Food and frolic in the mountains of Virginia: an excursion review
I am a desert creature. I do not like the cold. Nor does my human. So naturally, while the weather’s been cold, she and I decided it was the best time to go to the mountains and investigate activities in the snow.
Massanutten was our target area (quite a bit more than two meters wide) and is a hub for skiers and snowboarders though the property is open year round and offers many other activities such as ziplining, ice skating, an indoor water park, and a place to swing ye irons. The resort is quite large (6,000 acres according to their website) and slightly confusing to navigate as a first time visitor despite being reasonably well marked with signs.
The intention of the day had been to experience a snow related activity such as skiing or snow tubing. However, the girl and I were seduced by the indoor water park, heated to a blissful 84° year round, complete with lazy river, water slides, and hot tub (which could have been even hotter for me!). This became our primary activity of the day and while we did consider snow tubing as well, we decided to keep a relaxed pace for the day and return another time for more adventures.
As evening drew near, food was in order. We had spotted a ramen bar at the main ski lodge and were eager for the prospect of a warm bowl of broth. However, upon our arrival around 6pm, the restaurant was, alas, closed for the day. Another eatery was selected (Campfire Grill) where we enjoyed a plate of rotisserie chicken, fries, and the veg of the day: brussel sprouts. We were impartial to the chicken, the brussel sprouts were conveniently predigested and very mushy (which was not necessarily a bad thing as it saved our stomachs some effort though they were rather bland), but the fries were excellent and retained their crispy exterior the duration of our meal.
As the day was coming to a close, we decided to continue on towards Harrisonburg (only about 15 minutes down the road) and found a place to stay for the night. Sleep was achieved and the next morning found us walking the quiet streets of the historic downtown area by 7:30am. Our first stop: a large pile of snow next to a parking garage where we were able to partake of some “skiing” (aka awkwardly sliding down on our butts, or rather, in my case, my face). I believe both of our techniques could use some improvement. Wet and chilled afterwards, Jessica graciously tucked me into her jacket where I had an ideal view of the town.
The day was spent completely at our leisure walking the streets and discovering little shops and eateries along the way. There was a charming cafe inside of the Visitor’s Center called the Heritage Bakery & Cafe which had small shortbread cookies for 25 cents, “a real bargain!”. Younglings could also pay for their cookie with a piece of nature such as a leaf or a rock.
The girl found a new favorite cup of tea (the White Ayurvedic Chai with oatmilk) in a cat cafe called Aristocat. The tea menu was expansive, so much so it could almost be intimidating but the staff was very kind and patient in explaining all of the different variTEAs they offer…………….Ah, did you believe the tea puns would be limited to my previous tea related post? Incorrect.
After some debate and backtracking, we eventually landed in the beyond for lunch- Beyond Restaurant Pho and Sushi. A relatively plain interior with some peppy music playing, the restaurant was conveniently uncrowded for a Saturday afternoon. We decided upon the Crispy Orange Chicken served with steamed vegetables and rice. I had considered a side of spring rolls as well but decided against it which was wise as the entree portion was quite large and was plenty for 2 meals that day. The food arrived quickly with the large ball of rice cracking open like an ice spider egg upon delivery (no knobby white spiders inside though I wouldn’t have turned them down).
The chicken was very tasty and relatively moist though we wouldn’t describe it as “crispy” at all. There was an abundance of the sweet sauce to add flavor to the unseasoned sides. The rice was well cooked and the majority of the vegetables were as well with the exception of a few pieces of broccoli that were still a bit crunchy. At $17.95, we’d consider the price fair as it was a large portion and covered our dinner meal as well. The staff was pleasant and helpful and the experience enjoyable with some head bobbing tunes as we ate. (Beyond also gets an extra point for having the carrots cut in an interesting shape which somehow made them taste better!)
Other enjoyable experiences of the day included browsing through local shops filled with amusing bumper stickers and miniature toy magnets (including a C3PO no larger than my thumb), bonding with a flock of ducks long enough to become an honorary feathered fowl, acquiring a last minute front row seat to a children’s theater production of The Little Mermaid, and engaging in conversations with fellow denizens and travelers. A most successful and enjoyable adventure of The Crumb indeed!
Thank you for reading and we’ll “ski” you later…perhaps…or perhaps snowboarding….or snow tubing….or ice skating. Or perhaps we’d just go back to the water park. Until next time and May the Force Be With You!
Written 3/7/26
The Adventures of The Crumb 