Located within walking distance of Luray’s historic downtown near the Shenandoah River, the historic Mimslyn Inn was purchased earlier this year by an ownership group that includes retired four-star Gen. John R. Allen (whose family is from the Shenandoah Valley) as well as Arlington residents Marc Chretien and Cito Vanegas.
A noted Civil War historian, Allen plans to conduct an occasional symposium and tour of Civil War actions in the area. Chretien, who served with Allen in Iraq and Afghanistan, is now the managing owner of Mt. Defiance Cidery & Distillery in Middleburg, and plans to add specialty spirits to the inn’s offerings.Â
Mimslyn’s expansive grounds are home to walking paths, a hammock garden, firepits, 10 guest cottages, two homes (available as rentals) and 45 guest rooms and suites in the grand manor-style main house. Grab a good book from the inn’s library and relax by the fireplace in the first-floor living room.
Guest rooms are appointed with classic furnishings and large windows overlooking the landscape. Following on the heels of recent main floor and dining room renovations, guest rooms are slated for updates in the year ahead.
Mimslyn’s Speakeasy Restaurant and Bar is the place for casual Southern cuisine and weekly live entertainment. The onsite Circa ’31 Restaurant is open for breakfast, Sunday brunch buffet and dinner, with Northern Italian specialties such as chicken and couscous with porcini mushroom sauce. Visit the new patio bar for a weekend afternoon lunch.
Popular nearby attractions include Shenandoah National Park, Luray Caverns, New Market Battlefield, Luray Zoo (a home for rescued animals), the Shenandoah Spirits Trail and the Luray-Hawksbill Greenway, a paved Virginia Bird and Wildlife Trail. Rates start at $199
The Mimslyn Inn, 401 W. Main St., Luray, Virginia, 540-743-5105