Head down Rt.15 in Virginia to experience rural countryside just miles outside of Washington D.C. Virginia’s rich history, rolling hills and delicious craft beverages make it the perfect place to explore on your next road trip adventure. Sprinkled with charming small towns, breathtaking farms and unforgettable Virginia made craft beer and wine, visitors are sure to make some unforgettable memories on the road.
Photo: Stone Tower Winery – Loudoun County – D.C’s Wine Country (credit Visit Loudoun/Aboud Dweck)
This 11-bedroom Inn, that was once a Civil War Era mansion, offers the perfect blend of modern amenities, historic charm and a first-class getaway. Conveniently located in Haymarket, VA, the Inn serves as the centerpiece to the Evergreen Country Club. Whether you want a romantic getaway in the pristine rolling hills of Northern Virginia, a fantastic golfing experience, to just enjoy nature, sit by the pool, or hit some tennis balls, the Inn at Evergreen will deliver on its promise of an idyllic escape. The Inn is also the perfect location for weddings, corporate retreats, or other special events. The Inn at Evergreen, as it exists today, is proudly listed on The National Register of Historic Places.
Since 1998, this has been a busy working farm, the initial project on the property was to construct several greenhouses to grow annuals and perennials to be sold in our on-site landscape design center and to be used in the owner’s commercial designs by Community Landscape Services.
As the market for naturally grown fruits and vegetables grew, they added crops of fruit trees, berries, heirloom varieties of tomatoes and squash, melons and peppers and even built a chicken house to harvest fresh eggs. The harvests from these crops will be used in our seasonal food creations.
Visitors can experience a quint small-town feel while exploring the wide variety of independently owned shops and restaurants sprinkled along Washington St. (Rt.15). From homemade ice cream sandwiches to gourmet cupcakes and upscale consignment shops visitors are sure to enjoy the afternoon milling around this small town and taking in its charm.
Silver Lake Regional Park features a 23-acre lake that is fed by the Little Bull Run, is a fisherman’s delight with bluegill and largemouth bass. The lake is open for bank fishing and non-motorized boats. Additionally, the park has 4 miles of multipurpose trails that are used with equal enthusiasm by equestrians and hikers alike. There are two designated picnic areas with wooden tables, permanent grills and restroom facilities.
A Virginia Main Street accredited community, explore the historic downtown Commercial District. Architecture reflecting a collection of 19th and early 20th century buildings telling a story of three histories, a courthouse town, a railroad town and an automobile town. Along with all the historic features to soak in, downtown Orange has locally unique shopping and dining to please all tastes and interests, a thriving local Art Center and Gallery and the James Madison Museum of Orange Heritage. Multiple public parks make perfect places to stop and soak in the local community while you are visiting. Don’t leave town without stopping by the Orange County LOVE sign visible from Rt.15 as you travel through Downtown Orange’s central crossroads, Rt. 15 and Rt.20.
Photo: James Madison’s Montpelier – Orange County, VA
You don't have to be a history buff to have a great time at James Madison’s Montpelier just 5 miles from Rt. 15 in Orange County. With 2,650 acres to explore, there’s plenty for visitors of all ages! Along with history, enjoy trails, gardens, spectacular views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and some of the best BBQ this side of Kansas City! While visiting you must experience the Mere Distinction of Colour Exhibition, the award-winning exhibition is the culmination of years of archaeological and historical research, resulting in an emotional, fact-based account of the contributions of the enslaved to the founding of our country and the institution of slavery's influence on contemporary social issues. Come explore the lifelong home of President James Madison, the Father of the Constitution and Architect of the Bill of Rights, and Dolley Madison, America’s first "First Lady".
Located less than a mile from James Madison’s Montpelier, set on a 600-acre tree nursery, The Market at Grelen is a magical destination. It boasts a farm to table café featuring all local Virginia beers, wines and ciders, garden shop, trails that connect with James Madison’s Montpelier Estate trails, living LOVE sign for photo moments and a pick-your-own farm. One would be hard pressed to find a more beautiful PYO location. Visitors can pick blueberries, blackberries, peaches, or apples depending on season. Incredible views and inviting outdoor patios give you a place to relax and get back in touch with nature.
Historic Downtown Gordonsville
Rt. 15 runs right through the heart of downtown Gordonsville. Tour through The Exchange Hotel and Civil War Museum filled with original artifacts from the lifetime of the Hotel in the 1800s when Gordonsville was a railroad town through the Civil War period when it functioned as a Civil War receiving hospital. Also noted as one of the most haunted historical sites in the state of Virginia! Stroll down Main Street, Gordonsville and discover the locally owned unique shops and merchants, try the Food Network #1 Best BBQ pulled pork sandwich in the Country at BBQ Exchange or discover fine French Dining at Restaurant Rochambeau hosting world famous French Chef, Bernard Guillot.
