Gordonsville is a small charming Southern town in Orange County in Virginia, about 19 miles from Charlottesville and 65 miles from Richmond. Gordonsville played an important role during the Civil War, since it was located on the Virginia Central Railroad. Historic Exchange Hotel, which was built in 1860 to serve the passengers on the railroad, is now a Civil War Medical Museum. The hotel is also claimed to be haunted and is often visited by ghost hunters. Horton Vineyards is a winery and vineyard known for experimenting with new varietals and techniques. Gordonsville’s Historic District is great place for exploring on foot, with quaint shops, art galleries and antique stores.
We recommend that you call the attractions and restaurants ahead of your visit to confirm current opening times.
1.The Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum
The Exchange Hotel was built in 1860 in Gordonsville, Virginia next to an important railroad junction, to offer a welcome stop and resting place for the passengers on the Virginia Central Railroad and Alexandria Railroad. When the civil war began, the railroads became a supply route for transporting troops, supplies, and the wounded to Gordonsville and the beautiful hotel, with high ceilings, luxury parlors and a grand veranda changed into the Gordonsville Receiving Hospital and provided care for over 70,000, both Confederate and captured Union soldiers. Between 1865 and 1877 the hospital provided care and education to the newly freed slaves as a Freedman’s Bureau. Since 1971, the old hotel has been restored and converted into a museum and an African-America Memorial Site. The museum, located in the Gordonsville Historic District, contains diverse artifacts from the Civil War era, such as medical artifacts, uniforms and firearms.
400 S Main St, Gordonsville, VA 22942, Phone: 540-832-2944
2.Horton Vineyards, Gordonsville, Virginia
Horton Vineyards is a winery and vineyard located in Orange County, Virginia established in 1989 on 55 acres. Horton Vineyards is known for experimenting with new varietals and techniques to create the very best wines that Virginia viticulture can produce, such as utilizing the "open lyre" training system to promote ideal ripening, and drip irrigation for ensuring ideal soil moisture. The first small crop was harvested in 1991 and made into wine at Montdomaine Cellars, leased by Horton Vineyards for five years. It produced Chardonnay and Cabernet under that label, and its own line of Rhone Varieties. In 1992 the construction started on a new winery, with stone underground cellars, views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and wonderful vaulted ceiling tasting room. Tasting Horton wines is a special experience because there are over 40 wines to taste.
6399 Spotswood Trail, Gordonsville, VA 22942, Phone: 540-832-7440
3.Raindrops in Virginia
Raindrops in Virginia is a quaint, charming shop located in a lovely Victorian in Gordonsville, Virginia. The shop offers customers the finest handmade and vintage products for their home and garden. Many of the unique pieces are made by the owners and artists Adam and Kathryn. The store also offers handmade bath and body care products, custom home decor, unique furniture pieces, accessories, original jewelry, exquisite garden furniture as well as yard and garden implements. They also offer full service jewelry, watch and clock repair and antique restoration. Raindrops is a great place to pick up an original birthday gift or a gift for a special person in your life, but even if you are not looking for anything particular, the shop is so full of quirky and fascinating objects, it is easy to spend hours browsing.
206 N Main St, Gordonsville, VA 22942, Phone: 434-218-3360
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4.The Barbeque Exchange, Gordonsville, Virginia
The Barbeque Exchange is a rustic, homey eatery in downtown Gordonsville, Virginia, famous for its hickory-smoked and slow-roasted spareribs and pork shoulders. The meats are first dry-cured and rubbed with secret ingredients and then cooked in their special wood-burning cooker. The chicken is grilled over live coals, the roadside BBQ-style. It is so delicious that the Rotary, Kiwanis, and Fire departments happily serve it on Saturdays all over the Eastern seaboard. The meats come with freshly baked rolls, cornbread, pumpkin muffins, homemade pickles, salads, and slaws. There are six fantastic sauces and great southern sides such as Donna’s Baked Beans, Hushpuppies, Macaroni and Cheese and Collard Greens.
102 Martinsburg Ave, Gordonsville, VA 22942, Phone: 540-832-0227
5.Restaurant Rochambeau, Gordonsville, Virginia
Restaurant Rochambeau is an elegant, upscale French restaurant in downtown Gordonsville, Virginia. The restaurant features a lovely formal dining room with a working fireplace, sparkling light fixtures, white tablecloths, outdoor terrace, a separate bar, and space for private events. Renowned Chef Bernard Rochambeau focuses on authentic traditional French cuisine. He partners with local and regional farmers and fishermen in order to prepare his seasonally-driven menu using the finest natural and organic ingredients. Many of the herbs and produce come from the restaurant’s own herb and vegetable garden in the courtyard. Rochambeau Sunday brunch is a local event. Separate RochamBar has its own, lighter, menu.
115 S Main St, Gordonsville, VA 22942, Phone: 540-832-0130
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6.Honah Lee Vineyard
The beautiful Honah Lee Vineyard is an ideal place to spend a few hours soaking up the stunning Virginia landscape as you sip some award-winning wines. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this winery was awarded no fewer than 6 medals in the 2020 Virginia Governors Cup. Unlike some other wineries, Honah Lee offers a relaxed and friendly ambiance and welcomes everyone to come and take a tour, do a tasting or plan an event. The winery produces several single-varietal wines as well as a good selection of blended wines to suit all tastes. You are welcome to bring a picnic and sip your wine to the sounds of local musicians at their regular evening events.
13443 Honah Lee Farm Drive, Gordonsville, VA 22942, 540 308 7724
7.Oakland Heights Farm
You can bring the whole family along to Oakland Heights Farm to get a taste of country living. Located in the scenic foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Oakland Heights farm is primarily devoted to promoting the art of horseback riding. The farm welcomes equestrians of all ages and abilities to come and spend some time enjoying a leisurely trail ride or a horseback riding lesson. Both of these activities are available year round. The farm also hosts horse shows and show-jumping competitions during the summer season. For a complete change of pace you can attend Professional Bull riding rodeo events every second Saturday, May through November.
17110 James Madison Highway, Gordonsville, VA 22942, 540 222 6576
8.Raptor’s Roost Disc Golf
If you happen to be a disc golf enthusiast, the Raptor’s Roost Disc Golf center in Shenandoah Crossing is the place to go for a great game and an excellent choice of merchandise. The facility offers a choice of 4 great courses, each of which provides a fun and challenging game. You can book your Tee time online and buy everything you need at the very well-stocked Pro Shop which carries a wide range of the latest and greatest Discs from several brands. The venue is ideal for a fun bachelor’s or birthday party – the on-site restaurant serves delicious meals including traditional BBQ pulled pork buns.
1944 Shenandoah Crossing Drive, Gordonsville, VA 22942, 540 841 8777
8 Best Things to Do in Gordonsville, Virginia
- The Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum, Photo: The Exchange Hotel Civil War Medical Museum
- Horton Vineyards, Gordonsville, Virginia, Photo: Horton Vineyards
- Raindrops in Virginia, Photo: Raindrops in Virginia
- The Barbeque Exchange, Gordonsville, Virginia, Photo: The Barbeque Exchange
- Restaurant Rochambeau, Gordonsville, Virginia, Photo: Restaurant Rochambeau
- Honah Lee Vineyard, Photo: Honah Lee Vineyard
- Oakland Heights Farm, Photo: Oakland Heights Farm
- Raptor’s Roost Disc Golf, Photo: JRJfin/stock.adobe.com
- Cover Photo: 621513/stock.adobe.com
More Ideas in VA: Marine Corps War Memorial
Located in McLean, Virginia, the Marine Corps War Memorial aims to honor and preserve the memory of the brave individuals who gave their lives in order to protect the United States since 1175. Visitors can expect to find a world-famous and well-preserved statue within the historical district of Virginia. The Marine Corps War Memorial was erected one the 179th anniversary of the United States Marine Corps in November of 195 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.
History:
It took nearly 3 years to construct and was built entirely out of plaster before being cast in bronze.
The statue itself was modeled after a Pulitzer prize winning photograph by Joe Rosenthal of the Associated Press. The photograph was taken in 1945 in Iwo Jima, Tokyo after more than 72-hours of bombardment on their base.
Early in the morning in an act of celebration, members of the 2nd Battalion climbed to the top of a treacherously steep mountain to display the American flag. This iconic moment brought a rush of pride and relief over their fellow soldiers as they continued to fight for an American victory. Luckily it was caught on film and is now an iconic symbol of American freedom and nationalism.
The known survivors from the photograph had their faces modeled in clay before being added to the statue. The statue weighs nearly 20 tons, is 32-feet tall and proudly flies the American flag at the top of a 60-foot pole 24 hours a day, 365 days a year in the capital city of the United States.
Plan Your Visit:
Visiting the iconic Marine Corps War Memorial Statue is an experience in and of itself, however, there is also plenty to do in the surrounding area. Whether visitors are hoping for an educational experience, historical experience, cultural experience, or simply good old-fashioned family fun, there is something for everyone here.
The War Memorial is located nearby all kinds of other famous landmarks including the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and even the United States Capital Building.
Each summer, there are a variety of Marine Corps parades including the Sunset Parades which are hosted on Tuesday evenings the Memorial grounds. The grounds which house the Marine Corps War Memorial Statue are open from 6 a.m. until midnight year-round and is easily accessible by car.
Additional Information:
Marine Corps War Memorial, 700 George Washington Memorial Parkway, McLean, VA 22101, Phone: 703-289-2500
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More Ideas in VA: The Hope and Glory Inn
Once an elite boarding school in 1890, the Hope and Glory Inn in Irvington, Virginia has been lovingly transformed into a boutique hotel where guests can relax in comfort and style. Perfect for a relaxing weekend getaway or corporate break for business, the Inn features luxurious accommodations, modern amenities and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and grounds.
The Inn's quaint guest rooms and cottages are individually decorated in bright hues to offer their own unique character and style, with private bathrooms, fireplaces, and balconies. Cottages have shady patios and spacious sitting rooms, while upgraded 'tent cottage' enjoy outdoor showers, as well as extra bedrooms and living areas for larger groups or families. There are an intimate wine bar and restaurant on site, as well as a working vineyard that produces its own wine, and guests can enjoy exceptional amenities such as a swimming pool, spa treatments, English-style gardens, and the use of an oyster boat.
This cozy inn is just a short walk from several of the town's exciting attractions, including the Steam Boat Era Museum and the Rappahannock River Yacht Club.
The Hope and Glory Inn offers a range of different accommodation to suit every taste and budget from guest rooms located in the Schoolhouse and stand-alone garden cottages to comfortable tents in the heart of the vineyards. The main house, a beautiful butter-yellow building that used to be the schoolhouse feature six guest rooms and there are six garden cottages dotted around the property. The Tents at Vineyard Grove are exclusive three-bedroom, three bathroom cabins that offer ample space for large families or group of friends traveling together. Although designed to be quaint and charming, the 'tents' are spacious and modern with airy living and dining areas, fully equipped kitchens, and three bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, of which the master is located on the upper level and the remaining two on the lower level. Special amenities in these gorgeous lodges are outdoor showers and private screened porches with breathtaking views.
All accommodations are beautifully appointed and decorated in an elegant shabby chic style with contemporary decor and modern conveniences. Bedrooms have imported linens and down pillows, while en-suite bathrooms feature showers and bathtubs, plush bathrobes, thirsty towels, and luxury Gilchrist and Soames toiletries. Other amenities to be found in each room include makeup mirrors, hair dryers, iron and ironing boards, fans, flashlights and complimentary wireless Internet.
The Dining Table is the Hope and Glory Inn's onsite restaurant, which serves a delicious menu of farm-to-table fare created from locally sourced ingredients and put together by Executive Chef and Manager, Meseret Crockett and his team. Charming and cozy with eclectic decor and soft lighting, The Dining Table promises an unforgettable dining experience.
The Detention Bar is the Inn's private bar which serves an array of local and international wines, craft beers, delicious liquors, and other fine tipples in a warm and welcoming ambiance.
The Hope and Glory Inn offers an array of facilities and amenities for guests' enjoyment, including an exclusive day spa which offers a range of massages, body treatments, and salon services in an elegant and comfortable environment and a multi-purposeful meeting facility and lounge known as The Library for business meetings and corporate functions.
The Inn is home to a uniquely romantic Garden Bath, a private fenced in area in the beautiful garden with an outdoor shower and claw foot bathtub and sink. This adults' only area is a haven of tranquility in the heart of the backyard and can be used for late night picnics and assignations. The Inn also has a lovely salt water swimming pool with sunshades and deckchairs for relaxing poolside.
Other amenities include complimentary wireless Internet throughout the property, a printer and fax machine, a variety of concierge services and a specialized makeup service. A complimentary gourmet breakfast is served every morning, and guests can use complimentary bicycles for exploring the area.
Hope and Glory Inn has a multi-purposeful meeting facility and lounge known as 'The Library,'a fully-renovated small meeting space and dedicated conference facilitythat can accommodate up to 30 delegates or guests. The Library has a high ceiling and flexible meeting tables and is equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as a 70-inch flat screen SMART TV and wireless high-speed Internet. The room also has access to a kitchen for catering purposes.
Back to: Weekend Getaways in Virginia
65 Tavern Rd, Irvington, Virginia 22480, Phone: 804-438-6053
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More Ideas in VA: Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast
The Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast is a charming, country-style guest house in the historic town of Williamsburg. This warm and welcoming inn offers luxurious, yet comfortable accommodations with beautiful décor and modern amenities, hearty home cooked breakfasts, and a beautiful setting in which to unwind and relax.
The Inn is ideally located for exploring the area and is within a short distance from several historic attractions, including the Jamestown Settlement and Colonial Williamsburg. Other nearby attractions and things to see include The College of William and Mary and the Williamsburg Winery, where some of the region's finest wines can be savored and enjoyed.
Outdoor enthusiasts will delight in the array of recreational activities available in the area from golfing at one of the many world-class golf courses located within a few short miles from the inn to several area state and local parks. Culture buffs can enjoy local theater shows, and historians can explore the many museums, galleries, and battle sites in the area.
The Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast offers four beautifully appointed and luxurious guest rooms and suites, each individually decorated to exude their own unique character and style with comfortable décor and modern amenities. Guest rooms and suites are named after the spectacular blooms that fill the garden throughout the year from the Rhododendron and Azalea Suites to the Primrose and Library Rooms. Both guest rooms and luxury suites feature standard amenities, which include private en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs, showers plush bathrobes and luxurious Gilchrist and Soames toiletries, imported bed linens and down comforters, in-room entertainment, and beautiful garden views.
The Rhododendron Suite boasts beautiful Provençal furnishings and a French country-style flair with an enormous king-size bed and luxury latex mattress, and an en-suite bathroom with walk-in shower and Gilchrist and Soames toiletries. A spacious sitting has a cozy alcove with a fireplace and a flat-screen TV with DVD player for entertainment, and guests can enjoy breakfast in the comfort of their rooms or in the sunny dining room.
The Azalea Suite is a bright and spacious two-room suite that is ideal for friends traveling together or couples wanting some extra space. The suite features an inviting sitting room with comfortable seating, wood-burning fireplace, and in-room entertainment in the form of a flat-screen television and DVD player, while the bedroom offers a beautiful king-size four-poster canopy bed with fine linens and masculine furnishings. The large en-suite bathroom offers a shower-over-bath combination, plush towels and bathrobes and luxuriousGilchrist and Soames toiletries. If extra space if required, the sitting room can double up as a second bedroom with a twin-size day bed for two additional guests.
The Primrose Room is a charming English-cottage themed room with large windows that look out over the gardens. The room features a queen-size hand-forged iron bed, cozy wood-burning fireplace, and flat screen television with DVDplayer, and a private bathroom offers a modern new spa shower.
Hailed as the coziest room in the Inn, the Library Room is full of character with a wall of books and a beautiful queen-size bed with a leather headboard. Decorated in tones of chocolate brown and steel blue, the intimate room has a private bathroom with a shower-over-bath combination, plush bathrobes and Gilchrist and Soames toiletries, as well as a flat-screen television and DVD player and access to the front porch.
Enjoy epicurean delights from the kitchen at the Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast where owner/innkeeper Karen presents a delicious gourmet breakfast each morning with dishes created from fresh ingredients from the farm. Gourmet farm-to-table fare includes scrumptious recipes using some of the season's freshest ingredients and homegrown herbs, including hot and cold selections accompanied by freshly brewed coffee and tea and freshly squeezed juices.
Deluxe amenities at the Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast include plush bathrobes and slippers by Telegraph Hill, luxurious spa towels by The Turkish Towel Company, imported bed linens, wood-burning fireplaces in the upstairs rooms, hair dryers, irons and ironing boards, and flat-screen televisions with cable channels and DVD players. Other services include daily housekeeping, a guest refrigerator with complimentary sodas and snack foods, a unique wine refrigerator in the Sun Room, concierge services, a DVD and book library, and complimentary wireless Internet.
The Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast can host intimate weddings, elopements, and receptions with a choice of beautiful venues and personalized services to choose from. Offering an elegant backdrop for the perfect wedding, Colonial Gardens Bed & Breakfast also provides special extras such as champagne and cake receptions, hors d'oeuvre packages and more for up to 50 guests.
1109 Jamestown Rd, Williamsburg, VA 23185, Phone: 757-220-8087
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