February 23, 2010

Gabrielle Iezzi and Michael Recce said "I do" on December 12, 2009, and then spent their honeymoon at Keswick Hall in Albemarle County. Iezzi described the moment as "Cinderella-esque."

"Everything to the smallest detail they take care of, they think about," said Iezzi.

Located just minutes east of Charlottesville, Keswick Hall offers honeymooners luxuries like a hot air balloon ride and "love butler" service, which includes rose petals on the bed and personalized bath salts. Keswick Hall provides newlyweds with anything they want and more. In fact, the estate was initially a dowry more than a century ago.

"It started as a love story. This was a wedding gift from Robert Crawford to his bride in 1912," said General Manager, Matthias Smith.

Just 20 minutes from Charlottesville, adjacent to the Shenandoah National Park, is another local honeymoon location, The Inn at Sugar Hollow Farm. Inn keepers Richard and Hayden Cabell offer 70 acres of cozy countryside bliss.

"We have honeymooners who come and then they come back for their anniversaries," said Richard.

Honeymooners at The Inn at Sugar Hallow Farm often request the Shenandoah Suite for a more private escape, complete with a majestic mattress, a jacuzzi tub, plush robes, and all the floral, bubbly, and sweet romances you desire.

Still other couples may choose to escape to a place with a remarkable historical legacy. The Clifton Inn originally belonged to Thomas Jefferson's father, and now the small, romantic property hosts many local honeymooners.

The main house of the Inn includes 18 suites complete with antiques and breathtaking views of the beautiful countryside property. Guests can even choose to stay in the Carriage House and snuggle in with the scenery. The Clifton Inn provides that mix of the old - his and her sinks - and the new - dual-head massage showers - to make for a cozy elegance.

When it comes to deciding on a honeymoon hideaway near Charlottesville, the only pressure is having too many romantic retreats to choose from.