Camping at Chantilly Farm - Floyd Virgina

This post was written by Jason Gallimore.

Take a look at all the cool opportunities

for Campers !

We LOVE Summer and We LOVE you!  We know that times are so different than they were last summer, but we all need to do our best to make the most out 2020 by embracing socially-distanced group outings, spending more time with our close friends and loved ones and by getting out and enjoying the fresh air and beautiful splendor that the Blue Ridge Mountains offer this time of year! While many of our annual events have been cancelled for this season, our campground is in full operation. We're closely following guidelines from both the Commonwealth of Virginia and federal agencies to be sure that your stay with us is not only safe, but a memorable one.

RV & TENT CAMPING BECOME A FAVORITE FOR SOCIALLY DISTANCED FAMILY FUN! While much of what we do in our day to day lives has changed over the past few months, camping has become an increasingly popular way to get out of the house and have some family fun while maintaining a safe distance from others.  Here at Chantilly Farm we're lucky to have some of the best camping you'll find in Southwestern Virginia and we're close to so many amazing outdoor recreational opportunities!  If you haven't already, consider making the Chantilly Farm Campground your base camp for exploring our region and tap into some of the fun activities that we have within a short drive. Maybe you'd enjoy a ride on one of the many ziplines at Buffalo Mountain Ziplines, a hike on one of the region's many outdoor trails, a tasting at a local winery, a walk around our historic downtown or a float down the river with our friends at On The Water? There's still so much to see and do this summer, so what are you waiting for?! On site at the campground, you'll find clean bath house facilities, free wi-fi, miles of hiking/biking trails, badminton, and you can even try your hand at a round of two of disc golf on our 9-hole leisure course. Don't forget, you don't have to be camping with us to enjoy the trails or the disc golf, just stop by and check in!  RV and tent camping reservations can be made by calling (540)808-4984. Give us a call today and we'll get you set up!

UPDATES ON EVENTS  Due to the ongoing difficulties and restrictions on hosting events, many of our annual events were cancelled for this year and we know you miss them as much as we do. Below is a current list of late-summer/fall events with their current status. If you have additional questions please email chantillyfarm@gmail.com or call (540)808-4984.  FLOYD AUTO FAIR: Postponed until July 16-18, 2021 BUSES AT CHANTILLY CAMPOUT/ August 18-19: Registered guests only, not open to public JAM ON THE HILL CAMPOUT/ August 18-19: Registered guests only, not open to public CONTINUE TO CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR EVENT UPDATES!

CHANTILLY FARM PAVILION STAGE WAS PERFECT SETTING FOR OUTDOOR DANCE RECITAL  When the owners of Rocky Mount based, Raise the Barre Dance Studio were left without a place to do their annual dance recital, they turned to Chantilly Farm to host a beautifully organized, socially distanced outdoor recital for this year as opposed to their traditional indoor recitals. The weather was brilliant last Saturday and attendees and dancers both raved about the new outdoor concept! Families brought picnic lunches to enjoy while watching their favorite performers and many guests camped throughout the weekend.

OUR BLUE MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE VILLAGE IS A PERFECT SPOT FOR GROUP CAMPOUTS  THIS SUMMER AND FALL Chantilly Farm has partnered with Blue Mountain Adventures to provide an incredible space for a weekend getaway or small to medium sized group campouts.  A beautifully appointed platform tent provides a memorable 'glamping' experience complete with outdoor grill, very comfortable bed with bedding, sitting areas, a dresser for storage, a great sitting porch and more. Electicity is not available in this area, but you're a short walk or ride from one of our two bath house facilities.  Two additional platforms exist in this area and with advance notice we can provide two smaller tents for your group like the ones pictured above. To make a group camping reservation or to reserve the platform glamping tent, give us a call at (540)808-4984 and we'll get you set up for the perfect weekend away!

STOP BY AND ENJOY OUR MANY TRAILS AND OUR POPULAR 9-HOLE DISC GOLF COURSE

Our well-designed 9-hole leisure disc golf course is perfect for families or groups of friends who are looking for a competitive, fun, socially-distanced outdoor activity that's absolutely free!  Bring your own discs or discs can be rented from our camp store during regular hours. Just stop by, park in the area marked Day Parking near the camp store, check in and play for the day!  Also on site, you'll find miles of hiking and biking trails designed by our great friend and cyclist, Paul Sullivan. Make your way through the twists, turns and switchbacks that take you on a tour of some of the most beautiful parts of the farm. Trails are open for both camping guests and the general public.

OUR INDOOR EVENTS BARN IS PERFECT FOR SMALL GATHERINGS THIS FALL Do you need a climate controlled indoor facility for a small event this fall, then consider our indoor events space at the farm!  With 4,000 square feet inside and lots of room to roam outside, this is the perfect space for small groups who need to gather while maintaing social distancing. The facility includes a warming kitchen, wi-fi, restrooms, a mezzanine, lots of parking and more.  Call Jason at (540)353-5898 to schedule a tour or to learn more about our affordable rental rates for this fall and winter.

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David Larsen  Blog Author "by David Larsen"  Chantilly Farm owner, Computer Historian, and amateur radio operator -KK4WW   & N4USA .  I work out of one of the Tiny Homes at Chantilly Farm. A great place to work if you like the to be out in nature. I am 81 and ready to sell Chantilly Farm - I have a few more  projects I would like to do - if you have an interest to know more give me a call. 540 392 2392

Floyd Energy FAIR 7/15/17

Click photo to enlarge

Floyd Energy FAIR at
Chantilly Farm

The Floyd Energy FAIR presented by the non-profit organizations SustainFloyd and Apple Ridge Farm at Chantilly Farm in Floyd County Virginia was well received with a larger than expected enthusiastic crowd.  A variety of vendors provided information on uses of solar energy, electric cars, how to conserve energy and other conservation & renewable energy ideas and methods.  A wonderful variety of food was provided by food vendors in the event barn and at the outdoor shade pavilion.

Rick Brown owner of
  SolShine Energy Alternatives

Rick Brown owner of  SolShine Energy Alternatives lectured to a full classroom of more than 40 people about what is new in solar energy and how to benefit by using solar energy in your home. There was a lot of interest and a good question and answer session.

Floyd Energy FAIR

If you did not attend the Energy FAIR you missed six excellent educational lectures by the experts.  The "Fork Mountain Ramblers" provided music from 12 to 2 PM in the shade pavilion next to the store. The folks in the pavilion enjoyed county food from "Bootleg BBQ" and other food vendors along with the good music. Check this out in the schedule to the left.

Floyd Energy FAIR vendors
in the Chantilly Farm Barn

About a dozen vendors inside the Chantilly Farm barn provided information on a wide variety of energy conservation topics including how to measure and use renewable energy to build solar/wind systems.
Red Rooster a Floyd business provided coffee and Plenty a local food bank, farm & more provided food in the barn.

Electric car vendors at the
Floyd Energy FAIR

The electric car vendors were popular with folks looking for ways to save energy.  Energy FAIR visitors enjoyed the other outdoor vendors along with  Food & Music under the shade pavilion at the Chantilly Country Store & Canteen.

Offsite tours were popular to Apple Ridge Farm and a visit to there  EBase USA center. Inge Terrill gave lectures about the EBase center at Apple Ridge Farm. The EBase (Education Base) USA is part of a global EBase movement started by Sir Robert Swan a polar explorer and environmentalist.  EBase is an off-grid classroom powered by wind or solar energy.  The EBase at Apple Ridge Farm is the first in the Northern Hemisphere. This was an eye opener for us to have this facility here in Floyd.

The Apple Ridge Farm mission is to transform the lives of our community’s underserved children and the families through engagement in unparalleled educational, cultural & outdoor experiences!
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Chantilly Bath House B with 2 solar hot water
collectors providing heat and domestic
hot water.

It was a pleasure to have "Sustain Floyd" and "Apple Ridge Farm" organize and present the Floyd Energy FAIR at Chantilly Farm. I personally improved my knowledge about the application of renewable energy for many useful projects. Chantilly Farm already uses solar hot water in our bath houses for heating and domestic hot water. This is proving to be a very effective energy saver. 

We are looking forward to partnering with the Floyd Energy FAIR promoters and making this an annual and growing event here in Floyd, County, Virginia.

"By David Larsen"  Chantilly Farm, Floyd Virginia.

Forest Bathing at Chantilly Farm, Floyd Virginia

Forest Bathing at Chantilly Farm

in Floyd County Virginia

Forest bathing: what is this? The short interpretation is using the forest for relaxation and stress reduction by simply walking, observing nature, resting, listening to sounds, in a beautiful forest.  Chantilly Farm has about 100 acres of incredible forest land with at least 20 varieties of hardwoods and many wonderful flora,  fauna and fungi. Does forest bathing really work? Yes, there are many scientific studies that prove that it's really true and you can get beautiful results. 

The Tree of Wisdom near trail C

The Japanese were the first to use the term forest bathing in 1982. A trip through the forest includes pleasant visual views and the aroma from the trees and plants. There are real beneficial compounds emitted by the forest vegetation. Even the quietness of the forest or the breeze causing a musical sound in the leaves and branches help create what is known attention restoration theory (ART).  If you want to lower your blood pressure, improve you immune system, lower your heart rate and increase your feeling of well being then join us in the Forest of Chantilly Farm.

Hiking trail at Chantilly Farm, Floyd Virginia

The forest at Chantilly is idyllic - hiking & bike trails, great views, abundant wild game and birds, and a small spring fed stream. We are even building a "hidden garden"  and when you find it you will love the tranquility. 

The original trail that is near the festival area and uphill from the performance stage is trail A and is less then a half mile long. It does

TRANQUILITY Bridge to trails B & C. The little
stream provides a wonderful relaxing sound.

have a few steep parts along the trail and if you have any hiking handicaps you will need to be careful. Trails B and C are new and start just below campground B.  Trails B and C are easy hiking with no steep areas, and are accessed by crossing a small stream using Tranquility Bridge to the trail area. Trail B (bright orange ribbon marking) is very short and an easy hike of less then 1/4 mile, and Trail C (pink ribbon marking) is also an easy hike of 1/2 mile. 

There is an abundance of photographic opportunities in "The Forest at Chantilly" - dozens of different flora and fauna provide beautiful subjects for pictures.  In addition to the diverse plant and animal variety, there are several types of fungi, and beautiful white /clear quartz rocks of many shapes/sizes. You will find some rare flora near beautiful small spring fed streams in parts of our forest.

Chantilly Creek 2/3 

 Previous visitors have also used the white quartz rocks to make fairy or gnome houses. Be on the lookout for these beautiful structures. Please take the time to make your own fairy house from the bits and pieces of wood and rocks along the trail. This can be a wonderful way to relax and clear your mind of stressful thinking.  If you have some food, you may want to leave a meal for the fairies (here is their favorite food click).  The mountain views and sunrise/sunsets can be spectacular here in the mountains.

For people with a creative mind, and those desiring to cultivate their creativity, there are endless benefits to be gained from forest bathing in "The Forest of Chantilly." When visiting the farm, please sign in at the farm office and let us know you are going to be out in the Chantilly Forest. 

Camping under the stars at Chantilly Farm.

You can camp at Chantilly Farm and enjoy the great outdoors and nature here in the heart of the Blue Ridge mountains of Floyd, Virginia. Chantilly Farm is near the Blue Ridge Parkway at mile post 150.



"By David Larsen" Chantilly Farm, Floyd County Virginia



A little more research information:
A forest bathing trip involves visiting a forest for relaxation and recreation while breathing in volatile substances, called phytoncides (wood essential oils), which are antimicrobial volatile organic compounds derived from trees, such as α-Pinene andlimonene. Incorporating forest bathing trips into a good lifestyle was first proposed in 1982 by the Forest Agency of Japan. It has now become a recognized relaxation and/or stress management activity in Japan and the USA. Here is some interesting research by Cimprich B. in 2007.

Good reading: the University of Minnesota "What are Healing Gardens" by  Mary Jo Kreitzer, RN, PhD

Examples of fauna in Olleros de Tera (Spain)

Chantilly Farm busy with projects - The new dog "Bark Park"

Click photo to enlarge

Camping doggies using the Bark Park

We are always adding to Chantilly Farm for events, festivals, weddings and the campground.  Just finished a dog run for campers to allow the dogs to run loose.  Bark Park is the name of our dog run area however we do hope that it does not create a lot of barking as it is real close to the RV campground. I was going by yesterday and some campers were using the Bark Park with a  couple of beautiful tiny dogs chasing a ball around the park.

Ed and Aleno building "Bark Park"

We can thank our Chantilly craftsmen Ed and Aleno for their skill in building the park. They did a fantastic job the dogs already love the "Bark Park".







Ed and Aleno have just finished a pedestrian bridge across the little stream to the new hiking trails "B" and "C" near campground B and the RV area.   The new trails are fantastic and I will talk about them in the next blog. It will not be long and Ed and Aleno will be mowing the 40 acres of beautiful grass fields at Chantilly Farm. Their are many projects in progress at Chantilly Farm - Paul Sullivan leading new Bike Trail building effort- Terri and Camelia are decorating the interior of the Chantilly Country Store.

Chantilly Farm forest areas are just great for "Forest Bathing" and we will be writing about this in near future.

Our first big festival is just around the corner - The Chantilly Bluegrass and BBQ festival May 26-28.


"by David Larsen"   Having fun at Chantilly Farm.

Chantilly Farm in Floyd Virginia has been busy during May/June 2015

Our 5th Annual "Bluegrass & BBQ Festival" May 22/23 @ Chantilly Farm
Click on photo to enlarge

Photo by Rhonda Vincent

You can see from the stage we had a big crowd -  15 great Bluegrass bands during the 2 days.

Our Headliner was 'Queen of Bluegrass'  "Rhonda Vincent and the Rage" Check out Rhonda's Web Page "CLICK"


View the festival events - Short video "CLICK"
Click on photo to enlarge

Queen of Bluegrass "Ronda Vincent's" ride. 

It is exciting to see the artist buses come into the farm. Here is the "Martha White" Bluegrass Express , Rhonda Vincent's ride.

We had 4 big rigs like this on Saturday. Many of the bands come in smaller vans or car caravans.

L-R David Larsen, Rhonda Vincent

That is me your blog writer with Rhonda - She is a very gracious lady.






Click on photo to enlarge

L-R Gaynell Larsen , Rhonda Vincent

This is my wife Gaynell - she is the host for the bands.

Rhonda  gave a special Martha White collector skillet for baking the Martha White cornbread to Gaynell.

L-R Gaynell Larsen,David Larsen, Jason Gallimore 

A big honor for our Chantilly Farm Venue - The Farm was designated an "Affiliate Crooked Road Venue"during a special ceremony at the Bluegrass Festival.  The Crooked Road in the State official - Virginia's Heritage Music Trail.





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Click image to enlarge

May 29/30/31 2015









Short video gives overall view of the car show "CLICK"

Show Cars

More then 100 show cars.

Parts vendors at auto show. 

350 parts vendors at the Floyd Auto Fair.

Boobshells 

Some of the fun events - The "Bombshells" - they livened up the Auto Fair.





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Here is the June 6th event

the ISAACS and Jason Crabb

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David Larsen

.^{"by David Larsen"  KK4WW Computer Collector Historian}