The 12 Stays of Christmas in the Old Dominion

The song says "there’s no place like home for the holidays," but we think there’s no better time of year for a fabulous vacation! If a holiday getaway sounds like the perfect present to you, we’ve got a dozen great places to indulge yourself:

Revolutionary R & R

Follow in George Washington’s footsteps in Old Town Alexandria and kick back at the luxurious Monaco (www.monaco-alexandria.com).This Kimpton boutique hotel even welcomes your furry family with no additional fees and has weekly doggy happy hours. Or take a trip back in time to the 18th century at the Williamsburg Inn (www.colonialwilliamsburg.com) where old world elegance reigns supreme with fresh greenery, a crackling fire, and Southern hospitality. Both hotels are in the heart of the shopping and dining areas in these two Colonial-era towns.

Old-Fashioned Fun

Grab a board game and a comfy sofa in front of the fireplace in the cozy lounge at The Tides Inn (www.tidesinn.com) on the Northern Neck or grab a guest bike and explore the charming town of Irvington. If it’s too cold to take a sail, head to the spa for an invigorating massage. Or celebrate the holiday in horse country at the historic Red Fox Inn (www.redfox.com) in Middleburg. Dating back to 1728, the Inn is steps from the tony boutiques and antique stores in the heart of Virginia’s hunt country.

Christmas Stars in Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains

Known as "the star city of the South," Roanoke’s lighted star on Mill Mountain shines brighter during the holidays, and the elegant Hotel Roanoke (www.hotelroanoke.com) is filled with festive Christmas trees during its annual "Fashions for Evergreens" display benefitting the United Way. The hotel is just a block from Market Street, filled with shops, restaurants, and holiday special events. Nature lovers who need a mountain fix should head up the Blue Ridge Parkway to the Peaks of Otter Lodge, one of the only retreats open year-round. You’ll have to hike to Sharp Top though, as the bus doesn’t run in the winter months.

Spas & Sports

Ski into the New Year at The Homestead Resort & Spa (www.thehomestead.com), take a romantic carriage ride around the property or learn the art of falconry at this sprawling sports resort. If you prefer indoor activities, visit the resort’s bowling alley or just kick back in the sumptuous lobby or soak in the historic spring waters at the resort’s spa to wind down after your sporting day. The Boars Head Inn (www.boarsheadinn.com) in Charlottesville doesn’t have ski slopes or hot springs, but golf and tennis buffs will love the world class greens and courts, and golf widows can head to the spa for some holiday pampering. Don’t be surprised to see Santa and Mrs. Claus roaming around the resort!

Champagne and Shopping

Ring in the New Year with a Jefferson Hotel (www.jeffersonhotel.com) staycation. Special packages for Christmas and New Year’s include everything from gift cards to celebratory dinners, and you don’t have to worry about over-indulging! Professional shoppers should head to the Ritz-Carlton (www.ritzcarlton.com/Tysons) at Tysons Corner: it’s connected to one of the largest upscale shopping malls in Virginia. After checking out the annual gingerbread display in the hotel lobby, hit the shops for the holiday sales.

Beaches and B &B’s

If you’re craving a winter walk on the beach, try the venerable Cavalier Oceanfront (www.cavalierhotel.com) in Virginia Beach. While the original hotel on the hill is closed during the winter season, the Oceanfront welcomes adventurous beachgoers with bargain rates. For a home away from home in the heart of wine country, the new Inn at 400 West High (www.400westhigh.com) in downtown Charlottesville is a delightful oasis just steps away from the pedestrian mall. From the moment you arrive, you’re greeted with fresh-baked cookies and friendly faces. A complimentary bottle of wine and fridge full of sodas and bottled water, as well as cookies, fruit, and snacks may remind you of Mom’s kitchen, and the morning crepes and yogurt parfaits are not to be missed.

Check the hotel and resort websites for special holiday packages and activities.