It was a warm winter weekday, between two icy periods, when my wife Danni and I visited the Inn at Willow Grove. Being greeted by name by Ray out front let us know instantly this was going to be a special night, not just an overnight stay. After checking us into the loft (thank you, Ray, for luggage service up those three flights of stairs!), we headed out to explore the grounds via their well-marked nature trail.

Beginning Creekside (several rooms are separately sited Creekside), we worked our way past the spa to the event barn, which was adjacent to the well-tended “ruins”! We visited the boxwood gardens with the homage to “The Raven” before heading up the hill to view the Blue Ridge mountain range in the growing dusk.

A short climb was rewarded with a sunset directly into a contrail that created a fiery pillar in the sky, adjacent to pink and purple cotton-candy clouds! Dana Milbank’s recent column on appreciating nature to raise your mood clearly resonated.

A visit to the Inn wouldn’t be complete without dinner at the Vintage restaurant. A variety of seating options were available, including fireplace rooms, casual dining in the pub, “private” rooms at the front for four diners, or (in the summer at least!) dining in the gardens by the fountains.

The Prime Rib special was excellent, but judging by the oohs and aahs at the table, any selection would have worked as well. The extensive wine list allowed us to properly pair our meal. And the evening was warm enough for us to finish our wine by the outdoor fire pits.

Our room was very pleasantly memorable. There were complimentary beignets and French press coffee (and herbal teas for those with that preference) delivered at the agreed-upon time. The sunrise that time of year was perfectly aligned with the loft portico window and was perfect viewing for enjoying the beignets. The five-head shower was luxurious, though I’m certain it was not built for five simultaneous showerers! Full breakfasts were available in the restaurant downstairs.

Afterwards, the spa was available for relaxation experiences, though I must admit it would be hard to become even more chill after spending an evening at the Inn at Willow Grove.

If you go, be sure to ask to see their historic scrapbook, which they keep behind the desk. It has lots of stories and pictures of Willow Grove’s history and how it leads to the present. Given how well they are doing presently, I’m sure it will also lead to a wonderful future.

Dave Richards

Dave Richards and his wife danni are long time Lake Anna residents (since 1996) with a penchant for travel.   They also LOVE to stay in unique places, which have included a hanging spherical tree house in Qualicum BC, the Marilyn Monroe suite in Edith Palmer’s place in Virginia City NV, and a quonset hut in Yosemite.  Closer to home, they have stayed in the Lighthouse in Smithfield, the Silo at Kelly’s Ford, and the Tepee at Eagle’s Landing In Lynchburg.   They are looking forward to visiting the unique accommodations nearby at Lake Anna!