If you’re looking for a peaceful, restorative, and adventurous getaway, look no further than the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia!

Since Virginia is for Lovers (and John and I are ferociously saving up money for our downpayment — more on that later!) we decided to spend our 10 Year Anniversary and my 35th birthday (hooray!) trekking a few hours north — my favorite route out of the triangle — to enjoy the beautiful Blue Ridges.

If you’ve followed for a while, you know John and I often opt for somewhat understated but still luxurious getaways that are close to home. Although we’ve traveled all over the world in our 10 years of marriage, we love a great road trip with just-right music, driving with the windows down and tunes WAY up. Road trips provide ample space for reflection and deep conversation, and that healing therapy of beautiful sights passing by to the sounds of a solid soundtrack.

When planning a getaway, we love to mix slow days with adventurous days. Vacation is all about rest and fun! And rest, to me, sometimes looks like sleep, reading and long delicious meals, as well as recreation like hiking, water fun, and the occasional theme park! It’s all the kind of rest that fills up my bucket.

Over our 4-night, 5-day vacation, we started with one night in Durham, NC (our favorite staycation spot and where we spent our original honeymoon night) and three nights in Lexington, VA (just outside of Charlottesville.)This was our first long stay away from the kiddos since we’ve, well, had any kiddos! (Can you believe that was over two years ago? Griffin was an OG pandemic baby, born April of 2020!) So even though I had leaving-the-babies hesitation, I also knew I was WAY overdue for a good rest alone with John.

Why the Shenandoah Valley?

Like I said before, the blue ridges of southern VA are some of the most romantic, tucked-away, and peaceful places on earth. You have the convenience of cool towns close by like Charlottesville and Lynchburg, while also getting that secluded feeling of being in lush green rolling hills of the countryside. AND you’re surrounded by amazing natural beauty that provides perfect outdoor fun near rivers and waterfalls, if you’re into that sort of thing!

A bonus for us is that it’s close to home without being a place we’d go to otherwise, so we can hop in the car, take a road less traveled, and make our own unique memories.

Additionally, we enjoy learning some history along the way — if you’re into American history, this area of VA is full of old war stories, memorials to interesting characters, and just enough sites that make you stop and think about where we’ve been, where we’ve landed, and where we’re going as a nation. It’s good.

STAY

Arrowhead Inn - Durham, NC

Our first night was spent in our neighboring town of Durham at the beautiful Arrowhead Inn Bed & Breakfast. I highly, highly recommend this stay if you are in the triangle area. It was even better than I remembered from 10 years ago! This is where J and I spent our honeymoon night before heading to Mexico. I’m so glad we were able to return, and it was very sweet to walk the beautiful grounds and talk about the last 10 years together.

This historic home has a very Southern-traditional, high-end feel to it that at once makes you feel so special and so comfortable, a difficult balance to strike!

Favorite parts of the Arrowhead are how luxurious the beds are, how clean/well-designed/well-appointed every detail is, and the huge jacuzzi bath! Also, the breakfasts are exactly what you’d hope for — filling, dignified, and you can even eat outside on the patio under the giant magnolia tree if the weather is good!

If you’re based in the triangle area, Arrowhead is the perfect staycation destination!

Brierley Hill Bed & Breakfast - Lexington, VA

This was John’s find and it is so beautiful. The Brierley is set on a hilltop just outside of Lexington’s cute historic downtown. It’s a bit tucked away, so you won’t hear any city noises or get any light pollution. The best part here is the view! From just about any room in the Brierley, you’ll see a sweeping view of the rolling hills of the Shenandoah Valley. And during breakfasts, you’ll get to sit outside on the wraparound porch if the weather permits (which it did every morning we were there!) to enjoy your meal while taking in the stunning scenery.

Our particular room had its own outdoor porch sitting area and swing that is out of sight of the other guests, which was very lovely. I spent my mornings out there in my robe, sipping coffee, reading and writing. It did my heart so much good to go at my own pace and have some quiet while waking up (with 2 kids 2 & under, this is near impossible to come by in my normal life, LOL!)

Best parts of the Brierley to me, besides the view, was the afternoon charcuterie (we paid separately for this, but the owners are German and they prepped a classic Brotzeit with lots of meat, freshly baked bread, cheese, and fruit, with German beer — had to be done!) the general quietness, the robes, the cutie little Lexington downtown, and the proximity to lots of natural beauty (like Natural Bridge!)

PLAY

Indio Durham - It wouldn’t be a complete trip to Durham without a stop by my favorite locally owned shop, Indio. While you’re there, stop by the quirky book shop next door. Nestled in the walkable shopping district of Brightleaf, Indio has the best taste in thoughtful, sustainable, unique home and gift items. Thanks to some birthday money from my dear family, I snagged another of my all-time favorite candle, Sunday Morning by Brooklyn Candle (perfect if you love a barely-there fresh linens scent), along with these casual-yet-special crawler earrings (I had been looking for an everyday pair that was a little more than a stud) and a new wooden dish brush to celebrate our new home : ) (more on that soon!)

Historic Carriage Tour - This was such a little delight of our trip. We got a package through the Brierley that included a historic carriage tour through downtown Lexington, and it was the perfect easy morning activity that didn’t require much effort. We shared the tour with two other elderly couples and our guide was so fun. Lexington is most well known for the Civil-War era involvement and, being well below the Mason-Dixon, includes many Confederate character stories like Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee.

Stonewall Jackson House - As someone particularly interested in 19th century American and European life, specifically homemaking and homesteading, I really loved this tour. They did a beautiful job honoring the stories of the enslaved people of the family and explaining the dynamic of the roles of everyone in the home.

Natural Bridge State Park - This stop (just 20 minutes outside of Lexington) was a highlight for me! I had no idea a place like Natural Bridge existed so close to home! It is just what it says — a naturally formed bridge in the rock of the Shenandoah hills, breathtakingly tall and ancient, with recorded mentions in Native American history as being a meeting place of God, and even George Washington’s carved initials (along with many other carvings from the 19th century, so cool!) It is VERY accessible for walking and not far from the parking lot — fine for those with walking challenges, canes, or outside-y strollers.

Cascade Falls - This was a little drive from Lexington, but well worth the time! Almost 2 hours west in Salem, VA, Cascade Falls is a 2-mile in and out hike along the river to a stunning waterfall. John, being obsessed with swimming holes, of course prepared for us to swim and it was COLD but so fun and refreshing for our hearts.

Virginia Military Institute - This was by far the nerdiest of our stops but still cool to learn about the history of the school and idea behind being a military-trained citizen. I particularly loved the firearm museum (had THE COOLEST and most complete collection of antique guns on display!) and the chapel.

EAT

Namu - If you’re in Durham, ever, EAT HERE. Namu is the tastiest Korean BBQ in such a cool, quirky location. You’ll have to drive there, but once you’re there, you can pick a table from one of the many indoor and outdoor nooks that provide a stay-here-as-long-as-you-want feel. They have a huge variety of craft beers on tap and a full coffee bar. We highly recommend the Bo’s Special with spicy beef and picking a spot outside under the bamboo trees!

The Southern Inn Restaurant - This was one of the best meals I’ve had in my life. I don’t say that lightly, and I don’t know if that was because I wasn’t expecting it, or I was super hungry, or just so happy to be eating a full meal made for me without having to feed anyone else! I think, honestly, it’s because it was just that good. I got the scallops over house-made pasta and I would drive to VA again just for that dish. Perfect for a fancier night out!

Breakfasts at the B&B’s - I know, John and I are approx 60 years old based on our love for B&Bs over the more popular choice of Airbnbs, but, while we do love a hip live-like-a-local experience (especially with kids in tow because… kitchens and separate rooms, am I right?) we really love the extra care B&Bs provide. And having a sit-down, beautiful, scratch-made breakfast that I can just walk to every morning? Totally worth it! My favorites were the patio breakfasts at Arrowhead under the Magnolia tree!