How to Eat Your Way Around Rappahannock County in 24 Hours
When it comes to escapes from D.C., few destinations are as beguiling as Rappahannock County, Virginia. Whether you’re coming for the hikes, the wines, or the food, there’s truly something for everyone in this Shenandoah-adjacent municipality. And given that it only takes 90 minutes to get from D.C.
Rappahannock County comprises the three towns of Washington, Sperryville, and Flint Hill. Each has its own unique charm, and taken as a whole, they make up a fabulous community of welcoming Virginians who understand hospitality to a tee.
From bucolic views to boutique stays to award-winning cuisine, there’s more than enough to do in Rappahannock County to fill an entire weekend. But if you’re a little tighter on time and looking to hit all the highlights in this beautiful area of the state, we’re offering up one itinerary to hit some highlights in just 24 hours.
You might’ve already gotten a hike in at this point (if you’re truly taking advantage of Rappahannock’s proximity to Shenandoah), but whether you’ve worked up a sweat already or not, coffee at Before & After is an absolute treat. We love the specialty lattes and the cappuccino always hits the spot. If you’re eating, definitely try the breakfast quesadilla or sandwich served atop a flaky croissant. The ginger scones are also excellent.
You simply must stop by Sperryville’s beloved Corner Store, where you can not only grab groceries, gifts, and essentials, but also some truly spectacular breakfast biscuits (in case you didn’t grab food at Before & After). There’s also a rotating menu of quiches that are worth checking out.
One of the most famous hikes in the area is also one of the most fun, though be warned, if you’re only budgeting a couple hours to hike, you won’t finish this particularly strenuous Shenandoah trail. This challenging loop takes you through a gorge with plenty of cascades and through the national forest — while the trail is a loop, you could always turn it into an out and back if you’re short on time.
This combination cafe, market, and farm is quintessential Virginia, and absolutely worth a visit. We can’t get enough of their vegetable-centric soups and sandwiches, and if you happen to be roadtripping with an electric vehicle, you’ll be pleased to find free EV charging thanks to the solar panels that power the entire production.
You can’t go wrong with any of the fabulous wineries in the area, but Quièvremont Vineyard & Winery is one of our favorites. Not only is the wine great, but the setting is spectacular, and the flatbreads are pretty solid too.
Can’t get into the Inn at Little Washington? Fret not — you’ll have an incredible dinner just a few minutes down the road at Blue Rock. The restaurant features an ever-changing, five-course dinners ($138) served in a cozy dining room with optional wine pairings. There’s also an la carte pub menu and popular Sunday brunch service. The views of the Blue Ridge Mountains aren’t too shabby, either.
