Luray vacation rentals

Sandwiched between the Massanutten Mountains on the west and the Blue Ridge Mountains on the east, Luray is best known for the grandeur of its Luray Caverns, as well as being the gateway to Shenandoah National Park (it’s near the Shenandoah River). Here natural wonders hit you from every angle, but Luray — which is the largest town in Virginia’s Page County — is just as famous for its downtown Historic District as well as for such notable buildings as the 19th-century mansion Aventine Hall.

The summer months bring the most visitors to the Luray area because of its warm weather, despite a few days of rain a month. The area hosts outdoor celebrations such as the Page Valley Festival of the Arts and the Sunflower Festival, as well as the famed Shenandoah Valley Music Festival from July through September, just about 45 minutes to the east at the Pavilion at Shrine Mont in Orkney Springs. Fall is fairly comfortable, though there can be brisk days. Luray hosts the Fall Festival and the Page County Heritage Festival during the season. Winter is a chilly time to visit, but the town gets into the holiday spirit with the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony as well as a Christmas Parade. Spring is yet another pleasant time of year in Luray, celebrated with a Spring Fling.

Luray Caverns

When it comes to underground wonders, Luray Caverns is no doubt one of the nation’s most stunning, especially with its 10-story-high ceilings filled with natural limestone formations Mother Nature carved out over four million centuries. The record-setting Great Stalacpipe Organ even makes the formations ring with music. And with a step-free entrance, the experience is accessible to all. Admission also includes access to the Car & Carriage Caravan Museum (an exhibit with more than 140 transportation items from as far back as 1725), Luray Valley Museum (a cluster of restored historic buildings), and Toy Town Junction (a massive train and toy collection). The area is also home to the life-sized Garden Maze.

Shenandoah National Park

It’s hard to believe this 200,000-acre area of protected land is only 75 miles from the nation’s capital because it feels like an entirely different world. Hiking, climbing, birdwatching, and fishing are all popular activities here, as is the night sky viewing, thanks to its elevation. For a true treat, drive the 105-mile route along the Blue Ridge Mountains’ crest known as Skyline Drive.

Luray-Hawksbill Greenway

This greenway runs along Hawksbill Creek through two miles of central Luray. The 10-foot-wide pathway is a community favorite for walking and biking because of its easy access to downtown’s historic district. More than 200 species of birds are known to frequent the area.