Howdy everybody!
I’m looking forward to hosting you and yours at Carriage Stone Farm. Please share with anyone in the group who may find this information helpful during their stay.
I’ve included some FAQ’s about this unique experience and some links to click on, so you may explore some of my favorite ways to enjoy Luray and the neighboring mountain towns. As always, connect with me when/if you have any questions. I’m here to make sure your stay at the farm is one for the books! You’ll see my mobile number at the end of this email. Texting or calling is the best way to communicate. I’m here for you.
The farm and stables are located at :
2948 Oak Forest Lane Luray VA 22835
If you are interested in discovering what our private chefs can do to make your gathering special, reach out and request menus and pricing from either or both of them. Treat yourself!
Chef Shy
540-290-5084
madelinefarms.com/privatechef-sharing
Chef Chuck
540-743-6909
madelinefarms.com/privatechef-sharing
Do you need a birthday cake, or pie or cookies? Have one custom made from scratch and delivered to the farm by Leah, our baker.
Leah George
Farm activities included in your rate:
Bonfires (firewood and roasting sticks included)
We have farm fresh ingredients for you to enjoy for any of your meals. These include bacon from the farm down the road, eggs from the ladies in the coop. The fresh bacon and eggs will be in the fridge when you arrive unless your dietary restrictions dictate otherwise, just let me know.
EXPLORE OUR UNIQUE AND EXCITING FARM ACTIVITES
BY CLICKING BELOW
Farm Activities
FAQ’s
Is this a working farm? Will we see you on the property?
You will see me and my farmhands around Carriage Stone Farm occasionally, as it is a working farm. You may also encounter Dylan, our equine specialist, and host for our horse experiences. The farm is also home to Black Angus Cattle. Look for all the babies close to their mothers’…
How old is this farm?
The farm is almost 285 years old. It has been a home to farmers since 1750 and the ruins in the back is their original house and kitchen. There are slave quarters, a spring house, a swisher barn and the ruins of an old stone house with a fireplace. The house you’ll be staying in was built in two parts, the first and front of the house was built and designed by award winning architects from Baltimore in 1810 then the rest of the house was added on in 1850. The farm sits half a mile from the road.
The Carriage Stone Pond
The pond at Carriage Stone is one of the beautiful features on the farm. It was recently lined with clay and will gradually become part of the eco system there as it will become a home to the local wildlife. As with any body of water, it comes with inherent risks for dogs and humans alike. Please enjoy it but do not let your dogs or guests go in for a swim and always be with children around the pond. This year, you may know, that the area has experienced a very serious drought due to climate change. Many ponds in the area have shrunk or dried up completely. We are hopeful this will not last long.
What are the accommodations at the farm?
Accommodations -
Main Floor King Guest Room
Lower Floor Queen Sofa Bed in Library
Upper Floor Queen Guest Room
Upper Floor King Suite
Upper Floor Twins Bunkbed Guest Room
Upper Floor King Guest Room
There are three full guest bathrooms upstairs (Bathtub/Shower, Shower, Large Jetted Tub) and one main floor half bathroom.
Are there special considerations for my child’s safety?
Kids of all ages do really well on the farm, after all, the farm has raised children for 275 years.
Typically, parents will do a child-walk through and place smaller breakable items around the house on upper shelves out of reach. This is simple to do because we don’t have much clutter or knick-knacks around the house. Additionally, there are 3 sets of stairs in the house and 6 fireplaces (no fires inside please) so use your best judgement and watch or explain the safety rules to the little ones.
Children should always be supervised around the animals and told never to go into any of the out buildings, the ruins nor the fence lines or gates for their safety. These buildings are very old and thus pose some inherent risks. The risk of collapse or falling through the floor is always a possibility for these very old buildings.
The pond should be enjoyed from a comfortably safe distance and children should not be allowed to go in at any time.
Are any farm fresh foods included in our stay?
We are happy to gift you some farm fresh ingredients ( eggs from the ducks and chickens and bacon from the farm down the road) that will be in the fridge when you arrive. If you don’t eat bacon, just let me know.
There are a few wonderful options for lunch and dinner around town, if you decide to cook, you will find everything you need in the kitchen to keep it simple and savory. From roasting pans, to a slow cooker…have fun creating and cooking.
Farmer Tony’s Tips Around Luray
There are three farm markets just minutes from the farm where you can find local meats, dairy, seafood and produce.
Willow Grove Farm Market - https://willowgrovefarmmarket.com/view.php?store
Hawksbill Trading Company - https://hawksbilltradingcompany.org/
Massanutten Country Corner - https://massanuttencountrycorner.com/
Lake Arrowhead for walks after breakfast (1 mile trail around lake) is just 7 minutes from the farm and is a great place to stretch those legs and walk off the second helping you enjoyed for breakfast. Fabulous mountain views provide the perfect backdrop for family photos. Highly recommended!
https://www.virginia.org/Listings/OutdoorsAndSports/LakeArrowheadBeach/
Sperryville https://sperryville.com/ is the perfect 30-minute road trip over the mountain. Home to farm stands, orchards, shopping, and art galleries, it is my favorite spot to share with friends. Here are some of the best spots in Sperryville!
PIZZA done right! Grab one and have a picnic! https://www.rappahannockpizzakitchen.com/
Excellent pub food and atmosphere! - https://www.theblacktwigdiner.com/
Penn Druid is the best local brewery in this town http://www.pendruid.com/
The Copper Fox is THE destination for whiskey enthusiasts. Beautiful setting and incredible distillery https://www.copperfoxdistillery.com/home-of-american-single-malt
Some of the best vineyards and wineries are located out here….a quick search and advice from the locals will set you on the right path. There are too many to list but know they are about a 45 min drive from the farm.
If you need a little “pick me up” to get back over the mountain…this gem is not to be missed. http://beforeandaftersperryville.com/
Sperryville Pottery and Haley Art Gallery and not to be missed. Get inspired by the local creativity that has taken root in this town. http://haleyfineart.com/ and https://sperryvillepottery.com/
Meanwhile…back in Luray:
Pioneer Village and the Garden Maze are fun and beautiful ways to walk outside near the Luray Caverns http://www.thegardenmaze.com/ and https://luraycaverns.com/
o The Luray Zoo is a sanctuary for rescued exotic animals who are finally living in safe conditions. https://www.lurayzoo.com/
o The Greenway is also a beautiful walk-in town along the Hawksbill Creek https://hawksbillgreenway.org/
o Castle Vineyards is so close to the farm and a wonderful escape. Also…wine! https://castlevineyardsva.com/
o Small Movie Theatre in town shows all the classics https://www.pagetheaters.com/
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o Road trip over Fort Valley Highway to get some great views from the mountains, Woodstock is quaint and interesting there are some fun flea markets on your way back down HWY 81 including the fabulous Meem’sCovered Bridge..FUN! https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Valley_(Virginia) http://virginiadot.org/info/faq-covbridge1.asp
Farmer Tony’s Tips for Good Eats
o West Main Market is the best place for beer and sandwiches with live music outside
o Watch and Warrant is perfect for fine dining or that special evening out.
o The Chop House Bistro has all your local dishes and homemade sauces. Dress up or dress down…this restaurant is becoming our favorite spot.
o Rancho’s Mexican. It’s a local favorite for fresh Mexican fare.
o The Brookside Restaurant. Craving a diner breakfast in a quaint spot? This is for you…