In October 2024, I had the privilege to stay at the magnificent Massanutten Resort. Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Shenandoah region, this four-season playground offers breathtaking mountain views and endless opportunities for adventure. From skiing the slopes to splashing in the waterpark, along with easy access to area attractions like Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns, wineries…Massanutten has something for everyone.
Established in the early 1970s, Massanutten offers a plethora of fun for families looking for a relaxing getaway. The resort has an indoor and outdoor waterpark, racquetball courts, tennis, golf, not to mention top class downhill skiing.
The ski resort is a winter wonderland, as skiers take to the slopes of Massanutten Mountain.
Its prime location, only thirty minutes from Shenandoah National Park and the northern entrance of The Blue Ridge Parkway, made it the perfect base camp for day trips to Shenandoah and the greater region.
Massanutten has a variety of lodging options from beautifully appointed mountain condos to hotel accommodations. Guests have the opportunity to use the resort’s amenities and sign up for daily activities (for a small fee) like cooking demonstrations and art classes.
While rates vary, Massanutten on average is extremely affordable for families. My mom and I were able to rent a deluxe condo in the Woodstone area of Massanutten on their golf course for less than $130.00 a night (fall special). Book your stay here.
History Lookback:
The area of Massanutten has long provided refuge. Native American tribes lived and frequented the lush valleys and mountains here for centuries prior to European settlement.
Prior to the present-day Massanutten Resort, the site was home to a popular health resort, called Rockingham Springs.
With the Industrial Revolution in the 1800s, cities began to face issues with poorly maintained water sources, waste management, smog and pollution. City dwellers in metropolises like Baltimore, Washington and Richmond began to flock to the Shenandoah Valley, seeking solitude, clean air and water.
Rockingham County resident, Gerard T. Hopkins saw an opportunity in sharing the valley and built a health resort, Rockingham Springs, just below the peak. His great-grandson revived the philosophy over 100 years later and built a new resort…Massanutten. (source Massanutten website)
Rockingham Springs opened in 1875 to much fanfare. Its brochure described its ‘restful delights’ and ‘restorative powers’ found in five natural springs. Many visitors to the springs fell in love with the area and decided to build second homes in the region.
The resort featured a hotel in one building and a few smaller buildings for longer-term guests with an occupancy of about 100. There was also a bath house, laundry house, ice house, and a stable. Guests arrived in Harrisonburg by train and were brought to the resort by horse and carriage. Meals were scheduled and the food served was from G.T.’s Cave Hill Farm. There was no liquor allowed. Religious services were held every Sunday.
Some of the entertainment for guests to enjoy included jousting, a band hired on a regular basis, croquet, hunting, fishing, horseback riding and nature hikes. Most guests came for the main attraction which was the Springs water.
By 1915, sadly, the popularity of the health resort had waned and it fell into disrepair before closing. Eventually all the land was sold off.
However in 1968, G.T. Hopkins’ great-grandson had the idea to open a new resort for the modern era at Massanutten. At first he pitched the idea as a state park, but the state of Virginia did not want to invest in a winter resort. So J.L. continued to woo investors and eventually the dream of Massanutten was born.
Since officially opening in the 1970s, Massanutten has grown to over 6,000 acres. While it is known for its top-flight skiing and winter sports, Massanutten should NOT be overlooked as an all seasons attraction.
In the summer it is a perfect place to beat the heat with their water park and cooler mountain air.
My favorite season is the fall when you can watch the dazzling display of leaves as they transform from verdant greens to fire reds and golden yellows – creating a work of art.
What to do at Massanutten:
Massanutten provides something for everyone. As a hiker and backroads driving enthusiast, Massanutten offers easy access to area trails and scenic byways to historic sites and area parks.
During our recent trip we used Massanutten as a base to drive to Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns and also to the historic towns of Staunton and Charlottesville.
The resort has several farm to table restaurants and eateries. We enjoyed our dinner at the fast-service Virginia BBQ & Pizza Company.
They also have several mini markets/shops where you can buy basic supplies like cereal and milk and fun souvenirs.
Where to Stay:
Depending on the season and your personal interests, Massannutten offers a variety of lodging options. If you are wanting to ski, I’d recommend renting a condo/hotel closer to The Summit.
For our October trip, we thoroughly enjoyed our condo at The Woodstone Meadows. It overlooked a golf course, with spectacular mountain views. It was only a four minute drive to the main Woodstone center, where we could grab a coffee or supplies at the Woodstone Market.
The staff is happy to assist you in planning your perfect trip. You can connect with an agent via their website here.
What to do:
At the resort:
- Skiing
- Disc Golf
- Golf
- Racquetball
- Tennis
- Cooking Classes
- Art Classes
- HikingÂ
- Spa
- Waterpark
In the region:
- Harrisonburg, VA: an eclectic college town (James Madison University) – Harrisonburg has lots of great restaurants and cultural events, plus Civil War history. Learn more here
- Charlottesville: Home to the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s architectural masterpiece ‘Monticello,’ as well as James Monroe’s Ash Lawn-Highland, Charlottesville is a MUST-Stop while in the Shenandoah region. Click here to learn more.
- Staunton, VA: a quaint historic city that is home to the American Shakespeare Center at The Blackfriars Playhouse; as well as the Frontier Culture Museum.
- Shenandoah National Park: Explore 105 miles along The Skyline Drive, with stunning overlooks of the Blue Ridge front and Appalachian Mountain ridge lines. Shenandoah is a hikers paradise with over 500 miles of trails, including the popular Dark Hollow Falls.
- Cavern Country – this area of Virginia is home to some of the most beautiful and unique showroom caverns on the east coast, including Luray Caverns (which will feature in an upcoming post). Click here to learn more about the region’s unique caverns.
I look forward to visiting Massanutten again soon. Hands down it was one of the best trips I’ve been on in recent memory. The friendly staff, top-notch amenities, and stunning scenery made it an unforgettable experience.
Stay tuned for more upcoming posts about Virginia’s Shenandoah Region…Thanks for taking time to read American Nomad and don’t forget to subscribe to the blog.
Also, my new Americana album ‘American Nomad’ – music inspired by the road is out now on all streaming services: Adele Lassiter – American Nomad
