My Photography & Travel Guide to the Shenandoah National Park
The Shenandoah National Park is a gem like most of the national parks in the United States. For those of living in the Washington DC area it’s only 2 hours away making it a fantastic spot for a weekend getaway.
When to Go
Initially, I thought the only time to go to the Shenandoah was in the Fall for the Fall colors. But I have returned in the Summer, Spring, and Winter and it is a location that is beautiful all year long. So I would highly encourage you to visit anytime you have a chance. It is a special place.
Where to Stay
I have 2 recommendations for hotels in the area and both are located in Washington, Virginia. Washington, Virginia was founded in 1769 and claims to be the only community named for George Washington before he became the first President of the United States.
The Inn at Little Washington
The first recommendation is the Inn at Little Washington. This is a bucket list hotel where you will find many of the guests have come to celebrate a special anniversary or birthday.
Washington, Virginia revolves around the Inn at Little Washington owned by Patrick O'Connell. The hotel currently has 23 rooms & suites that are located in different buildings next to the main hotel. The hotel also offers an incredible restaurant, a large shop, a ballroom, a new bistro restaurant and a bakery.
All the guest rooms are luxurious with nice touches such as the Bulgari bath products. Once you arrive at the property, you will be offered afternoon tea. This is a nice way to get acquainted with the hotel. We also took a hotel tour which was very interesting. On the tour, we heard the story of how Patrick O'Connell started and slowly transformed the hotel and restaurant into the iconic Inn at Little Washington. I did not know that he is a self-taught chef who began by reading the books of Julia Childs. It is an amazing story!
The hotel is currently in the process of expanding its amenities with a Spa, Swimming Pool, and more guest rooms. You really feel like you are on campus since everything (art galleries, shops, theaters) in the town revolve around the hotel.
The White Mouse Inn
My second recommendation is the White Mouse Inn which is located just a few steps from the Inn at Little Washington. We have never stayed at the White Mouse Inn but my friend Nano has stayed here. She wrote a nice review which I have linked here. The White Mouse Inn is a less expensive option but also very nice.
Where to Eat
Most people who come to Little Washington are coming to try the 3 Michelin Star Restaurant in the Inn at Little Washington. This is the only 3-star Michelin restaurant in the Washington DC area. The kitchen is led by James Beard Award-winning chef Patrick O'Connell. Yes, it is expensive and so most people will come for a special occasion but it is an incredible experience that you will not forget.
The restaurant offers 2 menus a Gastronaut Menu (with Meat) and a Vegetarian Menu called the Good Earth Menu.
A few photos of the incredible dinner and breakfast we had in the hotel.
Patty-O
Recently, the Inn at Little Washington opened a more casual restaurant called Patty-O. This is such a great idea because if you eat at the Inn at Little Washington for dinner it might be too much to eat there the next night. So having another option is a game changer.
The Bakery at the Inn at Little Washington
They have also just opened the Patty O’s Bakery. This is a great spot to grab a coffee, bread, or a large assortment of baked goods.
What to Photograph
1. Little Washington
My first recommendation is to just walk around the town of Little Washington. It’s a very cute town and has lots of quaint spots to photograph.
2. Old Barns Around Little Washington
Once you leave Little Washington and take the smaller farming roads in any direction you will begin to see older barns. I love how the color of these barns has faded over time.
3. Shenandoah National Park
There is so much to photograph in the Shenandoah National Park. The drive through the park is more than 100 miles long. There are trails, waterfalls, overlooks and plenty more options to photograph.
It is well worth getting a National Park Pass before going to any National Park. The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle for a single entry. But an annual pass for all the National Parks in the United States is just $80. You can buy the pass in advance or from the Park Ranger once you arrive.
The good thing about Shenandoah is that there are plenty of places to pull over and take photos. I usually prefer to enter through the Thornton Gap Entrance. I then like to drive south to Mileage Marker 50. Once you reach Big Meadows, there is an Information Center, Bathrooms, a Gas Station, Picnic Tables, and a Restaurant.
Shenandoah is also beautiful to visit during the Spring and Summer. During this time of year, you will see plenty of flowers, wildlife, and beautiful views.
Astro-Photography
If you love Astro-Photography then you will love taking photos of the Milky Way or other Astro events such as the Perseids. The Park even organizes a Night Sky Event in August of each year where they offer presentations, guest speakers, and telescopes.
The photo below was taken from the Pinnacles Overlook near mileage marker 35.
I hope you have found this Photography Guide on the Shenandoah National Park helpful. You can find my other Photography & Travel Guides by Clicking on this Link