WASHINGTONIAN MAGAZINE Cover article: Fall Weekends, September 2009

 

 

Black Horse Inn is a historic plantation—with pillars, porches, and paddocks—les than an hour from DC in Warrenton, Virginia. For horse lovers, it doesn’t get any better than this: Horses can be stabled in their own luxurious digs for $55 a night. Don’t have a horse? Owner Lynn Pirozzoli-Mauro can arrange lessons as well as rides in the Shenandoah Mountains. You don’t need to mount a steed to have a good time. Linger on fieldstone terraces and watch horses graze in the pasture. A video library is stocked with classics as well as a bevy of games, including Horse-Opoly. Don’t miss the Hunt Country afternoon “tea” – heavier on port, sherry and wine than on Early Grey.

            Rooms are large with traditional furnishings such as four-poster beds and Oriental rugs; some have fireplaces. For guests who pry themselves away from the property, nearby Germantown Lake offers kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. More than 20 wineries are close to the inn. History buffs can visit Manassas National Battlefield—the inn was named after the Black Horse Cavalry, which led a successful charge against Union forces at the First Battle of Manassas.

            Our tip: Ditch your car and walk across the street to Rails-to-Trails, a former railroad line that’s been converted to a scenic path. Follow it about a mile to the historic town of Warrenton, with its galleries, gift shops, and antique stores. For a romantic dinner, try Claire’s in the restored railroad depot; for casual fare and a great wine list, head to Iron Bridge Wine Company.

            Travel time from DC: 45 minutes

            What it costs: Rates are highest in May through October when they start at $225 a night including a full country breakfast.