Fall is one of the most spectacular times to visit the Shenandoah Valley region! The leaves are changing into a wonderful world of color, the air is transitioning into crisper temperatures, and the community is ready to welcome new and returning guests to the area, including our Virginia Inn. While autumn already offers many fun and unique things to do in Shenandoah Valley, we want to take the time and highlight our favorite fall events and activities for guests to enjoy during their seasonal Virginia getaway!
Art at the Mill
After settling into your cozy room and indulging in a farm-fresh breakfast, head to one of the most anticipated art events of the year, Art at the Mill! This renowned gallery, hosted at the Burwell-Morgan Mill and held annually in October, features roughly 300 artists and about 1000 pieces of artwork that offers something unique for every individual. Visitors will “ooo” and “aah” at this diverse collection which includes a number of oil paintings, mixed-media, traditional paintings, sculptures, fine woodworking, and pottery. Should you purchase any pieces to take home with you, you’ll also be giving back with a percentage of the proceeds go towards the Clarke County Historical Association, which aids the operation for both the antique mill, museum, and archives.
Festival of Leaves
Grab your sweaters and scarves and head to the Warren Heritage Society’s annual fundraiser, the Festival of Leaves, held annually in October. This awesome event transforms historic downtown Front Royal, Virginia into an autumn wonderland. Head down to Chester and Main Street and immerse yourself in arts and crafts, musical entertainment, museums, historic home tours, re-enactments, living history demonstrations, and even apple butter making! This event is great for all age groups and is one of the best ways to celebrate the fall season.
Shenandoah County Autumnfest
Held in historic Woodstock, Virginia, Autumnfest takes place annually in October and is an absolute must see. Get a taste of Virginia culture and enjoy tons of fall festivities with live music, crafting demonstrations, and food trucks from local restaurants. Go on a sampling journey with all-day tastings from a selection of over 50 craft brews, wines, ciders, and so much more. See a traditional whole hog BBQ and try some, a unique culinary experience that add so much to this already packed festival. Make sure and grab your tickets well in advance for this ever-popular event!
Virginia Gold Cup
While the autumn season in the Shenandoah Valley is known for its gorgeous golden landscape, the leaves aren’t the only thing offering up gold! The International Virginia Gold Cup is an annual steeplechasing horse race classic that draws in over 50,000 people from around the state and is held in October. Once the gates open, guests can participate in a number of festive activities, including a tailgating contest, hat contest, and much more.
Middleburg Film Festival
Enter into a little popup Hollywood at the Middleburg Film Festival! This four-day film spectacular, held annually in October, offers a carefully curated selection of narrative and documentary films in a theatre setting. Each film is followed by a Q&A with famous filmmakers, actors and other special guests. Outside of viewing the year’s most acclaimed films, attendees can participate in “fireside chats” with filmmakers and actors, wine and conversation at local vineyards, farm-to-table dinners, concerts, and parties! Don’t miss out on this star-studded event during your fall getaway to Virginia.
