The Highlands at Blue Ridge Shadows in Front Royal, VA

John Hopkins Drive N, Front Royal, VA 22630

For more information about senior living options: (844) 490-3973

4.4 from 100 reviews
5 stars
65
4 stars
23
3 stars
4
2 stars
5
1 stars
3

Active Adult Communities (55+)

Overall Review of The Highlands at Blue Ridge Shadows

Pros

  • pro The course offers beautiful views and is in excellent shape with fast greens.
  • pro The staff is friendly and helpful, making guests feel welcome.
  • pro The course is well maintained and offers excellent value for the price.
  • pro The layout is superb, with a challenging mix of holes and scenic elevation changes.
  • pro The greens roll true and are consistently in great condition.
  • pro The course is widely regarded as one of the best in the area.
  • pro The clubhouse and service receive high marks for friendliness and professionalism.
  • pro The course is scenic with rolling hills and memorable holes.
  • pro The value is outstanding, especially for seniors or weekday play.
  • pro The round is described as fun and engaging, with players eager to return.

Cons

  • pro The course is in terrible shape, with burned-out tee boxes and a mess of fairways.
  • pro Tee times can be bumped without warning.
  • pro They were disappointed not to see the beverage cart during their round.
  • pro The staff and management were all over the place.
  • pro The starter was less than helpful.
  • pro There were no water coolers on the course in hot weather and no beverage cart.
  • pro It wasn't worth the money due to torn cart paths and aerated greens.
  • pro Allowing two foursomes to tee off together was unfair to the other golfers.

Review

The Highlands at Blue Ridge Shadows is best suited for serious recreational golfers who prize a dramatic, elevation-rich layout, strong course conditioning, and a clubhouse atmosphere that supports outings and social play. The terrain and design reward accuracy and course management, with greens that roll true and a mix of long, thoughtfully shaped holes. It's a fit for players who routinely seek a challenging round, appreciate scenery and variety, and are comfortable paying a mid-to-upper price for a high-quality course that handles large groups well. Weekday seniors, in particular, find solid value on certain tee sheets, and the club has a track record of accommodating outings with flexible support from staff.

Those who may want to consider alternatives include golfers who prioritize flawless pace of play above all else or who require consistently smooth, uncluttered tee times. Reports of slower rounds, misbookings, and front- to back-nine flow hiccups indicate that on busy days this course can feel congested. Diners and clubhouse guests who want consistently reliable service or a polished dining experience may also be disappointed by variable restaurant service. Additionally, serious concerns about customer treatment - ranging from mixed staff responsiveness to a notably cited incident of perceived discriminatory treatment by a staff member - underscore that not every visit will seamlessly meet expectations, especially for guests sensitive to service consistency or who value uniform hospitality.

On the upside, the key advantages - quality conditioning, greens that are fast and true, and a layout that balances risk and reward - often offset the drawbacks. Multiple rounds are described as beautifully maintained with challenging yet fair greens, and the course design delivers holes that demand thoughtful club selection and precise shot-making. The staff generally earns praise for friendliness and helpfulness, and the capability to host substantial outings with attentive planning is repeatedly highlighted. When the clubhouse experience aligns, players report a welcoming environment, convenient practice facilities, and a layout that remains engaging across repeated visits. For those who can align their expectations with the pace and occasional service variability, the course offers excellent value relative to the quality.

That said, pace of play can be an authentic challenge, particularly when frost delays or large tournaments compress rounds. Several reviews describe delays caused by groups ahead or by management decisions that allowed slower groups to tee off close behind faster ones, creating a bottleneck that saps momentum. Booking mishaps - whether miscommunicated tee times or unexpected gaps between confirmations and actual starts - appear in the feedback as well, sometimes with starter or marshal interactions that feel unhelpful or rushed. These operational frictions are not universal, but they are frequent enough to matter for a plan: golfers should confirm tee times, anticipate possible delays, and factor in extra time for rounds that run longer than expected.

For decision-makers weighing this course against alternatives, the profile is clear: The Highlands rewards golfers who want a visually stunning, strategically demanding round with strong conditioning and a genuine sense of "great value" on favorable days. It is less appealing for those who cannot tolerate occasional service misfires, inconsistent pace, or concerns about equity of treatment. If choosing this track, book confidently but double-check tee times, prepare for variable speed of play, and consider scheduling outings during windows known for smoother operations. For players seeking a consistently seamless dining-and-service experience or a more predictable pace, it may be worth surveying other area options before committing to a weekend or crowded time.

In sum, The Highlands at Blue Ridge Shadows represents a compelling choice for skilled, price-conscious golfers who want a memorable, challenging round in a scenic setting and who can tolerate the occasional management hiccup. It delivers the goods - spectacular terrain, fast greens, and a course that asks thoughtful questions of every club in the bag - more often than not. However, those prioritizing flawless service, guaranteed pace, or a uniformly polished clubhouse experience should evaluate alternatives with care. With disciplined planning and realistic expectations, this course can be the centerpiece of a memorable Front Royal golf day, especially for players who relish a true test and the camaraderie that comes with well-run outings.

Features

Housing

  • 6 resident community capacity 6 resident community capacity

Types of Care

  • Active Adult Communities (55+) Active Adult Communities (55+)Active Adult Communities provide seniors with opportunities for socialization, activities, and wellness programs tailored to their needs. These communities offer a sense of belonging and security while promoting an active and independent lifestyle for those aged 55 and older.

Amenities

  • Housekeeping services Housekeeping servicesHousekeeping services are important for seniors because they help maintain a clean and safe living environment, promote independence, and reduce the risk of accidents or illnesses. Additionally, having assistance with household chores can alleviate physical strain and allow seniors to focus on other aspects of their well-being.
  • Telephone TelephoneTelephones are important for seniors as they provide a lifeline for communication with loved ones, emergency services, and healthcare providers. They offer a sense of security and independence, enabling seniors to stay connected and access assistance when needed.
  • Wi-Fi/high-speed internet available Wi-Fi/high-speed internet availableWi-Fi/high-speed internet is important for seniors to stay connected with loved ones, access online resources, and participate in virtual activities to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation. It also allows them to easily manage healthcare needs, access entertainment, and engage in lifelong learning opportunities.

Care Services

  • Assistance with dressing Assistance with dressingAssistance with dressing is important for seniors because it helps maintain their independence, promotes personal hygiene, prevents accidents and injuries, and improves overall quality of life. This service ensures that seniors can continue to dress comfortably and confidently, despite any physical limitations they may have.
  • Meal preparation and service Meal preparation and serviceMeal preparation and service are crucial for seniors as they may have limited mobility or energy to cook nutritious meals. Having access to healthy and convenient food options can ensure they are getting the proper nutrition needed to maintain their overall health and well-being.
  • Medication management Medication managementMedication management is crucial for seniors to ensure they are taking the right medications at the correct dosages and times. This helps prevent adverse drug interactions, reduces the risk of medication errors, and promotes overall health and well-being. Proactive management also allows for adjustments as needed based on changing health conditions or new prescriptions.

Dining

  • Diabetes diet Diabetes dietA diabetes diet is crucial for seniors as it helps manage blood sugar levels, reduce risks of complications, and improve overall health and well-being. By following a balanced and nutritious diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can better control their diabetes and enhance their quality of life.
  • Special dietary restrictions Special dietary restrictionsSpecial dietary restrictions are important for seniors because age-related changes in metabolism and health conditions can make it difficult for their bodies to process certain foods. By following a diet tailored to their specific needs, seniors can maintain their overall health and well-being, manage chronic conditions, and reduce the risk of complications such as malnutrition or food interactions with medications.

Description

The Highlands at Blue Ridge Shadows in Front Royal, VA is a vibrant and supportive assisted living community. Residents can enjoy the convenience of telephone and Wi-Fi/high-speed internet services, allowing them to stay connected with loved ones and engage in online activities.

Care services provided at The Highlands include meal preparation and service, ensuring that residents are well-nourished with delicious and healthy meals. Medication management is also available, helping residents stay on track with their medications and ensuring their overall well-being.

At The Highlands, dining options cater to individuals with special dietary restrictions, ensuring that residents' unique needs are met. Nearby, there are also cafes, parks, pharmacies, physicians, restaurants, transportation services, and hospitals available for easy access and convenience. Whether it's grabbing a cup of coffee at a local café or taking a stroll in a nearby park, residents have plenty of opportunities for leisure and entertainment.

Overall, The Highlands at Blue Ridge Shadows provides a comfortable and inclusive environment where seniors can receive personalized care and support while enjoying various amenities and nearby attractions within the bustling Front Royal community.

Nearby Places of Interest

Restaurants

  • IHOP (1.8 miles)
  • TGI Friday's (1.8 miles)
  • Roy Rogers (1.9 miles)
  • Los Potrillos (1.9 miles)
  • Taco Bell (2 miles)
  • Mikado Japanese Steak & Seafood House (2 miles)
  • Cracker Barrel (2 miles)

Cafes

  • Starbucks (1.9 miles)
  • Happy Creek Coffee & Tea (5.2 miles)
  • Starbucks (6.2 miles)

Physicians

  • Valley Health Family Medicine | Front Royal (2 miles)
  • Jennifer Barron MD (4.2 miles)
  • Front Royal Family Practice (4.2 miles)
  • Front Royal Family Practice (4.2 miles)
  • Warren Surgical Associates (4.2 miles)
  • Front Royal Internal Medicine (4.2 miles)
  • Front Royal Pediatrics, PC (4.2 miles)

Parks

  • Rockland Park (2.5 miles)
  • Eastham Park (5.6 miles)
  • Skyline Caverns (6.5 miles)
  • Shenandoah National Park (8.4 miles)

Transportation

  • Enterprise Rent-A-Car (3.9 miles)
  • Thrifty Car Rental (3.9 miles)
  • Front Royal Warren County Airport (FRR) (6 miles)

Pharmacies

  • Family Pharmacy Services (4.2 miles)
  • Epic Pharmacies (4.2 miles)
  • Valley Pharmacy (4.3 miles)
  • Lester's Pharmacy (5.5 miles)
  • Martin's Pharmacy (5.6 miles)
  • Greg's Family Pharmacy (5.7 miles)
  • CVS Pharmacy (5.8 miles)

Hospitals

  • Warren Memorial Hospital (5 miles)
  • Warren Memorial Hospital (5.3 miles)

Places of Worship

  • Saint John the Baptist Roman Catholic Church (5.1 miles)
  • Unitarian Universalist Church of the Shenandoah Valley (5.7 miles)
  • Dynamic Life Praise & Worship Center (5.9 miles)
  • Strasburg Christian Church Parsonage (9.4 miles)
  • New Life Christian Church (11.1 miles)

Theaters

  • The Family Drive-In Theatre (5.9 miles)
  • Alamo Drafthouse Winchester (8.8 miles)

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is The Highlands at Blue Ridge Shadows?

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