Kevin and Shalene Massie know the value of a good bed. For four years, they traveled extensively in South Sudan and Kenya, booking extended stays in guesthouses and furnished apartment rentals. Traveling the same routes frequently, they quickly developed their favorite spots. Having grown to appreciate a familiar face and comfortable accommodations, it’s now their pleasure to offer this service to visitors of Floyd through Golden Maple Homestays.
The Massies lived in Floyd for several years, getting to know the community. It wasn’t long, however, till they – as many others have done – fell in love with all the richness Floyd has to offer. Even when they moved to Christiansburg for business, they remained connected to the small town

.
In 2019, they had the opportunity to operate a vacation rental in downtown. George and Rain Lipson, of Green Label Organic, were looking for renters for one of their apartments. Shalene reached out to them, asking if she and Kevin could rent one of the apartments to host short term guests. Typical of small, quaint towns like Floyd, the two involved already knew one another. Shalene had met Rain over dinner at a small businesswomen’s networking event seven years prior.
Rain remembered Shalene and was open to a meeting to discuss partnering in their new venture through Golden Maple Homestays. It’s amazing how even brief meetings can shape our journeys!
Kevin and Shalene have always had a love for the mountains, recreation, and the outdoors.
Shalene has a bachelor’s degree in Outdoor Recreation and Tourism from Appalachian State University. She loves the hospitality and tourism industry, and is excited to provide a place for tourists to have a home away from home while they indulge in all the recreational opportunities abounding in the beautiful mountain town of Floyd.
Golden Maple Homestays is a lovely and spacious two-bedroom apartment in the heart of the town of Floyd. Many guests have shared how peaceful and clean the space is, and how perfect it is for a quiet retreat. “Running on Floyd time” is the motto in this charming, Blue Ridge Mountain town.

Golden Maple Homestays is just three blocks away from Floyd’s one stoplight, so guests can walk to the famous Floyd Country Store and Soda Fountain for a sweet treat, live music, and dancing. Also within walking distance are great art galleries, boutiques, and restaurants. At all times, guests are just minutes away from a bluegrass, eclectic, down-home good time!
This two-bedroom apartment features one queen bed in in the master bedroom, and two twin beds in the secondary bedroom. The living room contains a sofa bed that sleeps two, and a comfortable twin daybed, for a total sleeping capacity of seven. Every bedspread is covered with a duvet cover that ensures the comforter is clean for a cozy night’s rest.
This is a ground floor apartment that is easily accessible for guests with limited mobility, as well as for bringing in luggage. The kitchen is fully stocked so guests can enjoy cooking all the locally grown food that can be found at the Farmer’s Market, downtown. The apartment is also family friendly, with everything needed for babies and children, such as a highchair, Pack N’ Play, kids dishes and utensils, games, books, and toys!
Golden Maple Homestays is also happy to accommodate requests and special needs! Shalene recalls a guest who was traveling by air and needed a toddler hiking backpack. She made sure one was in the apartment upon their arrival. The guests were so thankful they could travel light while visiting!
They have also hosted several repeat guests, including some who needed a place to stay while shopping for homes. Golden Maple Homestays was the perfect place to stay while searching for a permanent home in Floyd.
The Massies have traveled across the world and stayed in many accommodations. They know the value of a peaceful and comfortable place to stay. They love hosting their guests and making them feel welcome while visiting.
Kevin and Shalene have been married since 2006 and have two daughters. Kevin is a licensed Engineer and owns Blue Fox Carpentry. Shalene is a certified birth doula and childbirth educator, and owns Rhythm of Birth.
Golden Maple Homestays is a perfect place for your mountain getaway, friend’s weekend, special event, visiting family, personal retreat, writing retreat, even college graduation, football games, or parent’s weekends!

Contact Shalene and Kevin Massie at goldenmaplehomestays@gmail.com or find their listing on AirBNB or VRBO for booking information.