Shadow Mountain Escape is a hidden Gem, as is Karen Riddle. Every detail, from the moment we arrived, until the moment we left, was absolutely perfect. There are certain people that find their calling in life, and believe me, Karen has found hers providing a beautiful one stop destination/ultimate private elopement venue along with handling every aspect of our wedding (flowers, wedding cake, vows, officiant, venue, and beautiful photos). We were blown away and are so happy we chose Shadow Mountain Escape, and Karen Riddle for our special day!! We will be back. read more

SME is the kind of place that's so special, you want to keep it all to yourself, but can't help but tell everyone you know about it! It is the coziest little getaway in Luray situated on an absolutely beautiful property. There are five cabins in total that are intended to be a couple's getaway, so the property is always very quiet and peaceful. It feels very connected to nature- we've seen deer very close to each of the structures when we've stayed. We've had the pleasure of staying in the Dragonfly, Bumblebee, and Ladybug cabins and have really enjoyed each one- they all have a similar feel but are built slightly differently. This time around, we were in the Bumblebee cabin, which is quite spacious and shares a structure with the Dragonfly cabin. There was a gas fireplace and a TV downstairs where we spent most of our time reading; there was also a couch upstairs in the hallway outside of the bedroom, and a cute balcony we probably would have spent time on if it was warmer! It is absolutely the kind of place where you can just stay in your cabin the entire time you're there, but it's also located pretty close to Sperryville and downtown Luray if you're looking to venture out. To fully take advantage of SME, I'd recommend bringing your own food or groceries to cook- there's not a whole lot close by (which is part of the charm!), but the kitchen is well-equipped with a microwave, oven, and stovetop. There's a pizza place that delivers right to the cabins, which is nice- honestly, the pizza isn't very good, but it's nice to have the option. There are also bottles of wine available for purchase in your cabin, which is nice to have available. You won't meet two nicer people than the owners of SME, Karen and Ralph. It is so clear how much they love SME and sharing their love of the property, which reflects their travels through Europe, with those who stay there. There will always be a delicious baked treat from Karen waiting in your cabin when you arrive, and if you're lucky, she or Ralph will show you around the property and tell you about the structures, all of which were built by Ralph and designed by them both. They are so friendly and kindhearted and make it such a special place to stay. As just one example- it snowed one of the nights we stayed, and Ralph cleared off our car without us even asking. SME feels so calm and peaceful- it's a true VA oasis. We're already planning our next trip back! read more

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Husband and I had a relaxing weekend in the Butterfly cabin. We really enjoyed the peace and tranquility of the property. One evening while relaxing, we noticed a huge owl standing next to a tree across from the balcony. I also had a young buck come right up to me and give me a good sniff while sitting on a rock near the cabin. It's magical moments like that we really miss living in the city. We also walked their nature trail and enjoyed learning from the detailed trail guide the owners have prepared. Karen met us upon arrival with a very detailed overview of the cabin and with fantastic baked goods. We even found cookies at the door after coming back from an afternoon out. Karen gave an excellent recommendation for dinner in town. She's a delightful host! The cabin in kitchen is adequately equipped should you decide to do any cooking. We only made coffee this visit. Maybe next time I'll try cooking. We did find the bed uncomfortable and had trouble sleeping. It really sank in the middle. Also, there was nowhere to hang up any clothing. Bring your own hangers if you want to hang a dress or something nice. There's several cabins on the property, so we're looking forward to coming back to visit each one. read more

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We were looking for a quiet and peaceful weekend. We experienced that and so much more at Shadow Mountain Escape! As we first entered the serene property of Ralph and Karen, Karen greeted us in the driveway. She was so welcoming and warm. Driving a little further down the path to our cabin, we were greeted by Ralph and their family of deer. Ralph was also very welcoming and we really had the feeling that the deer family were there to greet us too! Moving on, Karen met us at our cabin and took us inside. The cabin was incredible! Beautiful, warm, and welcoming. From the fine wood work to the beautiful furnishings, we could not have asked for more. But, we got more. We had wonderful baked treats make by Karen! Priceless! Our stay was so much more that we expected. The property is quiet and peaceful. The nature trail, be sure to take the booklet that explains the trail, is incredible and all of the nature that the property shares, is a beauty to behold. On our last morning as we sat on the deck overlooking the land and drank coffee, a hummingbird stopped just over the railing to say hello. He/she came over the railing, stopped in front of my face and hovered for a while. Nature at its best. If you are looking for a quiet, peaceful stay were you can relax, unwind, commune with nature, visit some wineries and nice restaurants, or make you own meals at your cabin, check out Shadow Mountain Escape. You will love it! Thank you Ralph and Karen for letting us spend some time in your tranquil slice of heaven. read more

We'd rented cabins on the Shenandoah Valley before, but nothing like this. Literally these are next door to the park. The timber cabins are awesome to stay in. The grounds are beautiful and worth exploring on their own. I highly recommend a wake up walk on the 1/2 mile trail. Deer here are tame, and entertaining to watch. Beware of the brownies and pastries they leave you, they are very addictive! Just enjoy them, screw the sugar you're on vacation! read more

We had a lovely stay here, it was our first time in the area. Karen was very welcoming and took photos for our anniversary A quiet, beautiful way to spend the weekend in nature. read more

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Shadow Mountain Escape is like no other place I have ever seen. Owners Karen and Ralph reached out and graped Europe and brought it back to Virginia. Each trimber fame cabin is decorated in European style. Its like your in a cabin from Europe. The furniture in these cabins are also mostly brought back from Germany. One can't walk around and not admire the detail that went into everything selected inside those cabins. If your able to get over to the AWE of these beautiful buildings you will notice their location. They all sit on a lovely property that is shared with many beautiful deer. There's is also a lovely pond where I sit and have my coffee each day. If you look up the definition of peaceful this place is sure to come up. If you're luckily enough to meet the owners who live on property they can fill you in on the detail that went into creating them. These aren't just a place to stay it's an entire European experience. I highly recommend staying in this unique European paradise. Can't wait to return a fourth time! read more

We had the most amazing honeymoon at Shadow Mountain Escape! Nature, history, and architecture can all be enjoyed right on the property. Karen and Ralph are the best hosts, and we were surprised with Karen's homemade treats all week! We loved their nature trail, the antique furniture in the Butterfly cabin, and learning about the history of timber frame buildings. It was refreshing to be off the grid in such a lovely place. There was also so much to do and see in the area - we loved exploring Shenandoah and enjoying the local wineries and breweries. We can't wait to go back to celebrate an anniversary! read more

I am writing this review from the balcony of the BumbleBee cabin. This place is outstanding! The cabins are spacious and immaculate. They have a wonderful old world feel with all the modern amenities you could ask for. Karen has an absolutely infectious amount of energy which must be how she burns off all of her amazing baked goods! Her welcome brownies were to die for. Shadow Mountain Escape is in the perfect location. You are right next to the National Park so amazing hikes are just minutes away. Try Mary's Rock for some outstanding views. It's a 2 1/2 hour trip we took at Karen's suggestion. You can be in Luray in just 5 or 10 minutes to take advantage of the downtown, the caverns or River Hill Distillery which was a highlight of the trip! We now understand why people come here again and again! read more

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My husband surprised me with a Christmas getaway to a cabin at Shadow Mountain Escape. And quite frankly I didn't know what to expect. From the moment we arrived on the property, owners Karen and Ralph personally greeted us and treated us like family until our departure. They are the most delightful couple and take delight in sharing their joy and legacy with others. There are four cabins on the property. We were in the Dragonfly cabin. It was exquisitely rustic and charming but still with modern conveniences. Karen and Ralph went out of their way to make us feel a part of their home. Christmas Eve - we sat by a rustic hand built elaborate wood stove at their personal residence where the couple served authentic German mulled wine, bratwurst, and Italian chestnuts roasted on the open fire and told tales from their travels. Ralph who is part German is very proud of his heritage and the German touches he incorporated into the cabins. He actually built a lot by hand and had stories of each artifact and relic. We ate stollen and German cookies along with a very nice couple from the Chesapeake area. Christmas Day - Karen gave us a personalized card along with a s'more kit to roast by the campfire nearby. Inside the cabin were treats of red velvet cake and heart shaped brownies. We walked the trails and visited a couple of streams but most impressive was a family of 6-7 dear who visited us daily just yards from our cabin. There was a really nice couple in the next cabin from Arlington, Va - I wish I had gotten their names - who gave us the lay of the land and things to do on our next visit. I know I am overlooking a lot as there was so much detail that all I can say is that if you want a unforgettable romantic PEACEFUL getaway you have to visit Shadow Mountain Escape. Exceeded my expectations and we decided we are going again next Christmas!! read more

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My husband and I stayed here for our 10th wedding anniversary and completely fell in love with this place! The property feels like something right out of a fairy tale, where heaven invades earth! Beauty surrounds you in your every turn - absolutely breathtaking! And Ralph and Karen are complete delight! They have thought of everything! And you can tell they are passionate about what they do - it shows in the attention to detail in every area of the property and trip in whole! They have thought of everything from the nature trails right down the the authentic German decor! The timber frames are gorgeous! The architecture is beautiful and the decor is so tasteful! We loved staying here and will definitely be back! Thank you, Karen and Ralph for sharing your piece of heaven with us! read more

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I want to live here. My husband and I stayed here for a few nights last winter to celebrate two things--his return home from a year-long tour in Afghanistan, and our first anniversary. Karen was honestly one of the sweetest, most hospitable people I've ever met in my entire life. From the bottle of wine and sweet note that greeted us when we arrived, to the "hot chocolate fairy" that visited one evening, everything was sprinkled with the sweetest homemade touches. The whole place feels like a big warm blanket (and there were some of those there too!). There are deer that must live on or near the property, because there were a few that let me walk right up to them. That's definitely something I wouldn't be able to do at home! There's also a pizza place that delivers, which was fantastic--we turned on the heater and had pizza and wine one night (while it was sleeting outside, no less!). We watched TV for hours and devoured the pizza. I know that might not sound like much excitement to some people, but after my husband had been in Afghanistan for that long, that night was like GOLD to me -- and I have Karen to thank for it! Karen and her husband provided the perfect setting for for relaxation and peace & quiet, which is exactly what we needed. Both of us are looking forward to going back at some point soon, and we've even discussed bringing other family members and friends. What a fantastic little hideaway! I can't wait to return! read more

Karen was super nice and their place was awesome! She greeted us warmly and gave us some great recommendations for things to do in the area. There were some homemade baked goodies - red velvet cake and cookies and they were so good! She can def open up a bakery. The place was super clean and really homey. There was even a Keurig with everything you need to make coffee. There's also a pizzeria that delivers to the house as well in case you don't feel like going out or weren't prepared to cook. We stayed in Bumblebee. It was overall a nice romantic getaway where we really spent quality time together. There's Luray caverns in the area. We hiked the Mary's rock trail in Shenandoah, visited wineries and then came home to bbq outside. There's a Walmart about 15-20 mins away. It felt good to be away from technology and our normal life. It was a tad pricey but worth it! I'd def choose Karen and Ralph's place before any of the "inns" in the area. read more

Shadow Mountain Escape - Vacation Rentals Near Me - Luray, Virginia

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An ideal weekend in Shadow Mountain Escape's Lady Bug cabin. We received an enthusiastic welcome from Karen, one of the owners who gave us a quick tour of the cabin and left us with a basket full of homemade treats. Definitely go with the chocolate cookies. Although this cabin shares a deck with Karen and Ralph's house, the environment felt very private. The entry level has a nice dining area, complete with a wood-burning stove. The upper level has a cozy bed, windows for natural light. It was gorgeous. We ran into Karen and Ralph the next day as we were heading out to explore. They are great hosts and terrific ambassadors for the area. Every recommendation bit of information was spot on--down to the exact distance to the start of the hiking trail we took. Our second night included a bonfire, complete with marshmallows delivered to our door. They had plenty of wood to keep us warm on a cool night. Recommendations for the surrounding area: Uncle Bucks has a nice, traditional diner-style breakfast. We weren't jazzed about the Artisan Café. It had a nice, atmosphere and live music, but neither of us enjoyed our entrees. Karen recommended hiking Mary's rock. It was a little steeper than I'd expected, but well worth it. If you go in the late fall to early springtime, you should factor in the time of sunset. Round trip, it's about 2 1/2 hours. Wineries. Karen has a map of area vineyards. We took in three on our way back to DC. We are already thinking out our next trip to Shadow Mountain. The decision to be made is whether we go back to the Lady Bug cabin or try one of the other three. read more

My wife and I spent a long weekend here in January 2012 and had an excellent experience in the LadyBug cabin. We love hiking in the Shenandoah's and getting away from the hustle and bustle of the city and thought we'd give this place a try. It's on the short list of places we'd like to go back to. Overall, I'd recommend spending some time on their informative website picking out a cabin that best fits your tastes. The experience promised was exactly the experience delivered. Some special points warrant mention: Karen (owns the cabin with her husband Ralph) was one of the friendliest and enthusiastic folks I've met. Upon arrival, she had freshly baked cookies, chocolate brownies, biscotti, as well as a bottle of freshly carbonated spring water (from a well on their property) ready for our enjoyment. After a quick walkthrough, she brought us some kindling for the wood stove and marshmallows for the campfire she was going to set-up for us at sundown. The wood stove added a great ambiance to the cabin and roasting marshmallows over a campfire in the crisp mountain night was a great way to kick off our experience. The cabin itself looked almost brand new. The downstairs was a large dining area with mini-fridge, microwave, and wood-burning stove. The upstairs was a large bedroom with beautiful views of the surrounding mountainside and a private bathroom. The exposed timber frame is quite a sight to behold and complements the decor of the cabin well. The only thing I missed was a nice big tub to soak in, but I understand some of their other cabins do have this feature. I might have to give that a try next time. We had a great time walking around both the nature trail that goes around the property and taking a longer hike down Jewell Hollow Road that forms the border with Shenandoah National Park. For meals, our favorite part was taking a short drive into downtown Luray. Uncle Buck's is a great little diner for breakfast and the rest of Luray has a bunch of interesting little stores that warrant an hour or two of exploring. In summary, this place delivers a quiet, peaceful retreat that seems ideal for couples looking to get away for a long weekend. The website sets high expectations and delivers on them. read more

This was truly an escape. The Shadow Mountain Escape is nestled in Jewel Hollow, close to US-211 which gives you quick access to Luray for restaurants and the breathtaking Skyline Dr. Karen greeted us with a kind smile and friendly welcome. She showed us to our cabin, Bumblebee, which was absolutely beautiful. Her husband Ralph designed the cabin and it is decorated with wonderful art and little treasures they collected from around the world. After telling us about the lake, nature walk and a few other places and things to explore during our stay, Karen left us to enjoy fresh flowers she picked for our dining table along with the amazing pumpkin crumble cake and other goodies she made for us. The bed was firm and comfortable. In the bedroom there is a cute little breakfast nook. The deck view was beautiful. It is so peaceful and quiet. Everything was clean. The only complaint I have about the cabin is that the couch in the living room was uncomfortable and sunk in way too low. There is an observation tower which was neat to see. They have a couch and a bookshelf up there with a lovely view from the window but it was too hot to stay up there for very long. There is a Cantina downstairs, a winery with a beautiful bar and antiques from Germany and Italy. There is a table for playing cards and also a dart board on the wall. They gave us a cute little bag of marshmallows and lit a campfire for us on Saturday night. We saw a bear twice, when driving on Jewel Hollow. It was a great getaway for my husband and I to celebrate our 5th anniversary and we hope to visit again someday. read more

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My husband and I absolutely love it here. This is our second stay in the bumble bee cabin and it feels like a home away from home. It's so charming, rustic and eclectic. The owners are wonderful and make you feel like family. Karen leaves delicious baked goods as well. Today we watched dear play in the snow and it was lovely. If you're looking for rest in a beautiful and romantic setting then this is the place to come. read more

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We had a fantastic stay at the "Butterfly" cabin at Shadow Mountain Escape! The cabin itself was extremely clean, well-appointed and comfortable. The craftsmanship of the cabin and the design of the décor was thoughtful and impressive. Management met us at the cabin at check in and offered us a personal tour, guidance for local dinner and winery options, and made us feel welcome. They even had a suggested itinerary preprinted for guests, with local destinations and "hot tips" for best times to visit local attractions. We were impressed with the attention to those details. We opted for the wine package and found a lovely bottle of wine and glasses waiting for us, along with a few other delicious surprises including the a "s'mores making kit" for the Saturday night campfire (what fun)! We had a very romantic and memorable weekend. We will definitely be back! PS - bonus points for the thoughtful touch at the cabin door - a sign with our names, welcoming us to the Butterfly at Shadow Mountain! BTW - I see why the cabin is so named... we saw so many butterflies around the cabin that weekend! read more

Great setting, buildings, decor and hosts. Couldn't ask for more!

I would completely recommend staying here if you're in the area. We stayed here for a couple nights to celebrate my husbands bday. Karen was so patient and accommodating throughout the whole process...they even offer a military discount! :) love anyone that honors a discount for military just to see the appreciation. :) Anyways, the grounds and property is on 15 acres and we had a comfy stay! We stayed in the ladybug cabin next to the owners cabin. Bring toiletries if you're a heavy packer or diva. They have basic towels, soap, body bar. Karen made wonderful recommendations for us to do while we were there. Done at inn at little Washington, hike Mary's rock, etc. Oh, if Karen is not from the south she sure acts like a southern belle! It's nice to see someone who is so full of joy, smiles, and genuine care for the people. She baked us a goodie basket and a complimentary red velvet cake! Our fave! Also brought cookies the next day with marshmallows to use at the bonfire that night. It was awesome! The skyline is ridiculous! You NEED to check it out. They are lovely. They have a funny fat cat named Felix on the property. He tried to snuggle with me at the bonfire except I'm highly allergic to kitties. So I ran away from him. Lol. They also have a dog named Lola that stays inside with them. She's a cute little dog. Anyways, I know I have a random review but excuse the ADD. Point is, stay here! Karen is awesome and the property is beautiful! read more

This was a truly memorable trip! Located about 1 mile from US-211, Shadow Mountain Escape is an oasis from the hustle and bustle of everyday living. My BF and I traveled here for our 2 year anniversary and stayed 2 nights in the Bumblebee Cabin located in the rear of the property. The cabin is a shared building with another suite. Our 2 story cabin/suite, decorated with beautiful German adornments and other assorted artwork, was absolutely perfect. There is local wine available for purchase and complimentary cookies (lemon and white chocolate chip) upon arrival. Additionally, the Italian and German-inspired La Cantina, located in the basement of the cabin, was the perfect area for sharing a bottle of wine while listening to Dean Martin and playing darts. The second story deck was perfect for stargazing (every single star in the sky was visible). A campfire with complimentary marshmallows on Saturday night was an extra unexpected touch. Karen was the most gracious hostess! read more

Shadow Mountain Escape - Candlelight and champagne! - Vacation Rentals Near Me - Luray, Virginia

The best couples getaway! Every review we saw prior to booking had 5 stars and it definitely lived up to the reviews. We were greeted by the owners upon arrival, got a tour of our cabin, and baked goods nicely presented on the dining table. We also booked the Prosecco and birthday package. Limited cell service, but WiFi available. Maybe 15-20 minutes from town of Luray. This was the ultimate getaway complete with a nature trail and running stream on the property. Did I mention the courtyard and campfire on Saturday night? Plus wildlife roaming freely. A deer came to visit during our campfire, so close we could almost touch it! If you're looking to getaway for a weekend, birthday, anniversary, etc., this is the place to be! We can't wait to come back, especially in the winter and maybe get snowed in to the cabin while enjoying their special Winterfest on Saturday nights. read more

I love the beauty yet security of these timber frame cabins. One problem I have with cabins sometimes is that they are not the most secure. Yes I know you are far out there but it doesn't mean I don't want to be secure. I will be taking another trip soon and will try to upload some pictures at that time. I was very impressed with the host's hospitality as well as how well appointed the cabins were. read more

My wife and I have stayed here twice (in the Dragonfly cabin) and enjoyed it very much. The owners Karen and Ralph are super friendly and made us feel very welcome on their beautiful property. If you are coming from the city or suburb area you will be amazed at how many stars you will see at night. And the only sounds you will hear at night are of the little stream and wildlife on the property. It is amazingly quiet and peaceful. Shadow Mountain Escape is a great place to get away from the "daily grind" of life. We will most definitely be coming back in the future! read more

My wife and I just spent a weekend at Shadow Mountain to celebrate our 30th anniversary and her birthday. The property and accommodations are beautiful and Karen and Ralph were excellent hosts. We arrived to a homemade red velvet cake in our cabin. After being out the next day, there was a plate of cinnamon rolls and a birthday balloon waiting outside our door. The owners live right on the property and happily provided hiking tips and restaurant info but are very respectful of guests privacy. If we needed anything they were very responsive but otherwise we felt like we were the only ones there. I highly recommend SME for a romantic getaway and you are minutes away from the entrance to Shenandoah National Park along with numerous restaurants, breweries, cideries and wineries. Wish we could have stayed longer! read more

Best place we could have ever picked to celebrate a short getaway for our 25 year anniversary! We stayed in the Dragonfly which was gorgeous, and equipped with anything we may need. The property is set inside the Shenandoah National Park so it gorgeous and quiet. We did a few day trips to different places nearby, Luray Caverns and toured the Whiskey Wine loop, and came back in the evenings to find one of Karen's homemade baked goods by our door. She is always smiling, and they make you feel very welcome! The campfire one evening was perfect to just relax and unwind. The weather was perfect while we were there, to sit out on our deck and take in the views of the mountains and the deer that frequent the property. There are some great restaurants not far that Karen recommended and the food was delicious. We are looking forward to returning in the fall! read more

Unmatched hospitality, a gorgeous setting , and beautiful, comfortable cabins. I would give Shadow Mountain Escape TEN stars if I could. All the cabins are beautifully decorated and cozy. Our favorite is the Butterfly Loft. The other cabins are even more luxurious but we stick with our favorite. Your hosts, Karen and Ralph, are honestly two of the most wonderful people I've ever met. We receive the warmest welcome every time we visit - they make us feel like family! Karen makes the most delicious baked goods and we always feel completely spoiled. My husband and I visit as often as we can. We rented out all four cabins for our wedding weekend and we are going back in September to celebrate our first anniversary. There are plenty of activities in the local area - Luray Caverns, wine tasting, hiking, horseback riding and even some fun shopping at the antique and thrift stores in downtown Luray. We've seen countless deer, baby bears crossing the road, and we've even hunted Morel mushrooms on the property. We always hate to leave! We've visited during every season and it's always gorgeous no matter what the weather. In the hot summer, we rented a canoe and fished along the Shenandoah River. In the snow, we snuggled by the campfire and roasted marshmallows. It's less than two hours from DC, but you feel like you're worlds away from the busy city. This place is a treasure. read more

If you are looking for a private, breathtaking, homey, exceptional cabin getaway, look no further!!! I have been to the Shenandoah National Park and Luray many times, and am SO happy that my husband and I found this gem of a couples retreat. Karen and Ralph are the kindest, most hospitable host that will make you feel right at home. Karen contact me as soon as I made my reservation about setting up a surprise birthday celebration for my husband, and she did not disappoint! We had DELICIOUS home made goodies waiting for us at the cabin, along with wine and glasses. Karen provided us with so many amazing recommendations for around the area, and had a binder of local attractions. The cabin that we stayed in was pristine. It was private and we never were disturbed from the other guests at all. It was clean top to bottom, and decorated with items from around the world that Karen and Ralph picked up along their adventures. The land that the cabins are on is breathtaking. There is a small pond, beautiful woods, and even a nature hike that is easily marked. Karen and Ralph thought of everything in their quest to make this a care free couples retreat. I have seen some reviews saying it is worth the trip but a tad pricy, but honestly for everything that you get on the escape I think it is underpriced! We were able to have a lovely two night weekend away in our own private fully equipped cabin for roughly $400. To me, that is a steal. It is located in the heart of the Shenandoah only minutes away from Skyline Drive and Luray. Definitely worth a trip out there to reconnect with your loved one. read more

My boyfriend and I loved our stay here. This is the epitome of hospitality and customer service. We stayed from Friday until Sunday. The cabins are immaculate. Clean and spacious and so well thought out. You can tell that they took a lot of time and energy with all the wonderful details of the space. Every corner there was something new to look at from the dishes, to the figures, to all the decorations. We stayed in the Bumblebee which had a gas fireplace, beautiful kitchen, and great bedroom. Karen made our stay absolutely wonderful. Her baked goods were amazing. Mini-brownies, cookies, and cake. The restaurant suggestions were spot on. We went Luray, the Speakeasy for a lovely dinner, and ordered in from Anthony's. The campfire was perfect and made a perfect ending to the weekend. I would 100% recommend this location to anybody wanting to get away for the weekend and enjoy some peace and quiet and nature. read more