Explore
Beyond the farm
Whindale Ranch is in Madison County, in central Virginia, with the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah National Park close by.
What's on
Upcoming nearby
- DuCard Vineyards - Special screening of We the Wine People at Royal Cinemas in Front Royal
- TRICK OR TRUNK 2026!
- Revalation Vineyards - Halloween Hot Cocktails @ Revalation Vineyards!
- Revalation Vineyards - Art @ The Vineyard
- Oak Grove Fellowship Church - Fall Festival
Event listings from the Madison County Visitor Center & Chamber of Commerce (madisonva.com). Dates and details are theirs and may change, so check the event page before you go.
Groceries
A supermarket about 10 minutes away
Food Lion is in Madison Plaza in Madison, a short drive from the ranch, so you can pick up your daily groceries without planning a big trip. Mandarin Express, Subway, Virginia ABC and Anytime Fitness are in the same plaza.
Madison Plaza, 46 Madison Plaza Drive, Madison, VA 22727. Check store hours before you go.
Also in Madison Plaza
Quiet countryside, with plenty within reach
Pratts is a rural corner of Madison County: farms, pasture and mountain views. Hiking in the national park, tasting rooms, country markets and historic towns are all a drive away, which makes the ranch an easy base for a long weekend or a full week.
Shenandoah National Park
Hiking and the Blue Ridge
More than 32,000 acres of Shenandoah National Park lie in Madison County, so the Blue Ridge is the backdrop for most days out.
- Skyline DriveThe park’s scenic road runs the length of the Blue Ridge, with overlooks and trailheads along the way.Driving Skyline Drive
- Old Rag MountainOne of the best-known hikes in the region, with a rock scramble and panoramic views. It is a demanding, full-day hike, so check current rules and any required tickets before you go.Hiking in the park
- White Oak CanyonWaterfalls and old-growth forest make this a favorite park hike.Hiking in the park
- Plan your park visitEntrances, fees, weather and trail conditions from the National Park Service.nps.gov/shen
Wine & beer
Tasting rooms close by
Madison County sits at the northern end of Virginia’s Monticello wine country, with tasting rooms and a farm brewery within reach of the ranch.
- Early Mountain VineyardsA large estate at the foot of the Blue Ridge, in the town of Madison.earlymountain.com
- DuCard VineyardsTastings with a view of the mountains and Shenandoah National Park behind the vines.ducardvineyards.com
- Prince Michel VineyardsA long-established winery in Leon, founded in 1982.princemichel.com
- Blue Quartz WineryWine, with live music on some days.bluequartzwinery.com
- Bald Top BrewingA farm brewery with outdoor seating, billed as Virginia’s first historic farm brewery.baldtopbrewing.com
Farm & country
Country days out
Rural Madison County is made for slow, outdoorsy days.
- Graves Mountain LodgeA working mountain farm and lodge with trails, horseback riding and guided UTV tours. Its Apple Harvest Festival is held in October.gravesmountain.com
- Yoder’s Country MarketA country market for snacks and souvenirs, with a small petting zoo of alpacas, goats and other animals.yoderscountrymarket.com
- Cycling and country roadsQuiet back roads suit cyclists, and the county hosts the Tour de Madison in May.Madison County
History & towns
A little further afield
Neighboring towns make good half-day trips.
Outdoors
More to do outside
Rivers, trails, orchards and history all sit within the county. The Visitor Center lists them with contact details.
- Old Rag Mountain & White Oak CanyonTwo of the best-known hikes in Shenandoah National Park, both on the county tourism listings.Listing on madisonva.com
- Rivers and trout fishingThe county lists the Rose, Conway, Robinson and Rapidan rivers for fishing, plus a trout pond at Graves’ Mountain Lodge.Listing on madisonva.com
- Guided hikesBlue Ridge Hiking Adventures offers guided hikes in the area.Listing on madisonva.com
- Apple picking at Graves Mountain FarmA pick-your-own apple orchard open for weekend picking in the fall, with more than 27 varieties.Listing on madisonva.com
- Graves Mill Historical ParkAn official Virginia Cultural Historical Site at 52 Bluff Mountain Road, near the national park boundary.Listing on madisonva.com
- Scenic drivesRoute 231 is listed as a US Top 10 Scenic Byway, and Skyline Drive runs along the Blue Ridge.Listing on madisonva.com
- Walking tour of MadisonA Main Street guide to the historic town of Madison.Listing on madisonva.com
- Civil War TrailsDriving tours and trails covering the region’s Civil War history.Listing on madisonva.com
- Madison County Parks & RecreationThe county department that looks after local parks and recreation.Listing on madisonva.com
Eat & drink
Local places to eat
From country-store baking to barbecue and German cooking, a short list from the county listings.
- Yoder’s Country Market2105 S Seminole Trail. Home-baked breads and pastries, sandwiches, soups, bulk foods, gifts and a petting zoo.Listing on madisonva.com
- Pig-N-Steak313 Washington St, Madison. Barbecue, ribs, steak and burgers, home of the “Mountaineer Platter”.Listing on madisonva.com
- The Bavarian Chef5102 S Seminole Trail. German food, beer and wine, with reservations by phone.Listing on madisonva.com
- Gino’s Pizza & SubsA family-friendly pizzeria on Route 29 serving hand-tossed pizza, pasta and subs.Listing on madisonva.com
- Mountaineer Cafe218 N Main Street, Madison. A full-service restaurant in town.Listing on madisonva.com
- Piedmont Deli1173 N Main St. Cold cuts, subs and pizzas, with Virginia wines and imported beer.Listing on madisonva.com
- Graves’ Mountain Farm & Lodges3626 Old Blue Ridge Turnpike. Serves meals in season, family style at most meals. Check dates and times with them.Listing on madisonva.com
Shops & makers
Browse and bring something home
Local makers, a garden center and an art gallery nearby.
- E.A. Clore & SonsHandmade furniture, cutting boards and the foot stools the shop is known for. Check opening hours before you visit.Listing on madisonva.com
- MAD Arts7353 S Seminole Trail. A gallery of original art, prints, jewelry, pottery and textiles by more than 200 local artisans.Listing on madisonva.com
- Southern GraceA garden shop with a quarter-mile garden walk of themed gardens and water features.Listing on madisonva.com
- Greenscapes Nursery & Garden Shoppe531 Cedar Hill Road. A garden center and florist that also sells gifts.Listing on madisonva.com
- Possums Store914 Old Blue Ridge Turnpike, Criglersville. An art and artisan gallery and music venue.Listing on madisonva.com
These are suggestions, not endorsements. Hours, prices, events and trail rules change, so check each place's own website before you go. Local listings and events come from the Madison County Visitor Center & Chamber of Commerce (madisonva.com).
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