Clifton Inn, an award-winning Relais & Châteaux property in Virginia, invites guests to an immersive culinary retreat featuring hands-on experiences with Chef Jarad Adams. Set across more than 100 acres, the two-day getaway combines foraging, fishing, cooking and dining with guided property tours so guests can fully enjoy the landscape and the food they help create.
Available through October, the package includes guided tours of the estate, foraging excursions, interactive cooking sessions and practical culinary instruction—everything from proper knife sharpening to preparing and cleaning freshly caught fish. Guests also receive a welcome basket of locally sourced treats such as house-pickled vegetables, regional jams and spiced Virginia peanuts.
On arrival day, the program begins gently with scones and fresh fruit before guests explore the grounds and trails. The evening features specialty cocktails and a multi-course Chef’s tasting menu. Day two is built around outdoor pursuits: a guided fishing trip followed by a lakeside picnic, garden and foraging tours, a hands-on fish preparation and knife skills class, and an intimate dinner at the Chef’s Counter. Before departure, guests can take one last guided trail hike to round out their stay.
Clifton Inn combines the warmth and intimacy of a country inn with attentive, upscale service. The property offers 17 individually appointed rooms furnished with antiques and classic pieces alongside modern amenities such as WiFi and Mascioni linens. Grounds amenities include a private lake, miles of walking trails, a clay tennis court, croquet lawn and an infinity-edge pool, providing a variety of ways to relax and enjoy the setting.
The estate dates to 1799 when Thomas Mann Randolph, son-in-law of Thomas Jefferson, built what began as a small office and later became a private residence. In 1985, Mitch and Emily Willey transformed the property into the inn it is today, carefully preserving its historic character while creating a refined hospitality experience.