Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Moonen.
Hi Jenny, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
From Dream to Doorstep: The Story of Moonlight Manor
Nestled in the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains just outside the quirky little town of Floyd, Virginia, sits Moonlight Manor Bed and Breakfast, a charming five-room bed and breakfast born from a dream that refused to fade. Today, it welcomes guests from around the world seeking peaceful mountain beauty, winery adventures, and the unforgettable magic of live bluegrass music. But the journey to opening its doors was one of faith, perseverance, and a belief that the right place would arrive at the right time.
A Dream That Wouldn’t Let Go
For most people, the idea of running a bed and breakfast starts as a whimsical “maybe one day” thought. For Jenny Moonen, it was a calling.
Throughout her adult life in central Minnesota, Jenny found herself drawn to hospitality: the warmth of welcoming others, the joy of creating memorable experiences, and the desire to make people feel at home. While she spent much of her career in project and program management within a communications company, she always gravitated toward roles that involved connection, service, and creativity. She even owned her own gift shop for six years before life temporarily redirected her path. Yet the dream of opening a B&B never left her—it quietly waited for its moment.
That moment began to take shape when Jenny attended an innkeepers’ convention years ago. Surrounded by seasoned hosts and aspiring inn owners, she knew she had found her tribe. She took classes, learned the business side of hospitality, and later “interned” at a friend’s bed and breakfast in Red Wing, Minnesota. Each experience was a stepping stone—signals that her dream was more than wishful thinking. It was preparation.
Meanwhile, her husband, John, was building a very different career—one rooted in service and discipline. He served in the U.S. Army on active duty and the reserves, and ended his career with the Federal Bureau of Prisons. John dedicated his life to structure, leadership, and protecting others. Hospitality wasn’t part of the plan—until life shifted.
A Turning Point
After years of service, John learned he would need to retire for medical reasons. With characteristic practicality, he looked at his wife and spoke the words that opened the door to a new chapter: “Well, start looking.”
It was all Jenny needed to hear—an invitation to finally chase the dream that had waited so patiently. And Jenny did what any determined dreamer would do: she began searching immediately.
Realtor.com and inns-for-sale websites became her daily routine. The couple cast a wide net, exploring properties in six different states. More than 100 potential B&Bs passed through their hands—some too big, some too small, some with deal-breaking structural issues, and one that seemed perfect… until zoning regulations forced them to walk away after they had already sold their house and put down earnest money. It was a painful setback—the kind that might have convinced a less determined couple to give up.
Instead, Jenny and John chose perseverance. They moved into their camper while John finished his final months of work in Washington, DC, continuing the search with faith that the right place was still ahead.
The House No One Wanted—Until Someone Saw Its Potential
A realtor in the Lynchburg area had been showing Jenny a few properties, but none felt right. One listing in Floyd had been sitting on the market for four years, and the online photos on Realtor.com did little to inspire confidence. Jenny was convinced something had to be wrong with it. She told the realtor not to bother.
But the realtor insisted, sensing that this property deserved a second look. He offered to preview it and send videos if he thought it was worth their time.
Jenny and John were in Kentucky touring yet another potential property when the videos from Floyd began arriving on Jenny’s phone. With each clip, the realtor’s excitement grew.
“This place is EXACTLY what you are looking for!” he said.
They drove to Floyd to see it in person—and instantly understood. The house radiated potential. It had space for guests, privacy for innkeepers, and a separate area that could one day expand into more lodging. More importantly, it had the kind of peaceful mountain charm that resonated deeply with Jenny and John’s vision: restful, scenic, and full of heart.
Within just a few months—on October 1, 2023—Moonlight Manor officially opened its doors.
A Welcome Stop Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Two years later, Moonlight Manor has hosted over 1,000 guests from across the United States and around the globe. Though each guest has their own reason for visiting the Blue Ridge Mountains, three distinct traveler types have emerged as the heart of their guest community:
1. The Parkway Wanderers
Many guests discover Moonlight Manor during scenic journeys along the iconic Blue Ridge Parkway, a beloved route especially popular in spring, summer, and fall. Located between mile markers 170 and 171, minutes away from the iconic Mabry Mill, the most photographed item on the parkway. The inn is a natural resting point for travelers seeking quiet comfort after a day of driving, hiking, or leaf-peeping. For these guests, Moonlight Manor is more than a bed for the night—it’s a place to exhale, take in the mountain views, and soak up the serenity of the Blue Ridge.
2. The Wine Weekend Seekers
Others come for romance, celebration, or a flavorful escape, drawn by the proximity of two beloved local wineries within 1.5 miles:
• Chateau Morrisette Winery – known for its rustic charm, elevated tastings, delicious restaurant, and stunning mountain vistas
• Villa Appalaccia Winery – offering an Italian-inspired experience, stone-arched elegance, and Tuscan-influenced wines
Many couples and friend groups use Moonlight Manor as their home base for a weekend filled with wine flights, music, gourmet bites, and scenic toasts surrounded by mountain views.
3. The Floyd Country Store Music Lovers
Finally, there are those who travel for the rhythm of Floyd—drawn to the legendary Floyd Country Store, famous for its Friday Night Jamboree, Americana music, and authentic Appalachian culture. For these guests, Moonlight Manor offers the ideal complement: lively nights filled with music, followed by peaceful mornings filled with comfort, hospitality, and a delicious breakfast that feels like home.
Hospitality from the Heart
If the walls of Moonlight Manor could speak, they would tell stories of laughter on the porch swing, friendships forged at the breakfast table, and guests who arrived as strangers and left as family. Jenny and John make a point to interact personally with their visitors, learning their stories and what brought them to Floyd. Many guests return year after year—not just for the mountains, wine, or music, but for the warmth that defines the Manor.
Each morning at 9:00 a.m., guests are treated to a three-course, hot plated breakfast—a culinary expression of care. Whether someone is gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, or has unique nutritional needs, Jenny and John adapt with creativity and enthusiasm. Serving and nourishing others isn’t a task for them; it’s a joy.
What Makes Moonlight Manor Special?
There is something deeply authentic about Moonlight Manor. Perhaps it’s the scenic setting, or the smell of breakfast mingling with fresh mountain air. Maybe it’s the unhurried pace—a reminder of the way life used to feel.
But ask Jenny and John, and they’ll tell you the truth:
Moonlight Manor is special because it was meant to be.
Not in a lucky-break kind of way, but in the way that life unfolds when hard work meets heart, timing meets preparation, and a dream refuses to disappear.
The Heart of Floyd: Community
Though Moonlight Manor draws travelers into Floyd, it also reflects the spirit of Floyd back to its guests. Jenny and John proudly share recommendations for local musicians, artists, restaurants, and businesses, creating a ripple that supports the community they now call home. They believe that when one Floyd business thrives, the town thrives—and that being part of Floyd means supporting the people who make it special.
They speak with genuine gratitude for the people who guided, encouraged, and supported them along the way—from realtors and contractors to neighboring businesses and fellow innkeepers. And especially Georgette, their beloved housekeeper from GK Cleaning Services, a fellow veteran who graced their business in 2025.
Moonlight Manor is more than a business. It is a gift that they steward—a way to serve, uplift, and connect with others.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As Moonlight Manor celebrates two years of welcoming guests, Jenny and John are reflective, grateful, and excited for what is still to come. The journey hasn’t been without challenges, but the beauty of the dream—and the purpose behind it—has always been stronger.
Their story is one of faith, perseverance, and the belief that dreams take time, courage, and heart. Moonlight Manor is proof that when life closes one chapter, another opens—sometimes with a mountain view, a porch swing, and a breakfast table filled with joy.
Here’s to the next chapter—and to the travelers, music lovers, wanderers, and dream-chasers who will find their way to Moonlight Manor in the years ahead.
Beyond running Moonlight Manor, I stay busy with several organizations and causes that are close to my heart. I serve as President of The Traveling Angels, a disaster relief organization dedicated to helping communities and families in times of need, and I’m also a longtime Avon representative. Here in Floyd, giving back to the community is especially important to me. I volunteer with Plenty!, our local food bank, and serve on the Board of Managers for both the Floyd County Chamber of Commerce and the Bed & Breakfast Association of Virginia. And when I’m not working, volunteering, or welcoming guests, you might find me singing with the Floyd Community Choir. I truly enjoy being involved, connecting with people, and doing my part to support the community I’m proud to call home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Life has had many ups and downs, but the biggest stumbling block that ended up being a blessing was when we bought the B&B in Kentucky that ended up having zoning issues and we had to back out after we had already sold our house. We ended up moving into our camper until the house in Floyd was ready. My mom also passed away (my dad had previously died) right as we were buying the floyd property and I had to go between VA and MN as I closed on our house here and sold my parents house and settled their estate in MN. Life has many challenges and you can either let it get you down or learn from it and move forward….
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Below is what Chat GPT wrote about us, but in addition I’d add that we treat everyone like they are family and truly listen to our guests to try and make them special and their stay relaxing. Guests love our wrap around porches, our 3 course breakfasts, our puzzle board and games, how we are nearby but not in their space. Just to name a few things.
Moonlight Manor Bed & Breakfast is more than just a place to stay—it’s a place to slow down, reconnect, and experience the beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains. Located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway near Floyd, Virginia, our five-room bed and breakfast offers guests a peaceful retreat with panoramic mountain views, homemade breakfasts, wraparound porches, and some of the darkest night skies on the East Coast.
What sets us apart is the experience we create. We take pride in getting to know our guests and helping them discover the best of our region—from hiking directly from our property and exploring the Blue Ridge Parkway to visiting local wineries, enjoying live music at the Floyd Country Store, shopping downtown, or soaring through the trees on nearby zipline adventures. Every stay is personalized, whether guests are celebrating an anniversary, planning a romantic getaway, or simply looking for a quiet place to relax.
As owners, we believe hospitality is about making people feel like family. We’re proud that many of our guests return year after year and recommend us to their friends and family. Our brand is built on genuine hospitality, comfortable accommodations, homemade breakfasts, and creating lasting memories. At Moonlight Manor, we don’t just offer a room—we offer an authentic Blue Ridge experience where guests can unwind, reconnect, and leave with memories they’ll treasure long after their visit.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
We were just in the finals for the Best of the Blue Ridge from Blue Ridge Outdoor Magazine for the Best Charming Inn/B&B and Best Place to Relax and Unwind. Results are not in yet, but we are hopeful. We had that article in the Floyd Magazine. Things like that really mean a lot to me. I have been dreaming and planning for this business my whole adult life and I put up with a lot of stuff in my previous career just so this dream could come true. I can finally say, “I love my job!! and I’m living the dream!!
Pricing:
- Rooms range from $165 – $215 per night
- 5 Rooms, working on a 6ths ADA compliant room, should be ready by 2027.
- The five rooms now are: (2) rooms have king beds; (2) rooms have two queen beds in them; and 1 room is a single queen.
- All rooms have private baths
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.moonlightmanorfloyd.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moonlightmanorfloyd/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100092997344092
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenny-orsborn-moonen-391a0b4/
- Twitter: none
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoonlightManorBedandBreakfastF
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/moonlight-manor-floyd?osq=Moonlight+Manor&override_cta=Request+information
