With its great location in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park is one of those national parks that is within easy reach of day-trippers. With that in mind, the park's concessionaire has developed a number of special events for young and old.

Whether Easter egg hunts, scavenger hunts, or vintner dinners appeal to you, there likely will be something going on in the park to complement your day hike or birding outing.

“Shenandoah National Park’s rich history, unique geographic and wildlife draw more than 1.1 million visitors each year. We hope to enhance each visitor’s experience by offering fun entertainment, guided programs and culinary events perfect for the entire family,” said Helen Morton, director of sales and marketing for ARAMARK Shenandoah National Park Lodging. “With a wide array of events and programs, guests can plan an overnight getaway or a day trip to enjoy the tastes of the regional cuisine or take in the featured entertainment of the Shenandoah Valley Cloggers and the Possum Ridge String Band.”

Here's a quick breakdown of the special events and activities the concessionaire has lined up:

Easter Egg Hunt, held at Skyland Resort on Sunday, April 4, 2010, is open to children ages three to ten years old. Kids will explore Skyland’s historic lower-level area to find hidden colorful eggs.

Other children’s activities planned this spring include games, crafts, story-telling, S’mores & Stories and home-made ice cream events. Dates and times will be posted on-site and on www.visitshenandoah.com. A minimal fee may apply to some activities.

Scavenger Hikes will be offered every Monday and Wednesday beginning May 3 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Skyland Resort, and May 24 - November 3 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Big Meadows Lodge. Guests will follow clues and search for hidden natural and historic “treasures” along a national park trail. Each member of the expedition will receive signed and official certificates validating their achievement level of “City Slicker,” Pioneer Scout” or the elite “Frontier Explorer” . Authors Kat and John LaFevre will lead the hikes on June 21, July 19 and August 16 and autograph their books. Priced at $5 per person or $20 for a family of four, the rate includes an autographed “Shenandoah Scavenger Hikes” book.

Vintner Dinners include an elegant four-course dinner highlighted with wine pairings from a featured Virginia Winery. The Vintner will provide insight for the selected pairings. Priced at $295 for double occupancy, the package includes Friday night lodging, dinner for two people, etched wine glasses and a Shenandoah Seasonings recipe book. The dinners are available for booking April 9, May 14, June 11, July 9, August 13, September 10 and November 12 at Skyland Resort.

Executive Chef & Guest Chef Dinners is a new twist on Shenandoah’s popular “Shenandoah Seasonings” culinary workshops. Shenandoah’s Executive Chef and guest chefs will lead participants through a delectable four-course menu of mouth-watering items paired with wines. Priced at $295 for double occupancy, the package includes Friday night lodging, dinner for two people, etched wine glasses and a Shenandoah Seasonings recipe book. Guests can book the dinners April 23, May 28, June 25, July 23, August 27, September 24 and November 26 at Skyland Resort.

Rainy Day Cooking Demos feature the chef as he prepares one of his favorite items at Skyland Resort. Guests can pamper their palette indoors when the trails outside are too wet for their taste. Priced at $10 per person you can enjoy a delectable sample and take home the recipe. Dates and times will be posted on site.

Wildflower Spring Celebration held Saturday, May 15 at Skyland Resort, celebrates the arrival of spring flowers and warmer weather in Shenandoah National Park. Guests will enjoy music, food and the sights and sounds of spring. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For a complete listing of events or to book overnight reservations at either Skyland Resort, Big Meadows Lodge or Lewis Mountain Cabins, please call 800-778-2782 or log on to www.visitshenandoah.com.