Labor Day weekend is upon us. Celebrate the end of the season by spending a long weekend at one of these spots. Get away to the mountains, the beach, a nearby big city, small town, or take a close-by vacation.
Head to the Mountains
Massanutten Resort
Drive time from Dulles: About 2 hours
Escape to Massanutten for some cooler mountain air. The four-season resort is well-known for its skiing in the winter, but it also has an outdoor water park with slides, a wave pool, and kid-friendly play zones in the summer. After exploring the park’s offerings, The Chill Grill Slideside has burgers, salads, and sandwiches, and for adults, wine, beer, and frozen cocktails.
Golf lovers will be pleased to know the resort is the home of an 18-hole championship course and driving range, as well as golf clinics. End your weekend with a trip up the ski lift for a scenic chair lift ride. Also, don’t forget to take a ride on Virginia’s first alpine coaster, Mountain Mayhem.
Reach the Beach
Colonial Beach
Drive time from Dulles: About 2 hours
Colonial Beach is Virginia’s second largest sand beach and home to water sports options for active families, including swimming, fishing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and canoeing.
The beaches offer amenities such as dog parks, seesaws, slides, and swings for kids. Book an Airbnb and Vrbo rental or consider a stay at the Colonial Beach Plaza Bed & Breakfast. The historic B&B has a heated pool, farm-to-table breakfast, and is close to the boardwalk, restaurants, and downtown attractions.
Explore a Big City
Baltimore
Drive time from Dulles: About 1 hour
If you’re looking for a more urban-focused Labor Day weekend getaway, Baltimore is a great choice. The National Aquarium is home to 20,000 aquatic animals and an excellent family-friendly place to spend an afternoon. The Baltimore Museum of Art, which has free admission, is home to the largest public holding of artist Henri Matisse’s work. Grab a bite at Miss Shirley’s, an award-winning breakfast and lunch restaurant with a great kids’ menu. Before you leave for the weekend, stop by Vaccaro’s in Little Italy for cannoli, gelato sundaes, and Italian pastries and cookies.
Discover a Small Town
Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Drive time from Dulles: About 2 hours
Carlisle’s charming, small-town feel has plenty of weekend getaway activities. Make a reservation at 1794 The Whiskey Rebellion, whose name is a nod to Carlisle’s role in the historic event. Wander around the town’s historic district, with 18th and 19th century architecture. The family-friendly Georgie Lou’s retro candy shop is a colorful place to stop for a sweet souvenir or two. Wind down your weekend with a pint at Molly Pitcher Brewing Co. and stay for Trivia Sundays at 5 p.m.
Staycation or Quick Getaway
Middleburg
Drive time from Dulles: About 30 minutes
Middleburg is an ideal option for a quick Labor Day weekend getaway. The area has 30 wineries, including the popular Boxwood Estate Winery and Cana Vineyards and Winery. Middleburg’s historic district is very walkable and worth a stroll through its unique boutiques and shops. Reserve one of the Airbnbs in the area for a comfortable weekend home base. If you bring your dog along for the weekend, Red Horse Tavern allows leashed pups on their porch, and staff provide water (and lots of pets!).
Feature image, Prostock-studio/stock/adobe.com
