Heritage Tours

The Virginia Piedmont played a pivotal role in American colonial and Civil War history. Here you’ll find the home of President James Madison, numerous Civil War battlefields, a national cemetery where Union and Confederate soldiers were laid to rest, and restored historic Main Streets lined with restaurants and shops for you to explore.

From Washington D.C., Northern Virginia and points north:

DAY ONE: Take Route 66 to Route 29 south to Warrenton and visit the Warrenton Historic District with its restored Main Street, Fauquier County Courthouse, Old Jail Museum, The Mosby Museum at Brentmoor, and many other historic homes and sites. Eat dinner at Claire’s at the Depot, Iron Bridge Wine Co. or Main Street Grill and stay at the Black Horse Inn or one of the other B&Bs or hotels.

DAY TWO: Drive south on Route 29. Stop at Brandy Station, site of the largest cavalry battle of the Civil War. Visit the Graffiti House and see the messages wounded soldiers wrote on the walls. Continue south to the Town of Culpeper with its restored East Davis Street, historic Culpeper Depot that serves as the Culpeper Visitor Center and take a walking tour past historic Hill Mansion and other homes. Visit the Culpeper National Cemetery , where Union and Confederate soldiers are buried and stop by the Museum of Culpeper History. Enjoy dinner at Its About Thyme, Hazel River Inn, Lucio or Fotis and stay at Fountain Hall or one of the other area B&Bs.

DAY THREE: If you have another day, drive south on Route 15 to the Town of Orange. On the way you’ll pass Cedar Mountain Battlefield. Visit the Orange Historic District with its restored train depot, home to the Orange Office of Tourism. Visit Montpelier the home of President James Madison, “Father of the Constitution,” located on a 2,700 acre estate. Further south on Route 15 is historic Gordonsville where you can visit the Barboursville Ruins and Vineyards. Eat dinner in the Town of Orange or in Gordonsville and spend the night at one of the B&Bs or motels.  

From Fredericksburg, Richmond, Charlottesville and points south:

DAY ONE:  From Fredericksburg, take Route 3 to Route 20. Visit the Wilderness Battlefield. Continue on Route 20 to historic Gordonsville. From Richmond, take I-64 west to Route 15 North. Visit the Exchange Hotel Civil War Museum, a popular hotel in the 1860’s and a receiving site for sick and wounded soldiers during the Civil War. Visit Gordonsville’s Main Street and enjoy lunch at one of the restaurants. Stop by the Barboursville Ruins and Vineyards, where you can sample the outstanding local wines. Have a delicious dinner at the winery or at Pomme or Toliver in Gordonsville. Stay at one of the B&Bs in Gordonsville or drive to the Town of Orange and stay there.

DAY TWO: Visit Montpelier 2,700 acre estate and home of President James Madison, “Father of the Constitution,” located several miles outside the Town of Orange. Return to the Town of Orange, visit the restored historic Orange Depot, home to the Orange Office of Tourism. Enjoy the quaint shops and eat lunch at one of the restaurants. Drive north on Route 15 to the Town of Culpeper . On the way you’ll pass Cedar Mountain Battlefield. In Culpeper, stop at the Museum of Culpeper History. Drive down Main Street to restored East Davis Street with its many shops and restaurants. Visit Culpeper Depot that serves as the Culpeper Visitor Center. Take a walking tour past historic Hill Mansion and other homes. Visit the Culpeper National Cemetery where Union and Confederate soldiers are buried. North of Culpeper, stop at Brandy Station site of the largest cavalry battle of the Civil War and visit the Graffiti House and see the messages wounded soldiers wrote on the walls. Enjoy dinner at Its About Time, Hazel River Inn, Lucio or Fotis.  Stay at Fountain Hall or one of the other B&Bs.  

On your way home, visit the town of Madison on Route 29 south and the James City Battlefield and Jack’s Shop Battlefield.

Romantic Getaways

Looking to leave the cares of work and home behind and enjoy a few days of romance and relaxation? The Central Piedmont’s beautiful scenery, cozy B&Bs, wineries, antique shops, art galleries and gourmet restaurants are just the thing. No need to get on a plane; it’s a short drive away.

From Washington D.C., Northern Virginia and points north:

DAY ONE: Take Route 50 west through horse country and beautiful farms to Upperville where you can stay at the historic Blackthorne Inn once owned by George Washington. Rooms feature four-poster canopy beds, fireplaces and jacuzzis. Visit one or more of the local wineries to sample Virginia’s excellent wines. Or, from Upperville, drive south on scenic Route 712 to 710 and west on Route 647 to Flint Hill. Have lunch at the Griffin Tavern and visit one of the nearby wineries. Stay at one of the B&Bs in and around Flint Hill and the Town of Washington like the House on Water Street, Caledonia Farm (call: 540-675-3693), Fairlea Farm, Middleton Inn or other B&Bs. Enjoy a culinary feast at the region’s only five-star Inn at Little Washington or savor a great meal at the Flint Hill Public House or one of the restaurants in Sperryville.

DAY TWO: Enjoy a home-cooked country breakfast at your B&B. For an exhilarating romantic experience, try a hot air balloon ride over the Shenandoah Valley (1-800-SKYRIDE). Or, take Route 211 to Shenandoah National Park and drive along Skyline Drive with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys. Stop for a hike on one of the park’s trails. On the way back, visit the art galleries in Sperryville or in the Town of Washington. Visit another winery or relax over a glass of wine and appetizers at one of the local restaurants. OR take a horseback ride through fields and woods at the Marriott Ranch in Hume. For evening entertainment, check the schedule at the Theater at Washington. Spend another relaxing night at your B&B.

From Fredericksburg, Richmond, Charlottesville and points south:

DAY ONE: From Richmond, take I-64 west to Route 15 north to Gordonsville; from
Charlottesville, take Route 20 north to 33 east. Visit the Barboursville Ruins and Winery and taste their award-winning wines. Drive north on Route 15 to the Town of Orange . Have lunch and enjoy the shops and restored historic buildings. Drive to Montpelier located a few miles west of town and stroll around the 2,700 acre estate, home of President James Madison. You can stay at the Barboursville Winery 1804 Inn the Inn on Poplar Hill or Mayhurst Inn, an Italianate Victorian B&B on the national historic register that offers “Romantic Packages.” OR stay at the lovely Inn at Meander Plantation in Locust Dale a few miles north of Orange on Route 15 with views of the Blue Ridge Mountains from your window. For a romantic dinner, eat at the Inn at Meander Plantation or try Pomme or Palladio in Orange County or Foti’s or Lucio in Culpeper.

DAY TWO: For a truly unique romantic experience, try a sunrise hot air balloon trip over
the Shenandoah Valley (arrangements can be made through Mayhurst Inn). For a less dramatic but beautiful day, take a horseback ride through the countryside, then visit one of the local wineries or drive to Shenandoah National Park and enjoy a hike on one of the many trails. OR take a gourmet cooking class. Top off the day with a relaxing massage and delicious dinner at one of the restaurants you didn’t try the night before.

DAY THREE: If you have a third day, explore the historic Town of Culpeper or visit the historic Town of Madison.

Family Tours

The Virginia Piedmont is a great place for a 2-3 day family getaway. You can pick apples, pumpkins or berries, depending on the season; take a horseback ride through fields and woods; hike in the mountains; visit farms with cows, sheep, horses and even alpaca; visit Civil War battlefields and presidential homes or spend the day canoeing, rafting or fishing. Lodging options fit all budgets and tastes, from quaint B&Bs to hotels to campgrounds.

From Northern Virginia, Washington D.C. and points north:

DAY ONE: Drive out Route 66 and, depending on the season, pick your own apples, cherries or pumpkins and sip fresh cider at Stribling Orchard or Hartland Orchard in Fauquier County, at Lee’s Orchard or Jenkins Orchard in Rappahannock or another orchard in the region. Visit the Alpaca Full Moon Farm in Marshall and, once a year, watch the shearing process. Springtime is horse event time in the Virginia hunt country. Attend one of the region’s many equine events like the Gold Cup Races, steeplechase and other equine events. Check the Schedule of Events on our homepage. Have dinner at one of the many restaurants in Warrenton, Flint Hill or Town of Washington and stay at one of the area B&Bs or hotels.

DAY TWO: Enjoy a family horseback ride at the Marriott Ranch or Lantern Lane Farm through
fields and woods, with rides tailored to your ability. OR take in some American history and visit the historic town of Warrenton or drive to Brandy Station largest cavalry battle of the Civil War and see the messages wounded soldiers wrote on the walls of the Graffitti House. Visit the Town of Culpeper with its restored main street, National Cemetery where Union and Confederate soldiers are buried, its historic homes and Museum of Culpeper History. Eat dinner at one of the restaurants. Return to your lodging or stay at one of the B&Bs in Culpeper.

DAYS ONE-TWO OPTION: If it’s family bonding time in nature that you seek, the Rappahannock River and the Rapidan River offer wonderful places for canoeing, rafting, and tubing. Organized trips are available for all skill levels through Rappahannock River Campground. You can make arrangements to stay at their campground or make your own arrangements at a hotel or B&B. You’ll also find great places to fish on these and other rivers in the region.

From Fredericksburg, Richmond, Charlottesville and points south:

DAY ONE: From Fredericksburg, take Route 20 to Route 15 south and pick apples or other fruits, depending upon the season, at Honey Hill Orchards in Locust Grove. Continue to the Town of Orange, have lunch and then visit Montpelier , the 2,700 acre estate of President James Madison, located a few miles west of the Town of Orange. Check Montpelier’s event calendar for horse races, sheep sheering, dog trials and other events. Stay at Mayhurst Inn in Orange or at Wolf Trap Farm, a 584 acre cattle and horse farm, or try one of the other lodgings in the area.

DAY TWO: Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your lodging and drive to Shenandoah National Park. Drive along Skyline Drive. Enjoy the spectacular views of the surrounding valley and hike on one of the many trails. OR take Route 231 to Route 670 to Graves Mountain Lodge and enjoy a family horseback ride through the woods at the foothills of the mountains. Spend the night at the lodge enjoy a great country dinner. OR, drive to Remington and enjoy a horseback ride at the Inn at Kelly’s Ford and have dinner and spend the night there.

DAYS ONE-TWO OPTION: If it’s family time on the river and dinner around a campfire that you seek, the Rappahannock River and the Rapidan River offer wonderful opportunities for canoeing, rafting and tubing. Organized trips are available for all skill levels through Rappahannock River Campground. You can make arrangements to stay at their campground. For a day or two of great fishing, contact the Castaway Company, an Orvis-endorsed fly fishing school that can arrange a whole day or half-day of fishing on one of the region’s rivers. Or, Graves Mountain Lodge can make arrangements for a day or afternoon of fishing.

Featured Regional Packages

Rappahannock County

Tour d’ Epicure Bicycling Vacation
800-874-1153
Tour d'Epicure

Now’s the time to plan your Tour d’Epicure bicycling vacation to Virginia’s wine country in Rappahannock County. Cycling lets you soak in the expansive farms, rolling vineyards, and mountain views at the perfect pace. With two guides on the road and a support vehicle nearby, you’ll be in good company, no matter how fast or slow you want to ride. The pure mountain air will awaken your appetite for fine local wines and cuisine, including an unforgettable dinner at the Inn at Little Washington. After each exhilarating day outdoors, the Foster Harris House Bed and Breakfast serves as your luxury retreat offering exquisitely soft linens, spa robes and opulent private baths. Tour d’Epicure cycling vacations are all inclusive. We’ll provide every meal, wine tastings, local transportation, and we’ll handle every detail of the itinerary so you can simply enjoy the breathtaking views and the magnificent food and wine.

Mother/Daughter Getaways In the Blue Ridge Mountains
540-987-9706
The House on Water Street

“The mother/daughter relationship has the potential to be the most nourishing, sustaining,
intimate relationship of our lives.” Mothers and adult daughters…come steal away for an indulgent, creative few days in the country. Begin your weekend by watching a funny, serious, positive and upliftingvideo, Mother-Daughter Wisdom, by Dr. Christiane Northrup.It provides mothers/daughters the opportunity to see the often untapped potential in their relationship. Mothers/daughters then spend the weekend together, being as active or restful as they desire, deepening their relationship. Includes overnight stay with continental breakfast for 2. Optional activities priced separately. Please visit our website for more information. www.TheHouseonWaterStreet.com and www.vrbo.com/47820 or call 540-987-9706 for reservations.

Trekking in Shenandoah National Park
540-987-9706
The House on Water Street

These tours are designed for backpackers of all levels …beginner - intermediate - advanced. Each trip loops thru the best backcountry trails of the region: waterfalls, high meadows, rugged mountaintops, mountaineer farming communities. With diverse flora and fauna, spectacular terrain and the master educators and guides, these trips are unforgettable experiences. You will stay at a wonderful turn of the century, renovated village farmhouse, The House on Water Street, in Sperryville, in the foothills of the luminous Blue Ridge Mountains. You will have full and private use of the entire furnished three bedroom, two bath home. Families are welcome. A fall trekking package includes lunch, daypacks, trekking poles, and two nights discounted lodging with full breakfast. Please visit our website for more information. www.TheHouseonWaterStreet.com and www.vrbo.com/47820 or call 540-987-9706 for reservations.

Blue Ridge Mountain Girlfriend Getaway
540-987-9706
The House on Water Street

Hike spectacular Old Rag Mountain on your own or with guides. At 3,291 feet, the summit commands a breathtaking 360-degree view. Relax the next day. Walk an old-fashioned Main Street with small shops, galleries, and eateries. Enjoy a fabulous 5-star dinner at the renowned Inn at Little Washington. Patrick O’Connell, a five-time James Beard Award recipient, works culinary magic in his world-class kitchen. The House on Water Street, a renovated 107-year-old 3-bedroom village farm house, will be your base of operations for a girlfriend getaway 1.5 hours west of Washington, D.C. 4 people/two nights; includes 10% discounted housing, breakfast and dinner; extra fees for guide services. Please visit our website for more information. www.TheHouseonWaterStreet.com and www.vrbo.com/47820 or call 540-987-9706 for reservations.

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