By Rich Schott
Just got back from a fantastic trip to Grave Mountain for their annual bluegrass festival with some friends. This rustic mountain retreat is something special, known for its down-home hospitality, amazing home-cooked food, and unrivaled natural beauty. We always enjoy visiting here, and this year was no exception… well, mostly!
The main reason we came was, of course, the bluegrass music. We spent hours listening to incredible bands on the main stage. But the real magic happened in the impromptu jam sessions that popped up everywhere. We listened to bluegrass jams around other visitors' RVs, inside large tents, and – get this – even in a horse stable! It was such a unique and authentic experience, surrounded by fellow music lovers and the beautiful Virginia landscape.
We also took a little detour to Ducard Winery, which is always a treat. Sampled some local wines and enjoyed the scenery. It was the perfect little break from all the bluegrass pickin'.
Now, I said the trip was fantastic, "mostly." And here's where things got a little wild. We were hit by a nasty storm with high winds that rolled through for several hours. It was intense! Awnings were torn off RVs, and most of the canopy tents that people had set up were completely destroyed. Our friends weren't so lucky; their tent was actually blown away! We were all scrambling to secure our belongings and find shelter. It was definitely the worst storm we've ever weathered in the RV, that's for sure. But, hey, it makes for a good story, right?
Despite the storm, we still managed to enjoy the little things that make Grave Mountain so special. There's a quaint little country store on the property where we stocked up on snacks and local goodies. And Jen was thrilled to get to feed the horses, which were literally right behind our RV. Talk about a unique experience!
One of the highlights of the trip was the buffet dinner at the Farm Lodge. The food was absolutely delicious, and it was a great way to relax and socialize with other festival-goers after a long day of music and, well, battling the elements.
Even with the crazy storm, the bluegrass festival at Grave Mountain was a memorable experience. The music, the people, and the beautiful scenery made it all worthwhile. Next time we visit, we're hoping to hike Old Rag Mountain. We've heard it's an amazing climb with incredible views, and we're always up for a new adventure. Hopefully, the weather will be a little more cooperative next time around! But even if it's not, we know we'll still have a great time at Grave Mountain.
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