Weekend getaway in the DC area?

So, I think my BF is coming back to the US with me over Christmas. I was thinking about possibly going away for a few days, but I didn't want it to be so far that it took us a full day to get there or a full day to get back. I'm looking for any suggestions within a 3-4 hour driving radius of Washington DC. The weather could potentially be crap, so I don't want anyplace too far into the mountains of West Virginia that we'll get stuck in the snow. Oh, and we don't ski, so that's not a priority.

Any ideas?

Not sure how Deep Creek Lake is in the winter... snow could be an issue but not generally.

How about St Michaels or one of the islands? New Hope, PA? Frederick?

I thought about Deep Creek Lake. It's the weather out there that scares me. I've been to St. Michael's and I'd like to go somewhere new for me. I'll have to take a look at New Hope. I hadn't thought about that. I just found The Country Inn at Berkeley Springs. They have a spa!    Weather wise, it's probably no better than Deep Creek. 

I always like the beach in the winter, too. Rehobeth or Lewes?

My husband and I have stayed a few times at the Cornwall Inn in Pennsylvania:
http://www.cornwallinnpa.com/

I absolutely adore the place. It's an old company store that's been beautifully converted into a B&B. The rooms are lovely and the food is unbeatable, and it has a wonderful peaceful feeling. It's about 3 hours or so from DC, and it's a nice easy drive once you get out of DC traffic. 

I'm not sure what there would be to do in the winter. If the weather's not too awful, Longwood Gardens is fantastic, and they have some great greenhouses--we were there in February once and it was gorgeous.

Also check out Coolfont Resort (in Berkeley Springs). Under new management, so can't speak to that, but it was really nice a few years ago!

How about Skyline Drive (in Virginia)? Big Meadows Lodge is in the middle of the park- very cozy! And gorgeous views!

http://www.visitshenandoah.com/lodging-food/big-meadows-lodge.cfm

Thank you for your suggestions! Unfortunately, the BF was not as excited about the spa weekend as I was. Boo!    Skyline Drive would be amazing, but I'm worried about the weather since it will be winter. That lodge looks great, but it's not open when we're going to be there. I will bookmark it for a later date though!
Right now we're kicking around Cape May, NJ. It's about 3.5 hours from my parent's house. I think I have my heart set on going to the beach, even if it's winter! Has anyone ever been there?

I haven't been myself but I have heard good things. Though it may be a bit girly as I think there's a big wedding industry out of there?

I haven't been myself but I have heard good things. Though it may be a bit girly as I think there's a big wedding industry out of there?

Hmmm.....maybe that will be an excellent choice....could plant some ideas in his head! 

What about Colonial Williamsburg?  I think they do a charming Christmas display and it might be interesting for him to see the historical aspect as well?  FYI, I have lived in DC all my life, and I would have to say that for the past 4 Decembers, we have had no major weather or snow- usually we get hit with snow around February, if at all, so you might luck out! Have fun!

I always like the beach in the winter, too. Rehobeth or Lewes?

 
I think balmerhon has a good idea. Only the locals are there during the winter, so you have no crowds to worry about. Dewey Beach (next to Rehoboth) has a bar called the Starlight Inn that supposedly has the largest selection of hot sauces in the world (although I never went there for the hot sauces the year I was in on a beach house there, and I'm sure hot sauces aren't your primary concern). There should be a Best Western open there. 

Thanks for your suggestions! I kicked around Williamsburg and you're right, it would be beautiful, but it's a bit far from my parent's, about 5 hours. I'm definitely into the beach idea, so I think we're going to Cape May. They have some Christmas things going on, it's about 3.5 hours from my parent's, and it's the beach!

And a beach made out of sand, not stones, as it is here in Hove (the stones, I mean).

Heya. I'm a born and raised native Washingtonian!  I can't recommend enough the Skyline Drive suggestion.  Absolutely beautiful.  There are actually two lodges in Skyline: Big Meadows and Skyland, so check both. I think Big Meadows closes earlier in the season because it's higher elevation.  We've been there many times, both tent camping and staying at the lodge.  There are a lot of cute villages in the area too like Sperryville, Lurray and Little Washington. Just north of Little Washington there is a traditional English pub, started by an American couple who lived in the UK for several years!  I forgot the name, sorry.

Rehoboth Beach is another excellent place to visit, even in winter. We just came back from a weeks holiday in Rehoboth for our annual beach week.  Lots of nice B&Bs and the town is very traditional and quaint unlike some of the larger nearby beach resorts. Suzanne, the restaurant in Dewey that you mentioned is actually called the Starboard. It has an amazing brunch including Crabs Delmarva: eggs benedict with lump crab meat. (As you can tell from my screenname, I'm a HUGE fan of crabs!)  They also have a huge Bloody Mary bar but I prefer mimosas (Bucks Fizz, for you Brits!)  Rehoboth also has a huge Christmas carnival but not sure about the dates.  Next to Rehoboth is the small Dutch village of Lewes. From there, you can take the ferry to Cape May NJ. Personally, I find Rehoboth much nicer and romantic than Cape May.

Another reason to go to Rehoboth: TAX-FREE SHOPPING!  Delaware is one of a handful of US states that have no sales tax. We always take an empty suitcase to Rehoboth to stock up on clothes that are a fraction of what you will pay in the UK.  Rehoboth has hundreds -- HUNDREDS -- of name-brand outlet shops.

FYI: Skyline is just under 2 hours drive from Washington; Rehoboth is about 2 hours, 15 minutes, depending on Bay Bridge traffic.

ap, I had a brain lapse. I know it's the Starboard, considering how much time I spent in the place years ago. And the bloody Mary Sundays were the best (hair of the dog, and all that)!
Rehoboth and Dewey beaches are right next to each other, although Dewey doesn't have a boardwalk.

Anyway, Bmore, it's too bad he can't visit during the fall/autumn. Skyline Drive's views of the tree leaves changing color is absolutely beautiful. (My husband's been to the States--in the D.C. area--only during Christmastime, so he has no idea what that area's like during other times of the year.)