Virginia Getaways For End-Of-Summer Quarantine Escape

VIRGINIA — Looking for an end-of-summer or early autumn getaway for the family? You'll find plenty of places in the mountains and valleys in Virginia where you can socially distance and avoid the traffic jams experienced by travelers going to Ocean City or Virginia Beach.

Whether it's for a weekend or a weeklong visit, many resorts and parks in western and southwestern Virginia have cabins and rooms available. Experts say even a short trip can be good for your mental health in the age of coronavirus.

By staying in Virginia or crossing the border into West Virginia, you won't have to worry about police tracking out-of-state license plates in some northeastern states. Before you book a cabin or room, though, be sure to look up any restrictions for your destination.

All the parks and resorts highlighted below are welcoming overnight guests, although some may have restrictions on recreation and indoor activities.

The most popular mountain destination in Virginia, Shenandoah National Park, is open for driving (on Skyline Drive), hiking and camping. All entrance fees at Shenandoah National Park are $30 for a single vehicle, which gives you unlimited entry for seven days.

Head west from Shenandoah National Park and you’ll discover the George Washington National Forest and Jefferson National Forest, which doesn’t have entry gates or entrance fees. The George Washington National Forest and Jefferson National Forest, which is also part of the National Park Service, has a plethora of recreation opportunities, including hiking, paddling, bicycling, camping, wildlife viewing, fishing and scenic driving.

Not in the mood for setting up a tent? There are many cabins in the mountains and valleys of Virginia available to rent. The resort operators are being extra careful in keeping their rooms and cabins clean and keeping their guests safe from the coronavirus.

Southern Comfort Lakeside Cabin Resort, southwest of Charlottesville, has some beautiful cabins available for two days or an entire week. August is booked up, but Southern Comfort has cabins ready to book starting in early September and might have some late-August cancellations. The resort even offers some pet-friendly cabins.

Not too far from Southern Comfort Lakes Cabin resort you’ll find Iris Inn, a mountain retreat featuring luxury rooms, cottages and cabins. Perched in the Blue Ridge Mountains near Waynesboro, Iris Inn is only 12 miles east of Staunton, 25 miles west of Charlottesville, and 3 miles away from the beautiful outlooks of the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive.

Sandy River Outdoor Adventures, south of Charlottesville near Farmville, has fully furnished luxury cabins and luxury tipis. Yes, luxury tipis. Unlike the cabins, the glamping tipis are pet-free zones. Sandy River emphasizes on its website that its housekeeping staff works "to ensure that our guests' rooms and public spaces are maintained at the highest standards of hygiene." Its recreational facilities, including its high-ropes courses and zip lines, are open but reservations are required.

Smith Mountain Lake State Park offers hiking trails, cabins and primitive camping. The park is on the north shore of Smith Mountain Lake, the second largest freshwater lake in the state, about 40 miles from both Lynchburg and Roanoke.

If you’re looking for a cabin rental closer in, check out Hot Tub Heaven Vacation cabins near Front Royal. Just head west on I-66 and you’ll be at your cabin in less than 90 minutes. Many of the cabins are pet-friendly.

Looking for an individual cabin. Virginia’s tourism website has a wonderful list of “cozy” cabins available from northwest to southwest Virginia.

Harpers Ferry National Historical Park is an easy day trip, just across the border in West Virginia. Walking and taking in the outdoor sights are all you can do now because the indoor parts of the national park are closed. You can still hike up to Jefferson Rock. Along the river, you’ll still get to see how high the Shenandoah River rose during Hurricane Agnes 1972 and feel the ghost of John Brown as you walk around the lower part of town.

Whether it's a day trip or for a week, remember to bring your masks, hand sanitizer and cleaning wipes. It might also be wise to bring your own sheets and towels. Once you arrive at your destination, be sure to wipe down the surfaces you'll be using on a regular basis. It can't hurt to give the room a second wipe-down, even though the owners have made cleanliness a priority.

The safest and best option, especially in these rural areas, is to bring your own food. If you don’t bring your own food, use drive-thru or curb-side pick-up, although many of these destinations are in rural areas without fast food and takeout options.

All of these destinations boast great opportunities for hiking and other outdoor activities. If the weather is nice, stay outside, where there’s increased airflow and increased ventilation. Most important, try to relax and enjoy your vacation.

ALSO READ: Summer Travel: DC, VA Among Best For Road Trips Plus Airport Tips

This article originally appeared on the Fairfax City Patch