Great Escapes

By Natalie Foor

Whether you prefer high-class pampering in a countryside B&B or a resort that allows you to sail on the sea, are looking for serene quarters by mountains practically begging to be explored, or an oceanfront suite on the boardwalk—which ensures your kids won’t get bored—get ready to plan a stress-free spring/summer getaway!

Marriott Ranch

Countryside Cooling Off
According to Catherine Payne of the Fauquier County Department of Economic Development, “Fauquier, Albemarle and Loudoun County have the highest concentration of wineries and vineyards statewide.” And, thanks to the new Fauquier County Wine Trail card, available at the Fauquier County Visitor’s Center and www.visitfauquier.com, planning a winery tour is easier than ever.

Looking for a quick escape from reality? Why not round up a group of friends for an afternoon filled with Virginia wine, surrounded by the beauty that is Fauquier County?

As for other great reasons to unwind in Fauquier this spring/summer, the kids will love the Flying Circus Air Show in Bealeton on Sundays May 4 through October 26, the 30th annual Old Town Warrenton Spring Festival on Main Street in Warrenton May 17 and 18, Upperville Colt & Horse Show on Grafton Farm June 2 to June 8, the 56th annual Fauquier County Fair at the county fairgrounds in Warrenton July 17 to July 20, and much more.

Of course, Saturday, May 3 means it’s time to break out the big hats thanks to the Virginia Gold Cup at Great Meadow in The Plains. And you won’t want to put those hats away because Saturdays from May 31 through September 13 Great Meadow will be home to Twilight Polo.

After spending a relaxing afternoon in Fauquier, ensure the perfect ending to your day by heading north to The Goodstone Inn & Estate in Loudoun County.

Nestled in charming, historic Middleburg, the privately owned 265-acre luxurious inn and estate is recognized as a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World organization. It’s also been nominated by Conde Nast Johansens for the 2008 “Award for Excellence,” and was listed in Patricia Schultz’s best-selling book, “1,000 Places to See Before You Die in the USA and Canada.” And that’s only the beginning of the property’s acclaim.

The Goodstone Inn & Estate

A true estate, each of its 17 guest rooms and suites, housed in five uniquely delightful cottages—some dating back to the 18th century—are luxuriously appointed. Accoutrements include complimentary wine, port and sherry, homemade cookies, fine bathroom amenities and plush robes. Moreover, recreational opportunities abound on and near the property; guests are even invited to bring their own horses. But, most importantly, visitors are blown away by Goodstone’s welcoming staff.

According to Denise Benoit of Benoit Associates, Brian Crook, Goodstone’s general manager, and his wife, Julie, reservations manager, personally greet each guest in the estate’s carriage house upon their arrival. They sit down and review their itinerary, assisting guests in making dinner reservations in Goodstone’s acclaimed fine-dining American restaurant, Hilltopper’s (led by distinguished executive chef Christopher Carey), reserving a tee time at nearby Stoneleigh Golf Course or perhaps scheduling a massage.

If you don’t have time to make a weekend of it, plan to enjoy one of Hilltopper’s special wine-tasting dinners and sample from the estate’s impressive wine cellar. Wednesday, May 7 will bring “A Celebration of Virginia Wine and Food” and Wednesday, June 11, a “French Bistro Evening.”

For more details on The Goodstone Inn & Estate (including special seasonal packages), Hilltopper’s Restaurant or to make reservations, visit www.goodstone.com, call 540-687-4645 or (toll-free) 1-877-219-4663.

Another legendary escape in the heart of Virginia’s hunt and wine country you won’t want to miss: Marriott Ranch. Located in the Blue Ridge foothills of Hume in Fauquier County, the 4,200-acre ranch was discovered by Marriott International’s founder, J. Willard Marriott Sr., in 1951. Mr. Marriott fell in love with the property because it reminded him of his childhood days on his family’s farm in Utah. Today it remains as pristine and serene as the day he purchased it, back before he had his first hotel.

A working farm, with over 1,500 head of cattle, Marriott Ranch remains a treasured place for the Marriott family to return to for family gatherings, and provides regular guests the same benefits. Through its plethora of recreational activities and welcoming rooms in its historic bed and breakfast, The Inn at Fairfield Farm, which dates back to 1814, you won’t be able to help but unwind.

Upon your arrival, you’ll be greeted with a tray of delicious cheeses and assortment of refreshing beverages, which only foreshadow the hospitality to come. Perhaps the best part of staying at The Inn at Fairfield Farm is breakfast, according to Kelly Barrett, director of sales and marketing.

“We are famous for our three-course breakfast, as typically you will not need another meal for quite a while.”

Barrett went on to explain, “Our breakfast starts off with a plate of fresh fruit and homemade pastries, followed by a chef’s selection of breakfast items,” which she said has included everything from ricotta pancakes to smoked Gouda grits to fried green tomatoes. According to her, the meal’s basically whatever one of the ranch’s four chefs, including executive chef J.C. Conklin, is in the mood for that day.

And it’s a good thing that guests start the day well nourished, with activities such as horseback riding, including regular guided trail rides and special day rides, cattle driving, hiking and much more.

Naturally, the ranch, with its three private event sites, is a favorite not only with families but among major local corporations who wish to provide employees with unique, fun team-building events.

To learn more about Marriott Ranch, The Inn at Fairfield Farm, Fairfield Farm Caterers and special packages, visit www.marriottranch.com, call 540-364-2627 or (toll-free) 1-877-324-7344. Additional trail ride information can be obtained on the website or by calling 540-364-3741 or (toll-free) 1-877-278-4574.

Black Bear Resort

Mountainside Mellowing Out
If nothing else appeals to you quite like the scenic mountains of nearby West Virginia, you should consider a trip to Black Bear Resort, in Canaan Valley. As Bonnie Branciaroli, the resort’s marketing director, told us, “It’s close, and yet feels very far away. In three hours, you can be transported from the busy megatropolis to the misty, enchanting mountains.”

The resort, which first opened in 1987, features nearly 150 unique pedestal homes as well as 12 suites, all owned by individual homeowners as second-home vacation units. These same owners, many of whom are from NoVa and western Maryland, together own the resort.

According to Branciaroli, the owners certainly take pride in their resort, and their care is displayed in the maintenance of the resort and its grounds, as well as in the added amenities that families love—including a children’s playground, mini-golf course, tennis courts, a fishing pond with gazebo and outdoor pool.

Half of the pedestals are available for rent through the resort vacation home rental program, and the best news, according to Branciaroli, is “it’s the most family affordable resort experience in the state.”

What also draws families and couples to Black Bear, surrounded by the Monongahela National Forest, are tons of activities nearby, at places such as the nearby Blackwater Falls. The gorgeous Seneca Rocks area, featuring caverns and a climbing wall, is also close, as are plenty of opportunities for biking, hiking, fishing, horseback riding, rafting and canoeing.

Plus, as Branciaroli told us, “The views from the resort are magnificent. You stay in the center of the valley floor, completely surrounded by a mountain rim.” And, as for the overall feel: “homey, safe, unhurried.” In other words, the resort provides a sure-bet wonderful respite.

To learn more about Black Bear Resort and its summer specials, visit www.blackbearwv.com or call (toll-free) 1-800-553-BEAR (2327).

Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa

Bayside/Oceanside Bliss
And finally, for those of you who consider the sound of waves and salty air as necessary components of a perfect spring/summer vacation, we begin with a beautiful bayside escape about 30 minutes southeast of the District: Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa (www.chesapeakebeachresortspa.com) in Chesapeake Beach, Md.

A premier destination for anyone wishing to enjoy a relaxing vacation full of boating, fishing, romance, spa pampering or water sports, the resort features luxury hotel accommodations with breathtaking views of the Chesapeake Bay and Calvert Cliffs, a full-service spa, two marinas with slip rentals and charter fishing, two restaurants and an outdoor cafe—with some of the freshest seafood and best barbecue in the area.

Owned by brothers Gerald and Fred Donovan, the hotel first opened in 2004, though the two have long been connected to the area. Rod ‘N’ Reel Restaurant, one of the resort’s three dining spots, was founded by the owners’ family back in 1946.

Although the opulent hotel is still relatively new, according to chief operating officer Orhan Soysal, management is always thinking of new ways to make their guests as comfortable as possible. There are 72 guest rooms total, including six suites and six junior suites, with features such as Jacuzzi tubs and three-sided fireplaces; and this year, large flatscreen HDTVs with built-in DVD players were added to each room.

In addition to offering a bounty of activities on the water, Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa also features concerts, murder mystery dinners, comedy nights and more. If single, you may dream of someday getting married there, as the resort not only hosts ceremonies right by the water, but features indoor event spaces that overlook the Chesapeake Bay and can comfortably seat 250 guests.

Of course there’s another great beach destination just four hours southeast of D.C. that we can’t help but to mention: Virginia Beach (www.vbfun.com).

Recently named “America’s Least Stressful Metropolitan Area” by bizjournals.com, Virginia Beach obviously also has the appeal of the Atlantic Ocean, plus an iconic boardwalk, lots of exciting new developments and plenty of must-do events. (Helpful hint for those who prefer a quieter spot: Chesapeake Beach, which the locals call “Chick’s Beach,” lies just north of the main resort area, and Sandbridge, just south; both feature calmer waters and more privacy.)

As for new developments, amazing things are still happening at the Town Center of Virginia Beach (www.vabeachtowncenter.com). Adding to the center’s fabulous array of restaurants, shops and residences, a Westin hotel opened in November 2007, as did the Sandler Center for the Performing Arts.

Meanwhile, at the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center (www.virginiaaquarium.com), construction has begun on a new “Restless Planet” exhibit, to open in early ‘09. This summer, however, don’t miss out on the aquarium’s “Seals Splash,” the only program in the U.S. that allows visitors to interact with harbor seals.

Of course, you’ll also want to check out “Beach Street USA,” taking place on the boardwalk from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Just a few of the featured events: annual Redskins Beach Blitz on May 17 and 18, Hardee’s Latin Fest on June 6 and 7, Stars & Stripes Explosion on July 4 and the Verizon Wireless American Music Festival, August 29 to 31.

As for lodging, if planning to stay in the main resort area, look no further than the new Hilton Virginia Beach Oceanfront (www.hiltonvb.com; 1-757-213-3001).

Located in the heart of the resort district, the 21-story hotel is known for its high level of personal service, posh accommodations, amazing dining venues and breathtaking views. In each guest room, decorated with colors and designs reflective of the sea, you can expect such deluxe amenities as fine linens, pillow-top mattresses and sleek baths with dual, five-jet showerheads.

After a day of beach bliss, you’ll want to savor a meal at the hotel’s Catch 31 restaurant, adored for its hardwood grilled fish, succulent steaks, incredible raw bar, decadent desserts and fantastic views; or Salacia, offering a more upscale experience, with featured entrees such as wagyu Kobe beef, prime filet mignon, veal chops and lamb porterhouse. Then again, you may opt to toast a great getaway with cool cocktails at the hotel’s sleek Sky Bar. Yay, vacay!

(May 2008)