Summer is still several months away and you may be experiencing the winter blues, but just because it’s cold outside doesn’t mean you have to stay home. Why not take a short trip out of town to boost your spirits? There are plenty of places close by that will offer respite from the routine for a weekend — or longer if you wish.

Popular Destinations

If you’ve lived in Northern Virginia for any length of time, you’re probably already familiar with these destinations. They’re rated among the top Virginia destinations by PlanetWare.

• Virginia Beach – If you’re a true beach lover, there’s never a bad time to go to the beach, and lucky for us, we live a half day’s drive from the coast. Whether it’s an oceanfront hotel or a resort you’re looking for, you can find lower rates and less competition for rooms this time of year. While you’re there, check out the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Center or First Landing State Park.
• Williamsburg – This is where you want to be if you’re a history buff. Visit Colonial Williamsburg for authentic 18^th-century buildings and activities, and even shopping. For even more history, visit Yorktown Battlefield and Jamestown.
• Chincoteague Island – This island is world famous for its wild ponies, but there are also many hiking and biking trails to take advantage of, or you can book a tour on the Assateague Explorer to see the ponies and even some dolphins.
• George Washington and Jefferson National Forests – These two separate lands combine to make up one of the largest public land areas in the eastern United States. On this land are 17 designated wilderness areas including thousands of miles of hiking trails. It also includes the Blue Ridge Parkway and Mount Rogers, Virginia’s tallest peak.
• Shenandoah National Park – This park includes 200,000 acres of protected lands including waterfalls and hiking trails. Luray Caverns is also close by, where you can see stalactites and stalagmites.
• Richmond – Just a two-hour drive from Northern Virginia, Richmond is another place for the history buff since it dates back to Civil War times. You can visit the American Civil War Museum or Hollywood Cemetery, the final resting place of two presidents, several Virginia governors and many other notables. For those interested in something more modern, there is the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens.

Romantic Getaways

If you’re looking for something just for the two of you, Vacation Idea has compiled a list of the best romantic getaways in Virginia. Here are just a few of them.

• The Inn at Little Washington – Located in Washington, Virginia, this inn has 24 guest rooms and two-story suites, some with balconies and garden views. The inn’s restaurant serves menu items designed by award-winning chef Patrick O’Connell, and you’ll have your choice of wines from the 14,000-bottle wine cellar. Other attractions in the area include Luray Caverns and Shenandoah National Park.
• The Clifton Inn – This inn in Charlottesville has an outdoor pool, a restaurant and 17 guest rooms. You can play tennis, croquet or hike the trails. If you like fishing, there is a lake dock. The wine cellar is award-winning, and breakfast is served on the veranda!
• Briar Patch Bed & Breakfast – This inn in Middleburg, Virginia is set on a historic farm overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can choose from a room in the main house or a one-bedroom cottage with a kitchen. Wireless internet access and snacks are included. If you’re looking for something to do nearby, you can choose from horseback riding, tennis, golfing, biking and wine tours.
• L’Auberge Provencale Bed and Breakfast – This is a country inn set in the Shenandoah Valley near White Post, Virginia. Its rooms are unique because they are decorated in the Provençale style, consisting of bright colors and comfortable furniture. Free Wi-Fi, free afternoon snacks and aromatherapy showers are available. The award-winning restaurant La Table Provençale makes its dishes with food grown right on the property.
• Historic Williamsburg Inn – Set right in Colonial Williamsburg, this inn has 19^th century Regency décor. Guest rooms have marble bathrooms. You can ask for a room with a fireplace to make your visit even more romantic. Enjoy a visit to the spa or tea in the Terrace Room. The Regency Room is renowned for its gourmet cuisine.

Whatever you like to do, you will find it close by. Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, site-seeing or shopping, sports or arts, you don’t have to go far. A thoroughly enjoyable weekend getaway is practically in your back yard.

Looking for real estate services in Gainesville, Haymarket or Bristow? Contact your local real estate expert Belinda Jacobson-Loehle of Jacobson Realty and Home Staging today. Also be sure to sign up now for a FREE copy of my eBook, “The Real Estate Key – What You Need to Know!”

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