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Weekend Beach Getaways (summer 2007)
Where do you go when the mugginess of D.C. starts to trickle into Arlington? The beach, of course! While there are many drivable options – from Ocean City to Rehoboth to Virginia Beach, it may be difficult to decide. Each has its own appeal, but Rehoboth has always been a local favorite. If you need a little prompting, keep in mind that Rehoboth Beach won Delaware’s Restored Beaches National Award, and is among the nation’s cleanest beaches.
Rehoboth
Just two-and-a-half hours west of Arlington, Rehoboth has it all. From the boardwalk to mini golf and a vibrant nightlife, this beach is fun for all ages. Bike rentals offer good times for families, as do the amusement and water parks, and - of course - the beach.
If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line place to stay, look no further than the Boardwalk Plaza Hotel. Located on the boardwalk and offering Victorian décor and oceanfront accommodations, Boardwalk Plaza offers whirlpool bathtubs, afternoon tea and a turndown service.
For a more homey feel, Rehoboth stocks plenty of Bed & Breakfasts, including At Melissa’s, a 1900’s beach house and just steps from the ocean. Delaware Inn at Rehoboth boasts southern hospitality on a quiet street in downtown Rehoboth.
A more grown up crowd can appreciate the art galleries, while still others can take advantage of the variety of sporting and camping opportunities. Hang gliding, horseback riding and brewery tours are just some of the other activities which abound at Rehoboth. Or, take in a performance at the Rehoboth Beach Bandstand. Jamie McLean, Contagious and Octavia Blues are just some of the acts coming in August.
When it’s time for some dinner, head to Big Fish Grill, which has been voted the Best Seafood at the Beach eight years straight! Conveniently located on Highway One, the restaurant was founded by Eric and Norman Sugrue in 1997. The brothers serve up homemade, fresh seafood dishes, plus steaks and pasta.
Dogfish Head and Summer House, both located on Rehoboth Ave., offer a more relaxed atmosphere and plenty from which to choose. Dogfish Head offers dishes off a wood grill, pizza, and vegetarian options. Summer House, on the other hand, is a family favorite. While it offers seafood and steaks, sandwiches and burgers create a balanced menu and something for everybody. Plus, Summer House entrees are 15% off everyday until 6:30pm.
Or if you are looking for something a bit more casual, try Grotto Grand Slam Pizza or pick up some Thrasher’s Fries on the boardwalk. Don’t worry – you can burn off those calories with a long, relaxing bike ride. Rentals are available all over, including Atlantic Cycles on Wilmington Ave.
Before you head south, be sure to check out the Rehoboth Beach calendar. In August alone, Rehoboth will host the All Saints’ Antiques Show, the 29th Annual Sandcastle Contest, and the 8th Annual Broadkill River Canoe & Kayak Race, to name a few.
-Monica Cardenas
charlottesville (summer 2007)
The first signs of Spring came very early this year, disappeared, and then reappeared a bit late. Now that warm breezes and sunshine seem to be consistently returning day to day, Arlingtonians are heading outdoors in droves. If you’re looking for a fun weekend getaway, look no further than 120 miles south, in Charlottesville, Virginia. According to www.pursuecharlottesville.com, the Virginia General Assembly created Albemarle County in 1744, and seventeen years later established a new central county seat – Charlottesville:
“Laid out on a hilltop overlooking the Rivanna River, a navigable branch of the James, and cradled by the mountains, the planned community was named Charlottesville in honor of Princess Charlotte, who had become the Queen of England that year as the wife of George III. In 1790, Albemarle County's population was 12,585. Today, Charlottesville occupies 10.8 square miles and has a population of 45,000 people.”
The list of things to do in Charlottesville is endless, but here are a few places to start.
Monticello
931 Thomas Jefferson Parkway
Charlottesville, VA
This plantation was the home of Thomas Jefferson, which he designed and built in 1770. View the house, gardens and plantation for $15 (children $7). Be sure to stop by Jefferson’s burial site on Monticello grounds, and the curatorial – a unique collection of more than 5,000 items, including art and books from Jefferson and Monticello’s history.
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
UVA was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819. It has become one of the nation’s most respected academic institutions, and welcomes back more than 6,000 students each year. On campus, attractions include the John Paul Jones Arena and Art Museum.
Ash Lawn-Highland
1000 James Monroe Parkway
Charlottesville, VA
The official residence of President James Monroe and his wife, Elizabeth Kortright Monroe, from 1799 to 1823, Ash Lawn-Highland is an historic house museum situated on 535 acres of farmland. Admission is $9 ($5 for children), but for a few dollars more, visitors may add a workshop such as candle making or paperquilling.
Wine Trail
Charlottesville, VA
Known as the wine capital of Virginia and the birthplace of American wine, Charlottesville offers four wine trails, each including at least four vineyards and/or wineries. The Monticello Wine Trail includes large and small wineries, and all have their own grape plantings, according to the website.
C&O Restaurant
This highly respected and well-reviewed restaurant includes five different atmospheres to accommodate any kind of guest – from the beautiful art gallery to the quiet mezzanine. The menu offers just as much variety at reasonable prices. The curried root vegetable dumplings are pan-seared and served with pear-cranberry-ginger chutney for just $8.50, but the entrees climb in price a bit. Duck breast is $24, while the rack of lamb with butternut squash is $29. The extensive wine list complements dinner nicely, but check ahead as the menu changes frequently.
Visit the following websites for more information:
www.pursuecharlottesville.com
www.candorestaurant.com
www.charlottesville.org
williamsburg
(spring 2007)
Where can you get a candy apple the size of your head, witness a witch trial, and watch snow fall on Christmas trees year-round?
Williamsburg,
Virginia offers the most modern in shopping and entertainment, plus a chance to
step back in time. Just a few hours south of Arlington, colonial Williamsburg is
perhaps the most “authentic” colonial city left in America. With a small town
full of shops, churches, schoolhouses and restaurants, complete with colonists
and wagons, it’s hard to believe that the 21st century is just around the
corner.
 From Arlington, Williamsburg is nearly a straight shot down I-95, excluding the
last leg (38 miles) on I-64. The two-and-a-half hour drive is well worth it for
city-sore workers in need of a respite. Williamsburg is conducive to relaxing,
shopping, strolling and sightseeing. And if you’re up for a bit more excitement,
Busch Gardens is just around the corner and recently opened for the 2007 season. Below are tips on the best hotels, sights, restaurants and fun.
Busch Gardens Europe
The National Amusement Park Historical Association has voted Busch Gardens in
Williamsburg the world’s most beautiful theme park for 16 years and counting.
While Busch Gardens already features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions,
Griffon, its newest roller coaster, will open May 25. Griffon is the world’s
tallest and first floorless dive coaster.
Consider a Virginia Resident Fun Card – it’s only $54.95 for the whole summer.
Virginia residents only.
 Kingsmill Resort & Spa
The on-site resort of Busch Gardens Europe is set on 2,900 protected acres along
the James River. Luxury accommodations include villa-style guest rooms and
suites, fireplaces and decks, a European-style spa (including Swedish massage
and oatmeal gommage and honey body wraps), and Virginia’s largest golf resort.
Rates average $200+/night. Many package deals are available.
Yankee Candle Company
This 10,000 square foot Yankee Candle store opened in 2005 and quickly became an
attraction. Besides the 250,000 candles, the Holiday Park feels like Christmas
all year. Snow falls from the sky, trains chug through the store and Christmas
trees light up the room. Wander through the store’s town-like setting, grab a
bit at the café, and do a little shopping.
The King’s Arms Tavern
The King’s Arms is one of many taverns in Williamsburg, all replicating the
colonial dining experience. This often means sharing a table with perfect
strangers, lively entertainment and limited amenities. However, it always means
a delicious meal and excellent company. Highlights of this menu include peanut
soup and colonial game pie.
Williamsburg Pottery
A visit to Williamsburg just isn’t complete without a stop at Williamsburg
Pottery. Items from nearly 20 countries are spread across several buildings in
this market-like atmosphere. While you can find nearly anything at Williamsburg
Pottery, the salt glaze pottery is the most popular. These items are hand turned
on an old-fashioned wheel, making a truly unique piece. And it’s
dishwasher-safe!
The Fun
Witch trials, ghost walks, gourmet candy stores and beautiful architecture all
combine to make Williamsburg one of the most fun weekend destinations in the
area. Be sure to see the Capitol and Courthouse, where Benjamin Waller read the
Declaration of Independence.
Story by Monica Cardenas
canaan valley
resort
(winter 2007)
Remember skiing? It’s that sport that involves poles and goggles
and requires some snow. With recently cooler temperatures and a few flakes on
the ground, long-forgotten ski boots may be calling your name from the closet.
While Virginia isn’t exactly globally recognized for it’s skiing, Arlingtonians
have quite a few options when it comes to hitting the slopes. One of those is
Canaan Ski Resort in Davis, West Virginia.
Just a three-and-a-half hour drive from Arlington, nestled in the Allegheny
Mountains, Canaan is well worth the drive. More than a ski resort, it boasts an
indoor pool, sauna, and whirlpool spa.
 As far as lodging is concerned, stay in one of the 250 guest rooms, equipped
with cable TV and internet access for those not ready to entirely retreat into
the mountains. Rooms are simple and cozy, starting at just $129 on the weekend
($99 midweek). Bonus: internet, as well as parking, is free, something of an
anomaly for Arlingtonians.
If you’re willing to splurge - or maybe turn the trip into a group getaway - go
for a cabin or cottage, which include fireplaces and full kitchens. Housekeeping
services are available for a fee. A two-bedroom cabin costs almost $750 weekly,
but with a large enough group, a week-long stay can be as low as $150 per
person.
Restaurant options are limited at the resort and Davis in general, so if you’ve
chosen a cabin, plan to bring some groceries. The Hickory Dining Room, Pazzo’s
Pizza & Diner and Bear Paw Lodge offer the bare essentials, but if you are
willing to venture off the resort, try
Blackwater Brewing Company. Featuring
German and Italian entrees, as well as traditional fare, including surf & turf,
this brewery offers what Canaan Resort is missing. The beer connoisseur in you
will appreciate the variety of handcrafted beer brewed on the premises.
 At Canaan, the 37 slopes, including an 850 foot vertical drop, will keep skiers
busy. But hitting the slopes includes not only skiing, but air boarding ($35),
snow tubing ($15), snowboarding ($36), and snowshoeing ($17). Air boarding is
similar to snow tubing, but the rider lies forward on his stomach. Canaan is the
first ski area in America to offer an Airboard terrain park, according to the
website.
The covered, outdoor skating rink with views of the Allegheny Mountains is a
relaxing way to end the day. Just $5 for a two hour session, a nearby outdoor
fireplace and hot chocolate keeps skaters warm.
While you’re in West Virginia, there are quite a few area attractions for the
city-sore Arlingtonian.
Check out Blackwater Falls, which offers amazing views
of the canyon and black water. Yes, black water – it’s caused by leached tannic
acid. Seneca Rocks is open weekends in March, and features a 900-foot-high rock
formation.
Railroad tours and ancient caverns abound in this area, but are likely more fun
in warmer climates. If you decide to visit Canaan in the spring, golf and
horseback riding awaits, as do panoramic views impossible to find in Arlington.
Canaan offers several specials, but they are often subject to advanced
reservation. There are cabin and cottage discounts in the months of February and
March, including 40% off rental fees. In addition, midweek lodging is just $35
through March 22, 2007, or choose
Kids Stay, Ski & Eat Free, through March 25,
2007. Story by Monica Cardenas
Images courtesy Canaan Valley Resort.
shenandoah
(fall 2006)
Autumn heralds leaf-watching season in Virginia, and there’s no
better place to enjoy the season’s changing palette than
Shenandoah
National Park, just over an hour west of Arlington off
I-66.
Start your visit at the
Front
Royal–Warren County Visitor
Center. Occupying the onetime train
terminal on Front Royal’s picture postcard of a main square, the
center provides all lodging, dining and attraction information
for the park and surrounding towns.
414 E. Main Street
(540) 635-5788 or (800) 338-2576
Just inside the park, at MM 4.6 along Skyline Drive, is the
Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, where rangers in Smokey hats stand by, ready to
answer questions and suggest day hikes. Be sure to visit the
bookstore for maps, guides and the like.
(540) 635-3566
 Beyond, the park beckons, with more than 105 miles of scenic
roadway, pullouts, hikes and roaming wildlife, including bears,
deer, birds, snakes and butterflies. We’re not making any
promises, but we’ve even watched in awe as a mother bear and her
cubs scooted across Skyline Drive right in front of our car! For
your best chances, visit Big Meadows at dawn or dusk.
Following are suggested lodgings, restaurants and attractions in
and around Front Royal.
Blue Ridge Motel
Just north of town, the Blue Ridge offers 27 clean, no-frills
rooms within walking distance of restaurants and services.
Discount for Appalachian Trail hikers.
1370 N. Shenandoah Avenue
(540) 636-7200, (888) 204-4803
County Seat Pub & Eatery
Stop by this homey, welcoming place for morning coffee, a
sit-down lunch with a Belgian ale or a picnic to go (including
the best chicken salad in the Blue Ridge).
104 S. Royal Avenue
(540) 636-8884
Daily Grind
Caters to Generation Xers with Wi-Fi access over morning lattés,
though even the not-so-hip can stop for a sandwich, a wrap or a
cookie.
215 E. Main Street
(540) 635-3556
Front Royal/Washington DC West KOA
Just down the road from the park entrance, this campground
offers decent shady sites, some with hookups, as well as a pool,
playground, rec room and (if you insist on bringing work) even
Wi-Fi access.
1370 N. Shenandoah Avenue
(540) 635-2741,
(888) 204-4830
Killaheviln
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this posh
Edwardian mansion features four guestrooms in the main house and
two in the neighboring Tower House. Amenities include whirlpool
tubs, fireplaces and antique furnishings. Oh, and a finished oak
bar with self-service taps!
1401 N. Royal Avenue
(540) 636-7335 or
(800) 847-6132
Skyline
Caverns
While the colored lights are admittedly a little cheesy, the
caverns are spectacular, with several big rooms, a waterfall and
spiky growths of anthodite. Bring a jacket, as the year-round
temperature is 54ºF. Topside, kids love the miniature train.
10334 Stonewall Jackson Highway/Route 340 South
(540) 635-4545 or
(800) 296-4545
Warren Rifles Confederate Museum & Belle
Boyd Cottage
Men and boys will thrill at this collection of Civil War guns
and other relics. Bored women and girls can stroll next door to
the 1819 Belle Boyd Cottage, onetime home to Confederate spy
Boyd, who once shot a Yankee for insulting her mama!
101 Chester Street
(540) 636-1446
Story and images by David Lauterborn.
annapolis
(winter 2006-07)
Perhaps no other place in the Capital Region rings in the holidays with more
traditional cheer than
Annapolis, whose Colonial brick buildings and cobblestone streets bustle
with candlelight tours, costumed docents, strolling musicians, browsing shoppers
and eager merchants—a Currier & Ives print come to life. November and December
herald a host of festive events, all within an hour’s drive of Arlington.
Capital of Maryland since Colonial times (and onetime U.S. capital),
Annapolis boasts one of the country’s densest concentrations of historic homes,
stretching back to the 18th century. Tour one from each of the past four
centuries during the
Annapolis
Candlelight Tour ($35), held on Friday, Nov. 3, and Saturday, Nov. 4, by the
Historic Annapolis Foundation.
(800) 603-4020 or (410) 267-8146
From 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 17, the foundation is also sponsoring its
popular
Tavern Traipse ($35). Follow a Colonial
re-enactor on this walking—make
that wobbling—tour of 18th century tavern sites, at which you’ll sample rum
punch and other libations and take in period music, performances and tales.
Reservations are recommended for both HAF events.
Beginning on the 17th and running through Jan. 1, parents can placate the kids
while benefiting Anne Arundel Medical Center by joining the drive-through Lights on the Bay Christmas display ($12).
Sandy Point State Park, off Exit 32 on Route 50, by the Bay Bridge.
(443) 481-3161
December opens with candlelight tours of two historic properties. From 7 to 9
p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, join the Historic Annapolis Foundation for
Music & Candlelight for the Holidays at its restored 18th century William
Paca House ($4 adults, $2 children ages 6–12), home to
Maryland’s Colonial governor, a signatory to the Declaration of Independence.
186 Prince George Street
Also from 7 to 9 p.m. on the 1st (or the following night if you prefer),
visitors can take the
State House by Candlelight tour highlighted by
band, choral group and ensemble performances. A National Historic Landmark, the
State House is the country’s oldest state capitol still in continuous
legislative use.
State Circle
(410) 974-3400
Another popular holiday tradition is Midnight Madness (6 p.m. till midnight, Thursday, Dec. 7, and Thursday, Dec. 14), when merchants
along Main and West Streets and Maryland Avenue stay open late to tempt shoppers
with holiday specials, munchies and musical performances.
On Saturday, Dec. 9, consider a holiday twofer. Muster on the waterfront at 6
p.m. for the start of Eastport Yacht Club’s annual Lights
Parade, as dozens of boats decked out with holiday decorations ply Spa
Creek and file past the City Dock. Then stroll over to the U.S. Naval Academy
Main Chapel by 8 p.m. for
Handel’s Messiah, a joint performance by the USNA Glee Club, Hood
College Choir and members of the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra. Don’t worry if
the parade runs long—you can always catch the matinee performance of Messiah
at 3 p.m. Sunday.
And finally, if you have enough wind left in your sails, ride out the waning
yuletide at First
Night Annapolis, a New Year’s Eve celebration of the arts at more than 40
venues capped off by midnight fireworks by the City Dock.
For information on these and other holiday events in and around Annapolis, check
with the respective organizations or peruse the events calendar at
HometownAnnapolis.com.
Story by David Lauterborn
Images courtesy Historic Annapolis Foundation.
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