TRAVEL

Getaways FOR THE Holidays

BY MARY ANN BARTON

The holiday season is at our doorsteps and for some of us, it means squeezing in a quick getaway before getting back to business as usual in January. And as we continue to practice distancing due to the pandemic, a few days at a festive locale dressed up for the season might be just what we need to perk up our holiday spirits and reflect on the year that was.

We’ve compiled a list of unique locations and activities (chocolate martinis, dog sledding, dolphin watching, anyone?) within driving distance of Alexandria where you can unwind with friends and family…and start plotting to make 2021 your best year yet. (And of course, be safe — don't forget your masks and sanitizers!)

Chocolate Martinis

LOCATION

Hersheypark, Hershey, Penn.

DRIVE TIME

2 hours, 24 minutes

The Sweetest Place on Earth offers up several accommodations including Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort. Each property provides unique experiences and stunning holiday decorations for guests to enjoy. Hersheypark Camping Resort offers cozy two-bedroom cabins which include indoor plumbing, heat and a kitchenette. The campground offers the Hersheypark Christmas Candylane Package, which includes tickets to the Park for one or two days.

The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge offer various dining options for Thanksgiving and December holidays, including curbside pickup options. Chocolate-lovers should be on the lookout for chocolate cream and peanut butter pies, house-made gelato and more. At the Iberian Lounge, you’ll find a variety of chocolate martinis as well. The Spa At The Hotel Hershey and MeltSpa by Hershey day spa offer a pumpkin spice massage, the Great Pumpkin Facial and other assorted seasonal experiences through November.

Hersheypark Christmas Candylane is open on select dates from Nov. 13 through Jan. 3. This year's event will feature more than 5 million twinkling lights — the most ever for the seasonal celebration; rides and coasters, including the all-new Candymonium; Santa; an up-close look at all nine live reindeer on a newly expanded viewing platform, and holiday shopping in the all-new Hersheypark Supply Co. and HP Collections shops. Hershey Sweet Lights, a drive-through holiday spectacular with nearly 600 illuminated displays, will also be open throughout the holiday season. Be sure to check out the Cookies From Santa Package at The Hotel Hershey and Hershey Lodge, on the website.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HERSHEYPARK

Dog Sledding

LOCATION

Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Farmington, Penn.

DRIVE TIME

3 hours, 15 minutes

Grab your gear and head to Nemacolin where you can ski, snowboard, dog sled and snow tube on Mystic Mountain (weather permitting). Look for “Light Up Nights” every Friday with donation presentations featuring lighting of the Chateau Christmas Tree, live entertainment, a visit from Santa and Mrs Claus, a life-sized gingerbread house and more.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT Guests will enjoy specials at the restaurants and beautiful views of the Laurel Highlands during the holiday season with lights and installations all around the property.

Seasonal spa specials will be featured at the Woodlands Spa. If you really need to relax, check out a CBD massage and the holistic healing center with a cryogenic chamber. Other activities at the resort include art tours around the property, holiday shopping at the Laurel Lane Shops and dining at Aqueous, Rockwell’s, Lautrec, The Tavern and PJ’s Ice Cream Parlor. The Adventure Center offers Jeep off-roading, a ropes course and bowling. Field Club activities include clay shooting and wildlife experiences at the Wildlife Academy. Look for live entertainment at the various dining outlets as well.

Due to the filming of the next season of ABC’s “The Bachelor” at the resort during October and November, Nemacolin won’t start taking reservations until Nov. 24.

Dolphin Watching

LOCATION

The Tides Inn, Irvington, Va.

DRIVE TIME

2 hours, 44 minutes

Located along a half-mile of waterfront along Carter’s Creek in the heart of Virginia’s Northern Neck and dating back to 1947, the inn debuted a multi-million dollar refinement this year. Major renovations included its spa, 66 rooms and four all-new luxury suites providing a coastal retreat rich with dramatic views of the water, mahogany wood and leather details, separate living spaces, contemporary spa-like bathrooms and charming in-room bar carts.

The Bayside Explorers Club for kids ages 4 to 12 offers an array of activities including sailing courses, fishing academy, Steamboat Museum tour, crabbing and fishing on Carter’s Creek, learning about ocean life, and creative arts and crafts. Families can also enjoy some holiday vacation together-time playing parlor and garden games. Couples can head to the Virginia Wine Trail, take a boat ride for two, play some golf at Golden Eagle, feast upon seafood offerings and more.

Spend a little quiet time on the water or shoreline and you may enjoy sightings of the beautiful, fun-loving dolphins that visit each year in the fall (including in November). The dolphins bring their new offspring to feed just in front of the Tides Inn. (To register for the Carter’s Creek Dolphin Watch, contact the inn.)

If you’re planning a Thanksgiving stay, be sure to bring your running shoes and join the Tides Inn for a Southern-inspired celebration, beginning with the 21st annual Irvington Turkey Trot.

Happy travels!

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE TIDES INN

Ring In 2021!

Out with the old and in with the new — it’s time to say goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021! Here are a few options to consider.

1

THE GREENBRIER

LOCATION

White Sulphur Springs, W. Va.

DRIVE TIME

3 hours, 47 minutes

New Year’s plans at this historic resort include a “Resolution” fun run, ballroom dance class, painting workshops for kids and grown-ups, a kids’ “Neon New Year” party, a New Year’s Eve Dinner Buffet, a casino club party and a champagne toast and balloon drop. Call 855-453-4858 to make reservations.

2

COLONIAL WILLIAMSBURG INN

LOCATION

Williamsburg, Va.

DRIVE TIME 2 hours

As we write this, there are plans afoot for the annual New Year’s Eve dinner at the inn’s elegant Regency Room, but details were scarce. Previous celebrations have featured five-course meals with optional wine pairings. Be sure to also check on Busch Gardens Williamsburg New Year’s Eve plans, which were unavailable at press time.

3

LAKE POINTE INN

LOCATION

Deep Creek Lake (McHenry), Md.

DRIVE TIME 3 hours

Looking for something more lowkey and romantic? This bed and breakfast on the lake features cozy Mission style lighting and decor and many of the rooms include views of the lake. Nearby activities include skiing, snowboarding, sleigh rides and snowmobiling (depending on the weather). All rooms have gas fireplaces and some have spa tubs. Book your reservations now (the inn requires a three-night stay for the holiday weekend).

Fine Jewelry, Outstanding Results

KatherineHelena is relaunching its fine jewelry fundraising collection. Support the programs of The Campagna Center through a special curated collection this holiday season!

100% of proceeds from the purchase of pieces from the fundraising collection go directly

to The Campagna Center, which equips children and families with the tools they need to thrive and succeed. The organization offers programs that foster a dedication to learning among children and adults. Learn more at campagnacenter.org.