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2013Historic Inn Tour of Virginia
From scenic mountains and breathtaking natural wonders to romantic wineries and towns full of history, explore all that Virginia has to offer by staying in one of these historic inns.
By: Julie Dietzel-Glair
Get pampered in this peaceful country setting. The Virginian manor built in 1916 is situated on 50 acres of streams, ponds, cattle pastures, and scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The surrounding Central Virginia wineries are the inspiration for the five wine-themed guest rooms. The innkeepers have added modern romantic amenities in each room including gas or electric fireplaces and Jacuzzi tubs big enough for two. Enjoy of their signature chocolate chip cookies upon arrival, a hearty breakfast each morning, and complimentary wine and appetizers each evening. Don’t forget to make time to take a dip in the sparkling in-ground pool. The inn is conveniently located near many Central Virginia attractions including historic Staunton and Lexington, the highest vertical-drop waterfall east of the Mississippi River at Crabtree Falls, the immense and beautiful Natural Bridge, championship golf, and many antique shops.Applewood Colonial Bed and Breakfast, Williamsburg
Walk to Colonial Williamsburg from this beautiful brick inn which was constructed in 1929. Fresh flowers grace each of the three unique guest rooms. The Tree Top Suite is perfect for families with a separate bedroom and sitting room with trundle bed. Mrs. Holland’s Blue Room is soothing and quiet with a luxurious queen-size canopy bed. The Twin Elms Room features a fitting Virginia equestrian theme and romantic gas fireplace. All rooms have a private bath, convenient mini-fridge, television, and free Wi-Fi. Stay three nights and get the third half off with the getaway special. A delectable three-course breakfast is offered each morning. The innkeeper is very knowledgeable about local restaurants and happy to help guests find the perfect place to dine. The inn is ideal for a visit to the campus of the College of William and Mary. It is also close enough to visit the historic Jamestown and the thrilling Busch Gardens theme park.
Bentley Manor Inn, Williamsburg
Gardens surround this classic brick colonial inn next to the College of William and Mary. Built as one of the first guest houses in Williamsburg in the mid 1940’s, the inn was renovated in 2007 and 2008 to include modern conveniences amid traditional craftsmanship. Each of the four light and airy guest rooms is named after a famous individual in Virginia history, has a comfortable queen-size bed, private tiled bathroom, and relaxing sitting area. A candlelit country breakfast is served in the formal colonial-inspired dining room. Socialize with other guests near the Georgian fireplace in the gathering room for afternoon refreshments. Take a short stroll to explore Colonial Williamsburg or browse and dine in over 40 shops and restaurants of Merchants Square. Guests will also find that the historical Jamestown and Yorktown are a short drive away.
King’s Creek Inn, Cape Charles
Guests have stayed in this Colonial plantation home for over 250 years. Nestled at the tip of a peninsula, enjoy a vibrant sunset over the Chesapeake Bay from the balcony of a guest room or from the private dock. A full breakfast is available each morning but the real dining excitement is in the evening. The Bunbury Bar and Dining is open to the public and attracts those who enjoy fine dining as well as those who want to socialize over a game of pool or darts. Each of the four handsomely appointed guest rooms have waterfront views. Seeing as this home was built in 1746, be sure to ask the innkeeper about the inn’s smuggling history and resident ghost stories. The historic district of town is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors will find one of the largest concentrations of late-Victorian and turn-of-the-century buildings on the East Coast. Cape Charles is also the headquarters for the Eastern Shore Railroad.
200 South Street Inn, Charlottesville
This inn has a checkered past as a private residence, girls’ finishing school, brothel, and boarding house. It now serves as an elegant bed and breakfast one mile from the University of Virginia campus and four miles from Monticello, the historic home of Thomas Jefferson. A combination of two historic homes in the downtown area, the inn has ten guest rooms in the 1856 house and nine guest rooms in the 1890 cottage. A continental breakfast of homemade granola, sweet breads, fruit, and freshly squeezed orange juice is available each morning. Join other guests in the library for a family friendly wine and cheese reception each evening. Walk two blocks to an outdoor mall filled with restaurants and shops. Guests can also drive to the many local wineries or two other historic presidential homes – Ash Lawn and Montpelier.