A weekend at a charming inn or country hotel can be as welcome and rejuvenating as the harder to plan seven day plus vacation. These six Virginia properties each offer something special. Choose a retreat with noted cuisine, or expansive grounds, friendly hosts or an historic hotel.

Pamplin Historical Park & National Museum of the Civil War Soldier surprised us. The privately owned facility, located on 422 acres in Petersburg, about 30 miles south of Richmond, proved to be one of the most engaging Civil War sites we’ve ever experienced.

The region around Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello estate in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia, is rich in history and also vineyards. Enjoy a day of driving the back roads, tastings wines and savoring the sweet views.

For sand and surf lovers, Virginia Beach is a good bet. We like the area because its 35 miles of coastline including 20 miles of sandy shores gives us options: a bustling, boardwalk fronted ocean beach, quiet shores for strolling, as well as calm waters for kayaking on the Chesapeake Bay.

On little-populated Vieques and Culebra, Puerto Rico’s out islands, snorkel nearly deserted bays, swim along spectacular beaches and bike back roads. On Vieques kayak a bay rated as one of the world´s best examples of bioluminescence.

Known for romance and revelry, Venice also rates as one of Europe’s best cities for families. The absence of cars coupled with the fairy-tale like setting of pastel palaces reflected in the canal waters make Venice a walker’s delight.

Consider renting a houseboat to see a bit of Europe and to stretch your budget. We did and had a great time exploring the Venetian lagoon.

Once in a lifetime trips,often begin with a plane ticket. Because cashing in frequent flyer miles delivers dream destinations almost for free (you pay taxes and award fees), we booked tickets--or tried to- from D.C. to Africa. Here’s what we learned.

For the scariest Halloween ever—and one that’s the most fun—take part in Universal Orlando’s Halloween Horror Nights. Now in its 19th year, the nocturnal festivities in October are the preeminent celebration of the season, featuring eight haunted houses and six scare zones.

Providenciales, affectionately called “Provo,” features one of the Caribbean’s best beaches: 12-mile-long Grace Bay Beach. Provo, one of our favorite Caribbean destinations, offers a slow-paced, beach getaway with eco-adventures and great food.