April 16, 2000|By Carolyn McCully | Carolyn McCully,Special to the Sun
Getting there: Prince Michel Vineyards is about 60 miles southwest of Washington, about a three-hour drive from Baltimore. Take Interstate 95 south to the Washington Beltway (I-495), heading west into Virginia. From I-495, take I-66 west past Manassas and exit on Route 29 south to Warrenton (don't take an earlier Route 29 exit near Centreville going north). About 30 minutes later, you will see signs for Prince Michel.
Lodging: The suites at Prince Michel are available Thursday through Saturday evenings: $350 a night for Thursday, $400 for Friday or Saturday. Breakfast is included.
Dining: The Prince Michel Restaurant is open Thursday through Sunday, and offers fixed-price menus. The gourmet luncheon menu is $30 a person Thursday through Saturday and $40 Sunday, not including spirits, wine, taxes or gratuity. The dinner menu is $80 a person and available Thursday through Saturday, not including spirits, wine, taxes or gratuity.
Information: For more information about Prince Michel Vineyards, call 800-800-9463, or visit www.princemichel.com. For a list of dining and lodging options in the Culpeper area, call 888-285-7373.
Wine tours: Many area wineries offer tours and wine tastings. For information, contact the Virginia Wine Marketing Program at 800-828-4637.
Area attractions: History buffs will want to tour the Civil War battlefields near Culpeper, including Cedar Mountain, Kelly's Ford and Brandy Station.
The Museum of Culpeper History also offers a variety of Civil War exhibits. And hiking is always popular at the nearby Shenandoah National Park.
