Madison, VA, nestled in the heart of beautiful mountains and foothills, offers endless opportunities for outdoor activities. What better way to explore it all than by getting behind the wheel of a tough and rugged 2023 Ford Explorer, 2023 Ford Escape, or 2023 Ford Ranger with ample space for outdoor equipment, shopping, and the whole family? So hit the road and discover all the fun that awaits you outside.
1. Shop Local at the Madison County Farmers’ Market
The Madison County Farmers’ Market in Hoover Park at 1110 Fairground Road in Madison is producer-only and one of the best markets for miles around. It’s one of those lovely old-fashioned markets where everyone in town gathers on Saturdays to catch up and buy produce grown on farms in the area and homemade goods from local bakers who pick and prepare their wares just hours before the market, ensuring that they offer only the freshest goods.
It’s a vibrant market with beautiful views over the Blue Ridge Mountains, full of friendly and helpful vendors who always have time for a chat. There’s free parking and a safe area where your little ones can run around and play while you browse for fruits, veggies, specialty meats, and freshly baked goodies. Best of all, the vendors even offer online orders for pick-up.
2. Climb Old Rag Mountain to Admire the View
Take Route 231 North to the Berry Hollow Parking area on Weakley Hollow Road, just over 14 miles away, to climb to the summit of Old Rag Mountain. It’s a strenuous and long six to seven-hour hike, and while extremely rewarding, it’s a physically demanding route that can be dangerous, so plan properly.
Along the way, you will see rare and endangered plant life that can only thrive in this landscape of rugged granite boulders. Once you’ve reached the top of Old Rag Mountain, your efforts will be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic 360-degree views that will leave you in awe.
3. Discover Nature in Shenandoah National Park
Head 29 miles down the road to 22591 Spotswood Trail in Elkton to spend time in the breathtaking Shenandoah National Park, a vast 200,000-acre wilderness offering a wealth of natural beauty and animal life. Over 500 miles of trails, with 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail, wind past cascading waterfalls, through lush wooded valleys, and over sprawling fields covered in wildflowers.
You can enjoy a short leisurely stroll through the woods, tackle one of the longer trails for a backcountry camping trip to secluded areas in the park, or saddle your horse and ride down 180 miles of rocky mountain trails. The park has over 90 mountain streams teeming with 40 fish species and 70 streams with brown, rainbow, and native brook trout, and your can pitch your tent at one of five campgrounds, each with unique features and amenities.
Explore Madison’s beautiful natural surroundings, appreciate the spectacular views, and buy from the farmers’ market to support the hardworking local farmers, bakers, and makers. While driving around town, swing by Madison Ford today and take one of the brand-new SUVs for a test drive.
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