Last-Minute Labor Day Weekend Plans

Sept. 1, 2010

Planning  to stick close to home this holiday weekend? If you don’t want to be the one manning the grill and entertaining the masses, then let NoVA entertain you! Here is a sampling of the numerous local events offering something special for just about everyone over the next few days:

Two options for procrastinators who would still like to eek out an extraordinary staycation …

What: Labor Day Stay & Play Package

Where: Goodstone Inn and Estate (Middleburg)

When: Friday, Sept. 3, through Monday, Sept. 6

Why You’ll Dig It:  The ultra-luxurious B&B is offering special holiday discounts on two-night and three-night stays. Stay for two nights, receive 25 percent off the second night. Stay for three nights, get a 25-percent discount on each night.

Option #2:

What: Toast to the Tunes

Where: Lansdowne Resort (Leesburg), Tarara Winery (Leesburg)

When: Friday, Sept. 3, and Saturday, Sept. 4

Why You’ll Dig it: Tuesday we’ll officially say goodbye to summer as it unofficially ends. Before that happens, Lansdowne and Tarara are offering one very special last taste of the heavenly season. Start the weekend with Lansdowne’s Sounds of Summer concert on Friday evening. Then, take a Saturday trip to Tarara Winery for their Toast to the Tunes.

Package Includes:

• – deluxe guest room accommodations,
• –buffet breakfast for two in the Riverside Hearth (includes tax & gratuity)
• –admission to Lansdowne’s Friday Sounds of Summer concert
• –four food & drink tickets to be used at Sounds of Summer
• –admission to Tarara’s Saturday night Toast to the Tunes
• –VIP seating & parking at Tarara

An entertaining option perfect for the parents-with-small-kids set …

What: “The Sound of Music” Live

Where: Wolf Trap (Vienna)

When: Thursday, Sept. 2, through Sunday, Sept. 5—various times

Why You’ll Dig It:  What kid (young or old) hasn’t seen “The Sound of Music,” the movie? Make that about a million times! Why not catch everyone’s favorite tunes live in the perfect outdoor venue?

An enticing opportunity for college football fanatics …

What: Virginia Tech vs. Boise State

Where: FedEx Field

When: Monday, Sept. 6, 8 p.m.

Why You’ll Dig It: College football featuring one of the Commonwealth’s favorite teams in a pro arena. Enough said.

One for those who are single and ready to mingle …

What: Free rooftop admission

Where: Clarendon Ballroom

When: Saturday, Sept. 4, beginning at 8 p.m.

Why You’ll Dig It: Drinking and dancing under the stars, soaking up the beautiful post-Earl weather … it just about doesn’t get any better.

And, finally, the plan for hipsters looking  to enjoy some serious tunes …

What: The Original Judge, Lucky Dub, Open 24 and Coastal Vibrations Plus a Tribute to Bruce Springsteen

Where: Jammin’ Java (Vienna)

When: Thursday, Sept. 2, at 8 p.m.; Sunday, Sept. 5, at 7 p.m.

Why You’ll Dig It: What says summer like Reggae? And who can resist the chance to bop along to Bruce? Thought so. Plus, you’ll receive a $6 discount when you purchase tickets to both shows at once.

*Also, there are still some tickets available for Jimmy Buffett at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, for the Thursday and Saturday shows.

– Natalie Kaar