The main thing to remember when visiting here is to BUY THE ACTIVITY CARD! It is soooooo worth it. There are TONS of activities on the grounds for everyone, and most of them become free when you buy the activity card. It is only $99, and you will get your money's worth out of it, from unlimited golf green use to yoga and fitness classes, scuba lessons, and even admission to the Shenandoah Caverns. And those activities that aren't free are discounted when you have the card.
The town of McGayehsville has all the shopping needs you require and a bunch of good restaurants to eat at. The Luray Caverns are a quick trip away, along with other caverns. My family actually preferred the Shenandoah Caverns more, as they were less commercial. Busch Gardens is a 2-hour drive away, along with another amusement park and Colonial Williamsburg.
They are currently constructing an indoor/outdoor water park and a 50-store shopping mall on the grounds. There is skiing in the winter and different activities at that time as well.
We are definitely going back!!