A romantic getaway for two was exactly what TJ and I needed and the Bavarian Inn was the perfect place to go. It is only about an hour from home in Shepherdstown, WV, which was far enough away from home to make it a mini vacation or weekend getaway but not to far that it took forever to get there. It all started on day when my best friend sent me a link to a European styled Inn that was offering a “Winter New Year special.” I knew it was exactly what we needed and aligned just right with our new year resolutions so I booked it…on a Friday! We left on the next Saturday, and you all know I like things planned so this was CRAZY sporadic for me! The best part was that it was a surprise for TJ. We have previously mentioned that we wanted to go on a hike this weekend and nothing else. We hadn’t picked a place or if would be Saturday or Sunday, we just knew we wanted to hike. The Bavarian Inn has lots of hiking trails nearby along with the C&O Canal AND they serve European food!!! #winning
I had asked TJ if I could plan this particular hike and that is when the plan went into action. I booked the Inn on Friday and keep a secret for what felt like FOREVER! On Saturday morning I ran to the store to grab some hiking snacks and left a note for TJ to pack his bag, that this hike required an overnight stay! I came back from the store to find TJ so excited, curious and packing a bag. We left and headed toward WV. On the way, TJ wanted to stop in at Gander Mountain to purchase some new hiking shoes, they are crazy looking but apparently amazing (photo below). Keep in mind that TJ still has no idea where we are going at this point, but I do let him in on the secret as we get back on 81. 
When we arrive in Shepherdstown we go straight to the Inn to get information on the hiking trails and get acquainted with the area. Isn’t this Inn the cutest little area? The Inn and their infinity pool overlooks the Potomac river, of course we didn’t get to use it but it was still pretty!
And then we were off….
We started on the C&O Canal walking along the Potomac. There is nothing like a before selfie!
Check out those Under Armor shoes….
The C&O canal kicked my butt quickly, JK and TJ loved it. However it wasn’t what we were expecting for a “hike.” This is where I tell you to be careful what you wish for. We walked the C&O Canal for about an hour and then decided to look up another trail. Insert Maryland Heights!
That is 2.8 miles ONE WAY…..UP HILL!
The view from this overlook was breathtaking. It made the 2.8 mile hike up the mountain worth every minute.
What goes up must come down….
And then DINNER…need I say more? It was AMAZING and DELICIOUS!
We weren’t much good after our 5.5 mile hike and this amazing 4 course dinner. But the next day we ventured into downtown Shepherdstown and walked Main Street. It was so adorable and then it even started to SNOW! The whole weekend was perfect, from the sporadic planning, to the crazy death defying hike, dinner, and spending time with my husband. I love trips like this where you can slow down, reconnect, and enjoy the little things in life. 
