Spring Road Trip! What's New in Travel Near Alexandria

BY MARY ANN BARTON

As the weather warms up, and trees and flowers come to life across Virginia, there’s nothing better than planning a little getaway — a day trip or long weekend away from the regular grind. Luckily, Alexandria is close to loads of great travel options. Here’s a sampling of openings, renovations, annual events and more coming up in 2023 near Alexandria.

• Splish, Splash

Soak up the good times at the Omni Homestead Resort's iconic Warm Springs Pools, an integral part of Bath County and Virginia history. The pools reopened in December 2022 following a 14-month, $4 million rehabilitation. Fed by four natural warm springs, rich in mineral content, the 19th-century bathhouses have been sought by travelers for centuries. The stone basin of the Gentlemen’s

Bathhouse was constructed in 1761, making it the oldest spa structure in the country. There is a family soaking time from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Ladies' Bathhouse. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent.Also look for the completion of a $120 million renovation of Omni Homestead Resort, which first opened its doors in 1766. Distance from Alexandria: 160 miles or 2 hours, 30 minutes

• Saddle Up at the Marriott Ranch It’s not the Dutton Ranch, but it'll do! Located 50 miles west of Alexandria, the Marriott Ranch offers a variety of horse-related activities including a 90-minute trail ride on the 4,200-acre cattle ranch. Dinner rides are offered occasionally throughout the year, including April 1, for up to 10 riders. These rides include dinner on the grill, a bonfire, live music and horses in a corral at the ranch's “Western Town.” Guests enjoy a trail ride from the trail barn to Western Town, where they dismount and enjoy dinner, dessert by the fire, storytelling and then mount up and ride back to the trail barn as the sun is setting. Open to adult beginner riders, this is an all-walk trail ride and is popular for couples and friends looking for a memorable experience. Payment for the Trail Ride portion is $75 per person, which will be used as a guarantee for a spot. The remaining $75 can be paid via check when you arrive.There are loads of other riding options as well including for children ages 10 and older. Distance from Alexandria: 66.5 miles or 1 hour and 12 minutes

• Fried Chicken and Cornbread: OK, so maybe your official reason for driving to Washington, Va. is for the fabulous scenery and hiking. But if you time your visit just right, you'll be able to stop in at Patty O's Cafe & Bakery, the country cousin (and more affordable option) of the award-winning Inn at Little Washington. On Tuesday nights, you can order the fried chicken served in a wicker hamper with "Grandma's cornbread." Worried about calories?

Take advantage of all the hiking to be found, like the Mount Marshall Trailhead or Keyser Run Trailhead. Distance from Alexandria: 73.2 miles or 1 hour, 24 minutes

• Fire Station Hotel Opens in Roanoke: Built in 1907 as a fire station, the new Fire Station One Boutique Hotel in downtown Roanoke opened in February. The seven-room hotel, housed in a 20th-century fire station, is furnished by TXTUR, a locally based furniture manufacturer specializing in sustainability. Stock, a Nordic-inspired restaurant and bar is located in the Fire Station Hotel. Be sure to visit the hiking trails at 568-acre Mill Mountain Park, home to the famous Roanoke Star, the world's second-largest illuminated star. Distance from Alexandria: 243.6 miles or 3 hours, 45 minutes

• On the Water in Irvington: Tides Inn is a great spring break and summer destination for families, friends or couples. There are a bunch of interactive and educational activities that go on during these months, like hands-on art workshops in the Maker Space, culinary classes in the Chef’s Kitchen, boating excursions, water sports, hiking and biking trails, tennis and pickleball, and an 18-hole Golden Eagle Golf Course. The resort also boasts its most iconic activity in the warmer months — the Chesapeake Gold oyster excursion, guided by the property’s ecologist. Guests can shuck oysters like a pro and cook them while learning how oysters are a keystone species of the Chesapeake. Additionally, the resort offers The Spa at the Tides Inn and a pet-friendly environment. Distance from Alexandria: 119.5 miles or 2 hours, 29 minutes

• Hope Flower Farm and Winery, Waterford, Love flowers and the great outdoors? Situated on 25 lush acres, Hope Flower Farm & Winery in Waterford will be open on May 20 and 21 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for guests to come and enjoy fields of peonies and live music. Peony stems are available for purchase and you can cut your own in the

• field. The farm welcomes guests to pack a picnic or enjoy food from local vendors. Visitors can try the “Jack Cat Hard Cider” and spring-inspired wines. There will be activities for everyone, such as a farm walking tour and a scavenger hunt for the kids. Check the farm's website for more activities coming up. 40905 Stumptown Road, Waterford, Va. Distance from Alexandria: 54.7 miles or 1 hour

• Theme Park Fun: Thrill seekers, take note. Busch Gardens Williamsburg will debut “DarKoaster” this spring. Billed as North America’s First All-Indoor Straddle Coaster, riders will travel on snowmobiles across 2,454 feet of track and race through total darkness while changing course to avoid the elements. As the weather strikes, riders encounter four accelerating launches on this family-friendly dark ride experience. Distance from Alexandria: 110 miles or 2 hoursAfter an active day outdoors, you’ll work up an appetite. There is plenty of great dining in the area. We’ve put together a sampling of some of the top-rated eateries in the area to try.

• The Coves Amphitheater at Smith Mountain Lake: A lake vacation might be just the thing this spring or summer. In addition to terrific scenery, Smith Mountain Lake now offers live outdoor concerts. Located on the edge of Smith Mountain Lake, The Coves Amphitheater was designed and built to provide a one-of-a-kind music venue for world-class talent. From Grammy-award winners to local talent, The Coves Amphitheater showcases best-in-class entertainment with a view like none other. Distance from Alexandria: 259 miles or 4 hours.