You’re an outdoor-loving family on a budget, and you don’t mind sharing a room—parents and kids together—for a few days? This 54-room lodge at Blackwater Falls State Park—one of the best vacation bargains in the Mid-Atlantic–is for you.
Room rates are low, but you get a million-dollar view. The stone-and-wood structure nudges the edge of the eight-mile-long gorge of the Blackwater River. Far below, the river races in whitewater frenzy.
The restaurant—which serves such family favorites as burgers, grilled fresh trout, and spaghett—offers dining with a view. The large indoor pool, with hot tub, is a popular spot.
The 1,600-acre park wrapped around the lodge provides more fun. Swim, rent a paddleboat, or fish at Pendleton Lake. Hike to waterfalls on 20 miles of shady trails. Join a trail ride at the riding stables. Go mountain biking (rentals available).
Bottom line: Great views, plenty to do, and family-friendly rates.
Blackwater Lodge, 800-225-5982; blackwaterfalls.com. In summer, rooms are $93 to $114 a night. Fully equipped cabins that sleep two are $714 a week; sleeping four, $826; eight, $1,020.
This article first appeared in the April 2005 issue of The Washingtonian. For more articles from that issue, click here.
Ann Limpert joined Washingtonian in late 2003. She was previously an editorial assistant at Entertainment Weekly and a cook in New York restaurant kitchens, and she is a graduate of the Institute of Culinary Education. She lives in Petworth.
