We had a wonderful weekend-before-Christmas! Merry, merry time!
Friday
On Friday night we went out to Thomas’s parents’ house for his dad’s birthday dinner. I love a roaring fire!
We had apps, wine and stir fry for dinner, all made by Thomas’s aunt!
There was Paradox Pastry cheesecake for dessert! It was huge, and we were sent home with a few large slices of leftovers – yum!
Friday night was cozy.
Saturday
Saturday jammie time!
Saturday morning T made us jalapeno omelets! He’s done this two or three times lately with chopped pickled jalapenos and cheese. The balance of spice and tart from the pickle is outstanding!
We walked Mazen down to Matt’s with Gus, and then packed up and headed out of town for the night.
Our first stop was T’s parents (again) to drop Gus off for the night. We stopped at Pippin Hill Farm for a glass of wine and a late lunch!
After a short wait, we lucked out with one of the hot spots on the porch with a view. These days Pippin Hill is the happenin’ place to be on a Saturday!
“A quick bite” turned into quite the decadent lunch spread! We had a kale caesar, a cheese plate…
…And a Tzatziki + Burrata pizza! [omg]
Our next stop took us up north (but still in the area) to a hidden gem called the Cedar Spring Inn. A friend of mine recommended it, and we couldn’t have been happier with the accommodations. Sometimes you just need a night away from home – minus the 5 hours of driving, amiright?
The inn is located up by our airport just a few miles off 29. The views are beautiful, and there is a lovely outdoor pool (that is heated April – October!) and a hot tub. It was a little too cold for swimming, but we did enjoy making use of their SAUNA!! You guys know I love saunas. <3
We went for a short hike around the property before getting in the sauna and then settling in for the night. We must go back when it’s warm!
The inn has five rooms, and the decor is lovely. It was built in 2003, so everything is well appointed. We were in a newer wing in the World View room. We had a balcony, gas fireplace, and a big jetted bathtub. The room is very spacious too.
Our view:
We hunkered down for the night and enjoyed some wine from the complementary service over a game of Chickapig. (I am still mad at Thomas for beating me about 7 times in a row. I just can’t seem to break through!)
Since we had such a big, late lunch, we just picked up a few snacks for dinner. We didn’t feel like going out, and there aren’t many nice restaurants nearby. We had sushi and crab dip from Fresh Market. The dinner of champions!
We found an old DVD – Sleeping With The Enemy starring a very young Julia Roberts – in the video library and enjoyed that with leftover cheesecake in bed! #perfection
Sunday
Our stay included breakfast the next morning, and innkeepers Judy and Charles were wonderful hosts.
Poached pear with raspberry coulis:
This strawberry pecan bread was amazing! I could have eaten the crispy edges all day!
We had a choice of entrees (which they made from scratch in the kitchen behind us!) and T and I both tried the Goat Cheese, Spinach + Red Pepper Baked Eggs. They were SO good that I got the recipe from Judy to try to recreate soon. The goat cheese on top was perfection! It was served with smoked salmon and sourdough toast.
I can’t say enough good things about this great getaway. If you’re in Virginia or DC and looking for a casual escape, this is your spot!
We hit up Whole Foods on the ride home. (I loved that our drive home was only 20 minutes!) I went to the gym for a bit, played fort with Mazen, and assembled a lemon + artichoke version of my favorite Chicken and Bean Bake for dinner.
We went to ACAC Sunday evening for their annual Holiday Light Tour. This is all free for family members, and they had cookie decorating, crafts, a hot chocolate bar, and of course – Santa. Mazen said it was “Santa’s twin” because we had seen a different one a week ago!
We went on a 30-minute bus ride around town to see some of the homes decorated with lights. It was a blast! (Check my Instastories this morning for a snippet of Thomas singing carols!)
Hope you guys had a great weekend. The countdown to Christmas begins!
Heather R says
This looks like the perfect weekend.
I was searching your blog for a link to the bands for your apple watch that you posted awhile back. Do you mind linking me to those? Happy Holidays
KathEats says
Here they are. Still using and loving them! Sporting the navy blue this week.
Heather R says
Thank you for the reply. That link didn’t work
KathEats says
Hmmm. It looks like the ones I bought are no longer available. These are very similar to my pack.
Liz says
That inn looks gorgeous!! What a nice getaway that’s still close to home (although I think you mean that the pool is heated October-April, instead of April-October?!). How fun that your gym offers a holiday outing like that too.
KathEats says
I did mean April – October but it’s not heated in the super hot months – just the spring and fall ones. It’s closed Oct to April.
Liz says
Ohhh, gotcha! That makes sense 🙂
KathEats says
The hot tub is year round though!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Your life lately has been filled with activities, so exciting! The chicken and bean bake looks decadent, mmm! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Kori says
What an inn-credible weekend getaway! Get it? Lol. I love that the wreath in the first photo has what I believe are dried citrus slices. That food – ohmygosh I’m in awe! So creative and amazing! That Christmas gathering sounds like it was an absolute blast. Have a great week!
KathEats says
Haha!!
Polly says
Looks like a perfect getaway! Why don’t you show pictures of Thomas with his family?
KathEats says
Just respecting privacy. I’m sure you’ll see them sometime soon.
Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says
Looks like so much fun! I want some of that bread!
Linda @ the Fitty says
How COZY!!! Invite me over sometime onto your sofa on Saturday with Mazen where we can both eat omelettes cooked by you and watch Christmas movies.
Katie @ Live Half Full says
I hope you share the baked egg recipe on here- it looks SO GOOD!
Nicole @ Bento Momentos says
What a cute little bed and breakfast!!
Grace says
Such a fun weekend & yes, a night away that doesn’t involve a long drive…..perfection! Where are your boots from, that you wore to dinner at T’s parents house? I need a new pair of tall boots & finding the perfect pair = a real struggle.
KathEats says
They are from the Lands End outlet about five years ago. They were one of the last gifts my grandmother got for me on a shopping trip there 🙁
Katie L. says
I’ve been reading for awhile but haven’t commented until now, because I’ve actually been to theCedarSpring Inn! I had a deja vu seeing your pics! It really is a fabulous place; the owners do such a good job, and I still remember those amazing breakfasts. I also remember enjoying a glass of vino at cocktail hour and the great hikes nearby.
Happy holidays!
KathEats says
Very cool! I can’t wait to go back next year 🙂