You may have heard of the town of Luray, Virginia, but you may not have considered living there. This small town is just two hours away from the Washington, DC Metro Area, and is known for its breathtaking mountain scenery. You can visit the scenic Skyline Drive to get an amazing view of the city and the surrounding mountains, or visit Luray Caverns to explore a network of caves. There are many things to do in Luray, including hiking, rock climbing, and caving.
Visit a gift shop. If you’re looking for a gift for a friend or family member, head to Luray’s Virginia Gift Shop. This shop was founded in 1945 and features unique gifts, home decor, collectibles, cards, and assorted gifts. You’ll find a unique gift at a fair-trade or locally produced artisanal shop. Look for items from artisan-made makers and locally-grown ingredients at local farmers’ markets and specialty shops.
You’ll find affordable souvenirs, jewelry, and handmade soaps at stores in the town. Performing arts are another way to spend your time in Luray. The Regional Center for Performing Arts opened in 2005 and presents year-round programming throughout the downtown area. You’ll find performances by national and regional artists, as well as local and regional performers. There’s something for everyone. You can even buy handmade soaps and eclairs.
The town’s downtown Main Street is full of unique shopping opportunities, as well as warm Southern hospitality. You’ll also find a Singing Tower, a 47-bell monument, across the street from the Visitor Center. The tower is adorned with a live carillon player, and you can often enjoy concerts and other events there. The Museum offers free admission, so you don’t need to pay to visit. You’ll be glad you did!
The Valley Cork, located near the downtown historic district, is a great place to enjoy wine and a cheese plate while exploring the town. Its owners, Chris and Lindi, moved back to the town in 2014 after living in Washington, DC for 10 years. If you’re in Luray, VA, be sure to check out the Visitor Center and the small train museum. And don’t forget to visit the Chinquapin Oak, which is the oldest tree in the town. It was planted in 1755 and has an area of 122 square feet.
Several local organizations have been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Luray Greenway was one of the catalysts for many of these improvements. In fact, the project began in 1999, after a local tree board met with the Virginia Department of Forestry. The project received approval from the town’s mayor and the Town Tree and Beautification Committee. In the future, Luray’s tree board plans to add one or two murals per year to honor the town’s history.
The Warehouse Art Gallery is another local attraction that showcases some of the best works of art. There are more than 1,000 pieces of fine art on display at the gallery. If you’re looking for unique gifts, you can also check out the Cooter’s Luray, which was started by Ben Jones, who played Cooter in the hit show, Dukes of Hazzard. The art gallery also has a curated selection of items that you can purchase online.