Breakfast in the Blue
Ridge Mountains
where to Stay: a warm welcome at the inn
Jefferson Hotel,
Richmond
Swann House,
DC
Reflecting true Virginia hospitality, there’s chilled local wine is different again. One suite is modelled after a log cabin, and in
waiting for newly-arrived guests, and a choice of cigars to smoke in another, there’s a shower made from an English telephone booth.
the rocking chair on the raised verandah. If it’s cold outside, you Nothing phoney about that.
can read about the ‘War Between The States’ as you relax by the
cozy fireplace. Just round the corner you can stand exactly where Lindsay Sutton is a British journalist and writer who has a special
General Stonewall Jackson reviewed his Confederate troops before interest in America, and who has visited this region many times.
marching North to confront those of the Union.
There are thoughful touches in abundance at The Old Brick Inn
in St. Michaels, Maryland. The warm red-brick facade is not the
STAY HIP AND HISTORIC
only welcome sight to greet the weary traveller; on check-in guests
l Hip hideaways in DC: Choose from seven
receive a box of hand-made truffles from a local
exclusive Kimpton Hotels, and enjoy the
chocolate maker.
ultimate in style and sophistication.
In Historic Annapolis – just an hour or so from
l Why not doolittle: Complete with
DC – we found ourselves looked after by former chef Robert
antique décor, Doolittle Guest House
in his B&B establishment called The Inn at 30 Maryland, in DC has stained-glass windows and a
a stylish and elegant town house just a short stroll from the
loft where the Lincoln memorial sculptor
State House where George Washington resigned his Army
Daniel Chester French stayed.
commission to become America’s first President.
l Grist to the mill: The Boar’s Head Inn at
Back in Washington, DC an inviting collection of B&Bs offer
Charlottesville is a reconstructed stone gristmill,
circa 1834. The stream and lakes that once provided the mill’s
visitors a personal introduction to those characterful downtown
water supply form a tranquil backdrop.
neighbourhoods that are such an appealing part of this great city. In
l Truly grand: The impressive five-star Jefferson Hotel in
the trendy Logan Circle neighbourhood, you can have Presidential
Virginia’s capital of Richmond is worthy of a visit for its
pretensions if you spend a night at the Chester A Arthur House,
architectural splendour and old-style ambience. Afternoon tea in
built for a wealthy Treasury official during Arthur’s reign way back the lobby is a perfect treat.
when. Two former journalists have lovingly restored the house to its
l Presidential predilections: DC’s famous Willard Hotel was
former glory – what you might call the finished article.
too expensive for newly-elected Abraham Lincoln: it cost $2.60
Then there’s the DC Guesthouse, with its vivid colours and global
a night. President Ulysees S Grant used it to relax, and called
art collection, and Dupont Circle’s Swann House, with its rooftop
those seeking influence in the hotel entrance hall “those damned
lobbyists.” An expression was born.
deck, backyard garden and outdoor pool. Mansion on O Street
38 www.capitalregionusa.org
CRU09 pp34-39 Spas Inns.indd 38 6/11/08 12:05:57
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