Sometimes, the best escapes aren’t across the country or in some five-star hotel — they’re right in your backyard. For me, that escape was the Front Royal Yurts, tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains just outside Shenandoah National Park.

I live and work out of Marshall, Virginia, so it was only about a 30-minute drive from my office. That alone made it feel like a perfect little reset button — close enough to be convenient, but far enough away to feel like I’d stepped into another world.

Pulling Up the Drive

The drive alone set the tone. Winding through backroads, climbing up to 1,300 feet, you feel like you’re leaving the noise behind. By the time I got there, it already felt like I’d pressed pause on real life.

Walking in, the first thing I noticed? How spotless the place was. You can tell immediately when a property is cared for, and this one was immaculate. It had that rare mix of rustic mountain character with modern polish — the kind of balance that makes you think, yeah, this is going to be good.

The Space

• Three Full Bedrooms: A king and two queens, plus a sleep sofa — enough room for six guests without anyone feeling crammed.
• Fully Stocked Kitchen: Beyond the basics, they had locally farmed pasture-raised eggs waiting during the season, plus coffee, tea, and filtered water with an ice maker.
• Dining Room: An 8-person table that made family dinners easy, complete with a booster seat for kids.
• Entertainment: A 77” HDTV, PS5, pool table upstairs, sound system, and board games. My daughter loved it.
• The Deck: A full 360° wraparound with mountain views in every direction.
• Hot Tub & Fire Pit: Sitting in a sunken hot tub under the stars was unforgettable.
• EV Charger: My wife drives a Tesla Model X, and having an on-site charging station was a game-changer. We plugged in and never worried about range the whole trip.

The Vibe

This wasn’t just a “place to stay.” It felt like a reset. Quiet mornings with coffee on the deck. Hiking during the day, then coming back to unwind in the hot tub. Playing pool upstairs with my daughter, hearing her laugh fill the space. At night, sitting by the fire pit with nothing but the stars overhead.

Close, But Far Enough

Another thing I loved was how convenient it was. Just 25 minutes from the town of Front Royal, where you can grab dinner or check out local breweries, and only about half an hour from Skyline Drive. But honestly, I could’ve stayed at the yurt the whole time and been perfectly happy.

Insider Tips from My Stay

• Marshall Proximity: From my office in Marshall, the drive was only 30 minutes — easy enough for a quick weekend reset.
• EV Charging: If you’re driving a Tesla (like my wife’s Model X), the on-site charging station makes the trip seamless.
• Morning Eggs: Don’t miss the locally farmed pasture-raised eggs provided in season.
• Best Time: Early fall. Cool enough for the hot tub, crisp hikes, and the Blue Ridge leaves starting to turn.

Who It’s For

• Families who want space, comfort, and things to do.
• Couples who want a romantic retreat with mountain views.
• Friends looking for a weekend getaway with luxury touches.
• Even pet owners — furry friends are welcome with approval and a small fee.

Final Thoughts

I’ve stayed in more Airbnbs than I can count, but this one stood out. Between the views, the amenities, and the vibe, it’s hands-down one of the best experiences I’ve had in a long time.

For anyone in Northern Virginia looking to get away without going far, I’d recommend the Front Royal Yurts in a heartbeat.

Check it out on Airbnb

Looking for a Home in Front Royal?

If you loved the idea of escaping to the mountains, you might love living here full-time. Explore Front Royal homes for sale and see what’s available in this beautiful part of Virginia.