Lifestyle Delightful Destinations in Virginia 2/16/2024 | By Annie Tobey From the mountains to the shore, Virginia offers an abundance of attractive, enjoyable, and comfortable getaways. Take an overnight or extended trip to these five delightful destinations in Virginia, all with top-notch lodging options. Relax and kick back, or step out and play! Relax in the River Country Stay: Hope & Glory Inn and Vineyard Old-school charm combines with modern amenities in this renovated 1890 schoolhouse. Hand-selected furnishings make every room unique, in the inn and the cottages. Guests enjoy onsite complimentary breakfast delivered to the room and culinary artistry from Chef Meseret in the onsite restaurant. 65 Tavern Road, IrvingtonHopeAndGlory.com Play Virginia’s River Country offers scenic rural landscapes, peaceful waterways flowing to the Chesapeake Bay, and small towns with quaint shops and restaurants. Sip wine and slurp oysters (or savor charcuterie, beer, and oyster shooters) at the Inn’s Dog & Oyster Micro-Vineyard (open seasonally). Sample the region’s history at the Steamboat Era Museum (open seasonally). Get out on the water with boat cruises, sailing, paddle boarding, or fishing, with your own gear or through rental and charter options. More destinations in Virginia: The Virginia Peninsula Wine Trail Have a Capital Time in Richmond Stay: Linden Row Inn Seven historic mid-19th-century row houses make up this boutique hotel. Young Edgar Allan Poe played in the garden here – perhaps his enduring “enchanted garden.” Guest rooms are furnished with antiques of the era and open to the garden courtyard. The onsite restaurant, Parterre, highlights traditional Southern fare. 100 E. Franklin St., RichmondLindenRowInn.com Play Virginia’s capital city is packed with U.S. history – from Indigenous people and European settlers to Civil War battles and beyond – but Richmond’s contemporary recognition highlights its food and drink, culture, shopping, and outdoor recreation. The opulent Spanish baroque-style Jefferson Hotel opened on Oct. 31, 1895. Grand public areas feature Tiffany windows amidst elegant décor and once hosted live alligators. The Virginia State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson, has been in service since 1788. A tour captures history, architecture, and art, including noteworthy statues and memorials. The 600-acre James River Park System provides wilderness within the heart of the city. More than 40 miles of trails wind through reclaimed and old growth forests. Center Yourself in Charlottesville Stay: The Clifton The Clifton manor house (feature photo, top) was built in 1799 for Thomas Jefferson’s daughter, Martha, and her husband. The estate has been redesigned in chic contemporary style to host overnight guests, who can kick back in the manor house, farmhouse, cottages, or livery stable (including select dog friendly rooms) and stroll the estate trails. 1799 Restaurant and Copper Bar serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner on site. 1296 Clifton Inn Drive, CharlottesvilleThe-Clifton.com Play Blue Ridge scenery and recreation, history, wineries, breweries, dining, entertainment, and more – the Charlottesville region is packed with options. The graveled Saunders-Monticello Trail stretches from Kemper Park to Monticello, through native hardwood forests, with unpaved spur trails, boardwalks, and a scenic overlook. Charlottesville’s pedestrian-friendly Downtown Mall offers creative shops, eclectic dining, entertainment venues, and art galleries. Monticello, home of founding father Thomas Jefferson, tells the story of the man and his era, his prowess as statesman, architect, and philosopher, and the lives of the enslaved people who lived and worked there, including the Hemings family. More to enjoy in Charlottesville, among the top destinations in Virginia Mix Nostalgia with Modern Comfort in Lynchburg Stay: Craddock Terry Hotel The historic 1901 Craddock Terry Shoe factory and an adjoining tobacco warehouse were converted into a boutique hotel. Renovations highlight original architectural details like brick walls and hefty beams, accented by luxurious amenities and fun shoe-themed accents, plus dog-friendly rooms. The hotel offers two distinct restaurants for casual and fine dining. 1312 Commerce St., LynchburgCraddockTerryHotel.com Play Historic warehouse buildings whisper of the city’s 19th- and 20th-century industries, and today’s tenants give off a modern vibe. The revitalized downtown features walkable riverside blocks, multiple historic districts, culture, and a growing food scene. Wander the James River Heritage Trail, reclaimed railroad plus small spur trails. Satisfy your sweet tooth at MayLynn’s Creamery, unforgettable ice cream served in a variety of ways. Take in a variety of local and traveling acts or attend a creative class at Academy Center of the Arts. Soak in Mountain Beauty in Abingdon Stay: The Martha Washington Inn & Spa This regal 1832 building served as a finishing school for young ladies and a Civil War hospital. Besides classically decorated guest rooms, the hotel offers a spa, a year-round heated therapeutic salt-water pool, heated multi-level Jacuzzi, and other luxuries. Sisters restaurant serves up dinner and breakfast. 150 West Main St., AbingdonTheMartha.com Play Historic downtown Abingdon is full of warm spirit. Tree-lined streets host charming shops and memorable restaurants, many in historic buildings. The surrounding mountains provide inspirational scenery and abundant recreational opportunities. The historic State Theater of Virginia, Barter Theatre, presents many shows year-round from a professional troupe. The rails-to-trail Creeper Trail ends in Abingdon, so you can easily cycle or stroll it to your heart’s content. Nearby outdoor treasures include Grayson Highlands State Park with its wild ponies, the Appalachian Trail, and Mount Rogers, the highest natural point in Virginia. Destinations in Virginia near Abingdon: Explore Wytheville Accessibility Old buildings often lack handicap accessibility due to limitations of historic renovations and designations. Call ahead to ensure accommodations meet your needs. The Hope and Glory Inn: One cottage features one-floor living, though space is tight. Linden Row Inn: The inn offers three accessible rooms. The Clifton: One room is handicap accessible, with a designated parking spot. The Martha: Most rooms do not require stairs, though many do, so inquire ahead. The Craddock Terry Hotel: The property is a shoe-in for top attention to accessibility throughout public spaces and rooms: wide doors, fire alarms for audio and visual impairments, roll-in showers, lower viewports, braille signs, and more. Destinations in Virginia and beyond: Living History Museums for Stimulating Travel Read More Annie Tobey