There’s no better way to spend a weekend than enjoying winter activities in the Shenandoah Valley. Glen Gordon Manor has everything you need for an unforgettable escape from the ordinary. It is a cozy retreat where you can enjoy all there is to do and plenty of activities to keep you busy! It’s the perfect time to visit with fewer crowds and a serene atmosphere. Read on for a guide to a cozy getaway in the Virginia foothills, your home-away-from-home for all sorts of area adventures.
1. Scenic Hikes & Nature Walks
Experience the great outdoors and explore the Shenandoah Valley on some of the area’s best hiking trails. There are a variety of options less than a 30-minute drive from the inn, like Shenandoah River State Park, with over 24 miles of trails for hiking and biking. We have trails for every skill level, from easier hikes with gentle inclines like Snead Farm Trail Loop to more challenging endeavors on trails like Little Devil Stairs with gorgeous views of the valley below. Winter can be especially beautiful, just make sure to dress warmly and you’ll be prepared for hikes to stunning seasonal scenery.
2. Find Frozen Waterfalls
One of the best reasons to visit Huntly in winter is something you can only see during this time of year, frozen waterfalls! Dark Hollow Falls in nearby Shenandoah National Park is your reward at the end of a hiking trail and is easily one of the closest to the inn, a grand sight that you don’t need to go far for. The aforementioned Little Devil Stairs is not only a great hike, but also has its own frozen waterfall, and we especially recommend it for outdoor enthusiasts or anyone who wants to capture a unique photo.
3. Day on the Slopes
For those drawn to classic winter pastimes, nearby mountain resorts offer skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing near Shenandoah Valley. Massanutten Resort and Bryce Resort are local favorites that offer a relaxed experience suited for beginners and experienced visitors. It is the kind of outing that feels effortless to plan yet captures the simple pleasure of a winter day outdoors. Then after a long day in the cold, unwind at our historic inn with a warm soak or dinner at The Houndstooth Restaurant.
4. Explore Skyline Drive
See the gorgeous Blue Ridge Mountains from the comfort of your car and take the iconic Skyline Drive. There is an entrance right by us so you won’t need to travel far to get going, and it’s a great way to spend an afternoon. See the quiet beauty of the winter landscape as you drive by and find the perfect spot to hop out for an incredible view. Make sure to check for milder conditions before you go, especially during this time of year.
5. Wine Tastings & Brewery Tours
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the local culture is with a visit to nearby wineries and breweries. Sip a fine vintage or an ice-cold microbrew and taste the dedication to their craft, a delicious experience in the Virginia countryside. Winter brings with it more of an emphasis on darker reds but also dessert wines, and hearty beers like stouts and ales, and there are more than a few locations we highly recommend! Rappahannock Cellars is easily one of the best wineries in the area and is so close you could easily walk to it in less than 30 minutes, or a brief drive, and try their remarkable wines. Linden Vineyards, Glen Manor Vineyards, and more are all close to Glen Gordon Manor and offer tours, tastings, and more. Pen Druid and Skyline Brewing are both excellent nearby breweries with short travel times, great beer, and local food if you’re in the mood for a bite.
6. Culinary Delights
With a getaway at Glen Gordon Manor, you’re already set for excellence in cuisine, whether it’s dinner at Houndstooth or a hearty breakfast. Start your morning right with a gourmet multi-course breakfast featuring fresh fruit, cereals, flaky pastries, and a hot entree that always features a delicious presentation of farm-fresh eggs. For an evening filled with culinary magic, make sure and reserve your spot at Houndstooth Restaurant! Chef Dayn Smith has prepared a handpicked menu for a five-course delight featuring only the finest in fresh ingredients sourced from local farms, part of a continuing endeavor to represent the best that Virginia has to offer. Peruse our extensive wine menu and find the perfect pairing for a romantic dinner you’re sure to remember long after the plates have been cleared.
7. Artisanal Shopping
Shop till you drop in nearby towns and discover premium local goods, fascinating antiques, and reliable favorites for holiday gift-giving. Pick up keepsakes for yourself and your family back home, explore art galleries and local landmarks, or simply take it all in and see why so many love these small towns. Stop by one of the many excellent restaurants for lunch or dinner, or indulge your sweet tooth at favorites like Wine Love Chocolate for sensations to dazzle the taste buds. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza at Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen or a Three Star Michelin experience at Inn at Little Washington, you’re bound to find something to satisfy with so many quality options.
8. Relaxing Spa Treatments
Make your stay at Glen Gordon Manor a truly relaxing one and let your cares melt away with a massage from one of our skilled massage therapists. Just one of the luxurious amenities offered at our Tack Room Spa and Fitness Center. A stress-free experience awaits, with mats for yoga, a treadmill, and other exercise equipment to utilize during your stay. Book a massage at any time, or add our Indulgence Package before you arrive and enjoy sparkling wine, artisanal cheese and cracker plate, and chocolate-covered strawberries in addition to your massage.
9. Indoor Workouts with a View
Winter weather does not always cooperate with outdoor plans, which is why our boutique fitness room is such a flexible option on colder days. Equipped with a Peloton, treadmill, and free weights, and yoga equipment makes it easy to keep up with a workout routine regardless of the conditions outside. Large windows bring in natural light and open views of the Shenandoah Valley, creating a setting that feels far removed from a typical gym. It is a refreshing way to start the day or recharge after an afternoon of exploring, all without ever needing to step into the cold.
10. Cozy Up in Luxurious Accommodations
Take a break from the holiday hustle and bustle with a winter getaway in the Shenandoah Valley and stay in luxurious accommodations with everything you need for a cozy Virginia retreat. At Glen Gordon Manor our spacious rooms feature king and queen beds with only the softest linens, private porches, and soaking tubs for warming up after a chilly day outdoors. You can sit by the fireplace and sip a glass of wine or hot chocolate with a good book by your side and watch as the snow gently falls over the rolling hills. Retreat to a winter sanctuary during one of the busiest times of the year and carve out time for yourself in the quiet countryside, a romantic retreat in serene surroundings.
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