Fireside Lodge

09/01/2022

The Shenandoah Valley boasts so many amazing ways to enjoy our natural beauty. A day at the beautiful Lake Laura is just one of those. Lake Laura has something to offer for any nature lover. There you can find kayak, canoe, tubing, & paddle board rentals, tons of great hiking spots, a picnic/beach area, and more!

Whether you're on a family vacay, girls/guys trip or just exploring the Shenandoah Valley solo, there's so much here for you. So, what are you waiting for? After all, Life is better at the Lake!

08/30/2022

Wan·der·lust | noun: a strong desire to travel. 🌄

Wanderlust is something that Fireside Lodge visitors certainly experience. That pull you feel to see and touch every landscape, city, and culture you can reach is almost mystical in a way. Something within human nature that we all feel at times, if not consistently. Our favorite escape here in the Shenandoah was found through wanderlust and is something we are thankful to have been able to share with others. May your adventures take you to new, beautiful places and help shape your perspective on life & the world around us. Keep reaching toward the sky! 🙌🏻

08/23/2022

Do you struggle to pack light for your weekend getaway? If you are like me, the answer is 'yes'.

Getting away for a weekend is suppose to be relaxing. But packing to go out of town often isn't. This list will help you get back to the basics and hopefully ease some of your packing stress.

08/18/2022

Everyday life can be stressful and lead to additional anxieties and burnout. Here are some of the best ways to let go of stress and start reintroducing peace back into your life. These tips will help bring you clarity and release some of the tension we all hold onto physically & mentally.

1. Unplug for a while and travel somewhere new!
2. There's an old saying "When you feel lost, go to nature." Spending time emersed in mother nature for a while can ground you and remind you of what is most important in life.
3. Yoga will keep your body loose and release all of the tension you are holding in your muscles. Meditation will do the same for your mind!
4. Breathing is one of the #1 easiest ways to reduce stress, that effect is even greater when you are out amongst the trees, breathing in the oxygen right from the source!

Follow us for more tips on living your most peaceful life.

08/09/2022

Are you itching for adventure? The Shenandoah offers so many amazing options for hikers. Whether you are a casual hiker or an avid outdoorsman there are trails for every level of difficulty. Just a short distance from Fireside Lodge, here are my picks for hiking spots of various terrain.

What are some of your favorite hiking trails?

08/07/2022

Looking at the before and after photos of our little lodge really reminds me of how far we've come. Many people would have taken one look at Fireside Lodge before we fixed it up and run the other way, but I saw vintage charm and potential! After spending countless hours pouring our heart and soul into turning this little vacay rental into a cozy home, we are so excited to offer such a modern and cozy cabin to wanderers and travelers.

Are you ready to make your escape to the mountains? Make your reservations now!

08/04/2022

Summer evenings and nights are best spent on the deck at Fireside Lodge. After grilling a feast big enough to stuff everyone, there's nothing like sitting under the night sky around the gas firepit and stargazing ✨🌙

To book your stay at Fireside Lodge, follow the link in our bio!

08/02/2022

While visiting the Shenandoah, be sure to enjoy the myriad of Spirits this community has to offer on the Shenandoah Spirits Trail. On your tour you can find wineries, craft breweries, cideries and distilleries. On your journey enjoy incredible mountain views with unlimited outdoor recreation opportunities, historic treasures, and charming downtowns loaded with shops and eateries.

What are you waiting for? The Spirits are calling!

Find Shenandoah Spirits Trail Map linked in my bio.

07/31/2022

Fireside Lodge sleeps 11 people. Knowing that this space was going to be most loved and appreciated by families and large groups, it was super important that I make sure to offer a large dining table with plenty of room for the whole family, bridal party, or friend group!

After kitchen renovations, it all ended up flowing perfectly with the kitchen opening straight up to our dining area that easily seats 10. Thinking of these practical logistics and putting myself in my guest's shoes helps make sure the experience is seamless and you feel right at home.

To learn more about Fireside Lodge's journey, follow us!

07/29/2022

Personally, I am crazy about coffee! So, I made sure to stock Fireside Lodge with any kind of Coffee made any kind of way you could ask for. That way, coffee lovers like me can stay fueled up on caffeine throughout their stay and during their vacay adventures! ☕

I made sure to equip Fireside Lodge with these coffee making options:
· Espresso
· Pour Over
· Drip brewer
· French Press

Another coffee lover experience that may make your stay at Fireside even more special is The Traveling Shepherd Coffee. The Shephe be rd is a traveling coffee merchant that brings coffee beans from all around the world to the Virginia area and has been known to stop in at Bayse. He is known to deliver to his customers and truly as an interesting story to tell to anyone who will hear it.

If you'd like to book a stay at Fireside Lodge or to learn more about The Traveling Shephard Coffee, follow the link in our bio!

07/26/2022

If you're ever in the Shenandoah area for the first Friday of the month April - October, make sure to stop by Harrisonburg for their First Friday Artwalk! 🎨

First Fridays of the Valley is a community event, bringing hundreds of people out to more than 20 participating venues each first Friday. So many amazing local treasures can be found from local artists all across the Shenandoah Valley. Harrisonburg has long supported a thriving artistic community, and nearly 30 local murals, mosaics, and sculptures are a testament to that. The Art Walk exists to share the talent of our local artists, the importance of the businesses and organizations who support them, and inspiration to all who pass through it.

Follow this link for more details!
https://www.valleyarts.org/first-fridays

07/24/2022

The kitchen at Fireside Lodge was definitely a bit of a challenge for me. The old layout was cramped and dated, and it seemed that the main problem was the waste of space with the original layout.

I sought out to open the kitchen up, orient it so that anyone in the kitchen could be a part of the rest of the main level, and upgrade it to reflect a bright & elegant, mid-century mod vibe. Photos of the finished product will be coming soon, but for now I will share with you a few sketches that we created to bring our ideas to life and make sure that everything would measure up to expectations!

Follow to stay tuned on Fireside Lodge's journey and follow the link in our bio to book a stay with us!

07/21/2022

Knowing our guests had an extra special vacation experience because of the home-away-from-home and thoughtful details we provided for them makes me so happy! I think what a lot of people might not realize about vacation rental hosts like me, is that we put so much time, energy, and love into making sure our spaces are as welcoming, convenient, and fully equipped for our guests as possible. So it means so much when we hear that all of those details we thought of and took the time to provide really do make a difference to our guests.

Thanks so much for staying with us, Ann Marie! We hope you'll come back and visit again sometime. 💛

#

07/19/2022

Have you ever done yoga surrounded by pure bliss and scenic mountain views? 🧘

Well, if you are in the Shenandoah area or maybe passing through, you may get the opportunity to check it off of your bucket list! Bryce Resort is hosting a "Yoga in the Mountains" class meant to help you "reconnect with the elements and yourself as [you] flow with nature and ground down into the Earth". The class will wrap up with a soothing lavender towel shavasana and a small treat bag to take with you. Treat yourself with crisp mountain air, stunning views of the Shenandoah Valley, and a practice that will send you home relaxed and energized.

The class will be held at the Bryce Resort on July 23rd from 8 AM - 9 AM EST. We hope you can join! Follow us for more local events and recommendations.

07/17/2022

Fireside Lodge has been in the process of getting some new upgrades!

Our cute little chalet has been on such an amazing journey. When we found Fireside Lodge, it was quite a sight for sore eyes. To watch this transformation go from shabby shack to vintage beauty has been such a an amazing experience!

Here are a few photos from the renovation process during Fireside Lodge's most recent makeover in the kitchen and main level bath! Stay tuned to see the final product and to see more photos of the space before we spruced it up and made it our own.

07/14/2022

These spots offer some of the most outdoor fun in the Shenandoah!

1. Shenandoah National Park has endless hiking and nature enthusiast opportunities. With spectacular views of the Shenandoah Valley and family-friendly stops and sights along the way, it's a must-see this time of year! 🌄

2. Massanutten Resort is packed with family adventure activities. One of the highlights of Massanutten this time of year is their indoor & outdoor waterpark where whole family can cool down and have a splash! 💦

3. Bryce Resort is known as a ski lodge but in the summer they transform their slopes into mountain biking courses, not to mention their PGA Championship Golf Course that they call "the best kept secret in the Shenandoah".

Follow us for more local recommendations just like these!

07/10/2022

There is no doubt that my very favorite feature at Fireside Lodge is the vintage floating fireplace which acts as the centerpiece for the entire main floor. Its framed out beautifully by the vaulted ceilings and I painted the old, dark wood paneling a light & airy color so that this charming feature stands out even more! 🔥

Lounging by this fire is such an indulgence and a comfort in the winter time. You can bring the whole family to visit for ski season and after a long day on the slopes, you can just come on in and warm your bones while you all gather and spend some quality time together. Can't you just imagine it now? 😌💭

07/05/2022

I am always so grateful whenever someone leaves a glowing review for Fireside Lodge. After pouring your heart and soul into a project like I have with this one, I am absolutely elated to know that my guests are enjoying all of the little touches and details that iI curated carefully in order to make our vacay-rental feel truly homey. 🥰

Thanks so much to DJ for staying with us and I am over the moon to know that you enjoyed your stay so much! Can't wait to host you again! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

07/04/2022

Independence Day is here! We've got all kinds of exciting events happening here in the Shenandoah area to celebrate America's birthday! Here are my top 3 4th of July celebration recommendations:

1. There's nothing like a good ol' Americana fireworks show on Independance day. Shenandoah Valley Fireworks has your classic fireworks show where you and your loved ones can throw down a blanket and oooh and ahhh at all the the flashes and crackles.
https://loom.ly/uSQZc4s

2. Attend the Tony Award winning musical 1776 is based on the events leading up to the drafting and signing of the Declaration of Independence at Theatre Shenandoah:
https://loom.ly/5BR0KBw

3. Middleburg's 4th of July Celebration has everything you could ever want for 4th of July! They open up the public pool, throw a parade, offer a fireworks show, tons of amazing food, live music, and the list goes on.:
https://loom.ly/ffdu_yM

I hope this helps you find the perfect Shenandoah activity for you and your fiends or and/or fam. Follow us to learn more about our beautiful town and the perfect place to stay while you're visiting - Fireside Lodge!

06/28/2022

Cave Ridge is one of the best spots in the Shenandoah area for a laid-back day sipping on wine. 🍷
⠀
The entrance greets you with this absolutely charming old London double-decker bus and the view is just magical.
⠀
It’s feels like paradise to sit out on the patio and sip on a flight or a wine slushie while looking out onto the Shenandoah horizon. 🌄
⠀

06/27/2022

06/27/2022

06/26/2022

Can you hear them...? 🤔

It's time to answer that call. There's nothing like immersing yourself in nature and just getting away from it all. This summer, when you hear that little voice in your head calling you to get outside and be closer to nature, give your soul what it needs and come by and visit Fireside Lodge. You can even bring the whole family - Fireside accommodates up to 11 guests!

Click on the link in our bio to book your stay today.

06/23/2022

Fireside Lodge is so special to me. I was looking for a home-away-from-home that would allow me an escape from the hustle & bustle of everyday life. When I found Fireside Lodge, I was elated. At first, the lodge was dated, dark, and not very inviting. But I still saw the potential this beauty had and I knew that the hanging vintage fireplace was not something I would stumble upon again.

Now, with a new coat of paint to help brighten the space up, some pointed design elements, and a whole lotta love, this little chalet is even dreamier than I could have imagined! I knew I had to share this slice of paradise with the world and so here we are. I hope that each and every one of my guests can unplug, unwind, and slow down a little bit to enjoy the nature and the ease of life here in the Shenandoah.

If you get the chance to come stay, I hope Fireside lodge will make you as happy as it makes me!

06/22/2022

Hi Friends! My name is Julie and I am the host of a newly-renovated & refreshed vintage ski chalet that serves as a fabulous vacation rental in the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. I am excited to share an inside look into what Fireside Lodge offers as well as some behind the scenes moments that will really help you get to know me and the love I have for this home-away-from-home that we are more than happy to share with passers-by. 🌄

Please follow along with me and keep an eye out for some upcoming sneak peeks of Fireside Lodge and its stunning main feature, an indoor floating vintage fireplace! 🤩