"Casual" Vacation Rental Around DE,MD,or VA
 

Hi All,

This is kind of a stre--tch but...

I am looking for a place to stay for a few days over Christmas.
My mother lives in NC and I live in MA.
We were considering meeting half-way (approximately) for the holiday.
I was thinking of a relaxed country-style atmosphere, maybe cabins, cottages, or a lodge-type of place where we could even get a small x-mas tree.
She has a dog (standard poodle).

Anyone ever stay anywhere in the VA, MD, DE, area that was clean, cozy, somewhat inexpensive and pet friendly?

Thanks to all!!!

Crystal

Where in MA? Where in NC?

Asking because avoiding I-95 (or at least a big chunk of it) would make for a better time by all.

Until then, some first thoughts are:

Berkeley Springs, WV (mountains, closer to I-81)

Havre de Grace, MD (water, closer to I-95)

St. Michaels, MD (water, close to Rt. 50, you would peel of I-85 after Wilmington DE, Mom would take the Bridge-Tunnel Rt.13 at Norfolk, VA)

...peel off <b>I-95</b> after Wilmington DE,...

You might look around Wintergreen in Virginia. It's a ski resort, but there are other rental cabins in the area. It's off I-64, sort of between Charlottesville and I-81, and not a far drive from 81. It may be a longer trip for your mother than you, though. It's a very pretty area in the summer (lots of wineries) but I haven't actually been there in the winter.

I use vrbo.com a lot, you should be able to find what you are seeking on there...

We have stayed with our dogs in properties owned by Hot Tub Heaven in the Shenandoah Mtn area: http://www.hthva.com/

They have a bunch of single family homes, dog friendly, cozy but not fancy. Reasonable prices. Sort of out in the country, so great dog walking areas. We like them because they all have cheerful decor, most have wood-burning fireplaces, and all have fabulous hot tubs. Awesome in the snow and very relaxing. I'm sure you could have a tree in one. The only drawback for my super tall husband is that they have full beds that felt small compared to our king. The owners are really nice and accommodating.

We have also had great luck finding pet friendly rental cottages on VRBO in many locations.

Also consider Annapolis, MD, which is great at Christmas time- very charming and small town but with lots of restaurants and shops. Chestertown, MD on the Eastern SHore is also charming with great birding/outdoor walks.

Other lovely smaller cities that put you close to nature but have charm and amenities worth visiting: Charlottesville, Va; Williamsburg, Va (so magical at Christmas); Shepherdstown, WV; Deep Creek Lake, Md- you should find pet-friendly vacation home rentals in all these areas.

Good luck!

I would nix Berkeley Springs and second Shepherdstown. You may run out of things to do in and around Berkeley Springs, but a place in Shepherdstown would put you within striking distance of all of metro DC's offerings via the MARC rail (commuter train).

We've had lots of success with vrbo.com as well.