My wife and I have all day on a Friday and half a day Saturday later this month for a quick (and yet fun and romantic!) getaway to celebrate our 5th anniversary. It will be the first time we've been away from the kids together overnight in three years, so we want relaxing, but not boring. We're in DC, and I just made a reservation at our fifth-choice country inn in Virginia, but I'm afraid it will be a little TOO relaxing, and we'll waste this once-in-three-years opportunity. We're in DC, and I thought about a quick trip to Philly or NYC, but thought that might be a little too hectic. Saw a web site for an inn in Delaware called Montchanin, near Longwood Gardens, Winterhur, etc., but sounds a little funky, and not sure I want to risk it. Any ideas? Thank you.

If you can afford it, having dinner and spending the night at the Inn at Little Washington would be my ideal anniversary. The Ashby Inn in Paris, VA is also very nice and romantic, and much less expensive. The restaurant is cozy and the food is quite good, and the rooms are lovely (especially in the schoolhouse), and the village of Paris is tiny but very interesting. If you're looking for more to do in the area, there are several wineries within a half-hour drive of the Inn, as well as the town of Middleburg, lots of antique shops, beautiful horse farms, etc.

We just had the same opportunity last weekend --one night away without kids to celebrate our anniversary --and we chose Inner Harbor in Baltimore. Previously we had stayed at an inn in Fell's Point called The Admiral Fell Inn, which was very nice; quaint, some rooms have jacuzzis. This time we chose the new Marriott Waterfront, which was nice, too, but much larger of course. We really enjoy the waterfront --riding the water taxis, finding a restaurant with a great view of the water, taking in the sights... Restaurants we've tried and would recommend are: "Lista's", a New Mexican restaurant in Fell's Point with outdoor seating on the waterfront; and "The Rusty Scupper", which is very nice (not cheap!), over by the Science Center.

Have fun!

August 18-19 is the Virginia Wine Festival, in The Plains, VA, just 45 minutes from DC. There's going to be food, wine and entertainment. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

Thanks Ken and "mom" for your replies. I was strongly considering the Inn at Little Washington, but their CHEAPEST available room for that night was $700 (!) not including dinner. While that's well within the budget I had planned, I just couldn't make myself pay $700 for a hotel room in a small town in Virginia. What could possibly make one of those rooms worth that kind of money?
Mom, your idea about the Inner Harbor is a good one, but we're Oriole season ticket holders, so we go there a lot and it wouldn't be "different" enough for a special occasion. Thank you both for your thoughtful replies.

What about Annapolis? I don't have specific B&B/inn suggestions, but I have heard that there are boat B&B--there's a crew to sail it, and you stay on the boat. There was an article in the Post last year, I think. Try your question during the travel chat on www.washingtonpost.com. I think the chat is every Monday at 2 p.m. (not sure on the date).

While I'm not sure how far of a drive it is or if its feasible for one night, but my sister who lives in Baltimore went away for a 3 day anniversary trip last year to one of the honeymoon resorts in the Poconos of PA. Just for the record, I had always thought these were cheesy an outdated, but she went to the Ceasar's Palace Resort which was new and apparently very nice with plenty of activities and yes, even the famous heart-shaped whirlpool.

I agree with you that it's nuts to spend 700.00 per night in an inn. Some friends of ours who didi it thought it wasn't worth the money. They suggested renting a limo to go there and back. Bit since you want to stay away overnight, how about having dinner at the Inn in Little Washington, and then stay at another inn nearby (check the Washington Post; I can't remember the name of the place they recommended). I personally just love the Tides Inn on VA' Northern Neck; they have great food, golf, tennis, boating.

I have been to the Little in (washington) and the Montchanin Inn - they are very different experiences. The Little Inn is very romantic, the finest restaurant, and top service -- the Montchanin was lovely, no, nice - our "cabin" was the Belin - a lovely downstairs w/ working gas fireplce and wet bar - a beautifuo marble bath upstairs, walk in shower - a breath away from "kats" a creative and delicious innovative restaurant - the Longwood gardens are a close drive and beautiful - but I would not call this a "romantic" get-a-way.

I hope you read this message in time...I think I have a great idea for you and your wife...if you don't mind driving too much (about 150 miles one way - about 3 hours) I suggest you go to New Hope, Pennsylvania in Bucks County. It's charming and beautiful at the same time. There are many inns and hotels...I recommend the Pineapple Hill B&B -(215)862-1790 -they have a website - the rooms are gorgeous and you will awake to a fanstastic country style breakfast. There are many romantic restaurants for dinner. There's an Italian restaurant off Main Street that overlooks a small lake. It's wonderful, but I can't remember the name of it! You can also see "Broadway" show at the Bucks County Playhouse on Main Street. There's lots of shops to browse in and the area is known for antiquing. It's only a short drive to Peddler's Village. New Hope also offers a real live Mule Barge ride which takes you by Revolutionary War cottages and other sights. There's also a train ride. I hope this works out for you. I know there are many websites for New Hope, Bucks County, the Playhouse, and Mule Barge Ride. Enjoy!

If you really want to stay in a romantic B&B (and not in some cheezy and ugly place like Pineapple Hill B&B),
you should book a night at one of the Suites in Rittenhouse B&B in Philadelphia. The place has works of Impressianits everywhere, the breakfast room reminds you of Europe and their suites have jacuzzis.

Rob, please ignore Igor's comments about the Pineapple Hill Inn...if you check out their website you will see for yourself that there isn's anything "cheezy" about it. The person who gave who the info about New Hope and Bucks County is right - it's beautiful and charming...you might as well stay in DC if you're going to "schlep" all the way to Philadelphia.

Rob, please ignore Igor's uninformed comments about the Pineapple Hill B&B in New Hope, PA...there isn't anything "cheezy" about it and a trip to their website will prove that to you...Sounds like Igor has got a grudge against someone or something...Anyway, the person who advised you about New Hope and the Bucks County area was right...it is beautiful and charming...A great place to relax and still have things to do and see.

Nemacolin: A spa ... and lots of activities, plus a great restaurant; Fallingwater if you feel like some culture, whitewater rafting, if you feel like more action!