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Nycci Nellis’s STAYCATIONS

By nycci nellis

July 9th 2008

Photo: Nycci Nellis - photography by Philip Bermingham

Bye-bye Vacations. Hello Staycations. Didya have plans for a lavish vacation to Europe? We did. Did you stop and take a second look at soaring gas prices, the euro from another planet and an economy on crutches? We did. Did you decide that maybe it was more prudent to get away by staying closer to home, while still enjoying the luxury and special dining delights you crave?  We did! And so did thousands of others.

Welcome to the “Staycation,” the latest in relaxing, rewarding getaways that can be enjoyed without...getting away! Following are a slew of ideas, some still in the city and some just outside that will make you feel as though you’re getting away from it all. It’s a list we compiled from Nycci Nellis’s www.TheListAreYouOnIt.com Adding a few of our favorits... Enjoy!

Only a Metro Ride Away...

A Rejuvenated Hotel For All Seasons  The $35 million dollar restoration program continues at Four Seasons Hotel Washington D.C.  Projects span from brand new guestrooms to special, new dining experiences. A renovation and refurbishment of the entire West Wing will add ten spacious guest rooms along with a sixth, entirely new presidential suite.  The Hotel lobby will be completely transformed, along with the adjacent Garden Terrace (set to become the new, signature restaurant and lounge).  Seasons restaurant also will transition from all-day dining to a venue used exclusively for breakfast and private events.  Finally, ENO -- a wine, chocolate and charcuterie bar --will open on the hotel grounds on M Street. 

Added to all that, now you can pamper yourself and a loved one close to home with the help of the romance experts at the Four Seasons with the “Capital Romance” package, with special touches such as champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries or red wine and chocolate truffles upon arrival. It also includes a Four Seasons, full American breakfast, delivered to the room the next morning with a P.S. I Love You personalized card, prepared in advance with a message from guest who booked the surprise. A long stemmed red rose compliments the note and late checkout is guaranteed to ensure the moment isn’t rushed.  Sounds nice!!! Rates begin at $745 for a deluxe room based on double occupancy and includes a $50 food and beverage credit at Seasons restaurant.

Feel Right At Home With Good Fortune - This summer, Mandarin Oriental, Washington D.C. embraces its Asian heritage by celebrating the number “8”, recognized as the most prosperous of all numbers by Chinese culture. 

Set to coincide with the luckiest calendar day of the year, August 8, 2008, the hotel will offer the harmonious Prosperity Package, featuring luxurious accommodations, holistic-inspired amenities and Asian gourmet treats, considered favorable to bringing good fortune.   Available August 1 through September 7, 2008, the package includes: Overnight accommodations in a deluxe guestroom, featuring elements of feng shui; Two, chef-created bento box meals in Café MoZU, served with Elixir tonics, rich in nutrients and formulated to the principles of traditional Chinese medicine; a harmonious gift basket filled with Lai See, a traditional Chinese red packet of ‘lucky’ money; The Zen Book for achieving inner calm and piece of mind, and the Oriental Wisdom CD, a collection of inspirational music produced exclusively for Mandarin Oriental; a trio of homemade Chinese mooncakes, symbolizing longevity and prosperity and valet parking. Rates begin at $388.88 for a Deluxe City View room.  (888.888.1778)

Glamorous Girlfriend Getaway
Accommodation at a large suite, tea sandwiches and cocktails await your arrival at D.C.’s Willard InterContinental’s Glamorous Girlfriend Getaway, a weekend designed by the hotel that is all about you and your best girlfriend(s). Enjoy an aromatherapy massage with a dusting of 24-karat gold powder at the I Spa in the hotel. Next, you will be adorned with fabulous jewelry from The Tiny Jewel Box in preparation for your nighttime limousine tour of the national monuments with a gourmet picnic, complete with champagne, followed by a night of dancing at The Park at Fourteenth, where the limo will drop you off to a VIP entry and pick you up after. For more information go to www.washington.intercontinental.com or for reservations call 202-628-9100, 1-800-827-1747

Stay in Style
How could we do a list of reasons to stay in Washington without mentioning The St. Regis? Located at 923 16th and K Streets, it’s known as “Washington’s Best Address.” Newly re-opened after being “refreshed”, the St. Regis is as breathtaking as ever. They offer several packages with different themes, but we suggest delaying your staycation until September when the hotel opens the highly anticipated Alain Ducasse restaurant Adour. The hotel is also debuting a 5,000 ft. spa later this year. Visit www.stregis.com or call 202-638-2626 for more information.

Cars Eat Free All Summer At DC Area Marriotts! - Escape from rising gas prices this summer by staying home and enjoying a weekend getaway package from Marriott! More than 50 Marriott hotels in the area are offering the Cars Eat Free! package, Thursdays through Sundays, now through September 1, 2008.  It includes deluxe accommodations for two and a $25 gas card from Chevron. A two-night minimum stay is required. Participating brands include JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard, Residence Inn, and Spring Hill Suites. For information or reservations, call 800.834.6418.

The New and The Chic
Straight from New York is the three month old Thompson Hotel located at 1155 14th St., NW. Yes, Thompson Hotel Group has several locations outside of New York, but we all should still feel lucky to have received Donovan House. The hotel itself is picturesque, but the best part for a staycationer is their rooftop pool with gorgeous views of the city. We heard rumors about a pool/bar combination, but their rooftop bar cannot open until Todd English’s (of Olive’s DC) new restaurant opens (planned for December). Even though it’s not quite complete, you will have a great stay at DC’s Donovan House. Call 202-737-1200 for more information.

Just outside the City...

Ritz Right Here - The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner offers a convenient, cost-efficient alternative to long-distance travel for weekends getaways and summer with a “Luxury in Your Backyard” offering.  Stay at the hotel on a value added package, including breakfast for two and a $50 daily hotel credit, and build a personal getaway catering to your own desires.  For example, there are special experiences to be experienced in The Day Spa, retail offerings at the Tysons Galleria malls or rewarding dining experiences at the hotel.  Or, consider booking the Reconnect package, including a complimentary bottle of Cuvee Ritz Champagne with dinner at The Steak House restaurant.

Want a getaway that’s really different...AND meaningful to others?  Consider participating in The Ritz-Carlton’s community initiative, the Give Back Getaway Program.  Events are scheduled throughout the summer at The Rainbow Center at Frazier Stables in Haymarket, Virginia.  Guests spend an inspirational day assisting individuals ages 3 and up who live with psychological, physical, social and emotional disabilities as they experience the therapeutic effects of horseback riding.  There is a unique bond that is formed between a rider and a horse and guests are invited to witness and participate in this extraordinary interaction and truly rewarding experience.  (800.241.3333)

Romance, Middleburg Style - There are lots of ways to stay close to home and still put lots of romance into your relationship.  One idea?  The Goodstone Inn & Estate, a prime, romantic setting for memorable getaways. Their Romantic Package begins with a chilled bottle of fine Champagne and afternoon tea upon your arrival. Then, try to fit in a hike on the Goodstone walking trail or for a soak in the hot tub.  After a magnificent dinner in the Hilltoppers restaurant, return to your room or suite to find soft music playing, the bed turned down, two fresh roses, a pillow gift and hand-dipped chocolate strawberries.  Then...wake up to more! Ease into your morning before enjoying a bountiful continental breakfast or cooked-to-order breakfast entrees prepared by the Goodstone chefs.  The Goodstone’s Romance Package is from $470 per couple midweek and from $550 per couple on the weekend.

The Goodstone Inn & Estate hasn’t forgotten babymooners, either (Moms- and dads-to-be need more R&R&R (Rest & Relaxation & Romance)  than anyone before the big day arrives. Included in the Babymoon Package is a hearty country breakfast for two, as well as dinner for two in Hilltoppers restaurant. Baskets of muffins and coffee are also delivered each morning to greet guests upon awakening.  Additionally, a full English Tea with fresh-baked pastries and scones is served every afternoon in the Great Room at the Carriage House. Expecting couples can select accommodations from five unique dwellings on The Goodstone Inn’s 19th Century estate. Plus, The Goodstone will arrange a gentle, pregnancy massage for expectant moms and a standard massage for dads. A special gift basket awaits the new parents, too. The Babymoon Package is from $700 per couple midweek and from $800 on weekends. (36205 Snake Hill Road, Middleburg, VA;  877.219.4663)

Gassed Up And Ready To Go -  Good Taste! Tours, a culinary tour company based in Loudoun County, VA, offers culinary weekend getaways and day trips to Loudoun County’s wine and food country, with local weekend getaways and culinary day tours for beginners and seasoned cuisine travelers. Tours are designed around activities for a culinary and wine enthusiasts, offering dining at unique establishments, cooking classes in chefs’ homes, local wine tastings and tours, samplings of local artisan products, attendance at food festivals and visits to local farmers’ markets. The Culinary Tour of Rural Virginia is currently offered through Good Taste! Tours and Lansdowne Resort, the four-diamond resort in Leesburg, VA. The weekend getaway includes two nights’ accommodations, wine pairing dinners – one at Lansdowne with Mary Watson, resort sommelier, and another at Patowmack Farm, an organic farm restaurant, chef demonstrations, cooking classes, wine tastings at local vineyards and even VIP seating at Lansdowne’s Jazz on the Potomac.
In addition, Good Taste! Tours will start offering culinary day trips to rural Loudoun County in July which will include “A Culinary Day in Middleburg”, and  “A Food and Wine Excursion of Rural Loudoun”. These day trips will pick passengers up at the West Falls Church Metro and Dulles Town Center and transport them on their culinary adventure. Depending on which tour is chosen, it can include wine tastings at area vineyards with food and dessert pairings, cooking classes, chef demonstrations, organic farm presentations and organic dining. In the future, Good Taste! Tours will launch day-trip programs with transportation to Williamsburg, Charlottesville, Annapolis and beyond. (540.822.5000; www.goodtastetours.com)

Beautiful Anne - When families and singles find Lake Anne, they tend to keep coming back for more. Lake Anne is the original “Live, Work & Play” center of Reston, with its ‘avant-garde’ 1960’s architecture. There’s a bit of an older-times vibe still here, with a pharmacy that includes a post office, lunch counter and ice cream; a funky, used book shop; vintage women’s clothing; a children’s consignment shop; chocolate shop; florist; museum; barbers and hair salons and more. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays are lively at the lakeside plaza, with free concerts, children’s shows, farmers market and a bazaar, special events, and boat rentals. Six one-of-a-kind restaurants with plenty of outdoor seating are big attractions and each carries its own style of live evening entertainment, including bands, open mike and belly dancing (yes, you read it right!). In particular, Chef Eduardo Faubert reigns over Jasmine Café. In Reston, it’s the oldest dining spot, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.   (1609 Washington Plaza, Reston, VA; 703.464.5559)

George Would “Staycate,” Too! - Two area attractions, Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens and the Corcoran Gallery of Art, are partnering to give visitors a good deal. Purchase a ticket to Mount Vernon OR the Corcoran and receive 50% off adult admission to the other site through July 27. This promotion is offered in conjunction with the Corcoran’s special exhibition, The American Evolution: A History through Art, which devotes an entire gallery to George Washington. Included in the exhibition is the famous Gilbert Stuart portrait of Washington and a life mask by Jean Antoine Houdon who created the most accurate likeness of George Washington.  He did so when he made a bust now on display at Mount Vernon with a History Channel video showing how the life mask was prepared and the terracotta bust created.

During the rest of summer, Mount Vernon gives away Its China!   In celebration of the exhibition, “Setting the President’s Table: American Presidential China,” visitors to Mount Vernon now through August 31 can enter to win a piece of porcelain featuring the Martha Washington “States” pattern. A retail value of $45, this popular reproduction comes boxed with a recipe from the Washingtons and a certificate of authenticity. A grand prize winner will receive an entertainment set including a teapot, pedestal cake plate, creamer, sugar bowl, four cups and saucers, and four dessert plates, valued at $750 and courtesy of Woodmere China. Drawings occur daily at 3:00 p.m. in the Shops at Mount Vernon, and the grand prize will be drawn on August 31. No purchase is required, and visitors do not have to be present to win. (Mount Vernon is located at the Southern end of the George Washington Memorial Parkway. Just 16 miles south of Washington)

Town and Country, As You Like It – Staycate at the historic and recently resorted Stonewall Jackson Hotel in Staunton, VA and stroll the town, where everything is within walking distance.  Discover delightful galleries, fine antique stores, artisan shops, the American Shakespeare Center and a choice of 16 fine dining venues. Then maybe consider experiencing a little country.  Hike the Shenandoah National Park with over 500 miles of trails, including 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail or experience Staunton’s very own authentic Farmer’s Market every Saturday morning starting at 7am. (24 South Market Street, Staunton, VA; 540.885.4848)

Photos: (Top L-R) Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Ritz Carlton (Bottom L-R) Saint Regis Hotel, The Willard Hotel

Staycate In Middleburg, And Shop ‘Til You Drop! - Middleburg, is cleaning out its closets and storage areas and moving into the streets on Saturday August 2 for its second annual Middleburg Summer Sidewalk Sale.  There will be more than 20 participating stores and seven restaurants that will be giving away a gas card and providing special deals. AND, if driving out to Middleburg for one day still seems too far, then there are two lovely options to make a weekend staycation.  Both the Middleburg Country Inn and Red Fox Inn will offer special overnight rates for shoppers for a Friday to Saturday stay. The first night, August 1, will be half off, and the second night, Aug. 2, will be at the regular rate. Both are located on Washington Street, downtown. For information or reservations at the Middleburg Country Inn, call: 540-687-6082 For information or reservations at the Rex Fox Inn, call: 540-687-6301.

Slice of Ireland in Virginia
If total relaxation is what you’re after, escape to the Blackthorne Inn in Upperville, VA. The green landscapes and natural beauty of the area will take you away, as they say, “A bit of Ireland in the Virginia hunt country.” After your complimentary breakfast each morning, get swept away with one of the numerous outdoor activities you can enjoy in the area. But don’t completely wear yourself out during the day because you will definitely want to take advantage of the fresh ingredients and delight at the restaurant. Also don’t miss the live music every Friday and Saturday at Wolfe Tone’s Pub.

Below are excerpts on dining from Nycci Nellis’s The List Are You On It. These savory ideas will help you realize you have all the dining options you need right here in and around DC.

Ciao, Italia –You still can enjoy an authentically chic, Italian experience right here in town at Famoso Restaurant & Lounge.  The new summer menu inspired by the Toscana Emilia-Romagna region of Italy is presented by renowned Chef Romina Lugaresi, who presents a new iteration of Italian cuisine in a modern fashion, using traditional ingredients not often found in today’s dishes. The treats she prepares include capesante gratinate (gratin of breaded scallops served with tomato confit, zucchini and caper oil), costolette d’agnello (lamb chop topped with pistachio lemon oil with potato gratin and artichokes) and gnocchi verdi (housemade potato spinach gnocchi with eggplant and smoked mozzarella in tomato sauce with basil). Don’t be fooled by the fact that Famoso is located in the center of the uber chic Collection at Chevy Chase with Tiffany’s, Louise Vuitton and Dior as neighbors.  Close your eyes, inhale the amazing aromas and suddenly, you’re in Bella Italia – for less! (5471 Wisconsin Avenue, Chevy Chase, MD; 301.986.8785)

No Worries Mon ... Hudson Presents Island Patio Happy Hour  – With airplane prices hitting top dollar and the cost of gas over a whopping $4 a gallon, chances are thirsty citizens may not be hitting the roads or not-so friendly skies for a weekend jaunt this year.  Not to worry.  Stay in town.  Use the Metro, hoof it or take a short walk to Hudson every Friday for a hint of the Islands.  Beginning June 27th, and continuing every Friday throughout the summer, Hudson Restaurant & Lounge brings a hint of the Caribbean to DC’s West End.  Take a seat beneath the oversized beach umbrellas on Hudson’s patio, and enjoy not only the warmth of the great outdoors, but also island inspired cocktails such as Jamaica’s own Red Stripe Beer ($5), ‘Dark & Stormy (Gosling’s Rum and Extra Ginger Beer) at $9 and new island classic Cruzan Rum 1944 Mai Tais ($9).  Adding to the ambiance will be live steel drum music for the complete island experience.  Sure, there may not be an over abundance of palm trees or sand on M Street, but the spirit of the Caribbean is alive and well.  Complimentary jerk chicken wings will be served from 6-7 p.m. --it may be the next best thing to being there. (2030 M Street, NW; 202.872.8700)

Spanish Steps – Decided not to make it to Spain this summer?  Step into La Tasca and you’ll feel almost like you’re there.  Sip one of their 12 different kinds of sangrias or various Spanish wines and beers, munch on over 40 tapas and six types of paellas, and don’t forget to try the postres (desserts)!  They also host a really enjoyable happy hour (everyday at the bar from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., with deals on tapas, sangria, wine, beer, and mojitos) or daily specials such as half-price bottles of wine on Sundays and 25% off any paella entrée on Tuesdays. (722 7th Street, NW; 202.347.9190)

Chi mangia bene, mangia Italiano!”  (“He who eats well, eats Italian!”) - Tuscana West is another great spot for an Italian staycation. Unwind on the beautiful patio overlooking Franklin Park—filled with  comfy couches and chairs to sit, chat and unwind, then come in and be transported to a different region of Italy each week—with any of the set 3-Course Regional menu for only $20.08 for lunch and $30.08 for dinner.  Every Friday and Saturday during dinner listen in to the live piano entertainment, and occasionally during the week as well. Every other Saturday night enjoy the spectacular sounds and terrific taste of Italia at TUSCANA WEST!—as some of DC’s finest Opera singers serenade you while you dine with live Opera arias from 7pm to 9:30pm. Along with this performance, in addition to the regular menu, they will be offering a Five-Course Feast and Wine Dinner for only $59, offering a selection of Italian dishes and Italian wines created to tantalize your taste buds. (1350 I Street, NW, 202.289.7300)

Farm Yourself Out – The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm provides a dining ambience only Mother Nature could create.  Our suggestion is to stay at a local B&B and visit Loudoun County’s wine country.  Consider checking in early and have Point to Point Limousine or Reston Limousine pick you up and take you on a Loudoun County wine adventure.   After, dine at The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm, where the a la carte and five-course prix fixe menus by Chef Christian Evans give you the opportunity to dine on local, organic cuisine reflective of the seasons. The Restaurant at Patowmack Farm is located approximately 1 hour from downtown D.C. (540 8229017; www.patowmackfarm.com)