“Virginia is for Lovers”: 10 charming spots for a romantic getaway

“Virginia is for Lovers”—and Virginia knows how to do the romantic getaway.

It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for a low-cost mountain retreat or to splurge on a luxurious urban experience, we’ve got you covered with this list of 10 places perfect for a quickie getaway.

Eagles Nest Tree House

Location: Shenandoah 

The Eagles Nest Tree House Airbnb is the ideal spot for those looking for a rustic romantic getaway. The treehouse is nestled 17 feet high in the treetops. “This beautiful 900 sq ft treehouse is furnished in a rustic luxury style and has all the luxurious amenities you want with the fun of a treehouse,” the hosts said. 

You can enjoy a meal on the lower patio area, which has a gas grill and picnic table. For drinks, move to one of the hanging rope chairs on the deck. Later, relax in the hot tub. During the day, you can explore the nearby Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park. 

Keswick Hall

Location: Keswick 

Photo courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation

A getaway to Keswick Hall should be at the top of the list for couples looking to indulge in luxury. “Since 1912, Keswick Hall has been known for elegance, luxury, grandeur, and a sense of true peace within the Virginia hills,” the Virginia Tourism Corporation said. “Today, the resort has taken on a new role, marrying classic sophistication with luxurious, modern-day comfort.” 

With an 18-hole golf course, infinity pool, tennis court featuring advanced European red clay surfaces, spa, and Michelin-starred chef, you won’t need to leave the hall for the entire weekend. 

Cabins at First Landing State Park

Location: Virginia Beach

Photo courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation

Spending the weekend in a cabin at First Landing State Park is a good option for couples who enjoy the outdoors. While the cabins don’t offer the type of amenities you might find at a resort, they make up for it by being located in a park that offers 20 miles of trails and 1.5 miles of sandy Chesapeake Bay beach frontage. 

The kayak dolphin tour by Go Kayak! offers a fun activity for you and your partner. “We paddle along the amazing and historical maritime forest of the park,” the guide company said. “Dolphins are regular visitors on our kayak tours out of First Landing State Park but of course they are wild and free.” 

Primland Resort 

Location: Meadows of Dan

Photo courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation

Primland Resort is the place to go if you and your partner are looking for a rural yet luxurious retreat. Tucked away on 12,000 acres in the peaks and valleys of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the resort boasts stunning primeval views for the two of you to enjoy. 

“Wander the banks of streams alive with trout and chance upon a deer, silhouetted in a backlit glide,” the resort’s website reads. “Experience the rush of mountain biking balanced with the rejuvenation of the Auberge Spa.” 

Active couples should consider going on a mounted adventure on one of the resort’s many trails. 

Lodging options include the main lodge in addition to various cottages and tree houses. Several dining experiences, including 19th Pub, are available onsite. Be sure to sample the moonshine-inspired happy hour cocktails. At night, head to the on-property observatory to view the clear star-filled skies.

Bristol Casino 

Location: Bristol

Photo courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation

You don’t need to travel to Las Vegas to have a fun casino experience with your partner— Bristol Casino is right here in the commonwealth. Although the casino isn’t slated to officially open until 2024, a temporary full-service casino has been operating since 2022. 

The casino space spans 30,000 square feet and includes 870 gaming slots, 21 tables, and a sportsbook offering various gaming options. You and your loved one can play a game of craps, roulette, pai gow, or baccarat, then have a meal or drink before enjoying some live entertainment. Mr. Lucky’s is the perfect place for a romantic meal featuring contemporary regional cuisines. Check out the event calendar to see who the musical entertainment is each night.

Since you can’t stay at the casino yet, you’ll want to stay nearby at The Sessions Hotel, which is well worth a romantic getaway on its own. Located inside a historic candy factory, grocery building, and granary mill, the hotel pays tribute to the city’s status as the “Birthplace of Country Music” and the 1927 Bristol Sessions. 

“High beams, historic wheels and pulleys, large windows and historic sliding doors all add to the guest room and dining experience,” the hotel website states. While there, you can even treat yourself at the in-house salon, Vision Spa & Day Spa. Women can get a special occasion updo while men can get a beard trim and straight-razor shave. Dining options at the hotel include a Southern barbeque joint and rooftop bar with views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains.

Mariners Landing

Location: Huddleston

A relaxing lake getaway is the perfect way to spend a day or two with your loved one, especially when it’s at Smith Mountain Lake. Mariners Landing should be at the top of your list of places to stay. It describes itself as “the premier vacation destination at Smith Mountain Lake, and a hidden gem where you can enjoy resort living at an affordable price.” 

If you want to be active, there are plenty of things to keep you occupied, including indoor/outdoor pools, hot tubs, golf, tennis, basketball, volleyball, walking/biking trails, and a beach area. After spending the morning on the 18-hole championship golf course followed by an afternoon at the beach, treat yourself with a romantic Peruvian-inspired dinner for two at The Landing Restaurant. Watch the sun set in the distance while strolling on the walking trail. 

 L’Auberge Provençale

Location: White Post

Photo courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation

It’s difficult to think of anything more romantic than a French getaway. While not in France, L’Auberge Provençale is a charming French-style country inn that is nestled in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. “Innkeepers Celeste and Alain Borel have created a remarkable, authentic Provençale experience in a romantic Virginia bed and breakfast, complete with gracious service, elegant guest rooms, and an award-winning restaurant,” the establishment said.

With names like Monet and Coco Chanel, you’ll have fun picking your room. 

Morrison House Old Town Alexandria

Location: Alexandria 

Photo courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation

If you’re looking for a charming yet refined getaway, check out Alexandria’s only AAA four-diamond hotel, Morrison House Old Town Alexandria. “Guests of our charming Federalist-style 45 room Autograph Collection hotel come to be inspired by historic Alexandria while surrounded by the vibrancy of the people and décor of Morrison House,” the hotel’s website reads. 

It’s perfectly located for those looking to have a fun day roaming around the city. Nearby activities include walking the cobblestone roads of King Street while perusing the various boutiques, then spending some time at the Waterfront Park. After all that, return to the hotel and dine at its in-house restaurant, The Study.

Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast 

Location: Charlottesville 

Photo courtesy of Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast

Couples looking for a getaway that is steeped in history should stay at Arcady Vineyard Bed and Breakfast, as it’s just minutes away from Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello. The goal of innkeepers Kathy and David Geist is to “provide a luxurious but casual and relaxing getaway, where our guests’ day-to-day responsibilities end at check-in.” 

Wake up and enjoy a full country-style comfort food breakfast made from locally sourced ingredients. Spend the morning exploring the sprawling estate of the third US president. In the afternoon, go on a wine tour to experience some of Charlottesville’s many award-winning wineries.

Quirk Hotel

Location: Richmond

Photo courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation

If you’re looking for an urban getaway, opt for the truly unique lodging experience Quirk Hotel has to offer. Born from one of the city’s well-known art galleries, it brings together “different worlds to create a multi-layered, enriching experience that is so much more than just a hotel.”

Couples can view the latest art at the Quirk gallery, sip a specialty cocktail at the rooftop bar, then indulge in a delicious meal at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Maple & Pine, which uses locally sourced ingredients. 

After dinner, explore the heart of Downtown Richmond by strolling along the Riverfront Canal Walk.

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