A Few of our Favorite Spots A Day’s Drive Away from the White House

Off the main lobby at Nemacolin

As we celebrate Presidents’ Day today, we’re looking back on a few of our favorite trips to places frequented by some of our nation’s commanders-in-chief. The best part? All of these are an easy drive from our nation’s capital.

Berkeley Plantation – Charles City, VA – This gorgeous plantation just outside of Richmond was not only the setting of our wedding, but also the site of the first observed Thanksgiving in 1619.

Upon arriving, guests are met by the beautiful Georgian mansion, which was built in 1726. It was the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V, signer of the Declaration of Independence and three-time governor of the state of Virginia. The estate is also the birthplace of our ninth president of the United States, William Henry Harrison.

Tiered gardens run from the great mansion down to the river. We were married in the Ladies Rose Garden and our reception was held under tents by the James River. It was the perfect backdrop.

Omni Bedford Springs – Bedford Springs, PA – This resort has hosted 13 U.S. presidents in its more than 200 years of existence. Located in the Allegheny Mountains, this mountain retreat is home to eight mineral springs. We had the best time visiting the resort this winter and spending time in the indoor pool, having lunch by the golf course, and enjoying tea by the fireplace.

The Omni Homestead – Hot Springs, VA – This historic hotel, also in the Allegheny Mountains, just celebrated its 250th birthday. The resort first welcomed guests in 1766 and has since been the vacation spot for 22 U.S. presidents – and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Fun fact: the iconic Clock Tower was finished in 1929 right as the stock market crashed.

Head over to the bar in the lobby where you’ll find photographs of the U.S. presidents who visited. You won’t want to miss a day at the spa, shooting lessons, and s’mores by the fire in the fall and winter.

Nemacolin – Farmington, PA – A short drive away from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, Nemacolin has been visited by some of our recent U.S. presidents, such as George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

You won’t want to miss the resort’s zoo, golf courses, and wine tasting and cellar tour with one of their sommeliers.

The Greenbrier – White Sulphur Springs, WV – Many of our U.S. presidents have spent time here. Built in 1778, the resort was approached in the 1950’s by the U.S. government to become home to an Emergency Relocation Center to house the U.S. Congress in case of war. The Greenbrier today offers tours of the bunker.

Take in the bright, bold, and colorful interiors of The Greenbrier while you’re there and don’t miss dinner at Prime 44 West, a milkshake at Draper’s, and an evening at the newly-built casino. Check out our post on things to do while visiting here and on their Dorothy Draper Decorating School.

The Jefferson Hotel – Richmond, VA – One of the most beautiful hotels in Virginia, The Jefferson was brought from dream to reality by the commissioning of the same architectural firm that designed the Fifth Avenue Public Library and the Frick Museum in New York City. More than 200 years old, this hotel was home to several alligators who lived in the marble pools in the Palm Court until 1948.

The hotel, visited by 13 U.S. presidents, is well worth a visit for the gorgeous main staircase alone. Give yourself time to take in the beautiful interiors and architecture.

Wheatland – Lancaster, PA – The home of our fifteenth president, James Buchanan, Wheatland sits just outside of Lancaster. A beautiful Federal style brick home, Wheatland is definitely worth a trip to see.