Community Corner
Winter Adventure Day Trips in Virginia, DC and Maryland
Winter cabins, cross country skiing, snow tubing, ice skating and holiday light tours are all a short drive away.
Wintertime brings new activities and adventures, especially outside. Here are a few suggestions for day trips in Virginia, D.C. and Maryland and the best part is, they can all reachable on a tank of gas!
1600 Mt Aetna Rd, Frostburg, MD 21532
301-689-3200
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Why Go?
Savage River Lodge is a 35 acre rustic retreat in the middle of 750 acres of state forest, with the amenities of a five-star resort. Guests stay in private cabins, a short walk from the main lodge. Enjoy outdoor activities such as cross country skiing, hiking trails, snowshoeing, snow sleigh rides, and more. For relaxation, there are spa services.
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Insider Tip:
"You don't have to stay with us to have access to our trails and services. It is only $5 to come and use our trails and we can also provide rentals and lessons," said Emily Newman-Edwards, general manager.
Must Do:
After a day of outdoor activities, enjoy a glass of wine by the stone fireplace in the lodge. In the morning, homemade muffins and juice are brought to your cabin in a basket.
The Fine Print:
Savage River Lodge, 301-689-3200; www.savageriverlodge.com. Rates: from $225 a cabin a night, double occupancy. Travel time from Washington: 2 hours. Additional charge for each child per night. The Lodge is very pet friendly.
Meadowlark's Winter Walk of Lights
9750 Meadowlark Gardens Court, Vienna, VA
703-255-3631
Why Go?
Now open for its second year, Meadowlark Winter Walk of Lights is a magical place to walk at night. On the half mile walk through the botanical garden, visitors will see displays with a total of half a million lights. There is a lakeside show set to music, a two- story animated fountain, gingerbread house display and much more.
Insider Tip: To save money, visit during the week and buy your tickets online. "Weeknights are a lot less busy and more laid back," said Elise Pittrizzi, recreation program specialist at Meadowlark.
Must Do: At the end of the trail, there are concessions for sale, such as hot chocolate and a s'mores kit for roasting marshmallows by the bonfire.
The Fine Print:
Open Nov. 15 - Jan. 5 from 5:30 - 10 p.m. Tickets are $8 for kids and $13 for adults Thurs. - Sun. and $6 for kids and $12 for adults Mon. - Wed.
Looking for more holiday light tours? Check out http://fairfaxchristmaslights.com.
13805 Blairs Valley Rd, Mercersburg, PA 17236
717-328-9400
Why Go?
Located 90 minutes from the DC area, Whitetail is a year-round destination for outdoor activities, but is particularly popular in the winter for skiing and snow tubing.
Insider Tip: If you have never skied before, start with snow tubing. "It is a nice trip for families and other youth groups," said Katrina Gayman, director of marketing and sales. "We also have fundraising opportunities where groups can get a percentage of the sales from their trip," Gayman added.
Must Do: Snow tubing is similar to sledding, so wear warm clothing that can be water- repellant, along with mittens, hat and boots.
The Fine Print: The mountain plans to open either Dec. 7 or Dec. 14. Skiing starts first and then tubing begins about a week later. For rates and hours, visit skiwhitetail.com.
Washington Harbour Ice Skating Rink, Washington D.C.
Why Go?
The Washington Harbour Ice Rink, now in its second year of operation, is DC's largest outdoor skating rink. It is located in the middle of Georgetown with the Potomac River as a backdrop. In addition, during the holiday season, the lights display makes it a beautiful destination for people of all ages.
Insider Tip: "This is a great spot to book a unique birthday party or other family gathering. Rates start at $150 and provides skate rental and admission for 10 people, a party table, and host," said Dan Wuchenich, general manager.
Must Do: Enjoy special skate sessions on Saturdays from 12 - 2 p.m. with cartoon characters out on the rink. College students can skate Thursday nights from 6 - 9 p.m. and save $2 on admission.
The Fine Print: Skating is open now through March. Adults $10, Children $8. Skate rental $5. Mon. - Thurs. 12 - 9 p.m., Fri. 12 - 10 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
