12 Best Girlfriend Getaways In Virginia To Take This Fall

Charlottesville

Located in the heart of Virginia’s Wine Country, Charlottesville draws in oenophiles from across the South—as well as those with less experienced palettes who are just there to sip on a glass of wine and admire the stunning mountain views. With Charlottesville as your base camp, you can plan a whole day around the wineries in the area, hitting up classics like Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards, King Family Vineyards, and Merrie Mill Farm & Vineyard. If your group doesn’t want to worry about identifying a designated driver, consider booking a tour through a driving service like Blue Ridge Wine Excursions. 

For a more restful trip with only a couple of your closest friends—think less wine, more reading—book a stay at The Clifton, a charming 20-room historic inn that embraces the idea of slow living.

Middleburg

A walkable downtown, antique stores, clothing boutiques, and a few of Virginia’s best hotels and resorts? Welcome to Middleburg, a small town with an impressive roster of girlfriend getaway-friendly pursuits. If your group prefers all things cozy, consider booking the Middleburg Cottage at The Red Fox Inn & Taven, one of the historic landmarks on E Washington St. The two-story, two-bedroom suite offers plenty of room to lounge and enjoy each other’s company. Don’t forget to spend some time outside, though. October in Middleburg means a calendar dotted with equestrian events, including the International Gold Cup and the Virginia Fall Races.

Alexandria

If some of your group lives in D.C.—and no one wants to venture too far away for the weekend—use Alexandria as your meeting point. Old Town Alexandria, a nationally designated historic district, is particularly perfect for this type of trip. The lively neighborhood is home to more than 200 independent restaurants and boutiques, and its waterfront location, Georgian and Victorian architecture, and cobblestone alleys are sure to charm everyone in your party. Alexandrians are also known to go all out with Halloween decorations, which adds an extra dose of festivity to your travels.

Richmond

While a larger city like Richmond might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think “girlfriend getaway,” consider the fact that it would be nearly impossible to grow bored here. Art museums, history, architecture, breweries, greenspaces, and some of the best culinary experiences in Virginia can all be found in the capital. Come fall, you can also enjoy humidity-free hiking and incredible leaf peeping without leaving the city limits. Not to mention, Richmond International Airport is one of the more accessible airports in the state, giving the destination several more points if your group is traveling from further away.

Williamsburg

As autumn arrives in Virginia, grab your girlfriends and make your way to Williamsburg for the ultimate feel-good getaway. Yes, this city may be synonymous with college students and its 18th-century historical hub, but it’s also a place where you can fully embrace the magic of fall. There are ghost tours, haunted pub crawls, delicious seasonal treats at the farmers market in Merchant’s Square, and an abundance of foliage to be seen as you drive down Colonial Parkway. And if the itinerary calls for a bit of pampering? Schedule spa treatments at The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg.

Lexington

The Shenandoah Valley is one of the most picturesque regions in Virginia, especially if you’re a fan of mountain scenes, flowing rivers, and quaint small towns. To experience all three at once, plan your next girls’ trip to Lexington. In between all of the outdoor activities the destination has to offer—hiking, fly fishing, and horseback riding, among them—make time to sample some local flavors. Fill up on sandwiches from Blue Sky Bakery, spend an afternoon at the Devils Backbone Brewing Company taproom, and get all dressed up for a meal at Haywood’s.

Washington, D.C.

If you’re planning a girlfriend getaway where the food should take top priority, look no further than Washington, Virginia—not to be confused with Washington, D.C. It’s here where you’ll find The Inn at Little Washington and the only 3-Michelin-starred restaurant south of NYC. When the group isn’t dining on Chef Patrick O’Connell’s wondrous creations, you can fill your days with visits to nearby wineries (Little Washington Winery or Quièvremont Vineyard & Winery), leaf peeping along the Skyline Drive, and shopping in nearby Sperryville. 

Virginia Beach

Prime sunbathing weather may be long over by the time fall rolls around, but don’t count Virginia Beach out just yet. This time of year is ideal for groups who love the idea of renting a beachfront house and spending the entirety of the trip reading, preparing home-cooked meals, and swapping their favorite stories. Plus, autumn sunsets and sunrises are pretty spectacular, making each morning and evening that much more memorable.

Bristol

Country music and girlfriend getaways go hand in hand, and there’s nowhere better in Virginia to bring them together than Bristol. The sibling city of Bristol, Tennessee—the town’s main thoroughfare, State Street, is divided by the state lines—Bristol, Virginia can claim the title of "The Birthplace of Country Music,” and its museum of the same name is open six days a week on Country Music Way. For even more country music-themed activities, stop by Cheap Thrills to browse its record selection and bring the whole crew to see a show at The Paramount. Cap off the weekend with a luxe stay at Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards, one of the South’s best hotels.

Lake Anna

Similar to an off-season beach trip, a fall lake getaway can be the peak of relaxation. So if lazy mornings, crisp evenings, and an open-ended gameplan align with your group’s preferences, start making the arrangements for a trip to Lake Anna. Located 60 miles northwest of Richmond and about 25 miles southwest of Fredericksburg, Lake Anna is a year-round destination with hiking trails, bed and breakfasts, and a selection of bars and breweries—including Mineral Brewing, Cooling Pond Brewery, and Lake Anna Taphouse—if that strikes your fancy. 

Cape Charles

Simultaneously elegant, charming, and welcoming, Cape Charles is one of the best getaways for friend groups who have a “choose your own adventure” mindset. Some members of the group may want to wake up early and tackle the walkable shopping district; others may prefer to sleep in, grab some goodies from Mason Avenue Bakery, and spend the entirety of the day bundled up on Cape Charles Beach. As far as accommodations, larger parties may find more success with renting a home for the duration of their stay, while smaller groups might enjoy the conveniences of Hotel Cape Charles.

Hot Springs

For the ultimate relaxing, no-plans-needed girlfriend getaway, bring your group to Hot Springs, Virginia—specifically, The Omni Homestead Resort. The property is gorgeous throughout the year, but it really shines in the fall when the red, orange, and yellow foliage plays foil to the various outdoor activities: golf, tennis, and zipline tours. Of course, “the Homestead” is also known for its natural hot springs, and you’ll be able to soak in the storied waters at the Warm Springs Pools. The only problem? There’s a very high chance checkout will arrive a little too soon.