Romance is in the air at Virginia State Parks

Romance is definitely a matter for personal taste. Some couples might be interested in one of those heart shaped beds in a mountain inn, a romantic bed and breakfast, or a 5 star hotel with spa. So I suspect this article on Virginia State Parks' most romantic cabins will likely create some debate. Since this is Valentine's Day, I thought I would pull together some of what I consider (and others have shared with me) to be the most romantic cabins in our parks. Feel free to share your nominations as a comment to this article or on our social media sites.

Hungry Mother State Park: 

Hungry Mother has at least three candidates for most romantic cabin. First there is cabin 2, aka the "Honeymoon Cabin." This log cabin is located right on Hungry Mother Lake and is a one bedroom cabin. When I was the Reservation Center Manager I often heard stories about this cabin's use for honeymoons, often from married couples as they made reservations to celebrate anniversaries.

View from front porch, Hungry Mother State Park cabin 2, AKA the "honeymoon cabin"

One of the most distinctive cabins in the park is cabin 7. The distinctive stone porch makes this frame cabin a favorite as well as the most reserved two bedroom cabin in the park.  

Cabin 7 Hungry Mother State Park

I'm not sure that you can really say that a family lodge that sleeps 15 people is romantic since you would likely not be staying there on a romantic, just the two of you escape, but the furnishings, location and quaint master bedroom suite definitely makes the Hungry Mother Lodge belong on the most romantic list.

Hungry Mother State Park Lodge

Living room, Hungry Mother State Park Lodge

Master bedroom, Hungry Mother State Park Lodge

Grayson Highlands State Park:

It is definitely not fair for me to include this cabin because it is not available for public rental. But, it has graced the cover of the Virginia state map and certainly is reminiscent of a romantic cabin in the woods, so I feel like I have to include it. I actually have stayed in it and you will have to trust me when I tell you it is indeed romantic.

Interpreter's Cabin at Grayson Highlands State Park

Douthat State Park:

The efficiency log cabins at Douthat (and Hungry Mother, Fairy Stone, and Westmoreland) are a great romantic destination. I have singled out Douthat because I have read the cabin journals for cabin 6 and know that particular cabin is popular with couples. While I was staying there overnight on business once, I had no book to read and enjoyed reading the journal that described romantic getaways for those newly in love, to those trying to rekindle the passion, to couples that have been in love for many years. I think it's the fact that the cabin living area is all in one room. Several entries mentioned that the couples would push the bed near the fireplace.  Read the article here about a couple married in Douthat in 1986 who honeymooned in cabin 6. 

Interior of an efficiency cabin at Douthat State Park

The Richardsons Sept 17, 1986, in front of cabin 6, Douthat State Park

Chippokes State Park:

The cabins at Chippokes are my particular romantic favorites. My husband and I have stayed in three of the four cabins there (2, 3 and 4) and all three are great examples of romantic lodgings. In fact, as you read this on Valentine's Day, that's where my husband and I are spending a long weekend.

We honeymooned in cabin 3 and try to stay in one of the cabins for Valentine's Day each year. We would actually love to live in cabin 3, at the end of a long driveway, near the edge of the woods and next to agricultural fields; this one bedroom cabin is just the right size.

Bedroom, Chippokes State Park cabin 3

Living room, Chippokes State Park cabin 3

Cabin 3 at Chippokes State Park is also accessible

Cabin 2 is a three bedroom cabin with the master bedroom downstairs and features a claw footed bathtub and a historic looking range and oven that are actually completely modern.

Living room, Chippokes State Park cabin 2

Bedroom, Chippokes State Park cabin 2

Kitchen, Chippokes State Park cabin 2

Chippokes State Park cabin 2

Finally, check out cabin 4, the newest cabin at the park, features stenciling and a romantic master bedroom.

Bedroom, Chippokes State Park cabin 4

Living room, Chippokes State Park cabin 4

Chippokes State Park cabin 4

These are some of the fan favorites (well at least my personal favorites) but truthfully if it is you and your sweetheart together for some quality time, any of our cabins are the most romantic!  

To book a romantic getaway, call our reservation center at 800-933-7275.

The center is open 9-5, Monday through Friday and our staff will help you find the cabin and park experience just right for you. Or, if you are an old pro at visiting Virginia State Parks, make your reservations on line by clicking here. Remember that all cabins require a minimum of a 2 night stay. Between Memorial Day and Labor Day we require a week stay but we relax that requirement a month out. 

BOOK YOUR ROMANTIC GETAWAY TODAY!