Paul's Guidebook
Walking and Hiking
The Abbey has a one mile driveway (Cool Spring Lane) which offers 360 degree expansive views of the Blue Ridge and gorgeous rolling farmland.
The Abbey welcomes visitors, but you might not see anyone--or any of the monks--unless you attend one of the seven daily services.
Please respect the Abbey as a place of silence, solitude, and prayer.
Holy Cross Abbey
901 Cool Spring LnThe Abbey has a one mile driveway (Cool Spring Lane) which offers 360 degree expansive views of the Blue Ridge and gorgeous rolling farmland.
The Abbey welcomes visitors, but you might not see anyone--or any of the monks--unless you attend one of the seven daily services.
Please respect the Abbey as a place of silence, solitude, and prayer.
AT access and campers hostel; if you pay $3 to park here you can walk 0.2 miles to the Bears Den Overlook, where you can see 60 miles west or southwest, looking down the Shenandoah Valley on a clear day. Or you can park for free in the large gravel lot next to Rt. 7, and hike one mile up to the overlook.
69 locals recommend
Bears Den
18393 Blue Ridge Mountain RdAT access and campers hostel; if you pay $3 to park here you can walk 0.2 miles to the Bears Den Overlook, where you can see 60 miles west or southwest, looking down the Shenandoah Valley on a clear day. Or you can park for free in the large gravel lot next to Rt. 7, and hike one mile up to the overlook.
The Appalachian Trail can be accessed from both sides of Route 7, as the highway passes through Snickers Gap of the Blue Ridge.
20 locals recommend
Raven Rocks
The Appalachian Trail can be accessed from both sides of Route 7, as the highway passes through Snickers Gap of the Blue Ridge.
Attractions
Miles of walking trails, a wildlife refuge, and a Civil war battlefield, along the Shenandoah River.
Holy Cross Abbey (listed below under Walking and Hiking) is directly across the river from this "River Campus"; the main clashes of the battle took place on the farm fields now owned the Abbey.
18 locals recommend
Shenandoah University River Campus at Cool Spring Battlefield
1400 Parker LnMiles of walking trails, a wildlife refuge, and a Civil war battlefield, along the Shenandoah River.
Holy Cross Abbey (listed below under Walking and Hiking) is directly across the river from this "River Campus"; the main clashes of the battle took place on the farm fields now owned the Abbey.
They have tube rentals to float down the Shenandoah River.
21 locals recommend
Watermelon Park Campground
3322 Locke's Mill RdThey have tube rentals to float down the Shenandoah River.
Local artists exhibits. Also check local calendars for fun events.
12 locals recommend
Barns of Rose Hill
95 Chalmers CtLocal artists exhibits. Also check local calendars for fun events.
Food Scene
The apple pie! Also, local produce, local dairy products, and a few locally raised meats. Did I mention the truly excellent homemade apple pie?
8 locals recommend
Nalls Farm Market
4869 Harry Byrd HighwayThe apple pie! Also, local produce, local dairy products, and a few locally raised meats. Did I mention the truly excellent homemade apple pie?
A proper coffee shop, with local art for sale as a bonus.
The entrance is unusual; park in gravel lot and go up stairs to the rear-facing porch. It's marked and it's hard to find only if you're looking for a normal storefront.
17 locals recommend
Cordial Coffee Co.
8 S Church StA proper coffee shop, with local art for sale as a bonus.
The entrance is unusual; park in gravel lot and go up stairs to the rear-facing porch. It's marked and it's hard to find only if you're looking for a normal storefront.
Dirt Farm Brewing
18701 Foggy Bottom RdBluemont Vineyard
18755 Foggy Bottom RdThe Berryville Grille
9 E Main St