High Meadows Vineyard Inn

My family entered the Inn’s essay contest to win the property, paying over $200 per entry for two entries. After extending the deadlines several times, the owners decided they hadn’t raised enough money to continue. They emailed participants to say entry fees would be refunded, but months later we still hadn’t received ours. My husband called, and the Inn assured him in April or May that refunds were being processed. It’s now August, and the Inn no longer answers calls or emails. The town told me they were embarrassed that this establishment was dragging their cute town’s name through the mud. I’m working on contacting the Attorney General to report what I see as fraud. Don’t give them money or stay there. Their only mission is to get your money. Stay far, far away. I plan to post this review everywhere I can. This place is a money pit, remember that movie?

We arrived at 4:30 p, within the 4 p to 6 p check-in window. The door sign said to ring and come in. We rang the very audible bell, went inside, and found the place empty. After we’d walked around the foyer for several minutes, someone came up from the basement and greeted us with, “No bell?” Nancy explained she’d been absorbed in a phone call with her son and hadn’t heard it, or us walking around. Even if we hadn’t rung, that was a poor way to welcome guests arriving when expected. The booking was disorganized, my credit card was charged incorrectly, and they then tried to add an administrative fee to fix it. I’d ordered chocolate dipped strawberries as a treat for my sweetie, but they never appeared. When I mentioned it, I was told I wouldn’t have to pay. There was no apology or effort to make up for it, and no recognition that the missed romantic gesture had spoiled the occasion. The food was mostly bad. On the first morning, the baked grapefruit was delicious, but the two crepe pancakes came with an unidentifiable sauce and no filling or anything else. The next day started with horrible cornbread. Nancy interrupted our conversation with the other guests to tell us how good it was while we politely tried to eat it. We learned they’d chosen it because two guests were gluten-free and this let them serve the same thing to everyone. It felt like guests with other dietary needs were simply expected to accommodate that choice. The baked egg dish was good, but its potatoes were very heavily peppered. The house has a few lovely details and could be lovely overall, but this was by far the worst B&B I’ve stayed in, and not worth even a half-price deal. I got the impression it was set up to generate income for the family’s lifestyle, including private school for the grandkids, something Nancy shared while making small talk. It didn’t feel driven by love of history, service, or creating something beautiful, or by any interest in improving their hospitality. It seemed like a chore they put little effort into.

After a full day riding on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the spacious, clean room made for a good night’s sleep. It’s a wonderful old style Inn, with friendly and helpful staff. I highly recommend it.