Carrie's Cottage at Fairhill Farm in VA....farm animals, plenty of space for three year adventures and exploration, pool within easy distance but not right in front of cottage. Shenandoah National Park and Charlottesville both within easy range.

http://fairhillfarmusa.com/761948.html
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g58206-d1527515-Reviews-Fairhill_Farm-Stanardsville_Virginia.html

Check out Sandbridge Beach, VA....you get the beauty and seclusion of a quiet family beach, but still able to venture into Virginia Beach area for more activities if needed or if there is a rainy day.

http://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/visitors/beaches/sandbridge/
http://www.visitvirginiabeach.com/visitors/articles/live_the_life_kid_style.aspx

Not OP, but thanks for the feedback on Sesame Place...I'd been wondering what it is like.

Anonymous wrote:If you really want to make sure your three year old has fun, what about Sesame Place?

Depends on the 3 yo really, though. Mine were very scared of the giant Sesame street characters in costumes (who had pretty strong BO) and we found the Sesame Street Place Park to be overall moldy and dingy.

NP here. This thread is really awesome.

If you really want to make sure your three year old has fun, what about Sesame Place?

Shenandoah NP/Luray area.
NYC by train.

Our 3 year old enjoyed both (though we did not have a 6 mo old along).

Ok, just stumbled across this campground in Bucks County....can not personally vouch for it, BUT it does look like a fun family spot and the cabins seem to be new and in good/clean shape. Might be something to consider because it would certainly keep your three year old entertained and happy while also giving you access to do easy day trips in Bucks County.
http://colonialwoods.com/

Take a look at Bucks County, PA. Doylestown is a cute little town with nice parks. Pretty area and if you really wanted to, you could venture into Philadelphia to visit the museums or do city stuff while renting a cabin/cottage in the countryside or one of the small towns.

http://buckscountyalive.com/kids/index.cfm?webname=bcalive

And a more modern take on the whole West Virginia cabin rental idea:

http://www.lostrivermodern.com/about.aspx

oops..meant to post the site for Lost River Goat Farm Cabin:

http://www.vrbo.com/110812

http://www.lostcitygoats.com/b-b.htm

Farm Stay in Lancaster
http://www.padutchcountry.com/lodging/lancaster-farm-stay.asp

or if you are serious about a cabin in West Virginia...here's one that is attached to a goat farm:
http://www.deepcreek.com/play-and-explore

Deep Creek Lake might fit your requests:

http://www.deepcreek.com/play-and-explore

Our friends love camping there, but I know that you could also rent cabin or a condo, too.

Sea Colony in Bethany Beach. It is on the beach, with community pools, playgrounds, etc. Plus there is a little boardwalk in Bethany and amusement park nearby.

We're looking for vacation ideas for a week in August. We'd like something within a 3 hour drive. We have a 3 year old and a 6 month old (by then!). I'm thinking some sort of cabin on a lake in WV or a beach town feel. Somewhere where there's plenty to do with a 3 year old.

Any specific suggestions?