A Holiday Getaway at The Boar’s Head Inn

Posted: December 5, 2011

December 2, 2011 | Pamela Sorensen

Whenever anyone asks me where I would go for a romantic getaway that is kind of away, but not too far away, I give them the Charlottesville, Virginia area as an answer, in particular, The Boar’s Head Inn. The word “charming” doesn’t even begin to describe this place. Last fall, I took myself on the most romantic endeavor (albeit alone) to this quaint historic remarkable place. I drove to my destination through a road which cut through rolling lush green pastures filled with bunches of orange, red, and yellow fluffy leaves with the sun peaking through, showing off the brilliance of the blue sky. I shall admit, I have no idea where I found these directions off of the internet because it was so off the beaten path I was sure I was lost about 50% of the time. And I’m not crazy, on the way home, I went the normal route of 29N to 66 E which is a much more direct if not much more boring way. But upon arrival, when I finally got there, I knew that I was in a special place.

Lucky for me, I love luxurious, scenic, rustic, historic getaways in a nature-filled setting. The Boar’s Head is a hop skip and away from multiple wineries and vineyards (including Dave Matthews’ Blenheim Vineyards) the extraordinary Jefferson’s Monticello, University of Virginia, and the quaint shopping and dining district of Charlottesville. If you love treating your weary self, The Boar’s Head spa is quite lovely and small, and it had just been renovated at the time. They were getting set up for all of the holiday specials and events just as they are currently this season.

In fact, The Boar’s Head held its second annual tree lighting on Friday, November 25, 2011 at 5:30pm. Santa and Mrs. Clause were the inn’s special guests to assist with the illumination ceremony. Hotel guests, neighbors and families from the surrounding area made up the over 250 people gathered to usher in the 2011 holiday season. After the tree lighting, many enjoyed an Open House at The Boar’s Head Store complete with hot cocoa, cider or coffee and gingerbread cookies before taking a complimentary horse-drawn carriage ride. Others strolled the front lawn in perfect rhythmic time to music of the season while others dined in the Old Mill Room with its Blue Ridge Mountain Winterfrost theme.

One of my favorite aspects of the resort is the beautiful gift shop. The Boar’s Head Store carries everything from collectible Christmas ornaments to Forte Teas. You can find Virginia wines, wine filled chocolates, hand painted wine glasses. There is a large array of clothing both casual and dressy for men, women and children. Also, you can purchase many of the ornaments, garlands and ribbons which decorate the resort currently. (Open Monday through Saturday from 9:30am to 6:00pm and Sunday 9:30am to 2:00pm.)

Also, over this month you can experience anything from Breakfast with Santa, to Gingerbread Workshops, to Holiday teas, and there are also opportunities for private holiday parties both personal and corporate; The Boar’s Head serves as a unique very Virginian seasonal destination. And may I also say the chef’s talents are out of this world.

So in case you are ISO a holiday weekend (or mid-week) getaway romantic, family or even just to be alone, may we strongly suggest The Boar’s Head in Charlottesville. For a list of all of the holiday events, please go to: www.boarsheadinn.com/holiday/