Ideas for Weekend Getaways?

Anyone out there have ideas for weekend getaways/inns within a reasonable (up to 3 hours) driving distance (but that still feel like you're getting away)? We have gone to Charlottesville, Williamsburg and Richmond (Jefferson Hotel -- fabulous) in the year that we've been here and are looking for other ideas. Something near the water or near some wineries might be nice.

No kids, or dogs so family- or pet-friendly is not a concern.

Thanks for any ideas!

 

Maybe Gettysburg, PA? There are really fun B&B's out there w/any number of events & things to do. We went & didn't do any civil war tours although that's a huge attraction. This is where we stayed: http://www.thegaslightinn.com/index.htm

Oh, and if you want to fly (via Independence) to NY state & then drive about 90 minutes (or drive the whole 6 hours) - I would suggest the Mohonk Mountain House. This is the most amazing place. I am dying to go back. Room rates are pricey but include all your meals, and very good food. http://www.mohonk.com/index_flash.cfm

 

We love the Bavarian Inn in Shepardstown, WV. They have excellent german food, very nice chalet type rooms with a great view of the potomac, and a lot of attractions in the area that are fun to do during the day.

Marianne

 

We just spent a weekend at the Boar's Head Inn in Charlottesville. Great golf, spa, tourist attractions (UVa, Monticello), hiking, wineries, restaurants. We enjoyed it very much. There are lots of bed and breakfasts in that area as well.

 

Oh I second the Mohonk Mountain House!!! My great grandmother used to take us there every summer- it was such a beautiful place! Horseback Riding, Canoeing, Hiking- on a clear day you can see several different states from the top of the mountain.
It is VERY expensive...

 

Here are two places where you'll have an unforgettable experience:

Brierley Hill B&B in Lexington (www.brierleyhill.com) The place is gorgeous and you will be sooo pampered. In addition there is so much to see and do in/around historic Lexington as well as excellent hiking/fishing/horseback riding too.

A little further but worth the jaunt is:
The Cabin on Cedar Ridge (www.OnCedarRidge.com) located in Norris, Tenn. It's an authentic 1860 era B&B cabin situated next to the Museum of Appalachia and also close to Norris Lake.

Lastly, I have 3 books that have been wonderful for planning weekend getaways:

Hike America Virginia by local guides Bill & Mary Burnham ISBN 0-7627-0763-1

Virginia - Off the Beaten Path - A Guide to Unique Places by Judy Colbert ISBN 0-7627-2425-0

The Washington Post ESCAPE PLANS Quick Getaways Within Easy Reach of Washington by Roger Piantadosi ISBN 1-930691-02-5

 

Look into St. Michaels, a little community on the Chesapeake in Maryland. We stayed there last year for our anniversary and had a wonderful time. There are plenty of neat shops, restaurants, scenic boat tours, etc. They also have water taxis to get you around town faster. Here's a link:

http://www.stmichaelsmd.org/

 

I can vouch for Norris...It's just north of Knoxville where I grew up. The museum of appalachia is a cool visit, also.

 

We were mesmerized and enchanted by the whole area!!! And you are right...the museum was such a treat and so well-done. It really opened my eyes on the history of Appalachia too.

 

East Tennessee is a great place...I'm looking forward to moving back.

 

These are great suggestions! Thanks, all.