5 Joyful Activities to Celebrate Fall at Meadowlark Ridge

Meadowlark Ridge is incredibly fortunate to sit right in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, offering a front-row seat to autumn’s grand performance. If you are planning a visit this season, these five activities to celebrate fall are guaranteed to immerse you in full-blown autumn bliss.

1. Embark on a Fall Foliage Excursion

It is no secret that autumn in the Shenandoah Valley is visually spectacular. Leaves explode into brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red, the humid summer air gives way to a crisp breeze, and the clear blue sky provides a stunning daily backdrop.

From mid-September through the end of October, you will find breathtaking foliage the moment you step outside. If you want to explore the local color, you can start with a relaxing stroll on our on-site loop trail or through nearby community spaces like Gypsy Hill Park in Staunton, or the municipal parks in Bridgewater and Harrisonburg.

For a deeper trek into nature, the George Washington National Forest offers five excellent hiking trails within 10 miles of Meadowlark Ridge, ranging from 1.6 to 11.9 miles (you can find the full list under the "Things to Do" tab on our website). Mountain bikers can also hit the premier trails in nearby Stokesville.

Whether hiking or driving, to help plan your route, explore these helpful regional guides:

• Virginia Scenic Mountain Drives for Fall

• Staunton & Shenandoah Valley Guide

• Shenandoah National Park Fall Foliage

• Virginia State Parks Autumn Updates

• Virginia Department of Forestry Foliage Map

Take the Train or Watch the Skies

For a truly unique perspective, book a trip on the Virginia Scenic Railway based out of nearby Staunton. On weekends in October, they run The Autumn Special out of Goshen, taking passengers through rolling farmlands and wooded hillsides transformed by autumn colors. They also offer regular scenic departures from Staunton from September through November.

If you prefer to look upward, don't miss the late-fall raptor migration in Shenandoah National Park. From September 15th through November 30th, thousands of hawks, eagles, and raptors fly south directly over the park. One of the best vantage points is the Rockfish Gap Hawk Watch, where local birding groups like the Augusta Bird Club coordinate daily counts. On peak days, you can witness up to 10,000 hawks passing through a single clearing. Learn more at Skyline Drive Migrations and the Augusta Bird Club.

2. Experience the Queen City Mischief & Magic Festival

This whimsical, free family festival transforms historic downtown Staunton into a haven of wizardry and wonder. Now in its 11th year, the homegrown event attracts up to 20,000 visitors who come to celebrate magic, mystery, and harmless mayhem. It is the perfect opportunity to don a costume, explore historic streets, and enjoy fantastic festival food.

• When: Saturday, September 26 and Sunday, September 27, 2026

• More Info: Queen City Mischief & Magic Facebook Page

3. Enjoy Fall Live Theater at the American Shakespeare Center

The world-renowned Blackfriars Playhouse in Staunton has a wonderfully dramatic fall lineup perfect for the changing season. This autumn features three incredible productions:

• The Tempest: Returning for the theater’s 25th anniversary, this classic tale of betrayal, magic, and forgiveness runs from September 3rd through November 13th, 2026.

• Frankenstein: This visceral, electric, and unsettling stage adaptation of Mary Shelley's masterpiece runs from October 1 to November 4, 2026.

• Witch: Written by Jen Silverman and inspired by a classic fable, this sharp story of temptation, defiance, and bargains with the Devil runs from October 8 to November 14, 2026.

You can review schedules and purchase your tickets directly at the American Shakespeare Center.

4. Browse the Fall Foliage Art Show

The Annual Fall Foliage Festival Art Show takes over downtown Waynesboro for a vibrant weekend celebrating fine art and autumn colors. Produced by the Shenandoah Valley Art Center (SVAC), this juried outdoor festival showcases more than 150 elite artists and craftsmen. Beyond the galleries, you can enjoy gourmet food trucks, regional craft beer, and live local music. Admission and nearby parking are completely free.

• When: Saturday, October 10 and Sunday, October 11, 2026

• More Info: Check the SVAC Website and the Fall Foliage Art Show Facebook Page.

5. Pick Fresh Autumn Apples and Pumpkins

Nothing captures the essence of fall quite like visiting a local orchard. Several fantastic family farms sit within a comfortable driving distance of Meadowlark Ridge, offering fresh harvests, bakeries, markets, and seasonal events.

Local Apple Orchards

• Showalter’s Orchard & Greenhouse (Timberville, VA): Located about 31 miles northeast of us, Showalter’s grows more than 30 varieties of apples. They offer pick-your-own blocks, sweet and hard cider, fresh apple cider donuts, and stunning 360-degree valley views. Their apple harvest runs through November, and they recommend checking their website for picking wave updates. 

• Chiles Peach Orchard (Crozet, VA): Located within 60 miles, this orchard offers an incredible seasonal rotation. They currently feature pick-your-own apples and fresh-cut flowers, along with pre-picked pumpkins, peaches, and garden vegetables. Pick-your-own pumpkin patches are scheduled to open later in the fall.

• Carter Mountain Orchard (Charlottesville, VA): Perched high on a hilltop with legendary, sweeping views of the valley, Carter Mountain is famous for its festive fall atmosphere. You can pick your own apples and pumpkins, stock up on their world-famous apple cider donuts, and enjoy local wines and hard ciders right on the mountain.

• Dickie Brothers Orchard (Afton, VA): Located about 44 miles away, this is one of the oldest continuously owned family farms in the United States. While they are not offering pick-your-own apples this year, their markets feature a spectacular variety of farm-grown apples alongside other seasonal fruits and vegetables. As an incredible bonus, they are still farming land originally sold to their family by King George II between 1752 and 1760! You can experience this rich history at their 151 Farm Market in Afton or their Farm Shop in Roseland.

Pumpkin Picking & Family Farms

• Mulberry Hills Farms (Mt. Crawford, VA): Just 22 miles away, this charming, family-run farm features a seasonal pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkins and gourds or choose from pre-picked selections. The property also features friendly farm animals, classic hayrides, and farm-fresh eggs. Check their Mulberry Hills Farms facebook page for seasonal updates.

• Back Home on the Farm (Harrisonburg, VA): Located roughly 23 miles away, this destination offers a wonderful lineup of seasonal activities. Fall highlights include hayrides, a challenging corn maze, carousel rides, and pig races. You can find full details about their autumn schedule and the annual Virginia Pumpkin Festival directly on the Back Home on the Farm Website.

• Troyer’s Fruit & Produce Farm (Waynesboro, VA): Situated approximately 30 miles away, Troyer's provides a fantastic selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables. From mid-September through October, they open up their patch filled with pumpkin varieties ranging from miniature to massive. Visitors can also explore a massive 10-acre corn maze for a classic fall adventure. Troyer's Fruit & Produce Farm

Make Meadowlark Ridge Your Autumn Home Base

The best news of all is that Meadowlark Ridge Bed & Breakfast sits within a comfortable, scenic drive of every single one of these activities to celebrate fall and explore incredible destinations.

If your goal is ultimate relaxation, you can just as easily spend your entire weekend right here on the property. Unwind with a good book on the front porch, enjoy dinner or a glass of local wine on our back patio while birdwatching, play a board game in our library, or take a peaceful nature walk in our own forest.

As the warm "Indian Summer" days begin to mix with the crisp, cool mountain air, come find your perfect retreat. Whether you are planning a quick weekend escape or a multi-day valley tour, Meadowlark Ridge Bed & Breakfast is ready to be your home base for the ultimate autumn vacation.