GWS-MBCA Virginia Hunt Country Fall Driving Tour

Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20, 2026

An exciting two-day tour through Virginia's Piedmont counties with lodging, dining options, and literal flights of fancy!

ITINERARY

Saturday, September 19, 2026

10:30 a.m. - Meet at Hidden Jules Cafe, 14950 Washington St, Haymarket, VA, 20169, for coffee and a pastry

11:30 a.m. - Depart for Washington, Virginia

12:15 p.m. - Arrive in Little Washington, stretch legs

1:00 p.m. - Depart Little Washington to head to the Blue Rock Inn for lunch

1:30 p.m. - Lunch at Blue Rock Inn, 12567 Lee Hwy, Washington, VA 22747

3:30 p.m. - Depart from Blue Rock Inn, head to Culpeper, Virginia, to check into hotel(s), or those who would like to attend the evening Balloon Festival will head to Bealeton, Virginia

Tethered BALLOON RIDES are $30/adult & $20/kids (11 and under), 2 and under Free

• Balloon is anchored to the ground with several ~50' lines
• Balloon rises to the end of the tether, remains aloft for a few minutes, and then descends back to the takeoff point
• No Reservations - first come/first served
• Tethered BALLOON RIDES are CASH only
• Pay at the Balloon - Correct $CASH$ preferred !!

• Free-flight BALLOON RIDES are $300/person

Lodging options include:

Holiday Inn Express & Suites Culpeper by IHG, 787 Madison Road, Culpeper, VA, 22701, US

approx. $157
• Class & Rating: 2-star hotel | 4.5/5 stars
• Key Amenities: Indoor pool, fitness center, free hot breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary parking.
• Highlights: Pet-friendly rooms with excellent proximity to downtown Culpeper and local highways.
________________________________________
Hampton Inn & Suites Culpeper, 18411 Gate Road, Culpeper, VA, US
approx. $229
• Class & Rating: Highly-rated mid-scale hotel | 4.5/5 stars
• Key Amenities: Outdoor pool, fitness center, free daily breakfast, and free parking.
• Highlights: Modern, spacious suites ideal for weekend travelers.
________________________________________
Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Culpeper
approx. $115
2-star hotel
• Class & Rating: 2-star hotel | 4.2/5 stars
• Key Amenities: Free continental breakfast, free Wi-Fi, and free self-parking.
• Highlights: Pet-friendly property featuring an on-site stop for the Culpeper Trolley.
________________________________________
Baymont by Wyndham Culpeper
approx. $113
• Class & Rating: 3-star hotel | 4.1/5 stars
• Key Amenities: On-site restaurant and bar, outdoor saltwater pool, fitness center, and free breakfast.
• Highlights: Newly refreshed guest rooms located right off Madison Road.

6:30 p.m. - Reservations are either not accepted or are not accepted for large parties, so we may need to split up for dinner.

Here's a selection for varying tastes:

Ferlazzo 1938 (Italian)
137 S Main St, Culpeper, VA 22701

540-321-4510

https://ferlazzo1938.com/

It's About Thyme (European)
128 E Davis St, Culpeper, VA 22701
+15408254264
http://www.thymeinfo.com/

PINTO Thai Culpeper Restaurant & Bar (Thai)
179 E Davis St, Culpeper, VA 22701
+15408290777
https://www.pintothaiculpeper.com/menu

Zandras Taqueria, Culpeper (Mexican)
302 E Davis St, Culpeper, VA 22701
+15713596767
https://www.zandrastacos.com/

Sunday, September 20, 2026:

11:00 a.m. - Hotel check-out, head to Bealeton, Virginia, for the Hot Air Balloon Festival, Air Show, and Wings & Wheels Car Show

7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. - Early risers may be interested in attending the Hot Air Balloon Festival 

11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. - registration hours for all to participate in the Wings & Wheels portion of the Sunday air show

 Adults.............. $ 20.00
 Military Members.... $ 15.00*
  (* w/valid Active/Reserve/Guard/Retired Military ID)
 Children 5-12....... $ 10.00
 Children Under 5....    FREE

2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Air Show begins at 2:30 p.m. and ends at 4:00 p.m.

4:30 p.m. - Travel home after the show.