Hotel At a Glance: Guesthouse Lost River

There’s being lost—rarely a good thing—and then there’s the Guesthouse Lost River, the best kind of lost you can be. This luxurious-yet-rustic B&B is tucked away from the world on 30 private acres in the middle of the George Washington National Forest, brimming with opportunities for guest to kick back and enjoy the rural setting. With a main lodge and five guest-room buildings, an outdoor pool, and a farmhouse-style restaurant, the Guesthouse Lost River has won plenty of accolades, including being named one of “55 Good Things About West Virginia in 2012” by the WV Gazette and acclaim in the New York Times.

• Spacious rooms and suites present a luxe-rustic vibe with quilts, sloping ceilings, and knotted-pine walls
• Rock away the evening hours in a rocking chair on one of the inn’s spacious wooden decks—don’t miss the spectacular mountain sunsets
• The New York Times says the resort has “the feel of an upscale hunter’s lodge with its stone hearths, pine walls, burgundy leather couches and the occasional antler chandelier.”
• Hearty country breakfasts: Head downstairs for a complimentary breakfast with the chef’s choice of options, such as thick-cut bacon, biscuits and sausage gravy, eggs, and buttermilk pancakes
• On-site kitchen: The farmhouse-style restaurant serves upscale delicacies with regional flavors—think local honey-glazed pork chop and all-natural angus meatballs
• Small touches: Elegant, lodge-style lounges, a billiards room, and fireplaces add to the resort’s comfort
• Relax: Spend some time in the indoor jacuzzi and steam room, splash into the curving outdoor pool, or simply walk around the landscaped property.

Lost River, West Virginia: Mountains and Forests Two Hours from Washington, D.C.

It’s hard to get more “away from it all” than Lost River, West Virginia. This unincorporated community on the state’s southeastern edge is settled right on the Lost River. When both the town and the river have the word “lost” in their names—you know you’re a ways from home. Here, you’ll be close to the hiking and biking trails of Lost River State Park, where you can take horseback tours to explore its deep woods and panoramic park views.

You’ll also be right in the thick of the enormous George Washington National Forest, home to the famously rugged Appalachian Mountains and some of the country’s last true patches of wilderness. But there is no need to fret if the great outdoors aren’t really your thing—from Lost River, you’ll be just two hours from the bright lights, restaurants, and shopping of Washington, D.C. and three hours from Baltimore, quick enough to make it there and back in a day.

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