Romantic Weekend Getaways in Virginia
After a whirlwind city week, sinking into Virginia’s rolling landscapes on our romantic weekend getaways was a dream come true. I loved that within just a few hours’ drive, you can stroll through picturesque wine country, explore the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains, or relax along the peaceful shores of the Chesapeake Bay. Here are some of the most unique stays I came across when I moved to the South that I think you’ll love as much as I did.
1. The Clifton Inn - 90 minutes from Richmond, Virginia
Set on 100 acres of natural hills and gardens, The Clifton Inn near Charlottesville gave us some of the best views of Virginia’s wine country, making it the perfect backdrop for a romantic weekend getaway just 90 minutes by car from Richmond, VA.
My favorite part was the historic charm of this property that dates back to the late 18th century and once belonged to Thomas Jefferson’s son-in-law, which gave my stay a sense of timeless character.
Our room for two nights was cozy yet luxurious, with a four-poster bed, fireplace, soaking tub, and private patio that made every night feel indulgent and intimate.
I loved the dining experience at this inn, with farm-to-table cuisine crafted from fresh, local ingredients—dinners felt like special events, and breakfasts on the terrace quickly became my favorite way to start the day.
The inn’s grounds were stunning, with walking paths, and a lake that was a romantic hidden gem. I spent 30 minutes strolling through the gardens.
The pool and tennis courts added a resort-like touch, while the quiet library and parlor gave me cozy spaces to unwind indoors.
The staff stood out for their warm and thoughtful hospitality, making my stay feel both personal and memorable.
I loved that there was so much to see and do near the inn. In Charlottesville, VA, you can visit the historic Monticello and the University of Virginia, explore the lively Downtown Mall for shops and restaurants, enjoy live music at venues like the Ting Pavilion, experience the outdoors at Carter Mountain Orchard, visit nearby vineyards, and enjoy various cultural attractions like Ix Art Park and The Paramount Theater.
For me, The Clifton Inn is one of the most underrated treasures in Virginia, perfect for couples seeking romance.
Check availability and prices for The Clifton Inn.
My personal highlight was our romantic dinner at the inn’s restaurant. I had seared scallops with fennel purée and citrus salad, finished with a shared crème caramel. It was a perfect romantic stay I want to go back for.
2. The Goodstone Inn
The Goodstone Inn is truly one of my favorite romantic getaways in Virginia, a hidden gem tucked into the rolling hills of Middleburg’s horse and wine country.
I felt like I had discovered an underrated escape designed for couples seeking privacy, intimacy, and timeless charm just one hour 15 minutes from DC that completely won me over.
Our cottage for two days was entirely unique, with a fireplace, soft linens, and elegant décor that made it feel so easy to relax in.
My favorite part was waking up to countryside views that seemed to stretch endlessly, with nothing but nature surrounding me and my partner.
The farm-to-table restaurant was absolutely the best—each candlelit dinner felt indulgent, with fresh ingredients from the estate gardens making every dish unforgettable.
I loved sipping wine together by the fireplace before strolling hand in hand through the lush gardens, a simple but magical experience.
The outdoor pool was another highlight, with sweeping views that turned a quiet afternoon swim into a romantic escape.
I thought the service was exceptional, warm, and thoughtful, always making us feel like we were the only guests at the inn.
For a weekend getaway, this place offered everything—intimate spaces, stunning scenery, and moments of pure relaxation shared together. Plus you'll find a lot of stuff to see and do nearby, such as downtown shops, the Middleburg Film Festival, the annual Christmas in Middleburg parade, and you can also check out the upscale Salamander resort.
The Goodstone Inn in my favorite countryside gem where love and luxury blend seamlessly.
Check availability and prices for the 5 - star The Goodstone Inn.
My highlight was our romantic dinner in the Conservatory: lamb loin with minted pea purée and a blackberry glaze, paired with a Bordeaux that wrapped the night in warmth.
3. Cozy charm at Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn - 1 hour 35 minutes
Not far from The Goodstone Inn, The Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn is another one of my favorite hidden gems for a romantic weekend getaway when I moved to the South, offering an intimate and welcoming vibe that feels instantly special.
I felt like I had discovered an underrated escape where every detail was designed for couples seeking connection and comfort.
The inn itself is cozy and elegant. Our room for two days combined vintage character with modern touches, making it the best setting for slowing down and unwinding.
My favorite part was waking up to a homemade breakfast prepared with care—it felt personal, thoughtful, and set the perfect tone for the day.
I loved how the inn’s atmosphere encouraged relaxation, whether I was sipping coffee by the fireplace or sharing a glass of wine on the porch at sunset.
Every corner seemed to whisper romance, from the soft linens to the antique furnishings, creating an ambiance that was both timeless and intimate.
I thought the staff were wonderful...warm, attentive, and genuinely invested in making our stay feel effortless and memorable.
For me, the best part of a stay here was the quiet pace—no crowds, no noise, just us enjoying each other’s company in a space that felt worlds away.
Check availability and prices for the 3-star Patch Bed & Breakfast Inn.
If you’re looking for an underrated gem that makes love the centerpiece, this inn will easily become your favorite escape.
4. The Hope and Glory Inn - 1 hour 20 minutes
The Hope and Glory Inn is one of my favorite romantic getaways in Virginia, a hidden gem tucked away in the charming town of Irvington on the coast, about 90 minutes from Richmond.
I thought this inn was truly underrated, offering couples the perfect blend of whimsy, history, and intimacy for a weekend escape close to Richmond, just one hour and 20 minutes away by car.
Originally a historic schoolhouse, it has been beautifully transformed into one of the best boutique inns, with each room telling its own enchanting story.
My favorite part was how every detail for our two day stay felt designed for romance with cozy décor, clawfoot tubs, and dreamy gardens that made every moment magical.
I loved strolling hand in hand with my partner through the inn’s lush English gardens for 30 minutes, where hidden nooks created the perfect spots for quiet conversations.
The on-site Dog & Oyster Vineyard and wine bar were another highlight, letting us share glasses of local wine in an intimate, candlelit setting.
For me, the best part was the outdoor spa, where we could unwind together under the stars, surrounded by pure tranquility.
The inn’s whimsical touches made the stay unforgettable, whether it was soaking in a private outdoor bath or simply curling up by the fire.
I thought the service was warm and personal, creating a welcoming atmosphere that made us feel cared for without ever being intrusive.
We enjoyed nearby activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking, visit historical sites such as the Steamboat Era Museum and Historic Christ Church.
The Hope and Glory Inn is my favorite kind of romantic escape, an underrated gem where love, luxury, and history come together beautifully.
Check availability and prices for the 3-star The Hope and Glory Inn.
My highlight was a romantic dinner at the inn’s Dining Hall. When the waiter told me that it was once the school cafeteria, it added to the charm of it all.
5. Friendly City Inn Bed & Breakfast - 2 hours
The Friendly City Inn Bed & Breakfast is my favorite kind of romantic escape—underrated, cozy, and filled with the simple pleasures that make time together so memorable.
We drove two hours southwest through the Shenandoah Valley to Harrisonburg, home to James Madison University. The town buzzed with a lively college energy, surrounded by mountain views and wide-open farmland.
I felt the warm hospitality that makes this place so special, with thoughtful touches that immediately set the tone for romance.
My favorite part was the cozy, beautifully decorated rooms—each with unique character, soft linens, and a welcoming ambiance that made it easy to relax and reconnect.
I loved waking up to a gourmet, chef-prepared breakfast served in the sunny dining room, which felt both indulgent and intimate.
The inn’s location was another highlight...it’s tucked away enough to feel peaceful, but close to downtown Harrisonburg’s shops, restaurants, and wineries for easy exploring together. You can visit the Explore More Discovery Museum and historic sites like the Hardesty-Higgins House.
For me, the best moments were simply unwinding with my partner on the wraparound porch, sipping wine as the sun set over the Shenandoah hills.
I thought the innkeepers went above and beyond to make every guest feel at home, adding to the sense of warmth and personal care that makes a romantic getaway unforgettable.
Whether it’s a quiet weekend retreat or a stop on a wine country adventure, this inn is a true gem that feels both private and welcoming.
I thought The Friendly City Inn Bed & Breakfast, built in the 1880s, was truly underrated, offering couples both timeless charm and the best modern comforts.
Check availability and prices for the 3-star The Friendly City Inn.
My highlight was the breakfast that was homemade and heartwarming, fluffy quiche with local mushrooms, buttery scones, and blueberry preserves that reminded me of summer mornings as a kid.
6. The Mimslyn Inn - 2 hours 30 minutes from Richmond
The Mimslyn Inn in Luray, Virginia, is one of my favorite romantic getaways in the Shenandoah Valley. Why? I thought this historic inn, built in the 1930s, was one of the best-kept secret gems for couples looking for a weekend escape surrounded by natural beauty and timeless style.
We drove an hour west from Charlottesville into the Shenandoah Valley, where the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains frame a landscape of rolling fields and winding country roads. The drive alone felt like part of the adventure.
I was struck by the grand staircase, the vintage details, and the cozy yet refined atmosphere that made the whole place feel special.
You can trust that this inn is special because it been inducted into Historic Hotels of America (since 2008) as a recognized historic property and is is ranked #1 of 10 hotels in Luray (based on guest reviews).
My favorite part was staying in one of the romantic suites, complete with plush bedding, elegant furnishings, and a relaxing atmosphere perfect for unwinding together.
I loved how the inn balanced old-world charm with modern comfort, making it feel both historic and luxurious at the same time.
The Circa ’31 restaurant was another highlight, offering candlelit dinners with fresh, local ingredients that made every meal feel intimate and indulgent.
For me, the best part was how close the inn was to Shenandoah National Park. I could spend the day hiking scenic trails with my husband, then return to the inn for a quiet evening by the fire.
I thought the gardens and outdoor terrace were stunning, the perfect spots to enjoy a glass of wine while watching the sun set over the mountains.
What makes the Mimslyn Inn so underrated is the way it combines history, romance, and relaxation into one unforgettable experience.
This is truly my favorite type of romantic getaway...classic, charming, and filled with moments to cherish together.
Check availability and prices for the 3-star The Mimslyn Inn.
My highlight was dinner at the inn’s Speakeasy Restaurant: shrimp and grits with a smoky bourbon glaze, followed by a butter pecan bread pudding that melted on contact.
7. The Foxfield Inn
I thought The Foxfield Inn was one of the best choices for couples looking for an intimate weekend escape, especially with its peaceful countryside setting just minutes from downtown and Virginia’s wine country.
I felt like I had discovered an underrated retreat designed for relaxation, romance, and comfort.
From downtown Charlottesville, we drove just 15 minutes to Foxfield Inn, a cozy bed-and-breakfast tucked among quiet country roads. The setting felt peaceful and secluded, yet still close to the city’s vineyards and historic sites
My favorite part was the beautifully decorated guest rooms—spacious, warm, and thoughtfully appointed with plush bedding, fireplaces, and spa-like bathrooms that made every moment feel indulgent.
I loved waking up to the inn’s gourmet breakfast, a multi-course meal prepared with local ingredients that set the perfect tone for the day.
The outdoor hot tub was another highlight, offering a serene space to unwind under the stars with my partner by my side.
For me, the best part of staying here was the balance—it felt tucked away enough to be peaceful, yet close to wineries, hiking trails, and the charm of Charlottesville’s downtown for romantic adventures.
I thought the innkeepers added a personal touch that made the stay unforgettable, from warm welcomes to thoughtful recommendations for exploring the area.
The Foxfield Inn is truly an underrated gem where love and leisure meet in perfect harmony.
Check availability and prices for Foxfield Inn.
For couples seeking a romantic weekend getaway, it’s easily one of my favorite places in Virginia to relax, reconnect, and savor time together.
Conclusion
Each of these nine getaways offers a different version of love’s quiet splendor. Some whisper it through garden paths and wine glasses, others through historic hallways and starry skies. But all share one thing: they make space for connection. Whether it’s the simplicity of a sunrise breakfast or the hush of a firelit evening, these Virginia retreats remind us that love doesn’t need fanfare, just a moment, a place, and each other.
Booking Checklist
1. Book Your Flight - I use Expedia because I like their mobile app with my itinerary. They've helped me re-book flights on many occasions. Once you reach their Gold tier, support is especially good.
2. Book Your Hotel - I use Booking.com or Expedia, depending on my destination.
3. Book Your Rental Car - I use Expedia.
4. Book your tours on Viator or Get Your Guide.
5. If you are planning to visit more than three national parks in the next 12 months, buy the America the Beautiful Pass.
