Shadow Mountain Escape (Romantic cabins)

Spring

1. Drive along the Skyline Drive or take a hike on forested trails in the Shenandoah National Park and observe the spring blooms and new growth (recommend Jeremy’s Run Trail in the spring time for fit day hikers)
2. Canoe the Shenandoah River and relish the many sights and sounds of water fowl and new blooms (Shenandoah River Outfitters)
3. Hunt for morel mushrooms in Poplar Forests (focus efforts on the lower slopes of the mountains between mid – April and mid-May)
4. Get a wild flower identification book and take walks to search the many different spring blooms (pick your favorites and bring a small bouquet back to your cabin to admire)
5. Enjoy many spring festivals of the valley’s old towns (Luray Festival of Spring on Mother’s Day Weekend)
6. Visit Wisteria Farm and Vineyard, Ducard Vineyard, Sharp Rock, Rappahannock Cellars, Chester Gap, Glen Manor located on the Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop. Wineries and have a picnic on their decks while enjoying a lovely glass of Virginia wine in the scenic surroundings of the vineyards
7. Tour the magnificent Luray Caverns and Luray Valley Museum in Luray; or, the Shenandoah Caverns and the New Market civil war battlefield.
8. Enjoy an evening of comfortable dining at the Artisan’s Grill, Mimslyn Inn or recommended eateries on the Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop or Traveler’s Trail to Delightful Dining (recommend checking for scheduled live music nights)
9. Visit the numerous diners in the valley and enjoy classic generous county breakfasts and lunches (recommend Hawksbill Diner in Stanley, Brookside and Uncle Bucks in Luray, and Southern Kitchen Diner in New Market – incredible fried chicken)
10. For history lovers – visit the valley’s many antique shops and museums (recommend Luray Caverns’ Luray Valley Museum, the New Market Battlefield and Museum, the Copper Fox in Sperryville, and the numerous small antique and collectables shops in Luray, New Market, Harrisonburg and the small old towns along Route 11.

Summer

1. Enjoy a chilled white wine under the romantic trellis at Wisteria Farm and Vineyard or in the magnificent scenic tasting room and patio of Ducard Vineyards; find the warm country surrounding of Sharp Rock Vineyard
2. Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop Rack Cardwhile enjoying a blush wine under Old Rag Mountain; enjoy the fine variety of high quality wines at the world class Rappahannock Cellars, Gadino, Chester Gap or Glen Manor. Be sure to follow the Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop and visit the excellent wineries/distillery and other featured eateries along the loop.
3. Take in one of the July – September Shenandoah Valley Music Festival performances in the beautiful and historic Orkney Springs for a night to remember
4. Hike to a waterfall in the Shenandoah National Park (all of them are a treasure – White Oaks and Dark Hollow Falls are the most frequented) or to the Park’s Big Meadows and photograph the many wild flowers and butterflies nature has on display (for those with mobility challenges, drive the Skyline Drive to Big Meadows for a great easy access National Park experience)
5. Eat ice cream – have a black berry ice cream cone at Shenandoah National Park Big Meadows or visit Fairview Country Store in Luray for quality hand dipped ice cream flavors… for soft serve ice cream lovers get anything you like at “Flotsies” next to Walmart in Luray
6. Enjoy one of the many local musical artists or festival events performing routinely in area pubs, restaurants, and festivals (recommend seeing local favorites “Acoustic Thunder” or taking in a Blue Grass band for a traditional Shenandoah performing arts experience). Do not miss the Wednesday night live music and dinner usually offered at the Artisan’s Grill in the middle of Luray.
7. Swim in a pond, Lake Arrow Head or the Shenandoah River and dip yourself into a small pool of running water in a mountain stream
8. Canoe, cruise or tube the Shenandoah River (recommend Shenandoah River Outfitters or Down River Canoe Company)
9. Tour the 55 degrees cool and majestic Luray and Shenandoah Caverns and take in their local museums
10. Have an ice cold beer or Margerita with dinner at one of Luray’s eateries (recommend Rancho Viejo, Artisans Grill, the Mimslyn Inn’s Speakeasy Pub)
11. Enjoy a barbecue outside your cabin and take advantage of locally grown fresh vegetables and meats (visit Public House Produce by Luray Airport, Saturday’s Luray farmer’s market or road side stands and other town markets).

Fall

1. Hike a short or long trail to a scenic ridge in the Shenandoah National Park – try to identify the numerous late summer/fall mushrooms along the way
2. Stroll through the numerous flea markets and antique shops in Luray and Sperryville – visit the Copper Fox antique warehouse in Sperryville – consider taking a short walk through the tiny town of Sperryville and have lunch or dinner at the Thornton River Grill or one of the other specialty eateries in the middle of town. Visit the distillery while in Sperryville.
3. Visit the numerous diners in the valley and enjoy classic generous county breakfasts and lunches (recommend Hawksbill Diner in Stanley, Brookside, and Gathering Grounds, and Uncle Bucks in Luray, and Southern Kitchen Diner in New Market – incredible fried chicken)
4. Buy and eat fresh apples of numerous varieties grown in regional orchards, make a fresh apple pie in your cabin and eat as many delicious fall apples as you can; look for country quilts and other fall season local made preserves, honey and specialties while buying apples
5. Chat around a crackling campfire on a clear, cool night and roast marshmallows while sipping your favorite cold weather beverage
6. Eat lunch at Griffin Tavern in Flint Hill (recommend fish & chips, it’s all good) and then go to Rappahannock Cellars just down the road for nice glass of red wine and take in the lovely surroundings of the Blue Ridge Mountains
7. Enjoy an evening of comfortable reasonable dining at the Artisans Grill, Mimslyn Inn (recommend checking for scheduled live music nights), for exceptional Mexican Food visit Rancho Viejo in Luray; for casual fine dining experiences visit The Mimslyn in Luray or the Thornton River Grill in Sperryville; the best New York Style Pizza can be found at Anthony’s Pizza via delivery or at their shop in the Luray shopping center next to Food Lion
8. Tour the magnificent Luray Caverns and Shenandoah Valley Museum in Luray; or, the Shenandoah Caverns and the New Market civil war battlefield.
9. Picnic or grill at Lake Arrow Head and take a walk around the lake to enjoy the surrounding mountain views and wildlife
10. Ride a horse and take a trail ride with Jordan Hollow Stables in Stanley or with the Shenandoah National Park

Winter

1. Walk along the Greenway and Hawk’s Bill Creek and terminate at one of Luray’s eateries for breakfast, lunch or dinner. After your meal, consider taking in a movie at our old style charming Luray Movie Theater in town.
2. Bundle up under the heavenly stars around a crackling campfire on a cold night while sipping hot seasonal spiced wine or hot chocolate
3. Visit the regional wineries and sample their holiday specialties; recommend the full bodied dry red wines during winter months
4. Tour the Luray and Shenandoah caverns and their local museums and enjoy the consistently warm 55 degrees on a cold winter day!
5. Sample the regional culinary specialties at local diners and restaurants such as Pumpkin Roll, Pumpkin Pie and other spiced desserts (recommend Brook Side Diner in Luray, Hawksbill Diner in Stanley, and Southern Kitchen Diner in New Market)
6. Bundle up and stroll through the shops and streets of old towns to admire the country holiday (Thanksgiving and Christmas) decorations; visit the Art Warehouse in Luray for a large and wide variety of exceptional art work and jewelry
7. Take in the local holiday season small town events and performances – refer to local town news papers and public signs in the old towns
8. Go skiing, sledding, or snow tubing at Massanutten or Bryce Mountain Resorts
9. On a cold day, relax in front of fireplace or wood stove with a quilt, good book and cookies
10. Visit the Art Warehouse and shops in old Town Luray for art works, antiques and many unique gifts and items. While you’re out, take in a meal at any of our excellent country diners… to include Brookside, Frost Station, Uncle Buck’s or Hawksbill Diner in Stanley.

"Simply Charming" Romantic Timberframe cabins! -Virginia's only Authentic Timberframe cabin rentals-

At Shadow Mountain Escape you can experience love, life and laughter in a rare and authentic timber frame cabin bordering the Shenandoah National Park (Skyline Drive - Luray, Virginia) and Blue Ridge Mountains. Discover an ambiance defined by solid oak exposed beams, hand crafted joinery and "old world" deccor; you'll be charmed by our unique timber frames and idyllic surroundings.

Feed your soul in this beautifully landscaped 15 acre setting located on the edge of the magnificent Shenandoah National Park wilderness. The Shadow Mountain Escape (SME) compound features a crystal clear mountain stream, fish pond, mountain views, and a woodland nature trail. Discover the many varieties of wildlife, fauna, and other natural thrills resident in Jewell Hollow while enjoying the countless nearby attractions and adventures.

Take a spring stroll with your loved one in the solitude of Jewell Hollow along the racing waters of a clear mountain stream. Hunt mushrooms on a misty morning under the brilliant canopy of the fall forest. Enjoy the wafting smoke of a barbecue while relaxing in the shade after a hot summer day in the Shenandoah River. See the magnificent stars on a clear winter night unspoiled by artificial light. Regardless of the season, there are always magical moments for you to seize at Shadow Mountain Escape.

Shadow Mountain Escape specializes in serving couples.. All guests receive a clean climate controlled timber frame cabin with comfortable beds, full kitchen, satellite television, DVD, and modern amenities for comfortable living. We are an energy efficient "Virginia Green" business with an on-site recycling center for our guests to utilize. Our guests receive a complimentary welcome basket with home baked goods.

We provide an atmosphere welcoming to all European and foreign guests. We also provide our guests with personalized service and trip planning assistance if requested. Shadow Mountain Escape is proudly privately owned and operated.

Our private "La Cantina" was inspired by our many visits to Europe. We wanted to capture that special atmosphere for our guests that we've only found in the authentic settings of a German "Stube" or a Tuscan "Cantina"! "La Cantina" was christened during our first Riddle Family Reunion in January 2006. This special room is available to our "VIP" guests and adult functions upon request. It offers guests a unique private space where they can gather and socialize without the space limitations of the private cabins. The lodge has an observation tower, which provides a striking view of the ridge line (Skyline drive) and surrounding forest for guests to enjoy.

Shadow Mountain Escape Guest's enjoy bonuses including:

• Complimentary home made goods gift basket
• Complimentary campfire (1 night per visit period) during local burn authorized periods
• Bike or hike to SME's nearby exclusive 30 acre hill top forest for a picnic, special event, or simply site seeing (coming soon!!)
• Receive Shenandoah River Bass fishing tips and recommendations vReceive Shenandoah National Park hiking tips and recommendations
• Real fireplace and wood-stove fires with basic stock of wood provided during cold seasons (Bumble Bee, Dragon fly and Ladybug cabins)
• Local dining tips and recommendations upon request
• New York Style Pizza Delivery Service direct to cabins
• Selection of Books
• Charcoal grills provided