My husband, Mike, and I steal away every now and then to a nearby bed and breakfast, where we can rediscover each other, our newfound surroundings, and give ourselves a breather from life in the fast lane of Northern Virginia. We tumble down dirt roads, intentionally take wrong turns, visit with the innkeepers, and explore the history of the home we’re borrowing for a night. We never fail to unearth something wonderful along the way.
Smithfield Farm Bed and Breakfast in Berryville
With five children, all in weekend sports, our weekend diversions aren’t as frequent as either of us would like, but there are so many in-close options that we’ve found ourselves sneaking away to another world, a bed and breakfast seemingly in the middle of nowhere, that really is just 45 minutes from home. That way, we’re away, but close enough to get home in a flash if Sean needs his fifth set of stitches. Last summer, we found The Smithfield Farm Bed and Breakfast in Berryville, with glorious guest rooms, the most accommodating innkeepers, breakfast so delicious we begged for the recipe (and was graciously obliged). You’d never find it without directions –as it’s tucked down a long winding road, beyond overgrown apple orchards and free ranging pigs. While there, we walked out at night to see what appeared to be thousands of Christmas tree lights twinkling in the giant evergreens. But the lights were nature-made–fire flies dancing within the tree canopy, seeking out their mates. Sort of like Mike and me, finding each other again for 24 hours of bed and breakfast bliss.
This Sunday, May 1, something really special is happening in the towns and countrysides of Loudoun County: the third annual Bed & Breakfast Open House Tour,sponsored by the Loudoun Bed & Breakfast Guild. Tomorrow afternoon, between 1-5pm, you can preview your next couples night out (and morning in) by taking part in the open-door tour. This year, there are 14 bed and breakfast inns on the tour, each of which has been coupled with a local winery or restaurant for on-site tastings. To download the guild’s brochure with detail of each site and partner, visit www.loudounbandb.com.Life is too short not to dance the night away with your mate…so come out on Sunday (the weather looks to be stellar) and see all the historic inns offering you the luxury of a weekend together, just the two of you.
Hamilton's Zion Springs Bed and Breakfast -- on Sunday's tour.
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