Things to Do in and around Orange, Virginia

The leaves have turned their gorgeous fall shades of orange, red and gold here in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  While Virginia is showing off her peak foliage, it seems the perfect time to tell you what to do in the areas surrounding the Inn at Willow Grove.


If you are a first-time reader, take note that the Inn at Willow Grove has a full-service spa called Mill House Spa and a four-star restaurant called Vintage, both located on property.  We also have walking trails, fire pits and lawn games, so you can enjoy fall in the Virginia Foothills without ever leaving the comfort of our thirty-eight acre property.  

Should you choose to venture into town, Orange is a short two-minute drive from our front porch.  In downtown, you’ll find quaint shops and dining, including our very own Forked on Main and Objects on Main.  Just east of downtown, there is a small county-owned, public-use airport (OMH).  Here you’ll find Skydive Orange, which will give you a real bird’s eye view of the area!  For those slightly less adventurous air travelers, you may prefer to see the sights in a hot air balloon provided by Blue Ridge Ballooning.  

If you wish to keep you feet on the ground and use them for hiking, we highly recommend Shenandoah National Park which I wrote more about in a previous blog. The Market at Grelen also has hiking trails as does James Madison’s Montpelier.  Grelen is a great family spot with a small cafe and pick-your-own seasonal fruit.  Montpelier is the home of former president James Madison and his wife, Dolley. Tour their home and check out the most recent archaeological excavations.  Every year on the first weekend of November, Montpelier hosts the Hunt Races which draw equestrians, families and tailgaters.  

If tailgating is something that interests you, we recommend a wine tour.  Central Virginia Wine Tours will transport guests from the Inn at Willow Grove to local wineries.  Our favorites include Early Mountain Vineyards, Barboursville, and Honah Lee.  If craft beer is what you’re after, check out Shotwell Run Brewing Company in Etlan or venture west into Keswick for cider at Castle Hill Cider.  

I personally love when I can visit an area and have the option of doing many things or nothing at all.  Stay with us at the Inn at Willow Grove and you’ll have the best of both worlds!