Breakfast in bed, mountain views, waterfalls, peace and quiet, and really really good food, these are just some of the things we got to experience on our recent week-long trip to Virginia and notably our exceptional overnight stay at The Inn at Gristmill Square in Warm Springs, Virginia. Sometimes a little unplugging can go a long way and visiting a place like this is just what we needed — It was the perfect spot to finish off our our family trip, and really a hidden gem in a beautiful, historic part of the country.

Only about 10 minutes from the Omni Homestead resort, the Inn at Gristmill Square is in the heart Warm Springs, home of the Jefferson Pools, natural hot springs that are touted for their healing powers. You can visit the pools while at the Inn, as they are just minutes down the road. Now, if you’re a fan like I am of design duo Chip and Joanna from Fixer Upper, you’re really going to love the country charm and character of this boutique hotel! Abounding in rustic elegance and complete with a converted early 1900’s mill known as The Waterwheel Restaurant, by far the best meal of our trip! With shiplap as far as the eye could see, ladder back chairs and chinoiserie vases, this was the perfect setting for a romantic dinner. Furthermore, each guest room is uniquely decorated and tastefully themed. If you’ve ever wanted the chance to stay in a silo, there’s one here with a guest room as well as suite that can be rented out.

The layout of the Inn is incredibly charming, as it has the look of well-kept colonial village. There is a large central courtyard, and the rooms are renovated spaces in the village “shops” or “residences.” For example, we stayed in the Bromley room (pictured below), a large guest room teeming with natural light located on the second floor of the village hardware store. Others include the Spring Suite and the Loft, both located in the blacksmith shop, and the Quilt Suite, one of four rooms in a residence known as the Steele House. In total, the Inn at Gristmill has 18 rooms, each with their own unique styling and charm.

We were originally slated to stay in the Singapore room (first floor of the hardware store) but it was undergoing some unexpected renovations. I got a peak and it was a gorgeous spacious room with oriental decor that I can’t wait to go back and visit! Kate, one of the owners of the hotel, was so accommodating and friendly and you could see the love and hard work she personally puts into this property. Also on property is a swimming pool and tennis courts. The pool wasn’t yet open when we were at the Inn, but again, just another thing to look forward to on our return trip!

Above is a shot of the stream running alongside the inn. Below is a shot of the farmhouse decor in The Waterwheel Restaurant. Like I said, this was hands down our best meal of the trip. My husband and I agreed, if this restaurant was in or near Pittsburgh it’d be a top dining destination for sure where we’d be repeat visitors. There was attention to detail in everything, from the charming repurposed atmosphere, to the tiny bar (referred to as “the best four seats in the commonwealth”), the original custom water wheel charger plates (made in Beaver, Pa no less), and the extensive wine cellar in the basement. The menu boasts farm fresh and locally sourced ingredients which inspires creative and flavorful dishes.

One of my favorite touches was for breakfast, you simply call the front desk from your room phone when you are ready and are delivered a delicious homemade meal packed up neatly in a basket. Our meal included croissant breakfast sandwiches, some of the most delicious yogurt I’ve ever had with fresh berries, orange juice, coffee, and even hot chocolate. This is included in your room rate and is such a treat!

Overall we had such a lovely time in Virginia and thoroughly enjoyed our experiences in company with the beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for a place to visit that is just a car trip away (about 4 and a half hours from Pittsburgh) I highly recomend this area!

During our trip I wore casual lightweight dresses and brought along some sweaters for layering (you can see my complete packing list here). When I spotted this blue poplin ruffle dress, I knew it’d make for the perfect outfit for our trip. Below I’ve linked the dress from this post along with even more of my favorite poplin pieces, lace up espadrilles (a very comfortable heel choice) plus the straw bag I used here and some wicker bags that would be perfect to pack for a trip like this.

Thank you to the Inn at Gristmill Square and The Waterwheel restaurant for having us!

…

Blue Poplin Dresses:

…

Straw and Wicker Bags:

…

Lace-Up Espadrilles:

…