Things to Do

February Reader Deals

Free skiing and massage, suite deals, and other weekend-getaway bargains that will help banish the winter blues

Each of Lake Pointe Inn's guest rooms features a gas fireplace. A special reader deal at the inn this month includes a free massage.

With the days darker and shorter, why not escape the winter blues with a romantic getaway, or an outlet-shopping weekend with friends, or a run on snowy slopes? Washingtonian readers who mention this article when booking will receive the following exclusive deals.

LAKE ESCAPE
Where: Lake Pointe Inn, McHenry, Md.; 800-523-5253

Inspired by nearby Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, Lake Pointe Inn is an Arts and Crafts–style retreat on the shore of Deep Creek Lake. In the evenings, guests gather around a fire pit and toast marshmallows. In addition to hearty breakfasts, the inn serves nightly hors d’oeuvres such as baked Brie and quiche, and there’s a complimentary beverage and snack bar.

For every night Washingtonian readers stay during February and March (excluding holiday weekends), they can choose a free add-on: one massage ($95 value); a wine package, which includes a bottle of wine, crackers, and two Lake Pointe Inn goblets ($65 value); or two midweek day ski passes to nearby slopes ($78 value). Rates range from $272 to $292 a night.

 

SHOP TILL YOU DROP
Where: Atlantic Sands Hotel, Rehoboth Beach, Del.; 800-422-0600

The winter off-season is a very affordable time to visit Rehoboth Beach. Washingtonian readers can book an oceanfront room at the Atlantic Sands Hotel for $85 a night from February 1 to April 15. In addition to a free tote bag, the deal includes a $10 gift certificate and $400 coupon book to Tanger Outlets, where 130 name-brand stores include Coach, Cole Haan, Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Polo Ralph Lauren, and Under Armour.

At the hotel, readers receive a free large morning coffee for every guest, a complimentary cocktail or dessert for each person who purchases dinner at Eden Restaurant, and 25 percent off any spa service from Fusion Salon & Day Spa. The deal reflects a total savings of at least $75.

 

ROMANTIC RETREAT
Where: Five Gables Inn & Spa, St. Michaels, Md.; 877-466-0100

St. Michaels is a romantic waterfront town, and the Five Gables Inn & Spa, a bed-and-breakfast that spans four historic buildings, is one of its most romantic spots.

The inn—within walking distance to restaurants, bars, and boutiques—is offering Washingtonian readers 20 percent off any room or suite on any weekend in February or March, excluding Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day weekends. Rooms come with fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Suites have living rooms and bathrooms with rain showers and jetted soaking tubs. Guests have access to an on-site Aveda spa, an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, and a steam room. Rates run from $180 for a room to $305 for a deluxe suite.

 

HIT THE SLOPES
Where: Wintergreen Resort, Wintergreen, Va.; 800-266-2444

On 11,000 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Wintergreen Resort in central Virginia has snow for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. Guest condos range from studios to five-bedrooms; many have fireplaces as well as balconies with mountain views, and all come with kitchenettes. There are also four on-site restaurants. One of the region’s best spas is at Wintergreen, and there’s a heated pool, hot tub, sauna, and steam room. Washingtonian readers receive 20 percent off accommodations in February and March, which start at $145. The deal is not valid February 18 through 21.

 

HERITAGE IN THE HILLS
Where: Mimslyn Inn, Luray, Va.; 800-296-5105

Tucked into the Shenandoah Valley, the Mimslyn Inn has been a favorite of visitors to Luray since the 1930s. The hotel recently was renovated; modern details include pillow-top bedding and free wi-fi. A Deco-inspired restaurant called the Speakeasy features comfort food—meatloaf, chicken pot pie—and live music on Thursday and Friday nights.

Readers receive almost 40 percent off regular rates when they ask for the Washingtonian $99 Winter Escape Package, which includes an overnight stay, a welcome glass of wine or hot chocolate for each guest, and breakfast for two. Art galleries and shops are steps from the hotel, and Luray Caverns is a short drive away. This deal is valid in February and March.

This article first appeared in the February 2011 issue of The Washingtonian.

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