Girasole is located in The Plains, VA, in the heart of Virginia’s horse country, a perfect place to unwind from the demands of every day life. It is located only thirty miles from Reston, fifty-two from Washington, D.C., and one hundred and ninety seven from Philadelphia, PA. Nearby, picturesque towns include Middleburg, Manassas, Warrenton, Gainesville.
The Plains, a tiny hamlet (population 289) reminiscent of the lush countryside of Tuscany, offers serenity and breathtaking views, a refreshing break from the noise of the city, be it a weekend or week-long getaway. Growth restrictions in Fauquier County, home to The Plains, have allowed the area to remain lush with horse farms, wineries and sprawling acres of green and gold farmland. Visit www.theplainsvirginia.org for a complete listing of local business, a calendar of events, and news about the town.
A strong presence of wineries dots the gorgeous landscape of northern Virginia, with the state ranking second to the largest wine producer, California. Close to forty wineries operate in the area, many open for seasonal tastings and tours. Nine are located in Virginia’s version of Napa Valley the Blue Ridge Wine Way. Check http://www.virginiawine.org/regions/northern-virginia/ for specific information on events and hours.
Virginia is horse country. Northern Virginia plays host to an early May, annual steeplechase race in the Great Meadow Field Event Center, as well as polo matches, the Virginia Gold Cup, International Gold Cup, and numerous equestrian events. For the fox hunt enthusiast, The Plains is located in the Orange County Hunt and close to the National Sporting Library in Middleburg.
The Blue Ridge Mountains and Sky Meadows State Park offer mountain trail rides and hiking with rugged terrain, as well as pleasant camping facilities. A portion of the Appalachian Trail runs through the Park. Biking, fishing or bird-watching are in abundance along Skyline Drive, noted for its breathtaking valley views, winding roads and access to the Shenandoah River.
Two Civil War battlefields Harper’s Ferry and Manassas Bull Run are a twenty-minute drive from The Plains.
For more information on The Plains and Fauquier County, check
http://www.virginia.org/counties/Fauquier/
