Poplar Springs The INN Spa

We visited Poplar Springs The INN Spa about a week ago and spent a gorgeous, albeit hot afternoon, enjoying the spa, pooldeck, grounds and gourmet restaurant nestled on 200 acres in Virginia's countryside. This hidden gem and boutique hotel was designed by the chef and owner, Howard Foer, of the on-site Manor House Restaurant only 7 years ago. Historic buildings are scattered around the cush lodging which is home to a mere 21 rooms- intimate enough to guarantee personal service. The rooms incidentally are some of the largest we've ever seen, each with a view of rolling hills and gardens and many with private balconies.

Approaching the property down a dirt road, around ponds and over a small bridge, Poplar Springs resembles a spot you could stumble on in Sonoma. The town of Casanova is only an hour outside of Washington, D.C. in Virginia's wine country. Poplar Springs uses its location to the fullest by outfitting guests with picnic baskets, maps and limos upon request, en route to wine tastings at nearby cellars.

Summertime brings special events like the opening of the Garden Terrace, Live Music and Friday night flights, Virginia is for Lovers packages, Date Night: dinner and a movie (screened on the side of barn in the lawn), and 3rd Thursdays at the spa. Guests have all-access to fitness equipment including bikes, fly-fishing equipment, lawn games and tennis rackets. During your stay, plan on spending a good part of your evening at the Manor House for one of the most creative and impressive dinners you can find south of NYC. Enjoy their wine selections, we certainly did!

We're looking forward to our overnight stay at Poplar Springs Inn this summer; but with whom: our girlfriends, our mothers, or our SO's? What do you think?