Two of my favorite ways to unwind are spending a bit of time outside reconnecting with nature and enjoying a good glass of wine. Luckily for me Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, a short 3 hour drive from my home in Virginia Beach, has both in spades making the area an obvious choice for a weekend getaway.
But where to stay?
Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia and Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, was an obvious choice but I wanted the peace and relaxation that can only come from waking surrounded by nature and the homey feeling that staying at a B & B provides. The Iris Inn would be my weekend refuge.
Overlooking the picturesque Shenandoah Valley near Waynesboro, Virginia; owners Dave and Heidi Lanford have been welcoming guests to their mountainside inn since 2007.This Select Registry property is located 30 minutes from Charlottesville, and less than ten minutes from the entrance to Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway. For oenophiles like me the Iris Inn is set squarely in the heart of Virginia wine country with over 30 vineyards (many of them award winning) within a 30 minute drive.
One thing at the Iris Inn that you won’t find at many other B&B’s? A spot for an electric vehicle charging station, making the inn a popular choice for the eco-conscious traveler.
Traveling as a group of three this time we had a bit of difficulty finding B&B accommodations as many just have rooms for couples. The Iris Inn has three spacious cottages perfect for families or a group of friends travelling together. We stayed in the Garden Path Cottage, with 770 sq. feet of space featuring a king bed, flat screen tv, fire place and a basic kitchen on the first level as well as a spiral staircase leading up to a loft with another queen sized bed. The bathroom was just as well appointed with a double Jacuzzi tub and separate shower. Charming touches throughout the cottage just added to the feeling of staying in a friend’s mountain home.
The Iris Inn also offers 6 rooms in the main inn as well as 3 modern luxury cabins, all of which feature some of the best views in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Arriving to the inn I was warmly greeted by Heidi, Dave and their sweet dog Katie (the Iris Inn is also pet friendly for guests travelling with their four-legged companions). After a short chat about their love for the Shenandoah Valley they inquired about my plans for the weekend and were quick to offer suggestions about their favorite wineries and restaurants as well as some short hikes in Shenandoah National Park. The spacious Great Room, featuring a three story stone fireplace, is the heart of the inn and where Heidi and Dave really strive to makes guests feel at home. Chocolate chip cookies are available any time of the day and Dave offers a very popular nightly happy hour from 5-6 pm with complimentary wine, beer and light snacks.
Breakfast is the hallmark of any good B&B and the Iris Inn does not slouch in this department either. Heidi offers an ever changing menu of gourmet breakfast goodies. Fluffy scrambled eggs, applewood smoke bacon and delectable french toast were a perfect start to my day’s adventures in Shenandoah National Park.
Oh, and then there’s this view.
Gracious hospitality, spectacular views a delicious breakfast make the Iris Inn a perfect base for exploring the Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Follow the country roads and make the Iris Inn your mountain home.
I was graciously hosted by the Iris Inn but as always all opinions remain my own. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter to find out about their latest events and specials and receive a Shenandoah Valley Vacation Guide.
Esther of Local Adventurer says
wow what a view! i really need to try staying at more B&Bs when we travel.
Brianna says
Seriously, can you beat waking up to that view in the morning?
Tim says
As always you found a gorgeous weekend refuge, photographed it well, and described it in a way that makes me want to go there.
Brianna says
Thanks Tim, the mountains are definitely calling me back.
Carol Colborn says
Nice place…love that patio with those yellow flowers! Looks like a very relaxing place for a weekend getawy!
Tamara says
This looks so lovely! I enjoy B&Bs but now that we travel as a family of three, I have a hard time also finding ones that can accommodate our group. I’m heading to Shenandoah this summer so I’ll have to check this out.
Brianna says
I really do wish more B&B’s would have at least one room appropriate for large parties.
Andi says
I am not a huge fan of traditional B&B’s so I love the idea of having your own little cabin instead. This is a really beautiful part of Virginia that I have fond memories of. Monticello is one of my most favorite historical homes in the world!
Brianna says
Andi, you would totally love the wine scene here now.
Erica says
Beautiful weekend retreat. Lived in NoVA for 4 years, but didn’t get to travel much outside that area. Looks like a place I’d like though.
Kelly @ TastingPage says
This place looks wonderful. I love the cabin idea. I used to live in the DC area and loved to go hiking in the Shenandoahs, but that was before there was a whole wine industry in the state. Now I can’t wait to go back and explore it all!
Brianna says
There is so much good wine to explore here now too 🙂
Claudia says
WOW, it definitely looks like it is worth visiting even just to stay at the inn!
Barbara says
A good breakfast is a must for us on travels. It shows as well how much the owner emphasizes the details. Lucky you!
Connie Reed says
What a beautiful inn, and I love the cabins, all in a gorgeous natural setting.
Rossana says
Love your photos. What a gorgeous place to relax in!
Brianna says
Thanks! It was such a peaceful little getaway.
Eric Stoen says
Thank you for highlighting their family-friendly rooms/cottages. That’s always my biggest challenge when booking travel – figuring out which places have rooms that can accommodate a family of five. I wish every single hotel/B&B review included a paragraph like yours stating whether they have rooms that can accommodate larger groups/families!
Brianna says
I always wonder why more Inns don’t have at least one room suitable for more than 2 people.
Beverly Burmeier says
Sounds–and looks–lovely. Thanks for the review.
Laura says
This place looks so quaint and cozy. I love the view! So cool that they serve local wines (I keep hearing good things about Virginia’s wine country). I’d love to sit by that fireplace and just unplug and relax!
Brenda Tolentino says
Some time in the next few years, we’d like to road trip the USA. I would love to stay in an inn like the Iris Inn, with owners who engage with their guests. The view and the room are just beautiful and my favorite part? Happy Hour! Thanks for the recommendation.
Brianna says
How can you go wrong with free wine and beer?
Sophie says
Oh wow this looks beautiful. I have to say when visiting the US I never tend to stay in B&Bs. I think the one and only I have stayed in was in New Orleans
Bianca @itsallbee says
Oh man! You had me at the views. I would probably stay outside all day with those views and accompanied by that jar of cookies and mugs of tea.
Wandering Carol says
Love the interior. I really need to travel around that area more.
Don says
Thanks for the detailed review. What a quaint and unique place to stay for the weekend. Looks like a very relaxing and peaceful place to escape for a few nights. We may have to take a trip down to VA to unwind at the Inn and explore the nearby nature.
Lindsay Nieminen says
What a beautiful looking place! love the Happy Hour!
Anda says
This looks like a very cozy bed-and-breakfast. I need to visit this area more.
Tami says
Wow, what a gorgeous stone fireplace! Your pictures do a great job of making the inn look so inviting!
Brianna says
Thanks Tami, it was such a lovely spot to relax and unwind 🙂
Shawn says
That is awesome that they include a charging station for electric cars. I hope this is a trend for B&Bs moving forward. You peeked my interest with the ev charging but I love the view and the food looks amazing.
Maria Jirele says
If you are ever in need of another relaxing getaway I would recommend the lovely Glen Gordon Manor! Situated below Sky Line Drive, the 45 acre property overlooks the stunning Shenandoah National Park! https://glengordonmanor.com/