This list has been modified many times through the years. Opinions are based on Guest feedback and personal experiences of our team.
You can stop at the Apple House https://theapplehouse.net in Linden – great barbeque and yummy apple donuts! They have a great souvenir shop to get all things Virginia.
Front Royal is about a half hour from the retreat, but it is on the way for many of our Guests coming from the DC area. The Virginia Beer Museum is quaint fun!
Talk of the Mountain Seafood https://talkofthemountainseafoodllc.com – the best crab cakes in the area!
Element https://www.elementonmain.com – New American Fare right across from the park in town.
Vibrissa Beer https://vibrissabeer.com – great selection of beers and the food was outstanding! And, they now have one in Winchester!
Pavemint Smokin’ Taphouse https://www.paveminttaphouse.com – excellent barbeque and lots of yummy beers to choose from.
Blue Wing Frog https://bluewingfrog.com – they make everything from scratch, even condiments! I really enjoyed my meal from there.
Once you’ve reached Strasburg, you know you are close as it is about 20 minutes away.
Crabby Maggie’s Seafood Restaurant https://crabbymaggies.business.site – described by some as a surprising “hole in the wall”. Our family has enjoyed their food several times, especially the crab legs.
Castiglia’s Italian Restaurant & Pizza https://castigliasva.com – classic Italian food and portions to meet a big appetite!
Pancake Underground https://thepancakeunderground.com – great for breakfast and brunch!
Between Strasburg and the retreat, you will pass the New Star Market where you may need to stop for gas and surprisingly you can pick up home-made kimchi here! Attached is Melody’s Porch where I often pick up a delicious coffee or bubble tea! You will later pass the Woodbine Farm Market https://woodbinefarmmarket.com, I have not been able to find a better pie. They are closed for the winter season, but booming for the rest.
Many of our Guests come via Winchester, which is the largest town closest to the retreat, full of history and home to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. It is also a place to visit whilst you are staying with us, as it is only about a half hour away.
Bonnie Blue Southern Market & Bakery – https://bonniebluebbq.net – delicious Southern fare and a great place for Sunday brunch.
The following are in the walking mall area, with most restaurants having outdoor seating. The history of old town is charming!
Thai Winchester https://thaiwinchester.com – great Thai food, consistently yummo!
Sexi Mexi Burrito Bar https://burritobar.sexi-mexi.com – it’s fresh, cross-cultural, and home-made. Pre-covid times I found myself there often.
50/50 Taphouse https://5050taphouse.com – the selection of the burgers here is unreal! Enjoy one of their many beers while you are waiting for your take-out.
Violino Ristorante Italiano – delicious home made pasta! https://violinorestorante.com
V2 Piano Bar and Lounge – where I go when I’m in the mood for oysters https://villagesquarerestaurant.com
La Nicoise Cafe for authentic French https://lanicoisecafe.com
Union Jack Pub & Restaurant in the mood for fish and chips? https://theunionjackpub.com
Water Street Kitchen features classic sandwiches and quiche, and you can take your wine home! https://waterstreetkitchen.com
Willie Sutton’s Saloon brings some history into Old Town with their space, but also has a fantastic outdoor area right next to the old courthouse.
The Wine Room at Taylor Pavilion features a great wine selection, but also has skilled bartenders with fancy smoking cocktails.
El Centro for classic Mexican and a great margherita selection! https://elcentromex.com
If you feel like being naughty and want a donut, Glazed and Confused Donuts are a guilty pleasure. https://glazedandconfuseddonuts.com
There are many great pizza places in Winchester…the ones that come to mind are Oak Stone Craft Pizza and Bar https://oakstonepizza.com, Roma Old Town Wood Fired Pizzeria https://romawoodfiredpizza.com, and Benny Meleto’s https://bennysva.com.
In Middletown, there is Shaffer’s BBQ and Market https://shaffersbbq.com and they hay have been in the valley since 1952! They have catered for private parties here and the barbeque was fantastic! Vault & Cellar is on my list with a focus on local New Appalachian food and a fun bourbon experience! https://thevaultandcellar.com
Wardensville, WV is about 15 minutes west over the mountain and houses the Wardensville Garden Market https://wardensvillegardenmarket.org. Here you can purchase one of their delicious baked goods, the cinnamon rolls are huge or in season buy from a wide selections of organic fruits and vegetables. I love that this market empowers youth to learn about farming, real-life skills, and therefore provides future opportunities.
Diagonally across the street is the Lost River Trading Post https://lostrivertradingpost.com, home to an eclectic antique and gift store featuring art and local products. They have delicious coffee and I’ve enjoyed their quiche quite a few times.