Archive for the ‘Virginia Travel’ Category

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Relax on Historic Jefferson Property

Friday, June 7th, 2013

Snowdonia2Built on property, which was originally owned by Thomas Jefferson’s father, is the historic Snowdon.  The adjacent Snowdonia on the James is a quiet retreat for guests to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of the area (and maybe the deer and other animals on the grounds).  The property offers a handicapped accessible cozy cottage and an expansive River Bluff Suite with spectacular views perfect for all occasions.  The River Bluff Gazebo offers an intimate wedding setting for guests hoping to tie the knot in a beautiful and relaxing location. Near Monticello and Montpelier, as well as many Virginia Wineries, Snowdonia on the James is a great location for guests to explore the Charlottesville area and all that it has to offer.

When asked about the importance of joining BBAV, innkeeper, Teresa Radford said, “The BBAV inspection for me is a ‘Gold Seal’ of approval.  Prospective guests will know that I strive to provide high quality standards in every area of our business and service.”

President, Heidi Lanford is pleased to have another addition to BBAV, stating “collaboration with state and local B&B owners is highly valuable. Teresa can utilize our expertise and resources as a way not only to increase her marketing efforts but also to improve the service she provides to guests.”

Snowdonia1

Posted in Central Virginia, Historic Sites, Virginia Travel, Virginia Weddings | No Comments »

Family Friendly Vacation in Fairfield

Thursday, May 16th, 2013

As a follow-up to our last blog, we have put together a second week-long getaway option for your upcoming family vacation. This option is in Fairfield, VA, minutes off of Interstate 81, with lodging at Fox Hill B&B and Cottage Suites. Fox Hill’s Cottage Suites are both kid-friendly and pet-friendly. The innkeepers, Mark and Sue Erwin, state, “Kids love our 38 acres, fish ponds and walking trails, and parents love the flexibility of just opening the door and saying ‘run out and enjoy yourselves!’” Nearby activities that the Erwins recommend include Hull’s Drive-In Theater, Natural Bridge, the Monican Indian Village, Cavern Tours, a Wax Museum and Toy Museum, and the Virginia Safari Park. There is definitely no shortage of fun and educational activities in which both children and parents can partake. To contact Fox Hill, call them at 540-377-9922, or email them at stay@foxhillbb.com.

Costs: (two adults, two children) under $1600 for a full week of fun!
Room rate and breakfast at Fox Hill B & B and Cottage Suites: $1053 (also ask about the 5-night special in the Cottages; doesn’t include breakfast but there is a full kitchen in the Cottages.)
Spend a day on the B&B grounds: Free
Geocaching: Free
McCormick Farm: Free
Virginia Horse Center: Free (most events are free; check the website calendar)
Clark’s Ole Time Music Center: Free (call ahead to make sure there will be music and dancing)
Hull’s Drive-In Theatre: $14 – kids are free (Have dinner while at the movie for about $16)
The Albemarle County Jail #5 Museum: $24 (limited tours and dates in Charlottesville)
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello: $64 (In Charlottesville)
Natural Bridge: $92
Drive and Hike the Blue Ridge Parkway: Free (pack a lunch and have a picnic. $15)

Places to eat:

Frank’s Pizza Pasta & Subs: $20
Gertie’s Country Store: $20
Wild Wing Café: $25 (Kids eat for $1 on Mondays in Charlottesville.)
Berky’s Restaurant: $30 (Famous Lee-Hi Truck Stop. Watch the truckers come and go and see a huge collection of antique kiddie cars strung from the ceiling.)
Pink Cadillac Diner: $20

Have questions or comments? Feel free to join in the discussion on our Facebook page!

Pictures

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Posted in Shenandoah, Virginia Travel | No Comments »

Family Friendly Vacation in Fredericksburg

Monday, May 13th, 2013

Looking for a week long family vacation for under $2,000? InnVirginia has put together two different ideas for families to take advantage of this summer, and not only do they include a stay at a high-quality Virginia inn, they also include dining options, entertainment venues, and nearby activities. Keep reading for the first idea below, and stay tuned to our blog—the second vacation suggestion will be posted in a couple days!

The first getaway option is in Fredericksburg, VA with lodging at the Richard Johnston Inn. This inn is “the only Bed and Breakfast in Fredericksburg that allows children and pets.” Bonnie DeLelys, the inn’s manager, says, “Children are interested in the Civil War and love to explore our shops looking for relics and historical finds. The children also love to feed our fish in our Koi pond and will remember this when they return home.” Fredericksburg, VA offers plenty to do in the way of family fun. Enjoy hands-on activities at Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center or visit the alpacas on a tour of Maranatha Alpaca Farm. Fredericksburg is contently located right off Interstate 95, 50 miles South of DC and 60 miles North of Richmond. Once you’ve finished your day’s excursion, return to the comfort of your B&B room, and borrow a family movie from the video library. If you’d like to contact the Richard Johnston Inn, give them a call at 877-557-0770, or email them at info@therichardjohnstoninn.com.

Cost: (two adults, two children) under $1600 for a full week of fun!

Room Rate and Breakfast at Richard Johnson Inn: $750
Fredericksburg Area Museum & Cultural Center: $18
The James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library: $12
Maranatha Alpaca Farm: $22
Kayak Ely’s Ford: $110
Picnic and beach at Aquia Landing: Free (packed lunch cost approximately $15)
Spend a day at the pool at Dixon Park: $24
Riverside Center Dinner Theater: $240 (Dinner and show. This is a splurge, but well worth the visit)
Kids Walking Tour of Old Town: Free
Explore Miller Farms Market: Free
Carl’s Froze Custard Treat: $24
Go Roller Skating: $24

Places to Eat:
Five Guys Dinner: $25
Quaker Steak & Lube: $30 (Kids eat free on Mondays)
Ledo Pizza: $30 (Kids eat free on Tuesdays)
Hometown Grill:$30 (Friday usually has free live music)
Carlos o Kelly’s Mexican Grill: $30(Tuesday Night is Kids Night. Meals are $2.50 each for kids.)
Firehouse Subs: $16 (Get two kids subs on Tuesday for free with purchase of one adult sub)
Amy’s Café: $30
Hardtimes Café: $30
Friendly’s: $25
Sam’s Pizza and Subs: $14 (buy one, get one free deals)
Spirits: $15

The Richard Johnston Inn, Fredericksburg, VA

The Richard Johnston Inn, Fredericksburg, VA

Have questions or comments? Feel free to join in the discussion on our Facebook page!

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Posted in Northern Virginia, Virginia Travel | 1 Comment »

Fun and Games at Meadowbrook Farm Bed and Breakfast

Friday, May 10th, 2013

Meadowbrook Farm in Suffolk, VAMeadowbrook Farm Bed and Breakfast has passed the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia (BBAV) inspection and now joins the other 160 fantastic bed and breakfasts in the state of Virginia to have passed this inspection.
Originally a 200 acre livestock and dairy farm, Allen & Debbie Bryant bought their thirty acre parcel of property in Suffolk, VA 16 years ago to fulfill a long standing dream of running a bed and breakfast after retirement. The current main house replaced the original farm house in 1948.  The cottage and other outbuildings were part of the original farm.

 

When asked about her favorite part of owning a bed and breakfast, Debbie responded, “Having spent 35+ years as professional engineers, our retirement goal was to do something completely different and own/operate a B&B.  However, you would be surprised at the number of opportunities there are to apply engineering principles to everyday operations of a B&B.  We both enjoy providing outstanding hospitality to our guests, from our beautiful country setting, our wonderfully appointed rooms, our delicious gourmet breakfasts, and other amenities not found in traditional hotels.”

Meadowbrook Farm Game Room

Along with a gourmet breakfast and a wonderful place to stay, Meadowbrook Farm also has a “game room” with a pool table, TVs and other games. Guests can spend hours laughing and having fun with family and friends in this mid-1800’s log style grain storage building that is now converted to a game room.

 

It is no surprise that the president of BBAV, Heidi Lanford, is also excited about Meadowbrook Farm Bed and Breakfast’s new member: “Being a member of BBAV is a guarantee to customers that you meet and exceed the expectations of a standard B&B, and Meadowbrook Farm B&B is no exception,” added Lanford.

Posted in Bed & Breakfast Assoc VA, Romantic Getaways, Tidewater, Virginia Travel | No Comments »

Southern Hospitality Goes a Long Way at Spring Church Bed and Breakfast

Friday, May 3rd, 2013

Spring Church Bed and Breakfast of Skippers, VA, has become the newest member of the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia (BBAV), fulfilling a dream of the owners Candace and Ed Pitts.

This membership was particularly important to innkeeper, Ed Pitts, as he said “The membership gives guests that added comfort, knowing that we are an “Inspected” B&B that has to maintain standards. “  After attending many workshops and conventions, Ed and Candace knew they would want to be “listed with other State B&B’s under the strict guidelines of the Association.” When asked, BBAV President Heidi Lanford stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Spring Church Bed and Breakfast to the BBAV family. Since Spring Church has passed inspection, we are confident that visitors will be treated with the service BBAV patrons have come to expect.”

SpringChurchBB

Located just a few miles from the North Carolina boarder, right off Interstate 95, Spring Church Bed & Breakfast is a veteran owned business and welcomes guests enjoy their Southern style and hospitality. Local residents are encouraged to explore Spring Church’s Atrium, Living Room, Dining Room, Great Room and Kitchen for Retreats, Birthdays, Recitals, Catered Brunch, Luncheons, Dinners, Small Weddings or Business Parties.

SpringChurchSign

Posted in Bed & Breakfast Assoc VA, Southern Virginia, Virginia Travel, Virginia Weddings | No Comments »

Experience the feeling of an earlier time with modern amenities

Thursday, April 18th, 2013

The Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia (BBAV) is pleased to announce Goodstone Inn and Restaurant has become a new member. BBAV President, Heidi Lanford, states, “Inspected properties of BBAV act with integrity and professionalism in all their business practices. We welcome Goodstone Inn and Restaurant as they have exhibited the standards that we request from all our members.”

The eighteen room inn is situated on 265 acres in six separate restored residences and is located in the heart of horse and wine country in Virginia and has been welcoming guest since 1998. “I love talking and interacting with our guests. My main goal is to give the absolute best customer service I can and elevate the level of service presented by my staff. My first hotel I worked at had a sign ‘the guest is our reason for being.’ This is something I have taken with me and promote to my staff.”  Innkeeper, Matt Daubenspeck, affectionately states,  “Without the guest, there is no us.  Without exceptional guest service, there is no guest.”

With mountain views, rolling acres of pastures and the beauty of the historic buildings, Goodstone Inn provides guests with the opportunity to experience the feeling of an earlier time with modern amenities.  It is also a favorite of former first daughter, new mother and NBC reporter Jenna Bush Hager.

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Posted in Bed & Breakfast Assoc VA, Historic Sites, Northern Virginia, Romantic Getaways, Virginia Travel, Virginia Wine | 1 Comment »

Brierley Hill, Lexington, VA

Saturday, March 30th, 2013

In their newly released article “The 20 Best Small Towns to Visit in 2013,” Smithsonian Magazine named Lexington, Virginia as number 16 out of the 20 small towns. Lexington is well-known for hosting a variety of attractions—Washington and Lee University, Virginia Military Institute, Boxerwood Gardens, the Virginia Horse Center, and a great deal of Civil War history. All vacations and getaways need lodging, of course, and Lexington boasts of number of fantastic inns, one of which is Brierley Hill.

Brierley Hill recently welcomed two new innkeepers, Dave and Karen Innocent, who took ownership on February 28, 2013. In spite of a snowstorm and power outages, the Innocents welcomed their first guests on March 9, solidifying their adventure as innkeepers.

Dave and Karen have always had a heart for hospitality. Their Pennsylvania home was often the meeting place for their three sons’ friends, family get-togethers, church gatherings, and general socializing. Dave states, “It was not unusual to wake up to see fifteen or so people spread out sleeping in our house. We loved it!”

With Dave’s dissatisfaction with his career in automobile sales and Karen’s heart for hospitality, the Innocents decided to pursue a life of innkeeping. Their middle son’s education at Liberty University first brought them to Lexington. “We drove into Lexington, and I was immediately drawn to the town,” Dave reflects. “It was a warm day, and people were walking around outside. When we returned home, I did a Google search for B&Bs near Lexington, and I saw Brierley Hill listed. I called the realtor, who was surprised that I had seen Brierley online since they had literally just posted the ‘for sale’ ad. I guess you could say it was fate!”

Dave, Karen, and their two dogs—a golden retriever and a Bernese mountain dog—look forward to welcoming future guests and helping them explore the beautiful Lexington area.

By Tara Stoll

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Posted in Shenandoah, Virginia Travel | No Comments »

“Spring” into Gardening

Wednesday, March 20th, 2013

After a long, dreary winter, Virginia is finally seeing the first signs of spring and looking forward to a rebirth of the natural world. Two B&Bs that exemplify the cultivation of nature are Newport House and Mount Pleasant 1812.

Newport House B&B is a historically-authentic Williamsburg inn owned and run by John and Cathy Millar. While the inn itself is magnificent, the nature that it fosters is spectacular as well—vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and the ever-attending honeybees.  The gardens are a renowned part of Newport House and are featured for the 2013 annual Virginia Garden Week tour: “The Garden Club particularly liked the variety of instructive opportunities offered here by flower beds, an historic herb garden, plantings of both native and exotic trees and shrubs, the shade garden, the greenhouse, the beehive, the ‘square-foot’ vegetable garden, and the compost system” (Newport House). Watch springtime come alive among the flowers and honeybees of Newport House.

Another inn that welcomes spring with its verdure is Mount Pleasant 1812 in Stasburg, VA. Mt. Pleasant is a “historic farm with a sustainable future” and a focus on growing native Virginia plants along with the colonial plants of German and English settlers. This 106-acre working farm is a green B&B that stands in a cohesive harmony with the surrounding flora and fauna: “By creating a destination for visitors, Mount Pleasant 1812 farm and Bed and Breakfast strives to enhance the current commitment to conservation and environmental practice” (Mt. Pleasant 1812). What better way is there to celebrate the coming of spring than by going green at a B&B?

Click here to discover more green B&Bs, and click here to see more inns with gardens for your enjoyment. Happy spring!

 

By Tara Stoll

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Posted in Green Lodging, Virginia Travel | No Comments »

Madison, Montpelier, and a 262nd Birthday

Thursday, March 7th, 2013

March 16, 2013 will be the 262nd birthday of James Madison, our very own fourth President of the United States and Father of the Constitution, who just also happened to be a Virginia native. Madison made his home at Montpelier in Orange County, VA, and in honor of his birthday, there will be a celebration and ceremony at the estate:  “Visit with Mr. and Mrs. Madison in their home throughout the day, and attend a poignant wreath presentation ceremony in the Madison Family Cemetery at 1:30 p.m.” (Montpelier.org).

And now, in honor of James Madison, we present to you a few “fun facts” about this former president:

-          Madison was only 5’4, and he never weighed more than 100 pounds. (James Madison)

-          Madison was the first president to hold an Inaugural Ball. (James Madison)

-          Madison was once arrested with Thomas Jefferson for violating the laws of Vermont and taking a carriage ride on a Sunday. (The Health of the President)

-          Madison was 1 of 12 children. (Facts)

-          James and his wife Dolley never had children of their own, but James helped raise Dolley’s son from her previous marriage. (Facts)

-          Madison was the first president to wear trousers instead of knee breeches. (Facts)

-          Madison’s inaugural jacket was made of wool from the sheep that resided at Montpelier. (Facts)

If you’re searching for accommodations in Orange, VA, then look no further, as we have a number of InnVirginia B&Bs only a short drive away from Montpelier:

Chestnut Hill Bed & Breakfast
Holladay House
Inn on Poplar Hill
Inn at Westwood Farm
Mayhurst Inn
The Inn at Willow Grove

By Tara Stoll

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Posted in Historic Sites, Virginia Travel | No Comments »

Finally Fall Foliage!

Friday, September 28th, 2012

“Come,” said the Wind to the Leaves one day.
“Come over the meadow and we will play.
Put on your dresses of red and gold.
For summer is gone and the days grow cold.”

–An Autumn Greeting

There is a reason that autumn has inspired thousands and thousands of poems throughout the ages. As thick waves of green burst into flames of red, orange, and yellow, one cannot help but to feel a poet when presented with such poignant beauty. (See? Even the BBAV can speak a bit poetically!)

Virginia’s fall foliage rivals (and some say surpasses) that of New England. If you’re planning a B&B getaway in the fall, perhaps you wish to know when these colors are at their peak. According to the Virginia Department of Forestry, “Peak colors are expected in the mountains during mid to late October; the Piedmont and Coastal Plain are expected to peak during late October.” The department also reports that currently, “foliage conditions throughout the state are still predominantly green. Slight color changes among some tree species, such as poplars, sweet gum, dogwood and maple, can be seen in higher elevations and some rural areas.”

If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest botanical changes of fall, visit the U.S. Forest Service webpage, the Virginia Department of Forestry webpage, or call the Fall Foliage Hotline at 1-800-424-LOVE. Don’t forget to book your room at a BBAV member inn for the full fall experience!

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Posted in Virginia Travel | No Comments »

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