Fenton Inn: A Bavarian Village Gem

The Fenton Inn is a Bavarian-style bed and breakfast nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Wintergreen, Virginia. The inn is located in a stylish European village with breathtaking views of the National Forest and offers a unique blend of art, architecture, and European history. Walking into the inn feels like stepping into Medieval Germany, with its cobblestone streets, town square, clock tower, bakery, and other charming features. The inn is surrounded by wineries, breweries, National Parks, the Appalachian Trail, and the ski slopes of Wintergreen, making it a popular destination for those seeking a mountain escape.

Architecture and design

The Fenton Inn is a Bavarian-style inn nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Wintergreen, Virginia. The inn is a stylish European village with breathtaking views of the National Forest. The entire complex is designed to resemble a medieval German village, with cobblestone streets, a town square, clock tower, bakery, theatre, gym, spa, and a handful of other buildings. The design of the inn is a testament to the architectural and design principles of the region.

The main street of the inn is subtly curved, creating the illusion of length and encouraging guests to stroll and explore. The buildings feature intricate half-timber facades inspired by Bavarian timber-frame construction, with various braces and figures that hold historical meanings. The lobby features soaring oak timbers in a full arch inspired by Medieval English churches.

The rooms at the Fenton Inn offer a variety of shapes and styles, with intersecting angles, gables, and towers creating a complex roofline. The inn also features a mix of Jefferson-inspired octagons and half-octagons, adding to the architectural complexity. The attention to detail extends to the interior design, with custom-designed furniture, cabinetry, tile mosaics, and unique woodwork.

The entire village is a work of art, with hidden details and creative elements around every corner. The cobblestones in the town square form a maze, and the walls are curved and adorned with bright-coloured stuccos. The innkeepers, Lilia and Will Fenton, have combined their passions for history, architecture, and European elegance to create a unique and enchanting destination.

History and culture

The Fenton Inn is a stylish European village nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, between the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway and the ski slopes of Wintergreen Mountain. The Inn is a unique, handcrafted work of art that combines classical craftsmanship with European tastes and colours, as well as modern amenities. The village features a bakery, theatre, gym, spa, store, and a handful of other buildings. The entire village is a giant work of sculpture, adorned with one-of-a-kind artistic features. The woodwork and doors are made from trees that grew on the same land, with even the smallest pieces of wood saved and used to create mosaic doors and furniture.

The Inn is surrounded by wineries, breweries, national parks, the Appalachian Trail, and ski slopes. However, the most interesting attraction in the area is the Fenton Inn itself, a must-see destination for anyone interested in art, architecture, and European history. The village has a distinct Medieval German feel, with cobblestone streets, a town square, clock tower, and half-timber facades inspired by Bavarian timber-frame traditions. The various braces and figures on the buildings have historical meanings, such as the Grudger head protecting from evil and envy, and the Wildman of the woods in timber bracing from central Germany.

The architecture of the Fenton Inn is impressive, with a subtly curved main street that makes it look longer and invites guests to stroll and discover each ornate facade. The rooms also feature different shapes and styles, with octagons, half-octagons, and a cantilevered octagonal tower. The resulting complex roofline includes various gables and towers, as well as the occasional gargoyle or hummingbird weathervane.

The Inn is owned and operated by Lilia and Will Fenton, who combine the American mountains with the finer parts of Europe. Will spent summers hiking in the Adirondack Mountains and studied architecture and finance. He worked on historic restoration projects, including notable historic Dutch homes in the Hudson Valley, and museums such as Thomas Jefferson's Monticello and Poplar Forest. Lilia grew up in Crimea on the Black Sea Coast and received her doctor degree in medicine. Their story began in Crimea, an area rich in history and filled with castles, and guests can hear more about it by the fireplace in the lobby.

Food and drink

The Fenton Inn, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a delightful array of food and drink options that will satisfy any appetite. Start your day with their signature breakfast buffet, which includes a variety of mouth-watering options such as Belgium waffles, fresh fruits, sausage, eggs, and homemade granola. Enjoy your meal while taking in the breathtaking views of the National Forest.

For nature lovers, the inn provides the perfect setting to embark on early morning hikes along the Appalachian Trail, with incomparable sunrise views. After working up an appetite, head to the bakery for some freshly baked treats or indulge in a wine tasting at one of the nearby breweries or wineries.

When it comes to lunch and dinner, the Fenton Inn delivers a unique dining experience with a variety of dining options. Guests can choose from an assortment of traditional German dishes, including an array of mouth-watering sausages. The "Mr Bratwurst" selections offer a range of flavours, from the classic "Original" to the spicy "Mexican" and the hearty "Bavarian" served in a pretzel roll. For those seeking a more substantial meal, the "Haxe" – Bavarian-style pork leg with two sides – is perfect for sharing. Other traditional German options include the "Pork Leg Oktoberfest Style with Cabbage and Potato Dumpling" and the "½ Hendl: Oktoberfest Style Chicken", both served with your choice of sides.

Vegetarians need not worry, as the Fenton Inn provides an assortment of meat-free options as well. The "Veggie Schnitzel", served with sautéed mushrooms, garlic sauce, and chips, is a delicious plant-based choice. The "Vegetarian Schnitzel" is another option, served with a variety of sides to choose from. For those who enjoy their veggies with a kick, the "Smokey Plant-Based Sausage (VE)" is made to order and can be topped with hollandaise sauce, cheese, and crunchy onions.

No meal would be complete without dessert, and the Fenton Inn delivers with their hot apple strudel served with warm vanilla sauce. For a warm and cosy nightcap, curl up by the fireplace with a cup of hot chocolate, perhaps with a splash of Baileys.

Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a foodie, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, the Fenton Inn in Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains offers a delightful escape with a variety of food and drink options to tantalise your taste buds.

Outdoor activities

The Fenton Inn is nestled in the heart of Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the National Forest in Wintergreen, VA. The area boasts an array of outdoor activities for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Here are some of the top outdoor pursuits you can enjoy during your stay:

Hiking

The Appalachian Trail is just half a mile from the Fenton Inn, providing guests with easy access to miles of hiking trails. The surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains offer a range of hiking options, from gentle mountain slopes to challenging peaks. For a rewarding hike, make your way to the top of Three Ridges, or explore the flower fields and floodplains along the trails in the nearby village of Kreuth.

Cycling

The scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, less than half a mile away, offers a beautiful backdrop for cycling enthusiasts. You can bring your own bike or rent one locally to explore the winding roads and take in the stunning mountain views.

Winter Sports

During the winter months, the slopes of Wintergreen Mountain offer a variety of winter sports, including skiing, sledding, and ice skating. For a unique winter experience, you can also try snowshoe hiking or cross-country skiing in the Bavarian Alps or nearby winter destinations like Wallgau and Krün.

Water Activities

In the warmer months, guests can take advantage of the swimming opportunities at Sherando Lake and Lake Schliersee. For a more adventurous aquatic experience, consider rafting or kayaking on the Isar River in Lenggries.

Exploring Nature

The National Forest surrounding the Fenton Inn is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Birdwatchers can spot birds of prey, including bald and golden eagles, hawks, barred owls, wild turkeys, and ravens. The area also boasts old-growth chestnut oaks, mountain laurel, and tulip poplars.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking to unwind in nature, the Fenton Inn and its surrounding area offer a plethora of activities to suit your interests. From hiking and cycling to winter sports and water activities, you'll be spoilt for choice in this picturesque corner of Virginia.

Local attractions

The Fenton Inn is a Bavarian-style inn nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. The inn is surrounded by local attractions, including wineries, breweries, national parks, the Appalachian Trail, and ski slopes. Here are some of the local attractions to explore when visiting the Fenton Inn:

Wineries and Breweries

Nelson County, home to the Fenton Inn, boasts a vibrant wine and craft beer scene. Visitors can explore the numerous breweries, wineries, distilleries, and cideries in the area. Nelson County also hosts various events, including music festivals, golf tournaments, cycling races, and mountain bike events.

The Appalachian Trail

For outdoor enthusiasts, the Appalachian Trail is a must-visit attraction. The trail is just a half-mile from the Fenton Inn and offers hiking, biking, and exploration of the natural surroundings. The trail spans thousands of miles, but even a short hike from the inn can lead to scenic spots and wildlife viewing opportunities.

National Forest in Wintergreen, VA

The Fenton Inn offers breathtaking views of the National Forest in Wintergreen, Virginia. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty, including old-growth chestnut oaks, mountain laurel, and tulip poplars. The area is also a migratory route for birds of prey, such as bald and golden eagles, and is home to resident bird species like barred owls, wild turkeys, and ravens.

Ski Slopes of Wintergreen

During the winter months, the ski slopes of Wintergreen offer a range of activities, including skiing, sledding, and ice skating. The slopes are just a short distance from the Fenton Inn, providing convenient access to winter sports and recreation.

Historic Sites and Museums

For those interested in history and culture, there are several notable sites nearby. A short drive will take you to Monticello in Charlottesville, the second home of Thomas Jefferson. Additionally, Poplar Forest in Lynchburg, another historic site associated with Thomas Jefferson, is within reach. Virginia is also home to other museums and historic landmarks, such as Colonial Williamsburg, offering a glimpse into the past.

Frequently asked questions