Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm- Millboro, VA

Fort Lewis Lodge & Farm is absolutely fabulous if you enjoy the great outdoors. Its isolated location and 3300 acres offers an excellent retreat from the outside world. At Fort Lewis, it is possible to hike and swim all day, then spend the evening relaxing in front of a fire, or gazing at the night sky, no driving required.

Although the Lodge itself has only been welcoming guests since 1989, the property is plenty historic. Settled by the Lewis family in the 1740s, the farm was the site of a frontier fort during the French and Indian war. While the fort is long gone, the family’s Greek Revival home still looks out over the valley. Also onsite is a grist mill built in the 1850s, which now acts as the Lodge’s dining room and bar.

The mill, which also functioned as a post office and polling place back in the day, was restored by the current owners, who purchased the property in 1959. Initially, the land was used for Black Angus cattle, but in 1989 guest rooms were added to the property, including some located in a converted silo.

Today, in addition to the lodge rooms, there are rustic cabins, comfy cottages, and two farm houses offered to guests. For those looking for an isolated escape, stick with the cabins or cottages. Big groups tend to book adjoining rooms in the Lodge, and those groups tend to include excited children- at least they did when we were there.

Just a note in regards to children: I was drawn to the property after seeing its stunning outdoor pavilion with amazing views of the valley and surrounding mountains. I imagined sipping wine there, as the sun set over the cow filled fields. That didn’t happen. The weekend we visited, there was a very large family, with a lot of young children. They were very loud, had a lot of energy, and were almost always at the pavilion, which also has a ping pong table. So, that was that.

Fortunately, our cottage had both a wood burning fireplace and a private deck, so we were still able to enjoy that wine. The large property made it very easy to escape to a quiet corner, and appreciate nature. Many outdoor activities are offered onsite, including swimming and kayaking in the Cowpasture River, hiking high above the farm, and visiting with the resident livestock.

Breakfast and dinner are served family style, so don’t expect an intimate dining experience, but there are individual tables, and seating out on the deck. The meals are very much farm to table, with many of the offerings coming right from the property. A quaint bar opens an hour before dinner, with beer and and wine available. For those looking for a peaceful retreat, you will find it here.