Since moving back to New York I’m always looking for quick weekend getaways and Virginia is the perfect place to visit during the fall season. I was invited by Visit Virginia during October, the weather was perfect but I suggest visiting late October for the peak season of fall foliage. Autumn starts the harvest period in Virginia meaning that your palate will be filled with an abundance of amazing flavors! Virginia was truly so beautiful and I loved visiting and learning about the history of Virginia’s Wine Country: Orange and Charlottesville. In just under an hour flight, Virginia makes the perfect weekend getaway! I flew from La Guardia Airport in New York to Dulles International Airport with United Airlines. If you’re looking for the perfect weekend getaway, here’s my guide on the best things to do in Virginia!

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP

• Fall foliage peak varies from October to early November. I visited the second week of October and leaves were only starting to change color
• Check weather. Weather was still a little warm during my visit
• I recommend renting a car to drive to different wineries
• Bring bug repellent

WHERE TO STAY

The Inn at Willow Grove is located in Orange, an oasis of luxury lodgings and beautiful scenery. The Willow Grove Plantation was a working plantation for many years. Today The Inn and Willow Grove is a luxurious boutique hotel with rooms that are decorated with a modern and antique style that portrays “urban meets plantation”. I stayed here for two nights and loved the hotel! I recommend staying here as it’s in a perfect location to drive to the different wineries.

The Inn at Willow Grove offers a four star-rated dining experience at Vintage Restaurant that features American cuisine with a twist! I had a fantastic experience and everything was delicious, my favorite is the lamb shank! The food is made with ingredients that are freshly sourced from Central Virginia’s Farmland and the menu changes seasonally to showcase the different flavors that are in season!

The 1804 Inn and Cottages is a charming and rustic cottage that has been around since the 18th century. This beautiful property holds so much history and was once home to Governor Barbour. This is great if you’re looking for more of a unique/authentic experience.

VIRGINIA WINERIES TO VISIT

BARBOURSVILLE VINEYARDS

One of my favorite Virginia wineries is Barboursville Vineyards. We were able to spend our afternoon on a private tour and had lunch at Palladio. The private tasting and lunch is a must! I especially loved the tiramisu, they have made it fresh daily for the last 20 years. Barboursville offers a variety of wines from, red, white, sparkling and dessert wines.

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PIPPIN Hill FARM AND VINEYARDS

Pippin Hill Farm and Vineyards are among the fine wineries along Virginia’s Monticello Wine Trail. You can enjoy their boutique wines in their Pippin Hill’s Tasting room paired with a delicious lunch at Vintner’s Table that is local, fresh, and straight from their garden! I recommend the fish tacos and the cheese plate paired well with our sparkling rosé. This winery is perfect for special events and weddings.

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VERITAS WINERY

If you’re looking to visit another winery, stop by Veritas Winery to see how they grow their grapes and how they make their wine. Best known for their delicious Virginia wine, no visit is complete without a tasting! You’ll also be able to book a private tour from vineyard to bottle and enjoy the beauty of the Blue Ridge. They offer red, white and sparkling wines.

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I recommend making reservations to The Farmhouse at Veritas for dinner after spending a few hours at the winery. The special four-course, wine-paired meals featured a farm to table menu created by Chef Andy and Chef Coleman.

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OTHER THINGS TO DO IN VIRGINIA

MARKET AT GRELEN

Market at Grelen is a beautiful family-owned market set on a 600-acre tree nursery. There is so much to do here, such as apple picking, picking out your own Christmas tree and creating your own wreath during the holidays! They also hold seasonal events here for a blueberry, blackberry, apple, peaches, and pumpkin picking! They have 7 different types of apple trees and the apples were absolutely delicious. The Market at Grelen is also a great option for special events and weddings!

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LIBERTY MILLS FARM

Located in Central Virginia, just 30 minutes northeast of Charlottesville is Liberty Mills Farm! It is the largest corn maze East of the Mississippi River covering 33 acres!

Charlottesville is a super cute city with plenty of great restaurants, and wineries, and a perfect destination for families. Read my 3-day itinerary in Charlottesville.

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EXPLORE GORDONSVILLE

If you have extra time before dinner, I recommend taking a stroll through Main Street, Gordonsville. This area is super cute with many antique and locally own unique shops! Stop by a few must-see shops:

• Posh​ – ​sister owned, custom apparel boutique with vintage jewelry and unique artisan selections
• Annette Lavelle Antiques​ ​- elegantly curated European antiques and furnishings
• Laurie Holladay Shop​ ​- Lamp and accessory boutique
• Talini Home​ ​- Luxury Italian linens
• Raindrops In Virginia​ ​- Artisan couple making jewelry, ironwork, soaps, lotions, scarves, repurposed items, a must-see!
• Cavallo Gallery​ ​- luxury boutique and frame shop
• Stokes of England​ ​- custom iron artisan
• Annie Gould Gallery​ ​- Curated Artists from all over the State

DINE AT RESTAURANT ROCHAMBEAU

Restaurant Rochambeau is a romantic and formal French restaurant. They offer a seasonal menu that is created by the finest and organic ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen.

RED TRUCK BAKERY

We stopped at Red Truck Bakery located in Warrenton while driving to The Inn at Willow Grove for some delicious pastries. This cute, hip and modern bakery offers freshly baked goods that you definitely can’t pass up! 

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This post was sponsored by Visit Virginia. As always, all honest opinions are my own.