Charming small towns, luxurious accommodations, and world-famous dining are just a few of many accolades Virginia’s Rappahannock County has to offer its visitors. Located only 1.5 hours from Washington DC, this weekend getaway destination is the perfect mountain escape for anyone looking to get some fresh air all while indulging in some of the best luxury experiences Virginia has to offer.
Where to stay:
Glen Gordon Manor
Glen Gordon Manor is a romantic and luxurious bed and breakfast situated in the foothills of the Shenandoah Valley. The stunning 40-acre estate is set against the magnificent back drop of the Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views from every angle. The manor exudes a decadent and elegant ambiance from the moment you step inside, a fireplace lights the entrance hall where guests are greeted with champagne upon arrival.
Down the hall, the Hunt Room pays homage to the manor’s historic roots dating back to the 1860s when it once served as a Wells Fargo stagecoach stop. Warm oak-paneled walls frame a massive crackling fireplace and overstuffed armchairs. On each end of the room floor to ceiling windows give way to panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains on the horizon.
Guest suites range in size and price range, but are equally lavish in their ornate furnishings and detailed touches. During our visit we stayed in the Wallis Suite which is impressively spacious with a unique old-world luxury feel to it. In-suite features include a queen bed dressed in soft linens, a claw foot tub and even a rain shower.
Outside, the Manor features 45 stunning acres of meadows and gardens for guests to explore and a beautiful seasonal swimming pool for guests to enjoy. Scattered throughout the property, there are plenty of private cozy spaces to escape to and enjoy the breathtaking surroundings with a good book or snuggled up by a firepit. Other on-site amenities include a fitness room and a spa where guests can book massage services during their stay. Click here to check out our video feature on Glen Gordon Manor!
The final and perhaps most important element to any stay at Glen Gordon is most certainly the dining. Guests are spoiled each morning with a scrumptious gourmet breakfast to start off the day, but for the full culiary experience we highly recommend booking dinner at the Houndstooth Restaurant located within the Manor. Guests are seated in quiet and private candle-lit corners of the manor to enjoy a romantic and carefully curated meal prepared by Executive Chef Dayn Smith. The farm to table five-course meal will take you on a culinary adventure and make your taste buds dance with delight.
During our stay, the prix fixe menu began with a tri-colored cauliflower salad drizzled with mint oil, fennel dressing, and crispy capers and followed by a carrot ginger soup carefully topped with a crème fraiche espuma and toasted coconut. My favorite dish of the meal was the third course – the Tuna Tartar – which was nestled on top of crispy yuca and flavored with avocado mouse and cilantro aioli. For the main course, Chef Dayn expertly prepared a slow roasted saddle of lamb with pommery mustard sauce and heirloom carrots. Just when we thought we possibly couldn’t eat any more…Dessert was served and quickly we realized we had just a little more room for the Chocolate Caramel Dome served with a blueberry vanilla sorbet. Bon Appetit.
The dining experience is also open to non-guests at the Inn and reservations can be booked at The Houndstooth Restaurant. Reservations must be made by both guests and non-guests to indulge in this fine culinary experience.
What to do & See
Day 1: Sperryville, Virginia
Located just a short drive from Glen Gordon Manor is the overwhelmingly charming and scenic small town of Sperryville, Virginia. With only two main streets, this perfectly packaged village is easy to explore on foot and is teeming with buzzy artisan shops, antique markets, and local eateries. Just behind Main Street the scenic Sperryville River Walk runs alongside the Thorton River, eventually crossing it with an enchanting small bridge connecting both sides of town. There is certainly no shortage of things to do and see while exploring Sperryville, here are a few of our favorites.
- For a local cup of joe stop in at Before and After Café
- Play vintage arcade games at Head Masters Pub
- Shop at locally owned boutique and artisan shops Happ like Wild Roots Apothecary, Happy Camper Equipment & The Sperryville Corner Store
- Explore local art galleries like the Cottage Curator and Thorton River Art
- Take a stroll along the Sperryville River Walk and take in beautiful views of the Thorton River
- Grab a drink- or a few perhaps? Visit Copper Fox Distillery for a whisky tasting flight, Bar Francis for craft cocktails, and Hopkins Ordinary for a fantastic craft beer selection.
- For dinner try out Sperryville’s brand new fine dining restaurant Three Black Smiths or opt for delicious wood fired pizza at Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen
Day 2: Washington, Virginia
Another day, another small town to fall in love with. Located 10 miles from Glen Gordon is an iconic foodie destination known for a dining experience that is among the best in the world. The small town of Washington, while famous for its food, is also supernaturally idyllic as if you’ve suddenly been transported to the European countryside. Colonial style storefronts brimming with boutique shops and art galleries line the streets, the iconic Inn at Little Washington nestled proudly in the center of town. Here are a few recommendations for what to do and see while exploring:
- If you’re looking for a truly bucket list worthy experience splurging a 3-star Michelin rated dinner at the Inn at Little Washington is an absolute must! We haven’t experienced this yet – but its certainly a dream of ours!
- Experience Washington’s legendary foodie culture without breaking the bank by opting for a meal at their brand-new sister restaurant Patty O’s– a colorful sidewalk café with a cozy dining room and bar. We had lunch here during our visit and LOVED it!
- Explore the meadows and gardens at the Inn at Little Washington – they are open to the public and absolutley spectacular
- Explore Washington’s unique collection of luxury boutique shops and art galleries – a few of our favorites in town include r.h ballard, Wine Loves Chocolate, and Antiques at Middle Street
Day 3: Skyline Drive
No trip to the Shenandoah region is complete without a ride down Skyline Drive! Whether you plan to visit for the incredible hiking trails or simply to splendor in the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge, you are sure to have a memorable day. Glen Gordon Manor is just 15 minutes from the Front Royal Entrance Station so getting there couldn’t easier, for more information on the park visit the official Skyline Drive park website here!
A big thank you to Visit Virginia for generously hosting us during our visit. All recommendations and reviews remain genuine, these opinions are my own. For more Virginia travel inspiration visit the Visit Virginia Official Website, there are endless adventures to be had, Start planning yours today!
