Updated on November 7, 2023 by Julie McCool
A Northern Shenandoah Valley road trip offers incredible scenery, delicious local food and drink, rich history, unique places to stay, and a chance to unwind, not far from Washington DC. Allow three to five days to explore the scenic area from Winchester to Harrisonburg, Virginia, avoiding the busy highway and enjoying beautiful country roads.
Explore and Escape in Winchester and Frederick County, Virginia
Begin your Northern Shenandoah Valley road trip in the historic downtown of Winchester. The Old Town Winchester Walking Mall is a lovely pedestrian area lined with unique stores, restaurants, museums, a nanobrewery, a theater, and historic buildings, including a tavern that George Washington frequented. Music fans can visit the Patsy Cline Historic House and pay their respects at the singer's gravesite.
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Winchester is a great base for exploring northern Shenandoah Valley. Stay at The George Washington and you'll enjoy luxurious accommodations in a fantastic location next to the downtown Winchester pedestrian mall.
Read our guide: 15 Fun Things to Do In and Near Winchester Virginia
When you're ready to explore further, take a slow drive along the country roads of Frederick County, stopping at local farms and wineries, or enjoying a hike along the West Virginia border. In summer, you can catch a flick at the Family Drive-in Theater, an old-school drive-in with car-mounted speakers. In fall, farms offer apple-picking, pumpkin patches, and other family-friendly fun.
Find more information about things to do in Winchester and Frederick County on the Winchester Frederick County Tourism website and Facebook page.
Back Road Fun in Shenandoah County, Virginia
Heading south along Route 11 or smaller country roads, the next area to explore on a Northern Shenandoah Valley road trip is Shenandoah County, Virginia. Beautiful scenic roads, excellent hiking along the West Virginia border, local wine and beer on the Shenandoah Spirits Trail, small towns, and interesting museums give visitors plenty to do. We recommend at least two nights in the area if time allows.
Read our guide: 10 Things to Do in Shenandoah County Virginia
For more information about things to do in Shenandoah County on the Visit Shenandoah County Tourism website and Facebook page.
Town and Country in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County Virginia
Our final stop in Northern Shenandoah County is Harrisonburg, home of James Madison University (JMU) and the county seat of Rockingham County. The Main Street Award winner has a historic downtown that is fun to explore on foot. Local restaurants and craft brewery offer relaxing places to stop and refuel before heading out for hiking and biking in Rockingham County.
Read our guide: Favorite Things to Do in Harrisonburg Virginia and Rockingham County
Be sure to get a photo with Harrisonburg's fun LOVEwork.
Find more information about things to do in Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, on the Harrisonburg Tourism website and Facebook page.
Northern Shenandoah Valley Road Trip Tips
Many people, like us, have traveled through the Shenandoah Valley on busy highway 81 without ever enjoying all that the region has to offer. To make the most of your visit:
- Get off the highway. Route 11 is the obvious alternate to route 81, since it parallels and criss-crosses the highway. But there are plenty of smaller, beautiful country roads that take you into the heart of the valley. Make time to explore a road less traveled
- Take it slow. The beauty of a road trip through Northern Shenandoah Valley is the change to see and experience something new. Enjoy the country roads; stop at a farm stand; visit a winery; poke around a small town.
- Extend the fun. If you allow extra time you can extend your road trip into Southern Shenandoah Valley or east onto Skyline Drive.
Have you explored the Northern Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia? We'd love to hear your tips on favorite stops for our next visit.
Find more information about things to do on a road trip through the Shenandoah Valley on the Visit Shenandoah Valley website and on Facebook.
For more Shenandoah Valley tips and things to do, check out these related articles:
- Southern Shenandoah Valley Road Trips: Staunton to Lexington
- 8 Great Things to Do in Shenandoah Valley
- 8 Great Things to Do in Roanoke Virginia
- 8 More Wonderful Overnight Getaways Near Northern Virginia.
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Portions of our Northern Shenandoah Valley road trip were hosted by Winchester Frederick County, Visit Shenandoah County, and Harrisonburg Tourism. All opinions, text, and photos are our own.