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Travel

I Need a Staycation: DC Edition

For Washingtonians hankering for a change of scenery without venturing too far from home, the options are plentiful. From luxury hotels in the city, to countryside retreats in Virginia and coastal getaways in New Jersey, these restorative staycation options will help revive you ahead of winter quarantining (not to mention the looming election).

Laura Gohl - Oct 07, 2020

WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA 

Remnants of the past are everywhere in Virginia, home of the Historic Triangle – a triad composed of Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg, which played a pivotal role in the American Revolution. If you’re going to visit one of the three, make it Williamsburg, a quaint city 2.5 hours from DC, with a solid food scene, access to nature (case in point: the 52-mile Virginia Capital Trail which goes all the way to Richmond), and the world’s largest living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg. 

Where to stay: 

Create lasting memories of a vacation life well lived by choosing Marriott’s Manor Club at Ford’s Colony by bringing the whole family or treat yourself to a relaxing getaway

Marriott’s Manor Club at Ford’s Colony

With its red brick exterior and heritage-style interiors (think houndstooth and check fabrics galore) Marriott’s Manor Club at Ford’s Colony is a quintessential Virginian abode. Spend your days immersing in the region’s history, or enjoying the resort’s heated pools, hot tub, and three 54-hole championship golf courses, belonging to the private community of Ford’s Colony. At dusk, make dinner on the communal BBQ grills and enjoy the crisp evening air while staying toasty by the fire pits.

Club Wyndham Kingsgate

Five minutes from the center of Williamsburg city, but surrounded by luscious nature trails including Powhatan Creek Trail, Historic Jamestown Bike Trail, and Freedom Park, Club Wyndham Kingsgate offers visitors access to the very best of the region. Relax by the pool, putt your way around the mini golf course, or check out wineries and beaches in the local vicinity. 

Club Wyndham Governor’s Green

The manicured lawns and lakeside location of Club Wyndham Governor’s Green are conducive to a truly peaceful countryside getaway. When you’re not out exploring Williamsburg, take advantage of the resort’s bursting schedule of events, including painting classes and wine tastings for the adults, and Sharpie tie-dye and candy bingo for the little ones. 

 

OXON HILL, MARYLAND 

Situated only a hop, skip, and a jump from the capital, Oxon Hill is an ideal destination for Washingtonians looking for a getaway that’s close to home. Stroll along the peaceful Mount Vernon Trail and across the Woodrow Wilson Memorial Bridge, or take the kids to Oxon Hill Farm to meet the animals. 

Where to stay: 

Seeped in heritage and abounding with family-friendly activities, Wyndham National Harbor offers a gorgeous and contemporary setting from which to experience the historic majesty of Washington, D.C.

Club Wyndham National Harbor

Club Wyndham National Harbor sits on the shore of the Potomac River, close to Oxon Hill’s vibrant nightlife. On-site you can take advantage of two pools, a hot tub, a video game/arcade room, and movie rentals for a peaceful night in. If a night out sounds more appealing, explore the boardwalk, ferris wheel, and casino – all steps from the resort’s doorstep.

ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 

Though it’s within view of Washington DC, the quaint town of Alexandria feels world’s away. Cobbled streets and impeccably preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture make Alexandria an aesthete’s dream, and the vibe here is slower and sweeter than in the capital, earning Alexandria multiple travel industry awards as one of the South’s top small cities. 

Where to stay:

At the Wyndham Old Town Alexandria you can, by day, explore modern wonders in bustling metropolitan D.C., and by night, step back in time to charming boulevards, rich in historical ambiance. 

Club Wyndham Old Town Alexandria

An ideal launchpad for exploring the historic boulevards of Alexandria’s Old Town, this pristine Club Wyndham property sits alongside the city’s 200+ independent boutiques and restaurants. Don’t miss the Alexandria waterfront – a colonial-era port that’s still thriving today, with scenic dining, water taxis, and pretty parks that are perfect for picnicking.

HERSHEY, PENNSYLVANIA 

Hershey, Pennsylvania, bills itself as “the sweetest place on Earth,” a nod to its legacy as the home of Hershey’s chocolate. Nestled in the rolling hills of Amish country, 2.5 hours from DC, Hershey is packed with family-friendly attractions, from theme parks, museums and concerts to a butterfly atrium and falconry experience. While not everything here is cocoa themed, it goes without saying that this town is a chocolate-lover’s paradise. 

Where to stay: 

This legacy has made the town a major year-round vacation destination for families seeking to enjoy a chocolate-themed getaway mixed with theme park fun set in the rolling green pastureland of Amish country. The Suites of Hershey are a great place to base yourself on as you explore all that the area has to offer.

Bluegreen Vacations Suites

Work off all that sugar at Bluegreen Vacations Suites, where you’ll find on-site basketball courts, a fitness center, and an indoor swimming pool to get those laps in. After a day of roller coaster riding at nearby Hersheypark, kids will love claiming a spot on the Cocoa Train observation tower, from which they’ll spot trains shuttling cocoa beans and sugar to the town’s chocolate factories. 

GALLOWAY, NEW JERSEY

The town of Galloway, New Jersey, offers the best of both worlds: calm natural surroundings with close proximity to the electric nightlife of Atlantic City. Try your luck at the casino, or spend a day soaking up sunshine on the sugar-fine sand of Brigantine Beach – one of the state’s most adored coastal retreats. 

Where to stay: 

Across the bay from Atlantic City, nestled among woodlands along the water, you’ll find the stately and charming Marriott’s Fairway Villas.

Marriott’s Fairway Villas

The modern and stylish two-bedroom abodes at Marriott’s Fairway Villas come complete with balconies and fireplaces, so you’ll be comfortable whatever the season. After a few rounds of golf (the resort is surrounded by excellent courses) soak in the jacuzzi pool, then get dressed up and hit Atlantic City for cocktails and roulette.

ATLANTIC CITY, NEW JERSEY

If you’ve been missing the unapologetic flashy ambiance of Las Vegas, drive 3.5 hours hours to Atlantic City, where casinos line the famous boardwalk. Here, attractions for all tastes abound, from ballet and the African American Heritage Museum to parasailing and live comedy shows. It may not have retained its prohibition-era glamor, but Atlantic City is still an undeniably entertaining town.

Where to stay: 

With a prime location just one block from Atlantic City’s famed Boardwalk and premium casinos, Wyndham Skyline Tower is a perfect base to explore Atlantic City’s endless adventures.

Club Wyndham Skyline Tower

Club Wyndham Skyline Tower’s 32-stories towering over the Atlantic City boardwalk, putting you right at the heart of the action. Within the building you’ll find a movie theater, pool and ping pong tables, terrace with a hot tub, and indoor swimming pool. Step outside, and you’ll be close to the city’s restaurants, bars, casinos, and beach (which is surprisingly lovely despite being attached to such a bustling destination).

WASHINGTON DC 

If you’re craving a change of scenery but don’t want to stray very far, book a local hotel and play hometown tourist for a couple of days. Tackle your to-do list, then work through your DC bucket list – the restaurants you’ve always wanted to eat at, the museums you haven’t visited in years, the tour you’ve been meaning to take. 

Where to stay: 

The Mayflower Hotel’s lively American brasserie, EDGAR Bar & Kitchen. Immerse yourself in the rich history and modern refinement that the property offers while exploring the local attractions, cultural arts venues, famous shopping, dining and more.

Marriott Vacation Club Pulse® at The Mayflower

The Mayflower Hotel is renowned in this city. Opened in 1925 and known as DC’s “second best address,” there’s no better location for a fancy staycation. Marriott Vacation Club Pulse® is located on the seventh floor of The Mayflower, and feels every bit as opulent as you’re imagining. Suites are decorated with marble and velvet, beds are plump and sumptuous, and WiFi is lightning fast, so you’ll never miss a Zoom meeting. 

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