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Graves’ Mountain Lodge Near Shenandoah National Park In Virginia Is Positively Gorgeous Any Time Of Year

Graves' Mountain Lodge in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains offers charming accommodations and beautiful natural surroundings.

Updated Apr 6, 2022

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

No matter the season, a trip to the mountains of Virginia is always a good idea. If you're looking for a beautiful place to set up camp -- yet aren't necessarily looking to camp -- there's a gorgeous mountain lodge that will completely charm you. Graves' Mountain Farm & Lodge, situated just outside of Shenandoah National Park, offers guests the experience of the great outdoors combined with all the comforts of home. As Shenandoah is one of the best national parks to visit in Virginia, you'll love the whole atmosphere around this lodge. Here's more on this positively gorgeous accommodation in Virginia's Blue Ridge.

Welcome to Graves' Mountain Lodge in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia. The moment you arrive, you'll feel welcomed into the tradition of down-home hospitality. If you're looking for things to do outside in Virginia, the lodge is the perfect place to stay.

Sign for Graves' Mountain Lodge with colorful autumn trees and mountains in the background.
management / TripAdvisor

For over 135 years, this destination has hosted families from near and far in the picturesque yet rustic accommodations. It's a great place to be if you're heading out to some of the nicest hiking trails in Virginia.

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Aerial view of a lush green farm surrounded by mountains, featuring fields, buildings, and trees under a clear sky.
Graves' Mountain Lodge / Facebook

Guests can choose from a variety of lodging, ranging from the traditional lodge to private guesthouses and even a campground.

Cozy wooden bedroom with two beds, a lamp, and large windows, featuring warm, natural light and rustic decor.
management / TripAdvisor

Each lodge offers a quaint and authentic mountain feel with all the amenities you'll need to feel right at home. Plus, you can look forward to homemade meals throughout your stay.

Cozy living room with a stone wall, wooden beams, plaid sofa, and warm lighting.
management / TripAdvisor

If you opt to stay in the main lodge, you'll enjoy the experience of getting to know your fellow vacationers, who may just become friends.

A wooden porch with several people sitting in rocking chairs, surrounded by greenery and natural light.
alashas / TripAdvisor

While the accommodations are certainly charming, it's really the setting that distinguishes this unique lodging. The beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains will be right outside your doorstep, and along with it, endless opportunities to hike, stroll, and enjoy the landscape. The nearby Shenandoah National Park is one of the best parks in Virginia.

A scenic view of a grassy area with a fire pit surrounded by logs, framed by mountains and trees in the background.
Graves' Mountain Lodge / Facebook

No matter your reason for stopping by Graves' Mountain Lodge, you'll feel like you've discovered something special.

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A rustic wooden building with a stone chimney, surrounded by grass and trees, under a cloudy sky.
Sanjeev_Sharma / TripAdvisor

Have you stayed at Graves' Mountain Lodge before? Be sure to tell us all about your experience there! For more information, you can visit Graves' Mountain Lodge's official website. 

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Stays

The Secluded Airbnb Cabin in Virginia Is the Perfect Place for a Digital Detox

This three-bedroom, three-bathroom Airbnb cabin in Stanley, Virginia, is the perfect place for a digital detox. The cabin has a beautiful kitchen, amazing porch with beautiful views, a hot tub, and fire pit. It's also a drive away from Shenandoah National Park and Lake Arrowhead.

Published Nov 8, 2024

Written by 

Kelly Carroll

Do you need a digital detox? With the modern use of laptops, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, televisions, and e-readers to read, check email, work, shop, pay bills, listen to podcasts, stream entertainment, and more, it's safe to say that most of us can use a break from the digital world. I know my sore wrists, shoulders, and neck could use some time away from devices.

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There are many ways to take a digital break, and a getaway into nature is one of the best. By escaping to nature, you can spend less time worrying about what digital things you shouldn't do and more about the excellent opportunities to hike, bird watch, gather around a fire pit, or porch-sit. We've scoured the state of Virginia and think this three-bedroom cabin Airbnb in Stanley is the ideal spot to leave technology behind.

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Management / Airbnb

The three-bedroom, three-bathroom cabin accommodates six guests. Each bedroom has a memory foam mattress, perfect for enjoying a great night's sleep or a coveted afternoon nap. The first bedroom has a king-sized mattress, the second has a queen-sized mattress, and the third has two twin-sized mattresses.

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Management / Airbnb

The cabin also boasts excellent daytime entertainment without screens. It has books, board games, and an indoor electric fireplace. There's also a hot tub with stunning views, ideal for relaxing alone or with a friend. An expansive covered porch with rocking chairs is perfect for reading or enjoying a steamy cup of coffee or tea. The property's outdoor area has a fire pit with Adirondack chairs where guests can gather at the end of the day.

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Management / Airbnb

If you like to cook while you're away from home, the cabin's kitchen has everything you'll need to whip up a feast. There are stainless steel appliances, a blender, a toaster, a coffee maker, and a microwave. The kitchen opens to a comfortable dining area, and there is another dining area outdoors with a picnic table.

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Management / Airbnb

The Airbnb is a 25-minute drive from Shenandoah National Park, a must-see destination. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, waterfalls, and wildflowers. The park also offers many fantastic hikes, with over 500 miles of trails.

Lake Arrowhead, one of the most magical lakes in Virginia, is also 15 minutes away from the cabin in Luray, Virginia. A 34-acre lake with beaches and mountain views, Lake Arrowhead is a fantastic place to fish, boat, swim, and hike. There are also picnic areas, volleyball nets, and a one-mile path around the lake.

Check out our list of must-have hiking accessories before going on your next hike, whether in Stanley, Virginia, Shenandoah National Park, near Lake Arrowhead, or another part of the state.

For more information and availability, visit the cabin's Airbnb listing.

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Stays|Hotels & Resorts

The Historic Omni Homestead Resort in Virginia Gets All Decked out for Christmas Each Year

Embark on an enchanting adventure at Christmas at the Omni Homestead Resort in Virginia. It's absolutely magical.

Updated Oct 28, 2024

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

One of the best parts of the holiday season is the opportunity to dress up your home with twinkling lights, wreaths, a tree, and other holiday décor. Yet you don't have to put these decorations up yourself to see them done perfectly. If you're looking for a getaway over the Christmas season, head to the Omni Homestead Resort, where you'll see an endless display of holiday magic. From the giant tree in the Great Hall to the outdoor ice skating rink, live holiday music, and much more, you'll find that this iconic landmark gets decked out for Christmastime each year. Continue reading to learn more about Christmas at Omni Homestead Resort in Virginia this year.

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Since 1766, the Homestead Resort has welcomed Virginia residents and travelers to the breathtaking mountains of Virginia. And no time is the hotel more magical than during the holiday season.

It all begins when the massive Christmas tree is put up in the lobby. The Great Hall Tree is situated in the foyer from Thanksgiving until the new year.

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Jake Wyman/The Image Bank via Getty Images

And the official placing of the tree warrants its own special event which you can attend!

Selecting the right tree for the 100-year-long tradition of a Great Hall Christmas Tree is a process that takes months. Starting in July, the head of the grounds at the hotel will travel to Henderson Farms in Newland, North Carolina to begin the search process. The tree must be around 20 feet tall.

In addition to the Great Hall Christmas Tree, hotel guests will delight in some of the other memorable attractions, such as this nearly life-sized gingerbread house. On December 20 and December 21, 2024, guests can also attend The Nutcracker, presented by the Southwest Virginia Ballet. You can also attend a tea party with the Sugar Plum Fairy and Clara throughout the weekend. And, of course, you can't forget about bedtime stories from Santa's elves, decorating cookies, and immersing yourself in all of your favorite holiday traditions!

This Christmas resort in VA is full of wholesome wintertime activities that are bound to put you in the holiday mood. Try your hand at ice skating under twinkle lights and then warm up with fireside s'mores.

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Happy woman in winter style clothes against the backdrop of garland lights. Winter fashion, holidays concept.

The ski slopes will also be open for those who wish to try their hand at this beloved pastime. These slopes may not be as daring as those you'll find in other parts of the country, but the scenery is hard to beat!

No matter your reason for traveling to the historic Homestead Resort, you'll love taking part in these festive and family-oriented holiday events.

If you haven't experienced an Omni Homestead Christmas yet, make this your year! It's gorgeous! For more information about Christmas at the Omni Homestead Resort, visit the official website or give them a follow at the Omni Homestead Resort Facebook page.

Have you ever spent your holidays at the Omni Homestead Resort VA? What are some of your favorite Christmas in Virginia traditions? Let me know! I'd love to hear all about your experiences.

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If you love spending your winters in Virginia like we do, check out some of our favorite activities. And if you need cold-weather gear for any upcoming adventures, check out some of our favorite items.

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