September is here and the kids are back in school and not a moment too soon, I might add. As the summer vacation has come to a close and we’ve put away our eclipse glasses, perhaps it’s time to embark on a three day weekend just for you! Lewisburg and the Greenbrier Valley is a little slice of peaceful heaven, I know this because I’ve spent the better part of a decade exploring this gorgeous locale. But I’ve also spent my entire life traveling all over this country and the world. I’m here to remind you that these fascinating, beautiful, educational, rejuvenating, awe-inspiring, comforting, invigorating, delicious, introspective and down-right fabulous experiences are right around the corner…you just have to get off the couch and partake. Life takes a lot of work and most-likely so does your career. But vacationing for vacation sake is good for the mind, body and soul. So here are a few three day, easy-to-get-to suggestions to get the ideas flowing.

Staunton, Virginia 

I love this charming little town and it’s about a two hour’s drive from the Greenbrier valley. Much like Lewisburg, Staunton is full of art galleries, antique shops, cafes and the like most of which are located in the walkable downtown. Check in for the weekend at the Stonewall Jackson Hotel. Have lunch at Farmhouse Kitchen and Wares and a delicious german meal at Edelweiss. Of note, you’ll find The Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum, The Frontier Culture Museum, glassblowing and wine tasting at Barren Ridge Vineyards (which is technically in Fishersville).

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

The largest battle of the civil war was fought at Gettysburg and it is definitely worth a visit. Stay downtown at The Gettysburg Hotel and then explore. Take a tour of the battlefield by car, horseback or Segway. Go apple picking, sample some pretty awesome local hard ciders, eat like they did back in the mid 1800’s and take a ghost tour!

Washington, D.C.

Need some city for the weekend? No problem! The Smithsonian Museums await (and they are still free)! On your way to town, stop off at the National Air & Space Museum Udvar Hazy Center. I love this place, it’s huge and they have a Space Shuttle on display. Walk the streets of Georgetown, have dinner in Chinatown or a killer steak at The Capital Grille. Tour George Washington’s Mount Vernon. And take in a live theatre performance at night.

You can learn more about all three of these ideas on my website, we have new videos of these destinations and step-by-step itineraries – erikthetravelguy.com. Good luck and happy travels!

– Erik Hastings, Erik the Travel Guy. Hashtag #93. September 2017

Photo credits: – Destination Gettysburg, The Staunton Convention & Visitors Bureau