Happy Sunday! We’ve been traveling like crazy these last few months, so you likely noticed along the way that I spent a weekend in Virginia at the Inn at Willow Grove. I have never really spent any significant time in Virginia, so I was excited to have the opportunity to explore, and what better reason than a girls weekend!?
When I think of a girls weekend, I think wine, the spa, great food, and beautiful accommodations. This weekend was just that! The Inn at Willow Grove is the first boutique hotel I’ve ever stayed at! Lots of “firsts” here! It’s located in Orange, VA about 30ish minutes from Charlottesville, and is surrounded by some of Virginia’s best wineries. The hotel was recently awarded #1 hotel in the South and #3 best hotel in the country! If I’m not mistaken, it’s also known for being one of the most romantic. Outside of a girls weekend, this would be the perfect location for a couples getaway.
WHAT WE DID:
VISITED MONTPELIER PLANTATION
We began our weekend with a tour of Montpelier Plantation. This is President James Madison’s home and only a short ride away from the hotel! I’ll be the first to admit I’m no history buff, so the walking tour was actually refreshing and interesting to listen too. It sort of felt like a class field trip with all the girls!
WINE TASTING AT BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS
From there, we took a shuttle over to Barboursville Vineyards. If I could, I’d visit a vineyard every weekend throughout the spring and fall, so this was my favorite stop on our itinerary! The views, service (we loved chatting with winemaker Luca Paschina), food, and especially the wine were amazing! I always take a bottle or two home from the vineyards we visit, but I liked them all at Barboursville, so it was hard to choose! The passion that went into this place really stood out to me.
MASSAGE AT MILL HOUSE SPA
Our last stop was a visit to the Mill House Spa for a Signature Massage. After a long day of sightseeing, it was so nice to unwind and relax for a few hours! They also have a cozy little room with a fireplace that Bailey and I hung out in for awhile after our treatment. Your trip isn’t complete without making a stop here.
WHERE WE ATE:
DINNER AT FORKED ON MAIN
Our first dinner of the weekend was on Friday night at Forked On Main! It’s about a 10 minute drive from the hotel, and located in the quaint town of Orange, VA. Everything ranging from the cocktails, to the appetizers, through our entree was delicious! The owner of the hotel actually also owns Forked On Main, so we were able to try a wide variety of options on the menu and you can’t go wrong with anything!
LUNCH AT BARBOURSVILLE VINYARDS
I previously mentioned the food at Barboursville Vineyards. We had lunch there on Saturday which was spectacular! It was a true Italian style lunch complete with homemade pasta, and again – very good!
DINNER AT VINTAGE
Saturday evening we enjoyed dinner at the Inn at Willow Groves restaurant called Vintage. I had a fantastic cosmopolitan here, and rounded out the dinner with gold dusted chocolate covered strawberries, whaaat?? Mind blown. We liked Vintage so much, we went back for brunch the following morning, and indulged in blueberry pancaked and a basket full of delicious pastries. I highly recommend stopping by this restaurant even if you aren’t lodging with the hotel.
This is such a great little getaway spot! If you’re looking for something cozy, low-key, and charming – this is your hotel. Those of you who know me, also know I’m a big time coffee lover – so I wanted to make it a point to mention that the hotel delivers fresh beignets and french press coffee to your room every morning. Yum! Right up my alley. The accommodations were fabulous. The beds were comfortable, the rooms were modern with luxury appliances and amenities, and I especially loved having a fireplace – all the cozy feels!
