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Blog

Learn and Explore: Stories and Guides

A running collection of articles tied to The Retreat at Crabtree Falls and the surrounding area, written for curious guests and friends.
A man and woman hold their dog in front of a sign for Retreat at Crabtree Falls, dog friendly cabins in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
travel

The Best Dog Friendly Cabins in Virginia: A Guide From a Fellow Dog Lover

The best dog friendly cabins in Virginia aren’t just the ones that allow pets. They’re the ones where your dog can actually relax, explore, and enjoy the trip as much as you do.  I run a vacation rental property in the Blue Ridge Mountains that welcomes dogs in our historic cabins and our five-bedroom lodge. Over the years, I’ve learned
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Beth-Anne Driskill

13 Oct 2026 • 6 min read

The Retreat at Crabtree Falls is one of the best mountain getaways in Virginia, combining options for couple escapes, family getaways, and even intimate wedding weekends all set in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.
travel

Best Mountain Getaways in Virginia: Find the Experience You’re After

I grew up in Nelson County, wandering the woods around what’s now The Retreat at Crabtree Falls. After several years away, I came home in 2016 to run the property my parents built. Since then, I’ve built up a working list of the best mountain getaways in Virginia. Virginia mountain getaways range from full-service resorts to quiet vineyard inns and
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Beth-Anne Driskill

23 Sep 2026 • 5 min read

A camping tent is made glamorous after following this checklist of glamping must-haves.
travel

Glamping Must-Haves: What You Really Need for a Cozy, Stress-Free Getaway

Glamping is camping with a glow-up. Like camping, you still get fresh air, birdsong, and time outdoors, but unlike camping, you also get better sleep, cleaner spaces, and the comforts that make a getaway feel relaxing rather than rough. If you’ve read our blog on The Best Camping in Virginia, you’re probably already planning a trip. Why not level it
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Beth-Anne Driskill

5 Feb 2026 • 4 min read

This round-up of the best camping in Virginia ends with the glamping tents at the luxurious Retreat at Crabtree Falls.
travel

Best Camping in Virginia: 7 Spots You Should Know About

There is no shortage of great camping spots in Virginia. From Blue Ridge mountain views and lazy river bends to peaceful farm country and coastal creeks, the scenery is as varied as the stays—ranging from simple tent camping to full-on, “I can’t believe this is camping” glamping. Keep reading for a round-up of the best camping in Virginia, organized from
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Beth-Anne Driskill

15 Jan 2026 • 6 min read

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travel

Romantic Getaways in Virginia: 8 Unforgettable Escapes for Couples

Virginia truly is for lovers, and romantic getaways in Virginia prove it. From the rolling vineyards of Hunt Country, the bustle of Richmond city, to the quiet peaks of the Blue Ridge, the Commonwealth is filled with luxurious destinations that invite rest and reconnection. Whether you’re drawn to historic inns, cozy cabins, or elegant resorts with every amenity, these romantic
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Beth-Anne Driskill

28 Oct 2025 • 5 min read

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travel

Hikes near Crabtree Falls: 5 Spots for Waterfalls & Views

Hikes near Crabtree Falls offer some of the most breathtaking scenery in Virginia near the Blue Ridge Mountains. If you are visiting Nelson County (or even if you live here), it may seem overwhelming trying to choose the best hike to enjoy during your time here in Nelson!  Worry not, fellow hikers- we don’t mind sharing a few of our
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Beth-Anne Driskill

23 Oct 2025 • 5 min read

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Ready to Plan Your Mountain Escape?

Book your cabin along the Tye River and return home rested, renewed, and reconnected.