Virginia Adventure Bucket List – Solo Adventure 1
Caverns, Cookies, and Covered Bridges
A Solo Day of Exploration in the Shenandoah Valley
There’s a certain magic in waking up with a thirst for adventure—and having a whole bucket list at your fingertips. When Brian gifted me the Virginia Adventure Bucket List by Reach International Outfitters for Christmas, he may not have known just how quickly my wanderlust would come calling. On a recent Friday, with a curious spirit and a free day on my hands, I dove in to start my Solo Adventure #1.
Choosing My Adventure
After a bit of deliberation, I scratched off my very first adventure card. It read: “Grab some friends to play Knockerball at Elevation Sports.” Two problems immediately surfaced: I had no idea what Knockerball was, and, well, my circle of local friends is still a work in progress. Undeterred, I decided to blaze my own trail for Adventure #1—surely Harrisonburg and its picturesque surroundings had something spectacular in store.
Setting Out: Snacks and Scenic Views
No road trip, in my book, is complete without treats. So after dropping Tigger off for a canine playdate at Back Mountain Canine Cove, I pointed my car south and made my first essential stop: Woodbine Farm Market in Lebanon Church. Their Lemon Cooler cookies taste like sunshine—crisp, sweet, and a little tart—the perfect companion for a day on the open road.
Instead of the interstate, I opted for the scenic route: the historic Rt 11. Cruising through Strasburg, I was greeted by a stunning building mural, its colors bright even against a gray sky.
In Maurertown, I spotted a playful scene: Clark Kent mid-transformation into Superman! These small surprises are the heartbeat of a great Virginia day trip.
The Shenandoah Valley never disappoints, cloaked in rolling folds of green and mist even on an overcast day.
At the Rockingham County line, a proud Tom Turkey statue stood roadside reminding me that this is, in fact, the Turkey Capital of the world.
Melrose Caverns: Echoes of History
Melrose Caverns was my main destination and it didn’t disappoint. Stepping into the cool, echoing darkness, I became part of a story centuries in the making. Along the winding paths, hundreds of signatures left by Union soldiers during the Civil War are etched into stone—living graffiti from a time when the world was changing. Even a cousin of Abraham Lincoln left his mark here, a haunting connection to history. Fun fact: Lincoln’s own family came from the Shenandoah Valley, adding a personal thread to the tapestry of this place.
But the history doesn’t stop with the Civil War. The caverns also feature faces carved into the rock by Shawnee Indians over a thousand years ago, silent and mysterious guardians watching over the ever-changing world above.
Roadside Eats and Classic Stops
Emerging from the cavern’s cool embrace, my next stop was Southern Kitchen Restaurant in New Market for a late lunch. Their food is a comfort—delicious, hearty, just what a solo explorer needs to recharge. Need something to read while you eat? Check out the free lending library housed in a vintage 1950s telephone booth.
No visit along Rt 11 would be complete without picking up some fresh cooked kettle chips from Route 11 Potato Chips – the crunch is legendary!
And stopping for a photo of Meems Bottom Covered Bridge, a picturesque spot that’s a “must do” for anyone exploring the region.
History’s Final Whisper
My adventure ended on a contemplative note at the site of The Mount Jackson General Hospital and Our Soldiers Cemetery in Mount Jackson. Walking along the brick path, I felt a quiet reverence for the stories—known and unknown—woven into the hills of Virginia.
The Adventure Continues
Solo Adventure #1 is in the books. Though it didn’t unfold as the card suggested, it turned into something great! A day of discovery, spontaneity, and serendipitous connection with Virginia’s hidden gems. If this is only the beginning, I can’t wait to see where the next card will take me.
Here’s to unexpected journeys, scrumptious cookies, and the endless promise of the open road.
What adventures do you have planned? Drop me a line in the comments below!
Want to join me on some great adventures? Check out my blog post Unveiling Virginia’s Hidden Gems! Then stop by Reach International Outfitters and grab a set of Adventure Bucket List Cards. Get out, explore and have some adventures!
Tell me about your adventures in the comments below!
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Down Home at Dee’s
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