Travel Writers Bill & Mary Burnham

Inn at Little Washington

As if choreographed, three waitstaff, each carrying two watcher pitchers, move in to fill all six glasses around our table simultaneously. They step back in perfect unision, making me wonder if the rumor I’d heard that staff of the Inn at Little Washington are required to take ballet lessons was indeed true.

Stepping into the legendary Inn with its luxurious fabrics, fresh flowers and fringed lampshades is magical anytime of year, but during the holidays it’s a transcendent experience. There are white lights and pointsettias in abundance, and three Christmas trees in the living room, in gold, purple and blue.

Come the week before Thanksgiving to watch the decorations going up. Christmas Eve guests find a surprise from Santa in their rooms, and New Year’s Eve diners are feted to a special menu of shrimp, truffle, lobster and oysters.

Finish the evening with a late-night tour of the kitchen, then head upstairs for fanciful dreams of sugar plums and unforgettable holiday gifts from the inn’s shops in the historic tavern across the street. Outside, the historic village laid out by young George Washington in 1749 is like something from a Charles Dickens novel.

Information: 540-675-3800, Inn at Little Washington

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Posh Holiday Getaways

By Mary Burnham
(Nov/Dec 2006 Hampton Roads Magazine)

Tell Santa you’d like someone else to do the cooking and cleaning this year. From the beach to the mountains, these two iconic lodgings are ready and waiting to fulfill your holiday fantasies.

The Sanderling, on NC's Outer Banks

“For crisp, minerally Maine oysters and sweet Peaky toe crab we are breaking out the bubbles.”

Lynette Sumner stands at our table, cradling a bottle of French Champagne, a delightfully eager smile on her face. The manager of the Left Bank restaurant at the Sanderling clearly enjoys this aspect of her job. As the waitress brings the first course, Sumner pours, and continues.

“To ready the digestive system, we will be starting with French Champagne. The limestone caves of Reims harbor the riddled bottles that are a classic compliment to the salt in the oysters and caviar, and the delicate nature of the crab.”

This is just the first of seven courses, each paired with an exquisite wine. Sumner and Chef Kenny Sloane take guests around the world year-round with their tasting menus at the French-inspired, art-filled restaurant overlooking Currituck Sound.

But the holiday menus are extra special at this beachy resort on the Outer Banks. The season begins with an intimate Thanksgiving dinner and culminates with dancing, jazz and bubbles at a New Year’s Gala.

Each of the resort’s three oceanfront inns sports a 12-foot Christmas tree. All rooms and suites were renovated this year.

Bonus
Book the Spa’s couples room to enjoy dual massages and the two-person jacuzzi tub overlooking the Sound. The package includes a three-course lunch and a split of champagne.

Information: 866-369-0764, www.thesanderling.com