Along Lee’s Retreat at the Catalpa Inn

For those of you who spend a lot of time on the road, either by vocation or for vacation, you know that arriving at your hotel probably isn’t the highlight of your trip. No matter how tired you might be from the day’s adventures, a sterile room rarely seems inviting. Over the past two weeks, the Trails team has done a ton of driving but we stayed at a truly amazing accommodation and wanted to share it with you all. If it sounds like Civil War Trails is making an endorsement, you are absolutely correct.

Tucked alongside High Bridge Trail, half way between Farmville and Appomattox, Virginia, The Catalpa Inn is a lovingly restored, incredibly comfortable lodging option in the heart of “Virginia’s Retreat.” 

Whether sneaking away with the ‘Mrs’ for a few days, battlefielding with your buddies, or looking to hike and bike with the family, check this place out. Minutes from the American Civil War Museum and NPS park at Appomattox, there are also bunches of Civil War Trails sites, including the Lee’s Retreat Trail, to take in.

High Bridge State Park is close by—so close, in fact, that you can actually walk out the front door of the Inn with your bike and get on the Trail itself. However, High Bridge isn’t where the list of fun activities for friends or family begins or ends. Zip-lines, kayaking, hiking, and even horseback riding are all minutes from the Inn. If you’re up that way during the summer months, after a day of battle fielding or if the family needs to cool off, check out the The Appomattox River Company, Farmville Blueway, Riverside Park, and Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest for some ways to get wet. Exploring a bit further you’ll find cider houses, wineries, and breweries within an hour drive of the Catalpa Inn.

The Inn itself, is much larger than photos suggest. With one king-size and one full-size bed, in separate rooms, it will sleep several. The leather chair and couch in the living room could support hours of reading, be it the latest university press publication on the war or a Tolkien classic. You’ll quickly forget there is no wifi at the residence (now) but shoot, you’re on vacation so who needs to check the work email, anyhow. The full-service kitchen, large dining room, and beautiful appointments make this space truly home away from home.

Give Alecia a call or book online next time you’re planning a trip out that way. Don’t forget to check out Riverside Cafe and Third Street Brewing for your eats and drinks if you are in Farmville.

Need a map? Check out our new website: www.civilwartrails.org and don’t forget to use our hashtags when you check in. #civilwartrails #openairmuseum