:
Most restaurants, breweries, and wineries remain open year-round
Hiking trails are accessible (weather permitting)
Skyline Drive may close during snow/ice – check road status
Museums and attractions maintain regular hours
Theater performances at the American Shakespeare Center
Cozy atmosphere perfect for inn stays with fireplaces and hot tubs
Significantly fewer crowds at popular attractions
For a limited wine tour, prioritize these top-rated options:
Afton Mountain Vineyards – Iris Inn’s sister property, exceptional wines and views
Veritas Vineyard – award-winning wines, beautiful setting, excellent restaurant
King Family Vineyard – stunning property, polo matches, great wines
Bold Rock – if you prefer cider, this is a must-visit
The Iris Inn staff can help you plan a custom wine tour itinerary!
It depends on the season and venue:
Wineries: Reservations increasingly required, especially on weekends and during fall foliage season. Call ahead.
Fine dining restaurants: Reservations strongly recommended for places like Zynodoa, The Farmhouse at Veritas, and Mill Street Grill.
Casual restaurants: Usually accept walk-ins, but may have waits during peak times.
October weekends: Book everything in advance – very busy with leaf-peepers!
The Iris Inn offers:
Intimate 19-acre mountain resort with just 15 rooms, cottages, and luxury cabins
Private hot tubs on cabin decks with mountain views
Rated #1 on TripAdvisor for superior customer service
Daily gourmet breakfast buffet (8-10am) with sweet and savory options
On-site spa services available
Fire pits, multiple decks with mountain views
Beautifully appointed rooms with modern amenities
Perfect location: 3 miles from Blue Ridge Parkway, minutes from Shenandoah National Park
Sister property to Afton Mountain Vineyards
Adults-only peaceful atmosphere (perfect for romantic getaways)
Questions not answered here? Contact us at (540) 943-1991 or innkeeper@irisinn.com. Our team is happy to help you plan the perfect Shenandoah Valley getaway!
