We did a day trip to Shenandoah NP on the Sunday of Labor Day weekend and were surprised that it wasn't more crowded as well. We easily got a table next to the window for lunch at Big Meadow Lodge and the hiking trail we took to Rapidan Camp had only a few hikers. We try to get over to Shenandoah every September and this is the first time in years that we didn't see a bear. Glad you got to see one!

<< I loved the peacefulness of the Shenandoah mountains>>

We have lived in the Shenandoah Valley (Woodstock) for the last ten years and that exactly sums up our feelings. Glad you had such an enjoyable time in Virginia.

Here's part two of our trip. We spent the next week at Col. Wmbg, Jamestown & Yorktown. We were nicely situated at Williamsburg Plantation condos which was a great place to call home for the week.
We headed to the Willamsburg Visitor Center & caught the bus for Jamestown Settlement. We did the 90 min walking tour of the settlement. We really enjoyed the thatched huts, ships that we boarded & walking around the village. Loved listening the history. They have a great museum as well. By afternoon we went back to Col Wmbg to watch a series of perfomances in the street. The actors make you feel like you are part of their time. We ate at Chownings Tavern (you don't need reservations there) & had a delightful time. A folk singer sang a ballad & the waiter brought us a game to play.
We bought the Triangle pass which allows you to visit Wmbg, Jamestown & Yorktown all week. We got good mileage out of it.
We loved Yorktown. The visitor center is super & outside we visited the encampment with tents, cannon reenactment, etc. Then we headed to Yorktown on the bay which was lovely. It was such a warm day so people were out sunbathing. We had lunch at the Carrot Tree(very reasonable too). The food was exceptional & the restaurant was one of the original houses of the town. The trees were in full bloom which made for beautiful street scenes. We walked the Bayfront & enjoyed a Ben & Jerry's ice cream cone. We ended the day by doing an auto tour of the battlefields. They're marked & easy to find. Most humbling to be in an area where so many died.
We spent almost 3 days at Wmbg. What a time we had listening to Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson & hearing the slaves talk about getting their freedom. We toured the Gov. mansion, Bruton Parish church & most all of the buildings. We enjoyed touring Rockefeller's home(Bassett House). We did go to the Wilke's museum one day when it was raining but it was rather overwhelming. I felt like I do when I go to a shopping center & can't find my way out. We ate at Trellis restaurant & had a wonderful meal. Also ate at Seasons but found it average.
A trip to Jamestown is worthwhile. There's the first church, statue of Pocahantas, excavation of townsite & a nice museum. Don't miss the glasshouse. They were blowing glass & demonstrating how they made lamps, etc
We visited Berkley Plantation & Williamsburg Winery as well. Our last day we ate at Food for Thought & had a very pleasant, enjoyable meal.
In all, we loved Virginia & in awe of all of the history there is to enjoy.

Brings back memories of our past trips. Thanks for the report.

Fun trip report....thank you for sharing your visit on the forum! It's a great part of the US to visit especially if you enjoy colonial american history.