Things To Do
Nearby(ish) Hikes
It wouldn't be a trip to this part of Virginia if you didn't take some time to go to Shenandoah National Park. From the hotels in Gainesville, we are only 40 minutes from the Front Royale Entrance and an hour from the Thortons Gap Entrance of the park. Below are a few of my favorite hikes in that area: Old Rag Mountain Loop (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/old-rag-mountain-loop-trail): This one requires a timed pass in advance, but it is well worth it. A challenging yet rewarding hike, it gives you some of the best views in the entire park. Beware of the rock scrambles! Whiteoak Canyon and Cedar Run Trail Loop (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/white-oak-canyon-and-cedar-run-trail-loop): If you like waterfalls, this hike is for you! Rose River Trail (https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/rose-river-trail): The hike Melissa and I did a few hours before I proposed!
The Winery at Bull Run
Pack a picnic and head over to this great winery where Melissa once accidentally celebrated her birthday with a Civil War reenactment!
Cycling
Of course, we had to include some bike options! You are in luck! The hotels are right next to the superb gravel road in Loudoun and Fauquier County. Head on over to Doppio Bunny Coffee in The Plains and hit the Frostbite 41 route: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/31754951. Gravel not your thing? One, I pity you. Two, we are 40 minutes from Skyline Drive! Crank out a Skymass (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37362741) the morning of the wedding, and you'll be fresh as a daisy for the festivities. Do you think all lycra-wearing cyclists are dweebs? Don't worry; I do, too. Thankfully, we are only 50 minutes from Shenandoah River State Park, where you can shred that gnar on countless MTB trails (https://ridewithgps.com/routes/37362741). There will be an official ride on the morning of the wedding, so plan accordingly (don't tell Melissa). (Melissa says this better be zone 2....or else)
Charlottesville
If you're looking to extend your weekend - check out Charlottesville! This is where we spent the weekend when Tom proposed and is one of our favorite weekend getaways. There are a ton of great wineries, breweries, and cideries local to Charlottesville. We loved Barboursville Vineyards, Three Notch'd Brewing Co, and Bold Rock Cidery. Bodo's Bagels are also a must.
District of Columbia
We couldn't make this list without recommending our city as well. There are a million things to do here and options for everyone, just a 45-minute drive from the hotels. Do you love an educational vacation as much as our families do? Head to DC and check out the monuments, government buildings, and (free) Smithsonian museums. The Old Post Office tower offers great views of the city and is a hidden gem. Art lover? Hit up the Portrait Gallery, Renwick, National Museum of Women in the Arts, or Hillwood Estate. Restaurants & cafes we can't get enough of: Caruso's Grocery, La Bonne Vache, The Tombs, Tatte, Ruthie's All Day, and Filomena's.