MassaNew Years

This year, Jason and I decided that “New Year’s Eve” would not get the better of us. No more making last minute plans or standing in line at tired bar parties around the area.  So, we headed for snow, albeit fake snow, but none the less!

Just 2 hours Southwest of DC, Massanutten Resort has welcomed visitors to their four-season (that's year-round, not Four Seasons :)) property for more than 30 years.  For a two-night getaway, it really wasn't half bad.  We had a 2-bedroom, 2-bath condo with full kitchen and plenty of windows to let the outside air in.  All that was missing was a hot tub, preferably one with a time machine!

While I didn't quite make it on the bunny slopes or hit the halfpipe Shaun-White-style, I enjoyed our eve-countdown tubing on the mountain and a New Year's day coffee-scrub at the spa.  And Jason proved that he's still got "mad skills" at age 31 as he "ripped it" with his buddy, Matt.

All in all, it was a really great start to what we know is going to be an amazing 2011 (stay tuned for new posts).  And as one of our resolutions, we're committing to planning this little snow-trip as an annual tradition.  There's plenty of resorts that might be a cut above the Massa-version, and West VA or PA will definitely get us more of those miles we love... Wishing you all a New Year full of travel!

'Tis the Season for Sightseeing

This time last year, Jason and I were able to be in NYC among the masses in Rockefeller Center celebrating the holiday season.  And yes, I actually cried when I saw that tree - for someone who is obsessed with "twinkle lights" it was just too beautiful to handle.

But, unfortunately, this year we won't be making the VaMoose bus trip up north and will need to find some local sights to get us in the spirit!  Here are just a few ideas...



Fifteen minutes down the road (without traffic), it might not be as grand as the Norway Spruce in Manhattan, but it comes with the Obamas!  Visit our National Christmas Tree to experience some DC cheer.  The lighting ceremony takes place this Thursday, December 9th.

A scenic hour-long drive towards Leesburg brings you to Oatlands Historic House & Gardens which is beautifully decorated for the season and offers Holiday Tea and Lamplight Tours.

Or venture two and a half hours south to start a new holiday tradition by enjoying some very old ones!  Colonial Williamsburg features a number of tours, musical performances, dining options and more.  I recently visited the Williamsburg Inn and Lodge who've both undergone renovations in the last few years, and I'd recommend an overnight stay in either of these graciously hospitable hotels.

And if you're too busy wrapping, baking or cocktail partying to venture out, just put on Bing Crosby & Danny Kaye and be whisked away to a White Christmas in Vermont!

Sunday Brunch

For the past few years, the "besties" (best friends) and I have made it a point to plan a long-weekend rendezvous in the fall.  We've traveled from New York to San Diego, but this year, sadly, we just didn't find the time (who can really?)...

So, we decided to go local!  Not all trips have to be coast-to-coast.  In fact, some of the best sights-to-see happen to be right in our backyard.  This Sunday post-Thanksgiving, we headed down Stringfellow Road (aka Memory Lane) to the historic town of Clifton, VA.  We planned brunch at a spot we were so excited to try, even our over-stuffed tummies couldn't stop us!

Trummer's on Main features Creative American cuisine that combines small-town charm with the fabulous food and service found in big cities.  Try not to fill up on the delicious house made pastries or the crafty cocktails, so you have room for the Smoked Salmon Tartare and the Fried Chicken & Virginia Toast.

After dining, we toured the quaint but cute Main Street.  Complete with antique stores, consignment shops, a winery and a railroad crossing, all they are missing is an adorable children's toy store, perhaps called "Mr. Knickerbocker's."  It was the perfect half-day reunion with the absolute loves-of-my-life.  Hopefully next year there will be time for plenty more!