The Art of the Craft Cocktail
Where: The Greenbrier, 300 W. Main St., White Sulphur Springs, W.Va.; 855-453-4858.
What’s special: The Greenbrier, a National Historic Landmark, has been welcoming guests since 1778. In addition to traditional resort activities—three great golf courses, indoor and outdoor pools, bowling, biking, tennis, and a spa and fitness center—it has falconry, an off-road driving adventure, a 103,000-square-foot underground casino, and a tour of a Cold War bunker designed to hold members of Congress in the event of a nuclear attack on Washington. For one special weekend, guests can learn the secrets of master mixologist Brendan Murphy of the Gibson in DC, who is recognized as one of the country’s leading mixologists.
The deal: The Gibson Goes to the Greenbrier package includes a two-night stay, a $25 voucher for the slot machines, and a class in the art of craft cocktails led by Brendan Murphy. (Choose from either a Sunday or Monday 5 PM course.) Washingtonian readers also receive a free bottle of wine in their room, a $40 value. (When you reserve, indicate your preference of white or red.) Prices for the package start at $589. (A $35 resort fee is extra.) Call 855-897-3339 and mention the promo code Washingtonian. For more information, click here.
When: Valid for a stay Sunday, July 13, through Tuesday, July 15, 2014.
High Adventure
Where: Snowshoe Mountain, 10 Snowshoe Dr., Snowshoe, W.Va.; 877-441-4386.
What’s special: The resort offers summer adventures for the entire family including ziplining; a bike park; a lake with paddleboats, canoes, and kayaks; an indoor/outdoor swimming pool; hiking; an off-road, four-seat Polaris RZR utility vehicle that travels over creeks and hills (children must be at least 12 years old); and a championship golf course. There’s a variety of lodging options as well as several places to dine.
The deal: The Couples Mountain Adventure package includes three nights in a Deluxe Junior Studio Condo in the mountaintop village, a 60-minute massage for two, and a Mountain Adventure Pass giving two people access to the bike park, Segway tours, lake activities and rentals, golf, and more. Prices start at $999. Or book a three-night Family Mountain Adventure (two adults and one child), which includes accommodations in a mountaintop village deluxe one-bedroom and a three-day camp for children and teens (ziplining, canoeing, rock climbing, standup paddleboarding, crafts, and more). Parents can have fun golfing, mountain-biking, and enjoying other adventures. The price starts at $1,149. Add an additional adult or child for $216.67. These packages save 30 percent compared with à la carte pricing. In addition, mention Washingtonian when booking to get a $150 dining credit good at eight resort restaurants that serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
When: Valid for stays in July 2014.
Luxury Camp
Where: The Lodge at Glendorn, 1000 Glendorn Dr., Bradford, Pa.; 814-362-6511.
What’s special: This luxury camp for families is on 1,500 acres in northwestern Pennsylvania, adjacent to Allegheny National Forest. Built in 1927 as a family retreat, it was purchased in 2009 by Cliff Forrest, who set out to preserve the property’s history, natural surroundings, and activities. The Big House, with four elegantly appointed guest rooms and a dining room, was built in 1929 and looks much like it did then, with original furnishings, wrought-iron chandeliers, and redwood paneling. Twelve guest cabins in secluded woodlands surround the lodge, each featuring an outdoor campfire ring. All rooms have fine linens and twice-daily housekeeping. Included in your stay are chef-prepared breakfasts (fresh-baked muffins, homemade granola, local eggs); on-site fly-fishing on three trout ponds or 3½ miles of mountain streams, plus the use of Orvis fly-fishing equipment; tennis courts with racquets; kayaking and canoeing on Bondieu Lake; hiking on 18 miles of trails; the use of tandem, Cannondale mountain, and cruiser bikes; outdoor campfires; swimming; and, on Saturday evenings, a bonfire at Skipper Lake with s’mores and beer. In addition, there’s a luxury spa, dining with farm-to-table cuisine (you can even dine by the lake), and shooting sports.
The deal: Mention Washingtonian when booking to get 20 percent off lodging as well as two complimentary mini-massages at the new Forest Spa, valued at $40 each. Rates start at $425 before the discount. All on-site, non-guided activities are included.
When: Valid for stays in July 2014 (blackout dates July 3 through 6).
Virginia Is for Lovers
Where: The Inn at Willow Grove, 14079 Plantation Way, Orange, Va.; 540-317-1206.
What’s special: On 40 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 18th-century plantation house and surrounding cottages feature rooms and suites with a mix of antique and modern touches, including wi-fi and flat-screen TVs. Many rooms have wet bars, large soaking tubs, sitting rooms, and porches. Guests can enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, exquisite gardens, area vineyards, and the nearby James Madison Museum.
The deal: Stay on a Wednesday night and get Thursday night at 50 percent off. Or, with the Washingtonian Sizzler special, stay Friday and Saturday at regular rates and get Sunday night free. Washingtonian readers also receive a bottle of house red or white wine, a $40 value. Reservations by phone only; call 540-317-1206.
When: Valid July 1 through 31, 2014 (blackout dates July 4 weekend).
Romantic Interlude
Where: Goodstone Inn & Restaurant, 36205 Snake Hill Rd., Middleburg, Va.; 877-219-4663.
What’s special: This luxurious inn sits on 265 acres of rolling hills and countryside in Virginia’s horse and wine country. Guests enjoy a complimentary country breakfast of eggs from the farm, baked goods, and coffee. Afternoon pastries and tea are served in the Carriage House. The farm-to-table restaurant serves French country cuisine and uses ingredients from the inn’s gardens and local farms. The wine cellar has 1,500 bottles from all over the world, and there’s an on-site bar. Guests can hike and bike on miles of trails and swim in the heated pool or relax in the hot tub. Enjoy a relaxing massage at the spa, in an elegantly renovated barn.
The deal: The Goodstone’s Midweek Summer Getaway package includes two nights in one of six guesthouses, with 50 percent off the second night and a $50 dining credit. Prices range from $537 to $987, depending on room type.
When: Valid Sunday through Wednesday (non-holidays), through August 28, 2014.
