Programs: UA 1P, RCC, AA; Four Seasons Aviara (owner
Posts: 551
Shenandoah Valley Recommendations?
Mr. mstraveler has a business retreat at the Greenbriar in mid-October and we have decided to spend several days in the Shenandoah Valley on our way there from Dulles. Aside from the Inn at Little Washington (know of it and read the thread here - just really don't want to spend that much money) any recommendations for inns/lodging in the area? Which towns are the most fun to spend the night in (we are planning to hike and be outdoors during the day)?
Programs: UA 1P, RCC, AA; Four Seasons Aviara (owner
Posts: 551
Quote:
Originally Posted by mstraveler
Mr. mstraveler has a business retreat at the Greenbriar in mid-October and we have decided to spend several days in the Shenandoah Valley on our way there from Dulles. Aside from the Inn at Little Washington (know of it and read the thread here - just really don't want to spend that much money) any recommendations for inns/lodging in the area? Which towns are the most fun to spend the night in (we are planning to hike and be outdoors during the day)?
This was a bit vague of a question. Any experience with any of the following:
L'Auberge Provencal White Post, Va
Jordan Hollow Farms Stanley, Va
House Mountain Inn Lexington, Va
Brierley Hill Bed & Breakfast Lexington
Fox Hill Bed & Breakfast, Lexington
This is a new area for us (this is how it goes; I have been to Tibet, but not the Allegheny and Blue Ridge Mountains). No Four Seasons to fall back on, just a million bed and breakfast accomodations to chose from
Clifton is an inn in Charlottesville Virginia. It is a relatively new member of Relais and Chateaux. My husband and I stayed there about 8 years ago and had a terrible experience. Just all-around bad stay, I think because there was no on-site management. The inn then had tragic fire where several individuals lost their lives. Inn closed for some time and reopened. I made a telephone inquiry if they were now under different management (they are not). However, my call told me that there was an entirely different level of customer service. You might check them out.
Lewisburg WV, though maybe a little different from what you're looking for, is an interesting small town. You may get enough of it if you're spending any significant time at the Greenbrier, but it's a nice jumping off spot. You could even make the hour or so drive up to Snowshoe for some hiking- it's really beautiful up there that time of year.
Check out the Boarshead Inn in Charlottesville. It is more of a hotel / conference center than a B&B. But it is very nice with small bungalows throughout the grounds. And is only a 25 minute drive from Rte 81, which is the interstate that runs down the Shenandoah Valley. If you are golfers, the University of Virginia Course is next door and is one of the best.
Programs: UA 1P, RCC, AA; Four Seasons Aviara (owner
Posts: 551
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peatisback
Also, did you consider flying directly into LWB?
We did, but since one can't fly non-stop there it seemed like a good solution to just fly non-stop SFO-IAD, rent a car and drive down to the Greenbriar via the Skyline Parkway. Tentative idea was to spend 3 nights in the Little Washington area and 2 nights in Lexington before our 3 nights at the Greenbriar and use the days to do some hiking and tour the area. Will check out the places mentioned.
We did, but since one can't fly non-stop there it seemed like a good solution to just fly non-stop SFO-IAD, rent a car and drive down to the Greenbriar via the Skyline Parkway. Tentative idea was to spend 3 nights in the Little Washington area and 2 nights in Lexington before our 3 nights at the Greenbriar and use the days to do some hiking and tour the area. Will check out the places mentioned.
Agreed, it is a minor inconvenience to connect, and the driving in is probaby far more enjoyable than an hour on an 8-seater turboprop. If you get to spend any time in Lewisburg, here are some reccommendations:
Dinner: Julian's is my personal favorite. The food is consistently excellent, the wine list is amazing, and there is a really cool ambience. Be sure to talk to Steven, the owner/chef- he's a little eccentric but is always interesting to talk to. Tavern 1785 is a close second.
After dinner, you'll want to pop into the Del Soul Lounge, which is a new martini bar run by the Tavern folks. Very good atmosphre- classy, and non-smoking, which is especially to my liking.
Lunch/Coffee: Stardust Cafe is relatively new and has fairly good food, coffee, and other drinks. It is a bit overpriced IMO, but everyone there is incredibly friendly.
I hope you get the chance to spend some time away from the Greenbrier (spelled with an 'e' ). For a city kid like myself, it really is a nice area.
Programs: UA 1P, RCC, AA; Four Seasons Aviara (owner
Posts: 551
Quote:
Originally Posted by Peatisback
Agreed, it is a minor inconvenience to connect, and the driving in is probaby far more enjoyable than an hour on an 8-seater turboprop. If you get to spend any time in Lewisburg, here are some reccommendations:
Dinner: Julian's is my personal favorite. The food is consistently excellent, the wine list is amazing, and there is a really cool ambience. Be sure to talk to Steven, the owner/chef- he's a little eccentric but is always interesting to talk to. Tavern 1785 is a close second.
After dinner, you'll want to pop into the Del Soul Lounge, which is a new martini bar run by the Tavern folks. Very good atmosphre- classy, and non-smoking, which is especially to my liking.
Lunch/Coffee: Stardust Cafe is relatively new and has fairly good food, coffee, and other drinks. It is a bit overpriced IMO, but everyone there is incredibly friendly.
I hope you get the chance to spend some time away from the Greenbrier (spelled with an 'e' ). For a city kid like myself, it really is a nice area.
Many thanks Peatisback. We will be there for a couple of days the way I have things planned, and I did figure that driving through Virginia in the leafy fall would be way more enjoyable than more airport time, a small plane and the chance of our luggage not coming with us. Although HouseMountain Inn (housemountaininn.com) looked like a nice (new) inn around there, it is 20 minutes outside of town and I am thinking about renting a cabin nearby. There seem to be lots of them that look nice.
). For a city kid like myself, it really is a nice area.
