Prospect Hill, courtesy of Prospect Hill
Virginia is for lovers — or so the marketing people say — but it’s also for historians, nature lovers, wine aficionados, and outdoor enthusiasts. From the spectacular Shenandoah Valley to the Eastern shore, from Daniel Boone’s stomping grounds to George Washington’s home, Virginia offers plenty to see, do, and enjoy — and it’s a short distance from our nation’s capital, too.
If you’re planning a Virginia vacation, check out these military offers.
Caledonia Farm 1812 is a bed-and-breakfast in the unspoiled countryside of Rappahannock County, adjacent to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive and just outside Washington, D.C. You’ll enjoy easy access to nearby hiking, canoeing, bird watching, horseback riding, and antiquing — plus Civil War battlefields are a short drive away. Rates start at $140, but veterans get the third night free year round. (And innkeeper Phil Irwin might offer additional “incentives” in the middle of the week). Breakfast, a hot tub, bicycles, lawn games, and Wi-Fi are included. Call for more info at (540) 675-3693.
Lansdowne Resort in Leesburg offers a “Tribute to the Troops” for active and retired military personnel with 30 percent off the best available rate, plus full buffet breakfast for two. The luxurious four-diamond spa resort and golf club in Northern Virginia is in the heart of Virginia Wine Country, 40 minutes from Washington, D.C., and 8 miles from Dulles International Airport. Book online using promo code “Tribute” — but be warned that if you change your mind and cancel your reservation within 72 hours of your stay, the resort still will charge for one night. Call (877) 419-8400 for more information.
An authentic 1700s plantation complex, Prospect Hill (near historic Charlottesville) is Virginia’s oldest continually occupied frame manor-house plantation. Guests can stay in Manor House rooms or rustic cottages and cabins — including original circa 1699-1880 cottages equipped with air-conditioning, private baths, working fireplaces, full breakfast-in-bed, and whirlpool tubs. There’s a lot to do: kayaking the James or Rivanna rivers, hiking wilderness trails, pedaling quiet country roads, or wine tasting along the Monticello Wine Trail. Rates start at $195, but active duty and retired servicemembers get a 25-percent discount off lodging and/or fine dining through April 30, 2015, says innkeeper Doc Findley. Book online or call (540) 967-0844, using discount code “FREEDOM.”
You’ll find plenty of ways to save on recreation at Philpott Lake in Henry County on Virginia’s southern border. For discounts and waivers on day use and fees at campgrounds, beaches, and boat launches around the lake, flash your America The Beautiful senior pass (for those 65 and older), Access Pass (for those with permanent disabilities), or Military ATB Pass (for active or reserve military personnel and dependents). Read more online about getting your pass. In addition, day-use fees are waived for any servicemembers with an active or reserve military CAC card. Recreation fees are waived for any servicemembers with paperwork identifying mid-tour or post-tour reintegration leave from deployment in a hostile theater. Call (877) 444-6777 to make your reservation (the waivers are not available online). See the full list of recreational, day-use, and camping discounts at Philpott Lake.
While you’re in the Martinsville area, visit Debra's Antiques & Collectibles, the area’s oldest antique shop (check out the military memorabilia). Servicemembers and those age 55 and older get a 20-percent storewide discount. Call (276) 957-1394.
Visiting our nation’s capital? Kimpton’s “Active Duty, Military and Veterans” package is offered at four Dupont Circle area hotels: Topaz Hotel, Hotel Madera, Hotel Rouge, and Hotel Palomar Washington DC. Servicemembers get a 15-percent discount, two preloaded Metrorail cards ($10 value each), and a complimentary map of Washington, D.C. Military rates start at $129. Book online and enter rate code VALOR, or call (800) KIMPTON and request the VALOR rate code. (Tip: Before you book, check out each hotel’s website and make a few phone calls to make sure you’re getting a good deal — in some cases, we found better discounts, cheaper packages, and lower rates available to the general public.)