2016-10-13

During the upcoming months, you may find yourself envying our native mountain resident, the black bear, for the ability to hibernate and skip the most frigid days of the year. Although curling up for the entire fall and winter seasons might not be possible for most of us, you can at least plan for a weekend (or maybe even a full week) bundled up inside a warm and cozy mountain retreat. Book one of these stunning cabins in the mountains of Virginia for a getaway that helps you forget the chilly weather of fall and winter.

Allstar Lodging Cabin Rentals—Luray



Choose from more than 100 cottages and cabins from Allstar Lodging Cabin Rentals in Luray for a mountain retreat close to scenic fall destinations like Luray Caverns, Shenandoah National Park, and George Washington National Park. The rentals range in size, fitting anywhere from two to 30 guests into the 1-10 bedrooms. Many of the rentals allow pets, and all are either riverfront or provide direct access to the water. Don’t worry about leaving behind your high-tech lifestyle when you rent through Allstar; every cabin has Wi-Fi and satellite television. However, if you prefer to do without your smart phone for a day or two, there are plenty of outdoor activities, such as horseback riding, hiking, biking, and fishing, to fill the hours of your getaway.

Rates: From $120/night. They offer multiple night, military, AAA, government employee, state employee, senior, and repeat guest discounts on many of the cabins. Check the website for details.

Appalachian Mountain Cabins—Duffield



When traveling to southwestern Virginia, consider booking one of the four Appalachian Mountain Cabins in Duffield, which fit groups ranging from 2-8 people. Whether you want a peaceful getaway or an active adventure this fall, these cabins have it all! Wake up to nature right outside your door and enjoy the view from the screened porch, then relax in the whirlpool tub at the end of the day. If the weather doesn’t cooperate, each cabin comes with amenities like Wi-Fi and satellite television. Only minutes from Natural Tunnel State Park, the rentals are also perfect for those that want to get back to nature. Fishing is popular along the nearby Clinch River, and anything you catch can be prepared in the cabin’s full kitchens or outside on the charcoal grill. Leave the pets at home if you plan on staying at one of these rentals, as they are not pet-friendly.

Rates: From $90/night. Weekly rates available. One cabin is handicap accessible. Check website for details.

Bear’s Lair Cabin on the New River—Austinville



In the southwestern portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bear’s Lair Cabin sits right on the New River, making it a popular spot for fall fishing trips. This log cabin features a Jacuzzi tub in the master bath a fireplace, and a charcoal grill outside to cook up those fresh catches. You’ll discover stunning views of the water from every room, and don’t miss out on ending the day in the living room, where you can watch the sun set across the river. This rental is all about being “off the grid”, with no Wi-Fi or Cable television, and depending on your carrier, you’ll likely find very little cell phone service. But this lack of technology allows you to appreciate the cabin’s main assets: peace and quiet!

Rates: From $199/night.

Big Lick Retreat—Hot Springs

There are two pet-friendly mountain cabin rentals available at Big Lick Retreat, each with Wi-Fi, satellite TV, and of course, breathtaking scenery. From the larger Stoney Bottom Lodge, which accommodates 8-11 guests, you’ll have a wide open view of the surrounding Western Highlands and picturesque Lake Moomaw, while the 6-8 person Lake View Lodge is right on the water. Whether you are staying one day or one week, there are plenty of outdoor activities to keep you busy. Hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and bird watching are big draws for the area, and just because the weather cools down doesn’t mean you can’t still get outside for a few hours and appreciate the pristine land that surrounds the cabins. When foul weather keeps you from pursuing the endless outdoor activities, curling up beside the wood-burning fireplace still makes for a memorable vacation.

Rates: From $285/night.

Foxtail Orchards Cabins & Campground—Tazewell

Named for local Trooper Andrew D. Fox who lost his life in the line of duty in 2012, Foxtail Orchards first cabin, the Fox Den, recently opened on the existing campgrounds, but they plan to add several more rentals in the next few years. The rental is decorated with odds and ends that pay tribute to Trooper Fox’s life, including souvenirs and gear from his favorite football team, the Detroit Lions. Near Hungry Mother State Park and right off Route 16, a winding scenic roadway that is often referred to as “The Back of the Dragon”, many visitors choose the cabin as a home base when traveling the route to view the bright fall foliage and drive the road’s exciting curves. The cabin rental comfortably sleeps two adults, and amenities like a fire pit and charcoal grill provide the possibility for a crackling fall fire and a delicious home cooked meal crafted over the open flame.

Rates: From $111/night.

Fariss Farms Cabins—Allisonia

Fariss Farms Cabins have a rustic style that fits right into the scenery of the Appalachian Mountains of southwest Virginia. Renovated with all the modern amenities, the four cozy cabins sleep 4-10 people and range from a cozy 1,000 square feet cabin to a 3,500 square foot lodge suited for larger groups. These charming rentals are perfect for those planning a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains or looking to fish or kayak on the New River. Acres of vineyards, pasture, and a tranquil creek surround the cabins, which overlook the landscape and provide bucolic views during fall that make for a memorable stay. Pets are welcome at the Fariss Farms Cabins, and walking trails throughout the property let you and your furry friend enjoy the impressive property. End the evenings besides a crackling campfire, located right beside the cabins.

Rates: From $110/night. Weekly rates available. Check website for details.

Eagles Lookout—Wintergreen

If a ski chalet sounds absolutely incredible, rent Eagles Lookout at Wintergreen Resort. The cabin is just a few yards away from the Big Acorn ski lift, and during the winter months when the slopes are open, you can step out of bed and right on to the slopes from the rental. In addition to prime skiing access, the cabin affords spectacular views of the surrounding mountains, and in the evenings you can watch the mountains turn their famous blue color from the comfort of the cabin’s deck. With three beds and two full bathrooms, the rental is ideal for 6-8 people. Satellite television and Wi-Fi come standard, and a wood burning fireplace adds an air of authenticity to the cabin’s appeal.

Rates: From $200/night.

Dancing Bears Cottage—Middlebrook

A spring-fed pond complete with a waterfall, views of the colorful mountaintops from a relaxing hot tub…sound like your idea of a flawless fall getaway? The Dancing Bears Cottage in Rockbridge County delivers all this and more, and is only 16 miles from historic Lexington. Bring up to four people for a stay at this remote country cabin. Paddle the serene waters of the pond with the canoe or the kayaks provided free of charge by the owners, or hike the peaceful trails that wind through the neighboring Jump Mountain when you book a retreat to the Dancing Bears Cottage in Middlebrook.

Rates: From $180/night.

Mountain Pond House—Rockbridge Baths

The Mountain Pond House sits on the banks of a large pond with beautiful views of the surrounding Allegheny Mountains and rolling open meadows. The fully equipped home sleeps 2-6 people, with amenities including a fire pit, outdoor grill with wood and fire kindling provided, satellite television, and a canoe available upon request. The cabin’s waterfront walkways let visitors fish directly from the deck, and the 3 miles of maintained hiking trails that wind through the property allow you to explore the over 126 acres of scenic grounds. Nearby destinations include historic Lexington and Natural Bridge State Park. Pets are allowed to stay with responsible owners at the cabin for a small fee.

Rates: From $185/night for 2 guests. Discounts available for multi-day midweek rentals. Contact Mountain Pond House for details.

Warm Springs Cottages—Hot Springs

About two miles from the historic Omni Homestead Resort, the Warm Springs Cottages offer more than a dozen scenic rentals, all with their own unique appeals, like a 19th century restored farmhouse called the Granary on the banks of the Jackson River. Another interesting cabin for a fall rental, the Winding Ridge lodge overlooks the mountains with vista views in every direction. Want to get an even better view? The spiral staircase inside the lodge leads to a Crow’s Nest, and while you get a breathtaking vantage of the mountains during the day, you can’t miss out on visiting the vantage point once the sun sets. With almost no light pollution marring the view, you’ll have an uninterrupted outlook of millions of stars blanketing the entire sky. A stone fireplace in the great room completes the romantic setting.

Other rental options include a historic log cabin seated in the heart of Warm Springs or a mountain chalet on the eastern slope of the Warm Springs Mountain. Several of the cottage rentals are pet-friendly, and they can accommodate groups of 2-10.

Rates: From $100/night. Weekly rates available.

The Barboursville Cottage at Sugar Plum Farm—Barboursville

Only a few miles north of Charlottesville and minutes from Shenandoah National Park, the Barboursville Cottage at Sugar Plum Farm is a fantastic retreat for both wine and outdoor lovers. Stroll the open grounds for striking views of the fall foliage, then walk directly across the street to Barboursville Vineyards for a glass of world-class wine. Also within walking distance is Horton Vineyards, with many other wineries and craft breweries just a short drive away. This rental sleeps 2 and is ideal for a couple looking for a romantic fall vacation. From the cottage’s hilltop location, you can see the soft blue of the mountains to the west and wide open pasture land just below. Enjoy the quiet retreat from the property’s hammock swing, or unwind in the evening in the outdoor hot tub. Guests receive their choice of either a complimentary bottle of local wine or a six pack of craft beer from a nearby brewery when they stay at the Barboursville Cottage.

Rates: From $175/night.

Rock-N-Creek Cabin—Montebello

Above Whetstone Ridge, one of the highest ridges along the Blue Ridge, Rock-N-Creek Cabin overlooks 4 private ponds and a natural trout stream. This pet-friendly rental has 3 bedrooms and 2 lofts, comfortably sleeping up to 11 people. During cooler nights, add a few logs in the wood burning stone fireplace to complete the rustic cabin atmosphere. But staying at this cabin is far from roughing it. The owner, Presidential Chef Richard Christy, will meet with you to arrange a “Chef’s Table”, a four-course meal tailored to your tastes. Other additional cabin package options include in-home therapeutic massages from local licensed professionals, designated drivers for those that want to tour the nearby wineries and breweries, and guided horseback riding through the mountain trails. Chef Richard even offers the opportunity for a cooking class getaway, where he teaches 2-6 people the art of preparing culinary masterpieces. The customized experience of staying at Rock-N-Creek Cabin allows you to do as little or as much during your vacation as you prefer.

Rates: Range depending on group size, with two people from $195/night and $315/night for six adults. See website for package price details.

Cloudbreak Cabins—Meadows of Dan

The two mountain retreats of Cloudbreak Cabins, eponymously named Willoughby and Susannah, are wrapped with wood porches that provide panoramic views of the rolling landscape. On a clear night, guests see the shining lights of Martinsville, over 40 miles away, from the vantage point. The two-bedroom log cabins have everything one would need for a quiet fall getaway, including a gas fireplace to give the dwellings that rustic fall charm. Dogs are welcome when you stay at the Cloudbreak Cabins, and there are several pet-friendly destinations nearby, including Chateau Morrisette Winery in Floyd. The cabins are located less than 5 miles east of the Blue Ridge Parkway and right near the Smith River, so whether you’re looking for challenging hiking trails, a quiet spot for trout fishing, or just searching for a quiet weekend getaway, the Cloudbreak Cabins offer a peaceful retreat in some of Virginia’s most beautiful countryside.

Rates: From $150/night. Discounts for longer term rentals.

Luminhaus—Amherst

For a modern-style mountain retreat, book a stay at the Luminhaus in Amherst. The open design embraces the sunlight and shadows of each season through expansive glass windows, and the floorplan makes the rental feel more like an art gallery secluded in the woods than a mountain rental. Trails meander through the property’s 6 acres, and with the Appalachian Trail a few minutes from this Bauhaus-style retreat, this is a hiker’s paradise. The rental has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom, sleeping a maximum of 4 people.

Rates: From $200/night with a 2-night minimum, and are reduced with the length of stay.

Book a stay at one of these cozy cabins or cottages this fall for a relaxing getaway in some of Virginia’s most idyllic landscapes.

© pkeppel for Virginia's Travel Blog, 2016. |

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Post tags: accommodations, Fall in Virginia, romance in Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia Outdoors

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