Looking for a fun way to spend the 4th? Consider a trip to Graves Mountain Lodge in Syria. Each July 4, Jimmy Graves and his family put on a spectacular show. They open their place for visitors with absolutely no admission charge. Young and old alike enjoy the scenery, swimming, hiking, pony riding, face painting and some of the best food in Central Virginia. For purchase, of course, guests can pick barbeque, hot dogs, burgers or the famous Graves Mountain Fried Chicken. Guests can eat up at the lodge or on the grounds near the live music. Bring some lawn chairs and have a picnic! This year it’s the South Canal Street band. Reservations are required to eat at the lodge so call 540-923-4231 if that’s your preference.
The food and entertainment will continue non-stop from 4 PM to 8 PM. The fireworks display kicks off at about 9 PM and it’s a good one, as impressive as the one at McIntire Park, maybe better, because you are right there.
Graves Mountain Lodge has a storied history. The Graves family was among the second group of immigrants from England and landed in Jamestown in the 1600’s. Around 1730, the family settled in Madison County. The Blue Ridge Turnpike, a rugged route across the Blue Ridge Mountains, was built in the 1830’s, and at the base of Graves Mountain, the family built an Ordinary to provide food, lodging and supplies for travelers who would make the one-day horse and buggy ride over the mountain to Stanley and the Shenandoah Valley.
Nearly 200 years later, the Graves family continues to welcome visitors, but their operation, Graves Mountain Lodge, is anything but ordinary.
Owned and operated by Jimmy and Rachel Graves and their sons, Lucky and Lynn, Graves Mountain Lodge is one of Virginia’s premiere destination sites as people from across the United States come to enjoy food beyond compare and the warmth of the Graves’ family hospitality.
For those in Central Virginia who seek exceptional getaway opportunities, there is no need to travel any further than Syria, Virginia and stay with the welcoming family of Graves Mountain Lodge. To pull up this year’s schedule of events, or to find out more about occupancy, banquet and convention possibilities, go to www.gravesmountain.com, or call 540-923-4231.
