Hotel Snapshot
There are plenty of reasons to head over to the Shenandoah Valley–stunning hiking trails are abundant, the multiplicity of award-winning (including Michelin-starred) restaurants throughout Rappahannock County, and no shortage of precious boutique properties waiting to be called your home away from home. And one of the finest examples of this comes in the form of the Blue Door Inn, a four-room boutique property that is as much about its restaurant as it is about its darling little inn.
Design & Character
The Inn comprises four spacious rooms on the second floor of the eponymous restaurant, each boasting beautiful views of the rolling hills of the valley and the Inn’s bountiful garden. Guests enter–naturally–through the blue front door of the inn, where they’re welcomed by the husband-and-wife duo, Reem and Chef Andrea Pace. From there, it’s truly a home away from home experience–and that’s by design.
The Rooms
The four rooms are unfussy and large, with plenty of room for both lounging and getting a great night’s sleep. After a hike through the Shenandoah, sink into a plush sofa or overstuffed armchair and crack open a chilled Pellegrino from the retro-style fridge. The bathrooms are simple but well-outfitted, featuring enormous showers with great water pressure. All rooms also come with a Keurig coffee maker, great for early birds who head out for the wealth of adventures that Rappahannock County offers.
Food and Drink
The real highlight of the Blue Door Inn is in the in-house restaurant. Under the expert hand of Chef Andrea Reem, the Blue Door Inn restaurant is open for dinner from Wednesday through Sunday, with priority reservations given to overnight guests. Chef Andrea sources ingredients from nearby farms, crafting a menu that’s both seasonal and ties together the bounty of Virginia with the rustic warmth of her Italian heritage. As a result, the absolute stars of the menu live in the pasta section. Slow-cooked sauces and handmade pasta are the perfect embodiment of Chef’s cooking style, and we can’t get enough.
On Fridays, the Inn also opens up its bar for a more casual menu featuring fan favorites like pizza and calamari in addition to the full menu. Pair it all with a cocktail or a glass from the thoughtful local wine list–and you’ve got yourself the ideal cap to a day in the valley.
Amenities
Guests can enjoy five acres of natural beauty on the property, including a stunning garden that is the perfect backdrop for an evening stroll or morning coffee. Inn guests can also enjoy a lounge on the second floor to connect with other guests, bed-and-breakfast style.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
While Flint Hill itself is but a small village in greater Rappahannock County, there’s plenty to do just a few minutes away by car. We love the quintessential Patty O’s Cafe for breakfast in the morning, located in Little Washington. If you’re looking to stay in Flint Hill and the Inn isn’t open for dinner, head next door to The Dark Horse Irish Gastro Pub. For a great hike, you’re just a few miles away from the Appalachian Trail.
Fast Facts
Location: Flint Hill, VA
Vibe: Your foodie aunt’s perfect country hideaway
Rating: 4 stars
Room Count: 4 rooms and suites
Pricing: Rooms start at $290
Our Favorite Thing About the Hotel: The restaurant is truly a can’t-miss experience
Dining: While the Blue Door Inn restaurant is only open Wednesday to Sunday, it’s absolutely worth the wait. Start with cocktails and end with dessert.
Amenities: Priority dinner reservations, guest lounge on second floor, five acres of grounds, in-room Keurig machine
Nearby Attractions: Shenandoah Valley and all its hiking, weekend farmers markets, Skyline Caverns
Airport: Dulles International Airport (IAD)
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