Darryl Haley’s Bed & Breakfast Retreat

I had no idea what to expect when I set out late on a Friday evening from Washington, DC to Luray, VA. My biggest question was where was Luray, VA. As it turned out, Luray is located in Northern Virginia, about 80 miles South of DC in a quaint little town nestled in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Arriving around 10pm, I didn’t know how beautiful until the next morning when I woke up to the most awesome sunrise and gentle mountain ranges. The «Inn» is actually one of several huge homes or «villa’s» on the top of a hill on 5 acres of beautifully manicured land, something else I discovered the next morning. Upon arriving, I drove up the hill to Villa #1 and was greeted warmly by the owner Darryl Haley, a 6’6, 325-​pound gentle giant of a man. As it turns out Haley is a former New England Patriots Offensive Lineman, Ironman Triathlete, and Corporate Fitness Trainer, with a B.S. degree in Human Kinetics from the University of Utah, a degree in Computer Science from George Washington University,
I was given a tour of the 5-​bedroom villa each with its own bathroom and jacuzzi tub, and settled in a room on the corner with an Eastern view towards the mountains and we agreed that breakfast would be served the next morning at 10AM. Fortunately for me, I was the only guest in the entire villa so I was able to wake up to a wonderful sunrise, go back to sleep, shower, watch television, roam around the spacious home at my leisure and enjoy the views all before 10AM. At around 9:30am I received a call from Darryl inviting me to come up to the main house for breakfast that included eggs, turkey bacon, orange juice, cinnamon pancakes topped with strawberries and walnuts, and a delicious spicy hashbrown invention called a «Darryl.»
Normally after eating that much food I’d want to go back to sleep, but I felt energized and ready to go. I spent the next hour talking to Darryl about his career as an athlete in the NFL, and how much he loves cooking, hosting guests, and how it all fits into the theme of The Darryl Haley Bed and Breakfast, «where romance, fun and fitness are the main activities.» After he cleaned up the kitchen, I was given a tour of the the main house, the grounds, a cottage tucked away at the bottom of a hill, and the gazebo which overlooks a dairy farm and has mountain views in every direction. We eventually ended up in a spacious garage that had been converted into a fitness and recreation center where I was coaxed into a friendly game of ping pong which I thoroughly enjoyed.
I was then given a tour of the city which has plenty of bike and jogging trails, a lake for fishing or canoeing, as well as parks, hiking trails, antique shops, restaurants and wineries. The people are warm and friendly, and the area has become a magnet for artists, writers, and others looking for a retreat from the pace of big city life. In one area of the town there is a sobering reminder of its confederate past and an acknowledge how far this city of 5,000 has come.
Whether its a personal or romantic getaway, a family, women’s, men’s or group retreat, this is a relaxing place to come to and you’ll feel at home. The accommodations include unlimited access to cozy areas for conversation, relaxing or reading and comfortable and casual lounge areas to socialize and unwind. The beautiful and manicured grounds are ideal for outdoor events or simple sanctuary. The immediate area offers vineyards tours, wine tasting, hiking, cycling, kayaking as well as many other outdoor activities and antique shopping. Booking Information: Phone: (540) 843‑4800 email:
* On holidays, special event weekends, and Fall Foliage season – Oct 1– November 15: Book Early.
* All booking are secured by Cash or Pre-​Deposited Cleared Check. No Credit Cards.
* Gift Certificates: Valid for six months from date of issuance and are non-​refundable (cannot be used on holidays, special event weekends or month).
* Check-​in is 3:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. if you are going to be late please let me know when calling.
* Check-​out is by 11:00 a.m.
* SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED IN OR ON THE GROUNDS OF THE DARRYL HALEY BED AND BREAKFAST… NO EXCEPTION