If you’re looking for an authentic way to connect with the history, culture, and agricultural legacy of the Shenandoah Valley, the North Rockbridge Trail is a perfect starting point. This self-guided driving trail winds through the scenic backroads between Staunton and Lexington, highlighting family-run farms, vineyards, orchards, and artisans who define the character of this part of Virginia. But it isn’t just the local food, wine, and crafts that make this trail one of the most compelling things to do in the Shenandoah Valley.
The North Rockbridge Trail offers our guests a unique opportunity to experience a slice of life in the Valley that still thrives on tradition, community, and a deep connection to the land. Here, you’ll spend the day sampling hard cider made from heirloom apples, picking up farm-fresh cheese or grass-fed meats, and chatting with the makers and growers themselves. Several stops along the trail offer seasonal produce, pick-your-own experiences, handmade goods, or tastings of locally crafted beverages at places like Rockbridge Vineyard and Brewery.
While the trail is all about the rural charm of Virginia mountain towns, the surrounding region offers so many more ways to round out your getaway. From historic walking tours in downtown Lexington to live performances at the American Shakespeare Center in Staunton, there’s no shortage of things to do in the Shenandoah Valley. To truly enjoy everything the area has to offer, you’ll want a base that puts you close to the action, but also gives you a stylish, relaxing place to come back to.
Our Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast checks every box. Located just minutes from the North Rockbridge Trail, our historic Bed and Breakfast offers elegant accommodations and private luxury cabins set on a sprawling mountain-view property. It’s the ideal home base for exploring Shenandoah Valley farms, sipping your way through Shenandoah Valley wineries, and discovering the many layers of culture and nature that make this part of Virginia so special. This is where your Shenandoah Valley adventure begins; book your stay today!
Local Experiences on the North Rockbridge Trail
The North Rockbridge Trail is one of the most authentic ways to experience the rich farming culture and artisan spirit of the Shenandoah Valley. Located near the charming towns of Staunton and Lexington, VA, in North Rockbridge County, this self-guided driving trail is a curated collection of small farms, wineries, orchards, markets, and makers who open their doors and their land to visitors who want a deeper connection to the places they visit.
While it may not be as heavily publicized as the region’s bigger tourist draws, that’s part of the charm of the North Rockbridge Trail. It feels like a well-kept local secret, where genuine conversations and meaningful experiences take precedence over crowds and tour buses. In our opinion, it’s one of the most personal, immersive ways to explore the Shenandoah Valley. There are at least 25 unique stops to enjoy on the North Rockbridge Trail, with something for everyone.
The North Rockbridge Trail is a loop through the countryside that allows you to slow down and take in the rural heritage of Virginia mountain towns. You’ll drive the trail from spot to spot, with each farm, market, or vineyard offering a distinct flavor of the Shenandoah Valley’s history and culture. Whether you’re picking up local produce, sipping wine with mountain views, or chatting with a farmer about weather patterns and livestock care, you’ll walk away with something far more valuable than souvenirs; you’ll leave with stories. Wherever you go, expect hyper-local products.
Stops to Make on the North Rockbridge Trail
Some of our favorite stops on the North Rockbridge Trail include:
- Mountain View Farm Products is a favorite for small-batch cheeses and ice cream. This spot is considered a hidden gem, and it’s a bonus that it’s as friendly as it is flavorful.
- Rockbridge Vineyard & Brewery is one of the trail’s more popular stops. This family-owned spot offers wine and beer tastings, live music on weekends, and a laid-back atmosphere. Try the V d’Or dessert wine or the Pale Ale, and you won’t be disappointed.
- Wade’s Mill is a historic gristmill that still stone-grinds flour and cornmeal the traditional way. It’s a fantastic place to buy pancake mixes or grits, and the mill itself is a charming photo op. We use Wade’s Mill products in our breakfasts and baskets for our guests!
- Virginia Gold Orchard, which specializes in Asian pears, is a seasonal stop on the North Rockbridge Trail. It’s absolutely worth it if you’re here in late summer or early fall. You’ll often meet the owners, who are happy to share growing tips or recipes. They also have magnificent u-pick flower fields open throughout the summer.
- Don’t miss the chance to visit Bels Bees on the North Rockbridge Trail. This small teaching apiary offers visitors an immersive experience into the world of beekeeping, honey production, and pollinator conservation.
- Ecco Adesso Vineyards is another highly rated Shenandoah Valley Winery that’s found along the North Rockbridge Trail. The wines here are fantastic, just like the Blue Ridge Mountain views, and the welcoming, relaxed atmosphere.
- If you want to grab a bite to eat while you’re exploring, head to Dottie’s Country Store. It’s a community treasure and has a deli that serves up a delicious breakfat and lunch.
- Next, find something interesting to take home with you from 3 Season’s Antiques, one of the many fascinating antique stores you’ll find in the Staunton area.
Throughout the year, the North Rockbridge Trail also hosts several low-key but well-loved events that draw both locals and curious travelers. These events include Open Farm Days, usually held in the spring and again in the fall. There are also pop-up holiday markets around Thanksgiving and Christmas, where vendors sell seasonal products like mulled cider, baked goods, wreaths, and handmade gifts. Wine and cider tastings are often paired with these events, creating a festive, community vibe.
Best Cabins Near the North Rockbridge Trail
Exploring the North Rockbridge Trail is a hands-on way to experience the artisan heartbeat of the Shenandoah Valley. Nothing pairs better with that kind of immersive local adventure than a stay at a property that’s just as rooted in the region’s culture. Our Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast is conveniently located near the trail, but more importantly, we embody the same values that make the experience so special: local connection, attention to detail, and a genuine sense of place.
The Manor itself dates back to the early 1900s, and while it maintains its historic architecture and period character, the guest rooms and cabins are designed for today’s travelers, with plush bedding, spa-like bathrooms, fireplaces, and views that remind you why you came to the Valley in the first place. Our Shenandoah Valley Bed and Breakfast offers modern, well-appointed guest rooms with a warm ambiance and a range of amenities to enjoy throughout your stay.
Guests staying in our traditional Bed and Breakfast also enjoy a locally sourced, multi-course breakfast every morning, often featuring ingredients from nearby farms you may have visited the day before. It’s a full-circle experience that keeps your connection to the Shenandoah Valley farms front and center. No matter your accommodation, this lodging property offers the perfect home base for your time exploring Virginia mountain towns and the one-of-a-kind vendors along the North Rockbridge Trail.
As for the location, you couldn’t ask for better. From your front porch or cabin deck, you’re just minutes from stops like Rockbridge Vineyard, Mountain View Farm Products, and Wade’s Mill, plus an easy drive to the cultural attractions, historic sites, and outdoor adventures that make this region such a rich destination. If you want your getaway to feel personal, memorable, and truly rooted in the land you’re exploring, this is where your trip should begin and end. Book your Shenandoah Valley getaway today!
