Sniff, Stay, & Enjoy the View in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
- Luie Boone
- 5 days ago
- 8 min read
This travel spot is featured in our fourth blog series, Hounds Honored.
Luie Boone wants to tell you about limestone. It's basically the snack of the Earth. Just don't eat it, because my hoomans say it doesn't taste too good. It's because it's made from ancient sea critters, like shells and coral, that got smooshed together over millions of years. Imagine a giant cosmic belly flop of clams and fish bones. Real crunchy and not real tasty!
And guess what? Limestone fizzles when you pour vinegar on it. It's like soda pop for rocks! Also, the hoomans use it for buildings, roads, and even toothpaste. That's right, toothpaste! You hoomans are brushing your teeth with fossil dust. You know what else? The Shenandoah Valley in Virginia is underlaid by it and the Shenandoah Valley is where my hoomans are planning our next vacation!
The limestone helped make the soil of Shenandoah Valley super fertile. That's why early settlers laid ground there. And, even today, it's still a big-time farming area in Virginia and West Virginia. So, basically, thanks to those squished sea critters, you got corn, cows, and caverns. Speaking of caverns, the limestone there is insane. It's honeycombed with caves! Some are so fancy that they've been turned into tourist hotspots, like Luray Caverns, Shenandoah Caverns, and Skyline Caverns. There's even a legendary cave near the riverbank above Harper's Ferry, which has an entrance just big enough for a horse and a rider to squeeze through. Inside? A secret hideout room where Colonel John Mosby's raiding troops supposedly hid from Union cavalry.
So, if you're sniffing around for a getaway where your four-legged friend can tag along, Virginia's Shenandoah Valley is the perfect destination. With rolling mountains, scenic byways, charming cities, and countless outdoor adventures, it's a dog's dream come true—and a hooman's too! There's a bunch of paw-some spots to visit:
Harrisonburg is the biggest city in the Valley and super welcoming to pups like me. Downtown has pet-friendly patios where I can lounge while my hoomans sip craft brews and munch on farm-to-table fiddles. Hillandale Park is great for a stroll, and the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum lets leashed dogs sniff around the trails. For grub, Jack Brown's Beer & Burger Joint and Billy Jack's Shack both let dogs chill outside.
Winchester is located at the northern tip of the Valley. This city blends historic charm with modern flair. The Old Town pedestrian mall is paw-fect for walking and window-sniffing (or window-shopping as my hoomans call it) Jim Barnett Park has wide open spaces for fetch and zoomies. Afterward, we can grab a bite at Roma Old Town Wood-Fired Pizzeria or Village Square Restaurant. Both spots have outdoor seating for pups.
Staunton is artsy, scenic, and full of good smells. Downtown restaurants, such as Baja Bean Co. and Byers Street Bistro, have dog-friendly patios. Gypsy Hill Park is a beautiful spot for a walk, and the neighborhoods are great for a leisurely sniff-and-stroll.
Waynesboro sits at the crossroads of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Skyline Drive, and the Appalachian Trail. It's basically the holy grail of dog hikes. We can leash up and explore the trails, then chill at Basic City Beer Co. or Stable Craft Brewing.
Lexington is a charming historic town with brick-lined streets. The open spaces near Washington & Lee University are great for sniffing and stretching. For eats, The Palms and Bistro on Main let dogs dine al fresco.
Luray is famous for its caverns (no dogs allowed inside, boo), but the surrounding area makes up for it. Shenandoah National Park has tons of trails, including parts of the Appalachian Trail. The Shenandoah River is also great for riverside walks or even canoeing with your hoomans. The Mimslyn Inn has a lovely patio for pups, and West Main Market serves sandwiches with outdoor seating.
Just remember to keep your doggo on a leash in public, bring water (especially on hikes), and pack those waste bags. We like to leave no trace... except paw prints.
The Shenandoah Valley isn’t just a scenic escape; it’s a place where you and your dog can explore together. From vibrant cities like Harrisonburg and Winchester to the outdoor beauty of Luray and Waynesboro, every stop offers something new for tails to wag about. So yeah, when I sniff the ground in Shenandoah, I’m not just chasing chipmunks. I’m sniffing history, adventure, and maybe a dropped sandwich.
Paws Rest Here
Luie Boone paw-selected this perfect vacation rental for your stay in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. Check it out below!
Rental Name: Hunter`s Haven
This rental has 2 bedrooms and a loft with 4 beds and 2 bathrooms.
Photos are courtesy of Allstar Lodging
It features the following amenities:
Nestled on 50 acres
Has panoramic views of the Massanutten and Blue Ridge Mountains
2 covered porches with Adirondack chairs
Patio area with table and chairs
Propane BBQ grill
Outdoor hot tub
Campfire area
What does Luie Boone think of this rental? He woofed:
I just found out we’re heading to Hunter’s Haven in Luray, Virginia, right in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. And, yes, my toy squirrel, Sally, is coming along too! She’s ready for her biggest adventure yet. From what I've overheard, Hunter’s Haven sits on fifty acres of land with wide-open mountain views. That means plenty of trails to sniff, fields to run through, and—get this—more real squirrels than I could ever count! Sally might get a little jealous, but I promised her that she’ll always be my number one squirrel. There’s even a river half a mile away for splashing, plus a porch that sounds perfect for keeping an eye on all those furry little critters. At night, my hoomans will sit by the fire pit or soak in the hot tub. Sally and I will curl up under the stars, dreaming of all the squirrels that we spotted during the day. I heard another dog stayed here before me and absolutely loved it, which makes me even more excited! Shenandoah Valley, here we come: Me, my hoomans, and Sally the Squirrel.
Paws Venture Here
Luie Boone sniffed out and dug up these local gems for you to check out while vacationing in Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.
Kennedy Peak
Kennedy Peak has some of the best views in the region! This is a mountain in the George Washington National Forest, near the city of Luray. You and your dog can take a relatively easy, just over nine-mile, out-and-back hike from the ground to the summit. At the summit, there is a gorgeous, stone, lookout tower, which offers absolutely stunning panoramic views. Please note that the final ascent is considered challenging due to its steepness. For the risk-takers, there is even a paragliding launch. Luie Boone doesn't know much about paragliding, other than how you basically become a bird soaring through the sky!
Shenandoah River Outfitters
At the Shenandoah River Outfitters, you can plan a relaxing day on the river in the Shenandoah Valley! You can rent a canoe or kayak to float along the river, enjoying the breathtaking scenery and abundant wildlife. Please note dogs are not allowed on tubes or rafts, as their nails could create punctures.
Mary's Rock Summit
Do you want to check out one of the most popular and dog-friendly hikes in the Shenandoah National Park? Then, you'll want to visit Mary's Rock Summit. This summit boasts views across the Shenandoah Valley and Massanutten Mountain. There are many theories on how the summit got its name, but a favorite one concerns a landowner's daughter. It is said that landowner Francis Thornton's daughter, Mary climbed up to the summit, carrying a bear cub under each arm!
Edith J. Carrier Arboretum
At the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum, your best buddy is welcome to explore the botanical gardens, trails, and forests. Its pond habitat supports a small number of ducks. Please do not feed them! If the ducks rely on food from the public, they will overpopulate and deteriorate the pond’s overall health.
The Trails at the MSV
The Trails at the MSV is Virginia’s largest art park. Along with providing more than three miles through fields, woods, and wetlands, to walk with your pooch, The Trails at the MSV combines the experience of an art gallery with the setting of an outdoor park. The 90-acre park includes sculpture, art installations, and landscape features that make The Trails at the MSV a one-of-a-kind outdoor art experience.
Hazel Falls and Caves
An adventure at Hazel Falls and Caves starts at the Meadow Spring parking area. From this parking area, you will begin following the Hazel Mountain Trail downhill. This is a seldomly sauntered trail. Its dense forest canopy, easy terrain, and topography lead to the Hazel River. There's not just a river waiting, but a series of falls with a treasured secret: the Square Hole! This is a paw-some swimming spot during the summer months
Whiteoak Canyon
The Whiteoak Canyon is one of Shenandoah National Park's most popular destinations! It might just be because of its six paw-some waterfalls, with heights ranging from 35 to 86 feet. There are also swimming holes at the bottom of each waterfall. However, don't expect much privacy, as these spots are quite popular. Its trails can be accessed from the Skyline Drives two parking areas: Whiteoak Canyon Trail and Hawksbill Gap parking areas.
Bruster's Real Ice Cream
Treat yourself AND your pup to a sundae at Bruster's Real Ice Cream! While there isn't a full dog menu, they do make a free sundae with dog bones on top for their furry customers. For the hoomans, they serve premium, small-batch ice cream with more than 24 rotating flavors each day! They also offer house-made waffle cones, sundaes, milkshakes, and specialty desserts.
Luie Boone's Pet Peeve about
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia
There's just so much to love about this vacation destination, but there's one thing that's got Luie Boone's leash in a twist. He woofed:
My hoomans have a vacation planned in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, and I’m already wagging my tail thinking about it. Rolling hills, big skies, and trails perfect for sniffing... that all sounds like doggy paradise. I’m bringing my stuffed squirrel, Sally, because she never misses an adventure. I even told her about the creeks and meadows, but she just stared at me with her button eyes. I know she’s excited anyway. There’s just one worry: Wasps. I got stung on the nose once at home and another time by my ear, and it hurt really bad! From what I’ve heard, the Valley is full of them. They're buzzing around flowers, snacking on fallen fruit, and sneaking into porch corners everywhere. My hooman dad is allergic to bees and wasps, so I’ll have to be on high alert for him. Sally says that we’ll guard him together. I plan to patrol every trail, sniff out nests before he gets too close, and even herd him away from any suspicious buzzing. Sally will sit on my shoulder or in my mouth for backup. We'll be ready to “scare” the wasps with our combined cuteness. We’ll stay safe together, avoid stingy bugs, and have the best vacation ever. Shenandoah Valley, here we come—me, my humans, and Sally, ready for anything!
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