12 Virginia Historic Inns And Taverns That Still Welcome Visitors Today

Think sleeping in a room where George Washington once sipped cider sounds like a history textbook fantasy? Think again.

Virginia’s oldest inns and taverns aren’t dusty relics behind velvet ropes. They’re living, breathing places where you can actually spend the night, grab a meal, or belly up to a bar that’s been pouring hospitality for centuries.

From colonial-era coaching stops to Revolutionary War hideaways, these spots have welcomed everyone from founding fathers to weary stagecoach travelers. Today, they roll out the welcome mat for modern adventurers who want their history served with a side of comfort and a whole lot of character.

Creaky floors, original fireplaces, and ghost stories included at no extra charge.

1. Michie Tavern

Picture this: a tavern so old it predates the United States itself, still serving up Southern comfort in the shadow of Monticello. Built as a private residence and converted into a tavern, this place has been quenching thirsts and filling bellies since colonial times.

The building was actually moved from its original location, log by log and brick by brick, to sit near Thomas Jefferson’s famous estate.

Step inside and you’re transported straight into the world of powdered wigs and tricorn hats. The dining room serves an all-you-can-eat colonial feast that would make any tavern keeper from centuries past proud.

Fried chicken, black-eyed peas, cornbread, and biscuits pile high on wooden tables while servers in period costume keep the platters coming.

Upstairs, the general store peddles old-timey goods and Virginia souvenirs. Outside, you can wander through heritage gardens and peek into dependencies that show how tavern life really worked back in the day.

The gristmill still stands, a reminder of when grain was ground on-site for fresh bread and ale.

What makes this spot special isn’t just the age or the atmosphere. It’s the fact that nothing feels forced or fake.

The wooden beams are genuinely ancient, the stone hearths have cooked thousands of meals, and the stories these walls could tell would fill volumes. Tourists flock here year-round, but locals know it’s a gem worth visiting again and again.

Address: 683 Thomas Jefferson Parkway, Charlottesville, VA 22902

2. Gadsby’s Tavern

George Washington didn’t just sleep here. He partied here.

This Alexandria landmark hosted inaugural balls, political debates, and enough Revolutionary intrigue to fuel a dozen spy novels. The tavern complex actually consists of two buildings: a smaller tavern and a larger hotel, both meticulously restored to their former glory.

Walking through the front door feels like crashing a party thrown in the late seventeen hundreds. The ballroom upstairs hosted some of the most important social events in early American history.

Imagine the swish of silk gowns, the clink of crystal, and the heated conversations about independence echoing off these very walls.

Today, the tavern operates as both a museum and a working restaurant. You can tour the historic rooms during the day, then settle in for dinner in the atmospheric dining spaces.

The menu leans into colonial favorites with a modern twist, and the servers know their history as well as they know the specials.

The tavern sits right in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, surrounded by cobblestone streets and more historic sites than you can shake a musket at. After your meal, stroll down to the waterfront or pop into one of the many boutiques and galleries nearby.

Don’t skip the guided tours if you’re a history buff. The stories about Washington, Jefferson, and other founding fathers who walked these halls bring the past to life in ways textbooks never could.

Address: 138 North Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314

3. The Martha Washington Inn & Spa

Once upon a time, this grand dame served as a private residence, then a college, then a Civil War hospital before finally settling into its current role as one of Virginia’s most elegant inns. The transformation from battlefield infirmary to luxury lodging makes for some seriously fascinating history, and yes, there are ghost stories galore.

The building’s red brick facade and towering white columns scream Southern elegance. Inside, you’ll find rooms that blend antique charm with modern comforts.

Four-poster beds, period furnishings, and original architectural details create an atmosphere that’s both refined and welcoming.

The spa here isn’t your average hotel amenity. Treatments incorporate regional ingredients and traditional wellness practices, offering guests a chance to unwind in style.

After a massage or facial, you can relax in common areas that feel more like a wealthy relative’s parlor than a commercial hotel.

Abingdon itself is worth the trip. Nestled in the mountains of Southwest Virginia, this small town punches way above its weight in arts, culture, and outdoor recreation.

The famous Barter Theatre sits just down the street, and the Virginia Creeper Trail offers miles of scenic hiking and biking.

Dinner at the inn’s restaurant showcases Appalachian ingredients and cooking traditions with contemporary flair. Local trout, heritage pork, and seasonal vegetables take center stage on a menu that changes with the harvest.

Address: 150 West Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210

4. The Middleburg Inn

Hunt country charm drips from every corner of this intimate inn tucked into one of Virginia’s most picturesque towns. Middleburg has long been synonymous with horses, hounds, and high society, and this cozy spot captures that essence without any stuffiness or pretension.

The inn occupies a building that’s witnessed centuries of comings and goings in this tight-knit community. Original hardwood floors creak underfoot as you climb stairs to guest rooms decorated with a light touch.

Antiques mix with comfortable modern pieces, creating spaces that feel collected rather than decorated.

Each room tells its own story through carefully chosen furnishings and artwork. Some feature fireplaces perfect for chilly evenings, while others offer views of the charming Main Street below.

The overall vibe is more country house than commercial hotel, which suits Middleburg perfectly.

Downtown Middleburg stretches out just beyond the front door, packed with boutiques, galleries, and eateries that cater to locals and visitors alike. You can spend hours browsing shops that sell everything from riding boots to fine art, then settle into a cafe for lunch.

The surrounding countryside begs to be explored. Rolling hills, stone walls, and pristine farms create a landscape that looks like it belongs on a postcard.

Whether you’re into horseback riding, wine tasting, or simply driving scenic back roads, this area delivers.

Breakfast at the inn sets you up for whatever adventures the day holds, with hearty portions and friendly conversation included.

Address: 2 East Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20117

5. The Williamsburg Inn

Colonial Williamsburg’s crown jewel sits like a genteel matriarch surveying her domain. Built to accommodate distinguished guests visiting the restored colonial capital, this inn has hosted everyone from royalty to presidents, yet somehow maintains an approachable elegance that welcomes all comers.

The architecture pays homage to the colonial period while providing every modern luxury imaginable. Rooms and suites blend period-inspired furnishings with contemporary amenities, creating spaces that feel both historic and comfortable.

Many overlook the meticulously maintained gardens that bloom in riot of color throughout the growing season.

Staying here means you’re steps away from the living history museum that is Colonial Williamsburg. Costumed interpreters, working tradespeople, and restored buildings transport you back to the eve of the American Revolution.

You can watch blacksmiths hammer iron, taste colonial-era recipes, or chat with historical characters about their lives and times.

The inn’s dining options range from casual to refined, with menus that celebrate Virginia ingredients and culinary traditions. Local oysters, Chesapeake Bay seafood, and produce from nearby farms feature prominently, prepared with skill and creativity.

Beyond the immediate area, Williamsburg offers easy access to Jamestown, Yorktown, and a host of other historical sites. Theme parks provide modern thrills if you need a break from the past, and outlet shopping satisfies retail cravings.

The spa here deserves special mention, offering treatments that help you decompress after days spent exploring on foot.

Address: 136 East Francis Street, Williamsburg, VA 23185

6. Red Fox Inn & Tavern

Middleburg’s oldest building started life as an ordinary in the early eighteenth century and hasn’t stopped serving travelers since. The stone walls and low-beamed ceilings create an atmosphere so authentically old that you half expect to see a horse tied up outside and a rider in muddy boots warming himself by the fire.

Guest rooms spread across multiple buildings, each with its own character and quirks. Some feature fireplaces, others boast original architectural details like exposed beams or stone walls.

The furnishings lean traditional without feeling stuffy, creating comfortable retreats after busy days exploring the area.

The tavern itself remains the heart of the operation. Dark wood paneling, hunting prints, and a massive stone fireplace create an ambiance that’s both cozy and convivial.

The menu leans into classic American fare with Southern influences, and the kitchen takes pride in sourcing from local farms and producers whenever possible.

Ghost stories swirl around this place like morning mist. Staff and guests have reported unexplained footsteps, mysterious figures, and other paranormal activity over the years.

Whether you believe or not, the tales add an extra layer of intrigue to your stay.

Location puts you right in the center of Middleburg’s action. Shops, galleries, and restaurants line the street outside, while the surrounding countryside offers endless opportunities for outdoor recreation.

Wine country spreads out in all directions, with dozens of vineyards within easy driving distance.

Address: 2 East Washington Street, Middleburg, VA 20117

7. The Tides Inn

Chesapeake Bay breezes and tidewater elegance combine at this waterfront retreat that’s been welcoming guests since the mid-twentieth century. While not quite as ancient as some Virginia inns, this place has earned its stripes through decades of hospitality and a location that simply can’t be beat.

Rooms and suites offer water views that change with the tides and the light. Watching sunrise over the bay from your private balcony never gets old, nor does the sight of sailboats gliding past at sunset.

Interiors blend coastal casual with refined touches, creating spaces that feel both relaxed and special.

The resort sprawls across waterfront acreage that includes a marina, spa, multiple dining venues, and recreational facilities. You can spend your days kayaking quiet coves, lounging by the pool, or indulging in spa treatments that incorporate marine-inspired ingredients.

Dining here celebrates the bounty of the Chesapeake. Fresh seafood dominates menus, prepared in ways that let the quality of the catch shine through.

Local oysters, blue crabs, and rockfish appear in various guises, from simple steamed preparations to more elaborate dishes.

The surrounding Northern Neck region rewards exploration. Historic sites, charming small towns, and scenic drives await those willing to venture beyond the resort.

Birthplaces of presidents dot the landscape, and vineyards have begun popping up throughout the area.

Golf enthusiasts appreciate the championship course that winds through the property, offering both challenge and beautiful water views.

Address: 480 King Carter Drive, Irvington, VA 22480

8. The Ashby Inn & Restaurant

Blue Ridge Mountain views and country sophistication meet at this intimate inn perched in the tiny village of Paris. The location alone makes it worth the trip, with vistas that stretch for miles across Virginia’s hunt country and into the mountains beyond.

The main building dates back centuries, with additions and renovations creating a rambling structure full of nooks and character. Guest rooms vary in size and style, but all share a commitment to comfort and charm.

Some feature fireplaces, others offer mountain views, and a few lucky ones provide both.

What really sets this place apart is the restaurant. The kitchen has earned serious acclaim for cooking that showcases regional ingredients with French technique and contemporary creativity.

Menus change frequently based on what’s fresh and available, with produce from the inn’s own garden featuring prominently during growing season.

The dining room itself exudes warmth, with exposed beams, soft lighting, and an atmosphere that encourages lingering over multiple courses. Service strikes the perfect balance between professional and friendly, making you feel welcomed rather than intimidated.

Paris doesn’t offer much beyond the inn, but that’s part of the appeal. This is a place to disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with simpler pleasures.

Long walks down country lanes, afternoons spent reading on the porch, and evenings devoted to excellent food and conversation.

Nearby Shenandoah National Park provides endless opportunities for hiking and nature appreciation. Skyline Drive offers one of the most scenic routes in the entire state.

Address: 692 Federal Street, Paris, VA 20130

9. The Chamberlin

Commanding views of Hampton Roads have made this spot strategically important for centuries. The current building rose in the early twentieth century, replacing earlier structures that stood watch over this vital waterway.

Today, it serves as a hotel that combines historic grandeur with modern hospitality.

The architecture alone justifies a visit. Beaux-arts styling, soaring ceilings, ornate details, and a general sense of grandeur harken back to an era when hotels were built to impress.

Public spaces feel almost palatial, while guest rooms blend period charm with contemporary comforts.

Location puts you right on the waterfront in Fort Monroe, a decommissioned military installation that’s been transformed into a fascinating historic site. You can explore fortifications, walk beaches, and learn about the centuries of military history that unfolded here.

The surrounding Hampton Roads region offers an embarrassment of riches for history enthusiasts. Colonial sites, Civil War battlefields, naval museums, and more military history than you can absorb in a single visit await exploration.

The Virginia Air & Space Center and Mariners’ Museum rank among the best of their kind anywhere.

Dining at the hotel takes advantage of the waterfront location, with seafood featuring prominently on menus. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the restaurant ensure that water views accompany every meal.

Hampton and the neighboring cities of Newport News, Norfolk, and Virginia Beach create a metropolitan area with plenty to see and do beyond the historic attractions.

Address: 2 Fenwick Road, Fort Monroe, VA 23651

10. L’Auberge Provencale

French country charm blooms in the foothills of the Blue Ridge at this romantic inn that feels like it was plucked from Provence and dropped into Virginia. The converted Victorian farmhouse has been welcoming guests for decades, earning a reputation for hospitality that goes above and beyond.

Guest rooms and suites spread across the main house and adjacent buildings, each decorated with an eye for European elegance. Antique furnishings, luxurious linens, and thoughtful touches create spaces that feel indulgent without being over the top.

Some rooms feature soaking tubs perfect for unwinding, while others offer private terraces for morning coffee.

The restaurant here has garnered serious foodie attention over the years. The chef brings classical French training to bear on ingredients sourced from Virginia farms and purveyors.

The result is cooking that honors both French tradition and local bounty, creating dishes that satisfy on multiple levels.

Breakfast deserves special mention. Forget sad continental spreads or rushed buffets.

Here, you sit down to a proper meal that might include fresh pastries, farm eggs prepared to order, and other delights that fuel your day in style.

The inn sits just outside White Post, a tiny crossroads that’s convenient to larger towns while maintaining rural tranquility. Shenandoah Valley attractions, vineyards, and outdoor recreation opportunities surround you in every direction.

This is the kind of place couples choose for anniversaries and special celebrations, where the pace slows down and attention focuses on each other rather than screens and schedules.

Address: 13630 Lord Fairfax Highway, White Post, VA 22663

11. Prospect Hill Plantation Inn

Plantation history comes with complicated legacies, but this inn handles its past with honesty while providing modern comfort in a stunning rural setting. The main house dates to the late eighteenth century, with dependencies and outbuildings creating a complex that shows how these estates actually functioned.

Guest accommodations scatter across the property in various historic structures. Each room or suite offers its own character, from the main house’s formal elegance to the more rustic charm of converted outbuildings.

Fireplaces, antique furnishings, and period details transport you back in time, while modern bathrooms and amenities keep you grounded in the present.

The dining room serves prix fixe dinners that celebrate Virginia ingredients and Southern cooking traditions. Meals unfold over multiple courses, with wine pairings available for those who want the full experience.

The kitchen garden supplies herbs and vegetables during growing season, adding farm-to-table freshness to every plate.

Days here follow a gentle rhythm. Mornings begin with substantial breakfasts, then you’re free to explore the grounds, relax with a book, or venture out to nearby attractions.

Afternoons might include a swim in the pool or a nap in a hammock. Evenings revolve around dinner and conversation with fellow guests.

The location in Louisa County puts you within reach of Charlottesville and its many attractions, while maintaining the peace and quiet that make country inns appealing in the first place. Vineyards, farms, and small towns dot the landscape.

Address: 2887 Poindexter Road, Trevilians, VA 23093

12. Inn at Little Washington

Calling this place an inn almost feels like an understatement. This tiny village establishment has earned every culinary award imaginable, creating a destination that draws food lovers from around the globe.

The restaurant’s reputation overshadows the lodging, but the rooms upstairs and in adjacent buildings match the kitchen’s commitment to excellence.

Accommodations range from cozy to palatial, each decorated with a maximalist approach that layers pattern, color, and texture into spaces that feel both opulent and welcoming. No two rooms look alike, and the attention to detail borders on obsessive.

Fresh flowers, plush robes, and turndown service with special treats all come standard.

The restaurant operates at a level that most establishments only dream about achieving. Multi-course tasting menus showcase ingredients at their peak, prepared with technique that makes every bite memorable.

The wine program matches the food in depth and quality, with a cellar that could keep you exploring for years.

Staying overnight means you can fully enjoy the meal without worrying about the drive home. You can linger over dessert, accept that extra pour, and float upstairs to your room in a happy haze.

The village of Washington itself is barely a blip on the map, but its location in the Virginia countryside provides easy access to Shenandoah National Park, numerous vineyards, and scenic drives that showcase the region’s natural beauty.

This isn’t a place for bargain hunters or casual drop-ins. It’s a splurge destination for special occasions and serious food enthusiasts.

Address: 309 Middle Street, Washington, VA 22747