For more than two centuries, the serene Crossroads Inn has been a haven for weary travelers. Nestled in the heart of North Garden, Virginia — a mere fifteen miles southwest of Charlottesville — it welcomes guests with its gracious Southern hospitality and awe-inspiring views of the surrounding countryside. Notable past guests include Thomas Jefferson and Martin Van Buren, who held conversations within its tranquil confines back in 1824.
Crossroads Inn, an extraordinarily well-preserved three-story double-pile brick structure, proudly stands on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a designated Virginia Historic Landmark. Its tall twin chimneys and tin gable roof add to the charm that is epitomized by its heart-pine floors and steep staircases, which lead to five remarkably cozy rooms.
Despite the inn’s adherence to traditional architecture and design, there’s no sign of the often musty scent that comes with such aged structures. Amidst the grandeur of its history and regality, the inn greatly values simplicity and authenticity, a core belief beautifully vocalized by its general manager and concierge Matt Lovelady, “Crossroads Inn serves as a reminder that minimalism can be fulfilling, enough is indeed a feast, and nothing quite compares to a quiet fireside chat on a cool evening.”
Initially constructed in 1820 as a tavern, Crossroads Inn has been a witness to Virginia’s rich history, standing by as goods from crops to shoes were transported along the turnpike beneath, travelling from the Shenandoah Valley to the James River. As modern times came, the bustling energy has mellowed, coupled with the acquisition and renovation of the adjacent Crossroads property by the owners of Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards.
Embedded in abundant greenery and a mature stand of trees, the inn has remained a hidden gem, often overlooked by the unassuming. However, come fall, the vibrant hues of yellow, orange, and red on the canvas of the surrounding trees make it hard not to notice. A serene drive through beautiful Nelson County or an exploration of the myriad wineries within an hour’s radius makes the experience even more enchanting.
Yet, the real star of a stay at the Crossroads Inn is indeed the culinary delights served in-house. Before setting out on their adventures, guests are invited to a three-course breakfast, meticulously prepared by Chef Joe Koscielniak using mostly local ingredients, including fresh eggs from the on-site chicken coop. A recent morning feast boasted an aged white cheddar omelet and maple-pecan French toast, a veritable gourmet rendition of the classic “country breakfast.” Such a dining experience alone makes a return stay irresistible, long after the last leaf of autumn has fallen.
Whether you are a history enthusiast wanting to immerse yourself in a bygone era, a peace-seeking traveler desiring a tranquil escape, or a food lover looking for your next culinary adventure, Crossroads Inn is undoubtedly a destination where less is more, tranquility is the essence, and each meal is a delightful feast. As it has done for over two centuries, the elegant and serene Crossroads Inn awaits to beckon travelers once more, reminding them of the simple joys in life.
