This article is a part of our 2018 guide to great fall getaways, including where to head for colorful foliage, fun festivals, and other glories of autumn.
Nearby Rest and Recreation
Where: Salamander Resort & Spa, 500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, Va.; 800-651-0721.
What’s special: The 168-room luxury property makes you feel you’re visiting a posh country estate. The main floor has a library, billiards room, and living room. Guest rooms are large (545 to 575 square feet) and have terraces or stone balconies. The bathrooms feature large walk-in showers with body jets as well as 19-inch TVs. Even the bedding and throws evoke equestrian life. At the 23,000-square-foot spa and wellness center, you can choose from a variety of treatments and educational workshops. In keeping with the “country home” theme, the resort is dog-friendly. Among the activities, guests can play tennis, go horseback riding, swim, take a cooking class, or get a bird’s-eye view of the area from the zipline. Stroll over to Middleburg to sample the art galleries, gift and antiques shops, and restaurants, or drive to area wineries.
The deal: The Pre Pay & Save plan starts at $245, which is 30 percent off the best available rate. The deal includes one night plus a complimentary sampling for two of Virginia wines in the Gold Cup Wine Bar. This offer is not changeable or refundable, must be prepaid at the time of the booking, and must be booked seven days prior to arrival. Use the booking code DCOFFER or click here.
When: Valid for stays through December 31, 2015.
Weekend of Wellness
Where: Omni Bedford Springs Resort, 2138 Business 220, Bedford, Pa.; 814-624-5633.
What’s special: This luxury resort is on 2,200 acres, where you can enjoy hiking trails, guided naturalist hikes, and miles of mountain biking. There are two swimming pools—one outdoor, one indoor (heated and mineral-spring-fed). The Springs Eternal Spa uses the on-site spring water in its treatments. A championship golf course is the work of three prominent architects: Spencer Oldham, A.W. Tillinghast, and Donald Ross. The course offers breathtaking views of the Allegheny Mountains and Cumberland Valley. History abounds at this resort, which is designated a National Historic Landmark. Twelve Presidents have visited, and the first transatlantic cable was received by James Buchanan here—he made the hotel his “summer White House.” Throughout the property, you’ll see memorabilia of all that happened here.
The deal: The Be Well Weekend Package includes accommodations for two or three nights, selected meals, and access to discussions and lectures (such as Herbal Medicine, Spine Health, and Food Is Medicine) by experts in health and wellness, as well as yoga and guided hikes. Rates start at $265 a night. Readers who mention Washingtonian’s Great Getaways blog also receive a Bedford Bath ritual (a $50 to $65 value) and a signature soy candle ($10 value). For reservations, call 800-THE-OMNI and reference the group code 090915LIVEWELLW, or call 814-624-5633.
When: Valid for stays September 10 through 13, 2015.
Driving on the Grand Strand
Where: Mystical Golf, Myrtle Beach, S.C.; 843-282-2977.
What’s special: From these beautiful townhouse accommodations, you can roll out of bed and be right by three of Myrtle Beach’s best golf courses. Each has its own clubhouse, theme, and look. The Wizard features deep bunkers, fairways framed by mounding, large bentgrass greens, and several stone bridges. Man O’ War was built on a 100-acre lake and has back-to-back island greens. The Witch is heavily tree-lined and was laid out among 500 acres of tranquil cypress groves and wetlands, teeming with flora and fauna.
The deal: Choose from two Fall Golf Stay and Play packages: The Gold Package starts at $99 per person per day (taxes included) and includes three rounds of golf with a cart—one on each course—plus one complimentary round on the course of your choice; three nights’ lodging in a well-appointed three-bedroom golf villa (which has four beds); free breakfast daily (available 24 hours a day); and a free steak dinner at Logan’s Roadhouse (including nonalcoholic beverages and taxes). The Silver Package starts at $89 per person per day (taxes included) and includes the same lodging and three rounds of golf but not the complimentary round, daily breakfast, or steak dinner. Mention Washingtonian when booking to also get a gift basket with a golf hat, golf towel, logo golf ball from each of the three courses, and a divot tool—a $35 value.
When: Valid for stays through November 29, 2015.
Mountain Thrills
Where: Topnotch Resort, 4000 Mountain Rd., Stowe, Vt.; 800-451-8686.
What’s special: This luxury mountainside resort, with 68 rooms and 23 resort homes, has a stunning location. Step outside to the pool and be wowed by the commanding view of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. As the weather gets cooler and leaves begin to turn, you can take advantage of the hot tub and the heated outdoor pool. Or swim indoors in a heated pool, take a fitness class, participate in water aerobics, hike, mountain-bike, or visit the destination-like spa. You can also play tennis indoors or out, and take lessons. In the afternoon, there are freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies. Evenings, sit by the fire pit and gaze at the stars. Kids can do chalk drawing, nature walks, and exercising. Craft beer is big in Vermont—on Tuesday nights, there’s local beer tastings. Or you can tour some of the state’s local breweries.
The deal: The Taste of Vermont, a Washingtonian exclusive package, includes dinner for two at on-site Flannel restaurant each night, breakfast for two each morning, a complimentary microbrew tasting for two adults, and private lounge access to the Topnotch Spa. Prices start at $359 a night, a 20-percent savings. To book, click here or enter “Washington” in the promotion-code field on the online booking engine on Topnotch’s website.
When: Book by October 15 for travel through December 15, 2015. Valid for stays Sunday through Thursday (except Columbus Day weekend and Thanksgiving Day).
Beach Getaway
Where: The Sea Pines Resort, Hilton Head Island, S.C.; 866-561-8802.
What’s special: Sea Pines is a 5,000-acre oceanfront retreat offering views of the Atlantic Ocean and Calibogue Sound. Guests can golf on three championship courses, bike, play tennis on 21 clay courts or take lessons, swim, kayak, fish, jetski, relax on the beach, see the Harbour Town Lighthouse Museum, dine at eateries from casual to elegant, wander through shops, or hit the fitness center.
The deal: The Getaway Package includes 15 percent off nightly and weekly rates for homes and villas; complimentary dinner entrées for two (one time only) at Live Oak or Links restaurants; complimentary lunch entrées for two (one time only) at Live Oak, Links, or Coast; free bikes for two during the entire stay; one complimentary portrait session on the beach by the professionals at Memory Lane Portraits and a 10-percent discount on portrait orders; unlimited use of fitness-center equipment; free wi-fi; two hours of tennis per day at the Sea Pines Racquet Club; and preferred rates at the golf courses, including Harbour Town Golf Links (closed until September 28), home of the RBC Heritage tournament. Readers get a $75 resort credit when booking a weeklong stay. Prices, starting at $974.84, reflect a discount for a deluxe, two-bedroom villa for seven nights (including all taxes and fees). Savings is about $525 (40 percent). To get this deal, click here and use the online code Washingtonian.
When: Valid through February 27, 2016.
