4 Romantic, Nearby Getaways to Take with Your SO
Richmond summers are special. One minute you’re listening to live music at an outdoor venue, and the next you’re eating ZZQ at an art festival or lying down in the cool rapids of the James River.
But sometimes, we all just need to leave our cozy town for a change of pace, and luckily for Richmonders, we are kind of the gold standard when it comes to accessing adventurous day trips. With beautiful beaches and scenic mountain ranges on either side of the River City, there are plenty of enjoyable ways to explore our surroundings, which often boast cooler temperatures — perfect for easing the summer heat.
During summer, I try to take a day trip at least twice a month, mostly to chase trout in the mountains and saltwater fish species in the bay, but my fiancée can only wait for me to catch a fish for so long. So, pack your beach chair or your hiking shoes, and get ready for these epic, tried and true adventures — courtesy of yours truly.
— by Andrew Knight, Contributing Writer (and the brains behind RVA James River Fishing Report. Follow him @rvajamesriverfishreport!)
North End Beaches FTW!
Virginia Beach may not always be associated with scenic, peaceful afternoons on a mellow beach walking hand-in-hand with your significant other, mostly because the downtown boardwalk can be lively and packed with traffic. But there’s another side of the area that’s worth all of your focus: The 757’s North End Beaches are a hidden gem.
The North End is the beach area that starts around 50th St, marked by the oceanfront mansions. While this section of Virginia Beach looks private and inaccessible to tourists, there are a lot of public parking spaces located along each street that lead to public beach walkways. As you’re marveling at the homes, look for spots on the ocean side and west side of Atlantic Ave. (It can get pretty crowded on a holiday weekend, so if that’s when you visit, plan on arriving in the morning and you’ll have plenty of luck.)
Once you get on the beach, you’ll feel like you could be somewhere far away from home. With so much sand space on the North End, it’s easy to find a spot with a nice view and room for all the traditional beach games and places to set up your picnic blanket.
If you’re driving from Richmond, I recommend stopping at the birthplace of Taste Unlimited on your way. Then, after you’ve spent the day on the beach, there are plenty of places to grab a bite to eat for dinner — my favorite North End spot is Chick’s Oyster Bar, located right on the bay. And it’s not a proper trip to the North End without a stop at Wave Riding Vehicles.
Location: North End Beaches (Virginia Beach)
Suggested parking: Found here
Waterfalls on Crabtree Falls Hiking Trail
Only a few hours away from Shenandoah National Park and its endless campgrounds, meandering streams and hiking trails, lies Nellysford (in Nelson County) and its breweries and outdoor adventure. When I think of romance and the great outdoors suitable for a wide spectrum of interests, Nellysford hits all the marks. As you drive passed Charlottesville, you’ll head southwest toward Lynchburg and quickly notice breweries, cideries and distilleries dotted along the road. If you’re on a day date, it’s hard to drive by so many good options without stopping, but I recommend saving your booze for a reward following a hike.
There are all kinds of great short hikes to choose from, including the Albright Loop on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail and the celebrated Humpback Rocks, but I personally love the Crabtree Falls Trail. According to Virginia Tourism, Crabtree Falls is the highest vertical-drop cascading waterfall east of the Mississippi River — so, yeah, it’s also got that going for it.
During the hike, you’ll get to see a series of waterfalls and mountain views all in one, which is unusual for Virginia. Plus, if you wear a bathing suit, you can cool off in the mountain stream before heading to dinner and drinks. The hike is a 2.5-mile loop and will take around two to three hours, depending on how many stops and photos you want to take along the way.
Once you’ve climbed the waterfall, it’s time to treat yourself. When picking a brewery, you can’t go wrong at Devils Backbone Basecamp Brewpub & Meadows. Located in the valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll have stunning views, delicious food, cornhole games galore, and live music on the weekends. And if you need somewhere to rest for the night, you can even stay at Devils Backbone Basecamp. Either way, top it all off with a stop by Bold Rock Cider for a dessert drink.
So, to sum up: Romance — check! Exercise — check! Day date — check!
Location: 10636 Crabtree Falls Hwy (Tyro)
Suggested parking (for Crabtree Falls Trail): Found here
Cottages at The Mill at Fine Creek
If you’re reading the headline and scratching your head wondering why I’m recommending a wedding venue, you’d be surprised to know that The Mill at Fine Creek is also home to 13 guesthouses and a brewery, all of which are open to the public.
Nestled along Powhatan’s small but mighty Fine Creek, this 30-minute road trip has everything you need to feel far away from home. The cottages on the 10-acre property are cozy and inviting, made for a lazy afternoon or half-day working remotely with an afternoon left open to explore. Think of this getaway as a stress-free escape that doesn’t require hours in the car, spending lots of money on gas. The Mill at Fine Creek provides a simple and easy way to stay in touch with your romantic side, and you won’t have to wake up on Sunday morning dreading the long trip home.
Cute cottages aren’t the only perk of The Mill at Fine Creek — the property is also home to Fine Creek Brewing Company, a craft brewery open Friday through Sunday. As you’re indulging in a refreshing beer, made on-site, you can spend the cooler part of the evening on the outdoor pavilion decorated with those ever-so-lovely string lights we all want to hang on our patios back home. And if you’re wondering what to do when it comes time for dinner, do not fear! The brewery serves grilled cheese, pizza, charcuterie boards, and tacos.
Location: 2434 Robert E Lee Rd (Powhatan)
Wild Ponies at Grayson Highlands State Park
I couldn’t write a romantic road trip list about Virginia without one outdoor destination that scratches the true road trip itch. Grayson Highlands State Park, which is located in the far southwest corner of Virginia, near Mount Rogers and Whitetop Mountain, is home to charming campgrounds, vast hiking trails, beautiful overlooks, waterfalls, expansive meadows and, drum roll please, wild ponies. Yes, you read that right.
The first time I visited Grayson Highlands was during junior year of college at Virginia Tech. My girlfriend and I were celebrating a birthday and wanted to see what all the hype was about regarding the wild ponies. We hiked three miles up into the park, pitched a tent, watched the sunset and fell asleep. Sure enough, in the early morning, we woke up to ponies grazing a few feet by our tent. That might not scream intense romance, but it was a special moment to remember and one that many Virginians don’t realize exists in the state.
Aside from the exotic wild animals, what I love most about this state park is the grassy meadows and rock formations that make you feel like you are spending a weekend in Ireland or Scotland. Every time you turn a corner, you’re met with an entirely different scene. You’ll walk through thick pine trees, cross a small stream, traverse a mossy rock wall, and then be out in the open on top of a mountain. The area is beautiful, full of adventure, and worth the five-hour drive.
While you’re in the area, you can’t pass up the opportunity to embark on the Virginia Creeper National Recreation Trail, which spans nearly 35 miles along abandoned railroad tracks turned into a paved biking trail and heads downhill at a very gentle speed. Bike shuttles in the area drop you on the top of the mountain, and you spend the rest of the day cruising back into town. Waiting for you at the bottom is the adorable small town of Abington, which also happens to be home to plenty of breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops.
Don’t let the distance stop you from this road trip adventure. If you’re feeling nervous, you can always stop at a few of the other mountain-based suggestions along the way. Happy road trippin’!
Location: 829 Grayson Highland Ln (Mouth of Wilson)
Suggested parking: Found here
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