Peaks of Otter; Courtesy of Maryann Hammers
By Maryann Hammers
A Virginia vacation has much to offer: national parks, scenic mountains, a long Atlantic coastline, plenty of history — and military discounts, too.
Peaks of Otter Lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains welcomes retired and active duty military members and their families with a 20-percent lodging discount (about $20 off regular rates) on weekends in November and December. Enjoy a hike around Abbott Lake or climb Sharp Top Mountain. Use promo code MILITARY when booking, and show your military ID upon check-in. Call (866) 387-9905 to learn more.
Montfair Resort Farm is a family-owned rustic resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains, surrounded by farms, orchards, wineries, and vineyards. “We’re only 10 minutes from the Sugar Hollow back entrance of Shenandoah National Park,” says owner Leora Sheridan Vincenti. Military members get 15 percent off a stay in a fully furnished, pet-friendly cottage with one or two bedrooms, a bathroom, a kitchen and a porch overlooking a small mountain lake. Hiking trails are nearby, and canoes and mountain bikes are available. Regular rates start at about $130 (depending on date, season, and cabin), so the military price might be as low as about $110. Book online using promo code MILITARY15, or call (434) 823-5202.
Belle Hearth , a bed-and-breakfast (B&B) in the Shenandoah Valley near the Blue Ridge Parkway and Skyline Drive, is a gracious Victorian home with a gabled roof, a wraparound porch with a swing, and seven fireplaces. During the month of November, veterans and current military members who reserve a room for two nights (Sundays through Thursdays) get the second night free. Ask for the Veteran’s Special when reserving. Call (540) 943-1910.
Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge , both in Shenandoah National Park, offer retired and active duty military members and their families a 20-percent midweek lodging discount (about $22 off regular rates). Hike the Appalachian Trail, explore Skyline Drive, or just enjoy the views. Accommodations include rustic cabins, lodge rooms, and hotel rooms and suites. Use promo code MILITARY when booking online. Call (877) 847-1919 to learn more.
Shadow Mountain Escape , which borders Shenandoah National Park, offers active duty and retired military members and veterans a year-round 10-percent discount. Accommodations include timber-frame cabins nestled in a woodland setting. “This is a romantic couple’s escape on the ‘Blue Ridge Whiskey Wine Loop,’” says Karen Riddle, who owns and operates the property with her husband Ralph, a retired Army officer. But leave the kids at home: “We are a couple’s-only escape — we don't allow children,” Riddle says. When booking online, type MILITARY in the discount box. Call (540) 843-0584.
Marriott's Manor Club , a Marriott Vacation Club luxury resort in Williamsburg, is near championship golf courses, Busch Gardens, and Colonial Williamsburg. The property includes a fitness center, tennis, indoor and outdoor pools, free parking, free Wi-Fi, and no resort fees. Active duty, Reserve and National Guard, and retired military members get a 15-percent discount through Dec. 31, 2016. Use promo code XYD. Call 757-258-1120.
The Tides in Chesapeake Bay country is a full-service resort with waterfront views, a spa, lakeside golf (or a complimentary par 3 course), and a marinaon Carter’s Creek. Use of bicycles, the fitness center, paddleboards, kayaks, paddleboats, and canoes are complimentary with the resort’s amenities fee of $27. The resort is near the Wine Trail and Art Trail. Active duty military personnel and veterans are offered up to a 30-percent discount. Reserve online on the military page, or call (855) 421-0412.
Fourteen B&Bs in Virginia offer active duty military members and veterans a free one-night stay on or around Veterans Day as part of the B&Bs for Vets program . To learn more, click here for the B&Bs for Vets home page; then click on the B&B that interests you; then click on the “Special Offers” tab to view the Veterans Day offer. Book directly with the participating inn.
Barter Theatre , Virginia’s state theatre in Abingdon (in Southwest Virginia), was founded in 1933 during the depths of the Great Depression. Back then, local farmers bartered vegetables, meat, and fresh milk in exchange for an evening's entertainment. Gregory Peck, Ernest Borgnine, and Frances Fisher are among the stars of stage and screen who’ve performed at Barter. Active duty and retired military members with ID get $5 off regular ticket prices (normally priced $25-$45). Call (276) 628-3991.