Creator and Created
Skyland Lodge
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There’s a place I love almost as much as I love where I live.
(And I really love where I live!
It’s called Skyland Lodge and it’s on the highest point of Shenandoah National Park, AKA: Skyline Drive. We went there every year when our children were small. It was always right around Thanksgiving time and we’d stop at Skyland on our way to Roanoke, Va, where My husband’s aunt lived. A couple of times we were there for the Thanksgiving dinner buffet. It was spectacular!
(And I really love where I live!
It’s called Skyland Lodge and it’s on the highest point of Shenandoah National Park, AKA: Skyline Drive. We went there every year when our children were small. It was always right around Thanksgiving time and we’d stop at Skyland on our way to Roanoke, Va, where My husband’s aunt lived. A couple of times we were there for the Thanksgiving dinner buffet. It was spectacular!
The area around Skyland has several pleasant, not too taxing hiking trails. We would take the kids and when we got to the end of the trail they were so proud of themselves! One of our fondest hikes was the “Stony Man” hiking trail. A little up and down, not too strenuous for the little ones and when we reached the top, the view was worth the walk. One year we brought our camcorder (remember them?) and our son gave a running monologue of our time on the Stony Man trail. After our time tramping through the woods we’d grab some books and games and art supplies and camp out in front of fireplace by the reservation desk in the building that housed the dining room, bar and gift shop. We often chatted with other people. It was such an appealing way to spend an afternoon.
Stony Man hiking trail overlook
The rooms have a rustic appeal with wood panelling. The accommodations are good, with comfortable beds and a scene outside the window of the Shenandoah Valley that is just fantastic in the evening when the lights of Lurray, Va twinkle and sparkle.
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In the evenings after dinner there is live music in the bar next to the dining room. Mostly country/folksy music. After the music and the pleasant chatter we’d go back to our room and settle in. Because we were so high up on the mountain ridge the wind was always blowing. It sounded like a gale was blowing and sometimes it rattled the patio door and windows. On the second afternoon of our stay we’d drive to the “Big Meadow” nature lodge, sit in the rocking chairs and watch the deer graze among the winter blueberry bushes. We’d watch the movie that was made for tourists and buy some books. Then it was back to Skyland for a sumptuous dinner.
Most of the motel units are on the ridge of the valley and the Lodge is up higher on its own ridge. Most people would get their cars and drive for breakfast and dinner. We walked the winding path that was almost too steep to climb. But it was a lovely walk and we enjoyed it. The very first time we went to Skyland, the wind had blown hard all the night before and the temperature had plummeted. Everything outside was coated in ice, every tree, structure and blade of grass.
We usually packed up snd left right after breakfast but that morning no one was permitted to leave until the sun came out and melted all the beautiful ice.
Most of the motel units are on the ridge of the valley and the Lodge is up higher on its own ridge. Most people would get their cars and drive for breakfast and dinner. We walked the winding path that was almost too steep to climb. But it was a lovely walk and we enjoyed it.
The very first time we went to Skyland, the wind had blown hard all the night before and the temperature had plummeted. Everything outside was coated in ice, every tree, structure and blade of grass. We usually packed up snd left right after breakfast but that morning no one was permitted to leave until the sun came out and melted all the beautiful ice.
We’re thinking about going again next year. I can’t wait!
We usually packed up snd left right after breakfast but that morning no one was permitted to leave until the sun came out and melted all the beautiful ice.
Most of the motel units are on the ridge of the valley and the Lodge is up higher on its own ridge. Most people would get their cars and drive for breakfast and dinner. We walked the winding path that was almost too steep to climb. But it was a lovely walk and we enjoyed it.
The very first time we went to Skyland, the wind had blown hard all the night before and the temperature had plummeted. Everything outside was coated in ice, every tree, structure and blade of grass. We usually packed up snd left right after breakfast but that morning no one was permitted to leave until the sun came out and melted all the beautiful ice.
We’re thinking about going again next year. I can’t wait!
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