Piney Hill Bed & Breakfast

Spring 2010 is finally in sight!

2010-03-05T09:00:00.001-05:00

After a very long, snowy winter signs of spring are finally evident here at Piney Hill. Although small amounts of snow still cover the ground, even large amounts of grass are visible. Some greenery like the naked ladies and dafodils are beginning to break through the ground. This should be a very good year for canoeing and tubing on the Shenandoah River as our water tables should be up after 60.1 inches of snow that has fallen throughout the winter in the Luray, Virginia area.

Lisa at Jordan Hollow Riding Stable has been working hard to clear her trails and is now ready to take guests out on rides. Wisteria Winery; a young winery, that opened last year in the area and very well received by our guests have reopened for the year. The Luray Caverns which are open 365 days of the year anticipate your arrival. Our massage therapist, Dot is ready to work the kinks out after a long winter, couple's massage anyone? She will come on location with her assistant, Joanie and together they will give you both a 1 hour massage side by side.

We hope to see you soon! Come on out of hybernation!!!

A touching article from my cousin Karal

2010-02-26T17:50:00.000-05:00

I wanted to share an article that my Cousin Karal wrote on her blog. It takes a glimse into our childhood, the roads that we have traveled and the journey that we continue to take in hopes that it makes us a better person. The person that we inspire to be!! http://theorangechair.org/2010/02/26/my-piney-hill-retreat/ It truly touched my heart.

Hiking in the Shenandoah National Park

2010-02-23T09:22:00.002-05:00

Last year, for Hank's birthday, I purchased an annual pass to all of the National Parks. We were able to fit in a lot of short hikes up in the Shenandoah National Park on Skyline Drive. We started out with the Hawksbill Summit. That may not have been the best one for our first time, LOL We took my sister and her husband with us. It was a very steep climb to the top. Hank and I had to back track to find my sister which we found both winded and resting on a rock. My brother-in-law made the comment that if he could get his foot up he'd kick me in the ass, LOL But we all made it to the top and enjoyed some breathtaking views. We did find that there was another route down which was more moderate. We probably should have used that route up. The Stonyman hike over at the entrance to Skyland Resort is a much better, more moderate gradual hike that I would recommend highly to anyone that wants something a little easier.

We've also hiked Mary's Rock. That was a very nice hike at the Panarama entrance to Skyline Drive. Some of our repeat guests; Sally, John Sr and John Jr did that hike following a snow. Sally was not a happy camper and says that she would not recommend it after a snow. It was slippery and the snow was falling off of the trees onto their heads. They didn't make it to the top to enjoy the spectacular views.

We've also done Bear Fence hike. It has a rock scramble with fantastic views. We did however have to rescue to ladies that got near the top of the rock scramble and couldn't seem to find their way off. You could tell that they were scared, sitting there on the rocks when we found them. The one was still snapping pictures left and right anyway. LOL

We are looking forward to many more hikes this coming spring. We've had a lot of snow fall over the winter; 60.1 inches to be exact!! The waterfall hikes should be spectacular!!!!! We're also planning to do Old Rag.... more on that later. Need to plan your next hike, http://www.nps.gov/shen/planyourvisit/hiking.htm We look forward to seeing you up there!! You might also enjoy some of our outdoor packages; http://www.pineyhillbandb.com/packages.html

2010 Trip Advisor Award

2010-02-23T08:03:00.002-05:00

When we first started Piney Hill Bed & Breakfast back in September 2000 we would have never imagined that our family of guests would have extended so far and be so large. We feel very fortunate.

For the fourth consecutive year we have been honored with Trip Advisors Travelers Choice award as one of the Top 10 Best B&B/Inns in the United States. Thanks you to all of our repeat, referral and previous guests for all of the great reviews and comments over the years. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2010 as well as meeting many more new ones. We will do our best to continue to make you proud!! See what previous guests have had to say about us and enjoy some of the pictures that they have posted. Go here to read reviews.

Spring has FINALLY Sprung

2009-03-22T11:36:00.002-04:00

Well it seemed as though Ole Man Winter would never leave!! But now, finally the temperatures are warming up to the spring range and everything is starting to pop up and out here in the Shenandoah Valley. The fields are greening up, the daffodils & crocus are in bloom, the bradford pair are in there full glory & the birds are happy and singing aloud. I am right there with them. I know we need all four seasons, but I sure love the feel of spring.

The Shenandoah River Outfitters are opening this coming weekend; April 3rd if you'd like to take a canoe out on the River. Jordan Hollow Riding Stable is open and are happy to take folks out on private or group trial ride. The Green Valley Book Fair just started; enjoy 2 warehouses full of new, largely discounted books. It's a nice time to take a bike ride. Enjoy the 3 mile level paved paths of our Greenway in town along the Hawksbill Creek or if you've more adventurous the bike rental shops have maps for longer rides. The local VA wineries, all within an easy drive of Piney Hill are open and offering wine tastings and tours.

It's time to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather. We hope to see you soon!

2009 Traveler's Choice Award from Trip Advisor

2009-02-12T09:25:00.004-05:00

Hello All,

We again want to Thank all of our previous guests of 2008 for all the wonderful reviews on http://www.tripadvisor.com/ that allowed us the honor of placing #5 out of the Top Ten Best Inns & B & B's in the United States for 2009. We truly enjoy reading all the guest reviews and use them as a tool to better serve our guests.

We have found that by treating people with the respect that we too appreciate when we travel is the key to any businesses success. We attempt to provide a home like environment, offering valuable information about restaurants, area attractions and places of interest so that guests can get the most out of their get-away to the Shenandoah Valley. I know when Hank and I travel it sure is nice when you find someone that is willing to go that extra mile to offer advice to make sure you get to enjoy all that the area has to offer. You wouldn't want to miss out on some fun things you didn't even know were available if you didn't have the opportunity to find out first hand from a resident. I think people that live in an area that you're looking at traveling too sometimes forget that and take it for granted. It's very simple, treat others the way in which you would want to be treated, nothing less, nothing more. Human kindness goes a long way!

Thanks again!! We look forward to seeing some of our previous guests in 2009 and hopefully meeting many more great people along the way. Thank you for your continued support. We feel so very fortunate!!

Green Valley Book Fair

2008-04-16T18:16:00.002-04:00

The Green Valley Book Fair is a great place to buy new books at drastically reduced prices. Whether to increase your own collection, a Christmas, birthday or just because gift you won't go away disappointed or empty handed. It is offered to the public 6 times a year, usually running for a two week span. It is located just south of Harrisonburg, VA in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley; approx 30 minutes from Piney Hill B & B. The Green Valley Book Fair is a discount book outlet warehouse featuring over 500,000 new books at incredible bargain prices. Save 60%-90% off retail on over 40,000 different titles in more than 60 different categories- including fiction, history and self help, children's books, religion, science, sports, cooking, gardening, crafts, art, reference, computer books, nature and outdoors, and more. If you enjoy reading than the skies the limit!!

There 2008 schedule is:
May 10 thru 26
June 28 thru July 13
August 16 thru September 1
October 11 thru 26
November 28 thru December 14
Open daily during scheduled dates from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m.

Luray Virgina for your next vacation

2008-02-20T07:03:00.002-05:00

Hank and I began the search for the perfect location for our dream and adventure of owning a bed and breakfast in 1998. On the weekends we would get in the car and head to various mountainous locations. After over a 2 year search we feel in love with Luray, Virginia and the surrounding area. Within about a 30 mile radius you can do and see just about anything your heart desires.

When we found the location for Piney Hill Bed & Breakfast we just knew we had found home. We named the B & B after the name of the road which had only been named and paved probably 3-4 years before we arrived. The house was perfectly situated at the top of a hill with rolling hills scattered with cows and bulls and mountain views in every direction. Our families couldn't understand why we wanted the house since it was in such disrepair, but we had the vision. We said, "just look at these views", they replied, "just look at this dump", LOL Now they come to visit and I think they might be just a little envious. It took a lot of hard work, but we transformed the old country place into somewhere folks could just come in relax, just like in the old days when life was simple. You know... for the folks that work hard and desire some down time.

The nice thing about coming out to the Shenandoah Valley is that you can do as much or as little as you'd like. Sometimes it's just nice to sit out on the porch rockers gazing at the Skyline Drive views. The sky surrounding them seem to change frequently before your eyes. I've witnessed a beautiful harvest moon; it looked as though it was just sitting, resting on top of the mountain. There isn't a lot of light pollution in the country side so you can take in the most spectacular star views. You might enjoy doing that from a cozy seat in the hot tub on a chilly evening.

If you haven't seen the Luray Caverns then you must go. They are beautiful!! It just amazes me that something so spectacular could be under the ground. It is an hour guided tour and one that you will never forget. You can also see the cars and transportation from over the last 100 years. I just love the way that it seems to take you back in time.

The Shenandoah Valley is filled with VA wineries scattered along the hill sides. Many of our guests really enjoy Gadino Cellars and Rappahannock Cellars. You'll have to visit a few to decide your favorites.

The Skyline Drive and Shenandoah National Park are amazing. You can drive along the top of the mountain, stopping off and just enjoy the views from the overlooks or you can go on a hike; short or long. The trails are nicely marked as to not get lost, plus you can see such wildlife as bear, deer and wild turkey. The waterfall hikes are a real treat and well worth the hike too. There are several throughout the Drive.

The Shenandoah River is a great spot to enjoy splashing around on a hot summer day. The Shenandoah River Outfitters offers tube, canoe and kayak rentals. You can even get a tube to pack a cooler for lunch on the river. Not far from the Shenandoah River is the Fort Valley Stable. They offer 1 hour, 1 1/2 hour, half and full day rides along the George Washington National Forest. They have very nice horses which they take very good care of.

The downtown area of Luray offers some very nice lunch and dining options. You can enjoy from down home cooking to casual fine dining. One of our favorites is the Artisan Grill. Their food is always good and the service is second to none. We also have the BB & T Performing Arts Center and a nice movie cinema with first rate movies.

If you venture just outside of the town of Luray you might enjoy the Green Valley Book Fair which offers books at a drastically discounted price several times a year. You can also go back in time and enjoy a play at the Shakespearian play at the Blackfriar Theater in Staunton, VA, visit Monticello in Charlottesville, VA or witness GOD's creation by touring the Natural Bridge.

Okay.. I could ramble on and on about the area, but I'll save more for later. We hope to see you soon!

Welcome to Piney Hill Bed & Breakfast Blog

2007-03-19T14:38:00.002-04:00

Greetings and Welcome!

This blog is something entirely new to us, so we will be learning as we go. We just received this award from Trip Advisor and we thank all of our previous guests for their postings there which helped make it possible.

We invite you to visit our web site at: www.pineyhillbandb.com
Then plan a stay with us in our part of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

All our best wishes,
Hank & Wiley, Innkeepers
Winner of Trip Advisor's 2009 Traveler's Choice Award as one of the TOP 10 B & B's in the U.S.