Group of us may be staying in Etlan, which is very near Old Rag outside Shenandoah, for a week in May. Looking for any info on restaurants, quaint towns for shopping, local art/craft galleries, antiques . . . in general things to do. I'm aware of Charlottesville and the various historic sites near there. We will certainly spend a day or two in that direction. So I'm looking for other lesser known options for day trips and especially any restaurants close to our lodging in Etlan.

Hopefully if you're staying there a week you're into peace and quiet or hiking. You are close to Skyline Drive and of course Shenandoah National Park and a lot of good hiking trails and fishing. Graves Mountain Inn is pretty close and has a good reputation for food. Madison is near by with Clores Furniture and a Plow and Hearth. Best bet for restaurants might be in either Madison or Culpepper. You might repost with those towns in the title to get more responses. Think its either Charlottesville or closer into DC for galleries - maybe Warrenton or Middleburg.

Warrenton for antiques, visit the old jail. Culpeper for some excellent restaurants. Side trip to Skyline Drive.

What's Old Rag? A town? I've never heard of it, and I grew up in Virginia.

Xrae,

It is Old Rag Mountain and if I remembe correctly, Graves Mt Inn is near the base of it. It is near Etlan.

Old Rag Mountain is in the Shenandoah National Park. It is a classic mountain hike with a rock scramble at the top. Very familiar to the area hikers - especially from the DC area.

Thanks all for your suggestions.

We often enjoy touring the local Virginia wineries. There are many near Etlan.

http://www.virginiawineguide.com/tour06/