Wonderful Mountain Retreat
Review Submitted: October 12, 2009
Date of Stay: September 2009
This is a truly wonderful place to stay. I just read again the listing and looked at the pictures and it is all very accurate. Anyone who has taken a photo of a sunset knows, it's not the same as being there. Pictures just can't capture it. Having your own secluded spot on a mountain side with views in two directions is exceptional. We built camp fires, roasted marshmallows and hot dogs, explored the acreage, and played in the stream. The cabin was very nice and well decorated with entertaining and interesting items. We thoroughly enjoyed the views, fresh air, and the crisp weather of early October.
Do check Grayson Park and hike the twin pinnacle trail at a minimum. It is an easy 1.5 mile hike for the whole family. It affords 360 degree views on top of the rock pinnacles. The Children had a blast climbing on the rocks all along the trail and being on top the the world!
The Virgina Creeper trail is also must. We took WhiteTop down to Damascus - a 17 mile bike ride mainly down hill. The Green Cove station has a nice quaint gift shop and a free trail map. We must have crossed 50 rail road bridges and trestles winding through the mountains mostly along a large stream.
If you want to ride horses give Doug C a call (check the guest book). Really nice guy. Our oldest three (7, 9, 11) and my bride rode with Doug on a 1.5 hour ride in the Mount Rogers National Recreation area that they said was wonderful. Doug and I led my 2, 4 and 6 year old children on a quick "pony" ride around the yard before they headed out on their ride.
We really liked "Ciro's Pizza & Subs" in Independence, VA and "Quincey’s Pizza and Backyard Grill" in Damascus, VA. Good food and family friendly. The pizza was really good in both and the chicken tenders at Quincey's were outstanding.
About the driveway... If you have a 2WD SUV, a full size truck, or a van, something with a little clearance, it is possible to access the property. The drive is in good shape but it is a bit steep. Our full size Ford extension van fully loaded got up with no trouble. You have to hit it hard and fast and don't slow down until the turn about half way up. Make sure you keep a full tank of gas and you might need to shift passengers to the rear to make sure there was enough weight in the stern over the back wheels. I only mention this because I thought this was a wonderful place to say and would hate to think someone might miss out because they don't have a 4x4.
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