It’s finally summer!! But we’re also in the time of COVID, so I’m not exactly rushing to get on an airplane anytime soon. I’ve been thinking about trips, but as someone who hates being in the car, my mental limit is about 5 hours. But where could I have a chic vacation getaway 6 hours from Cleveland?
I brought in my Insta-friend and travel agent Christina Carzoo of Christina Carzoo Travel to help!
Here’s Christina!
Nemacolin, A Woodlands Resort - Located about 3 and a half hours from Cleveland, Ohio, Nemacolin is the perfect getaway for Northeast Ohio residents. Tucked in the Allegheny Mountains of Pennsylvania, the super luxurious Nemacolin Woodlands Resort is a four-season playground where the possibilities of creating an unparalleled getaway are never ending. Guests can enjoy their international acclaimed spa, world-class golf, sporting clay, their equestrian center, fine dining, bowling, zip lining, tennis, Jeep off-roading, and a number of great pools among their countless great activities. You could also pair a trip to Pittsburgh and Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous Fallingwater House (if you’re an architecture buff) on this getaway.
Finger Lakes: I absolutely love the Finger Lakes as a getaway from Northeast Ohio. It’s about 5-6 hours, depending on what part you go to and there is so much to see and do. Finger Lakes is a world-class wine producing region that boasts over 100 wineries, breweries and distilleries around the area. The area is made up of eleven beautiful lakes, perfect for exploring during the summer. On the way into the area Letchworth State Park, known as the Grand Canyon of the East, is a must visit. There are also countless gorges and waterfalls begging to be explored such as, Taughannock Falls State Park in Ithaca which boasts a jaw-dropping 215 foot waterfall, Watkins Glen State Park where you can explore 19 waterfalls located along the walk-able and publicly accessible Gorge Trail, and the Cascadilla Gorge Trail. It’s also home to quirky the quirky city Ithaca, home to Cornell University. There are two good options for accommodation in the area, the charming Inns of Aurora, features a farm-to-table restaurant, casual pub, village market & wellness center set among the charming setting of Aurora, NY and on the shore of Cayuga Lake. The other option is The Lake House Canandaigua, which is one of the most highly anticipated hotel openings of the year, according to Vogue, scheduled to open by mid-August. The Lake House is located on the banks of the pristine Canandaigua Lake. Designed to integrate the area’s nature and beauty, the 125-room hotel will introduce guests to lake life—one that involves slow, sunny walks in the garden; long days spent sailing and swimming; cozy nights by the fire; and feasts of locally-grown produce and the internationally renowned wines of the region.
Inn at Perry Cabin - A charming manor house resort and spa, Inn at Perry Cabin by Belmond sits in beautiful gardens that reach down to the gentle waters of Maryland’s Eastern shore. Steeped in history and style, this colonial mansion is the perfect rural retreat. Relaxation is the order of the day: lounge in the fabulous Linden Spa, enjoy world-class golf, float in the infinity pool or savor seafood in the gastronomic restaurant. Stroll into St. Michaels to discover intriguing antiques shops—or set out to sea on a yacht or heritage craft. While just a pleasant drive from Washington, D.C. and less than two hours from Baltimore and Philadelphia, it’s easy to add one of these vibrant cities to explore your trip. (Note: This one is about 7 hours from Cleveland, but such a peaceful, beautiful option on the Eastern seaboard).
Salamander Resort and Spa - Set on 340 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains amid Virginia’s famed horse country and lush vineyards, and just 40 miles to the west of Washington DC, Salamander Resort & Spa is designed to blend into the natural environment in which it sits. The resort features 168 luxurious rooms and suites, designed with equestrian elements and many complete with a fireplace, a 23,000-square-foot spa, a full-service equestrian center, Virginia Piedmont-inspired dining, a dedicated cooking studio, wine bar and countless activities to entertain you such as hiking and biking, zip lining, archery and axe throwing, fishing, falconry, golf, tennis and swimming. This is the perfect retreat for couples and families alike complete with beautiful scenery and ample opportunities for enough activities to keep you busy.
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21c Louisville - This is a city getaway in the very cool Southern city of Louisville, Kentucky. Foodies will love exploring this great little city, which is part of the famed Bourbon Trail. Louisville is for sure an up-and-coming destination and sports enthusiasts will love to check out the Muhummad Ali Center, the Louisville Slugger Factory and tour Churchill Downs. This hotel is located in a super-cool neighborhood and it totally unique as the main feature is a museum showcasing some of the world’s best contemporary art. 21c was founded by contemporary art collectors and preservationists who have a passionate belief in the power of innovative and thought-provoking art to transform communities. 21c was founded with a mission of broadening the audience for and deepening appreciation of contemporary art. A multi-venue museum, the property features contemporary art exhibition space open free of charge to the public, combined with a boutique hotel and chef-driven restaurant.
The Hotel Hershey- I wanted to include a family-friendly option for your readers and this is the perfect escape from Cleveland for families wanting a fun experience with an amusement park, but not wanting to travel to Disney. The Hotel Hershey offers 276 rooms of classic elegance, including suites and 10 spacious Woodside Cottages. Guests will also enjoy the chocolate-inspired Spa At The Hotel Hershey, a variety of dining options for all tastes, seven boutique shops, and recreational activities such as an outdoor pool complex featuring waterslides, Segway tours, hiking trails, falconry, golf, shuffleboard, croquet, bocce ball, tennis, sand volleyball, Hershey character appearances and family s’mores roasts among their countless offerings. While there is enough in Hershey to keep a family busy, families can also pair this with a trip to historic Philadelphia to enjoy the city and sights there.
Why use a travel agent? With the rise of people opting to plan their trips online some may think the use of a travel agent when planning their vacation is outdated or unnecessary. I work hard to change that perception and show the value my profession brings to my clients.Think of me as your modern day travel agent. Gone are the days of old school travel agents sitting behind their desks booking travel in a purely transactional manner. In reality, the modern travel agent is exploring exotic locations and properties on the regular. As a result of these travels, we provide clients with destination insight, diverse experiences and peace of mind.
My clients also have access to the Virtuoso network’s many amenities such as: room upgrades (when available), free breakfasts, resort credits and VIP treatment. These features are unavailable to travelers who choose to book travel on their own. Anyone can book a trip online. Where I add value is leveraging my relationships with my global suppliers and properties to provide my clients access to fabulous perks, while providing a truly unique and VIP experience.
To learn more or to plan your perfect getaway please email Christina at ChristinaCarzooTravel@gmail.com or you can visit https://christinacarzootravel.com. You can also follow her travel adventures on Instagram @ChristinaCarzooTravel.