The New River Escape Barn and Guest House

08/27/2026

Our small group of makers had a wonderful time at the inaugural Makers Swap! ✨

We swapped all kinds of handmade goodies—from hand-printed towels and crocheted treasures to ceramic earrings and delicious edible treats—and, even better, we made some new maker friends along the way.

These kinds of community gatherings truly warm my heart. ❤️ Makers chatted about their crafts and how they got started, enjoyed some seasonal food, and took a little time to unwind after an amazing weekend.

It was a small beginning, but a really good one—and I’m already thinking about the next one!

🎄 Who would be interested in a Holiday Makers Swap in mid-November? 🎁

08/25/2026

08/24/2026

Brunch in the river is the ONLY reason I would weed-eat in the river! What a blast the whole experience was!!!

08/23/2026

Weed-eating in the river?!?! Yep! There’s only one reason why I would EVER do this….

08/14/2026

Escape the Norm at New River Escape 🌿

Sometimes it’s the little things that make a stay memorable—like picking a fresh tomato, snipping some herbs, or grabbing a jalapeño for dinner in your loft.

We want our guests to do more than stay here. We want them to experience the country, slow down, and escape the norm.

And yes… enjoy the fresh veggies! 🍅🌿

08/11/2026

Nothing like a little mountain elopement magic. 💍

A beautiful “I do” at Roan Mountain, dinner at Café Violette and a honeymoon night tucked away in the French Country Loft. ✨

Congratulations to the newlyweds! 🥂 Here’s to the beginning of a beautiful adventure together. 🤍

08/08/2026

The view from the flower and veggie garden never gets old. 🌈🌿
Some days, the garden gives us flowers and vegetables. Other days, it gives us a rainbow over the New River Escape Barn.

We’ll take both. 💚

08/04/2026

🎉 Happy Anniversary to Us! 🎉

Nine years ago today, we took a leap of faith and bought this little piece of paradise on the banks of the New River. We dreamed of creating a place to share with others, but we never could have imagined the incredible journey it would become.

Over the past nine years, we've celebrated so many beautiful weddings, hosted unforgettable events, welcomed guests from near and far, and met some of the kindest, most inspiring people. Every gathering, every laugh around the fire pit, every toast in the barn, and every quiet morning by the river has become part of our story.

Living in the mountains of North Carolina is a gift, but it's all of you who have made it truly extraordinary. Thank you for trusting us with your celebrations, your weekends away, your family gatherings, and so many of life's meaningful moments.

We bought this property to share it with others... and you continue to remind us why we do what we do. Your support, friendships, and encouragement have made life on the New River more amazing than we ever imagined.

Here's to nine incredible years—and to many more memories still to come.

With gratitude,
AJ & Shane ❤️

08/03/2026

New Month new look. Notice anything different about the entrance of the barn?

08/01/2026

✨ Calling All Makers — Last Chance to Join! ✨

Today is the final day to register for our one-of-a-kind Maker’s Swap at New River Escape!

If you’ve been thinking about joining us for a creative evening that celebrates making, connection, and a little bit of mystery—this is your sign to say YES.

Whether you knit, crochet, sew, paint, work with clay, wood, flowers, food, metal, or any other handmade medium, we’d love to welcome you into this special night of inspiration and community.

Here’s how it works:
Each Maker creates 14 identical handmade items and brings them to the event. Throughout the evening, you’ll meet fellow Makers, hear the stories behind their creations, and swap your handmade pieces for 14 unique treasures to take home.

And the best part…

✨ No one knows what will be made until the swap begins.
No sneak peeks. No spoilers. Just pure creative surprise.

This isn’t a craft fair or a market—it’s a chance to connect with other makers, share your craft, and leave with 14 handmade surprises (and hopefully a few new friendships too 🤍).

🌿 Only 15 Maker spots total
🌿 A few spots remain—but registration closes today

If you’d like to join us, DM or email [email protected] right away to grab your application.

We can’t wait to see what our creative community brings together… even if none of us know what that will be yet. ✨