When visiting in the off-season, doing a little planning can help you insure you have the best winter getaway!
So now you have booked your stay at the inn this winter, or you are at least thinking about pressing that ‘reserve now’ button. But what now? Curious about what our area and surrounding areas have to offer? There are plenty of activities, events and things to do.
What type of stay or getaway are you looking for? Are you hoping for a total escape with maximum relaxation and self-care activities? Or are you looking to go on a wine trail tour with your spouse ending in a romantic dinner? Maybe even bring a gaggle of girlfriends for a sushi making class, or even a solo trip to reconnect with yourself, We’ve got options of all kinds.
What type of getaway are you looking for?
Rest and Rejuvenation Stay ideas:
This type of getaway is our specialty. Our inn sits at the end of a quiet country lane, overlooking the quaint Tabbs creek. We are only a 5 minute drive to town, but the property still feels remote and serene. While all of our rooms and suites have modern televisions and Wi-Fi, we find our guests seem to slow down and watch more birds and bonfires than movies and TikTok’s.
Our suites offer the most in ways of ultimate relaxation. Each suite has a king size bed, a jetted jacuzzi tub and a separate living area with kitchenette. Suites also include private outdoor patios complete with fire table and patio heaters. Oh, and did I mention they all have waterfront views as well?
The library located downstairs in the Main House is super cozy and boasts a large reading collection for you to peruse or borrow. There is also board games and cards available for use as well as a gas logs fireplace. Here at the inn you can unplug and unwind. The views of the water from each room invoke rejuvenation and relaxation. Staying at the inn means total pampering. Unlike Airbnb’s, here there are no chores, no stripping beds or washing dishes. We can even deliver our gourmet breakfast to your room if you don’t even want to get dressed!
Self-care and Wellness Retreat:
While enjoying the rest and relaxation that the inn provides sometimes you might want just a little extra luxury and self-care. Booking an appointment for a massage, or an acupuncture treatment or even a private yoga session could elevate your wellness getaway.
Mathews is home to Five Star Oriental Medicine, a wellness center that offers acupuncture, massage therapy, yoga therapy, cupping and more. Audrey and her team have been serving our community for many years now. Visit their website for more info and to schedule an appointment.
Nicole Abbitt is also a LMT that practices in the Halcyon Building in downtown Mathews. She offers traditional Swedish massage, facial massages and reflexology. She also plans to offer a couples massage class just in time for Valentines Day.
You can schedule appointments by phone (434)-222-5063.
Rishi Yoga and Wellness is an amazing studio in White Stone with classes everyday for all bodies and experience levels. Ashlay and Emily, (a husband and wife duo) are amazing instructors who really have your comfort and well-being at the center of what they do. In addition to classes they also offer private sessions of reiki, meditations and ayurvedic massage. They also offer aerial yoga with hammocks for groups of up to five. What an awesome group idea! Call or visit their page for more info and a complete calendar of classes and offerings.
Romance:
The inn is quiet and cozy, with low lights and plenty of places where you and your loved one can cozy up and reconnect. Tables just for two in our dining room, or best of all, our gourmet breakfast delivered right to your room for an ultimate “Breakfast in Bed” feeling. Our suites are perfect for a romantic getaway with their jetted tubs and private outdoor patios. We also offer romantic add-ons like flowers, wine or champagne, fruit and cheese boards, and chocolate truffles.
Zoll Vineyards is also offering a special Valentines Dessert Pairing n February 9th. Stay Inn with us that weekend and celebrate your love with local wine and dessert. On February 14th, the actual Love Holiday, Zoll will also host a Valentines Day Wine Pairing.
A romantic getaway isn’t complete without a special dinner. The White Dog Bistro in Mathews is one of those places. THE date night spot. However, if you are staying with us in the beginning of the week, TWD may not be open. Hole in the Wall is not as fancy at The White Dog but it is local and they have a Monday night oyster special. Nothing says romance like oysters on the half shell.
If you cant find that right spot in Mathews, Gloucester County is not a far drive and also has some places worth going. Farmasea is a local chef-owned eatery that has a romantic, eclectic vibe and local fresh fare. They specialize is using very local ingredients. Bangkok Noi in is also top on our list of favorites. This locally owned and operated Thai restaurant also has a great sushi bar. Both Farmasea and Bangkok are located in Gloucester courthouse.
A nearby lavender farm now has Igloos! At Under the Stars Farm you can dine in your own private, cozy igloo surrounded by stunning winter scenery. The igloo is heated and fully furnished, complete with bluetooth speaker, comfortable seating, and all the amenities you need for a luxurious dining experience. This is romance on a new level! Visit their website for upcoming dinners and other igloo fun.
Connecting: With yourself, your partner, or with friends!
Indoor Activities and Happenings
The Bay School Community Arts Center in Mathews, hosts many classes of all types, ranging from pottery and sculpting to watercolors and needle felting. With classes held during the week or on weekends, and for all experience levels, the Bay School has a class for anyone. Great for a solo trip or, get a group of friends together and sign up for a 2-day sculpting class and stay at the inn for an ultimate BFF getaway!
Is trying new things on your New Years list of resolutions? Zoll Vineyards is a locally owned and operated winery that hosts lots of events. They offer fun classes that can ignite that inner mixologist or artist in you! Try a wine cocktail class, a Paint and Sip night, or a sushi making class. These types of events are usually held on Fridays and Saturdays. Or if planning a stay with us during the week, visit Zoll for a wine tasting and one of their eclectic charcuterie boards.
Or maybe some “nightlife” is more what your looking for. Gloucester Brewing Company hosts live music nights, trivia nights and even a Bingo night. Events are held on weekends and weeknights too! The brewing company just had its five year anniversary and is going strong. They have outdoor covered seating as well as indoor. This place is about a 20ish minute drive from the inn and is located in the downtown historical area of Gloucester Courthouse. There are many shops and eateries to choose from here, making GloBrew just one stop on a trip to this area.
Outdoor Things to do:
Connecting with nature is also a great winter pastime, because there are less leaves on the trees making birds and other wildlife easy to spot. There are several local and nearby nature preserves, parks and beaches that have great views of the Chesapeake Bay areas. Bethel Beach is one of the closest and our favorites here at the inn. There is also a Virginia State Park nearby as well as a few others. Hiking or just walking and experiencing the nature and wildlife of our area is suited for solo trips as well as duos or groups.
Under the Stars Farm also fits into our outdoor adventures list as well. This unique experience puts you inside an igloo with views of the lavender farm and twinkly lights above. We are swooning over the very idea!
