If you know me, you know I love the mountains. Well, I think I found my new favorite cozy spot. We swapped screen time for sunshine from April 10th to the 14th and headed to Graves Mountain Farm & Lodge. Just a little over three hours from Raleigh, North Carolina, we found ourselves tucked away in Virginia’s gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains. This place is seriously dreamy—1,800 acres of trails, cabins, a cozy lodge, and even a working farm vibe. It’s right by Shenandoah National Park, so the views and hikes? Chef’s kiss. There are 29 miles of trails and over 22 different things to do, so boredom doesn’t stand a chance.
Nature-Loving & Wholesome
If you have been dreaming of crisp mountain air, buttery biscuits, fuzzy farm animals, and that perfect mix of chill and adventure, Graves Mountain might just steal your heart. (Like it did mine) Whether you’re hopping on a horse, casting a fishing line, or just sipping hard cider with a killer view, this place sprinkles a little magic into everything.
Graves Mountain Farm & Lodge is not just a lodge—it’s a whole vibe. We’re talking apple orchards, 42 horses (yes, 42!), a market, deli, restaurant, and a bunch of farm animals that lowkey feel like your besties by the time you head out. From the moment we pulled in, it felt like the stress hit a pause button. Everything just slowed down—and honestly, I didn’t want it to speed back up.
We checked into Farm House Suite 1, an 1800s farmhouse beautifully renovated to sleep six. It had everything we needed: cozy beds, a charming sitting room, two bathrooms, and the holy grail—a big front porch with rocking chairs made for coffee at sunrise or stargazing after dinner. When we checked in, we received a packet with maps, activities, and local info, which was super helpful for navigating the farm. We even had a super cute bear made of towels welcoming us in our suite. The suite was perfectly located, close to the main lodge and walkable. And yes, the WiFi is solid—but trust me, you won’t want to scroll. This is a place to unplug, unwind, and just be.
Activities for Days
Honestly, the list of things to do here is endless. Hiking. Horseback riding. Fly fishing. Farm tours. Guided UTV rides. Yoga and massages. Nature walks. Mountain biking. Shopping. And more. One thing I loved—the trails are dog-friendly and marked by color, which made them super easy to navigate. There are even horse trails right on-site. If you’re visiting over the weekend, kick off your Saturday with a peaceful Nature Walk at 11 AM—just meet on the Main Lodge front porch. The main lodge also has a great little lounge and features self-serve coffee all day long.
If you’re a fan of fishing, I highly recommend bringing your gear or picking up supplies at the local market. For horseback riding enthusiasts, there are 20 miles of scenic trails available (just be sure to book in advance). Prefer to explore on wheels? You can ride along mapped country bike routes or take a scenic drive on the breathtaking Blue Ridge Parkway. If you enjoy sipping and shopping, there are local wineries, breweries, and antique shops all within a 30-minute drive. One of the favorites was DuCard Vinewards if you love wine! No matter what your vibe is—outdoorsy, cozy, adventurous, or relaxed—this place has something for everyone. You can find a full list of activities offered here, as they may vary by season and specific dates.
Rainy Days + UTV Rides = Still Magical
Even on a rainy day, the joy doesn’t stop. We booked a UTV tour with our guide, Tim Lewis, and followed it with a half-day fly fishing adventure. We kicked things off with breakfast at the Farmhouse Restaurant (go at 9 AM for peak biscuit magic), then met Tim outside the lodge. Our UTV ride was both fun and educational.
Tim showed us around the entire property and shared incredible stories about the land, the farm’s history, and even pointed out one of the oldest poplar trees in the region—it was massive and majestic. We got to see the apple orchard, and even with the misty rain, it was stunning. The orchard was blooming, and even though apples come in autumn, the blossoms were a favorite of mine. After the ride, we grabbed lunch at the Market-Deli & Tackle at the Crossroads, which offers everything from fresh sandwiches and baked goods to fishing gear, camping supplies, and their famous apple butter.
Fly Fishing Like a Local
Fly fishing with guide Tim Lewis was one of my trip highlights. You can book lessons at the lodge office, and I highly recommend doing it at least a day in advance. Tim is an incredibly patient teacher—he provided the gear, taught me how to cast, and I even caught a rainbow trout! Ethan and I had an amazing time, and even if you aren’t the best fisherman (or woman), you’ll still enjoy this experience. The nature alone is stunning to look at.
Graves Mountain Farm & Lodge offers several options: one-hour introductions, two-hour lessons, four-hour sessions (which I recommend), and full-day options. Groups of four are ideal, and they welcome all experience levels, customizing each trip to fit your needs. Tim also had excellent recommendations for nearby spots for outdoor adventures and great places to eat.
Baby Goats, Bunnies & Breakfast
Saturday morning started slow with granola bars and a sunrise walk. By 9 AM, we were at the chicken coop collecting fresh eggs (you can take them home). We found two! Next came Penelope the Pig’s morning stroll (she’s 800 lbs of adorable), and I finally got to hold a baby goat. It was a life goal met for me. We also met bunnies, bees, horses, and the rest of the friendly farm crew that make this place feel like home. I loved that Tim guided us and other guests throughout the farm to see the animals and learn about the processes and benefits they provide to each other. We even got to see some baby chicks!
The Food
Let’s talk food. Every meal at Graves Mountain Farm & Lodge is magic. Chef Kevin Scott manages the kitchen at the farmhouse restaurant beautifully. Breakfast is served from 8 to 10 AM, lunch is casual and fresh, and dinner is a memorable experience. I loved the biscuits with apple butter; I could have eaten them all weekend! The buffet-style meals offered a wonderful variety, but my favorite was Sunday brunch. Don’t miss the fried apples! The dining room has a cozy, homey feel, and the staff treats you like family. You’re not just having a meal—you’re enjoying an experience. Sunday’s buffet was pure Southern comfort, featuring fried chicken, ham, mashed potatoes, and fried apples. It truly felt like a dinner with the family, and I relished every moment of it.
Dinner at the lodge is a whole mood. Buffet-style on the weekends, the spread is loaded with comfort food: steak, shrimp, fried apples, and more. I also really loved the dessert options, and the night we had pork chops with apples. It was the best. Do not skip their hard cider—the “Graves Mountain Squeeze” is fresh cider made by the farm and finished by their neighbors at DuCard Vineyard. Local beer lovers will enjoy brews from Beer Hound Brewery in Culpeper. After dinner, we grabbed drinks and headed downstairs for live local music—usually a bluegrass trio playing from 5:30 to 8 PM (or later). The vibe? Cozy, fun, and full of good energy.
Shenandoah Hikes & Sips
After brunch, we hit the Graves Mountain Farm & Lodge Gift Shop, tucked in the Main Lodge next to the Small Lounge. I picked up a cozy sweatshirt and a few locally made goodies. Then we drove 30 minutes to Shenandoah National Park for a gorgeous 4-mile hike on the White Oak Canyon Trail. Waterfalls, forest, fresh air—it was the perfect mix of effort and awe. Later, we explored the charming town of Madison, Virginia, and wrapped the day with pizza and beer at Bald Top Brewing (highly recommend). You can also check out Culpeper for shopping and dining, or visit Luray Caverns—a must-see natural landmark nearby.
Until Next Time…
Monday arrived far too quickly. We bid farewell to the animals, cast a few final fishing lines, and packed up with full hearts and a fresh perspective. I wasn’t ready to leave—but I never am when a place fills your soul like this. I cannot recommend Graves Mountain Farm & Lodge enough as a must-visit. Truly, I felt like family, and I want to thank the Graves family for their wonderful hospitality and abundant amenities. I genuinely had five unforgettable days at Graves Mountain Farm & Lodge. Whether you’re seeking adventure, reconnecting with loved ones, or simply need a little reset, this place offers a slice of mountain magic. Family-run, heartfelt, and refreshingly authentic.
Be sure to tell them Lex Paige sent you if you visit.
With love,
Lex Paige
