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-   -   Shenandoah park - scenic place to stay (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/shenandoah-park-scenic-place-to-stay-1096110/)

asimm Apr 21st, 2016 06:42 AM

Shenandoah park - scenic place to stay
 
Visiting Shenandoah national park with family of 3 (child aged 9) from Pakistan for 2 nights on
July 20, 2016

We'll be arriving from our Orlando theme park visits at Wahington IAD airport at around 11:30 am and would take the rented car to move directly to Shenandoah national park for 2 nights.

We'll be having our luggage so maybe drop it at the DC hotel where we'll be staying after Shenandoah.

We are now looking for a scenic location to stay whether inside or outside of Park, where we can enjoy the beauty of nature. Our budget is USD150/night for the room

We'll be doing some light hiking, especially where we can get to see the best natural beauty + water falls and off course the scenic drive on the skyline

Any suggestions are most welcome

janisj Apr 21st, 2016 06:59 AM

>>We'll be having our luggage so maybe drop it at the DC hotel where we'll be staying after Shenandoah.<<

I don't think that makes much sense. IAD is a fair distance west of DC and only maybe 1.5 hours from the park. Heading into and out of the city will be a huge hassle.

asimm Apr 21st, 2016 07:05 AM

Point noted

Will be having 2 checked bags, what options do I have if dont want to carry them

Christina Apr 21st, 2016 09:13 AM

I really don't understand the issues with your bags. You will have a car, you can put them in the trunk, can't you? Not to mention you say you plan to stay in Shenandoah park for two nights, so how could you do that without your belongings?

There are only a few places you can stay in the park, so I'd just check them out, they are all rated fairly similarly in satisfaction and should be in your price range. Only Skyland and Big Meadows are available for your dates. http://www.goshenandoah.com/lodging

I think that's your best bet, actually. The small towns right around the park don't have much lodging to speak of (like Elkton). They have an upscale B&B which isn't usually good for families, although they do have a 2 BR suite for a reasonable rate. http://elkforge.com/

Otherwise, I think the closest town/city with typical chain hotels would be Harrisonburg, but it's much farther away.

longhorn55 Apr 21st, 2016 10:15 AM

The accommodations at Skyland and Big Meadow are pretty similar--I've stayed at both--but I would recommend Big Meadow since you are traveling with a child. The Big Meadow Lodge Great Room is set up with child-sized rocking chairs and tables with games; there is an easy walk from Big Meadow Lodge to the Byrd Visitor Center which is informative and has some activities for kids; the actual Big Meadow is just across the road from the Visitor Center and is a good place to wander with kids; there is an amphitheater near Big Meadow Lodge for evening Ranger programs.

asimm Apr 21st, 2016 10:45 AM

Still not sure which Natural Beauty I'll come across if any

And

All lodging apart from Big meadows and Skyland are not worth staying, definitely only if surrounded by natural beauty

longhorn55 Apr 21st, 2016 03:31 PM

I don't know what you are trying to say, Asimm. There is natural beauty all around Shenanadoah National Park--trees, waterfalls, wildlife, etc.

asimm Apr 21st, 2016 09:17 PM

Sounds good

But maybe some specific areas are more richer in Natural beauty and scenery

Also, how would the weather be in END JULY

J62 Apr 22nd, 2016 02:39 AM

"Also, how would the weather be in END JULY"

Between 50-75F
https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/VANPSH:13:US

thursdaysd Apr 22nd, 2016 07:06 AM

Try reading this:

https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm

asimm Apr 23rd, 2016 01:05 PM

What should be the tent of a medium ranged car


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