Yet again Massanutten Questions

[bluehende]

I have an oportunity to get a week at Massanutten for Sep 10. I have read all the posts and still have a few questions that helpful Tuggers could answer. I am considering a 1 bd woodstone full kitchen or 2 Bd partial kitchen. I could also get just about any other village in Massanutten.

Questions.

1. The 1 bedroom is all we really need but want to balance out the option to invite someone else against the full kitchen. Does anyone know about the 1 bd full and partial kitchen units? Do they have whirlpool tubs and in general are as nice as all the reviews give to Woodstone? Basically any warnings?????

2. Since we are going in Sep. will the resort be "shut down" with many of the activities curtailed? We experienced this at Smuggs a few years back.

3. We are mountain bikers and hikers and would appreciate any advice on hikes and rides. I have basically done all the toughest trails in the East (albeit walking the bike a bit) walking and biking. However right now I am recovering from knee surgery so my skills have lapsed a bit so any level or ride or hike is appreciated as long as it's trails and not roads.

4. Anything else not to miss???????

Thanks in advance
Wayne

[EAM]

Not to miss: For hiking Shenandoah National Park - check a topo map or ask a ranger about trails that are level enough for you. There's a 1.3 mile trail for people with disabilities, there are portions of other trails that are relatively level, there are other portions that I would call undulating, and there are some very steep climbs. There's more information at http://www.nps.gov/shen/2b.htm

If you like Civil War History, consider a drive up to New Market where there are two museums next door to each other. As I recall, the first one is privately owned and has a great deal of general Civil War displays. I think the other is state-owned and affiliated with Virginia Military Institute; it focuses on the Battle of New Market and the role played by VMI cadets, including Moses Ezekiel (first Jewish cadet at VMI, later to become a famous sculptor), and Thomas ? Jefferson, descendent of a cousin of President Jefferson.

There's an outfitter/sporting goods store in Harrisonburg. The might be able to give you suggestions about where to hike. Good place to buy gear, maps, guidebooks, etc. as I recall.

If a 2BR Summit full kitchen is available, you might like that just as much as Woodstone. Some of the Summit units have pretty good views of the Massanutten resort area. (I would not say good views of the mountains since the resort has buildings over much of the mountains now.) Woodstone is down in the valley but close to the activities, indoor pool, etc.

The bus tour to D.C. is good if you have not visited there for a while.

[jfrisk]

The difference between a full kitchen and partial is the lack of a full sized stove/oven. Partial has full fridge, etc. everthing except the full stove, but you also have a 2 burner hot plate as well as a microwave that is a convection/microwave which gives you full oven facility etc. We had one at Vacation Village @ Weston in Florida.

The other thing that the units with partial kitchen get is a BBQ on the deck. I would choose a 2 bedroom partial kitchen over a 1 bedroom full kitchen any day of the week.

Enjoy, Judy

[anne1125]

My son recently went to Woodstone and stayed in a 2 bedroom partial. They loved it and used the bbq often. The 2 bedroom full kitchen is on the lower level and they do not have a bbq.

Enjoy.

Anne

[NTHC]

You may enjoy the Ridge Trail that is on the resort. It starts at Honeymoon Peak and ends at the top of the ski slopes. It really depends on the knee situation. The trail gets fairly rocky and rugged towards the end and then there is the walk "down" the slopes. It takes about 4 hours and there are places with awesome views of both sides of the mountain.

The grass tubing is new this year and we enjoyed it this afternoon. Two rides for $4 or 2 hours for $7. The gnats are relentless though so bring bugspray if you plan to do this.

I agree with the previous posts regarding the full kitchen. Unless you plan to use an oven, you will probably be happier with the gas grill in the partial.

Hope you have a great vacation,
Cindy

[nra4usa]

So you are going to Mass-of-nothin'

Several trails (not roads) at mass-of-nothin'. Steep and challanging. If that is not enough, there are many more at that massive Shanadoah national park down the main highway heading east. We did the trails with the waterfalls. The gnats in the heavily wooded areas are insane. No gnats in open areas that get some sunshine.

Last august they closed the outdoor pools too early - at 8:00 PM. This made us mad. Only explanation is too save money. Water Park was not finished last August so that was not an option for evening fun. Do not expect everything to be open every day of the week or very late in sept when children are back in school. For september, you should be able to get in without a trade via a bonus vacation - but I have not looked at RCI in a year due to their shady practices.

Overall not a bad place. Strong emphasis on golfing. The water park was definitely needed to give kids something to do sine there is no beach or theme park there.

We bought our groceries and supplies at the Super Walmart located at the eastern side of Harrisonburg. Check out some of the caves in the area.

Have a good trip.

[bluehende]

Originally Posted by nra4usa

So you are going to Mass-of-nothin'

Several trails (not roads) at mass-of-nothin'. Steep and challanging. If that is not enough, there are many more at that massive Shanadoah national park down the main highway heading east. We did the trails with the waterfalls. The gnats in the heavily wooded areas are insane. No gnats in open areas that get some sunshine..

Was that the red oak canyon white oak canyon loop? That's a great hike. I've even done that in full pack with a group of boy scouts. And all I can say is that at least gnats don't bite. What would hiking be if the swarm wasn't buzzing around your head

Originally Posted by nra4usa

Last august they closed the outdoor pools too early - at 8:00 PM. This made us mad. Only explanation is too save money. Water Park was not finished last August so that was not an option for evening fun. Do not expect everything to be open every day of the week or very late in sept when children are back in school. For september, you should be able to get in without a trade via a bonus vacation - but I have not looked at RCI in a year due to their shady practices. .

This is actually a skyauction getaway.weeks.com certificate. Another thread is talking about these. If I put up my total cost there it might cause a stir.. With the online 50 dollar coupon and the fact that the restaurant certificates are transferrable it is very very cheap.

As for activities......a couple years ago we went to Smuggs in September. There was virtually no activities going on. Not that we plan to do many, but it would be a nice diversion on a couple days.

Originally Posted by nra4usa

Overall not a bad place. Strong emphasis on golfing. The water park was definitely needed to give kids something to do sine there is no beach or theme park there.

We bought our groceries and supplies at the Super Walmart located at the eastern side of Harrisonburg. Check out some of the caves in the area.

Have a good trip.

We have opted for the 2 bedroom partial kitchen unit at woodstone. After some research the 1 bdrm units exist in another part of woodstone that has no reviews or ratings. The area is called campo de something and does not say it is gold crown. I would assume that these units are very nice but without any reviews I went the safe direction. Also I love to BBQ.

Thanks for all the help and feel free to keep it coming....especially any mountain biking trails either on site or nearby.

Thanks
Wayne