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The Inn at Little Washington: A Magnificent Dream with Chef Patrick O'Connell


In a tiny town tucked into the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, at the corner of Main and Middle, exists a singular culinary experience. The 19th century frame building on the corner of Main and Middle streets has housed a gas station, garage, dance hall, basketball court, and today, one of the most celebrated restaurants in America.

The restaurant opened its doors in 1978 to surprising but effusive praise. Word of mouth spread and by the mid-eighties, the Inn greeted its first overnight guests. In 1987, The Inn became a member of the Paris-based, luxury hotel association, Relais & Chateaux and two years later, made history when it became the first inn ever to receive the Mobil Travel Guide’s five star award.

A year later, Mobil announced that for the first time in their 34 years of rating hotels and restaurants, The Inn had received two 5-Star Awards—one for its restaurant as well as one for the accommodations. Celebrities, politicians and hospitality leaders flocked out of their cities to “Little” Washington to see first-hand what the buzz was all about.Success bred success and the James Beard Foundation took notice. Between 1992 to 2001, the Foundation named Patrick O'Connell as Best Chef in the Mid-Atlantic Region, Outstanding Chef in America and The Inn as the Outstanding Restaurant in America.

Other prestigious awards followed including selection by The International Herald Tribune as one of the 10 Best Restaurants in the World, and Travel + Leisure Magazine rated The Inn #1 in North America and #2 in the world in their World’s Best awards. In 2016, the Paris-based Michelin Guide bestowed The Inn with two Michelin stars in their first guide to Washington, DC area restaurants.As The Inn at Little Washington approaches 40 years of luxury, perfection, and relevance on the world’s culinary and hospitality stage, it remains a consuming passion—a life’s work in progress.

Join us for A Celebration, 40 Years in the Making!

Bringing History to Life at Mount Vernon: An extraordinary night at an American Landmark

Join Chef Patrick O'Connell as he whisks you away to an 18th century fête fit for a president. Indulge in an elegant garden party with stunning views and exquisite food beside culinary pioneers from around the world. (June 16, 2018)

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