After a year with little travel, we decided to do a last minute getaway to Central Virginia for Easter weekend. Not a grand adventure, but a change of scenery out in the country was restorative and relaxing! Steve, Magic, and I headed about 1.5 hours out of the city to Madison County, Virginia for some R&R.
WHERE TO STAY:
Inn at Meander: We waited until the last minute to make plans on a holiday weekend and were pleasantly surprised to find this hidden gem. It’s not easy to find a dog-friendly spot! The expansive 80 acre property is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It has a trail that wraps around the perimeter of the resort, along the Robinson River, through a cornfield and by the family cemetery. It was so peaceful, and Magic was delighted to have so much space to sniff out.
We thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast that was included with the room rate, as well as dinner one night on-site. The weather was a bit chilly during our stay, so we had our meals in the main house dining room by the cozy fire. On our second night, it warmed up a bit and we saw some guests enjoying live music and drinks on the wrap around porch out back.
A little backstory on the Inn, straight from their website: “The farm was patented in 1726 by Col. Joshua Fry, naming it Meander because of the curve in the Robinson River running through. A member of the House of Burgesses and professor at William and Mary, he also served as the commander of the Virginia militia. Col. Fry and his partner Peter Jefferson, father of Thomas Jefferson, surveyed and drew the first official map of the area known as Virginia. Fry commanded the Virginia Militia at the start of the French and Indian War, with George Washington as his second in command. After Col. Fry died from injuries sustained in travel to battle, Washington assumed command of the forces and as they say, the rest is history.
Following Joshua’s death, his son Reverend Henry “Hank” Fry, inherited the property and built the first part of the house naming the property Elim. Henry is buried in the family cemetery located in the field behind the house along with several other Fry and Lightfoot family decedents. His lifelong friend, Thomas Jefferson, visited here often, as did General Lafayette, George Washington, George Mason, and many other patriots. William Wirt, famous 18th Century American lawyer and counsel for the prosecution against Aaron Burr in 1807, spent much of his youth here. At that time, the property encompassed more than 3,000 acres.
During the Civil War, the mansion housed a Union official, Col. Baynard. Numerous important Civil War battles were fought near the property, which is only 4 miles from Cedar Mountain, site of one of the war’s largest and fiercest cavalry battles. Local historians believe the Battle of Cedar Mountain actually began at Meander’s front gates.
The property name was changed back to Meander in the early 1900s by owner George Shearer, who maintained the property as an estate for his daughters, Judith and Julia. They lived their entire adult lives here, and as noted breeders of horses, cattle, and dogs, the colorful sisters are credited with introducing Whippets to America. The Meander Whippet still sets the breed standard.” Fast forward to 1992, and the private residence became the Inn it is today.
WHERE TO EAT:
The Market at Grelen: This little garden center has a gift shop, cafe, special events venue, pick-your-own farm, and hiking trails. It is conveniently located up the road from James Madison’s Montpelier. In fact, there is a walking trail that connects the two, so you could get in a hike and earn your lunch! Magic was welcome on the outdoor patio, and we enjoyed some gluten free sandwiches and I can vouch for the homemade ice cream.
Early Mountain Vineyard: This dog-friendly winery has beautiful outdoor seating with reservations for the patio and first-come-first serve picnic tables in the field. They claim to have the voted #1 tasting room in the U.S., too. It was gorgeous inside, although no dogs allowed in the tasting room. The food was top-notch and fancier than your average winery menu.
There are more options nearby in Culpeper and Orange, or a bit further away in Charlottesville, but we stuck with the free breakfast at the Inn, along with one dinner there as well.
WHAT TO DO:
Battlefields: We visited the Wilderness Battlefield just outside of Orange, Virginia. It is part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park which encompasses 4 different battlefields and associated sites. This particular site was mostly made up of walking trails, but the outdoor exhibit gave a very informative timeline of the Civil War battle that took place there.
Wineries: Lots of options in the area. As mentioned, Early Mountain was great for an early dinner. We also considered going to DuCard Winery, which has live music, a rotation of food trucks, and is dog friendly. You could drive further out and explore wineries around Charlottesville, but there are plenty in closer proximity to the Inn.
Hiking: Take a little drive and hike Old Rag Mountain or ride down scenic Skyline Drive to Shenandoah National Park.
James Madison’s Montpelier: Check out the estate of James Madison, built in the 1700s. Madison’s grandfather originally settled in the area at a plantation he named Mount Pleasant, and his father James Madison Sr., had a new home built about a 1/2 mile away. This would be known as Montpelier, and later the home of James and Dolly Madison. The gardens and walking trails were blooming, and we thoroughly enjoyed a morning stroll through history. Bonus- it is free to walk the grounds, and dog-friendly (there is a charge to go inside the mansion and to go on a tour).
Jefferson’s Monticello: We didn’t make it to Monticello, but the grounds connect to over 7 miles of dog-friendly trails that are free and open to the public. They do charge for guided tours of the house with timed tickets.
TIPS:
Many wineries require reservations to comply with COVID regulations, with limited walk-in availability. Plan ahead and book a time slot prior to arrival.
If you missed it, here’s my write-up on