Colonial Beach Va. I haven’t been to the area in years but remember that it had a nice long beach, hotels and restaurants.

My friend kept a sailboat there and while we didn’t go to the beach out on the water it was very peaceful.

I believe it was about 1.5 hours away from NOVA.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Lakes are awful in the summer. Generally stagnant water. Heat, bugs, no coastal breeze.

They aren't idilic or what you picture from '80s movies and generally awful food/dining options.

Just go to a beach on the Ocean. No need to search for something that doesn't exist, unless you have a Bigfoot obsession.

Or unless one of your children has a serious disability.

I disagree. Ocean beach hotels are going to be a significantly easier option than any lake or bay option in this region.

I know I should let this go, but I cannot believe the hubris of some people on DCUM to believe you know better than the OP what my disabled child is capable of or what would be easier for us/her. We cannot get her to an ocean beach. It’s too far in the car. She will stop breathing.

I cannot imagine a person who thinks he knows better than I do where we can take my child WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING MY CHILD.

Not my job to know your child. You asked a question on a public forum, I answered it. Don't like my answer, that is fine. But my response was written with rational thought and pretty in depth knowledge of this region, geographical, traffic and logistics relating to travel in a variety of forms.

You don't know where any lakes are but you know the Ocean is to far. The Ocean is closer to a good chunk of people in this region than lakes that have what you want.

This isn't a case of your kid not being able to be around others or a proximity issue or else you would have insisted on a stand alone house instead of hotel or condo.

So using logic and regardless of what. you kids' condition is, I will stick by my original and very logical response.

Anonymous wrote:Lake Anna is closest. Or Deep Creek depending on where you live.

Lake Anna is awful. Hard pass.

It's not a lake, OP, but maybe the Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, VA would work for you? It's on the James River and you can swim there. There are also water sports on the river, as well as indoor and outdoor pools and a lazy river. The whole place is very kid-friendly. Prices are reasonable throughout the summer. There are also lots of other things to do in Williamsburg (although it will be hot).

The driving time to Williamsburg from Arlington is 2.5 hours, so it's right at the outer bounds of your driving distance requirements. Obviously, summer traffic on 95 could extend that driving time, so you would want to carefully select your travel days and/or times to minimize the chances of traffic delays.

I hope that you find something that works, OP!

With the new HOV lanes on I-95 (assuming you are going in the correct direction) and the lane separations around Fredericksburg, we can consistently get to Lake Anna in 90 minutes. The extension of the HOV almost to Spotsylvania has really helped. We have been driving there most weekends for 17 years.