The Stylish Traveler
I love car trips, don’t you? Toss the suitcase and golf clubs in the trunk, set the GPS and leave town when you feel like it. No plane or train schedules to worry about. No pat downs.
The Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia is one of my favorite drive-to getaways. This intimate resort, an hour’s drive east of Richmond, is perched on a lush peninsula in Virginia’s Northern Neck.
Comfortable and low key, this four story “Leading Hotels of the World” resort oozes peacefulness in every one of its 106 waterfront rooms. I love all the things the Tides doesn’t have: glitz, ostentation or a snooty attitude.
But every beauty need an occasional facelift. Recently every guest room was re-carpeted and freshened. New Frette linens and European down duvets are now topping every bed. Of interest to boaters, a state-of-the-art floating dock was added to the marina with 24 new boat slips.
A new treatment menu at the Spa uses only certified natural and organic ingredients. New herbal concoctions promise to stimulate the body’s adrenal and immune systems.
Dining has been revamped, too. New four course food and wine pairing dinners called “Ripe from the Garden” remind me what season I’m in. Menu changes according to what’s growing in surrounding farms—the chef uses mostly local provisions.
Feel like riding a bike into town? No need to give the attendant a room number or sign a form before hopping on a complimentary bike. Trust is the resort’s mantra, just like in the old days.
In America, travel trends come and go. It’s good to know that a half-century of gracious hospitality continues at The Tides Inn.
The Tides Inn 
Irvington, Virginia
800 843-3746
http://www.tidesinn.com
Posted by .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) on 07/20/11 at 07:59 AM
