Virginia's Underrated Outdoor Playground Is A Lively Little Town Nestled In The Stunning Shenandoah Valley

Virginia gets tons of visitors every year, and it's no surprise why. Whether you're just passing through on the Blue Ridge Parkway or visiting Shenandoah National Park to see the fall colors, the state offers gorgeous scenery the whole way through. But aside from its mountain vistas, a big part of Virginia's draw are the unique towns scattered throughout the state. Mount Jackson is a little town in the Shenandoah Valley with its special charm on full display. Recognizable for its water tower painted to look like a basket of apples and the historic Meems Bottom covered bridge, Mount Jackson is an underrated town filled with all kinds of outdoor adventures and lively local culture.

Getting to Mount Jackson is all part of the adventure. The Shenandoah Valley has more of a focus on natural features than airports, which means the nearest major airport, Washington Dulles International Airport, is about two hours away from Mount Jackson. The Shenandoah Valley regional airport is closer, sitting about 40 minutes away, and gets daily flights in from the international airport in Charlotte, North Carolina. Whichever way you fly in, you're sure to be greeted by exceptional mountain views and cute towns on your drive to Mount Jackson.

The Shenandoah valley is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, and what better way to really soak in that beauty than spending time in the great outdoors? Mount Jackson and the surrounding areas have tons of opportunities for outdoor fun. For the cave enthusiasts out there, Shenandoah Caverns is definitely worth a look. This local attraction is just four miles outside Mount Jackson and the caverns are open for tours every day of the year except Christmas. The tours are an hour long and include a mile walk through various rooms and passageways 200 feet below ground level that are filled with stunning rock formations, such as stalagmites, stalactites, and unique flowstone formations that resemble strips of bacon. The caverns are pretty accessible too — they're the only caverns in Virginia with a public elevator.

There's plenty to do aboveground as well. Virginia summers create the perfect backdrop for fishing or paddling on the Shenandoah River. There are a couple places to access the river near Mount Jackson, most notably the hand-launch site under the Meems Bottom covered bridge. In town, families can spend a fun day at Lions Park riding the zipline, shooting hoops at the basketball courts, or just taking in the scenery along the walking loop. But the biggest draw in the area is Shenandoah National Park. With more than 500 miles of hiking trails, the park has plenty of options to choose from. If you're up for a challenge that really pays off, try the Hawksbill Loop trail. Hawksbill Mountain is the highest peak in Shenandoah, and reaching the top means you'll get to see 360-degree views of the Blue Ridge mountains. These stunning panoramic views are well worth the trek to the top.

Although Mount Jackson is a small town, it's a charming place with a lively local culture. Along Main Street, visitors can browse quaint shops and antique stores, such as Mount Jackson Thrift and Gift, and enjoy some local flavor at restaurants, including Jillian's Farmstead Kitchen and Mount Heritage Bar and Grill. The town's calendar is dotted with seasonal festivities, including free summer movie nights in Lion's Park, TaterFest (an annual potato-themed festival), and a Christmas parade complete with a Santa appearance that kicks off the holiday season.

For those looking to sip and savor, Shenandoah County is a hotbed of wineries, breweries, and distilleries that showcase the region's craft flavors against a backdrop of mountain views. Mount Jackson itself is home to two wineries, with the rest of the establishments in the county just a short drive away. If you're looking for an even wider variety, check out the Virginia Spirits Trail, which maps out the state's most incredible distilleries and tasting rooms. History buffs visiting Mount Jackson can even take a self-guided tour through the Mount Jackson Historic District, where well-preserved 19th-century buildings tell the story of the town's past. With its blend of small-town warmth, local flavor, and easy access to outdoor adventures, Mount Jackson makes an ideal base for exploring the beauty and culture of the Shenandoah Valley.