After our “second” wedding in 2021, I wanted to take myself on a mini trip before I started my new job. One of my favorite things to do when I take a solo trip is to explore national parks. When deciding where I wanted to go, Shenandoah is one of the closest to Georgia and is easily reached by a car. I decided to pair hiking/camping in Shenandoah National Park and ending the trip with wine tasting in Charlottesville and it was the perfect summer adventure before school started.
Day 1 – Travel Day:
The first day, I didn’t get on the road until much later in the morning than intended which made it an 11 hour drive to Virginia. If I had the flexibility in my schedule I highly recommend breaking up this drive over two days. Once I got to the northern part of the park, it was after 5pm I didn’t have to pay the normal $35 entrance fee. You can also use your America the Beautiful pass as well.
Matthew Arm Campground:
I stayed at this campground my first night in the park. This campground placed me in the northern part of the national park, so I could continue my plan of working my way south. Matthew Arm Campground reservations open 6 months in advance. Unfortunately, I didn’t book it early enough, so I was left with limited options. The camp site I reserved served its purpose, but was very rocky and would be more ideal for RVs than tents. My favorite part of this campground was the gorgeous sunset I got to see at Pass Mountain Overlook that you pass to get to the entrance of the campground and I recommend it to all.
Day 2- Hiking Day #1:
Mary’s Rock Trail:
Distance: 3.6 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 1100 feet
Time to Completion: 1 hour 45 minutes
Trail Rating: Moderate
Recommendation:
This was one of my favorite trails of the trip. The trail had a gradual incline and then it was very rocky at the end. However, I recommend this trail for the summit view – Mary’s Rock offers stunning 180 degree views of the valley.
Other Important Information:
This trail is dog friendly (on a leash) and this is one of the few trails that has a public restroom, so I recommend using it before you continue on!
Stony Man Trail:
Distance: 1.52 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 321 feet
Time to Completion: 40 minutes
Trail Rating: Easy
Recommendation:
Stony Man trail is a light trail perfect for a quick and easy hike between the longer ones. Stony Man also offers 180 degree views of the valley perfect for those wanting the views but not the long distance.
Other Important Information:
The trailhead is slightly hidden. As you approach the trail, you will turn right into Skyland (a resort area) and the trail is towards the right. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed on this trail.
White Oaks Canyon:
Distance: 7.5 miles out and back (down and up)
Elevation Gain: 2400 feet
Time to Completion: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Trail Rating: Hard
Recommendation:
This trail was a great way to end my first day in the park but it was very difficult and steep. If you have knee problems, this is not the trail for you. Going straight down the canyon then coming back up is difficult, but there is a wonderful waterfall and swimming hole at the bottom for you to enjoy.
Other Important Information:
Dogs are allowed on a leash and make sure your hiking shoes have good traction – especially if you go after a heavy rainfall.
Dinner at Big Meadows Lodge:
Since my legs were dead tired after the last trail, I decided to treat myself and buy dinner at Big Meadows Lodge. I went downstairs to the new market taproom. There I indulged in the blackberry frap with gin (which looks like it’s no longer on the menu) and a delicious pizza.
Big Meadows Campground:
Afterwards I headed to my campground to chill the rest of the evening. Big Meadows was a great campground filled with lots of facilities. It stated it had showers on the website, but there was nothing stating that it costs $2.50 and you can only pay in quarters. Thankfully, I walked around the campsite and was able to trade change with someone. I stayed at site B116 and was surrounded by families which got a little noisy at night but nothing some headphones or earplugs couldn’t help with. Big Meadows is a huge facility with many different sites with lots of options!
Day 3 – Hiking Day #2:
Jones Run Trail:
Distance: 3.7 miles out and back
Elevation Gain: 1276 feet
Time to Completion: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Trail Rating: Moderate
Recommendation:
Looking back on my pictures from this trip, this is the least memorable trail. It was very buggy and not as beautifulas the other trails. There were lots of little centipedes on the rocks so it was hard to sit on the rocks to enjoy the waterfall or eat any food. The last half mile back up to the parking lot was brutal. This one I would recommend skipping!
Other Important Information:
Dogs are allowed on this trail on a leash.
Black Rock Summit:
Distance: 1.18 mile loop
Elevation Gain: 180 feet
Time to Completion: 30 minutes
Trail Rating: Easy
Recommendation:
This was the perfect last trail to end my time in the park. Black Rock Summit is a loop trail as well, but offers stunning views of the mountains and the surrounding valleys at the top. At the top of the mountain, there were a lot of bugs and bees so make sure you are prepared for that.
Other Important Information:
Dogs are allowed on this trail on a leash.
Staunton:
I headed out of the park and towards my hotel for the night. I checked in at my hotel (Tru by Hilton) to shower and change before exploring the local town. Sadly, many local shops are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays or only open until 5pm. I did enjoy walking around downtown Staunton and popping my head in whatever shops were still open. Yelping Dog Wine was a great stop for a pre-dinner drink. I then went to Chicano Boy Taco for dinner. You can sit outside and enjoy their patio with your tacos. I ordered the brisket taco, the shrimp taco, and the sweet potato and black bean one. The shrimp was by far my favorite!
Day 4 – Winery Day #1:
After a wonderful night of rest in a hotel bed, I headed towards Charlottesville to begin my exploration of their wine country.
King Family Farm:
My first winery of the trip was a great spot! It was $12 for a tasting of 4 wines. I got two whites, a rose and a red. The verde 2020 was my favorite and I even bought a bottle to enjoy at home. The location was wonderful and they have an indoor and outdoor space to enjoy. I loved looking out onto their massive farm. Many times you can see people playing polo on their property while you sip their wine as well!
Veritas
Twenty minutes down the road was my second stop of the day. It was $15 for a wine flight that included four wines, two white and two red. They had Q with the menu so you could scan to learn about the wine while you drank it. I enjoyed the red wines, especially the merlot, the most. I also ordered the veggie sandwich which was the perfect lunch. The ambiance was nice on their outdoor patio, but I would have loved some background or live music. This ended up being the best spot for me because one of their amazing servers helped me plan the rest of my adventures. I showed her the list of the wineries I was going to and she steered me towards some newer ones that just opened and the ones, as a local, she thought were worth the visit.
Hazy Mountain Winery:
Per her recommendation, I headed to the next stop just 10 minutes away. Hazy Mountain has a beautiful estate and just like its name implies, it’s perched to see a beautiful view of the mountains. It was $18 for a flight of 4 wines. The outdoor patio had a beautiful view; however, I do wish it had fans for a hot summer day. The food menu looked good, but since I just ate, I didn’t indulge. I loved their white wines, especially the non-buttery Chardonnay.
Pippin Hill:
This next spot was actually recommended to me from a friend back home. It has a gorgeous estate with indoor and outdoor areas. Their tasting is $18 and includes 4 glasses of either red or white wine. I chose the white wine tasting and ordered the burrata for an afternoon snack. Unfortunately, the burrata came with too many collard greens, so I ended up taking some off. Unexpectedly, there were many flies while I was trying to enjoy my time on the outdoor patio, which affected the ambiance.
Tavola:
After my winery visits for the day, it was time to check into my hotel and enjoy dinner. For dinner, A friend recommended the Italian inspired Tavola. I was able to enjoy the mussels appetizer with a gin cocktail at the bar. For my main entree, I ordered the carbonara. I loved that it was made with sausage which gave it a super unique taste. I paired it with a decadent red wine. For dessert I ended with a tiramisu and aperitif. This was my “ball out” dinner for the trip and it did not disappoint!
The Virginia:
After I finished dinner, I walked around the University of Virginia’s campus before meeting up with friends at a bar. The campus is stunning and I loved talking to the security guard about the history of it. I walked around the rotunda and the lawn before heading to The Virginia for drinks. This is definitely a college bar spot but it was cool to hear about the history of it and the campus from the friends I was visiting as well.
Lodging:
For both of my nights in Charlottesville, I stayed at the Hampton Inn-Charlottesville. It was just outside the downtown area, but centrally located between my two days of winery hopping and visiting UVA’s campus. This Hampton Inn offers free breakfast and free parking.
Day 5 – Winery Day #2:
Today was my last full day in Virginia before I drove home. I decided to do a mix of wineries that were recommended to me, as well as, the ones I already picked out.
Breakfast at Ace Biscuit & BBQ:
This quaint little spot is located right outside the downtown area. I decided to create my own biscuit with buttermilk fried chicken and egg with a side of buttered grits. The biscuit and grits weren’t very memorable, but it got the job done for a filling breakfast before a day full of wine tasting.
Merrie Mill:
My first stop of the day was recommended by the server from Veritas. She actually worked at this one as well and gave me a lovely mini tour. Merrie Mill was a new winery when I visited, but I bet it is very popular today so make sure you make reservations ahead of time. It has a quirky, Alice in Wonderland Esque decor. There is an indoor and outdoor patio area, as well as lots of outdoor games to enjoy at the winery.The winery has 5 tastings for $20 and the rose was my favorite. You can bring your own food if you’d like, but you have to sit in the grassy area. It is a dirt road up the winery so just a warning for those driving nicer cars.
Gabrielle Rausse:
My next stop of the day was recommended to me by a friend and it was one of my favorite vibes of the trip. A retired architect built the tasting room back in 2015 and it is sort of hidden back in the woods surrounded by nature. Gabrielle Rausse wines were $10 for a flight of 4 wines. You can choose your flight between white & rose, all white, or all red. The wine tasting is paired with a lovely baguette and olive oil.
Michael Shaps:
The next stop was a little farther out, but had one of the more casual vibes. I was one of the only people there, so I got to enjoy the company of Kevin, who was a wonderful host. I was able to try 6 wines for $15 which was a fantastic deal. Two of the French wines were my favorite during the tasting. I decided to order a charcuterie board for $20 to pair with the wine.
Wisdom Oak:
The last winery of the trip ended up being one of my favorites due its remote location. Wisdom Oak Winery had 4 wines for $12. I loved the white wine the best and Kelsey, my host, was so nice and even offered an extra tasting since I was the last person there for the day. The best part of Wisdom Oak is the hill it sits on. I walked up the hill to enjoy some alone time with my wine, my book and the stunning views.
Dinner in Downtown Charlottesville:
Tonight for dinner I decided to stroll through downtown Charlottesville, specifically the downtown mall area. This area has lots of cute shops and restaurants to peruse. My first choice The Alley Light sadly was closed, but I found Brasserie Saison to satisfy my French cravings. I ordered the moules frites and paired with a lovely gin cocktail the bartender recommended. It was the perfect last meal to end my trip.
After finishing my dinner I headed back to my hotel to get a good night’s rest before my 9 hour drive the next day. Shenandoah and Charlottesville provided such a wonderful solo trip experience and the area far exceeded my expectations. I believe it would be a wonderful spot for a bachelorette or girls trip as well.
Budget:
Item Cost
Gas $27.29, + $30.01 + $30.62
Matthew Arms Campground $15
Big Meadows Campground $20
Tru by Hilton (Staunton) $124.19
Hampton Inn- Charlottesville $262.38
Dinner at Big Meadows Lodge $29.23
Yelping Dog Winery $9.12
Chicano Boy Taco $19.61
Kings Family Farm Winery $25.22 + $14.54 (I bought a bottle as well)
Veritas Winery $37.71
Hazy Mountain Winery $22.67
Pippin Hill Winery $43.96(looking back I think they charged me twice)
Tavola $108.15
The Virginia $13.36
Ace Biscuit & BBQ $14.08
Merrie Mill Winery $24.85
Gabrielle Rausse $44.23 +$12.11 (I bought two bottles as well)
Michael Shaps Winery $41.46
Wisdom Oak Winery $16.80
Brasserie Saison $51.41
REI $52.95
Gas Station Snacks $10.76 + $1.36 +$6.79 + $4.61
Chick-fil-A $8.86 + $4.10 + $6.94
Charlottesville Parking $3
Total: $1,137.37
