By Sherman Shifflett
Looking for a place in the mountains to get away for a few days? A place to kick back and enjoy good food and scenic views? Well, there’s a quaint place right here in Central Virginia and apparently, it is not a secret.
On Friday, February 14, 2020, Ava and I decided to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Lydia Mountain Lodge in Greene County, a few miles west of Stanardsville, VA, on top of the mountain, off Rt 33. Other people had the same idea because the lodge was fully occupied and all 56 cabins were booked.
All the rooms in the lodge have a theme. Our room was called “Music of the Mountains.” There was an old organ, vintage radio, guitar and old records displayed in the room. Our room had a deck and a great view over-looking the South River and towards Wolftown. The bed was comfortable.
The lodge had a dinner/dance Friday night in the ballroom, so of course Ava and I had to check that out. The buffet dinner was very good. Prime rib, baked chicken in a white sauce, mac/cheese, mashed potatoes, green beans, dinner rolls, plus iced tea and water to drink. Velvet and chocolate cake for dessert. We ate at tables around the ballroom.
A Deejay, set up in a small balcony above the ballroom, played some oldies, and Ava and I laid down some steps. We even did the “Twist”, or tried to, perhaps a little slower. There was a large crowd. We even bumped into two couples from Louisa. We enjoyed the meal, the music, the dancing and the fellowship. The ballroom is located on ground level, behind the lobby. There is a large deck on the back-side.
The restaurant is located on the lower level, under the ballroom. The name of the restaurant is “Bearrr Pettit”, or something like that. We had breakfast there Saturday morning, and we ordered the “South River” – two eggs, sausage or bacon, potatoes, coffee and toast/biscuits. The eggs were farm-fresh and the sausage home-made. The meal and coffee were good. Excellent service. Waitresses were friendly and kept our coffee cups filled.
The restaurant is open to customers off the street, but I think it’s open just on week-ends. Call to make sure.
Several weddings are already scheduled this year at Lydia Mountain Lodge.
On week-ends, cabins have to be booked for at least two nights.
Our GPS did not work on Friday, but the lodge is easy to locate. Head up the mountain past Stanardsville on Rt 33, and when you pass the house on the left where clothes are always hanging on the porch (clothes are still hanging), look for signs on the right and turn right. Follow the road to the top of the mountain. Can’t miss it.
Do we plan to go again? Si!
If you go:
Lydia Mountain Lodge
426 Mountain Laurel Pass
Stanardsville, VA 22973
www.lydiamountainlodge.com
(434) 985-6343