Nestled within the Virginia Foothills is the charming, historic town of Orange. The Holladay House is an Orange bed and breakfast, hosting guests inside an inviting home, built in 1830, for weddings, weekend getaways, and summer vacays. While all seasons are beautiful, there’s so much to enjoy this summer in and around The Holladay House, and these are the “must-do” activities.
4th of July
Maybe the holiday weekend snuck up on you – no worries. The Holladay House is running a special 30% off deal for the weekend so that you can enjoy all the fun activities. Of course, there will be fireworks at multiple locations including Culpeper, Graves Mountain Lodge, and at the park in Orange. Keswick Vineyards is also hosting Red, White, and Bluegrass for an extra-festive day celebrating America.
Wine Tasting and Vineyard Tours
Orange and the surrounding area are home to some of Virginia’s best wineries and vineyards. Central Virginia Wine Tours & Transportation can help you plan an unforgettable day while also shuttling you to the best spots, stress-free. But if you prefer to explore on your own, some of the can’t miss spots include: Chateau Merrillanne for farm-inspired French wine and weekend wine slushies; Hammerstone Cellars, a stop on the Montpelier Wine Trail with 12 varieties for tasting but only open on Saturday and Sundays; and Horton Vineyards for a glass of award-winning Rosé among the endless vines.
Porch-Sittin’ at The Holladay House
Porch-sittin’ is a Southern hospitality staple and at The Holladay House, there are two porches for you to relax. Start your day and plan your adventures after a delicious, farm-fresh breakfast and a cup of coffee. Or, take a break before dinner with a complimentary glass of Virginia wine or craft beer. Better yet, check in, grab a freshly made chocolate chip cookie, and start a new book while overlooking Main Street.
Historic Points of Interest
From The Holladay House, take a short ride over to the grandest residence in Orange County, the Barboursville Ruins. A visit to Ellwood Manor will give you a peek into a Civil War home located on the Wilderness Battlefield. On this site, you can also walk over to the burial site of General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson. One of the most popular historic sites to visit is James Madison’s Montpelier, which is just ten minutes away from The Holladay House.
If visiting landmarks isn’t your style, you can still take in the history of the area by visiting one of the many art galleries, the Orange Historic Commercial District, and/or attending worship service at one of Orange’s many churches.
Al Fresco Dining
Although a stay at The Holladay House includes a delicious breakfast each morning, you can soak up summer by dining outside at night. Orange has several great spots for al fresco dining ranging from casual to more upscale, depending on your mood. Barbara’s Soul Food on Wheels is perfect for lunch or a quick (but satisfying) dinner, perhaps before catching one of Orange’s summer concerts. The Market at Grelen Café is a picturesque lunch spot offering casual, farm-to-table eats within a beautiful garden shop. For a more elegant dining experience, check out Palladio Restaurant at Barboursville Vineyard. Sam and Sharon, your innkeepers at The Holladay House, are always available to provide a recommendation, too.
The Holladay House offers several packages to help make your stay perfect for you, so be sure to check those out when planning your summer getaway. There are festivals and events all summer long and ideal weather for hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. You can connect with The Holladay House on Facebook and/or Instagram to keep up with all of the summer fun.
