Rediscover Life's Simple Treasures at Graves' Mountain Lodge

Nestled deep in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the end of the road in Syria, Virginia, is Graves' Mountain Lodge, where making folks feel welcome has been a time-honored tradition for over 135 years.

Assume a leisurely pace and enjoy life's simpler pleasures; hiking, fishing, swimming and some good old-fashioned porch sitting. If you like, you may even take a stroll down the lane and observe the activities of our fruit and educational farm. Graves' Mountain Lodge offers unrivaled natural beauty and a wide range of outdoor activities guaranteed to please every member of your family.

• Basketball, Horseshoes, Volley Ball, Softball, Swimming
• Horseback Riding - Enjoy a trail ride along the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.
• Hayrides - Enjoy a tractor pulled hayride through the orchards.
• Fishing - The Rose River and Robinson River are state stocked with Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout. The Hughes River is also stocked, it is located about 8 miles north of Syria. A fish-n-pay pond, located on the Graves Mountain property, is open and stocked with trout (Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout, and Golden Trout). Other ponds on the lodge property are available to catch and release. The ponds are stocked with bass and bream. Bring your own pole and try your luck!
• Hiking - Many trails for hiking begin a short distance from the lodge. A short nature trail begins at the end of the road from Ridgecrest motel. If you care to visit White Oak Canyon, you can follow a lovely trail to the seven waterfalls. Rock climbing is also near by on Old Rag Mountain. Both are a short drive from the Lodge
• Rock Hunting - You may find some interesting unusual stones. This range is considered one of the oldest ranges in the world. Walk along the Rose River an try to find a piece of unakite, the official rock of Madison County, if you can't find a piece of unakite, there are some for sale in the Gift Shop and our Packing Shed.
• Gift Shop -  Clothing, jewelry, toys and a variety of other items are found for friends and family.

Click here for directions.

Old Dominion Horse Show and Dog Days Fair

July 21 - July 25, 2010, 9:00a - 4:00p

Deep Run Hunt Club
1540 Manakin Rd.
Manakin-Sabot, VA, 23103

Contibuted by WR Murphy

Riding a horse for the first time can be an exciting, sometimes daunting experience. Once you find a great instructor, a likable horse, and of course, a nice pair of equestrian boots, you will have all the tools you need for a fun, easy ride!

And horseback riding has its' benefits. Anyone of any age can participate. It's a great workout that can be challenging and fulfilling. It offers a considerable amount of balance and coordination, with an added bonus - making a new friend. Horses are loyal, kind companions that have different personalities, which can fit your riding style.

Since the spring is here, why not take in the beautiful scenery and ride a few trails? Cedar Grove Stables offers a range of lessons for everyone, from the novice to expert rider. Cedar Grove Stables, located in New Kent, between Richmond and Williamsburg, is a very versatile. Their main service is stabling horses; they offer state of the art care for horses year round, and their facilities are second to none.

Contibuted by WR Murphy

Riding a horse for the first time can be an exciting, sometimes daunting experience. Once you find a great instructor, a likable horse, and of course, a nice pair of equestrian boots, you will have all the tools you need for a fun, easy ride!
And horseback riding has its' benefits. Anyone of any age can participate. It's a great workout that can be challenging and fulfilling. It offers a considerable amount of balance and coordination, with an added bonus - making a new friend. Horses are loyal, kind companions that have different personalities, which can fit your riding style.
Since the spring is here, why not take in the beautiful scenery and ride a few trails? Cedar Grove Stables offers a range of lessons for everyone, from the novice to expert rider. Cedar Grove Stables, located in New Kent, between Richmond and Williamsburg, is a very versatile. Their main service is stabling horses; they offer state of the art care for horses year round, and their facilities are second to none.

Contibuted by Genice Phillips

Riding a horse for the first time can be an exciting, sometimes daunting experience. Once you find a great instructor, a likable horse, and of course, a nice pair of equestrian boots, you will have all the tools you need for a fun, easy ride!

And horseback riding has its' benefits. Anyone of any age can participate. It's a great workout that can be challenging and fulfilling. It offers a considerable amount of balance and coordination, with an added bonus - making a new friend. Horses are loyal, kind companions that have different personalities, which can fit your riding style.

It's a new year so try something fun and exciting!  Enjoy a ride at Lakewood Trails.  Stonehouse Stables offers a range of lessons for everyone, from the novice to expert rider. Try a guided tour at Lakewood Trail or if interested in a longer ride, York River State Park features a 5 mile bridle trail, filled with breathtaking views of the York River and Taskinas Creek.

Contributed by Diana Fakhouri

Halloween costumes may be back in the closet for another year, but that doesn't mean the end of family fun time this fall. Try an night out with the kids at Stonehouse Stables, where you can meet the horses and take a ride as well!

At Stonehouse Stables, take a guided riding tour on Lakewood Trail. The private trail takes equestrians of all skills through the woods, fields and around a peaceful lake. The Stables are offering Winter Specials for guests with reservations, so take advantage of the deal and make yours today!