Welcome to JOYFUL REFLECTIONS. Also welcome to MARCH!!!! My header picture this month is a photo I took of the pretty Crocus blooms in our yard... The Crocuses and Daffodils are the first signs of spring here in Tennessee. I am definitely ready for SPRING...

Friday, September 10, 2010

Skyland Resort, Shenandoah National Park, VA


After this post, there are only 2 more sets to publish of my Birthday trip to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive areas in Virginia from August 5-8. To see any of the other blog posts from this great trip, go to my sidebar, scroll down to labels, and click on Birthday 2010. Believe it or not, there are 12 posts already published in that set, not counting this one.

Today, I'm sharing with you a little more about the place where we spent the night on August 6, Skyland Resort. Skyland is off of the Skyline Drive near Milepost 42. To see the first set of pictures we took from here, click HERE. Above is a picture of the office --where George checked us in that afternoon. Below are more!!!



I want to go inside this building again... This is where we bought our Shenandoah National Park t-shirts, AND is where we ate dinner that evening. Remember the Blackberry Ice Cream Pie I mentioned before????? YUMMMMMM!!!!



Here is the amphitheater at Skyland Resort. They offer all kinds of interesting and historical programs at this little theater.




This is the back side of the restored 1911 cabin, which is called the Massanutten Lodge. In this building, you can read some great history of the resort. The Skyland Resort, much older than the park, played a role in its establishment. It was developed by George Freeman Pollock, a colorful character who induced a group of well-to-do city people to build vacation homes in this area, which is now part of the park. Pollock joined with a group of others who actively promoted the establishment of a national park in the southern Appalachian highlands. This lodge was one of the original buildings.



I love seeing how they used rock to build the homes back then. The Skyland Resort became the core of the new Shenandoah National Park after the National Park Service awarded the concession contract to the Sky-Line Company, Inc. in 1937. They then began to build new facilities. Twelve Skyland structures remain and allow modern visitors to experience life at the turn of the 20th century.




This is one of my favorite spots at Skyland Resort. This is the patio outside of their restaurant. The view is great --and being able to eat dinner either inside the restaurant or on the patio is great as you watch the sun go down in the west.

We loved this resort and recommend it to YOU if you ever go to that area. This is where we also saw deer wandering freely with no fear of all of the people around.

+++++++++
Anyone having Blogger problem like I am???? Yesterday morning, I kept getting the message, "Service Unavailable"..... I lost lots of comments ---or didn't know whether they were published ---or because I did them OVER, maybe they published several times. I finally gave up!!! Grrrrrrrrrrr.... (Last night, things seemed to be better though, thank goodness!!)

Have a wonderful weekend. We drove to the Smokies again yesterday, and of course took MORE pictures.... Fun Fun!!!!!

See you Monday morning!!!!
Hugs,

65 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, These are gorgeous pictures. The view from the restaurant patio is amazing. Thanks for sharing this terrific visit with us.
Yes, I keep getting the service unavailable error too. It's frustrating.
Like you, we are expecting some rain this weekend. Enjoy!

Arkansas Patti said...

The stone cabin was really interesting. We are so used to seeing log ones. I love how thick the walls are. Should have kept it cool in summer and warm in winter.
I would have eaten every meal on that patio. Such a view.
I have had some problems for a while now but am pretty sure it is my poopy server.

Big Dude said...

Your series of birthday posts has made me want to head up to the Skyline Drive

Jane said...

Good morning Betsy!

Great shots as always. We are staying nearer to home this weekend and heading to a football game. What are you and George going to do??

Jane

Meems said...

Good morning dear Betsy,
You guys just have the best times exploring on your adventures. I would be hanging out on that patio and just breathing in that glorious view! Those bricks and that cabin is great, too.

Thanks for sharing these beautiful trips with your readers. Makes me want to go to VA!

(I have had some trouble with that same msg. I re-boot my cable modem and my wireless netgear ~~ not my computer~~ and it seems to take care of the issue. Not sure if that might help you, too).

Happy Friday, dear lady.
Meems

diane b said...

I have just caught up with all your Birthday weekend posts. Wow you live in a beautiful country and what fun you had. It is so uplifting to see oldies getting out and about enjoying themselves. The bear shots are awesome.

Susie said...

It looks like we are all having the same problem. Mine is doing it again this a.m. Grrh! So aggravating!

Love these pics and I would love to eat dinner on that patio.

Hugs to you girl!

Ruth's Photo Blog said...

This looks like such a relaxing place to visit.I bet the Smokies are beginning to show some color by now.Looking forward to seeing those pictures.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Blessings,Ruth

Anonymous said...

I get that service unavailable message, too, from time to time. Whenever it happens, I walk away from the computer for a time. Usually when I return, the problem has gone away.

I love the stone used to build the Lodge. I would love to sit on that balcony and watch the sun set!

Pedaling said...

i like just about any place that has the word resort in the name.

also, that butterfly image in the post below...you need to enter that in a contest! beautiful!

MadSnapper said...

I can see why they named it skyland. what a veiw from that deck. love the old stone building and even the office is rustic and pretty. a truly wonderful place to visit

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Sometimes I get SERVICE UNAVAILABLE. So I just click on some other Favorite Place link. And usually, when I come back, Blogger is over its "hissy fit." :-)

Jo said...

Hi Betsy;) yes, I just got THREE service unavailable messages as I tried to post a comment. However, I persevered (my second name, LOL!) and here I am. I also get Service unavailable message on my blog and others. Anyway...this resort is STUNNING. I loved every post of your birthday weekend. You and George would LOVE South Africa.Have you ever thought to visit there? You would love the wild and beautiful places. Bless you my friend and have a great weekend. (((Hugs))) Jo (Uh-oh: I wonder if I publish this comment now, if I will get the dreaded message?

Jo said...

Hi Betsy;) yes, I just got THREE service unavailable messages as I tried to post a comment. However, I persevered (my second name, LOL!) and here I am. I also get Service unavailable message on my blog and others. Anyway...this resort is STUNNING. I loved every post of your birthday weekend. You and George would LOVE South Africa.Have you ever thought to visit there? You would love the wild and beautiful places. Bless you my friend and have a great weekend. (((Hugs))) Jo (Uh-oh: I wonder if I publish this comment now, if I will get the dreaded message?

Harriet said...

Another beautiful site! How many states have you and George visited?
Thanks for sharing all your pictures.

Small City Scenes said...

Besautiful shots, Betsy. I too love the stone houses. there are a few out this way but being lumber country there are mostly wood or log cabins.

I am heading up to the North Cascades today. The weather doesn't look too promising so I hope i don't fall off a mountain. LOL MB

Busy Bee Suz said...

So many gorgeous photos Betsy!
Love that old cabin...if only those walls could talk!

Diane said...

Beautiful stone buildings, Betsy. There's something about them that seem so sturdy and forever. Diane

Ginny Hartzler said...

The cabin is GREAT!! I'm in awe of the thick walls! Of course the windows are too tiny...why do all cabins have such tiny windows? Maybe glass was too expensive for them back then. And the red roof is great. YES to having problems yesterday, I've had these same problems before: SERVICE UNAVAILABLE. You have to re-do it, and it works the second time. And half the time, it goes through anyway, so it went in twice a few times yesterday. And it doesn't do it on everyone's blogs, maybe half of them, I've had it happen many times before, so exhasperating!!

Carol Murdock said...

Hi Betsy~~
These are great pictures! Isn't that Parkway something?? I just got back from 10 days in NC High Country. We are going to the Smokies for my b'day on the 22nd. We're hoping to buy a vacation home there on this trip!! :)

I Am Woody said...

That resort looks like a little bit of heaven!

CottonLady said...

The resort is beautiful! I'll bet it took them quite a bit of time to build that cabin...time and hard work!

I'm enjoying your pics, thanks.

Blessings!
CottonLady

Connie said...

You visit the prettiest places, Betsy. I love that patio too. Wow! :D
Have a nice weekend!

Cheryl @ TFD said...

I am so enjoying these posts, Betsy. And taking notes of places to see when we get a chance to travel that way! Thanks for sharing.

Have a wonderful day,
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

Hi Betsy, My husband really wants to go there! So do I. Maybe next Spring.

Yes, we did get a little rain this morning but only a sprinkle. Hope for more!

Have a great day!

Kelly said...

...gorgeous. I would love to sit outside and eat my dinner--what a view! (The blackberry ice cream pie sounds really good......I'll have to go back and find that post!). I had problems yesterday too with "No Service."

Sunny said...

Everytime I see pictures of your wonderful journeys, I get the itch to take a trip!
I hope you have a restful and happy weekend.
☼ Sunny
P.S. I was getting that message yesterday but I clicked on the refresh button and it went away!

The Retired One said...

That stone cottage is a work of art,Betsy!

penny said...

If I can't go, your beautiful photos are next best thing, Betsy. I so enjoy seeing your fascinating journeys, thanks.
Have a great time in the Smokies with your sweetheart :)

Jen said...

Beautiful spot. I would eat outdoors on that patio!

A Brit in Tennessee said...

Looks like a place I would love to visit.
What a lovely stone lodge. One of the rest stops as you enter TN from North Carolina has a similar stone lodge, I told the First Sergeant, I wanted our retiremnet home made just like it :)
We have such pretty places in this area, I'm headed for those mountains to hang my hat, one of these days soon !
Sorry, been working last two days, so NO Blogger issues..

Linda said...

I love the stone cottage....makes me cringe though thinking of packing all those rocks.

Fred Alton said...

That stone cottage makes me ache all over. The pioneers who settled this country really had to be people of vision, strength and resolve! Thanks for sharing this great post.

Thoughtfully Blended Hearts said...

Any building made of native stone sure passes the test of time!!! I love these old stone buildings and marvel at how they remain so intact. I think that restaurant would be a great place also!!!

I've had trouble posting comments today and yesterday...blogger just wouldn't let me post them...Hope you two have a lovely weekend...we got rain the past two days!!!!!!!!!

ruthinian said...

oh Betsy the resort is awesome. love the rustic characteristic of the building and the patio of the restaurant is indeed an amazing place to watch the sunset over a cup of tea.

have a wonderful weekend.

LV said...

I have had some of the best vacations this year with you and George. It has been my pleasure traveling along with you through your lens.

carolina nana said...

That blackberry ice cream pie sounds delicious and the view from that restaurant looks amazing. You go so many amazing places.
Have a blessed weekend.
Marilyn

Lynda said...

I, too, agree that the patio view is stunning! You can tell how much you enjoyed that trip. I can "hear" your smile through your written words.

Janie said...

The old cabin looks fascinating. IT's so well built.
The view from the patio is wonderful. Looks like a great trip.

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

What a beautiful place to take his beautiful lady for her birthday...m..

Carletta said...

Beautiful views!
We haven't driven Skyland Drive in many many years but these make me want to again. :)
I had error messages yesterday and today. :(

Ann, Chen Jie Xue 陈洁雪 said...

The amphitheater at Skyland Resort. would Dolly Parton or Kenny Rogers be performing? LOL

I uploaded Emily's song so you can listen to it.
http://ann-mythoughtsandphotos.blogspot.com/2010/09/thursday-theme-song-moms-best_08.html

SquirrelQueen said...

What a wonderful resort with an amazing history. I absolutely love that patio, it would be a great place to have some of that blackberry ice cream pie.

It's been awhile but I have gotten the "service unavailable" message. Blogger has stolen my comments at times too. It usually gets over it in a day or too.

You and George have a great weekend.

Hugs,
Judy

Joe Todd said...

Had the service unavailable message 3 times so Linda and I went and picked apples. I'll bet the view from that patio is spectacular

~mel said...

I have to try this one more time... I kept getting kicked off your site for the last two days...hmmm...bummer... don't know what that was about??? ANYWHOOOO.... THANK YOU for sharing your travels with us again. You are so informative about the places you go it's like putting us there, only saving us the gas mileage. lol

Kirigalpoththa said...

Nice little cabin!

amelia said...

Lovely pics and gorgeous scenery again. You really must live in the most beautiful place in the world!!

I'd kill to be able to go to that restaurant and look at the view!!

Rose said...

Betsy, I love that 1911 building...I just love houses made with stone. Either new or old. But sort of like the older a bit the best.

I had trouble this morn getting blogger to publish a post.

KathyA said...

That view on the patio is WAY beyond great -- it takes one's breath away, doesn't it!!

nanny said...

Yes, I got the service message yesterday too!

The patio shot is awesome...what a great view!

Pat @ Mille Fiori Favoriti said...

I visited Shenandoah National Park long ago and I'd love to have a return visit one year. The Syline resort looks like such a wonderful place! You had the very best birthday, Betsy!

Unknown said...

G'eve Betsy ~ You are in the heart of beauty here ... we so love it there.
TY for sharing, once again.

Have a beautiful weekend ~
TTFN ~ Hugs, Marydon

Stephanie Suzanne Designs said...

Hi Betsy,

I love the rock cabin and that view looks fabulous...I see that you were in the Smokies. Did you come to see the hot rod show? LOL I bet not..

We had friends drive in from Memphis for the show. They had no idea how large it was...kind of blew their minds.

I'm finally resting and so happy that the studio level and the main level are 99% complete! We've decided that the lower level will be our winter time project to get it all finished. We are exhausted.

Hope you will stop by for a visit. I have my 911 post up for Pink Saturday this week.

Oh, and Blogger has had definite hiccups lately. I had fits with it a while back..couldn't get the comments to publish, that crazy message that the blog you are looking for does not exit..LOL And I KNEW that it did!

Have a wonderful day,
Stephanie ♥

cyclopseven said...

It certainly is a peaceful place. Good for refreshing the pent-up emotions. Like the picture of The Massanutten Lodge. Keep up the good work. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Howdy. I wish we were someplace like this right now.

Neal said...

Certainly is a peaceful place. I would have eaten out on that patio.

Beth said...

I love old structures---I try to imagine life within their walls during their heyday. I'm so thankful when people wise up and do something to save these places so generations to come can 'experience' them.
Wonderful post. Wonderful husband to give you such a gift.

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

On the fun topic of Log In Load Time...

Betsy, did you Log Out of your blog, before testing it on StopWatch?

You got 02.83. But I got 09.438.

I'm not logged into your blog.

Anonymous said...

Betsy, this looks like a wonderful place!!!

I just returned to my Lord . . . Jesus Christ the other day! A lot of people have been praying for me, I could feel it! This makes me very GLAD!!!

No longer, am I a Buddhist!

Anonymous said...

The blackberry ice cream pie is enough to make me go there, not to mention the view from the patio looks wonderful. I have been having problems posting comments on blogger even though I am on wordpress. I hope I did not post several times. Have a good week.

Love Of Quilts said...

Betsy ever time I read about your trips it makes me want to hit the road and travel...then I stop dreaming and relize its not going to happen right now anyway to much to do here....so I'll just keep enjoying your trips with you. Trish

Velva said...

beautiful photos. Thanks for taking us on this journey with you. Looking forward to more posts.

btw, blogger can act funny on occasion. I am sure it was just a glitch but has resolved itself.

Glenda said...

What a beautiful place!! I especially like the cabin and the step back into history that it offers.

We are still wandering around in Georgia and having a wonderful time! Hope you have a blessed week!

Rose said...

hi! i've driven through this area but have never had the opportunity to take time to enjoy. it's beautiful country. as for my post, i hope that someday, Philip might come to the usa. he did a type of missionary work teaching english in mexico. have a good day. rose

Dave Cawkwell said...

What a great place to just sit and stare out into the distance. What a great place to visit, thanks for sharing.