Fall is the ideal time to visit the mountains and valley to our west. In our September 2023 issue, we reveal where to go for great hikes and how to see the area by plane or by car. Plus, we’ve found the best places to eat, drink, and shop — and where to kick back and stay awhile.
These Shenandoah hotels, B&Bs, and resorts make for a perfect place to lay your head after a long day of travel.
Shenandoah & Skyline Yurts
Convert the camping-averse to the outdoorsy lifestyle when you book one of these luxurious custom wooden cabins surrounded by the natural beauty of Shenandoah National Park. Accommodations come with modern amenities, including a smart TV, PlayStation 5, Nespresso machine, EV chargers, e-bike rentals, and a large deck with an outdoor hot tub. These pet-friendly, bougie-boho marvels in Stanley and Front Royal sleep four to eight people. Plan in advance because they’re likely to book up fast. Yurts from $349, skylineyurt.com and yurtofun.com
The Blackburn Inn and Conference Center
The cultural scene, historic architecture, and friendly atmosphere of Staunton is worth a weekend visit. Where else can you find a replica of Shakespeare’s indoor theater, guided fly fishing, and a museum with 6,000 different cameras? Add to this originality with a stay at The Blackburn Inn, a former mental health hospital turned prison turned boutique hotel. Convenient to downtown, it has 49 elegantly appointed rooms, a spa with extensive treatment options, an onsite bistro, and plenty of ghosts. (Just kidding. Most guests report a relaxing stay.) Rooms from $168, blackburn-inn.com
Graves Mountain Farm & Lodges
Looking to totally unplug? Give yourself a digital detox at this rustic farm resort that’s unplugged on purpose, with limited cell reception and restricted Wi-Fi streaming. Connect IRL at family-style community dinners and sing-alongs around the bonfire with s’mores. Next to Shenandoah National Park in Syria, Graves has 55 lodge rooms and 15 cabins. Guests can take long hikes, mountain bike, horseback ride, rock climb, and fly fish, or take a tour of nearby wineries. But whatever you do — don’t check your email. Rooms from $170, gravesmountain.com
The Georges
This recently expanded 33-room boutique hotel is ideal for a romantic couple’s getaway. It’s situated within four 18th- and 19th-century brick buildings on Main Street in charming Lexington, within walking distance of the small city’s shops, restaurants, art galleries, and historic attractions. There are two onsite restaurants, including one with lively piano bar entertainment and locally sourced Southern dishes. Plush touches like bathrobes and heated floors will have you yearning to extend your stay. Rooms from $200, thegeorges.com
Marriott Ranch
This 12-room B&B run by the hotel pros at Marriott has all the charm of a true country estate. That’s because it is one that J.W. Marriott purchased in 1951 to serve as a weekend retreat when he was living in DC. Wake up to a full country breakfast before a day of guided horseback riding on the expansive grounds (spanning 4,200 acres and host to a working cattle farm), wine tasting at the dozen nearby Fauquier County wineries, and antique shopping. A true hotelier’s touch: complimentary cheese trays every evening. Rooms from $169, marriottranch.com
Wintergreen Resort
Thrill-seeking families will appreciate the endless activities at this popular hotel in Nelson County: think skiing, pickleball (new this year), snowboarding, snow tubing, golf (three courses!), swimming, tennis, and horseback riding. If you’d rather spend vacation relaxing, the spa and Blue Ridge Mountain views are rejuvenating, as are the onsite babysitting services. Charlottesville is a half-hour drive away, but with its six restaurants, 6,700 acres, and cozy rooms with fireplaces, there’s no reason to leave the property. Rooms from $195, wintergreenresort.com
Feature image of Skyline Yurt courtesy Skyline Yurt
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This story originally ran in our September issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to Northern Virginia Magazine.
