There’s nothing like a deadline to help you reach your goals. Come August, the deadline is the end of summer and the goal is one more weekend escape. Whether you’re longing for one more trip to the water, a chance to immerse yourself in nature, or even looking for something closer to home, here are some spots for a last-minute Labor Day getaway.
Bucks County, Pennsylvania
Drive time from Dulles: About 4 hours
Bucolic Bucks County makes for a perfect long-weekend destination if you’re looking to get into nature. Base yourself in historic New Hope, where dining and shopping options galore are within an easy walking distance of the Delaware River–facing Ghost Light Inn.
Spend your weekend exploring the area’s parks, including Ringing Rocks Park, where visitors bring hammers to strike the ancient rocks to hear their bell-like tones. Visit Washington Crossing State Park to learn about Washington’s monumental river crossing and Delaware Canal State Park for miles of cycling and walking trails.
Bath County, Virginia
Drive time from Dulles: About 3 hours, 15 minutes
Bath County feels a world away. Nestled in the Allegheny Mountains, nearly 90 percent of the county is protected land. Nature is king here, and with 100 miles of hiking trails, you’re never more than a few steps away from old-growth trees. The Fort Lewis Lodge, which evokes the same feeling as summer camp, is a perfect spot to pretend like summer will never end. With private access to the Cowpasture River, it’s a great spot to settle in for some fly fishing, kayaking, or swimming. There are also endless fields for walking and relaxing, a waterfront Nordic-style sauna, and a dinner bell that summons guests for a communal evening meal. Who says you camp stops when you grow up?
Easton, Maryland
Drive time from Dulles: About 2 hours, 45 minutes
Spending Labor Day on the water just hits differently. Instead of fighting traffic to get to the ocean, opt for the Chesapeake instead. Base yourself at the tranquil The Oaks Waterfront Hotel, located just outside the charming town of Easton. The historic waterfront inn recently underwent a top-to-bottom renovation. Its new iteration shines brightly with airy and spacious guest rooms evocative of a day spa. It also has a lawn full of Adirondack chairs and complimentary bikes and kayaks.
You could spend all day lounging by the hotel’s pool, but you’d be remiss not to explore into Easton’s robust culinary scene. From lunch at Sunflowers and Greens, where locally sourced salads and crisp glasses of wine are on the menu, to Bas Rouge, where a fix prix dinner menu is served in an elegant dining room, just about everything you could want can be found in the small town. (That includes ice cream, fresh juices, and a fun pub.)
Flint Hill, Virginia
Drive time from Dulles: About 1 hour
Anchor your Labor Day around an unforgettable meal with a trip to the Blue Door Kitchen & Inn in Flint Hill. Blue Door has established itself as a dining destination that’s worth a drive. It utilizes the products and produce of local farms and purveyors. Make a weekend out of it by booking one of the guest rooms above the restaurant.
Of course, your weekend doesn’t have to only be about the meal. Shenandoah National Park, with its wealth of hiking trails, is just a few miles away. Late August is a wonderful time to take advantage of a leisurely drive along the Skyline Drive before it gets busy with leaf-peepers in the fall. The inn is under 20 minutes from the Front Royal entrance to the park.
Leesburg, Virginia
Drive time from Dulles: About 30 minutes
A close-to-home weekend in Leesburg means you can be one of the first to stay at the new Hotel Burg. It opened just this summer; it transformed three buildings, including a preserved 19th century home, into a 39-room boutique hotel with décor and interiors inspired by the Virginia countryside. The hotel is located right on King Street and walking distance to some of the town’s best shopping destinations like Crème de la Crème and 27 South. It’s also a short drive from the treasure-filled Old Lucketts Store. When you’ve had your share of shopping and relaxing at Hotel Burg, sample the local viticulture at Walsh Family Wine or Stone Tower Winery.
Tysons Corner, Virginia
Drive time from Dulles: About 20 minutes
If a trip out of town isn’t in the works, treat yourself to staycation right in Tysons. The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner’s “Moment of Serenity” massage might be just the ticket to ease you back into fall. Linger at the spa’s tranquil facilities before indulging in afternoon tea (served Friday, Saturday, and Sunday).
Feature image courtesy Visit Bath County
