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Take a Weekend Trip to Fauquier County for Walks and Wine

Each new year seems to bring about a reinvigorated sense of self—and with it, some new plans to feel better. Maybe you resolved to incorporate more movement into your daily routine, have more quality time with those close to you, or relax more in the great outdoors. While resolutions are intended to have a positive impact, it can become challenging to continue the habits your resolutions initiated as the year progresses. A weekend getaway to Fauquier County may be just what the doctor ordered to inspire you to keep going with your active, outdoor lifestyle.

Get Out and Get Active

Sky Meadows State Park is your destination to get out and get active in Fauquier County. With 22 miles of hiking trails, nearly 11 miles of bridle trails, and 9 miles of biking trails – with access to the Appalachian trail – there’s sure to be a path that suits your personal sense of adventure. Enjoy surreal views of the eastern side of the Blue Ridge Mountains on your trail of choice while working up a good sweat, from 8 AM to dusk. Surrounding views of rolling green spaces and forests of Crooked Run Valley call attention to the park’s agrarian roots. The Turner Pond parking area even has a 5K course! Do not miss the Sensory Explorers’ Trail to delve into the local flora and fauna of the area along a 0.3-mile route, with an option to download an audio tour to your smartphone.

There are many more scenic trails to walk, hike, or bike in Fauquier County for any fitness level – practically too many to name. Check out the Warrenton Branch Greenway, an ADA accessible 2.22-mile trail known as the “centerpiece of Fauquier County’s trail system” that crosses two bridges and an iconic section of a retired caboose. Other ADA accessible trails include Monroe Park and The Northern Fauquier Community Park Trail.

The White’s Mill section of Cedar Run Greenway displays the local ecological system – including 55 different types of flowers/grasses and 35 different species of birds – over its 1.25-mile, paved “T shaped” route with multiple bridges. The 0.5-mile Woods at Warrenton section is perfect if you’re craving the crunch of gravel under your feet.

Make it a Weekend of Wellness

Keep those endorphins flowing by staying the weekend in Fauquier County. The Ashby Inn and Restaurant elevates the historical bed and breakfast experience with romantic touches in their array of room offerings, like four-poster beds and wood-burning fireplaces. The Ashby Inn’s restaurant has been dubbed one of the best in the area serving a two-course breakfast, lunch, and dinner centering around in-season, grown-on-the-premises produce.

To become one with the farm, your time at Ovoka Farms will become your new favorite memory. Nestled into 700 acres of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the restored Bunkhouse of the late 1700s is part of a working farm and has three bedrooms and a private backyard with a pond. For an indulgent dining affair, book a Wagyu meal with the Resident Chef in the Manor Home on the property while watching the sun sink over the farm.

For a quaint dwelling that is reminiscent of The Secret Garden, Rooms Up There at The Rosemary will take you back in time as you retreat after an active day. The building has been ever evolving since its construction in 1805 to include three guest rooms. King beds and marble bathrooms ensure plenty of comfort and charm from the moment you access your room via private courtyard.

Toast to Your Health in 2023

Not to worry, there are plenty of wineries in the area to toast to your accomplishments on the trails. Head to Blue Valley Vineyards to continue to bask in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains while sipping on the fruits of the land. A wide variety of grapes are fermented on-site, including Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, and Viognier. Self-guided wine tastings, as well as a savory sampling of small plates, are available to enrich your experience.

Three Fox Vineyard and Farm Brewery offers decadent wines with equally rich views of rolling hills and the vines that created the treat in your glass. Whether you choose to partake in front of one of the dual fireplaces, one of two service bars, the patio, or the deck, you are sure to find a vibe that perfectly suits you, your glass of small batch wine (from Red Blends to Vidal Blanc), and the weather du jour. Craft beers, including the “Hip Hop” IPA, are also available.

Get Fresh Air and a Fresh Mindset in Fauquier County

The best weekend getaway is the right combination of working up a good sweat and “wine-ing down” in good company to reset the body and mind. Before 2023 gets into full swing, hit the pause button to emphasize the outdoors, movement, and quality time with the people you hold dear in Fauquier County.

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