Fall has officially arrived and the colorful display of changing leaves will begin to blanket the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. With warm sunny days and crisp, cool nights, the leaves will show wonderful colors while you escape the heat of summer and enjoy our area.
The Virginia Department of Forestry knows ALL the roads through the mountains and has a handle on the timing of the color changes. This department has mapped out some of THE BEST leaf-peeping routes near Steeles Tavern, VA and in the Shenandoah Valley.
For a great driving tour from Staunton, take Exit 222 from I-81 and follow VA Rt. 250 west to Monterey. An alternate name for Rt. 250 in this area is Mountain Turnpike, so you know you’re in store for a great drive! Continue on Rt. 250 to Hightown. The name of the village tells you something about the location and the view. You can then choose to follow the Forestry Department’s directions back to Staunton OR make a loop to return to Steeles Tavern. To the loop tour, head south on VA Rt. 84/US 220 to Warm Springs. You may want to stop and visit this historic town. From Warm Springs, follow VA Rt. 39 east through Goshen, VA – home of one of the largest Boy Scout Camps in the US. Then watch for Rt. 712 to lead you back to US Rt. 11 north and “home” to Steeles Tavern Manor B&B.
Another picturesque fall foliage tour is to travel on the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway. The nearest access point is MilePost 27.2 off of VA Rt. 56 just 12 minutes from our B&B. We suggest that you travel south on the Parkway to MP 45.6 – at US Rt. 60 near Lexington, VA. Follow US Rt. 60 west to US Rt. 11 north to return to Steeles Tavern or continue on US Rt. 60 into the historic and scenic town of Lexington.
No fall leaf-peeping tour in the Shenandoah Valley would be complete without a fall festival! October 14th is the day for the yearly Mountain Day celebration in Buena Vista, VA. In Raphine, VA on October 21st, enjoy some favorite fall foods at the Apple Butter Festival at Wades Mill in Raphine, VA. Enjoy some music while you sip a glass of wine at our favorite nearby winery, Rockbridge Vineyard, which will celebrate their 24th Annual Harvest Festival on September 30th from noon to 6pm. For a small admission fee of $5, you will take home a wine glass and enjoy wine tasting. Music will be provided by Greenhouse and food will be sold by Saucy Sine-O’s.
Make your reservation now to enjoy the colorful mountain roads near Steeles Tavern Manor B&B and Alpine Hideaway Cottages.
