News & Politics

15 Great Escapes: New and Different Locations

A vacation by the bay, historical tours, posh resorts, and more great getaways.

Photograph courtesy of the National Park Service.

Top of Its Game
With its extensive tennis program, full-service spa, and
proximity to the wineries and historic attractions in and around
Charlottesville, the Boar’s Head was already a prime
place to stay. Now add to its appeal a complete renovation of all 175
guest rooms.

A Spa Icon in Virginia
This spring, the Homestead
resort unveils its Canyon Ranch SpaClub. Along with mineral baths and
poolside cabanas in a new spa garden, guests can enjoy an “aquathermal
oasis” with hot and cold elements such as a crystal steam room and a “cold
cabin experience.”

Aaah, Spa
A $1-million renovation of the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake
Bay Resort
’s
spa means state-of-the-art equipment; a soothing
palette of blues, golds, and earth tones; and spa treatments done with
natural, marine-based products to befit its Eastern Shore setting.

Polishing a Gem
A recent restoration of the Golden Pheasant
Inn
in Pennsylvania’s Bucks County has enhanced the historic 1857
property’s charm—exposed fieldstone walls, deep windowsills—while updating
it with luxe decor. Enjoy Delaware River views from the newly expanded
front porch.

Making Waves
The 95-room beachfront Sanderling Resort on
North Carolina’s Outer Banks is set to reopen in May after a renovation
that included updating its guest rooms, adding two new pools—one for
adults, one a lagoon-style pool for families—and revamping its bars,
restaurants, and lobby.

Freedom Trail
A self-guided tour of the Harriet Tubman Underground
Railway Byway
—2013 marks 100 years since Tubman’s death—includes
more than 30 sites on Maryland’s Eastern Shore where you can explore the
secret routes and Tubman’s remarkable slave rescues.

Living History
Can’t get enough of the Civil War sesquicentennial? This May
marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of
Chancellorsville
in Virginia, while in Pennsylvania
Gettysburg marks its 150th in July. Both sites will
feature battle reenactments as well as other commemorative events.

Long-Awaited Debut
After years of planning and delays, Sheila Johnson’s
Salamander Resort & Spa is set to open in Middleburg
in August. The posh 168-room retreat will feature a 23,000-square-foot
spa, an equestrian program, and dining overseen by chef Todd Gray.

Quite a Splash
Kingsmill Resort, along the James River in
Williamsburg, has added to its impressive roster of activities a new pool
complex with a sandy beach, water slide, and lazy-river pool. It opens for
the season May 4. Also new: the riverfront James Landing Grille, offering
diners sunset views.

More Great Escapes ››

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