Memorial Day Weekend 2017 in Virginia

For Memorial Day Weekend this year, J took me to Virginia – specifically, to the places where he grew up and spent most of his time before we were together. We started in Charlottesville, then drove through the mountains, made a quick stop at Natural Bridge State Park, and then ended our trip in Lexington. We encountered quite a bit of rain (and fog!) along the way, but also managed to get some quality time in the sun too. I loved walking around Virginia with J, finding meaning in each place we visited, listening to him recount memories and stories, and feeling like I had been right there beside him for each one.

While in Charlottesville, we walked around University of Virginia’s grounds. Since I not only grew up in the city, but also went to college (and grad school) in the city, it was nice for me to walk through a school with an actual campus, pose as a student for a day, and get away from the noise of the city for a weekend. We then made a stop for a wine tasting at King Family Vineyard where we settled down with a glass each of rosé and paid a visit to the horses.

After a very foggy drive through the mountains the next day, we stopped by the Natural Bridge State Park and got caught in the rain on our mini hike down to the bridge. The hike led to a pathway that went all the way under the bridge where I managed to get a couple of shots through the rain. 

On Memorial Day, after enjoying a nice dinner/date night in the small and adorable town of Lexington Sunday night, we grabbed an ice cream and took a stroll through Washington and Lee University. While this would have made a lovely end to our Memorial Day Weekend, J surprised me that night with another date night at The Inn at Little Washington, which was easily one of the best dining experiences I have had in my entire life. Every bite I had was insanely delicious (how could it not be at a Michelin starred restaurant!), the ambiance was perfect, and the people were so friendly. At the end of our dinner, since J had come all the way from NY, we were even given a tour of the kitchen, which was an experience I will never forget. Now that was the perfect end to a perfect weekend 🙂

UVA

UVA

UVA (and me!)

King Family Vineyards
King Family Vineyards
King Family Vineyards
One of many beautiful overlooks on our drive in the mountains
Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge (as seen through a rain covered lens)
 W&L

 W&L

I also made a short (and semi-shaky. . . sorry about that!) video of our trip (minus dinner at The Inn at Little Washington) and have put it below if you would like to give it a watch 🙂

Giulia ♥
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