Unique ‘Indoor’ Experiences You Won’t Find Anywhere Else

Photo Courtesy of Billy Jack’s Shack

Start your trip in the heart of downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia at Billy Jack’s Shack. This local gem with an emphasis on craft beer offers unique takes on everyday American favorites. 

Be sure to get your hands on a Greg Brady slider (wagyu patty topped with house-made mac-n-cheese and martin’s bbq chips), sticky nuggs with your choice of sauce, and top it all off with one of their one-of-a-kind house-made donuts. This spot is perfect for serious foodies and will even impress the kids. 

After a delicious lunch, head just 5 minutes away to Beards & Broads for a one-of-a-kind axe throwing experience! Choose from a one or two hour session and test your skills with some friendly competition. 

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If you’re traveling with the kids, make sure to check out Explore More Discovery Museum, just a block away from Billy Jack’s. This interactive children’s museum is designed to engage young minds through interactive, multi-sensory learning experiences. Kids can choose from 18+ different exhibits, ranging from art to construction, to food. The Explore More Discovery Museum can keep the kids entertained for hours.

 

Photo Courtesy of City of Harrisonburg

While you’re in Harrisonburg, check out Ruby’s Arcade. Great for friends, couples, or the whole family. Grab a snack and a beer and check out activities like duckpin bowling, pool tables, foosball, shuffleboard, arcade games, pool, and ping pong. The arcade also offers the Valley’s only interactive game show, “Bingo is Life.” 

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Want to explore more of Harrisonburg with the kids? Check out the Valley Jump Park – the Shenandoah Valley’s first trampoline park. Kids can enjoy over 7,000 square feet of trampolines, enjoy a snack at the snack bar, or book one of their three party rooms for an event.

 

Photo Courtesy of Regency Furniture International

Following an afternoon of fun, head just a few miles toward Massanutten Resort and check into your stay for the night. Massanutten Resort offers several different lodging options including their Regal Vistas® condos. Overlooking the resort area of Woodstone Meadows®, Regal Vistas® is a private, gated community home to a picnic area, and workout facility.

Enjoy dinner at The Campfire Grill, a Massanutten on-site restaurant that offers everything from burgers, to seafood entrees, to pizzas, in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere.

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Looking for a more secluded retreat? Check out one of these local cabins:

• KinStay Massanutten Family Cabin

• Casper Cabin-Year Round Massanutten Retreat

• Family by the Fireplace; Shenandoah Park View

Photo Courtesy of Thunderbird Cafe

After a restful night of sleep, check out The Thunderbird Cafe for breakfast, just outside of Massanutten. Thunderbird Cafe offers “creative scratch-made” food inspired by down south cuisine. It offers a rustic yet funky diner atmosphere and serves breakfast all day with fresh local ingredients. Try out one of their delicious Belgian waffles, breakfast burritos, or omelets for the perfect start to your day.  

Photo Courtesy of Massanutten Resort

After breakfast, head back to Massanutten for a spa treatment. The Spa at Massanutten offers relaxing massages, body treatments, luxurious facials, and nail services. 

If you’re looking for a group activity, check out the indoor waterpark, ranked “#2 Indoor Water Park in America” by USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice. It features tube slides, rapids, “Massanutten Meltdown”, and hot springs. No matter how cold it is outdoors, the water temperature is always heated to a perfect 84° Fahrenheit.

Photos courtesy of Grand Caverns and the City of Waynesboro.

If you want to venture outside the resort, check out these ‘indoor’ outdoor options. The Fountain Cave Adventure Tours at Grand Caverns  is just 25 minutes south of Massanutten. The Grand Caverns is the oldest continually operating cave that offers full tours in the United States and remains a comfortable 55 degrees year round. After seeing the amazing rock formations, check out the gift shop and Grottoes Welcome Center. Or, Check out the historic Blue Ridge Tunnel, just 20 minutes beyond the Grand Caverns.

Photo Courtesy of Stable Craft Brewing

After a morning of exploration, reward yourself with a seasonal brew at one of the many local Augusta County breweries along the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail. Grab some unique food finds and cozy up indoors. Here are a few to add to your list:

• Seven Arrows Brewing – Check out their wide range of beers on tap including IPAs, ales, seasonal brews, and even Kombucha.
• Stable Craft Brewing – Stable Craft offers a unique experience on a farm serving hand-crafted beer, cider, soda and CBD seltzers.
• Skipping Rock Beer Company – Skipping Rock offers 14 beers on draft, featuring everything from goses, belgian style brews, porters, and New England IPAs.

If you want to extend your trip and stay the night in Augusta County, after finishing your pint at Stable Craft, check into one of their suites. Stable Craft offers four different unique suites. Some even include a hot tub, gas fireplace, and private living rooms. Head to dinner at their “Agripub” and enjoy farm fresh food featuring everything from creative sandwiches to delicious entrees. Don’t want a full dinner? Order a charcuterie board and relax by an outdoor firepit. 

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If you’re looking for a more remote stay with extra space, check out this retreat home on a rural farm. This 3 bedroom, 4 bathroom house sits on 10 acres with 2 large spring fed fishing ponds and backs up to the South River. Enjoy peaceful views of the blue ridge mountains with easy access to Shenandoah National Park and the Monticello Wine Trail. 

Looking for even more? Check out this family friendly guide highlighting Harrisonburg and Luray/Page County that was recently featured by Eat Well, Explore Often or learn more about Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, Augusta County, and Waynesboro by visiting first online.