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PHOTO: COURTESY GARRETT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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e p a c s E t a e Gr Beat cabin fever with these five socially distant weekend getaways By Heather Barr
After spending spring and most of summer in isolation, you’re probably ready for a change of scenery. Luckily, many exciting destinations are just a short drive from Central Ohio, making for a quick, relaxing weekend getaway that will satiate your travel bug. Many attractions, restaurants and overnight spots have added new cleaning practices and other guidelines to keep you and your fellow travelers safe. Whether you’re hoping to get outdoors and spend time by the lake with family or hike a few miles with friends, one of these destinations will hit the spot. Deep Creek, Maryland SEPTEMBER 2020 COLUMBUS MONTHLY
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Frank Lloyd Wright's Westcott House
Bike, Hike and More in Springfield Located just 45 miles west of Columbus, Springfield is a hidden gem with lots to do for those interested in outdoor recreation, architecture or art. Kelcie Webster, visitor center and marketing coordinator for the Chamber of Greater Springfield, says visitors to the area will enjoy Buck Creek State Park for camping, hiking and experiencing the scenery during the fall. For skilled rock climbers or those looking for a more challenging hike, Webster recommends Mad River Gorge, which encompasses 91 acres of natural beauty, dozens of established climbing routes and a hiking trail that follows an old railroad. Springfield is also a perfect destination for those interested in biking, Webster explains. “Simon Kenton Trail runs past a couple of the hotels we have,� she says. “So, if you’re wanting to focus on biking, fortunately we have lodging that’s nearby the trails.� After a day in the great outdoors, stop by Young's Jersey Dairy—worth a trip in its own right—to cool off with some homemade ice cream from a working dairy farm. You can also challenge the family to a round of mini golf on one of the nearby courses. If you’re interested in art or architecture, Springfield has options for you, too! The city is home to the Springfield Museum of Art, which features rotating exhibits, and Hartman Rock Gardens, a free, outdoor folk art site that’s a perfect destination for an outdoor art experience. You can also visit the Westcott House, Ohio's only Prairie-style house built by famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright. Savor the Shores of Geneva-on-the-Lake For those looking to spend time on Lake
Erie, a weekend in Geneva, Ohio, just might fit the bill. Snag a private cottage right on the southern shore of Lake Erie through the Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. “You’ve got your own space, you’ve got your own porch and you’re still right on the water’s edge,� says Daisy Hall, director of sales and marketing for the Lodge. Hop on one of the resort’s golf carts for a trip to the beach in Geneva State Park, or visit the shops and entertainment that are just a short drive away—featuring mini golf, shopping and other entertainment. You can also experience the local wine offerings through the resort’s wine shuttles, which run daily and are socially distanced. “There are probably 35 wineries within a 20-minute drive of the resort,� Hall says. Along with being in the heart of Northeast Ohio’s wine country, Ashtabula County’s countryside is home to 19 covered bridges, including the longest and the short-
Geneva-on-the-Lake
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est covered bridges in the United States. The resort offers a tour, or you can go it solo using the guide offered by Ashtabula Covered Bridges. Visit a Historic Resort in Virginia If you’re looking for a relaxing spa getaway that’s nestled in the mountains, look no further than the Omni Homestead and the surrounding area of Hot Springs, Virginia. The luxury resort and spa, which has been in operation since before the American Revolution, is surrounded by 2,000 acres of picturesque mountain terrain and has restaurants, activities and spa offerings on-site to keep you busy during your weekend away. “Fall is just a wonderful time to visit the area,” says John Hess, director of sales and marketing for Omni Homestead. “We’ve got beautiful mountain roads—people love to come up and see the changing of the leaves.” Hess says visitors also can roast marshmallows at the resort’s nightly bonfire and watch as the sun sets over the valley. Along with the beautiful location, the resort features a world-class spa, horseback riding, a shooting club, and indoor and outdoor pools. If you’d like to learn about the 254-year history of the property (like the fact that the Homestead is America’s first resort), you can take a guided tour of the building and the area, which is free for guests. “We have a lot of people with a renewed interest in the history,” Hess says. Hess adds that the resort is strictly following the CDC pandemic guidelines to keep visitors safe and has ramped up sanitization
O N -T H E - L AK E OH I O ’ S W I N E C OUN T RY R E SOR T
YO U RS F O R T H E TAS T I N G Our convenient wine shuttles will ensure you experience the very best of Ohio’s Wine Country. Learn about our new Signature Immersion tour, a VIP experience to three local wineries that includes free gifts and the insights of Certifi ed Wine Specialist Lauren Fiala. Tour award-winning wineries by day, then unwind in lakeside comfort at night. To reserve your seat, call 440-466-7100 or visit TheLodgeAtGeneva.com 4888 North Broadway, Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH, 44041
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practices property-wide. Guests can even utilize contactless checkin to minimize exposure. Outside the resort, visitors can check out the Hidden Valley Recreation Area to immerse themselves in nature—and may even recognize the location from the 1993 movie Sommersby. Just over five hours from Columbus by car, this spot is perfect for those looking to spend a relaxing weekend away.
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The Laurel Highlands Pour Tour
destination for those who enjoy architecture, history and art. Although the site is normally busy, spots on tours have been limited to allow for social distancing practices to take place, making now the ideal time to see the space sans crowds. Families visiting the area may consider Idlewild, a local amusement park. Named the “Best Park for Families” by the National Amusement Park Historical Association, Idlewild offers classic amusement park rides, entertaining shows and fun attractions for the whole family.
Watch Autumn Arrive in Maryland Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County, Maryland, is a beautiful place to experience the transition to fall and participate in leaf peeping as the trees change from a sea of green to a range of fiery colors. “The fall is absolutely gorgeous here,” says Nicole Christian, president of tourism and marketing for the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “It’s probably one of our best times of the year.” She notes that this activity has become so popular among tourists, the Chamber created driving tours that offer the best view of the trees. This activity is fun, easy and allows for distance between you and others to stay safe—just make sure you bring along a camera to capture it all! Nature enthusiasts will also enjoy the numerous other state and local parks that feature waterfalls, camping sites, hiking and more. “The parks are popular around the year, but in fall they can be spectacular,” Christian says. One must-visit park in the area is Deep Creek Lake State Park, home to Maryland’s largest freshwater lake, which features 65 miles of shoreline and allows for plenty of water sports. More adventurous travelers should stop at the Mountain Coaster at Wisp Resort, which is a hybrid of an alpine slide and a roller coaster with a downhill speed of about 28 miles per hour. Although Wisp is well known for its winter activities, Christian says riding the chairlift in the fall is a fun way to take in the beautiful scenery.
PHOTOS: TOP, COURTESY GARRETT COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE; BOTTOM, COURTESY LAUREL HIGHLANDS VISITORS BUREAU
Sample Craft Beers in Pennsylvania The Laurel Highlands is a mountainous region of Pennsylvania and an ideal spot to get away from it all. The region spans three counties in southwestern Pennsylvania and offers many trails for hiking, camping, biking and other outdoor activities. History buffs will appreciate the numerous historical sites in the area, including battlefields, museums and monuments. At just about five hours by car from Central Ohio, the area is a perfect, not-too-far getaway for a long weekend. For of-age visitors, Ann Nemanic, executive director of the Laurel Highlands Visitor’s Bureau, recommends participating in the Laurel Highlands Pour Tour. The tour features more than 35 local craft breweries, cideries and wineries. Pick up a Pour Tour passport, get a sticker for each stop visited and then trade it in for Pour Tour-themed merchandise. “Many of the craft beverage folks will definitely be doing fall-inspired beverages, whether that be a craft beer or a moonshine,” Nemanic says. “It’s definitely a wonderful time to sit outside at our wineries and enjoy the fall foliage.” Laurel Highlands is also home to Fallingwater, a house designed in 1935 by Frank Lloyd Wright for the Kaufmann family. Fallingwater is the only Wright house that’s open to the public with its original furniture, artwork and setting intact, making it an excellent
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