Only 45 minutes from Charlottesville, the Inn at Willow Grove is a peaceful getaway for solos and couples while also playing host to weddings and retreats in a serene setting. The myriad options for overnight stays also make it an ideal spot for families to connect while relaxing in privacy. Situated on 40 acres, the highly rated luxury destination is stylish and sleek with a restored late-1700s manor house as its centerpiece.
Stay
Nestled in Orange, Virginia, the Inn at Willow Grove boasts a host of different overnight options from rooms and suites to cottages. Each is masterfully appointed and sport luxurious amenities like top-of-the-line organic mattresses, Lather bath products, and elegant linens from Frette.
Guests at the Inn can expect to be greeted with a complimentary glass of Prosecco during check-in and to awake each morning to fresh beignets and French press coffee. There are also room service options and evening turndowns with sweets.
For dining, the on-site restaurant Vintage and its pub are the perfect places for a relaxing meal and drinks. The upscale dining spots welcome guests of the hotel and locals alike, sometimes offering entertainment in the form of music, comedy, and other events. Chef Andrew Eppley utilizes the goods from local farms to prepare seasonal Southern-inspired dishes. Expect to encounter starters that range from ahi tuna crudo or country pate to mains with pork belly and scallops, roasted monkfish, or bison striploin, all of which can be paired with any of the wines, beer, or cocktails on their curated lists. On Sundays, Vintage also offers brunch with appetizers that are similar to their breakfast and lunch offerings, alongside mid-day meals like a braised beef cottage pie or French toast with lemon mascarpone, mixed berry compote, and maple syrup.
If you’re hosting a larger event like a retreat or wedding, planners are available to help every step of the way. From several large indoor spaces to their Boxwood Garden, there is an ideal spot for any gathering, and every detail from food to decor can be handled by the hotel’s staff.
Relax
While it’s easy to simply settle in on the porch of one of the Inn’s cottages where you’re staying, or in one of the manor house’s gathering areas, the property also offers the opportunity to meander through its trails and gardens. And for a more upscale day of rest, guests can book one of the many services at the Millhouse Spa on the property. Simply walk over to the peaceful oasis for a facial, massage, or other skin and body services, then unwind in the serenity room or outside by the saltwater heated pool, where you can order drinks and snacks.
Nearby Shopping, Dining, and Drinks
In addition to spending time at the Inn, there are a multitude of other ways to enjoy the area. The Town of Orange is a mere five-minute drive from the property and offers a Hallmark Movie-worthy Main Street and a number of shopping destinations. Stop into Objects on Main (also owned by the Inn at Willow Grove) for unique and interesting home decor. Or pop next door to The Country Gathering, which offers an extensive selection of locally made and secondhand goods as well as a collection of food and wine finds worthy of taking back to your suite or enjoying once you return home. Then, take a stroll and stop into Spelled Ink for some literary treasures to keep for yourself or give as gifts.
If you’re looking for other dining opportunities beyond the Inn, there are several in Orange, as well. Try Forked on Main for an upscale lunch, dinner, or brunch experience, or simply have snacks and sip on cocktails, beer, or wine. For a slightly more casual vibe that’s still elevated, stop into Main Street Tavern, which also offers a solid cocktail program and a menu with options that can appeal to nearly anyone in your group. If you’re looking for a spot on your way back, just a minute drive away from Main Street is Spoon and Spindle, with dishes that range from elevated favorites like loaded mac and cheese, hot chicken, and a double-patty smashburger to upscale options like Kombu mayo-topped fried mushrooms, crab linguine, and their “Spindle Schnitzel.”
Another nearby town is Gordonsville, which also boasts a picturesque downtown with a number of shops and several restaurants. Jackson & Company Market is a can’t-miss for kitchen decor and food-related items, including interesting cheese, sausages, and plenty of other take-home options for foodies, and Près Des Prés brings all of the classy French vibes to its dining room and bar -- wine and food enthusiasts won’t want to miss it.
Finally, since a visit to Orange lands you right in the heart of Virginia’s wine country, don’t miss out on some of the county’s best wineries, from Barboursville Vineyards and The Barn at 678 to Woodbrook Farms and Honah Lee.
"Chef Andrew Eppley utilizes the goods from local farms to prepare seasonal Southern-inspired dishes. Expect to encounter starters that range from ahi tuna crudo or country pate to mains with pork belly and scallops, roasted monkfish, or bison striploin..."