Bed and Breakfast Virginia

History

Virginia might possibly be THE most historic state in the United States. Originally the wealthiest colony of the British Empire, the planters & farmers that dominated the state began to form democratic & republican ideas and were one of the founding 13 states of America.Fun Fact: Virginia is the birthplace of more U.S. Presidents than any other state (8).As one of the oldest states in the country, it’s home to some of the oldest schools in the country, like College of William & Mary, signed into charter by King William III way back in 1693!As soon as you drive through Virginia you’ll get a sense of the rich history that permeates the land. Virginia was home to the capital of the confederacy, Richmond VA, today a thriving little city full of history and culture.It doesn't matter which part of Virginia you’re visiting. You’ll bump into history here, there, and everywhere and sometimes in the most unlikely places.If you love to mix some culture and nostalgia into your travels, than you picked the right state with Virginia.

Activities

We promise you’ll never run out of things to do when you visit Virginia. Here are a few of the top sights and also some lesser traveled destinations that are every bit as beautiful.Charlottesville is home to the University of Virginia, one of the nation’s top universities and an absolutely stunning little town. Check out UVA’s “Grounds” (campus if you’re at any other school), and see the school that Thomas Jefferson founded. Jefferson’s Academical Village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must see for its natural beauty, and unique architecture. Charlottesville also has a massive number of great restaurants and farm to table dining to feast on!The Blue Ridge Mountains have to be on your list of things to do. They really are that amazing. Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway, “America’s favorite drive”. Stretching through the beautiful mountains, you might consider renting a fast car and enjoying some of the most scenic views in the country. Shenandoah National Park is also on the Parkway, and is a great spot to take your family or spouse if you’re craving some nature.We’ve already mentioned Virginia Beach but if you’re looking for a different flavor than what the rest of Virginia has to offer, check out VB. You have everything from your typical boardwalk entertainment to fine dining, and you’ll be able to find fresh caught seafood everywhere. Try the oysters, you won’t regret it.Headed to Richmond? The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is the top rated site in the city, featuring contemporary artists and permanent fixtures make this an art lover’s dream. If you’ve got kids than head to the Children’s Museum of Richmond.Lexington VA is nice if you’re looking for a quieter place to spend some quality time. There’s beautiful antique architecture and some great shopping & dining (Virginia is just chock full).If you came to Virginia to escape the hustle and bustle & get some quality quiet time, consider looking into the Shenandoah Valley. There are numerous inns and country farms dotting the Valley, and plenty of places to hike, ride horses, and fish.

Natural Features

The landscape of Virginia is stunning and one of the main reasons so many tourists love visiting year after year.Virginia is blessed with sweeping mountain ranges, spectacular views, and lovely trees & forests to hike and explore.Shenandoah National Park is one of the best places to see what Virginia is really about. You can rock climb or hike, in addition to walking through and soaking in the majesty of one of America’s premier national parks. With over 200,000 acres of land, you’ll never be bored in this beauty.Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in Southwest Virginia is a lot less crowded than Shenandoah, and you’ll have tons of space to stretch out and breathe. There are miles of biking trails, hiking paths, and places to horseback ride.Virginia even has islands! Assateague Island is a must see and features the wild ponies that roam the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. The island is one of the best bird watching spots in America, and is also very close to the Atlantic Ocean. You know what that means….more seafood.If you want to kayak or paddle down some rivers, Virginia has plenty of those too. The South Fork of the Shenandoah River in Front Royal, Luray is a great place to get your kicks. You can even float down the river on an inner tube if that’s your jam!

Things to do

Virginia is rich in history and you’d be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t see George Washington’s Mount Vernon on your vacation. George & Martha’s family home in Mount Vernon, VA is bursting with history of our country’s founding, and specific info about the 1st President of the United States.Chesapeake Bay near Virginia Beach is a wonderful spot to explore nature and check out one of the country’s largest estuaries. There’s obviously mouth watering seafood joints around the Bay, so visit one after you spend the day exploring!The Civil War Trails are phenomenal and the best way to learn about the history of America, and the trials & tribulations that resulted in the Civil War.Renting a car? Skyline Drive is the number one activity you’ll want to do. You’ll cruise over the ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains and drive the entire length of the Shenandoah National Park.Roanoke & Williamsburg are also good places to go to get your history fix.

Weather

Virginia’s weather varies wildly, with snowy winters and really humid, hot summers. You’ll definitely want to dress lightly and pack a swimsuit if you’re visiting in the summer, and bundle up in the Winter. That goes without saying!Also, Virginia can get frequent rain storms and thunderstorms, usually between April and September.Fall is absolutely gorgeous and showcases Virginia’s rugged natural beauty with changing leaves, crisp fall air, and cool but not freezing cold temperatures.No matter what month you’re planning on visiting, make sure to check the forecast as Virginia’s weather can be unpredictable.Pack warm clothes for Fall & Winter if you’re thinking about any outdoor activities. It’s always better to be prepared & bundled up, than not have enough protection and be regretting it later!

Food and Drink

Virginia has a variety of phenomenal restaurants & awesome breweries/wineries for you to check out. Oysters are actually the oldest food in the state, when English settlers pulled up fresh oysters out of the James River in 1607. Today, you don’t have to go fishing for oysters to enjoy them. Virginia Beach is one of the meccas of delicious oysters so look forward to having tons when you’re here.The Southern Cuisine is also a stand-out star in Old Dominion. Check out Southern Kitchen in Richmond, VA if you’re got a hankering for Country Fried Chicken, succulent shrimp, Chicken N’ Waffles, or a little bit of fresh catfish.Food for Thought in Williamsburg is known for its all American eats. Juicy pot roasts and ribs are fan favorites at this joint.It’s hard to suggest a great place to eat when Virginia is packed to the gills with incredible restaurants. Explore for yourself and you’re destined to find a gem.

Bed and Breakfast Virginia FAQ

Why Stay at a Bed and Breakfast Inn in Virginia?

Virginia is definitely a state where it pays to stay at a bed & breakfast. Taking advantage of the sweeping landscape, gorgeous mountains & valleys, and being connected to Virginia’s incredible past is best experienced at a b&b.The state is rich with history and there’s a great chance your bed and breakfast will be a historic home or styled as a country inn. What’s cozier than that?If you’re on a romantic getaway, you’ll score major points by taking that special someone to Virginia. Wine country has the potential to turn anyone into a true Virginia fanatic. If you’re into the great outdoors, there are enough outdoor activities to keep you busy for a lifetime. Hiking is always awesome if you’re staying in the mountains, or visit Virginia Beach and play in the water.Guest rooms are always lovely with silky soft sheets, private bathrooms, and a boutique feel. Virginia is renowned for some of the most luxurious bed & breakfast locations in the country, so rest easy when you book one.Most inns offer massages to really get the relaxation going. Lie down on a comfy beach spa bed and get all the knots worked out by an experienced masseuse to really kick off your vacation.Friendly innkeepers are extremely knowledgeable about the history of Virginia, and what activities or sites they recommend might turn out to be something that isn’t mainstream knowledge.

What type of amenities can I expect when booking a B&B in Virginia?

In one sentence, expect your b&b to be loaded with amenities in Virginia. At the very minimum, all b&b’s in Virginia provide a gourmet breakfast (usually with local ingredients), private baths, and free wifi. Parking is a non-issue, and innkeepers are extremely friendly and are always available to lend a helping hand with whatever you need. They often know the area really well, and can give you some insider tips that many vacationers miss out on if they don’t stay at a bed & breakfast.Virginia is covered with incredible mountain ranges and mountain views, and many of the bed & breakfast spots in the more rural parts of Virginia will provide you with the best mountain views in the state... Having coffee in a gazebo while waking up to the sunrise doesn’t sound too bad either, does it?Some of the options are also pet friendly & there’s no better place to bring your furry friend than Virginia. Imagine running over sweeping hills and breathing in the crisp Virginia air with your dog. There’s nothing like it!

How can I get around Virginia?

Unless you’re staying in a walkable town like Charlotesville, Richmond, or areas near D.C. that have access to solid public transportation, it’s definitely worth renting a car to get around Virginia. The Blue Ridge Parkway alone is worth driving.The Blue Ridge Parkway runs 469 miles through both North Carolina & Virginia, and is one of the most scenic roads in America. Fun breweries & eateries line the BRP so you won’t go hungry as you gaze at gorgeous mountains.oMore urban areas like Richmond definitely have enough to see & do within walking distance of most bed and breakfast locations.

What Are the Different Types of B&Bs in Virginia?

There are more types of b&b options in Virginia than there are stars in the solar system. Seriously, you can’t go wrong, no matter what type of bed and breakfast ambiance you prefer.One of the best bed and breakfast in Virginia is called the Fife and Drum Innin Williamsburg, VA. Steps away from Williamsburg’s historic colonial area & the College of William and Mary, the Fife and Drum is a charming little inn that’s extremely cozy. They serve up hot complimentary breakfast, have blazing fast wifi, and are nearby all the action in Williamsburg.Hankering for a little beach action? One of the fantastic bed and breakfastVirginia Beach options is the Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast. Smack dab on the waterfront of VB, you can rent jet skis, go parasailing, or walk the boardwalk & soak in the nightlife and fine dining on offer.Looking for a pet friendlybed and breakfastVirginia? Visit the Harmony Hill Bed & Breakfast. Outdoor fire pits, a full country breakfast, and driving distance to the Blue Ridge Parkway all make this inn a winner.The bed and breakfastVirginia mountains that you’ll want to consider is Afton Mountain Bed & Breakfast. Sitting in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll be near craft wine and beer country as well as Charlottesville, all while enjoying top class hospitality.