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Overnight getaways don’t have to be far away

Annapolis, Middleburg, Lost River offer easy escapes

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Escape the chaos of the city without the luggage rules, TSA hassles or outrageous airfares. In the time it takes to get to the airport, you can get away to one of several charming locations in the D.C. metro area.

While the city is most popular for a day trip, options abound for overnight accommodations in Annapolis, Md.

“To do Annapolis justice, you really want to stay overnight,” said Graham Gardner, innkeeper of the Two-O-One Bed & Breakfast.

In a town where on-street parking can be a nightmare, the biggest benefits of staying overnight are off-street parking and close proximity to all the attractions.

“Even the farthest restaurant is only a 15-minute walk,” Gardner said.

The Two-O-One’s expansive backyard has a greenhouse, a koi pond and seating for guests to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with Camilla, the spunky resident dog. An hour before breakfast, help yourself to coffee in the butler’s pantry. Gardner finds that guests enjoy the opportunity to meet and mingle over a cup of joe. The elegantly appointed rooms range from $180 to $250 per night.

Just around the corner from the Two-O-One is the 1908 William Page Inn, run by partners Robert Zuchelli and Jon O’Connor, where rooms are available for $165 to $225 per night.

Zuchelli, an Annapolis native and the longest full-time innkeeper in the city, is not an official concierge, but offers, in his words, “concierge-style services” including restaurant reservations, boat bookings and tour recommendations.

While Zuchelli is busy preparing breakfast and booking plans, you can rely on O’Connor to provide insight on local activities.

“He will sit outside and drink wine with you and tell you everything you need to know,” said Zuchelli.

If you prefer the countryside, drive just an hour from Washington to experience the scenic beauty of Middleburg, Va. On your way, stop off for some antique shopping in the little village of Aldie or wine-tasting at any of the many local vineyards.

Downtown Middleburg features stores of all sorts, several taverns and an old-fashioned ice cream shop. “There is something for everybody here,” said local resident Candi Kobetz.

History buffs will be drawn to the Red Fox Inn, an establishment rich with tradition in the heart of downtown. Started as a tavern in 1748, the Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous guests, including George Washington, Elizabeth Taylor and the Kennedy family have visited the Inn over its remarkable history.

The dark wood and low ceiling beams of the Inn’s dining room add to the charm of this truly historic tavern. The Inn’s 14 guest rooms are available 365 days a year and room rates vary from $170 to $245 per night.

Venturing away from downtown Middleburg feels like a tale from a children’s book. Cross the babbling brook and pass the cobblestone walls as you drive into the woods. Continue along the gravel road and emerge to the manicured grounds of the Goodstone Inn and Estate.

If you are looking for luxury and serenity, the 265-acre estate features six different properties including country cottages and a carriage house that originally housed the pride of this region: horses. The Goodstone’s definitively British vibe is punctuated by a daily afternoon tea. Want something less formal? Relax by the ivy-cloaked pool that overlooks expansive fields dotted with wildflowers and bales of hay. Summer rates at the Goodstone range from $250 to $620 per night.

If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, venture two hours west to the Guest House at Lost River in West Virginia. Set just outside the George Washington National Forest, the Guest House provides a tranquil retreat for $145 to $225 per night.

Andrew Huddleston and his husband, Chris Baker, have visited the Guest House every year for the last 10 years. Huddleston describes the property as “a nice hybrid between a bed & breakfast and a hotel.”

The Guest House offers a spacious property where “you don’t have to compete to find a quiet place,” said Huddleston.

Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking, canoeing, cave exploring or horseback riding. Follow your day of adventure with a massage from the on-site masseuse.

Huddleston and Baker return to the rustic and cozy location because it provides a convenient opportunity to get away from the hustle of daily life. “We’re definitely urban people but it’s nice to get away from that sometimes,” Huddleston said.

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Bars & Parties

MAL kicks off Jan. 11 with Bootcamp

Mid-Atlantic Leather begins with party at Bunker

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MAL Weekend kicks off next week. (Image courtesy of Bunker)

Mid-Atlantic Leather Weekend arrives next week with a kickoff event Thursday, Jan. 11 from 10 p.m.-3 a.m. at Bunker. Organizers at Kinetic promise a surprise drill sergeant who will whip you into shape. Joshua Ruiz DJs the event. This event is for VIP pass holders only; visit kineticpresents.com for details.

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Bars & Parties

A roundup of New Year’s Eve parties in D.C.

Celebrate the start of 2024 in style

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Xavier Entertainment LLC will host the seventh annual Times Square NYE Celebration at 10 p.m. at Ivy City Smokehouse. Tickets start at $20 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

New Year’s Eve 2024 at Lost Society will be at 7 p.m. at Lost Society. There will be unique entertainment all night along with a journey of the senses through captivating light shows and LED displays, music, and bottle service presentations throughout the evening. Tickets start at $25 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Busboys and Poets will host New Year’s Eve Open Mic and Party at 10 p.m. at 2021 14th St., N.W. This will be an evening of poetry, live DJ, dancing, food, and good company in a vibrant atmosphere where local artists take the stage, showcasing their talents in various genres. The night will be hosted by the talented Charity Blackwell and will feature award-winning poet Black Chakra. Dyanna Monet will deejay. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

QueerTalk DC will host Sapphic New Year’s Celebration at 8 p.m. at FigLeaf Bar & Lounge. The event will celebrate Sapphic, trans, and non-binary communities and feature complimentary hors D’oeuvres, a Champagne toast and DJ sets by DJ Clamazon and DJ Q. For more details, visit Eventbrite

The Queers Upstairs will host Heels & Ties: A Queer New Years Eve Surprise at 9 p.m. at Aliceanna Social Club. This evening will be an unforgettable LGBTQ New Year’s Eve party where you can sip your favorite cocktails and enjoy small bites while dancing the night away with music from DJ Rosie & DJ Missy. Tickets start at $30 and can purchased on Eventbrite

BuffBoyzz Gay-Friendly Male Strip Clubs will host a male revue that caters to men and women at 8 p.m. at Buffboyzz Male Strippers. The event will be an exciting, entertaining and sexy show of exotic male dancers in that will entertain your pants off. Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

International Events Washington DC will host the 2024 Black Tie New Year’s Eve Gala at 7:30 p.m. at the Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. There will be free-flowing Champagne, an open bar, a spectacular balloon drop in the Euro Discotheque Ballroom and live bands and DJs. For dinner, guests can choose from an elegant sit-down, three-course dinner with Champagne or a dinner buffet of international cuisine. Tickets start at $189 and can be purchased on Eventbrite.

Social Architects will host the 12th Annual New Year’s Eve Casino Night at 8 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Arlington, Va. There will be six rooms of entertainment spread across three floors. The DJs will spin hip hop, R&B, salsa, Afrobeats and old school music. Tickets start at $60 and can be purchased on Eventbrite

Pitchers and A League of Her Own will host a NYE party with complimentary Champagne toast at midnight, party favors, and a DJ all night long.

Shaker’s plans a drag extravaganza with Tatianna and Crystal Edge among others starting at 10:30 p.m.; the $10 cover includes a glass of Champagne. 

Bunker hosts a 12-hour masquerade ball with several DJs, including Joe Gauthreaux. The party starts at 9 p.m. and goes until 9 a.m. on Jan. 1. Tickets start at $45 and are available at bunkerdc.com.

DJ Alex Love spins NYE at Dirty Goose with drink specials at midnight.

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Bars & Parties

Labor Day sees return of SunFestival to Rehoboth Beach

DJs, live auction, comedy and more planned for end-of-summer bash

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A scene from previous SunFestival celebrations. (Blade file photo by Daniel Truitt)

Labor Day Weekend in Rehoboth Beach brings more than the end of summer — it brings the annual SunFestival celebration benefitting CAMP Rehoboth.

The weekend promises two nights of revelry with entertainers and nationally known DJs creating the “ultimate party to close out summer” Sept. 2-3.

Saturday’s $45 general admission tickets are sold out but you can join a waitlist at the event’s website. That ticket grants you access to a comedy show and an auction where you can bid on six experiences like an eight-day boat tour through Belgium and the Netherlands or a week’s stay in Lisbon, Portugal. Organizations have donated these experiences to CAMP to auction off, with all proceeds going to the organization.

The $95 pass to both nights is also sold out. But general admission tickets for the Sept. 3 dance party starting at 7 p.m. with DJs Robbie Leslie and Joe Gauthreaux remain available. CAMP Rehoboth promises a “state-of-the-art club-like atmosphere,” with new design elements and video imaging.

Visit camprehoboth.com for tickets and more information. The weekend’s schedule is below:

Saturday, Sept. 2: A Night of Comedy, Drag, and Song, plus a LIVE Auction! (Doors Open at 6:30 p.m. Auction and show promptly start at 7:30 p.m.) Featuring Dixie Longate and Randy Roberts.

Serving up Tupperware lady realness, join in Dixie’s living room party and all its hilarity. Randy Roberts brings thrills with uncanny impersonations of iconic female vocalists and cabaret.

Experience a night filled with laughter and song as these talented performers will lift your spirits and tickle your funny bone. And not to be missed: the live auction. Check out the live auction items camprehoboth.com/sunfest2023live.

Sunday Sept. 3: A Night of Dance. (Doors open at 7 p.m. Dance ends at 1 a.m.) Featuring DJ Robbie Leslie and DJ Joe Gauthreaux.

Both DJs will offer an unforgettable musical journey starting with classic mirror ball memories, dance floor anthems, and the latest club beats, according to a CAMP Rehoboth statement. Events are held at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center, which CAMP promises will be transformed “into the ultimate dance party to close out the summer.”

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