It’s not often I get to make a significant purchase of something and enjoy it so much that I feel compelled to write a recommendation. It’s even less often that we as a family get to go on an extended vacation. So it is doubly appreciative when both happen at the same time.
Recently we had to make a lengthy trip across the state of Virginia to drop off my oldest daughter at college.
First of all, Virginia is a big state. Nearly 475 miles wide at its longest point; and that is in a straight line!
Our travels required a trek of nearly 320 miles one way to reach her college of choice. Add to this the requirement of transporting not only her but all her belongings, 3 siblings, myself and my lovely wife and our two greyhounds and you can see how much of a logistical feat this is. Needless to say, there is not a car big enough to carry all that!
After much research, studying of options and coming up with a plan, we decided to rent an additional van, leave a nearly a week early and rent a vacation cabin.
The van was a Budget Rental Van and they proved to have the least expensive rate. So Kudos to them.
The real welcomed surprise was the cabin we rented from New River Retreat. This cabin had everything, except internet access. This, in my opinion was a blessing in disguise. The cabin was located next to the New River and was near state parks, hiking trails, boating, fishing, horseback riding, bicycle riding, wineries, golf courses, and yes even civilization (30 minute drive to nearest town) for buying supplies.
The BEST feature of the cabin is by far the beautiful, calm and quiet location which allows anybody to do anything they want, whenever they want, or even nothing at all except sit on the porch and enjoy the moment.
With all that is involved with traveling and the emotional event of leaving your daughter at a school 300 miles away; this cabin and retreat was a welcomed blessing for all.
We thoroughly enjoyed our far too short stay, definitely recommend New River Retreat for renting a vacation cabin to anybody looking to make a trip to that area, and most definitely plan on going back.
The New River is one of the oldest rivers in the world, travels mostly south to north, offers recreational activities for all ages, and in the areas of West Virginia offers some of the best if not THE best white water rafting east of the Mississippi River.
Because the ages of our family range from 6 years old on up, white water rafting is pretty much out of the question. One does not take small children on Class III rapids!
So we opted to rent along a much tamer section of the river south of the Blacksburg VA area.
From our cabin we could launch and land any canoe, kayak, raft or even tube and gently cruise down the river. Swimming and fishing was also easily done at our leisure.
Our cabin owners had thought of everything and maintained the cabin very well. They even created a secret hiking trail with little surprises along the way such as chairs and hammocks at strategically placed locations, small hidden statues, and this personalized rock collection which guests are encouraged to contribute to.
But perhaps best of all was this calm beautiful view from the porch which was a pleasure to sit on at any time of the day or night.
Well done NRR, thank you, and we’ll be back!




