🐾 Kids at the Dog Park: Real Stories, Safety Risks & Smarter Solutions
If you’ve spent time at an off-leash park, you’ve probably seen it:A parent strolls in with a stroller 🚼 or […]
Set in the breathtaking foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges is a welcoming, pet-friendly getaway in Syria, VA. Known for its scenic beauty and relaxed atmosphere, it offers dog owners spacious grounds with plenty of opportunities to explore nature alongside their canine companions. The location stands out for its combination of natural streams, mountain views, and numerous walking trails that are ideal for dog-friendly hiking and pet-friendly adventures.
Guests rave about the friendly staff, clean accommodations, and abundance of outdoor activities. Dogs are welcome, and families appreciate the opportunity to unwind with fishing, horseback riding, and visits to the farm animals. Free parking and WiFi add convenience for travelers, and the property’s peaceful setting makes it a favorite for those seeking a tranquil escape near Shenandoah National Park.
Breathtaking views. Friendly staff treats you like family. Delicious buffet at the lodge…the best trout I have ever had. And just a short drive to historical attractions. Perfect “get away from it all” destination for a long weekend.
We had a great time at Graves Mountain Lodge. The location is absolutely beautiful—peaceful, scenic, and surrounded by nature. It’s the perfect spot to relax and unwind. Jeannie at the front desk was especially helpful and welcoming—she made check-in smooth and was kind throughout our stay.
One area that could be improved is the first floor of the main lodge. During our visit, it felt a bit chaotic and disorganized, with groups of music students practicing and taking up a lot of the shared space. It disrupted the otherwise calm atmosphere.
That said, the overall experience was still very positive. The natural setting, friendly staff, and relaxing environment make it a place we’d consider visiting again—especially if the main lodge space is better managed.
Nice Stay!
We stayed at Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges on October, 2024 while visiting Shenandoah National Park. With its location in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the resort provides expansive views of the mountains and valley below. Our room was spacious, neat and clean. The employees were very polite and friendly. We couldn’t get time to see the property. Without a doubt, we would return to check out their restaurant and property.
We had another fantastic time at Graves Mountain! Last year, we visited for my kids’ spring break, but as it was our first time, we didn’t plan it very well. This time, we knew what to expect and went better prepared.
During our first visit, we stayed at Valley View, which offers stunning views. This time, we opted for Peon Palace. While it may not be as spectacular, it does provide more room, two bathrooms, and a better kitchen.
We absolutely loved horseback riding at Circle H. The team there—Devon, Ashley, and Preston—were super friendly and helpful, making us feel secure while ensuring we had a lot of fun.
To round things out, the fishing was fun and visiting the farm animals, especially feeding the goats, was terrific!
We will definitely return in the future.
We stay here almost every year as a nice little relaxing spot away from home. Every time we visit there is something amazing we discover. The restaurant is really good and the service is great there too. The gift shop is small and cute. The front desk staff are always welcoming and helpful. The housekeeping staff is always sweet and accommodating. Just today she knocked on my door to tell me that one of my tires had a belt blown which is very dangerous. So I drove into Culpeper to have it changed.
The kids love playing next to the stream and visiting the farm animals. They also play with the cool toys they sell in the gift shop. The views bring us back. The first time we went there was a small blizzard so we could relax and enjoy the day. This trip we brought our two puppies because they are pet-friendly. We will be back next year for sure!