Are you eager to use your last few vacation days but aren’t sure where you want to travel? These three fall getaways are just a few hours from Northern Virginia.
The Shenandoah Valley
Amazing scenery, quaint small towns and natural attractions make the Shenandoah Valley the perfect place to visit for a short getaway. If you want to time to plan your trip to coincide with peak fall colors, visit from mid-October through early November.
Shenandoah National Park is the place to go for hiking, biking, fishing, bird watching and other fall outdoor activities. The park offers more than 500 miles of hiking trails that pass by scenic outlooks, waterfalls and old homesteads. Other areas of interest in the Shenandoah Valley include the Shenandoah Caverns, Luray Caverns, Frontier Culture Museum, Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library, Museum of the Shenandoah Valley and the Natural Bridge State Park.
Winchester, home of Fort Loudon, is a good place to stay during your trip. Two fall events, the Taste of Winchester Food Festival on September 28 and the 7th Annual Oktoberfest on on October 11 and 12, draw large crowds to the area. Whether you prefer modern hotels or historic B&Bs and inns, you’ll find plenty of accommodation choices in Winchester.
Richmond
Like many cities, Richmond constantly reinvents itself. In the past decade, its vibrant art scene, eclectic selection of restaurants and fondness for craft beers has made it increasingly popular with visitors. If you love history, you’ll find plenty to do in Richmond. The American Civil War Museum, Hollywood Cemetery and tours of the state capitol offers a little insight into the people, past and present, who’ve made an impact in the area.
October is the best time for a Richmond getaway if you love festivals. From October 11 through the 13, the historic riverfront area will host The Richmond Folk Festival, which celebrates diverse cultures through music. Do you love macaroni and cheese? The Mac and Cheese Festival, held on October 12, features over 30 kinds of mac and cheese, craft beers, wine, ciders and live music.
The Jefferson is the place to stay if you enjoy a little pampering during your vacation. The hotel’s guest rooms offer marbled baths with soaking tubs, luxurious bedding and spacious dressing areas and are designed to look like upscale downtown apartments. Four hotel restaurants feature Southern-influenced cuisine using locally sourced, sustainable ingredients.
Charlottesville
Home of Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s estate, Charlottesville is an excellent destination if you’re a history buff or just want to enjoy a little down time in a scenic location. Downtown Charlottesville offers art galleries, antique shops, boutiques, museums, restaurants, historic tours and several interesting festivals. The Virginia Film Festival (October 23 – 27) is held at various venues in Charlottesville and showcases films and documentaries from across the world.
If you’re itching to spend time outdoors, hike the Appalachian Trail or enjoy the fall foliage at the Ragged Mountain Natural Area. Ragged Mountain is also a great place to bird watch. In fact, you might spot migrant blackpolls, bay-breasted warblers or hermit thrush during your visit.
Finding a place to stay in Charlottesville is fairly easy. The area offers a large selection of hotels, quaint inns and bed and breakfasts.
Wouldn’t it be nice if your home was just as luxurious as the inns and hotels you visit during your getaways? We can help you create the perfect master bedroom suite or gourmet kitchen or even remodel your entire home. Contact us for information about our design/build process.
