Surrounded by the beauty of the Shenandoah National Park, high in the Blue Ridge Mountains, sits Skyland, Virginia, home to many camping and resort areas. The camp, established in 1895, was originally privately owned by George Pollock and named Stony Man Camp. In 1910 George's future wife, Addie Nairn Hunter, swept into George's life and was instrumental in the future direction of the camp with the addition of not only financial advice but financial backing as well. Both maintained an obligation to the land and could be considered pioneer environmentalists.

The thought of creating a national park in the Appalachian Mountain area began during the early 1920s. After a serious chestnut blight that destroyed Skyland's trees, George Pollock determined that the best solution to save the area was with government resources. He immediately went to work upgrading Skyland, and surrounding areas, with observation towers and fresh trails. In order to impress those making the park designation decision, he also presented his resort as a venue for various entertainment.

During the beginning of the 1930s, the area was designated as the Shenandoah National Park. Once designated as a national park, it then became the U.S. Government's property and the majority of buildings existing at the time were demolished. Fortunately, for nature lovers, this did not happen to the resort. Over the years the area has grown and offers a multitude of activities for the outdoor enthusiasts.

The park itself is a paradise for bird watching, hiking, bicycling and star gazing. Skyland Drive provides 105 miles of scenery usually running along the mountain ridge. The most popular time to visit is during the fall while the leaves are changing into vibrant and brilliant colors. This is a time when the four-legged residents are preparing for winter. To see a bear, deer or any number of other wildlife is not unusual. A section of the Appalachian Trail is available for hiking, biking or horseback riding.

Located a short 13 miles from the resort is a historic site providing details of the valley's civil war. One of the largest eastern USA caverns is located in Luray. Formations within the caverns range from white to gold and were created one drop at a time. Located within 17 miles of the resort are a number of museums full of the region's history. Shopping is also close at hand. The region offers something for everyone, beauty, wildlife, relaxation and history.