Ladies’ Weekend in the Blue Ridge Mountains
When was the last time you were able to get away and spend quality time with your closest girlfriends? Why not give them a call, pick a weekend, and get ready for a great time in the heart of Virginia’s Piedmont – Rappahannock County! Slip away to the trendy and quaint villages of Rappahannock County, home to world renowned restaurants, shops, art galleries, and wineries. Boutiques and specialty shops are 100% locally owned and operated, making Rappahannock a virtual cornucopia of original styles and tastes. Stroll through the villages and discover some true treasures.
A Rappahannock girls’ trip is the perfect chance to kick back, relax, and catch up with your favorite ladies. Rappahannock is the perfect spot for a weekend getaway!
Friday
1. WINE & CHEESE TIME, 3 P.M.
With your responsibilities far behind you, take a deep breath and relax! You have arrived in Rappahannock County where life is better enjoyed at a slower pace. First stop, a mid-afternoon pick-me-up at The Amissville Market. Grab artisan cheeses, nuts, and satisfy your sweet tooth with freshly-baked desserts (the carrot cake is divine).
Next stop, Narmada Winery, a small, boutique-sized, award-winning winery. Savor the wines as you settle into “Rappahannock Time,” where things move much more slowly. Be sure to take a group photo in front of the LOVE sign while you’re there!
7. DINNER ALFRESCO, 7:00 P.M.
Tonight’s dinner is in the picturesque garden of The Blue Door Kitchen and Inn in Flint Hill. Locally sourced dishes are prepared from scratch by Chef-Owner Andrea Pace who apprenticed at the acclaimed Villa Mozart in Merano, Italy. The menu changes weekly to feature fresh, local ingredients.
After a fun day, it’s time to unpack and settle in for your glorious girls’ weekend. Rappahannock is home to many beautiful inns, B&Bs, and vacation rentals but what you won’t find here are hotel chains. There are several ways to secure your accommodations – AirBnB, VRBO, or the local lodging list which can be found HERE.
Saturday
3. GOOD MORNING, RAPPAHANNOCK, 8 A.M.
Time to fuel up for a day of adventure! Grab your hiking gear and head west to the Thornton Gap entrance to Shenandoah National Park. Along the way, stop by Off The Grid café for a nourishing breakfast and some necessary trail provisions. Many menu options start with a vegetarian or vegan base but in addition to tofu, chicken or pork can be added for carnivores. Healthy never tasted so good!
4. TAKE A WALK ON THE WILD SIDE, 10 A.M.
Head south on 211 for five miles to the Thornton Gap Entrance to Shenandoah National Park. A fee is required to enter the park but it is definitely worth it! The trails pristine and the views from Skyline Drive are stunning. Continue south on Skyline Drive for approximately 8 miles to the White Oak Canyon parking lot. The waterfalls along this trail are some of the most spectacular in all of Shenandoah National Park. Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring plenty of water, and on summer days a bathing suit is highly recommended. Crystal clear mountain pools dot this trail, inviting hot and tired hikers to sit and soak, or for the more adventurous, take a trip down one of Mother Nature’s natural rock slides.
5. PIE IN THE SKY, 1 P.M.
After hiking Whiteoak Canyon, head into Sperryville to Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen. Here you will find hand-thrown pizzas, crisped in an Italian wood-burning pizza oven. Comfortable, shady outdoor seating is available on their rooftop patio tucked into the treetops of Virginia hardwoods.
6. ME TIME, 3:00 P.M.
What girls’ trip would be complete without a visit to the spa for a little quiet, reflective me-time? Abracadabra Massage and Wellness can address all your wants, needs, and desires. This charming yet unpretentious spa in downtown Sperryville offers a wide range of services including the common and not so common – massage therapy, holistic esthetics, cupping, reiki, acupuncture, ozone sauna, readings, and herbal wellness consulting.
6. DINNER (& DRINKS), 7:00 P.M.
After a day spent conquering local trails and recharging, grab a table at New Iberia Kitchen. This isn’t your average comfort food; it’s a unique culinary adventure blending American classics with the bold, vibrant flavors of Spain and Louisiana. With its casual, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the ideal spot to unwind with your inner circle and toast to the day’s adventures over a meal.
Sunday
8. FOLLOW YOUR NOSE, 9 A.M.
The fresh-from-the-oven aroma from Walker Bakeshop will lure you into the Sperryville River District. Whether you’re craving a savory start—like their cheese and bacon scones served warm with melting butter—or looking for handcrafted sweet pastries, there is something for every palate. It’s the perfect fuel for your final day of exploring the county with your favorite people.
8. RETAIL THERAPY TIME, 10 A.M.
Just across the parking lot from Walker Bakeshop, is Wild Roots Apothecary. Owner herbalist, Colleen O’Bryant, a self-proclaimed steward of plant medicine and sacred connection has established a flourishing herbal wellness business. The shop is a labyrinth of handcrafted herbal products ranging from beauty treatments to cold remedies to cocktail elixirs.
8. SHOP ‘TIL YOU DROP, NOON
Next up, The Marketplace, a unique indoor shopping experience located in the heart of the River District. Grab a specialty coffee or tea from Firth River Coffee for stamina, as this place has a lot to offer! Inside you’ll find boutique clothing and gift shops, art galleries, and even a chocolatier, Wholehearted Chocolate!
Next it’s off to the town of Washington where beautiful French Jacquard table linens, gifts, women’s accessories, tabletop, and exotic rugs fill the R.H. Ballard Shop & Gallery. Owners, Joanie and Robert Ballard are always available with a beautiful and carefully curated gift idea. Downstairs from the shop, a fine art gallery mounts high quality art exhibitions from regional and international artists. You’ll quickly see why Ballard’s was named one of the “Top 50 Shops in the South” by Southern Living Magazine.
A visit to little Washington would not be complete without a stop at The Inn at Little Washington’s Tavern Shops. The former tavern building was constructed in 1740 and now houses a series of 5 charmingly decorated period rooms offering a wide variety of tableware, furnishings, gifts, antiques, jewelry, kitchenware, art and delicacies from The Inn’s kitchen. Chef Patrick O’Connell’s three books are available, including signed copies.
Lodging
LeFay Cottage (Washington, VA)
Escape to your getaway home away from home! Located on five acres on the site of a former Christmas Tree Farm, LeFay Cottage is nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in the heart of Virginia’s “Horse and Wine Country.” This enchanting guest house is furnished in a sumptuous English Country style where no expense is spared in creating an ambiance of luxury for guest comforts. From the luxury linens to a stocked kitchen, the cottage offers guests a welcome respite from the hectic pace of life. With so much to do here you may never want to leave this beautifully appointed three bedroom cottage.
Cardinal Springs Farm (Sperryville, VA)
Enjoy the serenity of the Blue Ridge in a historic, completely renovated 1860s farmhouse or a new, upscale Barn Loft. Experience farm life at its best on a secluded 130 acre farm less. Swim, fish, and canoe in pristine ponds. Hike miles of mountain trails. Marvel at our lush gardens, friendly farm animals, and stunning views. Farmhouse sleeps up to seven and Barn Loft sleeps four.