Located in Gordonsville, Virginia is a resort that combines the best of both worlds. An old country estate and horse farm combined with acres of wilderness gives you everything you need to relax and reset in nature.
Shenandoah Crossing calls 1,000 acres of rolling hillside and lush pasture lands home. With scenes of green and great big trees that extend for miles, it’s hard to get tired of waking up to this view every single morning. From when the sun rises in the morning until it sets at night, this place has a never-ending, gorgeous scenery. It encompasses a scenic 60-acre lake to really immerse you in nature. It is quite literally the perfect place to stay for those who love the outdoors.
Enjoy the rustic elegance of a 2-or 3-bedroom cabin or a 1-,2-, or 3-bedroom townhouse. These options feature full kitchens and baths, fireplaces, master bedrooms, balconies and porches, and separate dining and living areas. It’s all of the comforts you find at home, just in a new location.
For a slightly more exotic stay, experience the 1- or 2-bedroom luxury yurt. These include four-poster beds with plush linens, flat-screen TVs, elegant bathrooms, and fully equipped kitchens, all with central heat and air. Stay in an open-plan yurt with one bed and pullout couch or a 2-bedroom unit, plus a pullout couch. Once you settle in you can walk outdoors to a large wooden deck area with a summer kitchen. It’s time you treated yourself to the luxury you deserve!
And if you enjoy the real outdoorsy feel but still want the comforts of home, you can! Shenandoah Crossing also features state-of-the-art RV sites with furnished patios and summer kitchens. If that isn’t glamping, we don’t know what is! Some even come with personal hot tubs and stainless-steel barbecue grills.
Once you settle in, come and explore all of the fun that is happening. Depending on the time of year, the list of activities is always changing. There is always something for all ages. Past activities include bonfires, haunted trail walks, storytelling, and a variety of crafts. Not only does this give the kids something to do, but it also allows them to interact with other vacationers and gives them a sense of freedom.
After the activities, throw on your swimsuit and join the aquatic fun at the pool. Bluegreen Shenandoah Crossing has a large pool and recreation area. It’s complete with an expansive main pool, activity pool, two hot tubs, and an interactive spray ground. It’s like staying at your very own water park. Times spent here are memories you will be talking about for a lifetime.
If you think you forgot anything, the resort has a general store that carries anything you can think of. Plus, you can grab a sandwich to go to the onsite deli. These two small features allow you to be worry-free about the details. Whether you forgot to pack a toothbrush, or forgot to plan for lunch, we have got you covered!
Come and experience what it feels like to be taken care of at Bluegreen Shenandoah Crossing.
What’s Happening?
The best thing about a place like Bluegreen Shenandoah Crossing is how much they fit into their grounds. You could almost spend all of your time here and not even realize it. There are so many things to do and the list is changing all of the time.
If you want to save yourself a car ride for breakfast or dinner, check out Izac’s tavern. This nicely decorated restaurant gives you a look into the vast resort property. Whether you just want a little something to tie you over until your next meal or you want a full entrée, you won’t have to travel far! It’s close enough to take a stroll around the resort after and not get left with that overly full feeling.
Be sure you head down to Sallie’s Stables at least once during your stay here. Here, you can schedule a trail ride, carriage ride, and other equestrian activities. Not only is this an amazing experience in nature, but it’s also an experience with a beautiful creature. You get to bond with them and allow them to take you on a peaceful journey through the grounds.
There are so many picturesque hiking and biking trails that if horses aren’t your thing, you can still explore nature. You could hike for miles or just take a light stroll through the fields. The woods are gorgeous, and you never really see the same trail or site here twice. With each season comes an entirely new palette of colors to delight your eyes.
Discover how you can plan your best vacation yet with TZort at Bluegreen Shenandoah Crossing.
DAY 1: REACH NEW HEIGHTS
10.9 MILES VIA US-33 W AND US-15 N
What better way to see beautiful Virginia than on the back of a horse? At Oakland Heights Farm, you can conquer the trails with one of these friendly creatures. It is a peaceful, calming experience and really has the power to put your mind at ease.
If you have never ridden a horse before, don’t worry! The staff at Oakland Heights farm is passionate about teaching you about riding and getting you comfortable with the animal. They will spend time with you to show you exactly how to control the horse in a way that’s comfortable for both of you. Whatever your needs or skill level is, it is guaranteed to be met.
You are in nature, with the wind at your face, just trotting along, what more could you ask? Even on the hottest days of the year, you will be able to cool off beneath the trees in the woods. And when the trees start to change in the fall, you can find serenity in listening to the horse’s feet step on those crunchy leaves. These tours typically last about an hour or two and will leave you in a good state of mind for the entire day after.
3.6 MILES VIA US-15 S
The Barbeque Exchange offers you everything you love in barbequed food, just better. Your mouth will just water at their hickory-smoked and slow-roasted pork shoulders and spareribs. These meats are dry-cured with rubs and cooked in their specialized wood-burning cooker. They know quality and they know that customers can taste when their food is of high quality. They take that extra measure like grilling over live coals to give their food that bold flavor.
Their meals can be eaten with their freshly baked rolls, cornbread, and pumpkin muffins; just the right amount of bread to pair nicely. As far as meats go, the menu features beef brisket, pork belly, chicken, sausage, and pork prepared in different ways. These meats with sides like baked beans, hushpuppies, mac and cheese, and collard greens is the perfect way to enhance the meal and have you feeling satisfied with each bite.
DAY 2: EXPERIENCE THE SKY
CONTACT: 434-589-6213 FOR THE EXACT LOCATION
Unfortunately, in the beautiful state of Virginia, you cannot see it all on one vacation. Or can you? Take the day to visit Blue Ridge Ballooning and experience Virginia from the sky. What better way to see the enormity of this gorgeous state?
This multi-generational family business has been bringing the area their passion for ballooning since 1999. They see it as a way to share the beauty of God’s creation with everyone. With four options of a balloon to choose from, you are getting a unique, personal experience when you fly with Blue Ridge Ballooning.
In terms of rides, there are different flight packages for what you want out of your ride. The sunrise flight allows you to catch the golden sun’s peak out over the horizon. The sunset flight does just the opposite as you watch the bright day turn into a dark night. For couples, or anyone seeking a private and intimate ride, there’s the private flight or romance package. And for something really special, the wedding vows aloft allows you to lift off the ground and have your ceremony in the air.
This experience in the air will make you think twice about ever putting your feet back on the ground again.
6.9 MILES VIA STATE RTE 749
Well, Hung Vineyards is a wine-tasting and dining experience like no other. They have sourced some of the highest quality fruit from all across the country to deliver you some of the best-tasting wine. They value good humor, hard work, and a seriously good meal.
Their menu features three separate lists depending on the time of day you go there. For Brunch, we suggest the Fried Chicken Biscuits Benedict, Just Peachy Cinnamon Finale, or the White Wine Garlic Mussels. For lunch, we suggest the Portobello “Fries” and a Chicken Bacon Club Sandwich or the Beet and Goat Cheese salad. For dinner, try the Braised Short Rib, Good House Charcuterie Plate to pair with a nice glass of wine or the Alfredo Pasta.
Whatever you order here, you are sure to be satisfied. They have taken even the most basic of meals and put their own twist on it to set themselves apart.
DAY 3: HISTORY WITH A SIDE OF WINE
13.4 MILES VIA US-33 W
Barboursville Vineyards is a place rich with history and quality wine. It was once a place that Thomas Jefferson himself step foot on. While you learn about the transformative journey from that point in history until now, you can sip on and taste the different wines Barboursville has to offer.
This vineyard is different from the wine tastings you have been to in the past. You can start in the Tuscan Tasting Room, open all days of the week. Here you will experience a broad range of their current vintages. On Wednesday through Monday, you can then proceed to Library 1821 where you will be presented with a changing selection of flights of older vintages. These flights will be paired with bite-sized culinary creations from the chefs. You can take your glass and stroll through the lawns surrounding the historic Landmark Ruins of Thomas Jefferson’s mansion for Governor James Barbour.
If you’re a first-time visitor, it’s encouraged that you go on a guided tour of the grounds. This way you can get familiar with the estate’s history and their personal process of winemaking. You are able to experience first-hand the amount of time, effort, and care that goes into crafting these wines for their customers. All guests are encouraged to explore the grounds and make their time spent at the vineyard their own.
To finish your tour, come and enjoy a meal with us. With locally sourced ingredients carefully crafted from kitchen to table, there’s no better way to end your day with the vineyard. For lunch or dinner, enjoy an array of appetizers, first and second courses, and finish the meal off with dessert. The menu offers duck, wagyu beef, pasta, vegetables, seafood, and so much more.
DAY 4: THE LIFE OF A FLOWER
13.9 MILES VIA US-33 W AND VA-231 N
Grelen Nursery is a gardening connoisseurs’ playground. It is 600 acres of plants and greenery that have grown in a most pristine environment. They grow hundreds of types of trees, shrubs, and plants while offering a full range of landscaping, hardscaping, and tree care services.
It is such an experience just to look at everything from afar or see pictures online and it’s entirely another thing to walk through these grounds. Imagine that fresh flower aroma dancing throughout the air as you admire this craft. It is one of those places that take your breath away and reminds you of the vastness of nature.
At Grelen, they have five miles of trails to explore and hike. Whether you’re looking for a full-day adventure or you want a light walk after lunch, these trails will welcome you with open arms. You can either take a walk up to the vista to overlook the Nursery or you can take the journey through the nursery, meadows & forest over to James Madison’s Montpelier Trail system.
Whenever you decide is appropriate, visit the Market at Grelen: a European Garden Shop. Inside you will find gardening supplies, outdoor garden décor, outdoor furniture, gift & home décor, local food & beverage, and Grelen merch. If you don’t end up purchasing anything, you will still be able to take away the experience of walking through that shop.
Once you have experienced the ground’s beauty, head on over to the Casual Café for a dining experience of quality. Recently, a large veggie garden was added to compliment the berries and fruit trees, so you know exactly what’s on your plate and where it came from. If it’s not from Grelen, it’s from a local farm or business. The menu is a spread of delicious farm-to-table cuisine with a wonderful selection of Virginia beer, cider & wine. The selection is an everchanging list with seasonal specials frequently introduced. You can also pick your own fruit either before or after your meal. This allows you to bring home that freshness you experienced in your meal.
