There are several ghost stories told about the lovely By the Side of the Road B&B. Guests and hotel staff have heard unexplained footsteps from the third floor where the innkeepers lived. Guests teased the innkeepers about their odd hours saying that they heard them go up and down the stairs at about 2:30 am. Guests were very surprised when the innkeepers told them that they never left their room that night.
There is also the story of the innkeepers who were waiting for their daughter to come back home. They were very much relieved to hear the door and footsteps coming up the living area. When she never came into the suite, they called out her name and no one answered. They looked around for her and were very surprised when their daughter came home an hour later. A couple who were guests of the inn also reported hearing footsteps walking back and forth on the hallway in the early hours of the morning.
History
Located in the heart of Shenandoah Valley, By the Side of the Road, B&B has some interesting stories to tell about war and peace. It was once the home of one of the early leaders of Mennonite Church and has served as a hospital during the Civil War in General Philip Sheridan’s time as an owner. During the general’s time, the home was converted into a hospital. Sheridan’s raider attempted to burn the house but thanks to the interior brick walls, it survived.
The bed and breakfast has gone through various renovations and restorations which has preserved it and enhanced its beauty. Today, the property has been reduced to two acres and it stands as a tribute to the individuals who made it what it is and lived in it all these years. It is now managed by innkeepers Anna Bergey, Janice, and Dennis Fitzgerald.
About
Today, the inn offers guests four inn accommodations or suites, as well as three luxurious cottages. The 5,000 square- foot Manor house provides guests with private luxury baths, featherbeds, fireplaces and a gourmet breakfast in a cozy and historic environment.
The Evelyn Taylor suite is the most formal suite and it is located right next to the veranda. The 1790 suite has its own balcony, an original claw foot tub, and a sitting room. The Ardor of Hope suite has a bright and sunny corner room and views of the Massanutten Peak. The Bishop’s Retreat is the largest and most secluded suite which is located on the 3rd floor.
It is most suitable for families with children. All cottages have oversized, 110-gallon heated whirlpool tubs which will pamper guests. When checked in to the cottages, hot gourmet breakfast is delivered right to their doors. The Quill Cottage is done in vintage toile, black, and tan. The Fitzgerald Cottage was built in 1840 and then converted in 1999. It comes with a whirlpool tub in front of the six-foot wood-burning fireplace.
Lastly, the Bergey Cottage has an oversized whirlpool tub with a dual-sided fireplace.
Features
- Whirlpool tubs
- Cable television
- DVD players
- Wireless internet connection
- Fireplaces Gourmet breakfast
Things to Do
By the Side of the Road B&B is located just within minutes of the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Skyline Drive. For guests who want to know more about the history of the Shenandoah Valley, the Valley Brethren-Mennonite Heritage Center. Those who enjoy the arts and theatre can go to the Bard Guide, Harrisonburg Children’s Museum, Virginia Quilt Museum, Court Square Theatre, and Blackfriars Playhouse.
If you would like to pamper yourself, there are numerous spas in the vicinity such as the willow Springs Spa, The Beauty Spa, The Studio and Tangles Day Spa. Interested in and about the civil war? You can always go to The Civil War Traveler and The Journey Through the Hallowed Ground.
There are lots of things to enjoy when it comes to the outdoors. Golf enthusiasts will have a splendid time at the Heritage Oak Golf Course and the Packsaddle Golf Course. Guests can enjoy horsedrawn carriage rides at the Tandem Hill Farm and the Royal Coachman. Hiking, fishing and bicycling at the Shenandoah National Parks, Shenandoah Bicycle and Mossy Creek Fly Fishing will also be a great time for guests who are alone or those with company.
Room Tariffs
- Suites start at $199
- Cottages start at $299