Details of Paula and Scott Broadwell’s Romantic Rappahannock County Getaway

As she became a household name around the world,
Paula Broadwell enjoyed a romantic getaway with her husband, Scott, in the nearby Virginia countryside.
Their two-day getaway could have been an ad for the state’s slogan, “Virginia is for
lovers.” Flowers, Champagne, long hikes and bike rides, good food, and a charming
room are what filled the couple’s stay in Little Washington, Virginia, while at the
same time news broke of her affair with CIA director
David Petraeus. The Broadwells’ moods were described by our source as happy initially, though by
Saturday morning that had changed.

The room where the Broadwells stayed. Photograph from the Middleton Inn’s website.

The Broadwells’ room at the Middleton Inn had a queen-size four-poster bed, a marble
bath, a working fireplace, and a view of the mountains. Waiting for Paula when they
checked in, as pre-arranged by her husband when he made the reservation two weeks
ago, were Champagne and a bouquet of pink roses and white lilies to mark her 40th
birthday.

According to sources familiar with the Broadwells’ time spent in Little Washington,
they enjoyed the particular pleasures of Rappahannock County. On their first night,
Thursday, they dined at the Thornton River Grill in nearby Sperryville. It is a popular
local restaurant, and serves what it calls “American food with a worldly flair.” On
Friday night they dined at the Inn at Little Washington, one of the most acclaimed
restaurants in the local area and the nation. Because of its sophisticated decor and
romantic atmosphere, it is as popular for marriage proposals as it is for birthdays,
anniversaries, and similarly special occasions.

The Broadwells spent their days hiking and biking. They arrived with their own bikes,
and sought local advice for routes of 25 to 30 miles. They said they were looking
for “strenuous” rides. There are many hilly and challenging back roads in that region.
On Friday morning they went for a long hike. Both mornings they joined other hotel
guests for breakfast. Paula reportedly spent most of her time texting. In the evenings
they showed up for wine and cheese, though other guests at the inn seemed none the
wiser as to their identity.

From the time the Broadwells arrived at the Middleton Inn on Thursday, through Friday
evening, their moods were described as “good” and “upbeat.” But when they returned
from the Inn at Little Washington later Friday night, “all of a sudden they are not
in very good moods,” our source says. They checked out earlier than expected on Saturday
morning after an abrupt breakfast, at a table for two, at which Scott Broadwell was
described as “not talkative.” When they departed, Paula mentioned they were headed
to DC.

Sources said there was to be a birthday party Saturday night in Washington for Broadwell, but that it got canceled. A source close to the intelligence community said General Petraeus was scheduled to attend that party, but we have not been able to confirm that information.

Carol Ross Joynt