When Nature Calls

By Devon Carter

With the snow long gone and the flowers fully bloomed, Northern Virginia is flourishing with natural wonder, but have you had the opportunity to take advantage of it? The Virginian countryside is a prime location to unwind, breathe deep and appreciate the often-overlooked marvel around us. The region offers dozens of options, many only a short drive away, that will help you regain your sanity and get back to nature. So take a step back from the keyboard, and set the iPhone down. It’s time to reconnect with yourself, your family, your beautiful state and the surrounding countryside.

 

Wintergreen Resort, Va.
Challenge yourself, relieve tension, and burn some of that built-up energy at Wintergreen Resort. Located in Wintergreen, Va., and only about a three-hour drive away, Wintergreen is a wonderful way to reconnect with the outdoors without spending too much time in the car.

Don’t rule out this famous winter playground as a summer getaway, as they have dozens of activities to test your endurance as “spring and summer bring biking, hiking and golf to the forefront, in addition to lake activities, including fishing,” says Karen Moraghan of Wintergreen. The resort offers both tennis and golf academies, 30 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and a handful of water activities on their 20-acre private Lake Monocan. With endless recreational options to entertain your family, you’ll need to rest up and recharge for another day’s worth of fun in the comfort of their suites and private condos.

High energy requires refueling, and in addition to the comfortable accommodations, Wintergreen has several restaurants on their compound that are sure to satisfy your appetite and revive your senses. One highlight is The Copper Mine Bistro, which serves Mediterranean-influenced cuisine such as tapas, pastas and gourmet pizzas.

Primland Resorts, Va.
Another great choice for a weekend getaway is Primland Resorts, rested high up on a bluff of the Blue Ridge Mountain in Meadows of Dan, Va. The remote and secluded setting offers the perfect vacation for those who love rustic outdoors activities with the comfort of a traditional hunting lodge.

The team at Primland describes their guests as often feeling “as if they’ve truly left the world created by man and entered nature’s domain.”

One outstanding amenity that Primland offers is their observatory with a telescope—on clear nights you can see up to 27 million light-years away. In addition to star gazing, the resort offers tennis, trail rides by horse, bikes and ATVs, Orvis-endorsed fly fishing activities, and a handful of shooting activities and guided hunting excursions. They even have a golf course that is rated as one of America’s 10 Best New Courses by Travel and Leisure Golf and the Best New Public Course at $75 and over by Golf Digest, and a spa—opening this month—offering guests European treatments and authentic Native American remedies.

Aware of their guests’ unique needs and tastes, Primland has a handful of dining options that are perfect for every occasion. In particular, Elements Dining Room at the Lodge is a formal setting where the chef incorporates local ingredients to create contemporary American dishes. On the other hand, Woodland Grill at the Reception Center in Claudville is several miles from the main lodge, but gives their active guests the opportunity to grab hearty lunches without stopping their day plans.

The Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront, Va.
If you’re looking to enjoy the coastline, the Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront is a great alternative to the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can enjoy the pristine waters of Virginia Beach with all the luxury of a Hilton.

Enjoy their oceanfront boardwalk with a collection of outdoor beaches and water activities including a 5-mile bike trail and opportunities for bicycle rental right at your doorstep. In addition, they offer guests beach services and beach activities including beach games, rollerblades and water sports equipment. If you’re daring enough to take on those waves, the Hilton also offers guests the opportunity to partake in surfing lessons.

Dine in style and satisfaction at one of the many restaurants at the Hilton. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and delicious cocktails from 21 stories up at Sky Bar. The Hilton is also home to Salacia, Virginia’s only AAA 4-Diamond Steakhouse, so you can savor the highest quality of steaks with oceanfront views.

Garrett County, Md.
For those of you who have adventure and exploration at the top of your list, look no further than Garrett County, Md. Garrett County is home to a handful of state parks, and Deep Lake Creek State Park is an option for those looking for overnight camping outings the whole family will enjoy. They offer a variety of accommodations from campsites, to RV sites with electricity, yurts and cabins. The park even offers public restrooms with bathing facilities.

As a state park, Deep Lake Creek has a ton to entertain you, such as a beach area with sunbathing and swimming access. There are areas for fishing, a public boat launch and public docking. There are private companies on the lake for boat rental opportunities. Also, the grounds include a baseball field, hunting areas, hiking trails and a playground. Lastly, if you’re looking for guidance or to learn a little bit more about the natural world around, the park’s Discovery Center offers outdoor education programs and park rangers to assist you in your recreational activity planning. In terms of dining, The Deep Lake Creek has several waterside picnicking locations with grills and tables. So make sure to plan ahead and pack a cooler to take advantage of this summer pastime.

Looking for the local spot? Check out the Honi Honi bar on the water. The bar has nightly entertainment and an island air that will keep the summer fun going into the evening hours.

River Expeditions: Oakhill, W. Va.
Interested in exploring the backcountry of Virginia by river, but hate dealing with the hassle of finding the trail and renting the boating and camping equipment? River Expeditions is the solution. Offering planned white water rafting excursions down the New River and the Gauley River, River Expeditions provides you with all the gear necessary to enjoy this exciting tour as well as lunch.

But getting wet isn’t the only adventure River Expeditions provides. From horseback riding, fishing and paintball to mountain biking, ATVs and rock climbing, River Expeditions plays host to all your adventure fantasies.

If you opt for an overnight trip, River Expeditions will even provide you with accommodations, whether it is a tent or a motel room you prefer.

Roanoke, Va.
Looking for an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors, but not ready to step away from civilization? Roanoke is a wonderful alternative. The city has a quaint downtown walking area with shops, cafes, scenic fountains and exciting weekend events.

The highlight is the Historic Roanoke City Market, located in the center of the downtown area. Opening originally in 1882, the market gives local farmers and vendors an open-air environment to sell their fresh produce and handmade goods, which include jewelry, baked goods, crafts and more.

Another Roanoke landmark to see is Texas Tavern. Opening in 1930, this historic hole-in-the-wall joint serves up hamburgers and chili 24 hours a day. They’re prices are more than reasonable, with most items costing less than $2.50.

(May 2010)