How to Achieve Your New Year’s Resolutions in the Valley

2025 is finally here, and you’re probably ready for new beginnings with a list of resolutions to improve yourself. If one of your resolutions is to try new things and visit new places, you’re in luck! Read on for ways to have exciting new experiences and live your best life in the Shenandoah Valley this year.

Take a Class

It’s never too late to learn something new! Here are some ways to grow your skill set in the Valley.

Create Art at Art Hive

Learn something new and get creative with the Art Hive (Staunton) . 

Learn new creative skills like watercolors, jewelry creation, and sewing and quilting, and meet others who value the artistic community at Art Hive. Upcoming classes include creating paper flowers, mixed media design, coffee roasting, and more. The Art Hive also offers a treasure trove of mixed reuse art supplies and the studio space to make something amazing.

Mix Your Own Tea Blends at Red Root & Co.

Red Root & Co. (Harrisonburg) is an herb house with a cozy space to sip tea and explore herbalism. Shop handcrafted botanical tonics, vinegars, teas, cocktail kits, shrubs, and wellness blends. If you’re interested in starting your own guided herbal journey, visit the herb haven where the knowledgeable team can answer questions and help you blend your own teas suited to your needs from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Discover Clay at Make Waynesboro Clay Studio

Get your hands dirty as you learn new techniques at Make Waynesboro Clay Studio’s well equipped studio space. Choose from multi-week classes, one day workshops, or private lessons in wheel throwing, slab building, handbuilding, and creating larger projects. You can also design a private event for your group or purchase a studio membership for unlimited use of wheels and other tools as well as discounted prices on materials and use of the kiln.

Other Cool Classes

• Create something beautiful at the Art Bar at Little Beasties Art Studio (Buena Vista)
• South River Fly Shop (Waynesboro) offers fly fishing lessons.
• Virginia Institute of Blacksmithing (Waynesboro) teaches a variety of blacksmithing classes.

• Watch glassblowing at Sunspots Studio and sign up to make your own ornament.
• Learn to save a life in a Disaster+Travel+Wilderness First Aid Course (Lexington).

Find a New Thrill

Ready to face your fears and take on a thrilling new activity?

Snow Sports at Massanutten Ski Slopes

Have you ever dreamed of gliding down a powdery mountain slope, but chickened out before you even strapped on your skis? Banish those fears at Massanutten Resort with the help of world-class instructors who will help you conquer the mountain on skis or snowboards. Take a beginner lesson to learn the basics or take a private lesson for individual attention from a personal coach. The thrills at Massanutten last even after the snow melts. Tackle the slopes on your bike at the Mountain Bike Park or take to the treetops at the Family Adventure Park!

Find Your Seat in the Saddle

Family-owned and operated Jordan Hollow Stables (Stanley) rescues good-tempered horses from shelters and carefully trains them for use on its trail riding experiences. Experienced guides help riders of all ages and experiences explore 150 acres of woodlands in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you’d like to level up your skill level in the saddle, sign up for a private lesson.

 

Other Places for Thrills

• Bryce Resort (Bayse) is a 4-season resort known for exciting snow sports as well as a temperate-weather downhill mountain bike park.
• If you’re seeking thrills on the water, take your kayak to Goshen Pass Natural Area, a 3.7-mile gorge carved by the Maury River that boasts some amazing rapids.

Take a Journey

Whether you plan a careful itinerary or just follow your nose for adventure, journeys are wonderful ways to discover new sites and ideas.

Visit a New Destination in Shenandoah County

Exit the interstate in Shenandoah County and travel historic US Route 11 to discover charming main streets in towns like Strasburg, Woodstock, and Mt Jackson. The oldest settlements along this scenic route are approximately 20 miles apart, representing the distance that early settlers could expect to travel in a day. You’ll meet the locals as they serve you seasonally-sourced food and drink, explain the histories of antiques, and display their fine art and crafts. Look for flirty women’s clothing at Cherry on Top, shabby chic items and funky jewelry at Three French Hens, and unique local gifts at Traveler’s Treasures.

Extend your visit by spending a night in a cozy cabin with views of the mountains or Shenandoah River. You’ll pass through Shenandoah County Wine Country, so stop to sample award-winning wine and admire the incredible scenery.

Subterranean Sound Concert Series at Grand Caverns

Millions of years of rain and underground water have eroded the Valley’s soft limestone and dolostone bedrock away, leaving extensive underground cavern systems and chances for amazing adventures. Make sure to get your ticket for Subterranean Sound at Grand Caverns (Grottoes), an exclusive concert series that happens deep within the cave. You’ll enjoy local libations and a live show within a sonically surreal, subterranean setting. The concert series runs from January 11 – March 15. 

Hike the Appalachian Trail Through Clarke County

If you want to reap the mental and physical benefits of the great outdoors all year round, the Appalachian Trail is a wonderful place to do it. You can hike the AT the whole way from Maine to Georgia, but we’re partial to the section that runs through beautiful Clarke County! Try these trails:

• Bears Den Trail is a 1.6-mile moderately easy hike through the forest to a majestic rock outcropping overlooking the Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah River and Allegheny Mountains. The overlook is perfect for sunset watching. (Blue Ridge Mountain Road, Bluemont)

• Buzzard Hill is a 4-mile moderate forest hike with a spectacular waterfall, two water crossings, and 2 steep ridge climbs. (1953 State Route 605, Bluemont)

• Raven Rocks is a challenging 6-mile hike that winds up and down several rocky ridges and stream crossings to a rocky summit with a breathtaking panoramic view of the Shenandoah Valley and Allegheny Mountains. (Pine Grove Road, Bluemont)

More Destinations in the Valley

• Stop for retro-cool and delicious fare at The Pink Cadillac Diner (Natural Bridge) or Thunderbird Cafe (McGaheysville).

• Pine Grove Restaurant (Bluemont) is a great destination for home-cooked food all day. It shines for its homemade pies and desserts.
• Hang out with family and friends at the beer-hall style The Alpine Goat Brewery (Weyers Cave).
• Enjoy live jazz while sipping a craft cocktail at Haywood’s Piano Bar at The Georges.
• Soak in the exquisite mountain scenery and sip award-winning wines at Veramar Vineyards (Berryville).
• Horseshoe Curve Bar & Grill (Bluemont) serves up delicious burgers and pub food, and features a full bar and foot-stomping fabulous live music every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights.

• Go to the Spa at the Blackburn Inn (Staunton) to focus on health and wellness after the holidays.
• Check out more of nature’s handiwork by journeying underground at Luray Caverns and Caverns at Natural Bridge.

Hopefully this list will help you form specific plans to achieve your resolutions. Make sure to visit the Shenandoah Valley this year!