Do you fall into the habit of packing your vacations so full of activities that you’re exhausted when you return? Same. After a rather vicious cycle of busyness over the past few months, I knew that Daniel and I needed a getaway–not a vacation. So, rather than researching cool locations, I actually started my search on Airbnb, looking for the perfect place to retreat for the weekend. And that’s how I discovered Schuyler, VA.
There’s a good chance you’ve never heard of Schuyler unless you frequent the Shenandoah area or are a big fan of author/producer Earl Hamner’s works. But there’s something so charming about this little 300-person community and its surrounding area, particularly in the fall–although the mountains are always lovely.
Schuyler is located just 25 miles south of Charlottesville, Virginia, right in the foothills of the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. While the town can easily be explored in a couple of hours, the beauty right outside its boundaries holds days’ worth of adventures.
After spending one of the best weekends we’ve had in a long time in this little town, I just had to share it with you, too.
5 Reasons Schuyler, Virginia, Should Be Your Next Getaway
Easy Access to Nature’s Bounty
If you love fresh-picked produce and homemade goods, this beautiful area is perfect for you. The foothills here abound with orchards, farmers’ markets, and vineyards within 30 minutes of Schuyler. You can do everything from picking your own apples and peaches to sipping ciders on a hilltop.
We loved our stop at Saunders Brothers Farm Market! This family-owned business has been in the valley since 1915, and they have a fantastic selection of plants, fresh fruit, canned goods, ciders, eggnog, and ice cream! I highly recommend swinging by for some goodies.
Miles of Scenic Highways
Because Schuyler sits right at the foot of the Shenandoah Mountains, the views are here are positively amazing! We spent a lot of time just driving in whichever direction looked promising–and were greatly rewarded for our time. If you like driving just to enjoy the scenery, you could quite literally fill your days with it here.
We particularly loved our jaunts along Tye Brook Highway, Crabtree Falls Highway, and State Route 6. We were fortunate to catch the rainbow of fall colors, but I know from experience that these mountains are just as lovely in spring and summer, when they take on that bluish hue. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, the famous Skyline Drive is only 45 minutes from Schuyler, as well!
The Walton’s Mountain Museum
Did you grow up watching The Walton’s TV show? While it aired quite a bit before my time, my family loved watching reruns of this show about a tight-knit family surviving the Depression. What you might not know is that the Walton family was based on the actual family of producer Earl Hamner, and Walton’s Mountain was based on his hometown of Schuyler, Virginia. And, of course, Earl Hamner himself was the basis for the main character, John Boy.
Because of this show, one of Schuyler’s main attractions is the Walton’s Mountain Museum. Located inside the old Schuyler Elementary School that Earl Hamner and his many brothers and sisters attended decades ago.
Inside the museum, you’ll learn about the town of Schuyler and The Walton’s series, as well as how the two tie together. You can enter recreated rooms from the set, such as John Boy’s room and the living room, and even shop in a copy of Ike Godsey’s general store.
Just across the street, you can dive even further into Earl Hamner’s life by touring his childhood home.
If you don’t recognize The Walton’s TV show, you may know Mr. Hamner for some of his other works including:
- Spencer’s Mountain (book)
- The Homecoming (book)
- Lassie: A Christmas Story (book)
- Charlotte’s Web (movie)
- Heidi (movie)
- Where the Lilies Bloom (movie)
Peace & Quiet
You won’t find any city bustle around Schuyler. With its tucked-away location, you’ll have the world mostly to yourself and the wildlife. Most of the local lodging options are Airbnb’s or Bed & Breakfasts, where you’ll be able to enjoy private outdoor spaces and a refreshing lack of tourists.
You can even stay in a Bed & Breakfast built and themed after The Walton’s TV show and directly across the street from the museum!
In the towns, everything runs at a slower pace, with communities that you can drive through in a minute or less. But with that small-town life comes a relaxed setting and plenty of local gems to discover at your leisure.
We particularly enjoyed the incredibly fast service at the local eateries like Vito’s Italian and the Lovingston Cafe, thanks to the lack of crowds.
As far as accommodations go, we stayed at the HeartRock Homestead Airbnb, and I highly recommend it to you. It was picture-perfect, with plenty of places to enjoy their large property. They had a firepit, a bed swing, a padded tree swing, and lots of wicker chairs. Not to mention the interior was so cozy, we actually canceled some of the few plans we had because we wanted to stay in and enjoy it. I have a full blog post on it here.
Closing Thoughts about Schuyler, Virginia
If you are interested in adding more excursions to your getaway, there are plenty of fun day trips and side-stops you can do. The Quarry Gardens are a popular stop in the spring and summer, and Caramont Farm offers fresh goat cheese and goat snuggle sessions in the spring! Plus, the Shenandoah National Park and Blue Ridge Parkway are both less than an hour away, giving you the perfect opportunity to hike along the Appalachian Trail.
And if you’re a fan of history, be sure to stop by Charlottesville, just 25 miles away to check out Monticello, the University of Virginia, and more!
Thanks for stepping away from your busy life for a few minutes to learn about Schuyler! If you’re in need of a place to disconnect and recharge, this is the perfect area to do so. I definitely think we’ll be back to enjoy some relaxation and scenery in the near future, but for more than just a weekend trip!
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I hope you enjoy the rest of your fall adventures and that you’ll join us again next week!
Happy travels!
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