Deborah Chan
Planning a honeymoon in Southern Virginia? The state is known as the place for lovers, and with incredible dining, romantic lodging, outdoor adventures, wineries, and National Parks, it's easy to see why. From horseback riding and hiking to canoeing, there are plenty of activities to enjoy amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. For those seeking serenity, there are intimate cabins nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, while historic hotels and resorts offer luxurious comforts and easy access to the region's vibrant towns. Whether you're looking for a secluded mountain escape or an adventure-filled getaway, Southern Virginia has something for everyone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Virginia, USA |
| Attractions | Golf, tennis, skiing, swimming, first-class bridal suites, elegant candlelight dinners, Shadow Mountain Escape, Rosebud Cottage, Blue Ridge Mountains, horse-drawn carriages, wineries |
| Accommodation | Budget-friendly hotels or cabins ($80 to $150 per night), mid-range hotels and resorts ($150 to $250 per night), luxury accommodations ($250+ per night) |
| Food | Budget $30 to $50 per person per day; fine dining or specialty restaurants may cost more |
| Activities | Outdoor activities like hiking, exploring parks, and visiting attractions can be relatively affordable; budget $20 to $50 per person per day |
| Transportation | Domestic flights to West Virginia vary from $300 to $600 per person for round-trip tickets |
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What You'll Learn
Resorts and cabins
Virginia has a range of accommodation options for honeymooners, from luxurious resorts to cosy cabins.
For those seeking a resort experience, the Cavalier in Virginia Beach is a beautiful option, with great restaurants and oceanfront views. The Hilton Grand Vacations Club also offers modern rooms and amenities, although it comes with a high resort fee. Chincoteague's Island Resort is another spotless and friendly option within walking distance of downtown.
If you prefer the seclusion of a cabin, Mountain Creek Cabins in Cooper's Rock, West Virginia, offer beautiful, affordable lodges surrounded by peaceful forests. These cabins provide the perfect setting to disconnect from the world and focus on your new spouse, with spacious bathrooms, vintage wood furniture, gas or electric log fireplaces, and outdoor hot tubs for romantic stargazing.
For a more active honeymoon, West Virginia offers scenic mountain retreats, challenging rock-climbing spots like Seneca Rocks, and historical sites such as Prickett's Fort, an 18th-century reconstructed fort. Charleston's Capitol Market provides a delightful day out with its local produce, artisanal goods, and charming cafes.
Whether you choose a resort or a cabin, Virginia and West Virginia offer a range of romantic settings and activities to create unforgettable moments on your honeymoon.
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Golfing and skiing
Golfing
Virginia's rolling terrain has resulted in some excellent golf courses, including five layouts ranked in the top 200 of Golf Digest's national lists. The state is known for its excellent public courses, with nine public options within the state's 25 best courses.
One of the most notable courses is the Cascades course at the Omni Homestead, designed by William Flynn, which also boasts another classic, The Old Course. The Highlands course at Primland is another highly-ranked public course, designed by Donald Steel. For those seeking a challenge, Ballyhack offers rugged terrain and difficult shots. The Kinloch Golf Club in Richmond is also notable for its double fairways, which provide options and alternate routes for golfers.
Skiing
Virginia offers relatively inexpensive skiing options compared to other parts of the country. The state has four easily accessible ski resorts, with plenty of terrain options for all skill levels.
The Wintergreen Resort is Virginia's top-rated ski resort, offering 27 runs and a variety of activities for the whole family. The Massanutten Resort, celebrating its 50th anniversary, offers skiing, a water park, and tubing under the lights. Virginia's largest tubing park boasts a 16-lane tubing park with 900-foot-long tube runs and a 120-foot drop.
For those looking to learn to ski, Virginia's resorts offer the perfect opportunity with their gentle terrain and teaching areas. The state's resorts also provide a range of off-slope activities, restaurants, and après-ski options to keep everyone entertained.
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Spas and hot tubs
Virginia has a lot to offer newlyweds looking for a honeymoon filled with spa treatments and hot tubs.
For a luxurious spa experience, The Spa at Goodstone Inn in Middleburg is a perfect choice. Set in a beautifully renovated farmstead barn, Goodstone Inn offers a range of treatments, including massages and facial treatments, in a rustic and relaxing environment. Another option is The Spa at Primland Resort in southwest Virginia, which combines American Indian healing traditions with modern European spa rituals. Here, you can enjoy yoga and meditation classes, as well as a range of wellness services, while taking in the stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
If you're looking for hot tubs, there are several hotels in Virginia that offer this amenity. The Martha Washington Inn & Spa in Shenandoah Valley is a popular choice, offering a mix of spa treatments and Ayurvedic experiences. The hotel features a stone pool, hot tub, indoor lap pool, and a fitness centre. Another option is the Delta Hotels by Marriott Virginia Beach Bayfront Suites, which offers suites with private balconies overlooking the ocean, as well as a generous-sized hot tub and pool area.
For a unique spa experience, consider Eupepsia, tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Here, you'll find a blend of traditional and progressive health and wellness treatments, including Halo Salt Therapy, Magneto-therapy, and Flotation Therapy. The Cavalier in Virginia Beach is another standout option, featuring the Seahill Spa with nine treatment rooms, soaking tubs, a signature Hydrotherapy room, and a steam room.
Additionally, if you're looking for a romantic cottage experience, the Honeymoon Island Cottage in Cape Charles offers a private beach, a saltwater pool, and wildlife surroundings. While not specifically a spa, this charming tiny home provides the perfect setting for a quiet and intimate honeymoon.
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Historical sites and forts
Virginia is steeped in history, with many sites and forts to visit for those interested in the past. The state was home to the first American colonists, and has destinations that date back over 400 years.
One of the most famous historical sites in Virginia is Historic Jamestowne, the site of the first permanent English colony in America. Here, in 1607, Captain John Smith and the rest of the colonists settled, meeting Pocahontas and the indigenous tribes in the region. You can visit the Jamestown Settlement to see a full-scale model of the original Jamestown fort and the Powhatan community, as well as replicas of the ships that brought the colonists from Europe. Archaeological digs are still ongoing at Jamestowne, and tours are offered throughout the day, explaining the findings and their significance.
Colonial Williamsburg is another must-see historical site, known as the capital of the first permanent colony in the New World. This Historic Triangle site has many notable distinctions, including the 1619 meeting place of the House of Burgesses, the oldest representative assembly, which introduced a resolution to gain independence from Great Britain, marking the start of the Revolutionary War. The park is filled with actors portraying life in the Colonial era, and there are many restored historic buildings, a formal garden, and a natural park to explore.
Richmond's Jackson Ward neighbourhood is also rich in history, with the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site and the Black History Museum & Cultural Center of Virginia. Jackson Ward was once known as "Black Wall Street" due to the wealth held by its residents at a time when Black citizens were not allowed to have bank accounts.
For those interested in military history, there are several frontier forts in Virginia. The first substantial military fortification in the state was built at Jamestown and was based on a European design. The fort was triangle-shaped with three bulwarks, and it housed artillery to protect against attacks by Native Americans and the Spanish. Other forts in the area include Fort Algernon, Fort George, and Fort Monroe, as shown on a map by Captayn John Smith in 1606.
Virginia also has a rich collection of historic sites and objects protected by the Department of Historic Resources, including the Virginia Landmarks Register and National Register programs. These registers include buildings, sites, structures, districts, and objects of historical and cultural significance, and the public can learn about them through the VLR Online portal.
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Hiking trails and parks
If you're looking for a honeymoon destination in Southern Virginia that offers hiking trails and parks, here are some excellent options to consider:
Shenandoah National Park
Shenandoah National Park is a hiker's paradise, boasting an impressive 264 hiking trails with an average rating of 4.3 stars from thousands of community reviews. The park offers a diverse range of trails, from family-friendly hikes to wheelchair-accessible routes. One of the most popular trails in the park is the Dark Hollow Falls trail, which takes you to scenic waterfalls close to Skyline Drive. Another notable trail is the Rose River Trail, or Rose River Loop Trail, which showcases the beauty of the Rose River Falls and smaller cascades along the route.
Crabtree Falls Trail
Located in the George Washington and Jefferson National Forests, the Crabtree Falls Trail is a moderately challenging hike that rewards you with stunning views of waterfalls and the surrounding mountainside. This trail is perfect for those seeking a technical yet rewarding hiking experience, offering a great opportunity to immerse yourself in nature.
White Oak Canyon Trail and Cedar Run Trail
This combination of the White Oak Canyon Trail and Cedar Run Trail makes for an excellent backpacking trip or long day hike in the Shenandoah Valley. The first section of the trail takes you along approximately 30 big and small waterfalls, with a challenging rock wall for climbers. It's a great spot for a picnic and offers a rewarding experience in nature.
Lost River State Park
If you're looking for a tranquil and serene escape, Lost River State Park in West Virginia is ideal. This park offers hiking trails, a peaceful lake, and natural beauty for couples seeking relaxation. It provides a romantic setting for those who appreciate the tranquility of nature while also being a great location for outdoor adventures.
Prickett's Fort
Prickett's Fort, also in West Virginia, offers a unique blend of history and natural scenery. This reconstructed 18th-century fort provides a romantic and scenic experience, allowing you to step back in time while exploring the surrounding parklands.
Virginia offers a range of accommodation options for honeymooners, from luxury resorts to cosy cabins, ensuring you can find the perfect base for your hiking adventures. Whether you're looking for challenging climbs, scenic waterfalls, or tranquil escapes, Southern Virginia has plenty of hiking trails and parks to make your honeymoon memorable.
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Frequently asked questions
If you're looking for a luxurious honeymoon experience in Southern Virginia, consider the following options:
- Stonewall Resort: Nestled amid lush, rolling hills and pristine lake waters, Stonewall Resort offers a seamless combination of natural beauty and luxurious comforts.
- Hillbrook Inn & Restaurant: Located in the picturesque landscapes of Charles Town, this enchanting retreat promises an epitome of luxury, romance, and award-winning hospitality.
- Bluefield Inn: This award-winning Southern mansion in Bluefield exudes charm, comfort, and warm hospitality, making it an unforgettable choice for honeymooners.
Southern Virginia offers a plethora of romantic activities for honeymooners. Here are some suggestions:
- Explore the scenic beauty of the Appalachian Mountains and enjoy breathtaking views along the Highland Scenic Highway and the New River Gorge Scenic Byway.
- Discover picturesque hiking trails in West Virginia's parks, such as Seneca Rocks, Blackwater Falls State Park, and the Cranberry Glades Botanical Area.
- Experience the thrill of white-water rafting on the New River or the Gauley River, with guided trips suitable for all skill levels.
- Indulge in incredible dining experiences, including candlelit dinners and gourmet cuisine at various resorts and restaurants throughout Southern Virginia.
Yes, Southern Virginia offers a range of budget-friendly options for honeymooners. Consider the following:
- Budget-friendly hotels or cabins: You can find accommodations starting from $80 to $150 per night, offering a cozy and romantic atmosphere without breaking the bank.
- Outdoor activities: Hiking, exploring parks, and visiting attractions can be relatively affordable. Budget around $20 to $50 per person per day for activities, allowing you to create memorable experiences without spending a fortune.
- Glamping: For a unique and economical experience, consider glamping domes that offer full amenities and breathtaking views while being easy on your wallet.
