One Night Getaway, This Coming Weekend - Dining and Relaxing Without Driving Home

[kturkey88]

Has anyone been to the Ashby Inn lately? What about the Goodstone, or maybe the Salamander?

If we could getaway for a night this weekend, where we just want to relax and eat and drink without having to drive afterwards, where should we go? We've loved Ashby in the past, so I'm curious if anyone's been lately. I also really like the idea of an on-site spa so that we can do something without doing anything...you know?

Want to stay relatively local so that we don't waste time driving, which is why Bedford Springs is out. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance -

Jackie

[Keithstg]

Full disclosure: I'm biased, as I live about 200 yards from the Ashby, and eat there often. Was there last Friday and thought that the food, while different than Tarver's, was every bit as good.

That said, the Ashby Inn, no question (for me). Salamander still hasn't worked out the kinks at Harriman's, although I have heard good things about the spa, if that is the desired activity. The Bar there is also nice. The Goodstone food has improved, and their "new" bar is nice. I have only stayed in the manor house there, so don't know a ton about the other accomodations, and I'm pretty sure they don't have a spa. Although it's "over the mountain", I might consider L'Auberge Provencal as opposed to the Goodstone.

[goldenticket]

I was at the Ashby Inn less than two weeks ago, for a similar getaway. They haven't missed a beat in the dining room. We had a wonderful meal, and I agree with Keith's assessment above - the preparations were different, but just as delicious.  We took full advantage of the fireplace in our room (the Settle Room in the Schoolhouse). I only wished we'd stayed a second night! We were able to do some nice hiking at Sky Meadow Park the following day, visit a winery or two, and ended our getaway with an early dinner at The Hunter's Head Tavern in Upperville.

Goodstone Inn does have a spa according to their website.

I haven't been, but Poplar Springs Inn in Casanova is another relatively close option, also with a spa onsite.

[DonRocks]

Full disclosure: I'm biased, as I live about 200 yards from the Ashby, and eat there often. Was there last Friday and thought that the food, while different than Tarver's, was every bit as good.

I was at the Ashby Inn less than two weeks ago, for a similar getaway. They haven't missed a beat in the dining room. 

This says a *lot* about the Wavras, having to do this on such short notice. When Tarver first put in his notice, Neal had nobody in mind - he asked me for help, and I couldn't think of anyone.

[Joe H]

The Ashby Inn is still on top and I think, the destination to spend the night at in that area.  It is no secret that I believe Paris, Delaplane and Linden, VA to be among the most beautiful places on earth.

Having said this there is much to be said for St. Michael's and Easton on Maryland's eastern shore.  There are towns like Berlin (the Atlantic Hotel) that are charming as well as Oxford, Chestertown, even Rock Hall that are well worth a visit.

We spent New Year's Eve in Ocean City and have already made reservations to return next year.  It WAS special!