Nothing is better than traveling with the one you love! Stafford County offers many opportunities to break out of your everyday routine and spend time together connecting with loved ones with photo ops and cozy moments at your fingertips. Whether you enjoy the great outdoors, traveling through history, or all of the above, in Stafford, VA, you will be able to connect with your loved ones and make amazing memories.
What To Do
Start your romantic trip in Stafford, VA with a stroll around Gari Melchers Home and Studio at Belmont. Explore where Gari and Corinne Melchers’ love story flourished as you and your significant other spend quality time together throughout the house and grounds. Learn about how the pair’s love for art turned into a love for each other through a sensory-rich tour that allows you to walk in the footsteps of the couple. The house contains the Melchers’ original furnishings and personal art collection, the studio houses over 1600 works by Melchers, and the 27-acre grounds feature restored formal gardens and miles of walking trails. The estate often hosts events for different age groups as well and guided walking tours.
Take in the amazing history at Chatham Manor, a Georgian-style home that overlooks downtown. This estate was built by William Fitzhugh in the late 1700s and has weathered American history beautifully. Walk the grounds and step back into history as you can stand where the colonial owners would have overlooked Fredericksburg and capture spectacular photographs as the grounds are beautiful in every season. Chatham was also once the headquarters for the US Army during the battle of Fredericksburg; check out the stately rooms that were used to house hospital beds after the battle.
Spend an afternoon getting lost in conversation at a local coffee shop. The Grounds Coffeehouse is a Stafford treasure and provides a picturesque location for some down time. Enjoy the coffee flights available all year round. Create your own or choose from one of their curated flights and lose track of time as you relax over a few cups of fair-trade coffee that not only satisfies your coffee craving but supports coffee farmers all over the world.
Have brunch or dinner at Potomac Point Vineyard & Winery, with beautiful views of the vineyards while you eat and sip your way through vintage wine and local flavors. Visit the LOVE barrels, a part of Virginia’s famous LOVEworks signs scattered across the state for memorable photo ops. This is the perfect spot to grab a quick picture to remember your trip to Stafford for years to come. With a tasting room, full kitchen and bistro onsite, and amazing experiences available throughout the year like wine tents or unique wine pairings, you don’t want to miss this beautiful winery that feels as though you’ve crossed the Atlantic and landed in Tuscany, Italy.
Spend an afternoon hiking the trails at Crow’s Nest Natural Area Preserve or Widewater State Park. See wildlife natural to the area while getting some fresh air hand in hand with your partner. Afterwards, take a blanket and sit on the shores of the Potomac River and take in the sights and sounds of Stafford County.
End the evening with entertainment! Book dinner and a show at Riverside Center for the Performing Arts where you can find top-local talent performing traditional and favorite Broadway-style shows. Grab a drink at the lobby bar before heading to your seats for an all-inclusive dining experience.
Where To Stay
Want to make a weekend out of it? Check into one of our 29 welcoming and friendly hotels. Whether its comfortability, convenience or cost, Stafford has options for where to rest your head after a few days of exploring Stafford County, VA.