It was time for our annual end-of-summer/early fall road trip, and we wanted to go somewhere new. The criteria was easy: somewhere less than a four-hour drive, with plenty of relaxation and gorgeous scenery.

We initially chose Northern Virginia – Leesburg, to be specific – for its easy proximity to New Jersey, and for the luxurious hotel that captured our attention: the nearly 300-room Landsdowne Resort. This sprawling yet intimate property had everything we needed for some much-needed R&R: great dining options, three swimming pools and, most importantly, a spa. (It’s also a popular place for golf, with 2.5 courses on its 500-acres).

There was so much to choose from within its secluded grounds that it would have been easy to stay on the property our entire stay. But the Landsdowne was also a perfect jumping-off spot for exploring everything from nearby wineries and waterfalls to fun boutiques and eateries.

After checking in to our room – which provided an amazing view of one of the golf courses and a bit of the Potomac River – we settled in at the largest of the resort’s three outdoor pools. There’s also an indoor pool and jacuzzi, as well as a poolside bar and grill if you want bite to eat.

Located just 30 miles outside of Washington D.C., the Landsdowne is popular for conferences, weddings and “regular” vacations. Interestingly, it also has pet-friendly rooms — we chatted with a woman who lives nearby that visits often on her daily walks with her Corgi to secure a pup treat from the bellman.

After chilling at the pool, we rounded out our day by taking a quick drive to one of the more than 50 wineries and tasting rooms in picturesque Loudoun County, Va. Since Willowcroft Farm Vineyards barreled its first wine more than 30 years ago, the region has flourished with varietals like Chardonnay, Viognier, and Bordeaux blends, alongside Spanish-style Albariño and Norton, Virginia’s own grape. Marketed as “DC’s Wine Country” for its close proximity to the nation’s capital, October is billed as “Virginia Wine Month,” with special events at the various wineries that run through the region’s vine-covered hills.

We enjoyed a relaxed tour and wine-tasting at the popular Stone Tower Winery, which has two tasting rooms, both of which offer the same fine wines and views. The Harvest Barn – the original tasting room that opened in 2013 — is family and pet-friendly and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. The newer, and adult-only tasting room, is called Tower View. Both rooms offer a wide array of food choices, from charcuterie boards to pizza.

Back at the hotel, we enjoyed an elegant dinner at Piedmont’s, the Lansdowne’s gourmet restaurant overlooking the 7,332-yard, par-72 Greg Norman Golf Course. Open to hotel guests and to golf club members, dining at Piedmont’s was a stellar experience, from the sweet and savory corn chowder to rib house steaks and seafood delicacies. The ambience was relaxed and elegant, and we savored every morsel. We also enjoyed two delicious buffet breakfasts at the resort’s Riverside Hearth. Along with great views of the rolling hills, it also features an omelet bar and every kind of breakfast treat you could imagine – including a yummy overnight oats dish made with coconut and chia. There’s also a lunch and dinner restaurant on the property called Coton and Rye, specializing in tavern fare.

A highlight of our stay at the Landsdowne was undoubtedly a visit to its Spa Minerale, which is open to both hotel guests and the public. There is an extensive array of services offered, including a deep tissue massage (which I loved) and a variety of facials. Discounts are also offered at the spa on weekdays. Don’t miss the jacuzzi if you go!

The holidays are especially popular at the Landsdowne and the resort will again feature its popular Breakfast with Santa events each Saturday in December. There’s also the back-by-demand Igloo Dining on the Terrace from November to March. Guests can enjoy an evening meal in the warmth of their own outdoor heated igloo. (Year round, guests can enjoy roasting marshmallows and making s’mores on the terrace as well; the minimal cost of the s’mores kit was well worth the experience).

Some other ideas for a visit to Northern Virginia:

• Visit the breathtaking Great Falls Park in nearby McLean, Va. Operated by the National Park Service, and closed only on Christmas Day, this is a photo-perfect destination. We savored the late summer sunshine and breezes as we walked the trails leading up to three different viewing platforms. Only 15 miles from Washington D.C., this 800-acre park offers a dramatic view of the Potomac River falling over a series of steep, jagged rocks at the narrow Mather Gorge.

• Check out downtown Leesburg, a charming, step-back-in-time place. With a collection of historic buildings dating from the late 18th and early 19th centuries, its “hub” is centered around the original court square. There are many fun and funky stores and boutiques along the main street. We were especially charmed by the French country inspired Crème de la Crème shop, and the hip Brick and Mortar Mercantile, offering everything from souvenirs to clothing.

• Also enjoy great food in downtown Leesburg. We savored lemon cocktails at the chic Diana Lounge inside newly opened 39-suite boutique Hotel Burg. From there, it was on to another new and buzz-worthy eatery, Shutters on King, housed in a massive former antiques store. With its exposed brick falls, wood floors and stone fireplaces, there was a surprisingly intimate feel to the place. And the food – ranging from small plates to full meals with seafood a popular favorite — fabulous, too.

• Don’t forget the pie! Located at an intersection in downtown Leesburg, you’ll find Mom’s Apple Pie Company in what was originally a 1930s gas station. A tradition for locals and visitors, you can enjoy full pies, or just take a slice for the road.

Northern Virginia was not only easy to get to, but easy to fall in love with. We’ll be back. For more information about the region, visit: www.northernva.org

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