Massanutten Va: Does anyone know of good photo opts in or around this place. I am going to be there to play some golf but I am taking my camera gear and hope to spend some time with my...

SENG

Does anyone know of good photo opts in or around this place. I am going to be there to play some golf but I am taking my camera gear and hope to spend some time with my camera. I am hoping to get some birds (on the course and off), landscapes, wildlife, night sky and even some macro. I will be there about one week in mid-May. Thank you for your time and consideration.

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

Consider a few unique ideas for that general area of VA, the National D-Day memorial, the pedestrian walk through central Charlottesville & UVA, Luray Caverns, and James Madison's Montpelier. There may be better ideas closer to Massanutten, but these are all not too far.

SENG

Thank you, CHG_CANON. I will check some tour books and maps and look into those suggestions. History golf and photos I can hardly wait

MDI Mainer

It's been at least 30 years since I visited, but my recollection is that the resort is within easy striking distance from Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park, which can be spectacular in the spring with native wildflowers and flowering trees, though of course it's best know for fall colors. There are many scenic pull offs and vistas along the roadway. Great bird and wildlife opportunities too.

https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/driving-skyline-drive.htm

https://www.nps.gov/shen/index.htm

https://www.nps.gov/shen/learn/photosmultimedia/photogallery.htm

https://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/upload/English_SNP_web.pdf

There's a published guide to photographing the park (available in Kindle, but you can download a free app to read on your computer or online):

https://www.amazon.com/Shenandoah-National-Park-Photographers-Guide-ebook/dp/B07DPHXQ84

MDI Mainer

Also in addition to CHG_CANON's recommendations, Thomas Jefferson's home of Monticello is about an hour away, and well worth a visit.

PS I didn't realize that the Park also has a Flicker page:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/snpphotos

medphotog Loc: Witness protection land

The D-Day Memorial would be your longest trek. Without looking I'd say Bedford is about 2-2 1/2 hours away. (And schsssssh, it's famous for being a speed trap on 460. 66 in a 55 going downhill. No other cars went by the whole time "Mr. Trooper Sir" wrote my ticket. First car that went by after he got back in his car he pulled over. No lie. They must have been having a contest to go to Disney World) or something.

starlifter Loc: Towson, MD

Skyline drive would be your best scenic option. The bears frequent the parking lots. there are numerous little towns along I-81 notably Lexington and Stanton. Washingtion / Lee University has is where Robert E. Lee is buried and has a beautiful campus. VMI is also nearby.

Lagoonguy Loc: New Smyrna Beach, FL

Great area for touring historical sites as have already been mentioned and another would be James Monroe’s home, Highland, near Monticello. Highland is much lower key and just as interesting as Monticello without the huge crowds. The Blue Ridge Parkway would be your best bet for wildlife I would think however, we had a deer family come visit us every morning and evening at the Summit area at Massanutten. This is one of our favorite Virginia vacation locations. Have a wonderful trip.

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

You may be close to Garden Week, which is spectacular.

paparue Loc: Bedford Virginia

Shenandoah National Park...You will be within 20 mins from the park. Bears, Deer Birds, the scenery is fantastic. And VERY dark skies.

SENG

Thank you one and all for the fabulous input.

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

SENG wrote:

Does anyone know of good photo opts in or around this place. I am going to be there to play some golf but I am taking my camera gear and hope to spend some time with my camera. I am hoping to get some birds (on the course and off), landscapes, wildlife, night sky and even some macro. I will be there about one week in mid-May. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Shenandoah Caverns (See samples, below). Bring a sweatshirt and take the tour.

Skyline Drive is gorgeous.

We love Massanutten. We have been there many times via RCI exchanges. It was great when our kids were younger. There's plenty to do for everyone. If you like gourmet foods, wine, and beer (and they're offering it again by the time you get there), be sure to go to one of the gourmet dinners where they pair five courses with five beers or wines, then explain in detail what they're serving.

(Download)

SENG

Thank you sharing your information and those cavern photos

burkphoto Loc: High Point, NC

medphotog wrote:

The D-Day Memorial would be your longest trek. Without looking I'd say Bedford is about 2-2 1/2 hours away. (And schsssssh, it's famous for being a speed trap on 460. 66 in a 55 going downhill. No other cars went by the whole time "Mr. Trooper Sir" wrote my ticket. First car that went by after he got back in his car he pulled over. No lie. They must have been having a contest to go to Disney World) or something.

Virginia has been notorious for speed traps as long as I can remember. Back in 1984, my future wife and I drove up to see friends in a small town in Eastern VA. I was dozing in the front seat, when she said, "Oh $#!t." I came to, and glanced at the speedometer. Yes indeed, over 80... just as we passed a 55MPH limit sign.

A VA state trooper stopped her for driving my new Celica at 84 MPH in a 55 MPH zone. The cop said two words when he handed her the ticket on a clipboard: "Sign here." He was kind enough to write it for 70 in a 55, since she was "unfamiliar with the car or the road," as she had lamented to him.

Fortunately, that was before computer networks and reciprocal state agreements, and the $250 ticket never showed up on her insurance or her NC license.

I drove the rest of the way to Emporia. I kept the cruise control on 62... I've been using cruise to drive "under the radar" ever since.

profbowman Loc: Harrisonburg, VA, USA

We have now lived in Harrisonburg, VA, for 35 years, and it is a lovely place. BTW, we have never been stopped for speeding except when I borrowed my brother-in-law's van, and he forgot to tell me its actual speed was 10 miles over what it said.

At Lakeview Golf Course (or any that you will be playing at), you will not be far from Lake Shenandoah. In Harrisonburg, the Arboretum at James Madison University is small but awesome. Plenty of ducks on the lake. And driving up through the Massanutten Resort toward the peak will presnet lots of nature to photograph. --Richard
Elkton and then the Skyline Drive. Right near the golf course will be