ARRIVAL/CHECK-IN: We decided to leave for our four-hour drive to Massanutten Resort, a 6,000- acre, four-season mountain resort in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, around bedtime for our 2.5-year-old, which meant we arrived late, after midnight. Given the hour, check-in was not crowded, and I was assisted immediately. However, as the resort grounds are massive and with a plentitude of accommodation types, going over all the information, including a map and the route we needed to take to find our house, did take some time. Thankfully, the directions and information were easy and accurate; we pulled into the driveway of our rental shortly thereafter.

© Massanutten Resort

GUEST QUARTERS: Our three-night stay in a Regal Vista cottage-style condo offered more than enough space and afforded us the opportunity to enjoy and use a full kitchen as well as two bedrooms and two bathrooms. A private garage made for easy and secure parking. Upon entering from the garage, we encountered a long corridor that included a stackable washer and dryer closet.

Entering the main living space, we found an open, galley-style kitchen flowed into a combination living room/dining space. Our toddler was fascinated by the corded telephone on the living room armoire — something we no longer have in our own home. Another favorite for her was the deck off the living room, which offered exceptional views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

A second long hallway was anchored by bedrooms on either end. We all ended up in the primary bedroom, with a king-sized bed; fireplace; closet; dresser; TV; armchair; and en-suite bathroom with double sinks, a stall shower and a large soaking tub. The other bedroom boasted a queen bed, two nightstands and a dresser. A second full bathroom sat off the hallway as well, offering a combination tub/shower.

© Massanutten Resort

SERVICES/AMENITIES: Here is where Massanutten Resort truly shines, delivering a plethora of outdoor recreation, exciting amenities and varied cuisine in all seasons. Travelers could return every season to discover a new lineup of delights — and still not scratch the surface of everything on offer. There’s a waterpark (a big hit with my daughter, as was the adjacent arcade), golf, a family adventure park, escape rooms, skiing, snow tubing, TopGolf Swing Suites and, truly, so much more. Unfortunately, the new Mountain Mayhem Coaster was delayed in opening, so we didn’t get a chance to ride, but it is operational as of press time. A full schedule of activities is updated weekly online. I know I missed some of the extensive list of offerings, but it’s safe to say there’s something for everyone.

Restaurant options include Base Camp, Campfire Grill, Virginia BBQ & Pizza Co., and Elevations Lounge, among other venues, dining events and seasonal activations.

TOP TAKEAWAYS:

• Our visit fell between winter and spring and following a mid-March warm-up that melted a lot of snow, so the offerings were more sparse than normal; however, we still managed to fill every minute with something fun, and we got to take in Mass Meltdown, a winter season send-off with a pond skim, rail jam, bands and more.
• Situated in the Shenandoah Valley, we were able to easily detour to drivethrough some of Shenandoah National Park on our drive home.
• Lift Coffee Bar, inside The General Store, offers delicious seasonal drinks. I went back on the second morning of our stay for the same drink as the day before, it was so tasty. And don’t miss the trash can nachos at Base Camp!

MASSANUTTEN RESORT
1822 Resort Drive
Massanutten, VA 22840
tel 540 289 9441