Two of us are tucked into the cozy Tap Room inside the Ashby Inn & Restaurant in Paris, Va., when our server sets the scene for the night by dropping off not one, but two free welcomes.

PARIS, VA-April 16: The Lamb Loin with Lemon Hummus ... Chef David Dunlap announced his departure from the Ashby Inn & Restaurant for a job in Richmond after this review was completed.

Bottom line: A sophisticated country retreat, an easy hour's drive away. Ashby Inn & Restaurant, 540-592-3900; ashbyinn.com. Weekend rates for two, with full breakfast, $145 to $250.

A forum on donrockwell.com has it that Tarver King—the lauded toque at the Ashby Inn—will be decamping for the Restaurant at Patowmack Farm in Lovettsville. The departure is confirmed by a Facebook ...