A relaxing hotel stay, a kid-friendly adventure and a winter wonderland worth the drive
For an autumn spectacle, head to Owl Creek Landing in Virginia Beach and climb an eight-story spiral observation tower overlooking a 38-acre forest. Built for people of all ages and abilities, the Nautilus Tower encircles “The Whorl,” the longest steel spiral slide in America, and debuted in August next door to the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center. Ride the slide down, or descend a couple levels on foot to hop on a wooden suspension bridge path that takes you from tree to tree, mid-canopy.
In designing the Nautilus Tower and treehouse playground, Owl Creek Landing’s creators visited parks in Switzerland, Austria and Germany for inspiration. Four whimsical treehouses are distinguished by unique elements, from a tic-tac-toe game created in spinning wood blocks, to mushroom-shaped stools and a playful music box. Picnic tables dot the playground, and a half-mile trail offers ground-level views of the park’s native plants and wildlife.
General admission is $28 for visitors 14 and older; $18 for kids ages 10-13; $13 for kids 3-9. Check the website for promotions and a 15% discount code for teachers, first responders, military, college students and seniors 55 and older. Combo tickets for The Adventure Park at Virginia Aquarium’s ropes course are also available.
Owl Creek Landing, 801 General Booth Blvd., Virginia Beach, Virginia, 757-330-0473, owlcreeklanding.com
Wilmington, Delaware’s grand Hotel Du Pont has been an architectural treasure since its opening more than a century ago. The 12-story Italian Renaissance building—with its mosaic and terrazzo floors, hand-carved millwork and imported European chandeliers—was originally created by French and Italian craftsmen and debuted in 1913. Over time, the hotel has hosted politicians, celebrities and even royalty, welcoming guests such as John F. Kennedy, Amelia Earhardt, Prince Rainier of Monaco, Joe DiMaggio, Duke Ellington and Reese Witherspoon.
A recent renovation preserved this grande dame’s period features while adding modern-day amenities and 19 “signature suites” inspired by European salons. Each suite includes custom built-ins, artwork in gilded frames and plush, neutral furnishings accented with burnished gold. All of the hotel’s 217 rooms were updated with new mattresses, oversize king pillows, premium linens and terry robes.
French brasserie Le Cavalier at the Green Room has earned accolades for both its food and architectural preservation, including the Historic Hotels of America “Best Historic Restaurant” award. The menu infuses the flavors of North Africa and Provence into French classics.
Rates begin at $599 per night, $799 for a signature suite. An on-site courtesy vehicle transports guests to and from the Amtrak station (based on availability).
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Hotel Du Pont, 42 W. 11th St., Wilmington, Delaware, 302-594-3100, hoteldupont.com
Traipse a trail decked in holiday splendor by visiting Charlottesville, Virginia’s Boar’s Head Resort for its fifth-annual Winter Wander Trail of Lights. From Nov. 14 to Jan. 3, the property’s rolling landscape at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains will be transformed into a sparkling wonderland, complete with a half-mile lakeside stroll of glowing installations. New this year is Glistening Grove where more than 700 illuminated light posts will “dance” in harmony with a 20-minute musical composition around Firefly Pond.
Other glittering displays include a 35-foot holiday tree; a 9-foot illuminated heron with a 14-foot wingspan and its frog companion complete with lily pad; and Lattice Lane, which features a 200-year-old oak tree wrapped in lights.
Post stroll, head to The Enchantment District for nightly live music, fairytale-inspired dancers in illuminated costumes, outdoor games, firepits and food trucks. In Santa’s Mill, you’ll find the jolly father of Christmas near the shops and a hot chocolate bar.
Boar’s Head Resort’s 168 rooms were updated in spring 2023 with new bedspreads, carpet, window treatments, decor and in-room espresso machines. Set on the sprawling resort grounds, the 19th-century estate Birdwood Mansion is scheduled to reopen in early 2026 as a seven-room boutique-style hotel surrounded by gardens.
The resort complex has a focus on wellness and athletics, with an expansive sports club offering pickleball, squash and tennis courts, a state-of-the-art aquatic center and award-winning spa. Rates begin at $219.
Boar’s Head Resort, 200 Ednam Drive, Charlottesville, Virginia, 844-611-8066, boarsheadresort.com. Visit winterwander.com to see the Winter Wander trail and map.
This appears in the November/December 2025 issue of Bethesda Magazine.
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