Blee's Rockfish Retreat
Afton, VA

But Wait! There’s More…

We are more than just a place to sleep: We offer good beds, great food, transportation to and from the trail, and an unbeatable off-trail experience for one inclusive price. Plus, we offer a convenient and reliable way to restock supplies or safely receive parcels during your journey.

Volume (water) management is tricky enough for some. But when you sweat for hours, you’ll notice that our bodies send messages about nutrients, electrolytes, and water that can be quite subtle.

Our Hydration Station is a special service to our guests whereby you make your own concoction based on your individual requirements.

In short, we have the ingredients, flavorings, nutrients, electrolytes, and vitamins to make your concoction your own -- and for a fraction of the price.

Once you've sampled your personalized elixir, we will make a recipe that you can order forever (because we will ship it to you wherever you are!)!

We will also help you to name it: Quentin's Quencher, TrailStar's Apple Glimmer, or even Blee's Brew!

"Hike your own hike?" Sure. But at Blee's Rockfish Retreat, you can "Hike your own hike" while you "drink your own drink!"

Hello, Hydration Station!

(Sold by the Gram)

We know there is only so much flavor enhance-ment one can squeeze out of a pilfered fast-food condiment packet…

We also know, weight/size,bulk is everything! We offer pulverized spices and spice blends to complete one of our trail meals, or enhance your staple vittles.at Blee's Rockfish Retreat.

Blee and Amenie have crafted flavorful and lightweight blends of ingredients to give the same satisfaction you enjoyed while staying at Blee's Rockfish Retreat.

Blee has a real knack for discovering international flavors designed to bring depth, satisfaction, and flavor to your food. Everything is prepared to maximize umami - that elusive, savory, mouthfeel that beckons, "Just one more bite..."

While you're here, request chili ice cream! Sure, the capsaicin gets your attention until your realize the sweet ice cream lifts it off your tongue.

Goodbye Bland, Boring, Trail Meals!

(Sold by the Gram)

Holistic Wellness Support

(By appointment only)

We prioritize your holistic wellbeing and balance, creating a serene and welcoming environment for your stay. Mindfulness is a key practice we wholeheartedly embrace, and to enhance your experience, we are in the process of developing a labyrinth on the property, designed for walking meditation and quiet reflection.

To support your health and wellness, we maintain a curated list of trusted local practitioners, including physicians, chiropractors, massage therapists, and other professionals specializing in complementary healing practices.

As a Life Coach, Aromatherapist, Reiki Master, and Healing Touch Practitioner, Amenie is available to provide personalized support during your stay with advance notice. She welcomes the opportunity to hear your stories, and offer healing guidance in any way possible.

Come for the rest, stay for the food.

Food. Food, food, food. We love it. We love cooking for our guests even more! Proud of our cuisine offerings is an understatement... and we can't wait to show you why! Heal your body with scratch-made dishes using local sources from the bounty of the season.

Booking your reservation well in advance increases our ability to cater meals to your dietary and flavor preferences. During registration we'll ask about allergies. Your health and safety is our top priority - Blee is an RN after all!

Cozy Common Spaces

Welcome to our home, and your haven of rest during your Appalachian Trail journey! All of our accommodations are thoroughly cleaned, and our property is well-maintained for our guests. We look forward to hosting each guest, and making hospitality our #1 priority.

About us

Nestled less than 10 minutes from the easily-accessed Rockfish Gap in Virginia, Blee's Rockfish Retreat offers a unique haven for southbound, northbound, and flip-flop hikers.

Once you board the "Rockfish Rocket," you will enter a world of quiet, country hospitality including restaurant-quality food, hot showers (with toiletries), and clean clothes you may borrow while doing your laundry, all within a safe and welcoming environment. Our focus is on helping you to relax, rejuvenate, and re-supply after your adventures. Early confirmation is key, ensuring that when you arrive, all you need to do is unwind and enjoy your stay. With sufficient notice, we can accommodate your food preferences, and we are happy to receive your mail and re-supply items ahead of time. Plus, there’s room for your loved ones to join you in experiencing our warm hospitality. It all begins with you registering for this site, which will allow you to make and manage your reservations!

After 25 years of calling this place home, I'm excited to share it with kindred spirits.

Blee's Rockfish Retreat Team

BLEE

Hello, I'm Blee, your Innkeeper/Host! Having retired from a fulfilling career in healthcare, I co-founded Blee’s Rockfish Retreat as a means of "giving back" and a way to combine my love for creating some of the best food you've ever eaten, with my admiration for AT hikers.

AMENIE

KAYLEE

Tech-Support + Musician

Hello, my name is Amenie and I function here as a Co-innkeeper/Co-host! I am a retired educator, counselor, and administrator after 35 incredible years! I did not retire, however, from my practice(s) as a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Life Coach, as well as a Healing Touch Practitioner and Aromatherapist.

*If you should need someone to talk with a different perspective of how you are experiencing the Trail, please let me know so I can set aside some time while you are at Blee's Rockfish Retreat.

Hi! I'm Kaylee Ludiker - I am a musician and web designer living in Austin, TX. While I am not an on-site team member, I provide tech support (and the occasional good joke, but only occasionally). If there are any issues with the website, or if you are having any trouble navigating the registration process, please reach out to us at Admin@BleesRockfishRetreat.com. You may get a note/or call from me.

KYLIE

I am Kylie (no relation to Kaylee!). A couple of years ago, I was found in bad shape in San Antonio. A German Shepherd rescue group (ShenandoahRescue.org) saved me, Sadie's Rules K9 Training (SadiesRulesK9Training.com) fostered me and taught me some manners, then they allowed me to rescue Blee (and I am doggone grateful!). Just think of me as a girl with a past, and leave it at that.

Team member of the year century!

MSN, BSN, RN, CEN, TNCC, ICH-GCP

M.Ed., B.A., A.A.

To enhance your experience, we'd like to know a couple of things about you:

Full Name, DOB, Home Address, mobile #, Email and Emergency Contact (this is the minimum to become registered).

Once you are ready to book a night, or two: Are you seeking infirmary care (minimum 2 nights)? For what? Have you been told you snore? Are you bunking with anyone? Who? They need their own registration/reservation.

Contact us early for parcel handling.

Resupply: It is our expectation that you order your supplies and food online and either have them delivered to The Retreat, or, in the case of groceries, we can pick them up.