The Inn at Meander Plantation

I have mixed feelings on this one. And if half stars were possible, I'd certainly give 3 1/2. I booked the Madison Cottage for a somewhat last minute getaway for my fiance and I. Unfortunately just minutes after settling into our room we heard a strange sound in the wall behind the bed. After talking to the innkeeper about it, turns out they think they have a squirrel in there. Not something I was going to sleep well with. Thankfully the Inn wasn't fully booked on a Sunday night and the inn keepers were more than happy to switch us to one of the suites in the main house. And we were so grateful for their efforts to make us comfortable. The room was nice, and we enjoyed the private entrance to the 2nd floor porch. Breakfast the next morning was less than impressive. Few options, especially for anyone who prefers to start the day with something light and healthy, and it was all served lukewarm. The location and grounds were beautiful, the everything was well kept, but just not the perfect place for us.

My boyfriend and I were invited to a wedding in nearby Culpeper, so we decided to make a Valentine's weekend getaway out of it. We had the best time at the Inn at Meander Planation! The only reason I didn't give it five stars is because it's the only bed and breakfast I've ever stayed in, and I have no point of comparison.

We were able to book the Lightfoot Room just two weeks in advance of our stay. When we arrived, a lovely staff member escorted us to our room and showed us how to turn on the amazing gas fireplace to make it warm and cozy.

We were just in time for our dinner reservation at 7, so we quickly changed and headed to the dining room. FYI, attire at dinner can be casual, but no jeans. The four-course dinner was divine. My courses were a spinach salad with goat cheese and roasted pear, tempura shrimp, salmon with white beans and pot de creme for dessert. Service by the same lovely staff person who showed us our room was great. She was personable and polite -- this is not a stuffy B&B, despite the old Virginia accoutrements. Each party sits at their own table, so don't worry about dining at close range with strangers.

Next morning's breakfast was equally as enjoyable. Coffee is brewing at 8:30, and breakfast is served a 9. It's another multiple-course affair that started with fresh-baked muffins one morning and piping hot scones the next.

The inn is beautifully landscaped, which would be a real treat to see in spring. Bird feeders, a fountain and rocking chairs outside our room provided a countryside ambiance I don't normally experience being a city dweller. If you go, take a jaunt around the 80-acre grounds and say hello to the horses. After our hearty breakfasts, we enjoyed the walks even in chilly weather.

There are no TVs in the rooms, which I greatly appreciated. You won't run out of things to do with shopping in downtown Culpeper and James Madison's Montpelier only a few miles away.

My husband I eloped here this December!!! Suzanne the innkeeper was absolutely wonderful!!! Every email and phone call was answered with quick responses. Our elopement package included the officiant, bridal bouquet, grooms boutineer, champagne, a small cake, a few pictures taken by Suzanne, and dinner. We decided to get married on a Thursday and booked the Robinson room for one night which included breakfast the next morning. EVERYTHING was amazing!!!! Our room was nice and cozy and included a fireplace which we did use since it was so cold out. We requested a non religious ceremony and the officiant which was not only a very nice man but also very personable did a great job!!! The flower arrangement and my bridal bouquet was beautiful. The champagne and wedding cake was delicious!!!! Our Dinner and breakfast the next morning was to die for!!!!! It was the little personal touches that were added to our ceremony that really made me smile. Suzanne not only took pictures but also made a recording of our vows and added them to a CD for us to take home. Our dinner menus had a small customized message congratulating us and wishing us a lifetime of love. We plan on returning next year for a couple of days and this time when its warm out so that we can enjoy the 80 acres the plantation sits on!!!! I highly recommend this establishment to anyone and everyone!!!!