Irvington, Virginia
Formerly an old schoolhouse with two front doors–one for boys, one for girls–Hope and Glory has moved to the head of the class as what Travel + Leisure called one of the country's 30 Great Inns.
The butter-yellow inn is an eccentric and romantic getaway in Virginia's Northern Neck. Romantic doesn't mean doilies, lace bedskirts, and ruffles: The style is sophisticated shabby chic.
The main building houses seven guest rooms, a breakfast room, and a living room decorated with folk art and columns entwined with grapevines and lights. Behind the inn are six cottages with private patios. A path leads to a clandestine outdoor shower with a clawfoot tub for moonlit soaks.
The inn is a quarter of a mile from Carter's Creek, where the Rappahannock spills into the bay. After sailing, golfing, shopping, or getting a massage–either en suite or at the Tides Inn's spa down the road–have a delicious meal at the Trick Dog Café down the street.
Bottom line: Chesapeake Bay charm meets trendy shopping and cuisine.
Hope and Glory Inn, 800-497-8228; hopeandglory.com. Doubles from $160, cottages $215 to $310. Three-bedroom cottages are available for larger groups.
