Let's begin with The South. That is… Southern USA.
Geographically the Southern USA is typically considered to include 16 states, though culture and history plays at least as large a role today in determining “what is the South.” With roots stretching back to British colonists in the early 17th-century, the South is steeped in tradition and has long enjoyed a graciousness that sets it apart from the rest of the country. The South has a rich musical heritage which includes jazz, rhythm and blues, bluegrass and rock n’ roll.
Its cuisine is unlike any other – barbeque, Cajun and Creole, Tex-Mex. Relais & Chateaux luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants create unique gourmet cuisine using all the South has to offer. Though the perception of its climate is hot and steamy, the South actually has many zones ranging from tropical to arid. Its flora is among the most beautiful in the world with live oaks, magnolia blossoms and flowering dogwoods scenting the air. Mixed with modern skyscrapers, West Indies bungalows and antebellum mansions dot the southern landscape, reminders of another age when time moved more slowly and life was savored. On your Route du Bonheur in the Southern US you can return to that time in Relais & Chateaux luxury destinations.
Our First Stop…
We offer The Inn at Little Washington in Virginia. Only an hour’s drive from Washington, D.C. and located at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Grand Chef Patrick O’Connell (owner and Chef) has create a luxurious hideaway in the country. His scripted menus put the spotlight on his Refined American Cuisine, such as Roasted Eggplant Raviolis with Medallions of Maine Lobster. And his long awaited book “Patrick O’Connell’s Refined American Cuisine” celebrates the coming of age of American cuisine. In addition to the beautiful restaurant,The Inn has two tables in the kitchen which allow guests to watch the table creation nightly (each seats up to six persons). The restaurant features products from the Virginia countryside.
The Inn’s re-born Ballroom is the perfect space to accommodate weddings, intimate dinners and executive retreats. Located in the rear of the Tavern Shops across the street from The Inn, the space was once a “Lilliputian” colonial ballroom dating from the 1700’s. George Washington is supposed to have danced the minuet there. (Unfortunately there isn’t any video. Nor do we know with whom he danced.) The room was also used for town meetings during the civil war era.
The English country house style features luxury accommodations. The eighteen bedrooms and suites are sumptuous hideaways created by Joyce Evans, a London stage and set designer. Some two story suites are with balconies and garden views. Two recent additions are the historical Claiborne House and the Gamekeeper’s Cottage.
May we reserve you a room and a table? Dinner starts at $148 per person and lovely accommodations start at $410 per room per night. Due to the extreme popularity for dinning at The Inn the books are open for reservations up to one year in advance!
The Inn at Little Washington is one of our favorite culinary hideaways.
Next week we will explore another Virginia gem, the historic Clifton, located in Charlottesville. Join us again for the “Route du Bonheur… The Road of Happiness.”
