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The Scenic Lodge Nestled In Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park Is The Perfect Homebase For Adventure

Skyland in Shenandoah National Park offers rustic lodging and serves as an excellent base for outdoor adventures.

Published Apr 27, 2022

Written by 

Beth Copenhaver

No trip to Virginia is complete without a little time spent in the great outdoors. Of course, if you're lucky enough to live in the Old Dominion, you'll find that your next great adventure is never too far away. In fact, did you realize that there's a beautiful lodge tucked away inside the iconic Shenandoah National Park? Whether you're on an epic hiking trip or traveling with the family, you'll find it to be the perfect home base for your adventures.

Shenandoah National Park makes for an excellent day trip destination, but for a truly immersive park experience, you might consider spending a few nights inside the park when you book a stay at Skyland.

A scenic view from a mountain overlook, featuring trees, a building, and distant mountains under a clear blue sky.
Skyland / Google

The rustic yet beautiful lodging in Shenandoah National Park promises to make an excellent home base for all your outdoor adventures. The resort is located along mile 41 and resides at 3,680 feet - the highest point on Skyline Drive!

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The rooms are well-appointed and include everything you need for a comfortable and cozy night away.

Cozy hotel room with a king bed, wooden accents, a TV, and large windows showcasing a scenic view.
Skyland / Google

Rooms range from premium to basic, depending on the level of amenities you're looking for. The premium rooms are newer while the traditional rooms, photographed below, are more basic.

Cozy hotel room with two beds, wooden accents, a desk, and a window overlooking greenery.
Skyland / Google

No matter which room you choose, you'll enjoy access to Skyland's many features, such as the Pollock Dining Room, Mountain Taproom, Grab 'N Go, and the Skyland Gift Shop.

A spacious restaurant interior with wooden decor, tables set with white tablecloths, and chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
Skyland / Google

Chances are, though, you won't be spending too much time indoors. After gearing up for the day, you'll want to head out to explore the mountains just beyond the lodge's doorstep.

A customer at a café counter with staff, a menu board, and a display of snacks and drinks.
Skyland / Google

So whether you're looking for a great wilderness adventure or a few nights inside Virginia's most popular national park, you'll be glad you made Skyland your home base.

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A rustic wooden building with a porch, surrounded by trees and a paved path, set in a natural landscape.
Skyland / Google

Have you ever been to Skyland? What did you think of this lodging in Shenandoah National Park? Feel free to share your comments with us below -- we would love to hear from you! For more information, including availability and rates, you can visit the official Shenandoah National Park 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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