Top Fall Weekend Getaways Close To DC
Lifestyle
Nothing says fall quite like a cozy weekend retreat that’s only a short, colorful ride away. From the suburbs of Maryland to the best glamping in Virginia, here’s our festive roundup of the best fall getaways that should make your seasonal bucket list this year.
Thinking of staying close to home this season? Here’s how to welcome fall in style without leaving the comfort of DC behind.
Frostburg, Maryland | Savage River Lodge
Smack in the middle of more than 700 acres of Maryland state forest, Savage River Lodge is a popular place to stay when the colors start changing in mid-September through their peak, usually in mid-October. Guests can choose from 18 two-story luxury log cabins and eight glamping yurts. There’s also a welcoming central lodge for gathering. Despite its low-key nature, the dining room turns out elevated New American cuisine such as vegan red-lentil curry and wild-boar ragu.
Stanley, Virginia | Shenandoah Yurt
Surrounded on three sides by Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park, the luxurious Shenandoah Yurt — with its dramatic skylight, vaulted ceiling, and panoramic windows — makes for an unusual family or friends getaway. Its two bedrooms and loft can accommodate up to eight, and amenities include a hot tub, wood-burning stove, large deck, and pool table. Luxe touches such as sleep masks and a dozen organic local eggs await guests.
Hoping to make the most of this fall season? Check out these blog posts for fun ideas and inspiration!
Timberville, Virginia | Showalter’s Orchard
Showalter’s Orchard offers three beautifully appointed one-bedroom cottages (sleeping two), amid more than 30 varieties of apple trees and two of peach on a hilltop overlooking the Shenandoah Valley. The cottages have full kitchens and bathrooms. Along with a family-owned orchard dating to the 1900s, there’s a hard cidery on the premises; in fact, a complimentary tasting for two is included with every stay.
Bittinger, Maryland | Ella’s Enchanted Treehouses
For the kid in everyone, there’s always Ella’s Enchanted Treehouses — three wooden houses on stilts amid 22 acres of woods adjacent to state forest. “It’s a respite for families to ‘treelax’ and spend time outdoors,” says co-owner Stacie Griffith. Each with its own design, these are nothing like the backyard treehouse of your childhood that comes to mind. They are stocked with full kitchens, beds, bathrooms, and heating/AC; some even feature barnwood sliding doors, rustic Edison-bulb lighting, reclaimed-wood beams, handmade swings, and fire pits.
Etlan, Virginia | Big Dipper Ranch
On a large field surrounded by woods, with sweeping views of the mountains beyond, Big Dipper Ranch hosts four large glamping tents on raised platforms, sleeping up to four each. Fall is a great time to visit. “In fact, it was a clear, cool fall day when we first saw the pond bordered by a sugar-maple tree in full autumn color,” says co-owner Lisa Buchanan. Every tent has its own covered deck, queen-size bed, fire pit, outdoor Adirondack chairs, grill, and picnic table.
Searching for more day trips or vacation ideas? Check out these blogs next!
- Day Trips That Are a Short Drive From DC
- Where to go Apple Picking Around DC
- Ski Slopes and Resorts Near DC
Luray, Virginia
As the “Cabin Capital of Virginia”, Luray is the perfect destination for a quintessential fall getaway. The famous Luray Caverns are beautiful any time of year, and can be toured even on rainy or cooler days. If the weather allows, hike some of the trails in Shenandoah National Park, then go for a drive down Skyline Drive. Surrounded by mountains, you’ll love Luray for a 48-hour autumn escape.
Charlottesville, VA
One of the impressive wine regions of Virginia surrounds Charlottesville on the Monticello Wine Trail, known as the Birthplace of American Wine. This is a 48-hour getaway you’ll likely want to extend, adding in a visit to the esteemed University of Virginia, Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and maybe even a road trip on the scenic Skyline Drive along the way.
Are you planning a move this fall? Get in touch with us directly by calling 202.280.2060 or emailing us at jsmira@jennsmira.com today!
