Practically a stone’s throw from Washington, DC and Harpers Ferry, Clarke County has been called an oasis – a calming destination known for outdoor adventure, a quirky attraction, and a celebrated arboretum. You’ll find plenty of winter delights in Clarke County, Virginia this season; come along!
Out & About
Numbering 172 acres, the Orland E. White Arboretum in Blandy is also known as the Blandy Experimental Farm and better known still as The State Arboretum of Virginia. Its collection of more than 5,000 trees includes a gorgeous 300-tree ginkgo grove, more than 200 conifers, boxwood variety aplenty, cedar of Lebanon allele, and the most beautiful Virginia Native Plant Trail. The latter is where you’ll find breathtaking bluebells each spring.
Even in winter the arboretum is a destination you won’t want to skip. Holiday workshops dot the calendar at the beginning of December before the Winter Tree ID Walk & Potluck occurs on December 11. Birders are welcome year ‘round and are encouraged to document their sightings.
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Dinosaur Land in White Post offers more than 50 exhibits and a gift shop, and they’re open through December 31 for your impromptu outdoor exploration. Get the family out for a bit of exercise and delight as you make your way through the prehistoric forest. Keep an eye peeled for the Mesozoic residents lurking about.
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Tour Long Branch, a circa 1811 mansion built on the grounds of a one-time wheat plantation now serving as an equine retirement farm. Each weekend in December the mansion is host to a Holiday Open House from noon to 5 p.m.
Fill your evening with entertainment at the Barns of Rose Hill in Berryville. Get a comfortable seat and enjoy a date with a loved one or catch the Ten Year Anniversary Exhibit before it closes on December 18, an event in itself with a closing reception.
December Events:
- 2, 16, & 30: Old-Time Jam Session
- 4: A Charlie Brown Christmas Film and Concert
- 7: Trivia Night (with prizes!)
- 11 & 18: Holiday Ornament and Gift Making for Kids
- 18: Caleb Nei Trio Holiday Show
Eat & Stay
If you want to do both eating and staying under one roof, might we recommend L’Auberge Provençale in Boyce? A renowned French country inn, L’Auberge has 11 vibrant guest rooms and suites plus a celebrated on-site French restaurant, La Table Provençale. Perhaps consider a December 12 stay to experience Christmas in Provence, a provincial feast, or perhaps December 31 for their Rockin’ New Year’s Eve 50s “Supper Club” dinner and midnight toast?
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Get cozy at historic Rosemont Manor in Berryville this winter. While they’re well known for their weddings, Rosemont Manor is a luxurious bed and breakfast as well. Check out the red Roosevelt Suite with its clawfoot tub for a romantic getaway. Or perhaps The Byrd’s Nest, a sweet little cottage with a wood-burning fireplace that served as Virginia Senator Harry Byrd’s office while he was in office.
More Places to Stay in Clarke County
Begin planning your winter visit to Clarke County, Virginia at ClarkeTourism.com.
Header image by Jumping Rocks Photography and courtesy of Virginia Tourism Corporation.