Whenever spring rolls around, many can think of nothing more than shedding layers, grabbing their passport, and jumping on the next flight to wherever. The dreary weather is long gone, and with the sunshine tends to come wanderlust.
Yet life doesn’t always work out that way. Friends are busy, work hours are long, and all of a sudden there’s not much more time for vacation than a couple of days. We’ve rounded up hotels, inns, and Airbnbs within a quick drive or flight from Northern Virginia. All offer enough to do right there on the spot that you don’t even have to leave if you don’t want to—just snuggle in for the weekend. Bon voyage!
The TWA Hotel
Sixties Jet Age glamour meets timeless elegance in The TWA Hotel, a former airport terminal turned first-class hotel overlooking the runways of New York’s JFK airport.
Originally built by Eero Saarinen as the TWA Flight Center in 1962, this property got a total face lift when it was restored as a hotel in 2019. As JFK’s first and only onsite hotel, the TWA Hotel is the perfect place to unwind and soak up some style, whether you’re hopping on a flight the next day or taking a longer stay.
Attractions near the TWA Hotel? Unless you’re there for more than a weekend, don’t bother—the hotel is a destination in itself. Highlights include a rooftop 95-degree infinity pool and observation deck where you can swim while watching planes take off, a 10,000-square-foot fitness center, and a massive lobby that doubles as a museum—you’ll find more than 2,000 aviation artifacts spread throughout the former TWA terminal.
Tired after a long day of soaking up the sun? Visit the Sunken Lounge and sit in the exact spot where adoring fans welcomed the Beatles to America for the first time in 1964.
To keep the party going, visit the Connie Cocktail Lounge, a 1958 Lockheed Constellation airplane, now named one of the best hotel bars in the world by Departures magazine. Enjoy 1960s cocktail favorites like the Vodka is My Co-Pilot (TWA’s take on a martini) and Control Tower Sour. Make sure to take a quick trip to the cockpit to hear the plane’s live feed to air traffic control. 1 Idlewild Dr., New York City, NY; rates from $156 per night
Miss Molly’s Inn Bed & Breakfast
Fans of Marguerite Henry’s Misty of Chincoteague might be familiar with Chincoteague Island for its famed annual pony swim, where over 150 wild ponies swim across the Assateague Channel and back. Yet many don’t know about all the island has to offer.
Miss Molly’s Inn Bed & Breakfast, located on Main Street, was built in 1894 and has been an institution on Chincoteague Island ever since. The place where Henry wrote her famous novel, the inn lends an air of vintage charm to the quaint island town.
Guests can enjoy a range of guest rooms, from the golden-bathed suite of original owner Miss Molly, to Henry’s former quarters, to the spacious Bay Suite.
Looking for something to do nearby? Take a trip to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, located on the Virginia side of Assateague Island. Just 10 minutes from Miss Molly’s, this refuge is home to spectacular wildlife, from piping plovers to the ponies themselves. The refuge features more than 14,000 acres of beautiful beach, dunes, and marsh to explore.
If you’re looking for a restaurant recommendation, seafood is the name of the game on this island. Check out Bill’s Prime Seafood & Steaks, just a short walk away from Miss Molly’s on Main Street. 4141 Main St., Chincoteague, VA; rates from $185 per night
The Iris Inn
If you’re looking for something that combines a country location with an opulent feel, head down to Waynesboro and stay a while at the Iris Inn, a five-star luxury experience nestled on 19 acres in the Blue Ridge Mountains. This romantic property has a main inn with Shenandoah Valley views, as well as separate cottages and cabins for a more private stay.
Soak up the calming mountain views and take time out of your day to visit iconic Virginia hikes like Humpback Rock and Crabtree Falls. Guests can also explore the cultural scene in the area, with plenty of museums and theaters in Waynesboro and nearby Staunton.
Feel free to take in the romantic setting over a signature cocktail from nearby Silverback and Ragged Branch distilleries. Favorites include the Shenandoah Love Potion and the seasonal Apple Cider Whiskey.
And even though you’d never need to de-stress in a place like this, take advantage of the Iris Inn’s plentiful spa amenities. Loosen up in a lavender bath or primp your pores with a chia-seed-and-passion-fruit facial.
Whether hiking to new heights or relishing in the height of luxury, the Iris Inn has something for every guest. 191 Chinquapin Dr., Waynesboro, VA; rates from $221 per night
The Goat Loft
If you’re more country than country club, check out The Goat Loft in Round Hill. Surrounded by lush Appalachia, guests can feed and take care of baby goats while unwinding on a 13-acre wooded farm. It’s the perfect place to bask in the quiet and play with cuddly creatures. But don’t let the tranquility fool you: Harpers Ferry, West Virginia; the Appalachian Trail; and the Shenandoah and Potomac rivers are all within a 20-minute drive of this secluded haven.
After a long day of hiking, unwind with a trip to one of the numerous craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries just minutes from the property.
Be warned, though. This is no five-star resort. With a creek out back, dirt roads up the hill, and woods as far as the eye can see, this Airbnb is for those who don’t mind getting their boots dirty. Located on a working farm, there’s no shortage of activity, whether that be hunting, feeding, or plowing. As announced on the Goat Loft’s Airbnb page, “We offer quite an experience, but it is not a manufactured one, so enjoy!” Round Hill, Virginia (exact location provided after booking); rates from $141 per night
Feature image courtesy The Iris Inn
This story originally appeared in the April issue of Northern Virginia magazine. Subscribe for more stories like this.
