A Shenandoah Valley Inn in Historic Lexington, Virginia

About the Author

Smiling couple taking a selfie with scenic mountain and foliage background.

Michele Dumont

Author & Innkeeper

Michele grew up in Wilmington, Delaware with early memories of the Virginia coast and an instinctive love for the people and places that make you feel genuinely welcome. That sense of belonging — of being truly seen — became the cornerstone of her approach to hospitality. After raising two children and spending years hosting large family gatherings and working in catering, Michele made a bold pivot in 2021, launching a new chapter in hospitality full-time. Her journey took her through the White Mountains of New Hampshire, a remarkable stint managing properties on Hawaii’s Big Island, and eventually to the place that felt like destiny.

“From our first day standing on the porch overlooking the valley, we knew this felt like home.”

In December 2024, Michele became innkeeper at the Inn at Brierley Hill in Lexington, Virginia — a role that brings together every thread of her life: her love of people, her passion for the kitchen, and her talent for creating personal touches that transform a stay into a memory. A member of the Bed and Breakfast Association of Virginia, she writes about Shenandoah Valley travel, local food, and the art of the well-crafted stay.

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