Charles Snead

Owner Charles Snead is a landscape architect, and his strong, lean frame is a testament to his working the land himself.It’s in his blood; his father worked alongside the famed Charles Gillette, known for beautifying Richmond via projects such as Agecroft Hall and the University of Richmond.In fact, when Gillette discovered that his colleague was having a baby, he joked, “You should name him after me.” And so he was.Charles purchased the property 25 years ago, admiring the slow-growth nature of the area. In 2018, he received his permit to open a business, and it quickly became a haven for Virginians and people far beyond.“Our visitors come from all walks of life, but I would say our typical guests have high-pressure jobs. We have politicians, lawyers, people who really need to unwind.”Zebulon’s Grotto has become a destination for travelers up and down the Eastern Seaboard. New Yorkers en route to Miami, or Californians who stop over after a work trip to D.C.