Historic Virginia Getaways That Are Ideal for Romance

History-loving couples who enjoy a special getaway should head to Virginia for their next romantic trip.

The ‘Lover's State’ is where many of the country's founding fathers and presidents lived and loved. Wine historians also appreciate that it's home to one of America's first wine hotspots. "Thomas Jefferson was the state's first commercial winemaker," says Charles McCool, travel expert and owner of McCool Travel in Washington, D.C.

Called ‘Old Dominion’ for its loyalty to the British Crown before the Revolutionary War, Virginia was the site of the country's first permanent settlement, Jamestown, established in 1607. As the birthplace of eight presidents, including four of America's first five, the state earned the moniker ’Mother of Presidents’. It was also the birthplace of founding father Patrick Henry, who gave the famous ‘Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death’ speech in 1775.

If you love historic buildings and venues, the state offers many ideal locations for romantic getaways that take you back in time. Check out these historical hotspots when planning your next romantic trip.

Inn at Vaucluse, Stephens City

Located off a scenic route near Winchester, Vaucluse Manor House was built in 1785 by Revolutionary War Captain Strother Jones. "This is a magnificent property with a mill house and stream right next to the house," says McCool. The fully restored property still contains much of the original woodwork and other features and looks incredible both inside and out. The surrounding area includes peaceful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley.

Accommodations include multiple period bedrooms, all with modernized private baths, either inside the manor house or in one of five other houses on the property. McCool notes that the numerous country roads along Highway 81 near Vaucluse, some with covered bridges, offer romantic vistas for couples, and he suggests a visit to the Route 11 Potato Chip Factory in Mount Jackson while you're in the area.

Church Point Manor, Virginia Beach

A historic 1860 farmhouse in Virginia Beach, Church Point Manor epitomizes period luxury. Located just one mile from Chesapeake Bay and six miles from the Atlantic oceanfront, this fully restored property is elegantly furnished with European and American art and antiques.

Nestled in the heart of affluent Church Point, the B&B features a wrap-around-porch that overlooks an idyllic front lawn. The bedrooms are stunningly restored to a modern standard with some period features preserved. Each of the three bedrooms also has its own en-suite. One room is wheelchair accessible, another has a private sitting room. Take your tennis gear to play on the private court or relax on the porch near their award-winning 300-year-old willow oak tree.

In addition to being close to the beach, this location is near both a state park and Norfolk Botanical Garden.

Shenandoah National Park, Shenandoah Valley

If you're looking for a romantic day trip with scenic drives, hiking or biking, Shenandoah National Park is a historic Virginia treasure. The beautiful park includes Skyline Drive, a 105-mile National Scenic Byway, and covers more than 75 miles of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains.

Burn some calories together on more than 500 miles of hiking trails, pop the question at one of the numerous waterfalls or simply enjoy the majestic view from one of the many mountain summits. If you're a camper, check out the park's camping facilities, or book a room at Skyland, Big Meadows Lodge or Lewis Mountain Cabins. After a refreshing night's sleep, take your partner on one of the daily guided horseback rides from Skyland stables.
 

The Jefferson Hotel, Richmond

This exquisite property is in the state's capital which, McCool enthuses, "is full of history all by itself." The Jefferson Hotel has served as a historic romantic getaway for discerning travelers since 1895 when Dutch immigrant Lewis Ginter first opened its doors. Today, the hotel is known for flawlessly executed service, luxurious guestrooms and stunning architecture, and it symbolizes the romance and southern charm long associated with Richmond.

Featuring their own doorbells, the well-appointed guest rooms have modern amenities while evoking the feel of luxury downtown apartments. The suites boast welcoming entry foyers, luxurious fabrics, exceptional craftsmanship and impressive attention to detail.

The location offers easy access to local museums, botanical gardens, outdoor hiking and biking spaces, as well as plenty of highly rated eateries.

As a final note, McCool recommends considering Leesburg. "There are multiple venues there that inspire romance, from restaurants to wineries," he says. "Just walking through Leesburg's streets feels romantic."

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