Visit Madison County for the day or the weekend (or longer!) to explore everything the area has to offer. Click the menus below to learn more about great places to stay, eat and explore.
Hiking: Old Rag Mountain and White Oak Canyon
The trailheads for these beautiful hikes are around the corner from our tasting room. We have found it best for you to hike and THEN come to DuCard for wine, afterward !
Graves Mountain Lodge
This family-run institution, two miles from DuCard has festivals celebrating springtime, bluegrass, apple harvest and many other events as well as lodging, a restaurant, trail rides and a petting zoo for kids.
Possum’s Store
This historic former general store is now an art and artisan center, with paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more – all created by local artists. Workshops and special events are also offered. Located in Criglersville, just down the road from DuCard.
Shenandoah National Park
Take Skyline Drive along the crest of the mountains through the woods and past spectacular vistas. Hike in the shade of oak trees along the Appalachian Trail, discover the stories from Shenandoah’s past, or just relax in the wonder of wilderness.
Montpelier
This glorious 2,650-acre estate in Orange County, Virginia, was the lifelong home of James Madison. Recently restored to its early 1800s appearance, this is where the man wrote the Constitution of the United States, looking out over the Blue Ridge from his upstairs office. Incredible. Tours of house and grounds available.
Luray Caverns
One the most famous and popular attractions in our region, Luray Caverns is ‘over the mountain’ half an hour to the west on Route 211. Open daily year-round for tours, it’s one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.
MAD ARTS – Madison Arts Exchange
Great shop, down Route 29 about 5 miles south of Madison, with local arts and crafts, garden supplies and plants, and an eclectic mix of other interesting things.
Graves Mountain Lodge
Country lodging with horseback riding, fishing, petting zoo and other activities, plus several seasonal festivals and three family style meals available daily. Just down the road from DuCard, in the town of Syria. Rental cabins also available.
Inn at Meander
Gorgeous historic inn on eastern edge of Madison County, with spacious grounds, fine dining, cooking and other classes and range of activities.
This historic landmark and community centerpiece offers up luxurious accommodations in its suites furnished with antiques, many of which have their own fireplaces. Enjoy fine dining at the restaurant as well as the beautiful town and countryside surrounding this local gem.
Mimslyn Inn
Venerable and gorgeous full service restored 1930s hotel/inn in Luray. Immaculate rooms, fine dining and speakeasy bar, great service plus fitness center, pool and spa.
Inn at Willow Grove
Elegant 18th Century restored plantation house and surrounding cottages, 14 rooms total plus gourmet restaurant and amenities, all with unique blend of chic and country style, on outskirts of the town of Orange.
Hotel Laurance
A beautifully renovated 1880’s former stagecoach stop and tavern, reborn as a luxurious boutique in downtown Luray. Already voted one of the top places to stay in the Shenandoah Valley
Others
Glen Gordon Manor
Shadow Mountain Escape
The romantic couples’ retreat has three timberframe cabins at the edge of Skyline Drive on the road to Luray – with campfires. a lookout tower and wonderful hosts – a unique getaway.
Walden Hall
With only five guest rooms, Walden offers an intimate and inviting atmosphere perfect for romantic getaways, family gatherings and memorable weddings. Named a Best B&B in Central Virginia by Virginia Living Magazine
Sharp Rock Vineyards
Just up the road from DuCard, at the Rappahannock County line, they have two B&B cottages – and are our partner in the local Foothills Scenic Wine Trail.
Belle Meade
Victorian farmhouse on 138 acres with fabulous views, extensive gardens and five beautifully appointed rooms just up the road from DuCard
Hopkins Ordinary
Former 1820’s roadside inn and tavern in historic Sperryville, with two floors of wraparound porches, five guest rooms with fireplaces and a two bedroom cottage, plus a microbrewery on-site.
White Moose Inn
Sleek, new modernist six room inn in Little Washington with luxurious designer decor. They want guests to ‘chillax’ in their relaxing setting.
Inn at Mount Vernon Farm
Historic 1827 Sperryville manor house with five bedrooms and cabin, all meticulously restored and decorated. Gorgeous mountain views atop hillside with trout streams, organic farm, and hiking trails below. Elegant dinners are also served.
Fairlea Farm
B&B on working sheep and cattle farm just two blocks from the center of Little Washington, with great views. In operation by the same owners for 25 years.
Cedar Mountain Farm is a historic farm nestled at the base of Cedar Mountain located near the towns of Culpeper and Orange VA. The guest cottage is a beautiful mix of mid-century modern and vintage style. Enjoy beautiful outdoor spaces around the farm. Breakfast included.
Mayhurst Inn
Plantation manor house on 37 acres of rolling Virginia Piedmont, surrounded by manicured lawns, gardens, old growth trees and fields.
Greenock Manor
Restored Victorian manor house in nearly Orange Country catering to weddings and corporate retreats, with 3 gorgeous B&B suites and superb hospitality.
Piney Hill B&B and Cottages – Luray
Consistently top-rated lodgings with three guest rooms and two cottages, on a peaceful two-acre setting.
South Court Inn – Luray
Beautiful Victorian bed and breakfast in Luray, newly owned and managed by welcoming and fun couple. Four guest rooms plus private cottage that sleeps four.
Others
Gay Street Inn
Rose River Farm Luxury Rental Cabins
Brand new 2BR/3BA cabins with kitchen, flat screen TV and all the amenities, including on-site fly fishing for trout and bass, just around the corner from DuCard.
Old Church Cottage
Quaint and comfy renovated Mennonite church in secluded location. Great for girls’ weekends, guys weekends, family getaways, just around the corner from DuCard .
Etlan A-Frame with Old Rag View
Fun property with direct view of Old Rag Mountain out the back deck. Hot tub and fire pit too. Right around the corner from DuCard.
Ragged Rock Ridge
Mountaintop cabin nestled in a mature, tranquil forest with spectacular views. Ideally located near various adventures like hiking in Shenandoah National Park (including Old Rag & White Oak Canyon). 10 minutes from DuCard.
Big Dipper Ranch: Glamping
For a unique experience rent a tent at this beautiful local property. Tents are on platforms, fully enclosed with mosquito netting, luxury bedding, private toilets, firepits, swimming hole and more. Relax under the stars for a great getaway. 10 minutes from DuCard.
White Oak Canyon Cottage
Two-bedroom cottage just two minutes from White Oak Canyon Trailhead – perfect for a family retreat, a romantic getaway or a hiking weekend in a quiet natural setting. 10 minutes from DuCard.
Firnew Cottage
Secluded Cottage on 265 acres in southern Madison county. Overlooks 2 ponds/playhouse offers privacy and complete farm experience. Walk to swimming hole on river, canoe/fish in lake, feed peacocks/ goats, collect fresh eggs. Great sunsets, fire-pit.
Cottages at Chesley Creek Farm
The Cottages at Chesley Creek Farm are romantic cabins for two in the Blue Ridge Mountains of VA, located in Greene County. There are 5 lovely cabins situated on over 200 acres where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy hiking and mountain biking, or just relax and commune with nature.
Fairhill Farm Country Vacation Rentals
Fairhill Farm offers the luxury of unique vacation rental properties on two farms located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Stanardsville, VA. Take in breathtaking landscape of gently rolling fields and panoramic views on nearly 300 acres overlooking the South River Valley.
Others
Old Rag Mountain Cabin, Lydia Mountain Lodge
Spirit Dancer and Sun Dancer Lodges
These two jewels, tucked in the side of Old Rag Mountain five minutes from DuCard, are perfect retreats for couples, friends, families and corporate gatherings – each with sleeping for groups as large as 16. 5 minutes from DuCard
Old Rag View Horse Farm with Log Lodge and Treehouse
Luxurious western-style lodge retreat on a 90 acre horse farm near the base of Old Rag Mountain with decks and porches to take in the magnificent views. Chef’s Kitchen, huge dining room, double-sided fireplace, baby grand piano, game room, movie lounge, hot tubs and more. Perfect for large groups (sleeps 16), reunions and retreats. Sleeping for groups as large as 16 people. 5 minutes from DuCard
Whipporwill Manor Farm
200-year-old large Madison County farmhouse near Old Rag Mountain, 5 minutes from DuCard
For the ultimate farm experience stay in one of three modern properties at Cardinal Springs Farm located in Sperryville VA. A nature and animal lover’s dream, enjoy over 100 friendly farm animals, hiking trails, fire pits, pond recreation, stunning views, and more. 10 minutes from DuCard
Barn at Edgewood Farm
Two private apartments above barn event venue on beautiful Stanardsville farm.
Deli and Country Stores
Syria Mercantile
Sandwiches and sides made to order plus wide range of snacks and picnic supplies, two miles from DuCard.
Etlan’s The Little Country Store
Best barbecue around, sandwiches, ice cream and plenty of country hospitality.
Fine Dining:
The Inn at Little Washington
The reputation speaks for itself. This is a world-renowned dining destination.
Acclaimed new restaurant in Sperryville featuring wide range of creative local dishes.
Casual Fare:
Graves Mountain Lodge
Longtime family run full service lodge two miles from DuCard with lunch and dinner service including many special dining events.
Miranda’s
Southern comfort food on Main Street in Madison.
A small Veteran owned American Eatery with locally sourced focus and a variety of snacks, salads, sandwiches and burgers on the menu.
The Bavarian Chef
A German restaurant in Madison that’s been a favorite for years
Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen
Nice selection of hand tossed pies in Sperryville – dine in and take out (no delivery).
Sharp Rock Vineyards
Just up the road at the Rappahannock County line, and our partner in the Foothills Scenic Wine Trail. Like DuCard, they are an Authentic operator that grows their own grapes and makes their own wines
Early Mountain Vineyards
This larger winery and tasting room is just down the road in Madison. Like DuCard, they are an Authentic operator that grows their own grapes and makes their own wines
Prince Michel
In operation for 28 years, this large winery is along Rt. 29 between Madison and Culpeper.
New operation also in Madison County. Quaint log cabin tasting room and nice views.
Gadino Cellars
This family run operation is north of DuCard in Rappahannock County. Like DuCard, they are an Authentic operator that grows their own grapes and makes their own wines
Rappahannock Cellars
When we first started growing grapes a decade ago, our harvests were used in their outstanding wines. Worth a visit for sure if you are heading north on Route 522. Like DuCard, they are an Authentic operator that grows their own grapes and makes their own wines
Quièvremont Winery
New operation tucked away on a back road in Rappahannock County 20 minutes to the north. An interesting getaway. Like DuCard, they are an Authentic operator that grows their own grapes and makes their own wines
Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop
We are proud to be a charter member of this outstanding collection of wineries, distilleries, restaurants and lodging establishments along the Blue Ridge Mountains. Check the site for “loops” that you can use to plan your visit to our wonderful area.
Bald Top Brewing
A farm brewery in Madison, VA specializing in crafting beers in a variety of styles and flavors.
Virginia.org
Official VA site – events and attractions all over Virginia, with a great day by day calendar and lots of suggestions
Madison County, Virginia
History of Madison and things to do locally – including wine tasting
Rappahannock County, Virginia
Excellent site for events and activities of interest in the next county up
