When the stress of day-to-day life gets to be too much and you need vacation getaway, beautiful Virginia offers an immense trove of wonderful options. Take your pick of ocean-side retreats, historic inns, and vineyard mansions across the Commonwealth. Here are 11 suggestions to get you started on the road to getaway bliss.
“Inn” may be a modest moniker for this historic white-painted upscale mansion set on 100 acres in the Shenandoah Valley. Amenities include an outdoor pool, a hot tub, croquet lawn, antique furnishings, and claw-foot tubs. Try to book a room with a mountain view so you can appreciate the full splendor of the valley.
Rooms at this 17th century Victorian-style cottage come with complimentary home-cooked three-course breakfasts, private library access, a lounge, gardens, and a fishing pond. Rooms are stocked with complimentary drinks and many of the rooms have fireplaces and Jacuzzis. The Inn itself is a sight to behold and will transfer you to another time away from all your day-to-day woes. Book early for the best rates.
Skyland room types and rates vary based on budget and availability, but the true value here is ease of access to the park. Between the “cascading waterfalls, spectacular vistas, and quiet wooded hollows,” the park offers the perfect escape. Rooms are available at the Skyland Resorts and Big Meadows Lodge.
The official hotel of the University of Virginia can get busy, particularly during graduation months, but the Boar’s Head Resort isn’t your typical on-site accommodation: The resort offers golfing, weddings, a spa, and a wine package to enjoy the locally harvested wines. The packages can be a bit pricy, but in this case, you most definitely get what you pay for.
The seven-room Inn at Riverbend may appear quaint at first glance, but the award-winning bed and breakfast is a local favorite. The Riverbend has been named a top 10 romantic inn, and has been included on several best of lists. The two-story balconies overlook the New River and offer breathtaking views of the Appalachian Mountains. Refresh yourself with gourmet breakfasts and a weekend of hiking, fly fishing, kayaking, mountain biking, and golfing.
Friendly City Inn Bed and Breakfast makes good use of a restored 1885 mansion in the heart of downtown Harrisonburg. The rooms are individually decorated and have “hardwood floors, high ceilings, country-style quilts, and antique writing desks”—everything you need for a quiet retreat. In-room massages are available to those who may need extra tension relief. Availability is limited so make sure to call ahead of time and ask about bringing children under 12.
The Mayhurst Inn is a restored 1859 plantation mansion set on 37 acres. The two-story mansion is the site of Civil War battles and still offers the “Plantation Experience” for those who would like. Other packages include the Valentine’s Day package, Romantic Getaway package, Virginia Wine Country Vacation, Presidential Vacation package, among others. The Mayhurst Inn prides itself on lavish displays of Southern Hospitality.
The Frederick House is actually spread across seven historic houses. The Frederick House “offers the amenities and privacy of a luxury hotel with the personal service of a bed and breakfast.” For those looking for a historic experience without the cost of a luxury hotel, the Frederick House is a great option.
The quaint rooms and cottages of the Hope and Glory Inn are set in an 1890s schoolhouse. The Hope and Glory offers a more intimate experience than some of the larger options presented above. All the regular amenities are available, in addition to an on-site vineyard, English-style gardens, and an oyster boat available to the guests.
The Waterside Inn at Chincoteague Island is a casual, straightforward option without much extravagance. The true value of The Waterside Inn comes with the private fishing and crabbing pier, marina, and tennis court. Rent a boat to enjoy the water around the island. Book during July to see the Pony Penning, an annual festival in which the feral ponies of Chincoteague swim across the islands.
The L’Auberge Provencale is as ornate and refined a bed and breakfast as they come. Indulge in the five-star French restaurant with ingredients from the on-site gardens. All the rooms have unique artwork and antique furniture. Rooms range in size based on your preference, with some including living rooms and additional suites. If you’re ready for an upscale experience, European-style experience, the L’Auberge Provencale is for you.
