| Date | Rating | Comment
[Guest Comments: 13 positive, 0 negative]
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| 07/16/08 |
Positive
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We had a three generation family vacation (ages 8-72) at Riverbend in June, and everyone had a wonderful time. My brother had researched hundreds or rentals, emailing me and my sister each time, but none could compare to Riverbend. And the reality did not disappoint! I don't know what got more use, the rocking chairs, the hammocks, the ping pong table, or the fire pit by the river... we enjoyed them all! My personal favorite was sleeping with the windows open and hearing the river. And then there were the lightening bugs! It got dark around 9 p.m., and they entertained us each night.
The location is great - secluded, yet close enough for some fun day trips, if you so desire. We enjoyed Mt. Airy and Blowing Rock, as well as drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
On the practical side, it is about a 12 hr drive from South Florida, but definitely worth it. If you go into Sparta for groceries, Lowes is the place to shop (and yes, it is for food, not the home improvement store!). We had a delicious and inexpensive lunch at The Pines Restaurant in Sparta.
One caveat, it is a bit of a hike down to the River, about 40 steps I think. If you are traveling with an elderly person, or someone with mobility issues, you would want to be aware of this.
All in all, I can't say enough nice things about Riverbend. We plan to go back, hopefully at a time cold enough to enjoy the fireplace. If your family loves nature and relaxation, while still being entertained, this is the place for you. If you need nonstop action, theme parks, putt putt golf, go carts, etc, you better look elsewhere! |
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Karen Gruska, Boynton Beach FL |
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| 01/18/08 |
Positive
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Early on a Thursday morning I set out for the cabin at Riverbend, a 350 mile drive from my little villa in the city to this little piece of heaven in North Carolina. Sitting right smack dab on the New River, the place is a near Rockwellian portrait, an idyllic home with huge rocking chair porches, mountain river views and cool temperatures that keep life vibrant yet relaxed.
On the drive to the cabin, we passed by a restaurant in Sparta called the Knife and Fork where a person can get salt and pepper catfish and a tall glass of sweet tea. The hardware store was brimming with customers.
In March, the temperature was supposed to be in the low 50s during the day and the 20s at night. Perfect weather, I think, for bonfires and one of my favorite sights and sounds: the hypnotic glow and the crackle and hiss from real logs burning in a fire place.
Nearly a year has passed since my trip to Riverbend but just the thought of it soothes me. Unburdened and unshackled from the daily rigors of life, instead, I put on my play things and for three days I meandered around mountains, sat by fires, read books, skipped stones and walked along the shores of the New River that lazily floated past the cabin.
We sat on the huge rocks and thought about our lives, not in terms of to do lists, goals or careers but in terms of just being with each other and what games we might play later as a group. We built bonfires, took long, leg aching walks, and laughed for hours. My dog Conner smiled in the wild and even with bad legs and aging eyes he ran the way he did once when he was little. He seemed to belong here in the wild, in the cold.
From time to time, the tranquility and peacefulness of Riverwood stops me in my tracks. How beautiful an artist God is, I think and how kind of him to leave Riverbend on the canvas for so many of us to view.
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Shannon Alderman, Atlanta, Georgia
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| 12/30/07 |
Positive
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| I have been to Riverbend on two amazing "girls' weekend away" and indeed it was a little piece of heaven with my friends. The cabin is extremely warm and comfortable and just the place to get away and dream, laugh, connect and disconnect! The beds are extremely comfortable, the furnishings are beautiful and so cozy. Love that fireplace! Overall it is just that perfect place in the mountains by the river....I highly recommend it and look forward to returning again...I cannot say enough about how special Riverbend is...discover it for yourself! |
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Barbara Arcaini, Charlotte, NC |
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| 12/30/07 |
Positive
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| We discovered Riverbend during an Internet search for last minute get aways about four years ago. It's undoubtedly our best find ever. We've seen all sorts of weather there in half a dozen visits - but whether it's snowing or a pleasant spring day, there's always something enjoyable to see or do. The amenities are outstanding, especially considering the seclusion, and each time we stay the place is better. The last time we ventured to the mountains, we decided to stay at the Grove Park in Asheville for a change of pace. Frankly, I wish we had decided on Riverbend instead! We've already booked our next stay. |
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Jerry and Martha Fink, Clayton, NC
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| 12/29/07 |
Positive
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| We arrived late on a Friday night, so we weren't able to see the lay of the land when we arrived. We instantly fell in love with the cabin when we saw it. The real treat, though, was waking up the next morning. Wow! There was no other cabin or structure of any kind in sight. We were on a bend in the river (thus, Riverbend. The hammocks and fire pit down by the river beckoned us. The sound of the river day and night was quite soothing and lovely. It was a place we instantly wanted to come back to again and again. Fabulous fireplace and great room, and many amenities, including pet and kid friendliness in all the details. Wait till you see the downstairs shower! When we think of somewhere to get away from it all, this is our first pick. |
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Randy and Kosa Fuller, Charlotte, NC
704-563-2680 |
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| 12/28/07 |
Positive
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| My wife and I have stayed at Riverbend close to six times in the past three or so years. We have taken our four teens a few times too. We all love it there. The river is great and the view of it from the cabin is awesome! There is a nice area near the river for roasting marshmellows and hot dogs etc. The cabin is well furnished and very comfortable. If stuck indoors, there are several things to do. There is a table tennis table, TV, movies, games etc. There are several attractions within a relatively short drive from the cabin - hiking, rafting, biking etc. The nearest town, Sparta, is a quaint town with several interesting stores for the shopper in you. Personally, I enjoyed visiting the local bookstore. A visit to Riverbend will prove to you that I have not adequately described it, so go take a look and soak it all in. I know you will go back. |
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Kevin Staley, Charlotte, NC |
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| 12/28/07 |
Positive
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| We stayed at Riverbend for several days and had a wonderful time. The property is gorgeous and very private, as the closest neighbors are hundreds of yards away and out-of-sight. The house sits on a hill overlooking the river below, which provides the relaxing sound of rushing water. If the kids can brave the cold water, they really would enjoy hunting for rocks (obviously, with supervision). I found some very interesting samples that I now proudly display on the desk in my office. On the river's bank is a campfire area. We had a cookout, and it felt as though we were miles away from civilization. We ate, drank and socialized, surrounded by thick forest and, of course, the crisp waters just a few feet away. Inside, the cabin provides all of the amenities that a family would want on vacation. Each room is decorated to reflect the log cabin theme. It was very clean and the furniture was in excellent condition. The cabin has plenty of places to sit and relax, play games or just watch TV. The ping-pong table downstairs is great for kids. All-in-all, I would recommend staying there if you want to spend some quality outdoor time with the family. It also makes for a great romantic getaway without the kids. |
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Damon Colangelo, Miami, FL
305-519-9901 |
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| 12/27/07 |
Positive
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| My husband and I stayed at Riverbend a few months ago and just loved it. A number of months earlier my extended family (from Connecticut) held a family reunion there, and we all agreed it was one of the best ever. The river is fun to play in, the fire-pit and chairs by the river are relaxing (mmmmm - s'mores)and add a nice touch, and we had a great time at RiverCamp tubing, kayaking and canoeing. (Our own on-the-river parade!) We didn't fish but read some great fish stories in the guest book. The cabin is very private and there are woods all around. Will we go to Riverbend again? Absolutely - can't wait! |
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Stacey, Greensboro, NC |
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| 12/27/07 |
Positive
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| Riverbend was/is as ideal as it gets! In addition to a gorgeous and secluded setting, handsome cabin, and all the amenities, the owners bent over backwards to make our experience a taste of rapture. I could not conceive of a more spendid retreat. My heart, soul, and body rested well at Riverbend. |
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Dr. Edwin Green, Princeton, NJ
609-921-0981 |
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| 11/14/07 |
Positive
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| Here are some of the written comments in our guest book at the cabin, unedited just as they were written by guests: "You can't find a nicer place this secluded. We caught some fish and saw a turkey. The cabin is classic but by far the best part is the firepit by the rive. Spent most of the time down there. All the utensils and chairs made it perfect. Riverbend is definitely on our A list and we look forward to our return." 4/12/07 The Coventry Family... "This was our third trip to Riverbend ad we chose this beautiful spot to renew our marriage vows on our 10th anniversary. This place is very special.. Call us if you ever decide to sell it." 10/8/07 Vosberg Family... "Thank you so much for the use of your home this week. It ws the most relaxing vacation we have ever had!" 8/12/06 Scarboro Family |
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owner |
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| 12/07/06 |
Positive
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WOW, what an awesome home and area. We had an extended family Thanskgiving there and a great time was had by all. I think that our golden had the best time of all. With the amount of room to run and swimming in the river plus playing with kids he truly was in heaven, as we all were. I can't thnk you enough for sharing your beautiful home.
PS - My sister-in-law and I tried to add to the bottle collection but just couldn't do it! Maybe another time. |
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Michele, Fort Myers, FL
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| 05/26/06 |
Positive
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We enjoyed our stay...we have four golden retrievers, and we brought three of them with us, a ten hour drive, but they did just wonderful...they had a great time romping in the woods and taking daily walks.
We usually go to island get-aways; but cannot take the dogs across the Pacific...it was a nice relaxing week with our dogs and just the two of us! |
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Anonymous, Indianapolis IN |
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| 05/02/06 |
Positive
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| My husband and I spent our honey moon here in March 2002. The owners actually cared enough to hang wedding bells in 2 places. The cabin was breath taking inside and out. Any body that loves the outdoors will fall in love with the cabin and surroundings. |
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Krista, Yadkinville, NC
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| 01/31/06 |
N/A |
Guest Comment Entered By Homeowner:
We are so excited to open our first guest book this first day of February 2006! And we are even more thrilled to announce great additions to Riverbend! Last summer and fall, we were booked almost every single day. This winter, we added a 1,000 square foot Bunk Room with hand made built in bunks, entertainment center, game room [with ping pong] and a separate laundry room. Riverbend went from a great rental [we have mostly repeat customers] to a superior rental. Please call me personally if you have ANY questions. We know you will love this place! Kat, 305-710-2935 [member, Riverbend of Alleghany, llc]
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Kat Silverglate, member Riverbend
Weston, Florida
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