Top 5 Best Resorts 4 Hours (or less) from Philadelphia
As we begin to consider 'whats next', I know a lot of you are wondering just what is happening to your summer vacation. Instead of globetrotting and exploring our amazing planet's far flung and exotic destinations, this summer is going to be all about the good ole US of A. I, for one, think this is fabulous. We live in an extraordinary country full of beautiful and majestic places. So often these domestic destinations get overlooked in favor of international sites, but this summer I encourage you to consider the beauty that is to be found right here at home.
The Inn at Perry Cabin, St. Michael's, Maryland
I am honestly in love with this delightful manor house resort and spa that sits in beautiful gardens right on the peaceful water of Maryland's Eastern shore. Not even a two hour drive from Philadelphia, you will feel a world away. Elegant yet relaxed, you can spend your days at the spa, in the infinity pool, strolling into the charming town of St. Michael's, or set sail on a heritage sailboat. The onsite restaurant is known for their spectacular seafood and a simply magical waterside setting. Learn to sail through multi-day certification courses or charter the boat for a private evening on the water, sipping cocktails as the sun goes down. You also have the opportunity for kayaking, golfing, paddle boarding, tennis, or the simple pleasure of an afternoon bocce ball game on the lawn. The perfect getaway for families and couples!
Canyon Ranch Wellness Resort, Lenox, Massachusetts A bit farther afield (though just 4 hours from Philadelphia) you can find the famous Canyon Ranch set amidst the wooded Berkshires and within walking distance of charming Lenox. The centerpiece of the resort is the Bellefontaine mansion, built in 1897 and lovingly restored by the current owners after it was left devastated by a fire. Your wellness getaway will be tailored precisely how you like - relaxing, active, nourishing, or a little of everything! Indulge in the famous spa, go hiking or kayaking, consult with experts in everything from nutrition to physiology. If you're feeling exhausted by quarantine food and in need of fresh air and a healthy kick-start to your summer, then Canyon Ranch is the place for you.
Ocean House, Watch Hill, Rhode Island
Perched overlooking the Atlantic, this Gilded Age mansion has been meticulously restored to evoke the timeless elegance of summer at the turn of the century. While from the outside Ocean House looks to be very large, in truth it really is boutique-sized with 49 rooms and 18 suites. The size of the structure is down to the very generously proportioned rooms, ranging from 500 square feet up to over 4,000 square feet. As a guest at Ocean House you can enjoy private golf and tennis arrangements, a full culinary education program, championship croquet, spa and wellness programs, and evening cruises. In the area you will find an array of theaters, vineyards, museums, and deep sea fishing. Our tip? Include a Friday in your stay this summer and you'll get to enjoy one of our favorite old-fashioned New England traditions, a lobster boil on the beach with a live band!
Winvian Farm, Morris, Connecticut
Once described as "Norman Rockwell meets Alice in Wonderland," it is said that Winvian needs to be experienced to be believed. Set on 113 acres and abutting 4,000 acres of conservation land perfect for horseback riding, biking, and hiking, there is also the opportunity just offsite for hot air ballooning, car racing, clay shooting, and more. Though the real charm is to be found right there on the farm, as each of the 15 cottages have been designed by 15 different architects, each with their own unique experience. From the Library cottage where you will find an extensive collection of literary works and a reading area complete with wood-burning fireplace and cozy leather couches, to the Helicopter cottage complete with a fully restored 1969 Sikorsky helicopter, there is a little bit of everything at Winvian Farm.
The Inn at Little Washington, Washington, Virginia
Over the past 42 years, the Inn has received more than its fair share of accolades and awards. In 2020, The Inn was once again awarded three Michelin stars for "exceptional cuisine worth a special journey" and La Liste, the French guide to the world's best restaurants, ranked The Inn #6 in the world. But the fascination with The Inn does not stop at its world-renowned food. The interiors has been carefully and lovingly designed by London set designer Joyce Evans, so you can expect your suite to be as dramatic and exciting as the food. Have an aspiring chef in the family? Why not take the short drive to the Inn at Little Washington and take part in the Stagaire Program, a two to three day program working hands on next to the chef, Patrick O'Connell, and his top notch team.
So, which of these destination strikes your fancy? From active family adventures on the Chesapeake Bay or the Atlantic Ocean, to a wellness getaway in the wooded Berkshires or a unique foodie experience in Virginia or Connecticut, there are so many places to choose from this summer!