Last week we travelled to a beautiful B&B in Charlottesville called Cedar Spring Inn, and celebrated the New Year there. It was an incredible place. Probably the nicest place we have ever stayed, and we took advantage of everything they had to offer.
We arrived Thursday evening around 5:00. As it was dark, we didn't get to appreciate the beautiful views until the next day. We did, however, go out to dinner at one of my favorite pizza joints from college days. It was Vic's Pick all the way for me--and it was just as good as I remembered! Once back at the Inn, we jumped into our bathing suits, and headed out to the hot tub with a bottle of bubbly. Salmaan selected a wonderful prosecco that he had tasted at our local wine shop, and it was excellent. It was a foggy night, but as we sat in the soft glow of the tub, we saw fireworks going off just over the ridge to the rear of the Inn. It felt like we had our own private fireworks show!
We didn't stay up until midnight or watch the ball drop, but we did have some incredible conversation. As we talked and laughed, I worked on this sweater, and thought about how much I love knitting and how lucky I am to have a spouse that supports and encourages me in the pursuit of my passions.
It was a pleasant thought to fall asleep to. The next day we were pampered with an incredible breakfast experience--freshly sliced oranges and grapefruit, banana nut bread, and our choice of 3 entrees with a choice of meat for a side (it was like this every morning--fruit, a sweet bread, choice of entree and sides, and a never ending supply of delicious juice and coffee). We each had an omelet with sausage, and it was to die for. Afterwards we spent a good 2-3 hours by the fireside, chatting with some of the other couples staying there. It was an interesting blend of people, professions, and personalities, but it was quite pleasant. We left the Inn and had lunch at my other favorite college joint--Bodos Bagels. Food BLISS!
Back at the Inn, we decided to explore a little. We walked around the property on the Brady Trail, which hadn't been traversed since the last snowfall. Just us and the wildlife.
It was quiet and peaceful, and as we headed back to the Inn and the warmth of the fireplace, the sun began to set.
After that we spent the rest of the evening at the Inn--too comfortable to even leave to go out to dinner (which is saying something). Instead, we enjoyed some nibbles that I had packed for New Years Eve that we didn't end up having.
We have to do this sort of thing more often--it was simple, delicious, and very romantic. The steam room was probably my most favorite amenity, I'd never been in one before, and it was awesome. Friday night we braved the cold (and dude, it was COLD) and went back out to the hot tub. This night the sky was so clear, I felt like we could see every star in the sky. The moon was very nearly full as well, and the combination of snow and moonlight made the whole setting glow in an otherworldly way.
The next day we headed to our favorite wine bar, Enoteca, and had dinner at the C&O. We left Sunday and had lunch with a buddy in C'ville, and visited Blenheim Winery on the way home. This winery is owned by Dave Matthews, and I was impressed by their selection. We left with half a case and happy hearts.
It was a wonderful getaway, and the perfect way to ring in the New Year. During this time together, we laughed so much (details to come), finished one another's sentences, and found the space to be ourselves together. We're looking forward to our next visit. Hope your New Year's was fabulous as well!
