Day seven of our journey brought us to the heart of Shenandoah National Park – finally! Our destination: the iconic Skyline Drive, a 105-mile stretch that winds along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views, especially in the fall. With a speed limit of just 35 mph, the drive invites you to slow down and savor every curve, overlook, and burst of autumn color. With several deer along the road, it wasn’t just scenic – it was a bit of a wildlife safari, too.

We took our time, traveling the full length of Skyline Drive and arriving in Waynesboro, a charming town nestled at the southernmost entry to the park. Founded in 1797 and named after Revolutionary War hero “Mad” Anthony Wayne, Waynesboro blends small-town warmth with a vibrant arts scene. We opted for lunch at Stella, Bella & Lucy’s a cozy café with vintage charm (and vintage clientele). Cliff had a patty melt and salad, while Jon chose a tuna croissant and potato soup. The food was…meh; the server, slow but attentive; the atmosphere, dusty but earnest.

After lunch, we retraced our route back along Skyline Drive, soaking in the views from a new angle. We arrived in Luray, a town established in 1812 near Hawksbill Creek, that serves as a gateway to outdoor adventure and small-town hospitality.

We made a quick stop at Walmart for supplies, then returned to Cloud 9 for cocktails, evening news, grilled chicken and veggies, and a campfire to close out the day.

Three things we learned are worth sharing:

1. Skyline Drive is proof that slowing down can be the most scenic route.
2. Small-town charm doesn’t always guarantee a five-star lunch – but it does guarantee a story.
3. Luray may be tiny, but its history runs deep – and its Walmart is surprisingly well-stocked.