When the weather starts to warm up and you’re ready to thaw out from winter, pack up the family and head to Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Our area welcomes springtime with plenty of sunshine, spectacular scenery, and lots of outdoor activities to enjoy. Plus, temperatures range from beautiful 68-degree days to comfortable 48-degree nights. All you need to bring is a light jacket and your sense of adventure!
Keep reading to learn more about spring in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Then, access our free Vacation Guide for additional travel tips! This exclusive planning tool can help you craft a memorable getaway in March, April, May, or any time of year.
Our 3 Favorite Spring Activities in Virginia’s Blue Ridge
1. Exploring Outdoors
May is the peak of the spring season in Virginia when activities like hiking, camping, fishing, and kayaking are enjoyed all over the Shannondoah Valley. We recommend bringing your hiking shoes and visiting Natural Bridge State Park (just a stone’s throw from our hotel) where you can explore over 6 miles of scenic trails. You’ll see rolling meadows, a cascading waterfall, and the spectacular 215-foot Natural Bridge that’s been carved out by Cedar Creek. There’s also a visitor’s center with a gift shop and interactive exhibits for the kids.
Another great place to bring the family is Virginia Safari Park. This 180-acre, drive-thru safari features free-roaming elk, deer, antelope, and more. Stop to feed the giraffe and visit the petting barn for an up-close look at the animals. You’ll want to have your camera ready!
2. Relaxing With a View
After a few hours in the sunshine, treat your group to a delicious meal and a refreshing beverage. Great Valley Farm Brewery & Winery is a family-friendly destination known for its fantastic mountain views. Grab a locally made beer or glass of wine and a snack from the food truck. Then, sit back and enjoy the live music and beautiful scenery.
Did you know? Spring is the time of year when craft beer festivals and wine-focused events abound! Check out the Shannondoah Valley events page before your visit and be sure to look out for important updates regarding COVID-19 precautions.
3. Scenic Drives
Each year, thousands of visitors flock to our area to experience lovely spring drives on winding country roads. Cruise the 105-mile Skyline Drive or Virginia’s Blue Ridge Parkway for a front-row seat to the season’s beauty. And, when you find a scenic overlook, hop out of the car to stretch your legs and take it all in. The warm breeze, buzzing bees, colorful wildflowers, and majestic mountain peaks are truly a sight to behold.
Local Tip: Consider carrying a rain jacket or umbrella with you when you pull off, as thunderstorms occur regularly on spring afternoons in VA.
Book Your Stay at Natural Bridge Hotel
As you can see, spring in Virginia’s Blue Ridge is a spectacular time of year! Make the most of your family getaway when you stay at Natural Bridge Hotel, just 15 minutes from the Blue Ridge Parkway. Our historic hotel is the perfect home away from home and provides easy access to all the activities mentioned above. Plus, children stay free!
Browse our Main Inn Rooms, Premium Second-Floor Balcony Rooms, Guest Rooms on Cottage Hill, and Veranda Rooms and start planning your vacation today. We look forward to hosting you in Natural Bridge this spring!