Meet Me In The Blue Ridge Mountains
Shenandoah Valley, Va
It was November 2020, and M and I were just one year into our marriage, newlyweds navigating not only the early days of our union but also doing so during a world turned upside down. At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, our lives, like so many others', had been narrowed to a routine of homebound days, masked grocery runs, and endless Zoom calls. We had dreamed of something grand and unforgettable to mark our first anniversary: an adventure across the African continent, capped off with a romantic, luxury safari. It was to be the kind of trip that sets the tone for a lifetime of shared wanderlust. But you know how the saying goes: “We make plans and God laughs.”
International travel was all but impossible. Borders were closed, flights were canceled, and protecting our health was the top priority. As such, our carefully curated itinerary was tucked away (in the years to come, we made our way to South Africa).
Still, we were determined to honor our anniversary with something that allowed us to break free from the monotony of quarantine life and create new memories, even if we had to stay close to home. After a bit of research into pandemic-safe getaways within driving distance of D.C., we stumbled upon a hidden gem: the Iris Inn.
Nestled in the heart of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, the Iris Inn is a secluded 19-acre retreat designed for travelers craving a mix of natural beauty and refined comfort. It offered exactly what we were looking for: seclusion and the right amount of luxury to make the occasion feel like a true celebration. We booked one of their unique “treehouse” cabins, which promised floor-to-ceiling views of the forest, cozy modern interiors, and a feeling of being suspended in nature without sacrificing comfort. Each unit was spaced generously apart, making it easy to maintain social distancing without feeling isolated.
In the hush of the mountains, the uncertainty of the outside world faded into the background as we spent our days hiking scenic trails, sipping wine on our private deck, nestled in the hot tub, and warming ourselves by the fire at night.
The time of year we traveled: To celebrate our anniversary, we planned the trip for November. The 2.5-hour drive to the Blue Ridge Mountains was a scenic escape in itself, with winding roads lined by trees ablaze in shades of red, orange, and gold. The crisp autumn air and breathtaking foliage made the journey feel almost magical, a perfect prelude to the peaceful retreat that awaited us.
Where we ate: With social distancing in place, dining options were limited, but the Iris Inn made it seamless. They arranged delicious, locally sourced meals—crafted from Shenandoah Valley farms—that were delivered right to our treehouse, allowing us to dine in comfort and privacy.
Things we did: Knowing activities were limited, we decided to get creative and find ways to be outdoors while practicing social distancing. In addition to spending our days lounging and relaxing, here are a few activities we enjoyed:
Vineyard Trail Ride with Indian Summer Guide Service
Wine tasting and dining at Veritas Vineyards
Hiking trails in Shenandoah Valley
Though our activities were limited, the number of things to do in Shenandoah Valley is boundless.
Our first wedding anniversary didn’t unfold the way we had initially envisioned. There was no passport stamp, no sweeping views of the Serengeti, no candlelit dinners under African skies. But what we did find, tucked away in the quiet corners of the Blue Ridge Mountains, was something just as meaningful. We found stillness. We found joy in simplicity. And we found a deepened appreciation for each other and the life we were building together.
That weekend at the Iris Inn reminded us that love doesn’t require big moments to be felt fully. Sometimes, it’s in the quiet hikes, the clink of glasses on a chilly night, or the shared silence of a morning wrapped in mist and trees. It was the reset we didn’t know we needed, and even now, it stands as one of our most treasured chapters.
Would you do a staycation in a treehouse cabin?
Until next time,
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