Virginia Bed and Breakfast Innkeepers at Inn at Meander Plantation

The essence of Virginia hospitality is provided by owners Suzie Blanchard and Suzanne Thomas and their dedicated staff.

Suzie Blanchard
Suzie’s passion for and career in historic preservation was a driving force in selecting and establishing the Inn. Previously the Historic Preservation Officer for the Chicago suburb of Wilmette, she conceived and directed a project of the Junior League of Chicago’s North Shore to produce an award-winning coffeetable book, “An Architectural Album: Chicago’s North Shore.” Also an accomplished chef and food writer, Suzie did all the cooking for the Inn’s first 10 years, setting the continuing standard of culinary excellence. She is Director of the Meander Country Inn Cooking School, which she began in 2001. Suzie is a native of Georgia, mother of three grown children and, finally, a grandmother of two! She is a past president of the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia and currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Art Center in Orange and the James Madison Museum.

Suzanne Thomas
Suzanne fell in love with bed-and-breakfasts right out of college and, after 25 years of working for newspapers, decided it was time to start her own. Having worked on both editorial and business sides of papers in Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi, her last job was as publisher of 18 weeklies in the Chicago suburbs. She has been the editor of a book of her grandmother’s memoirs, which was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize, and “An Architectural Album,” which is how she and Suzie met. Suzanne has lived in Virginia and guided the operations of the Inn since opening in 2001, but she is … and always will be … a Texan! She is treasurer of the local Inns at Montpelier association.

David Scales
Chef Dave Scales, Meanders Executive Chef started at Meander in December 2007 and is a 2003 graduate of L'Academie de Cuisine's Culinary Arts Program. He has worked in restaurants for over 18 years. Most recently he has worked as a line cook at 2941 inFairfax,VAand LAuberge Provencale in White Post, VA. An avid fisherman andMarylandnative, Dave supports the sustainable foods movement, focusing his cuisine and teachings on regional dishes and products originating from theChesapeake Bay. Dave recieved a Bachelor's Degree in History fromElonUniversity. Chef Scales has received rave reviews for his beautiful food in both taste and presentation.

Sarah Deigl
Chef Sarah Deigl, a graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, is sous chef and pastry chef for the Inn. She and husband Paul live in her hometown of Orange and have two adorable children, Rhew and Avery. Sarah delights our weekday guests with her creative breakfasts. She has a particular interest in heritage Southern recipes and ingredients.

Jill Judy
Assistant Innkeeper Jill Judy’s ready smile radiates warmth and welcome. After 16 years as an event planner in northernVirginia, Jill moved to Culpeper and spent 7 years playing soccer mom extraordinaire to daughters, Rachael and Sarah. Now she’s putting all those skills and knowledge of the area to use to create a memorable experience for you here at Meander.

Jenae Richardson
Dining Room Manager Jenae Richardson is a dynamic young woman who began her career at Meander as a teenager. Capable and competent, she is familiar with all facets of the Inn, but specifically coordinates our food service and staff. A native of Orange, she attends Piedmont College in Charlottesville.

Honey the Golden Dog Relaxes on the Porch

Innkeeping Animals
The family pets are integral parts of life at The Inn at Meander Plantation. All are “guest-friendly,” but are not allowed in the guestrooms for guest comfort.

Honey, our beloved dog pictured at right, protected and loved Meander, us and our guests for 15 wonderful years. She was, and always will be, “the best dog in the world.” Her spirit lingers and welcomes our dog guests.

William is an orange tabby cat. He was supposed to be a barn cat but decided that he was “to the manor born.” Although very aloof, he loves to be told he is “pretty.”

Dacquoise is a long-haired, buff-colored cat with white bib and paws. Rescued from the dumpster at the Orange 7-11 Store, he is quite curious and social but usually stays just beyond reach. A Norwegian Forest Cat, he loves to play in snow and water!