Enjoy fine-dining at one of The Borgata's restaurants by renowned chef Bobby Flay.
Life is hectic and filled with challenges—and most of us just keep pushing through to the next day. But at some point, you should stop and think about rejunvenating your spirit. Do something just for you that appeals to all of your senses and helps you gain perspective on your life. Consider travel. This month we highlight six sensational destinations just a short drive from where you live.
One of Maryland’s finest resorts for nature lovers, The Rocky Gap Lodge & Golf Resort located in the Cumberland Valley offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities. If hiking or biking relaxes you, then this gateway to a 3,000-acre state park is for you. It is about a two-hour drive from Baltimore and is visually breathtaking from top to bottom.
If the great outdoors doesn’t scream getaway, maybe blackjack and world-class entertainment are more your speed. You’ll find gambling, shows, and more at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. This stylish, top-grossing casino debuted in 2003 and has had stars like Gwen Stefani, Bob Dylan, Robin Williams and Stevie Wonder perform in their 1,000-seat The Music Box Theater. And for foodies, the Borgata also has three fine-dining restaurants by renowned chefs Wolfgang Puck, Michael Mina, and Bobby Flay.
Perhaps there is no better place to find divine food, first-class entertainment and endless shopping then New York City. Arguably one of the most invigorating and entertaining places on earth, NYC is just a three-and-a half hour drive for most of us. One of its brightest stars is the newly opened London NYC. Just steps from Fifth Avenue shopping, Broadway theatres, Carnegie Hall, and Central Park, this hotel has three-star Michelin chef Gordon Ramsay’s handprint all over it.
The London NYC is home to Ramsay’s first U.S. restaurant. Offering contemporary elegance and modern French cuisine, Gordon Ramsay at The London is a formal dining restaurant with seating for 60 guests. Open for both lunch and dinner, the establishment offers two completely different experiences—by day, the restaurant features hand-carved timber panels engraved with scenes of English gardens, and by evening, the restaurant transforms into a chic, candlelit room highlighted by glossy pale green lacquered panels.
The Golf Advantage School at The Homestead. Photo Courtesy The Homestead
If New York City is too much hustle-bustle, then go south to Bedford in Pennsylvania’s scenic Cumberland Valley. Built in 1806, the Bedford Springs Resort has been the destination of choice for U.S. Presidents and members of high society. Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1984, the famed Bedford Springs Resort recently underwent an unprecedented $120 million renewal and expansion, restoring the resort to its original grandeur. Situated on 2,200 acres, this four-season resort features 216 guestrooms and suites, a 30,000 square foot Springs Eternal Spa, 25 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, and a $1.5 million outdoor pool & mineral springs-fed indoor pool.
If you venture just a little further south, you’ll find a timeless treasure among historic Virginia’s luxury resorts. The Homestead, located in Hot Springs, Virginia, is one of the world’s finest golf and spa destinations. Experience three championship golf courses, one of the world’s premier spas, a world-class shooting club, fly fishing with Orvis-endorsed instructors, 100 miles of trails to explore, and horseback riding. And if that isn’t impressive enough, try the Cascades Gorge Walk, a guided nature walk traversing 13 magnificent waterfalls.
Virginia Beach is home to another fabulous vacation destination that will satisfy your guilty pleasures. Lush landscaping and colorful English Gardens accent the grounds of The Founders Inn and Spa. From the Grand Georgian architecture to lovely antiques and elegant period furnishings, the charm of this hotel combines the warmth and hospitality of a country inn with all the finest amenities for the ultimate in recreation and relaxation.
The Flowering Almond Spa at The Founders Inn features six treatment rooms: one couple’s room, one for facial treatments, and four dedicated solely to massage therapy. A private conservatory offers peaceful sanctuary for relaxation and meditation before and after treatments.
Sometimes, if it sounds good, feels good, tastes good…it is good. It may just be time for you to explore the possibilities of local travel, wipe the dust and stress off of your daily life, and enjoy the luxe life even if for just a short while. A healthy mind and body make for a healthy, happy life.
Jennifer K. Dansicker works on Editorial Special Projects for ChesapeakeHome. Time for Travel, LTD (timefortravel.org) helped in compiling research for this story.
For More Information:
800-724-0828 or visit rockygapresort.com
866-MYBORGATA or visit theborgata.com
866-623-8176 or visit bedfordspringsresort.com
866-690-2029 or visit thelondonnyc.com
866-354-4653 or visit thehomestead.com
800-926-4466 or visit foundersinn.com
