From the moment I entered the Shenandoah Valley, the dreary rain clouds looming overhead seemed to part. In Luray, only a couple hours outside of the DC area, I was met with surprising scenes of silent cornfields, farm houses, and local craft stores.

On my right, I was met with the pungent smells of tender sausages from a little BBQ wagon. On the other side, a mix of chatter rose from the weekend farmers market, which appeared to be quite the neighborhood meeting place.

As I spent my time walking around the town, the constant sight of clear, blue skies and breathtaking mountain tops stole my attention. To be so close to my home in northern Virginia and yet feel so far away from the everyday soothed me.

With the gentle sounds of a small stream running below, I was taken in by the relaxing ambiance of Luray. The local lifestyle had such an ease that caught me off guard at first, but I grew enchanted with the slower pace.

I grew fascinated as I explored some of the quaint cafes and restaurants, which all seemed to share the same comforts of dining with your closest friends and family. Often, from the moment I stepped into a new place, I felt as though I was walking into my grandmother’s kitchen, particularly when overcome with the smells of freshly baked pies and other home-baked desserts that had such a southern flair.

Then there’s little Stanley, a small corner town dotted with cozy inns and located just a skip away from Luray. This being my first time staying in a bed-and-breakfast, my boyfriend and I stumbled onto an extraordinary find, the Milton House Inn. Created especially to cater to couples getting married or celebrating an anniversary, this was obviously a place focused on the special details.

This colonial home dates back to the early 1900s, decorated with all of the finest touches of elegance and filled with the warmth of southern hospitality. In addition to the private log cabin suites, which are equipped with Jacuzzi hot tubs, each guest room has its own style and comforts of an ideal getaway – right down to the fragrant soaps and toiletries with the inn’s personalized labels.

In the surroundings of the mountains, warm weather, and calming sounds of nature, the Milton House is the picture-perfect spot for a private, outdoor wedding. Around the back of the house (next to the cabin) is a romantic setting under the trees, where the owners, Anita and John, happily perform the ceremony for their guests.

Set off from the living room is a lavish dining room, containing a handful of tables that are carefully ornamented with graceful settings and candles for an intimate wedding party. Then of course, to make the occasion even more perfect, they’ll take care of all of the arrangements and offer the dreamy honeymoon setting at their inn.

For many guests who come to get away from the hustle and bustle of DC, there’s a variety of extras that truly add the icing to the cake – professional massages, chocolates and champagne, and Anita’s exquisite gourmet breakfasts that will delight all tastes. What’s the secret to any good B&B, you might wonder? As thoughtfully put by our hostess, it’s all about the “good energy of the house.” And once you step foot in the Milton House Inn, you’ll recognize it right away.