Ever since the pandemic started, travel writing has been one of the industries that's gone by the waste side, but as our world opens back up, travel is very much a possibility. You can still do some travel that's safe and without many restrictions, like road tripping to a beautiful natural area like Virginia. That's exactly what I did! Any nature area in the USA is a good option for those who wish to stay away from people, yet still have a fulfilling experience away from home. Being from Ohio, and having only experienced south parts of the Appalachian mountain range, I knew Virginia would be the perfect place for me. Plus, I was out to see what the area is like due to recent genealogy discoveries within my family and heritage. I found out that my family was one of the very first to settle the Shenandoah region and I found some remnants of their time there.
I had the immense pleasure of staying two nights at Belle Meade Bed and Breakfast in Sperryville, Virginia, which is a sprawling estate with B&B, swimming pool, hot tub, pond, rolling hills, woodlands, and horse pastures, as well as a school, summer camp, and greenhouse. Belle Meade is 200 year old house that's gone through many evolutions and changes, but it's more than a five room bed and breakfast now, as it's more of a community fixture, where you will find more than a simple night stay. Belle Meade is an enchanting place with a brilliant backdrop of the Shenandoah mountains, which offers stunning views from every window, and any room. Daily, farm-fresh cuisine is offered in the main house, where four of the five bedrooms are located. Each room boasts traditional pieces, antiques, and private bath. The odd one out is the Comfrey Cottage, which was an outdoor wash house that's been restored into a private room mere feet from the swimming pool.
I was blessed to stay in the Comfrey Cottage, which has a queen bed, antique sink, private bath, bookcase, and private porch in back. I found Belle Meade to be a peaceful getaway, and among one of my favorite establishments from my travels. Not only was it cathartic and private, but the slow relaxed pace of the farm seemed to come over me and it gave me the chance to slow down for a day so as to catch my breath and to simply enjoy the onsite amenities. After a busy two years of raising my first child and running a thriving herbalism business, all the while enduring a confusing pandemic that was scary at times, it was just what I needed. Comfrey Cottage treated me well, as I slept like a baby in the comfortable bed, enjoying a quiet night with no disturbances, as well as perhaps the best water pressure ever in the shower, to a thoroughly enjoyable time watching the sun set over the mountains from the private deck.
The innkeepers and owners, Susan and Mike, were lovely and kind hosts who were enjoyable to talk with, knowledgeable, and passionate about their lifestyle, who I found rather inspiring. They live a life many dream of but few have the opportunity to do, and they surely make the most of it. Every morning, they provided a delicious breakfast in the main house. The first morning, local sausage patties were served with waffles and fruit. The local sausage was stellar! The second morning, I was served an omelet with sausage, kale, mushrooms and potato and my, oh my, it was so good. I am still dreaming of another bite. Nearby Sperryville offered some culinary treats and fantastic dining, and the area has a lot of nature-inspired drives well worth experiencing, and if you want to use Belle Meade as your jumping off point for Shenandoah, it's a short 20 minute drive to the entrance.
Learn more about Belle Meade B&B at www.BelleMeade.net
I was blessed to stay in the Comfrey Cottage, which has a queen bed, antique sink, private bath, bookcase, and private porch in back. I found Belle Meade to be a peaceful getaway, and among one of my favorite establishments from my travels. Not only was it cathartic and private, but the slow relaxed pace of the farm seemed to come over me and it gave me the chance to slow down for a day so as to catch my breath and to simply enjoy the onsite amenities. After a busy two years of raising my first child and running a thriving herbalism business, all the while enduring a confusing pandemic that was scary at times, it was just what I needed. Comfrey Cottage treated me well, as I slept like a baby in the comfortable bed, enjoying a quiet night with no disturbances, as well as perhaps the best water pressure ever in the shower, to a thoroughly enjoyable time watching the sun set over the mountains from the private deck.
The innkeepers and owners, Susan and Mike, were lovely and kind hosts who were enjoyable to talk with, knowledgeable, and passionate about their lifestyle, who I found rather inspiring. They live a life many dream of but few have the opportunity to do, and they surely make the most of it. Every morning, they provided a delicious breakfast in the main house. The first morning, local sausage patties were served with waffles and fruit. The local sausage was stellar! The second morning, I was served an omelet with sausage, kale, mushrooms and potato and my, oh my, it was so good. I am still dreaming of another bite. Nearby Sperryville offered some culinary treats and fantastic dining, and the area has a lot of nature-inspired drives well worth experiencing, and if you want to use Belle Meade as your jumping off point for Shenandoah, it's a short 20 minute drive to the entrance.
Learn more about Belle Meade B&B at www.BelleMeade.net
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