Rockcliffe Farm Retreat & Lodge is located in historic Appomattox County, Virginia - "Where Our Nation Reunited", and is a good base from which to explore the many attractions of Central Virginia. On your way here, you may want to follow the signs for "Lee's Retreat". During your stay, you can visit the Appomattox County National Historical Park, the scene of the signing of the terms of General Robert E. Lee's surrender to General Ulysses S. Grant, as well as the old train station in downtown Appomattox, where Lee's supplies were captured by Grant. The restored Cloverhill Village is nearby.

Downtown Appomattox offers an historic courthouse and a number of delightful shops, including a bookstore (with music in the evenings), The Appomattox Gallery, places to eat, and three grocery stores.

Thomas Jefferson's summer home, Poplar Forest, is only a 30-minute drive away from Rockcliffe Farm Retreat, and Monticello, his home in Charlottesville, Virginia is only a 90-minute drive. The Retreat is also near Wintergreen Ski Resort, Holliday Lake State Park, and Smith Mountain Lake.

Here are some great activities that are in our area:

1. Go into Appomattox, 12 miles and 20 minutes away:

2. Visit the Appomattox Courthouse National Historical Park
This is where the surrender between Generals Lee and Grant took place, ending the Civil War, and is well worth a visit. Especially fascinating for 10-year old boys of all ages.

3. Visit Cloverhill Village
Like a mini-Williamsburg, complete with period costumes

4. Morning Glory Miniature Horse Farm
11 minutes away, open by appointment (Carrie Whitby, owner, also offers riding lessons on our horses by prearrangement, $45/hour)

5. Fishwood Alpaca Farm and gift store
Great yarn! 6 minutes away, open by appointment

6. Mountain View Golf Course
This is a 9-hole public-private golf course with a beautiful view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Open daily to the public. (434)-352-3970.

7. James River State Park
About 40 minutes northwest of us, down James River Road. An all day canoe trip from our river frontage. Go hiking, horseback riding, fishing (no swimming). Picnic.

8. Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville
"is a vibrant spiritual center founded by Sri Swami Satchidananda. A unique Yoga community, it serves as an oasis for spiritual unfoldment, benefiting residents and guests alike. Situated on the banks of the James River in Buckingham, Virginia with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, it encompasses over 600 acres of serene, wooded landscape." http://www.yogaville.org

9. Driving tours:

• Lee's Retreat (between Petersburg and Appomattox)
• The Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail

10. Wolf Creek Tack and Feed Store
(Hunting and Fishing Licenses and Supplies)