Fall is one of Virginia’s most romantic seasons. Crisp air makes you reach for the warmth of another, while explosions of red, gold, and orange foliage set the stage for a memorable time away together. Make the most of it by staying somewhere that’s warm, comfortable, and showcases the best of the season, both in flavor and in views. Consider these five-star* romantic bed and breakfasts for your late fall getaway to the coast.
This is part two of a series. See part one, Five-Star B&Bs for Fall Romance in the Mountains.
-- BELLE GROVE PLANTATION BED AND BREAKFAST | KING GEORGE --
The fourth President of the United States, James Madison, was born at Belle Grove Plantation, a 1670 southern plantation situated along the Rappahannock River. Choose from four spacious, elegant suites reflective of the past but as accommodating as today with modern amenities. The breakfasts at Belle Grove are described as "decadent," with fresh, filling choices like blueberry oatmeal streusel french toast.
Belle Grove Plantation. Courtesy Rich Johnson Photography.
-- FIG STREET INN | CAPE CHARLES --
'Tis the season for an in-room fireplace, no? Choose a room at Fig Street Inn and get cozy with your loved one. Turkish linens and organic cotton bathrobes will make it hard to leave, but Greg's loaded omelettes made with Eastern Shore farm-fresh eggs will surely draw you downstairs.
ALSO SEE:Four Scenic Coastal Drives for Fall
-- THE INN AT TABBS CREEK | PORT HAYWOOD --
In 2013, BedandBreakfast.com named The Inn at Tabbs Creek one of the Top 10 US B&Bs based on traveler reviews. With each room boasting a waterfront view, it's easy to get a glimpse of why it's a beloved Virginia reprieve. The notable breakfast at The Inn is the lemon blueberry cornmeal pancakes. If you're a meat lover, ask for the local sausage from Sausage Craft or maybe the crab quiche featuring fresh Chesapeake Bay blue crab.
The Inn at Tabbs Creek
-- BENTLEY MANOR INN | WILLIAMSBURG --
Just a quick half-mile walk from Colonial Williamsburg, Bentley Manor Inn is a classic brick colonial home offering four beautiful rooms with private baths. A filling country breakfast awaits you in the morning, with several offerings to choose from and served by candlelight.
-- BARCLAY COTTAGE BED AND BREAKFAST | VIRGINIA BEACH --
The two-story wraparound porches beckon your stay at Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast, and the signature french toast will make "one more day" quite appealing. The amenities and beautifully furnished guest rooms are more than comfortable. It feels like home. Borrow a bike and helmet to enjoy the area, and feel free to help yourself to snacks and drinks as you wish. This may be your new favorite beach destination, in-season or not.
Barclay Cottage Bed and Breakfast
-- HORNSBY HOUSE | YORKTOWN --
The Hornsby House Inn has been a beacon for three generations of weary travelers, making it a tradition for families experiencing the Historic Triangle. Five luxurious accommodations are available, two of which are suites fit for four that include private outdoor terraces. If you're lucky, breakfast may include the filling sausage and egg casserole, a Hornsby House mainstay.
-- INN AT WARNER HALL | GLOUCESTER --
The centerpiece of this plantation owned by George Washington's great-great grandfather is the impressive manor house, the Inn at Warner Hall. Guests have 11 rooms to choose from, some of which boast amazing views of the Severn River. Chef serves a breakfast bounty, of course, but dinner is also available with delights that include steamed Rappahannock "Old Salts" oysters with sautéed spinach and Parmesan.
Inn at Warner Hall
-- ESSEX INN | TAPPAHANNOCK --
Built in 1850, the Essex Inn is a Greek Revival mansion boasting soaring 20-foot ceilings, wide-plank original floors, and most of its original windows. You'll be quite comfortable in one of the four main house guest rooms or one of the four "Quarters" suites. For breakfast, ask about the Amish egg bake with homemade biscuits, then head out and enjoy the beauty along the Rappahannock River.
-- THE INN AT ONANCOCK | ONANCOCK --
Just three blocks from Onancock Wharf, the Inn at Onancock is a sweet Eastern Shore reprieve with five guest suites (two with fireplaces!), and fun cooking sessions with Innkeeper and Chef Lisa LaMontagne for those who want to add a little flavor to a weekend escape. Enjoy the nightly "WineDown" to sample vino from around the globe.
The Inn at Onancock
-- MAGNOLIA HOUSE INN | HAMPTON --
Near the waterfront area of Hampton is the beautiful Queen Anne Victorian Magnolia House Inn. Three spacious guest suites are available, but the cream of the crop is The Ellington Suite with its spa tub and luxurious king bed. Enjoy Joyce's famous Croissant French Toast (as seen in Essence) for breakfast before taking a stroll along the tree-lined streets of the neighborhood.
Joyce Blair of Magnolia House Inn
-- CHANNEL BASS INN | CHINCOTEAGUE ISLAND --
The 1892 6,800 square foot Channel Bass Inn delivers fantastic comfort with spacious guest rooms that include a private sitting room and en suite. Just two miles from Assateague National Seashore, it's the perfect place to explore on a crisp fall morning after you enjoy farm-fresh eggs used for such breakfast delights as Barbara's Mexican eggs!
Channel Bass Inn
-- GARDEN AND SEA | NEW CHURCH --
Incredibly large suites grace the Garden and Sea with amenities like whirlpool tubs, private screened porches, and fireplaces. Bringing a pooch? Ask for the Shiraz Suite as it has a small fenced yard for your convenience. In fact, bring more than your dog, as the suite is equipped for up to four people. Homemade yogurt and German specialties grace the breakfast menu at Garden and Sea.
Where do you love to stay when you spend time in Virginia?
This is part two of a series. Please see Virginia.org for many more options.*As rated by TripAdvisor users.