Notes from the host
Above the River
Above the River is the perfect family vacation spot. Just five minutes from the river, you get to enjoy nature and good company in peaceful wooded privacy. Explore the forest and meander along the river banks, then come home to soak and stargaze in the hot tub. Dogs are welcome, so bring your pups along for the adventure.
--------------------------------------------
Indoor Spaces:
- Sleeping arrangements: Above the River sleeps 10. The loft houses the primary bedroom suite with a king-size bed. The second and third bedrooms reside on the main floor, one with a queen bed and the other with two twin beds. The lower level's open floor plan is home to a king-size bed and a sleeper sofa.
- Main level: Everything about the main level is built for your comfort. Gather in the great room to cozy up around the floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and choose your preferred entertainment—watch a movie on the smart TV, or observe the natural world from the sliding glass doors leading out to the deck. The kitchen is fully equipped, so make sure to invite your friends and family who love to cook.
- Upper level: The upper-level loft is entirely dedicated to the primary bedroom, overlooking the great room down below.
- Lower level: Down below, an open floor plan serves as a family game room and provides additional sleeping accommodations. Challenge each other to a foosball match, or cozy up by the tall windows and read a good book.
- Above the River comes with WiFi, AC, and streaming-enabled TVs.
- All Stay Blue Ridge vacation rentals include a complimentary starter pack with soaps, one roll of toilet paper per bathroom, a roll of paper towels in the kitchen, dishwasher pods, and trash bags.
--------------------------------------------
Outdoor Spaces:
- Private, direct river access is just a five-to-seven-minute hike down from your front door. Bring your swimsuits and watershoes, because you'll want to take a dip (and you get your daily workout walking back up the hill afterwards).
- An uncovered hot tub rests on the lower patio, waiting for you to come warm yourself up at night and admire the stars.
- A wraparound deck with ample seating options is the place to be for sipping coffee or tea in the morning and listening to the world wake up.
--------------------------------------------
Local Surroundings:
- Above the River is within a 15-minute drive of both Glendale Springs and downtown West Jefferson. Such a well-located home base gives you the freedom to explore everything the High Country has to offer.
- Glendale Springs takes you into the heart of Appalachian culture. Visit Jumpinoff Rock trail, an easy half-mile hike with stunning overlooks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. When you're done, stop by Glendale Springs Inn & Restaurant or Rodie's Parkway Restaurant for a delicious meal and refreshments. If you're in the market for local crafts and books, stop by and see the friendly folks at Greenhouse Crafts Shop to find all the souvenirs you could want.
- Downtown WJ combines small-town quaintness with the liveliness of a small city. During the day, West Jefferson is the place to be for antique hunting and shopping. Ashe Co. Cheese Factory is a must-visit for all cheese lovers (you get free samples and you can take a tour to watch them make the cheese!). As night falls, switch gears and head on over to Boondocks Brewhaus or New River Brewery for a tasting of locally-made craft beers. If you're out on a weekend, there's a good chance you can catch a live show at Boondocks.
- A little further out (about 35 minutes) are the towns of Boone and Blowing Rock. If you visit in the fall, you can catch an App State football game after sightseeing and leaf-looking on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Boone and Blowing Rock are both home to a plethora of cute shops and restaurants, so make the most of your day as a Mountaineer. Visiting in the winter? Appalachian Ski Mountain is minutes away from downtown Boone.
--------------------------------------------
Important Notes:
- Pet Policy: Above the River welcomes up to two dogs. Must be leash and crate trained, two years or older, and 45lbs or less. $50 per pet, nonrefundable.
- Access: A sloping gravel driveway leads into Above the River, with additional parking available at the top of the driveway. We recommend 4WD or AWD year-round, but especially in the winter.
--------------------------------------------
Why Stay Blue Ridge?
Looking for your perfect mountain getaway? You're in the right place.
At Stay Blue Ridge, we've hand-picked 80+ vacation rentals across West Jefferson, Sparta, Boone, and the surrounding High Country. Each one is chosen for its charm, comfort, and “yep, this is the one” vibe. We're locals who live and breathe these Blue Ridge views, so we know all the best spots, hidden hikes, jaw-dropping overlooks, and local restaurants that will leave your mouth watering. We curate our rental experiences with a focus on personality, quality, and a little mountain magic.
Book with Stay Blue Ridge, and you'll gain more than just a clean place to stay (though, yes, we're obsessive about that, too). You'll get a team that's committed to making your trip unforgettable, from your first click to your final checkout.
Fair warning: you might start planning your next trip before this one's even over.
We can't wait to host you.
