Leaf-Peeping in Shenandoah National Park
Where: Skyland Resort, Luray, Va.; 877-847-1919.
What’s special: Skyland is perched 3,680 feet up, at the highest point along Skyline Drive, the scenic byway that runs the length of Shenandoah National Park. Visitors can enjoy panoramic vistas and 500 miles of hiking trails—plus, this time of year, take in a kaleidoscope of fall color.
The deal: Washingtonian readers receive complimentary breakfast for two, a savings of $13.95 a person, and one free slice of blackberry-ice-cream pie (enough for two) during their stay, an $8 value. Prices start at $121 for a cabin room. Use the promo code “Washington” when calling or booking online.
When: Valid Sunday through Thursday through November 30, 2014.
Vermont’s Fall Glory
Where: Stowe Mountain Lodge, 7412 Mountain Rd., Stowe, Vt.; 802-253-3560.
What’s special: This lodge was built using Vermont wood and stone and is decorated in vibrant reds, deep oranges, warm yellows, and soothing greens to reflect the seasons. Fall is prime time in Vermont, and floor-to-ceiling windows in the lobby and some of the guest rooms bring the beauty of Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak indoors. A huge lobby fireplace and fireplaces in some guest rooms add to the pleasure. Guests get twice-daily housekeeping plus goose-down feather beds, pillows, and duvets. There’s a state-of-the-art fitness center, a luxe spa, hiking and biking, and, through October 19, golf. A 5½-mile paved walking/biking path takes you to town via a scenic route through the woods and along West Branch River. For more New England autumn glory, you can drive the historic Auto Toll Road—a narrow, zigzag route up to the summit ridge of Mount Mansfield for views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.
The deal: The Washingtonian Stowe Fall Escape offers luxury accommodations at the best available rate, breakfast (a $25-per-person value), and valet parking (normally $21 a day). Prices start at $229 for two in a one-bedroom unit. To book online, visit their website; or call 802-760-4755, when calling, mention this deal.
When: Valid through November 15, 2014.
Eating and Drinking in Low Country
Where: Wild Dunes Resort, 5757 Palm Blvd., Isle of Palms, S.C.; 866-682-4672.
What’s special: Wild Dunes is on the northern tip of Isle of Palms, a lush barrier island off the coast of South Carolina. The oceanfront resort sits on 1,600 acres and offers championship golf, tennis, a spa, a fitness center, restaurants, and five pools. Just 30 minutes away is historic Charleston.
The deal: The Island Brews and Chews Beercation package features one night’s accommodations and admission for two adults to the Second Annual Island Brews and Chews Craft Beer Festival on November 1, with unlimited food and drink. Sample food such as house-cured smoked ham with mascarpone mac and cheese and a local pumpkin-style brew, or try wild-mushroom ravioli with sage-and-brown-butter sauce served with an amber ale, or peanut butter ice cream and a chocolate-chip cookie paired with an espresso porter. Washingtonian readers also get a complimentary Wild Dunes Resort bucket filled with six assorted local beers, a bag of snack mix, and Charleston Trio popcorn, a $25 value. Rates start at $179, a savings of $89. Mention Washingtonian when calling to reserve.
When: Valid Saturday, November 1 and 2, 2014.
Fall and Winter Beach Getaway
Where: The Sea Pines Resort, 32 Greenwood Dr., Hilton Head Island, S.C.; 866-561-8802.
What’s special: The resort is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and Calibogue Sound and offers magnificent views, five miles of beach, 14 miles of biking and walking trails, 54 holes of championship golf, tennis, horseback riding, and several restaurants.
The deal: The Fall & Winter Getaway Package includes complimentary dinner entrées for two at Live Oak or Topside Waterfront Restaurant; complimentary lunch entrées for two at Live Oak, the Quarterdeck, or the Harbour Town Bakery; free bikes for two during your stay; a $50 resort credit if you stay seven nights or more; one free photo-portrait session; a 10-percent dining discount at the restaurants, excluding alcohol; two hours of tennis a day; unlimited use of the fitness center; and preferred golf rates at all courses. Readers also get an additional $25 resort credit regardless of length of stay. Rates start at $153 a night for three nights in a two-bedroom deluxe villa. To book, visit their website or call 866-561-8802 and mention Washingtonian.
When: Valid through February 28, 2015.
Red Rocks and Fall Color in Sedona
Where: Hilton Sedona Resort & Spa, 90 Ridge Trail Dr., Sedona Ariz.; 928-284-4040.
What’s special: Magnificent red rock formations create a dramatic backdrop for the resort, which just underwent a multimillion-dollar renovation. Every room features luxurious bedding, a fireplace, a private balcony or patio, and stunning views. Visitors also can see spectacular fall foliage across the 1.8 million acres of forest surrounding the city. There’s a full-service spa and fitness center, championship golf, a Southwestern menu at the Grille at ShadowRock, and outdoor dining with great views at the Fireside Patio. The area offers fun shopping, mountain biking, Jeep tours, horseback riding, and hot-air ballooning.
The deal: The Essence of Sedona package includes suite accommodations, a bottle of Northern Arizona wine, a Sedona backpack, a guide to the area’s best hiking trails, a collapsible water bottle, and 20 percent off the Full Circle Massage at the spa, for a total savings of 25 percent. Mention Washingtonian on check-in and also get free breakfast for two the first morning, a $30 value. Rates start at $219 a night.
When: Valid through December 31, 2014.
Art and Snowshoeing in New Mexico
Where: Palacio de Marquesa Taos, 405 Cordoba Rd., Taos, N.M.; 855-846-8267.
What’s special: In the mountains of northern New Mexico, Palacio de Marquesa offers stunning scenery and natural beauty. Each room celebrates a different female artist of Taos—including Georgia O’Keeffe—through its color, design, and artwork. The newly renovated adobestyle inn mirrors the Southwestern ambience and has eight well-appointed rooms with fireplaces, fine bedding, marble bathrooms, and private entrances. Guests enjoy free high-speed wi-fi plus access to a community room with a living room, dining room, two fireplaces, and beverage centers stocked with complimentary water and sodas. The inn is a few minutes’ walk from shops, galleries, and restaurants.
The deal: The Custom Snowshoe Tour in Taos package includes two nights in a standard king room for two people (the Modernist or Illuminator room) plus made-to-order breakfast (for example, spinach-and-mushroom frittata or Belgian waffles) served in the community room or in your room. Also included are a bottle of wine, locally made chocolate truffles, and a guided snowshoe tour, including equipment, hot beverages, snacks, and a hot lunch. The package is $229 a night per room with a two-night minimum, a 30-percent savings. The snowshoe tour is available based on snow and weather conditions. If there’s no snow, a wilderness tour with a guide will be provided. When booking online, use the code WP; if calling, ask for the Washingtonian package.
When: Valid November through February, 2015, with blackout dates on holidays.
