Bed and Breakfasts: Experience a Historic Virginia Vacation

by Jane Leisteiner

Both George Washington and Thomas Jefferson knew that Virginia was a special place, a gem among the colonies. Our first and third presidents built estates here, and tourists flock to Mount Vernon, Montpelier and Monticello each year to explore the homes of these founding fathers. Virginia offers many other historic sites, as well as some great historic bed and breakfasts. Here are some great ideas to consider when planning your Virginia history tour.

If you are exploring Virginia’s historic sites, a historic Virginia inn is a must. The Holladay House is perfect for those who appreciate the past, as well as those who also enjoy a little romance. The inn is located in the town of Orange and located in a historic district. The home is named for its fourth owners who lived in there for more than a century. Some of the antiques that decorated the home were part of the Holladay family’s actual furnishings.

Guest rooms at this Virginia bed and breakfast include a variety of special features, from the double whirlpool tub and fireplace in the Ivy Suite to the tester bed and fireplace in the posh Blue Room. The innkeepers have placed many thoughtful amenities in the rooms, including robes, hair dryers, natural hypoallergenic bath products, DVD players and even wireless internet. In the mornings, the innkeepers prepare a scrumptious gourmet breakfast, and home-baked treats are often served during the day, as well as coffee and tea.

After breakfast at the inn, head out and explore historic Orange, much of which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Antebellum buildings are among the many architectural gems, and these pre-Civil War structures were there when Union and Confederate soldiers skirmished on the streets of Orange. In fact, St. Thomas Episcopal Church served as a Confederate hospital.

A four-mile drive from Orange will take you to Montpelier, James Madison’s home. A slightly longer drive will take you to Charlottesville, where you’ll encounter Thomas Jefferson’s home, Monticello, as well as James Monroe’s home. The Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park commemorates the Battle of Wilderness, part of which took place in Orange County.

Fredericksburg is another noteworthy town of historic significance. The town offers a variety of interesting attractions. Kenmore Plantation offers tours of the home and grounds, and was the home of George Washington’s sister. Washington’s boyhood home, Ferry Farm, is another interesting tour. The United States National Slavery Museum is another important historic site travelers will find in Fredericksburg. All of these Virginia towns showcase American history, both good and bad, and while you could learn about much of this history by reading a book, a trip to Virginia brings all of this to life.

About the Author:

Jane Leisteiner loves blogging and traveling. For more information about this Virginia bed and breakfast inn or to buy a bed and breakfast gift certificate for this inn, visit the Holladay House or iLoveInns websites.