This writer was hosted.
Driving down the road that leads into Massanutten Resort, it’s clear that this is the way to a relaxing and recharging experience. The beauty of the mountains, the changing colors of the leaves, and the sheer size of this resort captivates the senses. Incidentally, it is one of the best places in Virginia to see the changing leaves in autumn.
Massanutten Resort is an all-season resort in McGaheysville, Virginia, nestled in very the scenic Shenandoah Valley. Covering more than 6,000 acres, there is much to see and do for families, couples and solo travelers. It offers fresh mountain air, a spacious indoor/outdoor waterpark, a tranquil spa, ziplining at the Adventure park and snow sports in the winter.
It is easy to find something that will be fun for just about everyone in your party at this one-stop resort that is one of the best family resorts in Virginia.
Massanutten Resort Highlights
- Condos and hotel accommodations on the property
- Large rooms
- Free in-room wifi
- Discounts for active and retired military
- Onsite waterpark and arcade
- Mountain biking trails
- Pools
- Mini golf
- A friendly, laid-back atmosphere
- Escape rooms
- A Day Spa
SheBuysTravel Tip: You’ll want to drive your own car or rent one to visit this resort. Why? Because Massanutten Resort is HUGE. Dining and recreation options are spread out around the property. A vehicle is essential for getting around and up and down the mountain roads.
Places to Stay at Massanutten
A property this expansive can accommodate a lot of guests, so Massanutten offers several lodging options. There are about 9 different hotels and condos available, with mountain views for days. These accommodations are located on both the mountain and the valley of the resort.
Most of the hotels can sleep 2-4 people. Additionally, depending on the configuration, the condos can accommodate anywhere from 2 guests to 12.
Check-in is in the Woodstone building on 1822 Resort Drive. It is an easy and straightforward process, and gets you excited for your vacation getaway in the mountains!
Massanutten Resort: Regal Vistas
Regal Vistas, Massanutten’s newest condos, are unique. They overlook the Woodstone condos in the Valley, and they are just as the name suggests. I think the vistas, or views, are like no other. You can see the magnificence of the Blue Ridge Mountains everywhere you look in this gated community. Our family stayed here and let me tell you, we enjoyed the space and the ambiance.
The condo is one half of a duplex. Each side sleeps 6; together they sleep 12. The condos are connected by a private garage. This is such a helpful feature for the colder winter months when the Shenandoah Valley gets snow from time to time.
Our accommodations felt like a home away from home. The decor throughout the condo was contemporary and new. There was plenty of room for our family to be together, and also to retreat and have some quiet time to think and reflect.
Coming through the front door, I walked right into the living area and full kitchen setup, with a regular size fridge and stove, and marble kitchen island.
Down the hallway to the left was a closet and the laundry room with a stackable washer and dryer.
The 2 bedrooms were roomy yet cozy with amazing window views. The main bedroom included an electric fireplace and a full bathroom with a rain shower and Jacuzzi tub (and our bed was very comfortable). The second bedroom had a TV and closet, and an adjacent bathroom.
In addition, there was a small deck off the back, complete with a grill.
I have to say that I definitely slept well.
Dining at Massanutten Resort
One can work up an appetite on a Massanutten vacation, so this resort has got you covered. There are three main restaurants on the property offering both dine-in and takeout options. Menu offerings cater to the most selective young guests, as well as to those who delight in farm-to-table selections. And there is a vibe for everyone!
Base Camp
This eatery is located in the ski area, at the base of the ski lifts, hence the name. It offers indoor and outdoor dining. The outdoor seating is especially cozy: there are several fire pits that help to keep the cold at bay on chilly nights. There is an enclosed and heated bar section outside also, as well as spots to play cornhole after eating or while you wait. The seating inside has live entertainment every weekend evening.
Base Camp serves up American fare, including sandwiches, salads, soups and entrees. I enjoyed the grilled salmon with lemon dill sauce, green beans and mashed red potatoes. Overall, it was a cozy and satisfying meal.
Campfire Grill
We dined at this gem of a restaurant on the last night of our stay. It is family-friendly, with a laid-back atmosphere, and super-friendly staff. We talked with our server, and she shared that everything is local and prepared fresh each day.
We could definitely tell – the food was DELICIOUS. I enjoyed pan-fried trout and the tomato and cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette. My husband enjoyed his Gulf shrimp, veggies and rice as well.
Virginia BBQ & Pizza Co.
We chose this option for take-out one of the nights we were there. Our young people wanted to stay and eat in the condo, so we picked up pizza and chicken for them. The offerings are American favorites — salads, sandwiches, pizzas, and a couple of specialty items.
In addition, the Massanutten waterpark has the Snack Shack, which is a counter-service option. They serve up hamburgers and fries, pizzas and deli sandwiches on the first level of the park, near the indoor pool.
Amenities
What can’t you do at Massanutten? Because of the sheer size of the resort, the location in the mountains and the fact that it is an all-season resort, there are scores of activities for all ages.
I thoroughly enjoyed a one-hour facial at The Spa at Massanutten. I had never had a facial before, and it was very relaxing. Visiting the spa felt like I stepped out of my busy schedule and into a tranquil and blissful place. The atmosphere and staff were so calm and soothing. I will definitely be going back for another!
My husband enjoyed playing a couple of rounds of golf at the onsite Woodstone Meadows Course. He had perfect weather to get those 18 holes in each time. It is such a beautiful course.
Our young people enjoyed the timeless joy of the water park. They had fun drifting down the lazy river in their tubes and checking out the arcade once they were done in the water.
While I am not an adventure girl by nature, we did make our way up to the Adventure Park to see what fun others were having. I got to watch some braver-than-I-am souls get their ziplining excitement on! There were those who were summer tubing and others who were doing a little gem mining.
- Award-winning water park
- Luxurious day spa
- Two 18-hole golf courses
- Adventure Park
- Escape rooms
- Mountain biking
- Activities such as scuba diving and art classes
Yes, the resort charges a dreaded daily resort fee. But here it buys you a whole lotta fun, incuding the pool, fitness center, racquetball, tennis and pickleball courts, even a stretching class at the spa.
Things to Do Near Massanutten Resort
The Shenandoah Valley has many quaint places to visit, it may be fun to hop in the vehicle and explore things not onsite at the resort. Massanutten Resort is an hour or less from nearby places in Virginia that offer unique experiences.
If history is your interest, a visit to Monticello in Charlottesville (less than 45 minutes by car) might be worth putting on your list. For a slightly more ambitious adventure, a day trip to the capital city of Washington, DC is about 2 1/2 hours up the road.
Neighboring Harrisonburg offers a few vineyard experiences, including Brix and Columns Vineyard about 10 minutes from the resort. And for the National Park enthusiast, Shenadoah National Park is just 5 miles away.
- Brix and Columns Vineyard
- Shenandoah National Park
- Monticello
- Washington DC
Final Thoughts on Massanutten
One of my joys in getting away on a vacation is to rest and recharge, and Massanutten fills this bill in several ways. The beauty of the mountains is soothing to the senses. The accommodations are spacious and relaxing, and the views are unparalleled. The food and ambiance of the various eateries nourish the soul as well as the body.
Whether it is a spa experience or ziplining or splashing around in the lazy river at the water park, Massanutten offers something for everyone. I thoroughly enjoyed our stay and hope to get back up the mountain soon for another visit!
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