Begin your stay in the historic Town of Washington, founded in 1799 and home of the five-star, five-diamond Inn at Little Washington. One dinner here during your stay is mandatory, so why not enjoy it later tonight?

Check into your room at Gay Street Inn. You'll find the accommodations with private baths to be quite comfortable.

Fall's beauty surrounds you - capture it! Schedule a plein air landscape painting lesson with artist Nora Harrington. She will provide all of the supplies and guide you through the process of creating a keepsake.

The Theatre at Washington is a great place to wind down. Their fall schedule includes works by Shakespeare and The Smithsonian Chamber Players.

The wonderful breakfast prepared by the Innkeepers at Gay Street Inn will get you well on your way for gallery hopping.

R.H. Ballard offers original French lithographs, candles, soaps, locally roasted coffee, scarves, purses and exceptional handmade rugs. Browse before lunch at the Ice House Gallery and Geneva Welch Gallery, then head to Sperryville.

Lunch is served from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Thornton River Grill, and my, will you love their menu. It's American cuisine served beautifully. Afterward, make your way to Copper Fox Distillery for a tour into "The Art of Whiskey." Tastings are not available, but purchases of their whiskey are.

On your way back to Washington, stop at Little Washington Winery and Vineyards for a tasting of their wines plus those tapped for inclusion in their "Dirt Road Wine Tour" - a showcase of craft wines produced on small farm wineries in Virginia and beyond. The Wine Shop is open Thursday through Monday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Enjoy another Gay Street Inn breakfast before check-out, then visit the Washington galleries you might have missed yesterday. Next up? Experiencing more Virginia wines on the Artisanal Wineries of Rappahannock Trail. Stop at Gadino Cellars on your way out of town; the tasting room opens at 11:30 a.m. Ask for the sausage and cheese tray to make your tasting a light lunch.

Take Zachary Taylor Highway toward Flint Hill. You'll love this little town. Explore for a while and then head on to Berry Hill Vineyard and Rappahannock Cellars. Each unique and offering different experiences, both encapsulate what Virginia wine is all about. Cheers!