There is nothing quite like a weekend getaway to refresh and recharge from pandemic stress. A short drive to Orange, Virginia whisks you away to picturesque rolling hills and an adorable small town. A weekend away at The Holladay House includes made-from-scratch breakfasts, comfy suites with whirlpool tubs and plenty of room to relax. Why not make the Holladay House your go-to weekend getaway?
A new added perk: stay with us and receive our free Digital Guidebook of the area! It’s a virtual download of all the area knowledge floating in our heads. It’s a great resource for planning everything you want to do while you’re in the area.
Before you stay and get the guide, here is a curated “guests’ favorites” list to wet your whistle for staying a spell.
Wineries
- Barboursville Vineyards: Barboursville Vineyards is a short drive from Orange and provides the ultimate winery experience. This spot has beautiful views, unique architecture, and offers a separate and exclusive tasting experience in the Library. If you are partial to red wines, the world-renowned Octagon is consistently voted the best in its class year after year. If a sweeter dessert wine is to your liking, their Phileo is an incredible balance of flavor, sweetness and acidity.
- Chateau MerrillAnne: Those looking for a more intimate experience should visit Chateau MerrillAnne. They incorporate a working farm into the environment and their tasting room is a charming restored barn original to the property. One of our guest favorites is a delightful red called Founded 1734.
- Honah Lee Vineyard: Honah Lee loves a fun twist, and their habanero infused Meade is a personal favorite. Their wine is top-notch, and one of their many homemade jams or jellies always must make the trip home with you.
- Well Hung Vineyard: Their tasting room in Gordonsville is only a ten-minute drive from The Holladay House. It offers a great menu to complement their wines and would be perfect to visit with a group of friends.
Breweries
- Iron Pipe Alewerks: Walkable from the inn, their experience in brewing is poured into the production of some serious suds. They mix their beer into the crust of their scratch-made wood-fired pizzas. And their wings will make you take flight.
- The Light Well (Willow Spring Brewery): The first brewery in Orange County, located just two blocks from the Holladay House. They brew four of their own beers, with a wide variety of additional bottled and tap craft beers. Lunch, dinner, and brunch are all served, complete with local Virginia wines, creative bar drinks, and Orange Roasters Coffee.
- Unionville Brewing Co.: Just 15 minutes away from the Holladay House. Unionville Brewing Co. specializes in high-quality, traditional German and Belgium beers and served in a Biergarten. They also offer spiked seasonal teas, lemonades, and specialty beer cocktails from locally sourced products. Hand-crafted pizza and other nibbles are available for purchase.
- Far Gohn: Go here for that local, small-town feel! Located on a quaint corner, Far Gohn uses local ingredients to brew German-inspired beers. You can also be a Mug Club Member, getting your own inscribed pewter stein that they will leave hanging on the ceiling for when you return.
Restaurants
Our blog post on Guests Favorite Restaurants still stands. You can eat your way through a weekend too easily in the region!
Hiking
And now it is time to work off all that food! Depending how much time you have, the weather and your desired type of hike, here are a few to consider:
- Old Rag Mountain: If you’re up for a challenge, gear up for Old Rag Mountain. Featuring hikes with adventurous rock scrambles and 360-degree views that make you feel like you’re on top of the world.
- Montpelier Trails: Just 3 miles from the inn are 8+ trails at historic James Madison’s Montpelier. Winding through horse pastures, wildflower meadows, and forests, including the Old-Growth Landmark Forest, the trails offer spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
- White Oak Canyon: If you need a waterfall in your hike, this is the place! Definitely bring your hiking shoes/boots as this is a no-sneaker type of hike.
- Lake Anna State Park: With over 15 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderately difficult, you will find the right hike for you!
We’ve just scratched the surface of what there is to do! Ask your innkeeper for the next round of can’t-miss places to visit. You’ll be planning your next weekend getaway and becoming a local expert in no time!
