Inn At Little Washington   

A renowned country inn whose name is synonymous with "special occasion," the Inn at Little Washington takes grand dining to the highest level. An hour or so from Washington, DC, the extravagant restaurant invites you to savor seven courses off an extremely expensive price-fixed menu. But don't worry that you'll be limited in your selections: Each course includes somewhere between five and a dozen choices, and the menu changes daily. Chef and co-owner Patrick O'Connell crafts elaborate dishes with ingredients like lobster, veal, rabbit and filet mignon prepared in rich sauces. There's also a vegetarian menu with pasta and vegetable offerings. Desserts focus heavily on ice creams, often paired with a decadent sauce like hot caramel or blackberry. The inn leaves no detail unchecked, from its lavish Victorian-style decor to the sommelier on hand to help you pick from a far-reaching wine list that's 40 pages long. Basically all that's required of you is allowing yourself to be pampered and taking part in a toast for your special celebration. -- Kathleen Neary