Dining In Luray: The Artisans Grill

When last I spoke with you, it was about enjoying a picnic at one of the tables set up in the Luray Greenway Park, which borders the banks of the Hawksbill Creek here in Luray, VA. Remember??? Downtown Luray, VA, is only a mile from the world famous Luray Caverns. You see the Caverns on TV, hear about them on the radio and visit the area to enjoy nature all year long. Well, it is now time for you to plan a getaway to Luray so you can de-stress from all pressure at work, the white-knuckle commute on the Beltway and the planned-down-to the-minute schedule that so often takes over our lives.

Of course, the first thing we want you to do is to pick up the phone and make a reservation for your favorite room or the Susie Hodges Cottage at South Court Inn. We'll be happy to schedule a masseuse to come in and massage all those knots in your calf or across your shoulders. Or, we'll steam up a pot of tea for you to enjoy on the front porch or a wing-back in the living room. Or, we'll leave you to your own devices to retreat, relax and enjoy doing absolutely nothing. No matter what you do, you will, sooner or later, want to know about dining in Luray, VA. So, this first of many blog posts will talk about the varied landscape of dining available to you here in Luray.

So this time I want you to know about the Artisans Grill, 2 East Main Street, Luray, VA, 22835. Artisans Grill is not just a good place to eat, but a great re-purposing of an old Art Deco building. Enjoy a sandwich for lunch or later and dinner from 5PM Wednesday through Monday. Note that comment about them being open on Mondays and look forward to a hearty welcome and service on what can sometimes be a hard day to find dinner in Town. They pride themselves on using local produce as much as possible and the natural, grass-fed beef that stars in their burgers and steaks. Artisans Grill offers a great selection of sandwiches and sides, any of which they will happily pack as a picnic meal you can enjoy at one of the tables in the Hawkbill Greenway Park, only about 50 yards from the Grill. The dinner menu features a good selection of American fare...crab cakes, grilled salmon, grilled steaks, even game every once in a while...all with something to match from the wine or beer list...or, OK...OK...iced tea, water and soft drinks.

Whether for lunch or dinner, here is a vegan alert! If you like grilled portobello mushrooms, then you will love the grilled protobello sandwich served from lunch 'til closing. It is one of my favorites and I have a hard time getting past ordering it whenever I stop there. Come dinner time, however, the grilled protobello is also offered as a dinner entree. If you'll allow me to stretch you imagination just a bit, I'll say that it is a large portobello Napoleon centered on a base of salad. The portobello is grilled to perfection, then filled with layer upon layer of grilled onions, soft, fresh mozzarella and roasted sweet red pepper. The dressing adds the touch of tartness so important to obtaining good depth and complexity of flavors. Anyway, whether you are a vegetarian or steak lover, you'll love the deep flavors and hunger-quenching texture this plate offers at the end of the day...and it is right here in Downtown Luray, only 90 minutes from the Beltway and a mile from world famous Luray Caverns!

Dining in Luray: Picnic Along the Luray Hawksbill Greenway Park

Today's discussion highlights one of Luray restaurants, or in this case a great full-service deli.

It is interesting answering the phone here at South Court Inn. I never know what to expect. I'm constantly amazed at how many callers are not aware that the Town of Luray even exists! Many years ago, the State built a 4-lane highway that by-passes downtown Luray and hundreds of thousands of people visit Luray Caverns each year without realizing that the Town is only a mile away. That's a real shame because they are missing the opportunity to enjoy a beautiful Main Street...one that is becoming more attractive all the time. In particular, they are missing one of the prize-winning attributes of the Town...the Hawksbill Greenway.

The Greenway is a 3-mile walking path/park that meanders along the sides of the Hawksbill Creek, which bisects the Town. If you plan ahead a bit and pack a picnic and fishing equipment/license, you can spend part of your afternoon picnicing on the Hawksbill Greenway and fishing for trout in the Creek itself. You'll be surprised just how many citizens you encounter in the Park...it is a strong point of civic pride here in Luray and a fantastic place for the morning and evening constitutionals so many residents take.

Now, just suppose you don't pack a picnic...you are in luck. Luray is adding more eateries all the time and has several that will be happy to pack sandwiches, salads, snacks...whatever...for you to take to the Greenway and enjoy while whiling away in the sun.

If you like a great Ruben sandwich, make sure you visit Bill at the West Main Market, 123 West Main Street, Luray, VA 22835. Add a pint of mustard potato salad and a bag of kettle potato chips and you'll be in for a real treat. Bill piles the corned beef high and heats the sandwich almost to boiling. The cheese oozes, the kraut sizzles and the aroma wafts! As I said, you are in for a treat...all because your decided to visit Downtown, Luray, VA!!!

And while you are at it, think about making your visit a getaway at South Court Inn B&B. You're stressed at work; you're maxed out with rush hour traffic; you're tired of having every minute scheduled or eaten up by something in the way. One of South Court Inn's claim to fame is that is provides elegant accommodations, a laid-back atmosphere and some knock-your-socks-off breakfasts.

You don't have to do anything...just make a reservation and plan on relaxing when you get here! Hope to hear from you soon!!!