Cape May, NJ....victorian houses, beach, restaurants, antiques, and bird watcher's paradise.

A weekend at Keswick Hall, plus a gift certificate for dinner - Fleury, Continental Divide, or Clifton Inn?

Charlottesville or Staunton might be worth considering, too.

A second vote for the Eastern shore! or maybe even just finding a nice place to stay in downtown Annapolis. I know it might seem silly to stay in a town that is so close to DC, but I keep telling my husband that I would love to spend a weekend in Annapolis...be able to wander the streets at night after all the tourists have gone, do a sunset cruise, have nice romantic dinners, and not feel rushed or exhausted at the end of the day because we have to get back in the car and head home.

What about NYC? They could go to a show and there are a zillion hotels to choose from. You could get them reservations at a good restaurant for dinner.

Kind of on the other end of the spectrum, the Omni Bedford Springs. It is quiet and has a warm spring fed indoor pool. There are some easy "hikes" on the grounds of the property. Every night they have a fire pit and they sell s'mores kits or you can bring your own. The spa is lovely. There is a little town nearby with shops. We stayed M-F one year and it was probably a day too long.

Mariott's Manor Club at Ford's Colony in Williamsburg is very nice. Not too fancy, but very comfortable with large rooms and lovely grounds. Easy driving distance to the historic district and May will be a wonderful time of year there.

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/PHFVI-Marriotts-Manor-Club-at-Fords-Colony

*I* would like to visit this place in St Marys PA: http://www.visitoldcharm.com/accommodations.html


http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g53606-d1224582-Reviews-Old_Charm_Bed_and_Breakfast-Saint_Marys_Pennsylvania.html

I came across this place through pinterest -its owner is Michael Wurm. It looks like such a lovely place to rest, recharge and spend a romantic weekend. I won't be able to go for a long time though, since they DO not welcome children.

What about Harper's Ferry, WV? Beautiful natural surroundings, wonderful history, cute town. Shouldn't be too crowded in early May.

Laurel Lodge gets great reviews:
http://www.laurellodge.com/

And Canal House for dining:
http://www.canalhousecafe.com/

I was thinking Greenbriar too, or something similar - I've never been, but maybe Wintergreen, Nemacolin, Homestead, I think there are all similar.

Or perhaps a weekend in Berkley Springs - they have a lot of spas and a main street I heard.

Brandywine Valley, PA

Longwood Gardens will be gorgeous in May
http://www.longwoodgardens.org/lwgHome.html

They can do some winery tours/tastings:
http://www.thebrandywine.com/advertisers/wineries.html

Find a nice, but simple B& B (there are plenty in the area).

Not a resort, but I'd love to celebrate a special anniversary here:

http://www.homeaway.com/vacation-rental/p150366

Or what about one of those Victorian B&Bs in Cape May?

If they really enjoy nature:

http://www.natureinnatbaldeagle.com/

Captiva

St. Michaels, MD on the Eastern Shore is lovely. The Inn at Perry Cabin is very nice.

My parents are in their early 60s and will be celebrating their 40th anniversary in early May. They want to go away for the weekend, but they don't want to travel more than about 3 hours from the DC area. They also don't want to do anything perceived as super fancy, like the Inn at Little Washington. They like food, wine, the outdoors. They are not golfers. I thought of Greenbrier. I am not very creative. Any ideas are appreciated. Thanks!