The Blacksburg, VA Cozy Cottage

05/21/2023

Visit renowned artist Mitchell Tolle as he talks about his love of Kentucky and Art.

07/21/2022

The fact is that I have never seen anyone find spiritual power who did not seek something deeper. Spiritual power is a by-product of the Spirit in the life, making that life Christ-like. To seek for spiritual power is very liable to send one off on those tangents of self-glorification and self-assertion that lead straight away from the Christian ideal. To seek for the Spirit to be made Christ-like sends one to self-surrender that leads straight to the heart of the gospel -- a cross.

From "The Christ of Every Road" by E. Stanley Jones

04/05/2022

Last night at an undisclosed location, Park Rangers picked up an image from one of our trail cameras of what appears to be Bigfoot in the background. There is an ongoing investigation to determine the authenticity of this sighting.

For the safety of our staff and visitors, sections of the Blue Ridge Parkway in Tennessee and Georgia will be closed until further notice.

NPS Image

02/17/2022

Blue Ridge Parkway managers announced today there were an estimated 15.9 million recreation visits to the park in 2021. On the heels of the National Park Service announcement that the Blue Ridge Parkway again ranks at the top of NPS visitation over the past year, park leadership and staff want to use this opportunity to remind park neighbors and visitors that protecting the park for generations to come requires a shared commitment to stewardship.

“While overall Parkway visitation has remained relatively stable over the past five to ten years, some of the park's most popular destinations are seeing the impacts of heavy visitation,” said Blue Ridge Parkway Superintendent Tracy Swartout. “Overcrowding at popular locations can lead to diminished visitor experience and damage to park resources. These impacts can often be avoided by recreating responsibly. With 469 miles to explore, we encourage you to find new ways to enjoy the Parkway this year.”

One important way to discover new adventures and recreate responsibly is to plan ahead. Just as park staff are planning ahead for the 2022 season by hiring seasonal staff, conducting winter maintenance activities, finalizing road project plans, and readying facilities for visitation. Park visitors can also plan ahead by learning about park resources and trail etiquette, locating seasonal facility schedules, or book-marking campground reservation websites. More tips for planning your Parkway visit are available at https://go.nps.gov/parkway-plan-ahead.

For the full press release and more information about 2021 highlights click here: https://www.nps.gov/blri/learn/news/parkway-2021-visitation.htm

02/04/2022

Brrr!

Chilly weather has made for icy conditions on some of the parkway's ponds and lakes. While a beautiful sight, visitors are reminded that walking out on frozen bodies of water is not only a bad idea, but its illegal on the parkway.

So stay safe (and warm!) and enjoy these beautiful scenes from afar.

Photo of a frozen Abbott Lake at milepost 86 courtesy of Peaks of Otter Lodge.

01/17/2022

Just in case!

The whole parkway is currently closed due to ice and snow. Visitors are encouraged to avoid the parkway until the storm passes for their own safety and that of emergency personnel throughout our region. High winds and heavy snow are expected today, creating hazardous conditions.

01/08/2022

Pretty---But!

That winter weather is finally here and road closures remain across most of the parkway leading into this weekend! Although sections of the 469-mile parkway are often closed to motor vehicles in winter due to snow and ice on the roadway, there are frequently days when the Parkway may be open from end to end due to unseasonably warm temperatures. Whether your goal is to drive or cross country ski the parkway, it is important to know the road status before you make a trip. The most up to date road information can be found on the parkway’s Road and Facilities Closure Page at https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm.

In all seasons of year, the parkway is more than just a beautiful drive. There are numerous recreational opportunities available such as sledding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snow play.

When visiting the Parkway in winter, remember these safety tips:

❄️Don’t block the gates when accessing the parkway during winter closures
❄️Be prepared and plan for changing weather.
❄️Stay off frozen bodies of water.
❄️Expect delayed response times, especially on closed road sections.
❄️Cell phones do not work from many areas in the park. Leave an itinerary with someone at home.
❄️Remain aware, parkway road crews may be working in your area.

Learn more about winter recreation and safety here: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/winter-recreation.htm

01/03/2022

Time for caution.

In anticipation of winter weather across the length of the Parkway, closures will go into effect in both North Carolina and Virginia beginning late this afternoon into the early evening. Road conditions will be reassessed in the morning. Thank you for your patience.

01/01/2022

Beauiful in all seasons.

Drumroll please....number 1 in the countdown of our top posts of 2021 is...the snow covered Parkway on a January day! What a perfect introduction to the coming month! We hope you've enjoyed this recap of our year on the Parkway and that you plan a visit soon.

“I wonder if the snow loves the trees and fields, that it kisses them so gently? And then it covers them up snug, you know, with a white quilt; and perhaps it says, "Go to sleep, darlings, till the summer comes again.”
-Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Through the Looking Glass

Freezing temperatures, high elevations and forecasts for additional snow through the weekend will likely combine to keep much of the already snow-covered Parkway closed. Road status information is updated here: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm

12/31/2021

A NATIONAL TREASURE!

12/28/2021

Brr!

Number 6 in our countdown gives us some important reminders about winter weather conditions on the Parkway!

A snowy weekend across much of the Parkway provides opportunities for recreating behind the gates. Here are a few reminders if you're headed out.

❄️Be prepared and plan for changing weather.

❄️️Stay off frozen bodies of water.

❄️Expect delayed response times, especially on closed road sections.

❄️Cell phones do not work from many areas in the park. Leave an itinerary with someone at home.

❄️Remain aware, parkway vehicles may be in the area.

❄️Don’t block the gates when accessing the parkway during winter closures.

For updates on road closure locations, visit https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/roadclosures.htm

12/28/2021

WOW

12/27/2021

Blue Ridge Parkway is a good day trip from the Cozy Cottage.

11/21/2021

One of Virginia's special features.

"How beautifully leaves grow old! How full of light and color are their last days!" – John Burroughs

As fall color gives way to the soft, blue ridges of winter we are grateful to be reminded of the beauty that surrounds us in all of the seasons on the Parkway.

10/24/2021

We updated the bathroom by removing the old gree tub and adding a walk in shower. It is good to have a son-in-law with multiple skills.

04/11/2021

A beautiful view year round!

10/08/2020

Not only have we lived in the homes we rent as vacation homes; we have also stayed in vacation rentals on our travels. From our experiences I've developed a most important list:
1. Cleanliness is a must!
2. Comfortable beds. We prefer memory foam and provide some memory-foam mattresses, especially in the master BRs.
3. Safety, especially in the bathroom. Comfort-height commodes, grab rails, non-skid tub mats are desirable. Night lights add to the safety in a strange place.
4. Fully equipped kitchens with coffee maker, toaster, microwave. Dishwashers are nice but we don't have.
5. Closet space is not necessary if there are robe hooks behind most doors and hanging hooks or pegs on the walls. For longer stays, drawer space is necessary. Luggage racks or little tables for packing/unpacking suitcases are desirable.
6. Security is important. Deadbolts, and safety chains on doors are desirable. Motion sensor lights are helpful, especially if guests arrive after dark.
7. Internet access is a must as people often work from their vacation site and most like to keep up with family, friends, social media and banking on line.
8. Comfortable and well lit reading area.
9. Information about outdoor spaces or safe walking areas.
10. Information about local attractions or day trips.
11. Easy and quick access to home owner/ host by email, voice mail or text.
12. Instructions about heating and cooling. Ceiling fans help with both..
13. For long-term visits, a washer and dryer are almost necessities, but information about a safe laundromat would be a second best alternative. We provide both.
14. Television is almost assumed.
15. Flexible cancelation policies.
16. If pets are allowed the rules are for the next guests that may not be animal lovers or have allergies.
17. Reviews are for future guests. owners like to have messages about items that need attention- but don't expect a full home renovation.
18. The home owner/manager has the obligation to accurately describe the property. They should highlight the distinguishing features (we like to point out our views from airy porches and the frequent visits by deer) while being honest about other features( we acknowledge our homes are of a past vintage and furnishings are mostly retrofit.)
19. Family pictures should be removed but we like decor items that are reflective of the era of the home or indicative of the area or possibly interest of the owner (but don't go overboard with this; We like to feature some Virginia artist, especially Robert Tukwiller who is local(Newport.) We deviated from that principal when we hung some pictures from our travels that has stimulated some interesting communication.)
20. Each visit is unique. We have the expectation of each visit producing a live contact and maybe a new friend, albeit virtual.

What would you add or correct?

10/01/2020

Great place to eat and a good outing if you are staying at the Cozy Cottage.

The Homeplace Restaurant has finally reopened its doors for indoor dining. They are excited to see everyone again, and are adhering to the mandates of social distancing. Pam Dudding Contributing writer For many, The Homeplace has been the “go to” place for their weekly homecooked meal away from ...

08/30/2020

Fall is a good time to visit Blacksburg and vicinity: https://blacksburgvacation.blogspot.com/search?q=Watching+the+Change

This is all about interesting places in and around Blacksburg. I'll add stories of unique activities and people I know or have known from living there the first 23 years of my life. On frequent visits home I am discovering and rediscovering so much about the area. Many know of Blacksburg from being....

08/27/2020

There is a lot more to Blacksburg than football and graduation. If you are staying safely at home in your own house you could do that at the Cozy Cottage or the Harding Place Cozy Cottage. These two vacation rental houses have provided a roosting place for people from the cities and other countries so far during the pandemic. When asked, I have tried to direct guests to attractions such as Pandappas Pond, The Huckleberry trail, The Heritage Trail, Mountain Lake, The Cascades, The Appalachian Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. All can be accessed easily with a grand opportunity to social distance.

08/21/2020

A fun place to visit.

This. We miss this and we miss you!

07/31/2020

Many of our guests are football fans.

In an effort to provide updates for Hokie fans on the 2020 football season, we encourage you to visit our centralized page of FAQ's based on the most up-to-date information.

Details: vthoki.es/FB20FAQ

07/29/2020

I agree, but then I'll admit a bias.

Our home ❤️️

Virginia Tech is listed among Condé Nast Traveler's 50 most beautiful college campuses in America.

Read: vthoki.es/Y1ZxW

05/27/2020

04/18/2020

The most-photographed spot along the 470 miles of the Blue Ridge Parkway was nearly lost before the roadway was built. And then again even after it was decided to save it. Old Ed Mabry would sure stand proud at what's happened to his mill.

03/27/2020

Many of the offerings fans have come to expect at other music festivals will be available, including morning and afternoon yoga sessions, face painting and a busy schedule of children’s

03/09/2020

It comes as no surprise that these magnificent mountains are considered among the most beautiful on the planet.

03/02/2020

An outstanding event!

Many of the offerings fans have come to expect at other music festivals will be available, including morning and afternoon yoga sessions, face painting and a busy schedule of children’s

12/23/2019

Time to grab those last-minute holiday treats, like our Christmas Logs!