Annapolis, Maryland
Annpolis MD www.visitannapolis.org/index.asp
Annapolis is a beautiful, charming and oh-so close destination. You will discover a treasure trove of historic attractions in Annapolis, including the U.S. Naval Academy campus. I am a huge fan of the shops, restaurants and nautical offerings that Annapolis proudly offers up. Discover some of the 500 miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline via the Schooner Woodwind’s (www.schoonerwoodwind.com) daily cruises. The sunset cruise offers a romantic outing for couples or just a great night with the family. If you are in the mood for additional fun, try the lively and a bit more raucous setting of the Red Eye Dock Bar (www.redeyedockbar.com) and Harris Crab House (www.harriscrabhouse.com) in nearby Kent Narrows, MD just over the Bay Bridge. The Queenstown Outlets are also within striking distance. Shop hotel prices!

Ashby Inn
692 Federal Street
Paris VA 20130
866-336-0099
www.ashbyinn.com/
The 1829 Ashby Inn & Restaurant is located in the quiet village of Paris, Virginia (population 49). Just one hour west of Washington, DC, the inn is at the very center of our country's dynamic first century. Long regarded as one of the very best restaurants in Northern Virginia, the inn offers a menu that is thoughtful, expressive, and in spring and summer, inspired by its own gardens. The inn's guest rooms vary in size and decor. Each is furnished with 19th-century pieces, including four-poster beds, hand-painted wardrobes, quilts, oriental rugs and blanket chests. Outside the inn you will find Adirondack chairs and manicured lawns. Note, rates can be high. Reserve this one for a special event or weekend☺

Baltimore, Maryland

Baltimore MD

www.ci.baltimore.md.us/visitor/

A quick trip up I-95 North and you will find yourself in Baltimore, MD. The city has lots of activities to make for a fun-filled day for kids and couples. Baltimore's Inner Harbor is a must see with its shops, restaurants and of course the famous aquarium. Take a boat ride over to see Fort McHenry, the inspiration for the Star Spangled Banner. End the day with a meal at Fell's Point or Little Italy. Noteworthy, if you are looking for a fun weekend, add in an Orioles game at famed Camden Yard.

Bermuda

www.bermudatourism.com/index.aspx

With a quick 90 minute flight and incredible winter savings, Bermuda is closer and more obtainable than you think. The beautiful, and sometimes expensive, island can be an ideal place for a quick getaway. Check out winter travel when rates drop through the basement for hotel and air. Noteworthy, just off the coast of North Carolina, expect to see temperatures in the high 60s to low 70s if you go in the late fall or winter months.

Boars Head Inn

200 Ednam Drive

Charlottesville VA 22903

800-476-1988

www.boarsheadinn.com/

For twenty years, Boar's Head has received the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award. The inn offers coffee or tea in the Ordinary. Lunch on the patio at Bistro 1834. Dinner in the famed Old Mill Room. A wonderfully historic Blue Ridge Mountain hotel - The Boar's Head Inn - The Boar's Head Inn. The rooms come replete with hand-hewn beams that frame soaring ceilings. An inviting four-poster bed. The touch of fine textiles and crisp, cool linens. Elegant. Comfortable. Quintessential Charlottesville Virginia accommodations and style. Note, this is an absolutely stunning destination. Rates drop dramatically during the week and in the summer.

Charlottesville, Virginia

Charlottesville VA

www.pursuecharlottesville.com/

Simply one of the sweetest towns I have ever visited. I had the opportunity to attend a UVA game in Charlottesville. What a trip back in time. I took in the adorable downtown and surrounding Virginia countryside. You can see why Thomas Jefferson chooses the area for his famous Monticello estate. The shops, restaurants and bars (filled with cool bands) draws you into the oh so Southern Charlottesville web (pun intended). The destination is a 90 minutes trip from DC. If you have the opportunity to make it to a UVA game you will witness the full appeal of the city. Beware, tickets and lodging can be very hard to acquire during game weekends. Note, room rates drop dramatically during the week. Take in Skyline Drive and soak in the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Check attached website

Gettysburg PA

www.gettysburg.travel/

Gettysburg is an ideal location for the family and historical enthusiasts. Here you will find wonderful accommodations and dining, an array of tours and attractions related to the Civil War and the Battle of Gettysburg – and so much more! Gettysburg is about 2 hours from Washington DC. Noteworthy, this can be an ideal way to get your kids involved in American History. This historical treasure is a bridge to the North and the South and how our country became what it is today. Depending on your leanings, you may find it to be a place that allowed our country to move forward into the next century under one government. Just remember, you may still hear some southerner referring to the war as the Battle of Northern Aggression. Sore losers☺

Hershey, PA

Hershey PA

www.herseypa.com

This chocolate wonderland serves up everything from theme parks to deluxe accommodations replete with your favorite spa treatments. Kids and adults love Hershey, PA and the ride from the DC Metro area is quite manageable. Noteworthy, check out the Hotel Hershey's spa that offers up a chocolate fondue wrap.

Inn at Little Washington

Middle & Main Street

Washington VA 22747

800-860-4930

www.theinnatlittlewashington.com

Simply the best! The Inn at Little Washington does is better than any other establishment that you will find in the area. The delightful Victorian home plays host to a small audience of patrons every night. The accompanying hotel is absolutely exquisite. Many years ago this location was anointed one of the best B&Bs in country. It still holds its magic and has not lost its title! The careful presentation of food, the elite and courteous staff coupled with the romantic and enchanting interiors makes this the destination for a romantic meal or special celebration! Note, the cost is very high for the restaurant and Inn. Local, less expensive B&Bs in Washington, VA include Fairlea Farm Inn and Foster Harris Inn.

Inn at Perry Cabin

308 Watkins Lane

St. Michaels MD 21663

410-745-2200

www.perrycabin.com

The Inn at Perry Cabin is a lovely manor house and inn that resides in the heart of Maryland's Eastern Shore. With a spa, boat cruises and fabulous meals, the Inn at Perry Cabin is a perfect retreat for a romantic weekend. Noteworthy, get your wallet out; the posh digs will cost you. Check the website for further details.

Marriott Ranch

5303 Marriott Lane

Hume VA 22639

540-364-2627

www.marriottranch.com/horse.html

The Inn at Fairfield Farm is a historic Bed & Breakfast located near the center of Marriott Ranch's 4,200 acres. Ten comfortable bedrooms along with afternoon beverage service and three course breakfasts serve to remind guests of the true meaning of hospitality. Noteworthy, it is time to head west partner. It is a short 45 miles west of the beltway to the Marriott Ranch for the best Western trail riding this side of the Rocky Buttes. Take in a 1-1/2 hour trail ride across the huge working cattle ranch that is nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Note, room rates are reasonable.

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort

1001 Lafayette Drive

Farmington PA 15437

800-422-2736

www.nmacolin.com

Situated on nearly 3,000 acres, the Mobil Four-Star and AAA Four-Diamond resort features 335 luxurious guestrooms, suites, townhouses, and private luxury homes. In addition you will find the acclaimed Woodlands Spa and 36 holes of golf on two championship courses. Guests can visit the 30-station Shooting Academy, a sporting clays facility situated on 140 acres complete with a spacious lodge. Trail rides are available at the Equestrian Center. Ski facilities for both downhill and cross-country enthusiasts, snowboarders and snow tubers kick are available. The site also boasts 14 restaurants and lounges, and even cooking classes and wine tastings. Check the web for more information.

New Hope, Pennsylvania

New Hope PA

www.newhope.com

It is easy to see why folks love the quaint town. Sitting on a quite and narrow spot of the Delaware River, the towns oozes charm. Boutiques, bistros and a lovely crowd line the streets of this unique town in heart of Bucks County, PA. It is hard to completely describe the charm of my favorites. Maybe it is the Mexican restaurant on the main drag or the hidden bead shop that I stumbled onto while petting a dog on a garden filled side alley. Possibly it is the endless retail-free streets that are brimming with Victorian homes, friendly locals and tons of charm! Don’t forget to take the footpath over the bridge into neighboring Lambertville, NJ.

New York City
New York City NY

www.nycvisit.com / & www.visitnyc.org/

What can you say about NYC? It is simply one of the most amazing, electric, high energy places on the planet. I could write for days and still not cover all that is NYC. Best to review the attached websites for all the dirty details. I will tell you my favorite things about NYC. A reserved ticket on the Accela that takes you from DC's Union Station to NYC's Penn Station. A stay on a summer holiday weekend when room rates drop by 50%. A trip to Caliente Cab Co. (yes it is a restaurant) in the Village for margaritas (http://calientecab.com). A Broadway ticket purchased the day of the show at the ticket booth in Time Square for a fraction of the normal price (check out my entry for TKTS booths). Last, but not least, let's not forget a run or walk through Central Park. What a great city!!

NYC (Broadway Discount Ticket Booths)

New York City NY

www.tdf.org/TDF_ServicePage.aspx?id=56

Information courtesy of TKTS. TKTS Discount Booths offer tickets to Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals and plays at up to 50% off. TDF operates two TKTS Discount Booths in New York City. The Times Square Booth sells day-of-performance tickets only. The South Street Seaport Booth sells tickets to evening performances on the day of the performance, and matinee tickets the day before. TKTS accepts only cash, travelers checks or TKTS Gift Certificates. Both locations sell tickets at 50%, 35%, and 25% off full-price (plus a $3.00 per ticket service charge, which helps support other TDF services and programs). Availability and ticket inventory change throughout the day. Note, lines can be long. Bring a cup of coffee. It can make for good people watching☺

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia PA

800-537-7676

www.gophila.com/

I absolutely adore the City of Brotherly Love. True the city can be full of high energy, take no guff folks, but you will also find a wonderful place filled with amazing restaurants, notable museums, great sports teams and a number of significant historical landmarks. The city had a renaissance of sorts in the late 80s and early 90s. Trendy bars, bistros and tons of high end culinary delights dot the landscape. Take in a trip to the NJ Aquarium via the Delaware River water taxi. See where Betsy Ross made our first flag, where Benjamin Franklin began his notable pursuits and then make your way over to Constitution Hall and the Liberty Bell. Going for a weekend, take Amtrak. There is lots to do for kids as well.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Pittsburgh PA

800-359-0758

www.visitpittsburgh.com/

Just a short three hour trip from most areas of Metro DC, you will find Pittsburgh, PA. Gone are the infamous steel mills that shrouded the city with black clouds, enter a new era. State of the art sport's stadiums, wonderful shopping, A-list museums, cool hotels and excellent restaurants. Best of all, THE PRICE! The town is an absolute bargain compared to DC. Don’t forget to check out the amazing views of the city's skyline and three rivers from Mount Washington. You will also find wonderful museums, galleries and line an impressive line up of theaters replete with popular Broadway musicals. Note, Frank Lloyd Wright's architectural masterpiece, Fallingwater, is a short 30 mile ride from Pittsburgh. Enjoy!

Resort at Glade Springs

255 Resort Drive

Daniels VA 25832

877-839-2310
www.gladesprings.com?NCK=dcmm

If you are interest in golf, skiing and lots of adventures, this is your spot. Located in West Virginia, Glade Springs has A TON for a family weekend or week.

Shenandoah Valley
Fairlea Farm Inn

P.O. Box 124, 636 Mt. Salem Avenue

Washington VA 22747

540-675-3679

www.fairleafarm.com

Information courtesy of Fairlea Farm. Guests enjoy spectacular Blue Ridge mountain views, lush pasture land. On a clear day, if you know exactly where to look...you can even see cars in the distance along Skyline Drive. Fairlea Farm has the advantage of being a working sheep and cattle farm within two blocks of the center of the historic village of Little Washington. Fairlea Farm offers warm hospitality and a sumptuous, homemade country breakfast in the fieldstone manor house, located just 75 minutes from Washington, DC.

Shenandoah Valley
Foster Harris Inn

189 Main Street

Washington VA 22747

800-666-0153

www.fosterharris.com

Information courtesy of Foster Harris House. Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, minutes from Shenandoah National Park and just steps from the world-renowned Inn at Little Washington, the Foster Harris House offers comfortable, refined accommodations in an enchanting country setting.

Shenandoah Valley
Jordon Hollow Inn

326 Hawksbill Park Road

Stanley VA 22851

888-418-7000

www.jordonhollow.com

Information courtesy of Jordan Hollow Inn. Picture yourself walking through meadows and woods, by a babbling stream, or sitting on a porch with your feet up on the railing... or maybe just cozy up to a fire with someone you love… this is just part of the picture here at Jordan Hollow Inn. We replenish your body and soul with serene vistas of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountain. Take a refreshing hike along our Walking Trails. Enjoy a leisurely horse ride along trails spread out over our 45 acres. But then again you may prefer to just laze around in our all-season 52 jet Outdoor Mineral Spa Tub, or pamper yourself with a luxurious full body massage in the privacy of your suite.

Shenandoah Valley & National Park

Longbranch VA

www.nps.gov/shen

Shenandoah National Park is one of Virginia's most magnificent destinations. With over 500 miles of park, including a 101 miles that touch the Appalachian Trail, this is an ideal destination for the family or a romantic weekend for you and your sweetie. Hiking, camping fishing and more are offered as a respite from DC Metro's urban and suburban sprawl.

Solomon's Island

Solomon's Island MD

www.sba.solomons.md.us/

Information courtesy of Solomons Business Association. Solomons Island, Maryland...a quiet waterfront fishing village located just 55 minutes south of the Washington beltway where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay. Stroll the Riverwalk , sail to a sandy beach for your own private picnic, hop a jet ski, go kayaking, or rent a boat, and try your luck catching dinner . Explore the Drum Point Lighthouse at the Calvert Marine Museum. Enjoy fine waterfront dining, unique antique and gift shops, quaint bed and breakfasts and fine hotels. Solomons Island is open all year round is a great place from which to explore Calvert County or the surrounding Southern Maryland region. You will find Solomons a place of uncommon charm and unspoiled beauty.

The Homestead Inn

1766 Homestead Drive

Hot Springs VA 24445

866-354-4653

www.thehomestead.com

Information courtesy of The Homestead. The Homestead, a luxury resort located in the beautiful mountains of Virginia, offers both a relaxing spa and championship golf. A great destination for those seeking rest and relaxation or sporting pleasures, The Homestead historic luxury resort is a perfect destination for everyone! Since 1766, The Homestead has offered visitors an incomparable retreat; an incredibly grand escape located amidst the beauty of Virginia's Allegheny Mountains. Ranked among the world's finest Golf and Spa resorts, this Virginia hotel and resort is steeped in the rich and timeless tradition of Southern hospitality that treats all visitors with a gracious and welcoming atmosphere.

Wintergreen's Resort

Rt. 664

Wintergreen VA 22958

800-926-3723

www.wintergreenresort.com

Notoriously fabulous Virginia resort. The resort offers a beautiful golf course, award-winning tennis courts, exceptional snowsports terrain, the much touted Wintergarden spa and many culinary delights. There aren't any bargains at this resort, but it is an amazing destination.

Washington DC Hotels
www.washingtonhotelmap.com/

This site focuses on the local DC Metro area. It specializes in booking accommodations by map - creating the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. It also offers great links to resources for local tours, events, attractions, shopping and more.