GUIDE FRONT ROYAL & WARREN COUNTY
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Warren County History
Outdoor lovers from all over America come to Warren County, the “Canoe Capital of Virginia,” which is located on the eastern side of the Shenandoah Valley at the point where the North and South branches of the Shenandoah River combine in their northward flow to the Potomac River. Shenandoah comes from Native American languages, with popular translations being “Daughter of the Stars,” “Great Plains” or “Spruce Stream.”
American Indians built in Warren County what is considered the oldest permanent structure east of the Mississippi River in North America, an 11,000-yearold ceremonial building, the archaeological remains of which are known today as the Thunderbird Site. The first documented European explorer to see Warren County and the Shenandoah Valley — John Lederer, in 1670 — noted an almost eerie absence of native peoples, who had been killed by warfare and disease. By the early
1700s, when fur trapping and land prospecting began in the Shenandoah Valley, the Cherokee, Iroquois, and Shawnee peoples were using the Valley as a collective hunting ground.
In 1729 a group of German immigrants led by Joist Hite purchased several thousand acres of land in the northern Shenandoah Valley. A community of Quaker families from Maryland, led by Robert McKay, came at the same time as Hite’s Germans.
In 1734 Thomas Chester established a ferry service known as Chester’s Ferry at the juncture of the forks of the Shenandoah River, and in the 1740s an English Lord — Thomas, Lord Fairfax, the Sixth Baron of Cameron — came to the area that is today Warren County to lay claim to his inheritance: a 5 million-acre (219-square mile) swath of the colony that extended
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Celebrate Warren County
Join us as Warren County, Virginia proudly celebrates 250 years of American independence by honoring the history, people, and places that shaped our nation and continue to shape our community today.
Rooted in storytelling, community participation, and placebased history, Warren County’s VA250 programming highlights our role as a crossroads of cultures, commerce, and independence along the Shenandoah River and throughout the Shenandoah Valley.
Upcoming events:
From Lanterns to Liberty
Saturday, April 18, 2026 11:00am – 9:00pm
Warren Heritage Society (101 Chester St) & Town Gazebo
Step into Revolutionary history with Family fun, great food, live entertainment, hands-on activities, and a glow walk to commemorate Paul Revere’s midnight ride.
Freedom Flows Festival
Saturday, May 30, 2026 10:00am – 6:00pm
Eastham Park (860 Luray Ave)
Celebrate the Shenandoah River with family fun, hands-on activities, live demonstrations, local food, artisans, and interactive exhibits bringing history to life.
Independence Day
Saturday, July 4, 2026 Gates Open - 5:30pm – Fireworks at Dusk
Northern Virginia 4-H Center (600 4-H Center Dr)
Celebrate America’s 250th with Warren County’s biggest fireworks, food, live entertainment, and family fun.
Liberty Day: Heritage Celebration
Saturday, October 3, 2026 10:00am – 6:00pm
Rockland Park (250 Rockland Park Ct)
Liberty Day delivers big fall family fun with history, reenactments, hands-on activities, live entertainment, and a can’t-miss community celebration day.
Follow us on social media for year-round events and more. Warren County VA250
from the Chesapeake Bay through the Shenandoah Valley and on to western Maryland. In 1754 a large extended family under the leadership of the son of a French Huguenot, Peter LeHew, settled at the foot of the Blue Ridge along the road leading from Chester’s Gap to Chester’s Ferry, and LeHewtown was established. During the French & Indian War, LeHewtown was the Royal Frontier of the British Empire, hence the town’s name at the time of its charter in 1788: Front Royal.
By the coming of railroads and canals in the 1830s the overland migration routes changed, and when Warren County was incorporated in March 1836, the community had settled into an agricultural existence, with small farming villages surrounding Front Royal and Riverton.
When the war came in 1861, Warren County bore, with the rest of Virginia, much of the horrors of war. Great battles fought nearby meant a steady stream of wounded to be cared for and supplies to be collected. On May 23, 1862, the Battle of Front Royal took place in the streets and buildings of the county seat, and Warren County lost use of the bridges spanning the forks of the Shenandoah.
In 1864 the Union burned many mills in the Valley, Warren County’s included. The war’s end saw Warren in ruins, its economy shattered, and its population drained. New bridges would not connect Front Royal to the rest of the county for another three decades.
The turn of the century saw new life breathed into Warren County, which had slowly recovered during Reconstruction with the development of the Bank of Warren and some light industry.
By the 1890s the Front Royal-Riverton Improvement Company had incorporated, built new bridges, laid out new neighborhoods, and encouraged new factories to locate in Front Royal and Riverton — Virginia’s “Twin Cities.” The county drew its labor pool from surrounding counties that remained largely agricultural, and by the 1930s the American Viscose Corporation had constructed an enormous rayon facility, which would employ over 80 percent of the county’s workforce by the 1940s. The Great Depression saw many public works projects in the county develop, the largest of which was Shenandoah National Park and its Skyline Drive. Tourism was now added to agriculture and industry as Warren County’s livelihood.
Today Warren County still stands at the nexus of several transportation routes and has become part of the greater Washington, D.C., community and economy, both receiving visitors and new residents from northern Virginia as well as sending many residents in the opposite direction for work and school. Warren County continues to grow and change as a result, with its position as a transportation hub continuing to define that growth as it has for centuries.
Provided by the Warren Heritage Society
BLUE RIDGE ARTS COUNCIL
Founded in 1987, the mission of Blue Ridge Arts Council is to provide a broad base of support for the visual and performing arts, in all segments of the community, by increasing awareness, interest, knowledge and participation. A 12-member community-based board governs the work of the council and employs a full time Executive Director and a part-time office administrator. The arts council coordinates several gallery spaces
throughout the county, and exhibits and sells fine art by local and regional artists. Music and Art Lessons are offered at our Main Street Gallery throughout the week. Each summer the council presents “Gazebo Gatherings,” a summer concert series held at the Town Commons each Thursday evening at 7 p.m., July and August. Special events throughout the year include our annual Arts Citizen of the Year dinner and roast, and the annual community holiday kick-off event Deck the Halls (held the 3rd Friday/Saturday November).
COVER PHOTO BY RICH COOLEY
Tim Norris, of Middletown, fly fishes along the South Fork of the Shenandoah River near the Front Royal landing.
Acorn Hill
BOAT LANDINGS
Shenandoah River Campground, Public Access
Catletts Ford Landing
1 Catletts Ford Rd, Front Royal, Public Access
The facility serves as the only river access point between Riverton Landing and U.S. Route 50 while construction continues on the Morgan Ford Bridge. GPS Coordinates: 38.9784, -78.2587
Eastham Park
In Front Royal at the end of Luray Ave., Public Access
This landing provides access to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. It will accommodate canoes and has a concrete ramp for other small boats. There is also a picnic area, park, dog park and a parking lot. Lighting has been provided. GPS coordinates: 38.9134562825704, -78.2096946688109
Farms Riverview Landing
15 Farms Riverview Rd., Front Royal, Public Access Concrete ramp. GPS coordinates: 38.99, -78.07
Front Royal Golf Club
950 Country Club Rd., Front Royal, Fee Ramp
Indian Hollow Boat Landing
1020 Indian Hollow Rd., Bentonville, Public Access
This landing is located on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and has a two-acre parking lot and a gravel ramp. It is located across a low water bridge on Route 613 just west of Bentonville. GPS coordinates: 38.8405362186519, -78.3290654226503
Karo
200 Chapman Farm Rd., Front Royal, Public Access
Route 340 South approx. 5 miles south of Front Royal located on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River near the entrance to Gooney Run. The site features a parking lot and gravel ramp. Shoreline access only. GPS coordinates: 38.8715129146727, -78.2526408551648
Morgan’s Ford
Happy Creek Rd., Front Royal, Public Access
Located at the Morgan’s Ford Low Water Bridge on Route 624 on the Main-stem of the Shenandoah River with a gravel lot and a one acre parking area. Shoreline access only.
Riverton
150 Riverton Rd., Riverton, Public Access
Access to the main stem of the Shenandoah River, with a concrete ramp, gravel parking and access to deep water suitable for motorboats and water skiing. GPS coordinates: 38.949623922578, -78.198081583139
Simpson’s Landing
1371 Downing Farm Rd., Front Royal, Public Access
The landing, located on the South Fork of the Shenandoah, is accessed off Downing Farm Road in the Thunderbird Farms area of Warren County. GPS coordinates: 38.8785, -78.2617
BREWERIES + WINERIES
Backroom Brewery
150 Ridgemont Rd., Middletown 540-869-8482 • backroombreweryva.com
The Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop 540-843-0584 • blueridgewhiskeywineloop.com
Capstone Vineyards
13400 Crimson Ln., Linden 540-308-9463 • campstonevineyards.com
Chester Gap Cellars
4615 Remount Rd., Front Royal 540-636-8086 • chestergapcellars.com
Crimson Lane Vineyard 13334 Crimson Ln., Linden 540-506-5062 • crimsonlanevineyards.com
Fox Meadow Winery
3310 Freezeland Rd., Linden 540-636-6777 • foxmeadowwinery.com
FR Cellars
18 High St., Front Royal frcellars.co
Glen Manor Vineyards
2244 Browntown Rd., Front Royal 540-635-6324 • glenmanorvineyards.com
Honey & Hops Brew Works
212 E. Main St., Front Royal 540-692-6032 • honeyandhopsbrewworks.com
Linden Vineyards
3708 Harrels Corner Rd., Linden 540-364-1997 • lindenvineyards.com
Reitano Vineyards
137 Lee Burke Rd., Front Royal 540-550-0334 • reitanovineyards.com
SAGA Meadery
7 South St., Front Royal 339-221-3115 • sagameadery.com
Vibrissa Beer
122 E. Main St., Front Royal 540-313-4551 • vibrissabeer.com
COUNTY PARKS + RECREATION
Andreae Family Wellness & Recreation
Trail at Warren Memorial Hospital
The new Warren Memorial Hospital has taken this need for outdoor exercise for both mental and physical health seriously, with a public walking trail on the hospital campus with over three miles of wooded trails and two scenic overlooks. Trail maps are available at the Visitor Center.
Bowman Park
Luray Ave., Front Royal, next to St. John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church, 120 W. Main St. Offers benches and picnic tables
Burrell Brooks Jr. Community Park
450 E. Criser Rd., Front Royal • 540-635-7750
Three-acre park with a walking trail, outdoor exercise equipment, sand volleyball court, basketball court, horseshoe pit, large play structure consisting of three slides with a connecting bridge, ride
Front Royal & Warren County Guide
on the dinosaur or swings. Large shelter with restrooms. Open dawn to dusk.
Chimney Field Park
410 W. 12th St., Front Royal • 540-635-1021
Offers two softball fields with concession and restroom facilities, tennis and basketball courts, a practice soccer field, and a picnic shelter.
Dr. Seide Memorial Botanical Gardens
200 E. 8th St., Front Royal
This 3.5 acre park is located adjacent to the Raymond E. Santmyers Youth Center and separates Lions Park from Gertrude E. Miller Park. Features a Splash Pad, short paved walking paths around a lighted water fountain, benches, shaded garden area full of shrubbery and flowers and fishing platform. Open dawn to dusk.
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Ginny
Cell:
ginny@mainstreet-travel.com
Rachel
Cell: 301-518-4593
rachel@mainstreet-travel.com
Front Royal congregation • 540-686-1640 7145 Browntown Rd., Front Royal 10 a.m. Worship • churchofjesuschrist.org
Fishnet Ministries Church Sunday Worship 10:30 am “Come As You Are” 391 Fishnet Blvd., Front Royal, VA 22630 540-636-2961 • www.fishnetministries.org
Royal United Methodist Church 1 W. Main Street, Front Royal, Va 540-635-2935 • Sunday Worship 10AM www.frumc.org
Living Water Christian Church of the Shenandoah Valley 72 North Lake Ave., Front Royal, VA 22630 540-622-6320 • www.lwccsv.org
Rockland Community Church
2921 Rockland Road, Front Royal 540-635-8312 • Sunday Worship 11am www.rocklandcommunitychurch.net
Eastham Park
860 Luray Ave., Front Royal • 540-635-7750 warrencountyva.net/eastham-park.html
Non-motorized bikes only. Located in the Town of Front Royal at the end of Luray Avenue. Front Royal Boat Landing is located here on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Trail for walkers, runners and bikers. Multi-purpose fields and two dog parks. The Eastham Park Walking Trail is part of the park and currently is one mile in length that follows along the bank of the Shenandoah River before going through a wooded area towards Skyline High School and an outdoor classroom.
Florence Smith Memorial Playground
333 Front St., Front Royal • 635-7750
One-acre park adjacent to and accessible from Happy Creek Trail. It offers a picnic shelter, swing set, play structure and merry-goround. Open daily dawn to dusk.
Gertrude E. Miller Community Park
905 Stadium Dr., Front Royal • 540-635-7750
Claude A. Stokes, Jr. Community swimming pool facility, five lighted picnic shelters (#1-4, and 6), picnic tables, park benches, grills, drinking fountain, two lighted softball fields, playground, lighted tennis courts, lighted basketball court, sand volleyball court, restrooms, electricity, concession buildings, Champions 53 Field Complex, Little League Baseball Complex and Bing Crosby Stadium.
Happy Creek Arboretum
Prospect St. & Commerce Ave., Front Royal Over 30 tree species identified. It has benches, gazebo, picnic tables and footbridge.
Linden Park
Dismal Hollow Rd., Linden • 540-635-7750
Shelter, picnic tables, playground equipment, parking lot and bus turnaround area. Portable restroom.
Lions Park & Fantasyland Playground
903 Hometown Way, Front Royal • 540-635-7750
Lions Park has three acres adjacent to Gertrude E. Miller Park and is bordered by Happy Creek, Raymond E. Santmyers Youth Center, Seide Botanical Gardens. Features two separate playground areas, picnic shelter, horseshoe pits and sand volleyball court. Harmony Park addition was added in 2018, has five structures for children to explore musical play.
Peter LeHew Park
410 W. 13th St., Front Royal
A one-half acre park has a large playground structure with two slides, four-person see-saw, rock climbing wall, swing set and small picnic shelter.
Raymond E. Santmyers
Student Union and Activity Center
208 E. 8th St., Front Royal • 540-692-6691
reachingoutnow.org/the-student-union/
The re-imagined Raymond E. Santmyers Student Union and Activity Center opened for registration in November 2024. Developed by local nonprofit Reaching Out Now, the center is a safe, supportive space for local teens to build leadership skills and character, and foster meaningful relationships with their peers. Open to public, private and homeschool teens, the center offers a mix of recreational, hangout opportunities alongside more structured programming. A large room offers a variety of games – air hockey, billiards, and foosball – as well as seating areas, a stage, and access to a small kitchen for snacks and drinks. Smaller rooms in the center are dedicated to gaming, community building, and tutoring. The membership-based, drop-in style center is open five days a week. Registration required.
Rockland Park & Disc Golf Course
706 Rockland Rd., Front Royal • 540-635-7750
Walking trails, large playground structure, 18-hole disc golf course, two large picnic shelters, outdoor fitness equipment. Open year round.
Royal Shenandoah Greenway
The trail runs from the Visitors Center, down Main Street to Luray Avenue, and then proceeds down to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. From there it travels along the river for about a half mile, then passes under a railroad overpass and proceeds up through the woods to where it presently stops in front of Skyline High School. Taking the trail in the opposite direction from the Visitors Center one can easily find a macadam path running from Main Street to South Street and from South Street to Criser Road near the library.
The trail continues a short distance from Skyline High School to the intersection of Route 340 and Criser Road. And then about a half mile along Criser Road to Happy Creek. That completes the loop.
There is much to see along the Royal Shenandoah Greenway. There is an arboretum replete with a variety of labeled trees and shrubs that the Tree Stewards maintain. A stroll along the South Fork of the Shenandoah, is sublime with spring bluebells providing bright and restful color. The Town has installed two kiosks – one in the Arboretum and the second, funded by the Beautification Committee, at the Visitors Center – providing information about tree care and current events. The Trees Stewards maintain these kiosks.
And now the trail is taking on a life of its own. As the result of a Boy Scout project there is a book box by the river where one can read at leisure, take a book home and later return it along with other book donations. Eastham Park, through which runs the river section of the trail, has two dog parks (large and small) and soccer fields.
The Greenway is a trail for hikers, bikers, walkers, and baby strollers. Information: Front Royal/Warren County Tree Stewards
CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
Shenandoah River State Park
350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville 540-622-6840 • virginiastateparks.gov
Shenandoah River State Park, also known as the Raymond R. “Andy” Guest State Park, offers adventure on and off the river. The Park provides public access to the South Fork of the Shenandoah River and the scenic beauty of the Massanutten Mountain region. Visitors can spend time hiking, biking and horseback riding or at the riverside picnic area enjoying a cookout and a dip in the cool waters. The Park holds a wide variety of events, festivals, workshops and educational programs throughout the year. The Park includes 1,600 acres, five miles of shoreline, 24 miles of trails, over 31 camp/cabin options.
The Appalachian Trail discoverfrontroyal.com/visitor-guide.html
The Appalachian Trail is a 2,190 mile-long public footpath that traverses the scenic, wooded, pastoral, wild and culturally resonant lands of the Appalachian Mountains. Conceived in 1921, build by private citizens, and completed just 16 years later in 1937, today the trail is managed by the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, numerous state agencies and the dedicated work of thousands of nature-loving volunteers. The Trail has 101 miles that run through the Shenandoah National Park and blazes through 14 states. The highest point is Clingmans Dome at 6,643 feet and the local trail crossing is three miles south of downtown Front Royal.
Warren County Community Center
538 Villa Ave., Front Royal • 540-635-1021
Warren County’s Parks & Recreation Department has a variety of athletic facilities available for rent. If you have any questions,
or need additional information, please contact the Warren County Community Center.
Facilities in Gertrude E. Miller Park: 2 adult softball fields, 2 baseball fields (including Bing Crosby Stadium), 2 tennis courts
Facilities in Chimney Field Park: 3 youth softball fields, 4 lighted tennis courts, lighted basketball court
Facilities in Skyline Soccer Plex: A stadium field, multiple game fields, and multiple practice fields
Facilities in the Warren County Health & Human Services Complex: Football practice fields, track, gymnasium with concession stand, cafe, band room, toddler-safe so play room, indoor batting cage. 465 W. 15th St., Front Royal. 540-635-3430
Warren County Dog Park
860 Luray Ave., Front Royal
Part of Eastham Park. Provides 0.75 acre area for smaller, timid or older dogs; while an accompanying 1.90 acres is geared toward larger dogs.
Warren County Health & Human Services Complex
600 W. 15th St., Front Royal • 540-635-3430
Gymnasium, cafe, regulation football field and several open space practice facilities.
Warren County Skate Park
101 Kerfoot Ave., Front Royal
The 15,000 square-foot facility is designed for skate boarders, in-line skaters and scooter and BMX bike riders with playground, shelters, picnic tables, grill, concession stand and restrooms. Open daily dawn to dusk. The Skyline Soccerplex, part of the Skate Park, has 6 game fields (two with lights) and two practice fields with a paved walking trail.
FESTIVALS + COUNTY FAIRS
The Chamber’s Virginia Wine and Craft Festival is an event you don’t want to miss. It is held the third Saturday in May each year. Wine, cider & mead tastings from Virginia, along with talented artisans and crafters of all kinds from throughout the East Coast, bring people far and wide to Front Royal. There are also rides, games, and face painting for the kids.
Another annual Front Royal festival is the Festival of Leaves, organized by the Front Royal Independent Business Alliance (FRIBA). The Festival is enjoyed in October in the historical downtown area.
The Front Royal-Warren County Chamber of Commerce
annual Christmas Parade is a fun event for all ages.
The Warren County Fairground is over 69 years old, and the Fair Association was established in 1987 as a nonprofit organization. The Warren County Fair is being held July 27-Aug. 1, 2026. There are pageants, nightly entertainment, carnival rides, youth contests, a pet show, a 4-H livestock show and sale, a home economics division for youth and adults, agriculture and livestock divisions, vendor displays, a community trade show, truck & tractor pull, pro wrestling, monster trucks, a demolition derby, and, of course, lots of food. Visit warrencountyfair.com or call 540-635-5827 for more information.
Blue Ridge Shadows
456 Shadows Dr., Front Royal 540-631-9661 • 866-631-9661 • blueridgeshadows.com
Front Royal Golf Club
902 Country Club Rd., Front Royal • 540-636-9061
Disc Golf-Rockland Park
250 Rockland Park Ct., Front Royal, 540-635-1021
GOLF
Shenandoah Valley Golf Club
134 Golf Club Circle, Front Royal 540-636-4653 • shenandoahvalleygolfclub.com
Sly Fox Golf Club
65 Jackson’s Chase Dr., Middletown 540-635-7814 • jacksonchasegolfclub.com
HORSEBACK RIDING
Royal Horseshoe Farm
509 Morgan Ford Rd., Front Royal 540-636-6375 • royalhorseshoe.com
Trail riding offered year-round. Experiences range from gentle pastures, to wide sloping trails and stream crossings.
Skyland Stables at Shenandoah National Park
Skyline Drive, Skyland Upper Loop, Luray • 877-847-1919
More than 150 miles of horse trails. Reservations required.
Skyline Ranch Resort
751 Mountain Rd., Front Royal 540-635-4169 • skylineranchresort.com
Shenandoah Trail Rides
751 Mountain Rd., Front Royal (Located at Skyline Ranch Resort) 540-635-4169 • skylineranchresort.com
MUSEUMS
Balthis House
101 Chester St., Front Royal 540-635-1446 • warrenheritagesociety.org
Built circa 1787 and named for the William Balthis family, who lived here from 1838 to 1908. It is the oldest surviving house in Front Royal. For access to the Balthis House, please visit the Ivy Lodge.
Belle Boyd Cottage
101 Chester St., Front Royal 540-636-1446 • warrenheritagesociety.org
Belle Boyd was a teenage girl who stayed with her aunt and uncle in Front Royal. While living at the Cottage, she spied on the Union troops occupying the town and informed Stonewall Jackson of their size and movement. Visit the Ivy Lodge to tour the Cottage.
Royal & Warren
Ivy Lodge - Museum, Gift Shop & Warren Heritage Society
101 Chester St., Front Royal 540-636-1446 • warrenheritagesociety.org
Formerly the Davis Roy House (established 1825) and Samuels Public Library (established 1952), the Ivy Lodge presently houses a free museum, gift shop and the Warren County Heritage Society’s offices.
Laura Virginia Hale Archives
101 Chester St., Front Royal 540-636-1446 • warrenheritagesociety.org
The archives is named after a local historian and includes genealogical and historical documents from Warren County and the Town of Front Royal. The Warren Heritage Society runs this wonderful treasure. There is a nominal fee for non-members of the Warren Heritage Society for archival research.
Prospect Hill Cemetery
200 W Prospect St., Front Royal • 540-635-5468
At the entrance to the cemetery is the Mosby Monument. This monument, erected in 1899, commemorates the lives of seven John S. Mosby’s Rangers who were executed in Front Royal in September of 1864. General Grant, who was frustrated by the daring raids made by Mosby’s Rangers in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, issued the order to immediately hang any of Mosby’s men who were captured. The seven men commemorated on this monument died as a result of the order. On a circular lot at the top of the hill, known as Soldier’s Circle, lay the remains of 276 soldiers representing each of the thirteen states of the Confederacy. From this hill, Stonewall Jackson directed his troops during the Battle of Front Royal on May 23, 1862.
Virginia Beer Museum
16 Chester St., Front Royal 540-313-1441 • facebook.com/VABeerMuseum
The first official Beer Museum in Virginia. Learn the fascinating story of Virginia’s 400 year history with beer. Enjoy our growing collection of artifacts and displays. Experience an interactive tour of Virginia breweries. Taste Virginia’s award-winning craft beers.
Warren Heritage Society
101 Chester St., Front Royal 540-636-1446 • warrenheritagesociety.org
The Society was first organized in 1971 as a local history project. Their mission: “to create and enhance an awareness of Warren County heritage through preservation and education.” The Society’s first project was the Festival of Leaves, which can now be enjoyed each year on historical Main Street in the month of October. The Society operates the Ivy Lodge, Belle Boyd Cottage and the Laura Virginia Hale Archives.
Warren Rifles Confederate Museum
95 Chester St., Front Royal 540-636-6982 • 540-635-3463 • battlefields.org
The museum was founded and is operated by the Warren Rifles Chapter of the Daughters of the Confederacy. The museum contains an excellent collection of relics and records of the War Between the States. It offers gifts that reflect that era.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Battle of Front Royal Driving Tour
414 E. Main St., Front Royal 540-635-5788 • discoverfrontroyal.com
Blue Ridge Hot Air Balloons
552 Milldale Hollow Rd., Front Royal 540-622-6325 • rideair.com
Claude A. Stokes Community Swimming Pool
1000 Stadium Dr., Front Royal • 540-635-9433
Features a Z-shape pool with 25-meter semi lanes, diving board, water slide, handicapped stairwell and lift, large wading and raindrop fountain pools. There are lifeguards on duty at all times, however, children age 11 and under must be accompanied by an adult. The facility also includes a zipline, concessions area and two picnic shelters.
Downriver Canoe Company
884 Indian Hollow Rd., Bentonville 540-635-5526 • downriver.com
Downriver Canoe Company invites you to join us for an unforgettable day of fun and adventure on one of America’s most beautiful rivers. In business since 1974.
Front Royal Outdoors
8567 Stonewall Jackson Hwy., Front Royal 540-635-5440 • 800-270-8808 • frontroyaloutdoors.com.
Offering adventures in a canoe, tube, kayak or raft on the South Fork of the Shenandoah River.
George Washington National Forest -
Lee
Ranger District
4917 Strasburg Rd., Strasburg 540-984-4101 • fs.usda.gov/gwj
About 5 miles from Front Royal with areas to camp throughout the beautiful George Washington National Forest. The closest area to Front Royal is Elizabeth Furnace Recreation Area. Fishing is permitted following state regulations. For more information, contact the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries at dgif.state.va.us or 804-367-1000. Permits may be required. Please note: the address given here is actually that of Panorama Memorial Gardens, but that will take you to the GW forest entry point.
Gooney Creek Campground
7122 Stonewall Jackson Hwy., Front Royal 540-635-4066 • gooneycreek.com
Offering 45 sites with several having electric/water hookups and the Shenandoah River in walking distance. Minutes from Shenandoah National Park/Skyline Drive and Skyline Caverns.
Royal & Warren
Happy Creek Trail
This trail is located adjacent to Commerce Avenue and runs onehalf mile. Designed for walkers, runners, bikers and hikers.
Historic Front Royal Walking Tour
414 E. Main St., Front Royal • 540-635-5788
Visit the Front Royal Visitors Center for a complimentary copy of our self-guided tour detailing the making of the town.
Low Water Bridge Campground
192 Panhandle Rd., Bentonville • 540-635-7277
Northern Virginia 4-H
Educational Center
600 4-H Center Rd., Front Royal 540-635-7171 • nova4h.com
A 229-acre center designed for conferences, retreats, educational programs, seminars and workshops with an auditorium that seats 300. Open year-round with lodging, meals, meeting rooms, public pool and recreational facilities. Four lodges provide heated space for overnight stays. Each lodge is equipped with bunk beds and is handicapped accessible. There is also a pool that is open to the public on Thursdays 3-8, Fridays 1-6, and Saturdays 11-4.
Poe’s South Fork Campground
203 Riverside Dr., Front Royal 540-636-6192 • poessouthforkcampground.com
Skydive Front Royal
229 Stokes Airport Rd., Front Royal • 540-935-3279
Shenandoah River/Raymond R. Andy
Guest Jr. State Park
350 Daughter of Stars Dr., Bentonville • 540-622-6840
Skyline Ranch Resort
751 Mountain Rd., Front Royal • 540-635-4169
Offers camping to Coast to Coast, AOR, RPI and RCI members with many amenities. Cabins and chalets, campsites for tents and RVs. Located about 6 miles from Front Royal. Horseback riding, activities for children, salt water walk-in pool.
Twin Rivers Campground
203 Riverside Dr., Front Royal 540-636-6192 • twinriversrvcampground.com
SAMUELS PUBLIC LIBRARY
330 E Criser Rd. • (540) 635-3153 • samuelslibrary.net
Director - Erin Rooney
Mon-Thurs 10-8 • Fri-Sat 10-5 • Closed Sunday
Samuels Public Library offers a wide range of services and resources to the community. The library provides monthly programs and events for individuals of all ages.
With a focus on building community and enriching lives, Samuels Public Library strives to bring people, information and ideas together through learning, creativity and connection in Warren County.
Samuels Public Library has free, limited Notary service. Please call the Library at 540-635-3153 prior to your visit to ensure a Notary is available.
SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK
nps.gov/shen/
Open year-round, Shenandoah National Park is home to the famous Skyline Drive, a 105-mile road that winds across the crests of mountains through the entire length of the park. Along the way are scenic vistas showcasing the spectacular landscapes to the east and the west.
The park is much more than just Skyline Drive, however. There are over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the renowned
Appalachian Trail. Each trail holds its own surprises, whether it is a hidden waterfall or panoramic view, and there is a trail for each skill level. Hikers may run into one of the many species of wildlife found in the park or find apple trees, stone foundations, and cemeteries of inhabitants from long ago.
In addition to trails, there are also camping and lodging facilities available.
Visitors centers are open mid-May through late October.
SKYLINE CAVERNS
10344 Stonewall Jackson Hwy., Front Royal 540-635-4545 • 800-296-4545 • skylinecaverns.com
Skyline Caverns is the closest natural wonder to the nation’s capital and hosts nearly 100,000 visitors each year. People come from all around to experience the rare anthodites, unique formations of delicate white spikes, spreading in all directions, including upward, from their position on the cave ceiling.
The guided tour featuring the cave’s geological history takes adventurers deep underground. Don’t forget a jacket on the tour; the
Phone numbers for local utilities
Cable Television
• Comcast/Xfinity: 888-683-1000
• DirectTV: 800-201-4416
Electric
• Rappahannock Electric Cooperative: 540-622-2001
• Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative: 540-450-0111
Gas/Oil/Propane
• AmeriGas: 800-237-1320
• H.N. Funkhouser: 540-636-8000, 800-343-6556
caves stay a cool 54 degrees year-round. Award-winning lighting systems allow visitors to enjoy the splendor of the Capital Dome, Rainbow Trail, the Painted Desert, the Wishing Well, the Grotto of Nativity, Cathedral Hall, the Shrine, Fairyland Lake, and much more. Included are three underground streams and the 37-foot Rainbow Waterfall.
Skyline Caverns also offers the Skyline Arrow, a one-fifth-scale miniature train, and the Enchanted Dragon Mirror Maze, a must for the young at heart. Located at the Northern Entrance to Skyline Drive, Skyline Caverns opens at 9 a.m. daily.
Gas/Oil/Propane continued
• Holtzman Oil Corp (Oil): 540-477-3131, 800-628-0379
• Holtzman Oil Corp (Propane): 888-306-4243, 540-465-9200
• Quarles Petroleum: 540-635-2166, 877-444-3825
Internet
• Century Link: 540-984-5383
• Comcast/Xfinity: 888-683-1000
• Shentel/Glo Fiber: 540-984-4141
• Via Satellite Inc./Dish Network: 540-636-6765
Landline Telephone
• Century Link: 888-723-8010
• Verizon: 540-636-3765
Legislators
• Delegate Delores Oates (R) District 31
General Assembly Building, 201 N. 9th St., Richmond, VA 23219 804-698-1031
District Office:
424-A South St., Box 230, Front Royal, VA 22630 804-698-1031 Email: DelDOates@house.virginia.gov
• State Senator Timmy French (R) District 1
General Assembly Building, Box 396, Richmond, VA 23218 804-698-7651
District Office
P.O. Box 628, Woodstock, VA 22664 540-325-8767
• Congressman Ben Cline (6th District) 2443 Rayburn House, Washington, DC 20515-4606 202-225-5431
District Office: 100 N. Loudoun St., Suite 120, Winchester, VA 22601 540-546-0876
• U.S. Senator Tim Kaine 231 Russell Senate Office, Washington, DC 20510 202-224-4024 • kaine.senate.gov
• U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner 703 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DC 20510 202-224-2023 • warner.senate.gov
• Governor Abigail Spanberger P.O. Box 1475, Richmond, VA 23218 804-786-2441 • governor.virginia.gov
Warren County Government Contact Information
220 N. Commerce Ave., Suite 100 Front Royal • 540-636-4600
• County Administrator: Jane Meadows (Interim)
• County Attorney: Jason J. Ham • 540-636-6674
• Clerk of the Court: Angela Moore, 26th Circuit • 540-635-2435
• Clerk of the General District Court: Lindsay Marie Cooper • 540-635-2335
• Clerk of the Juvenile & Domestic Relations Court: Shanna Lane Henry • 540-635-4107
• Commissioner of Revenue: Sherry T. Sours • 540-635-2651
• Treasurer: Janice Butler Shanks • 540-635-2215
• Voting Registrar: Matthew Reisinger • 540-635-4327
• Building Inspections Official: David Beahm • 540-636-9973
• Director Parks & Recreation: Tiffany Walker • 540-635-1021
• Planning: 540-636-3354
Chase Lenz, Zoning Administrator, Floodplain & CRS Manager Kelly Wahl, Planner; Cory Griffith, GIS Administrator
• Social Services Director: Jon Martz • 540-635-3430
• Cooperative Extension Agent: Karen Poff • 540-635-4549
• Solid Waste Department Manager: Jamie Lentz • 540-636-0794
• Fire & Rescue Services: Chief James “Jimmy” Bonzano II • 540-636-3830
• Commonwealth’s Attorney: John S. Bell • 540-635-5441
Royal & Warren
• Rappahannock Shenandoah Warren Regional Jail: Supt. Russell W. Gilkison • 540-622-6097
• Sheriff’s Department: Sheriff Crystal M. Cline • 540-635-4128
• Warren County Community Center: 538 Villa Ave. • 540-635-1021
• Warren County Extension Office: 220 N. Commerce Ave., Suite 500 • 540-635-4549
• Senior Center: 465 W. 15th St., Suite 600 • 540-635-8652
• Northwestern Community Services: 209 W. Criser Rd., Suite 100 • 540-636-2931
• Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging: 207 Mosby Ln. • 540-635-7141
• Humane Society of Warren County: 1245 Progress Dr. • 540-635-4734
• Warren County Health Department: 465 W. 15th St., Suite 200 • 540-635-3159
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
• Fork District: Hugh B. Henry
• Happy Creek District: Tony F. Carter
• South River District: Cheryl L. Cullers
• Shenandoah District: John W. Stanmeyer
• North River District: Dr. Richard A. Jamiesen
Front Royal Government Contact Information
102 E. Main St. • 540-635-8007
• Town Manager: Joe Petty • 540-635-8007
• Town Attorney: George M. Sonnett Jr. • 540-635-7872
• Mayor: Lori A. Cockrell • 540-635-9063
• Vice Mayor: Amber F. Veitenthal
• Front Royal Town Council: Melissa DeDomenico-Payne
Joshua L. Ingram
H. Bruce Rappaport
R. Wayne Sealock
Glenn E. Wood
• Front Royal Police Chief: Brian Whited 900 Monroe Ave. • 540-635-2111
Warren County Schools
• A. S. Rhodes Elementary 224 W. Strasburg Rd. • 540-635-4556
• Blue Ridge Technical Center 280 Luray Ave.’ • 540-635-7123
• Brighter Futures Learning Community 465 W. 15th St., #500 • 540-635-2725
• Chelsea Academy 1190 Progress Dr. • 540-635-0622 • chelseaacadeamy.org
• Christendom College 134 Christendom Dr. • 540-636-2900 • christendom.edu
• Divinum Auxilium Academy 6294 Browntown Rd. • 540-631-0086 • divineassistanceacademy.org
• Dominion Ridge Academy 80 N. Lake Ave. (inside New Hope Bible Church) 540-635-6799 • dominionridgeacademy.com
• E. Wilson Morrison Elementary 40 Crescent St. • 540-635-4188
• Front Royal Christian School 1190 Progress Dr. • 540-631-0033
• Hilda J. Barbour Elementary 290 Westminster Dr. • 540-622-8090
• Leslie Fox Keyser Elementary 1015 Stonewall Dr. • 540-635-3125
• Mountain Laurel Montessori School 155 Biggs Dr. • 540-636-4257 • mountainlaurelmontessori.org
• Mountain Vista Governor’s School mvgshome.org
• Front Royal Visitors Center: 414 E. Main St. • 540-635-5788 Open daily 10-4 except Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s
• Front Royal Area Transit: Route begins and ends at Visitor’s Center; Fare 50-cents 540-825-2456 (customer service) • 540-341-3464 877-777-2708 • vatransit.org
• Front Royal-Warren County Airport: 229 Stokes Airport Rd. • 540-635-3570
• Warren Memorial Hospital: 351 Valley Health Way • 540-636-0300
• Saint Luke Community Clinic: 316 N. Royal Ave. • 540-636-4325
• Randolph-Macon Academy 200 Academy Dr. • 540-636-5200 • rma.edu
• Ressie Jeffries Elementary 320 E. Criser Rd. • 540-636-6824
• Seton Home Study School 1350 Progress Dr. • 540-636-9990 • setonhome.org
• Skyline High School 151 Skyline Vista Dr. • 540-631-0366
• Skyline Middle School 240 Luray Ave. • 540-636-0909
• Warren County High School 155 Westminster Dr. • 540-635-4144
• Warren County Middle School 522 Heritage Dr. • 540-635-2194
SCHOOL BOARD
• Superintendent: Dr. Troy Wright • 540-635-2171
• Fork District: George Cline • gcline@wcps.k12.va.us
• Happy Creek District: Sara Jones • sjones@wcps.k12.va.us
• North River District: Melanie Salins msalins@wcps.k12.va.us
• Shenandoah District: Thomas McFadden, Vice Chair tmcfadden@wcps.k12.va.us
• South River District: Kristen Pence, Chair kpence@wcps.k12.va.us
Nestled against peaceful countryside views, and Reitano Vineyards our community offers a comforting and familiar environment for seniors at every stage of life — from independent living to assisted care and memory support.
Now once again under oversight of lifelong resident Shelly Cook, RN, St. Anne’s Loving Arms was built with a deep understanding of what families want most for their loved ones: safety, compassion, consistency, and a true sense of home. Our approach blends personalized medical oversight with genuine human connection, ensuring each resident is known, valued, and cared for as an individual.
Residents enjoy a wide range of amenities designed to support both body and spirit. Inviting common areas such as our library and game room encourage connection, while our sunrooms offer quiet moments of reflection and fresh air. Wellness and fitness programs promote strength and mobility, and our on-site salon services provide comfort and confidence. Engaging activities — from music and movie nights to creative programs — help foster joy, purpose, and community.
At St. Anne’s Loving Arms, care evolves as needs change. Families can find peace of mind knowing their loved one can remain in a familiar place while receiving the appropriate level of support, including specialized memory care, delivered with compassion and respect.
