ser·en·dip·i·ty: 1.) The act of finding something valuable or delightful when you are not looking for it; 2.) 2001 romantic comedy starring John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale; 3.) A pink dragon in the children’s book series of the same name by Stephen Cosgrove; 4.) New River Retreat rental property in Wythe County, that’s perfect for holiday gatherings and occasions such as weddings.

Last year we introduced you to New River Retreat, a vacation rental company headquartered in Pulaski County, Va., that boasts an array of unique cabins and lodges. In that time, the number of properties they offer has increased from 13 to 19. Among the new locations are Double Eagle, a river getaway just minutes away from downtown Radford; Walker Creek Crossing, a modern waterside property located in Pearisburg; Halona, a mountain retreat in Allisonia; and Serendipity, a spacious home seated on 80 acres in Wytheville.

To be honest, I give you this update more in the way of a testimonial than a piece of news. When New River Voice Editor Tim W. Jackson and I decided to get married a few months ago, we knew we didn’t want a big expensive ordeal that would pass by in the blink of an eye. Why not rent a place for a weekend and invite our closest friends to come and stay and throw in a little ceremony? Unconventional, we thought—but could we find a place that fit the bill?

We immediately logged onto the New River Retreat Web site, only to find this new property fortuitously called “Serendipity.” We were so pleased to read that it sleeps 12, has a generous dining room, and a sun room with bar that opens to a lovely porch surrounded by woods. A single visit confirmed that it was indeed perfect for the occasion.

In the past, our stays at New River Retreat properties have impressed us, not only because of the quality of the venues, but because the staff manages to customize your stay in a way that makes you feel special. At various times, our family has been greeted by a birthday cake, a s’mores kit, and even personalized treats for our dogs. Serendipity was no different; management did everything they could to make us feel taken care of, even going out of their way to make sure the kitchen had a blender. (Thanks, Chipper!)

On Friday evening, we cooked out on the grill as our out-of-town guests arrived. Saturday morning everyone awakened leisurely to coffee and breakfast in the open kitchen. In the afternoon, the groom and guests enjoyed a little R&R, playing board games and hiking the property, while the bridesmaids went off to the Summit School of Cosmetology to get beautified. After picking up flower arrangements from Coulters Florist, the group headed back to get dressed for the 5 p.m. occasion.

A late-afternoon sprinkle caused a momentary panic that we might have to move indoors—which truly would have been fine with the elegant spiral staircase allowing for a dramatic entrance—but at 4:30 p.m. the harpist, Stevan R. Jackson, began to play on the back porch and the guests began to gather in the yard. Fortunately the sun peeked out just in time for the ceremony.

The forest served as a lovely backdrop for photos. Meanwhile, pasta and salad catered by MK’s Gourmet Pizzeria was waiting, followed by delicious cakes made by Sheila Puckett.

For the rest of the evening, guests enjoyed socializing and dancing in the sun room while the kids played in the game room upstairs. One talented fellow even played an impromptu jazz concert on the baby grand piano in the living room.

I honestly could not think of a better way to mark our special day. Serendipity—or any of New River Retreat’s properties—just might serve as the perfect venue for your family’s special occasions. Whether it be for the upcoming holidays or even a booking for next spring or summer, New River Retreat can provide a quiet getaway just a few minutes from home.

Taryn Chase Jackson is the happy bride of Tim Jackson and finds it vaguely amusing that she became a Jackson on August 29, 2009—birthday and burial day of musical legend Michael Jackson.