It was our 15th wedding anniversary, so it HAD to be a special place. But of all the romantic inns, which one did we choose for our special night?

The Smithfield Inn, in Smithfield, Virginia.

I'd toured the rooms several years earlier, and I knew just which one we wanted: The Annie Mae Sykes Room. It's truly like spending the night in Versailles. Lush silks, elaborate brocades, a canopied bed, and a decadent day bed. Truly heaven!

We started our evening with dinner in the dining room. The cuisine was delicious-- we tried the Beef Tenderloin with twice-baked potatoes, and the Seafood platter, which included two HUGE scallops and two petite crab cakes (perhaps the best I've tasted--all crab!), accompanied by sweet potato fries. Delicious.

Somehow, we managed to make room for "Heather's Chocolate Passion" for dessert...a cheese cake with white chocolate over an amaretto brownie, topped by Hershey's Symphony bar pieces. Yes, I finished it all.

After dinner, we sat on the veranda in front, relaxed in the comfy rockers, and watched the world go by.

After a sound night's sleep, we awoke to a fresh coffee tray outside our room, and went down for a hearty breakfast. You can choose from the Traditional Country Breakfast (eggs, maple sausage, Smithfield ham, grits and toast), Granola with fruit and yogurt, cinnamon French toast, or their famous Smithfield Ham rolls.

Want seconds? Just ask. Breakfast is served from 8:30 am until 10 am.

Lavishly furnished with antiques, this best of romantic inns dates back to 1752. George Washington slept here! The inn has five suites, all with sitting rooms and private baths, plus a garden house, with three more rooms. The beautifully landscaped garden is available for dining during summer (they had live music playing when we were there), and often hosts wedding parties and luncheons.

During your visit, make sure you tour the downtown area of Smithfield (it's right out the front door!) and its antique stores, art galleries, and boutiques.

Room rates (including the full breakfast) are $135 Sunday-Thursday, and $155 Friday-Saturday. Corporates are a bit lower.

They also offer AAA, Military, and Senior discounts.

Contact: Smithfield Inn Bed & Breakfast/ Restaurant & Tavern
112 Main Street, Smithfield - 757-357-1752 - www.smithfieldinn.com