Long Weekend Getaways
3 Virginia Destinations to Make Wonderful Honeymoon Memories
Maybe you do not have time to take a long trip after you say “I do” but still want to get away and make those first special memories as husband and wife. Within driving distance of Lynchburg, there are many long weekend getaway options.
“Myrtle Beach is always popular,” said Steve Arthur, owner and president of Travel Lovers in Lynchburg. If you are looking for a city destination, he recommends Hotel Roanoke and The Jefferson in Richmond.
“A honeymoon is always remembered,” Arthur said. “And the couple will regret not doing something.”
Although there are many wonderful honeymoon spots in this region, Arthur says the following are three unique and charming establishments that are worth looking into.
The Tides Inn – Irvington, Va.
“If you’re looking for a couples’ getaway, and making a long weekend out of it, definitely take advantage of our activities on site,” said Laurie Eichman, catering and conference service manager. One popular activity for couples is riding bikes through the town of Irvington, stopping at shops and the vineyard.
“We have a cove cruise on site,” she said. “That’s a really fun activity if you want to get out on the water. It takes you around some of the hidden coves… you get to learn a little bit about the area and the history with the oysters.” Passengers also get to see some of the spots where oystering takes place.
“It’s really fun, especially if you’re a history nerd like me,” Eichman said.
Additionally, the Inn has a restaurant on site, and they offer private dining for the couples who prefer to have a romantic dining experience away from everyone else. Another cozy place on site is the pool and beach area, which includes a fire pit for s’mores, or just for enjoying the ambiance of the warm flickering flames.
“We also have a spa on site, so we could do a couples’ massage,” Eichman said. “We also have an 18-hole golf course, so if they are golfers, that might be the spot for them.”
“We’ve had honeymooners ever since the Inn opened,” Eichman said. And because the Inn opened in 1947, there are now many second and third generation honeymooners. Couples are also choosing to have their wedding reception at the Inn where their grandparents honeymooned.
“Once you’re on the Northern Neck and you’re surrounded by the water…it does feel like you’re a world away,” Eichman said.
Boar’s Head Inn – Charlottesville, Va.
If you are looking for a small city destination that has history, dining, and a variety of local attractions, Boar’s Head might be the perfect place for you. With 175 renovated rooms and suites, they strive to create an inviting retreat, capturing the Southern heritage of historic Charlottesville.
“We celebrate what endures, the beauty of the land, the hospitality of our people, the grace of our traditions,” said Ann Walker, director of sales and marketing. The resort is not only close to the University of Virginia, but also to the homes of three United States Presidents—Thomas Jefferson, James Madison and James Monroe.
“Explore Virginia wineries on the Monticello Trail or the new craft breweries in the region,” Walker said.
The resort offers “one-of-a-kind rooms” and suites with patios overlooking a lake. Additionally, they have a spa that includes couples’ massages, private sports club facilities with both indoor and outdoor tennis, squash, a fitness center, golf and many other attractions.
“For the millennials, Boar’s Head offers diversity, discovery and learning,” Walker said.
Berry Hill Resort – South Boston, Va.
“We are a full service property, which means that honeymooners can come and park their cars for the weekend, and there’s no need to leave,” said Bill Kirkhuff, general manager. “You can come and spend the weekend enjoying yourself and taking it easy, without having to use your car all the time.”
Guests are invited to enjoy two restaurants, a European spa with full spa treatments, and an indoor pool. For couples who enjoy being outdoors, there are hiking and biking trails.
“We have lots of outdoor things to do,” Kirkhuff said.
Nestled in a forest on 650 acres, Berry Hill Resort is also a historical property that history lovers will love to explore. The former plantation has been renovated many times, yet still maintains its Southern charm. Some of the buildings on the property date back to 1790. Although the estate has had various owners throughout the years, Benjamin Harrison, fourth Governor of Virginia and signer of the Declaration of Independence, was one of them.
“We’re an independent hotel, so it’s not cookie cutter. It’s not like every other Marriott you’ve been in,” he said. “We have a good staff, and I’m told it’s just a very refreshing experience.”
The Resort offers a romance package which includes deluxe queen accommodations, fruit, cheese and iced champagne in your room, three course dinner in the Mansion Dining Room and an after-dinner cordial in the Library Bar.
“We’re a wonderful place to make memories,” Kirkhuff said. “We’re not huge like some of the other Virginia resorts where you just get lost in the crowd. There’s a lot of individual attention.”
