Celebrate “Me Time” During the Romance Season in the Mid-Atlantic

Valentine’s Day is around the corner, and it’s time to celebrate love in all its forms – including self-care! The Mid-Atlantic region has a multitude of ways for single individuals to cherish the joys of independence during this romantic time of year. From wellness retreats to solo dining experiences to outdoor adventures, there is no shortage of ways to grab some quality “me time.”

MATPRA is a one-stop-shop for unique travel ideas, roundups, and in-destination experiences to uncover and explore across the Mid-Atlantic region. Click here to view the photo gallery, and please provide photo credit to the appropriate DMO. For more information on any of the following, contact the destination marketing organization listed below. For general information on the Mid-Atlantic, visit MATPRA.org

DELAWARE

Kent (DE)

Wind down and connect with yourself and nature at Killens Pond State Park! Open year-round from 8 a.m. to sunset, you can hike the 2.6-mile trail that loops around the beautiful 66-acre pond for a fun solo experience, or you can sign up for a hike with the naturalists from Killens! Delaware’s Quaint Villages, VisitDelawareVillages.com, Catherine Jenkins, [email protected]

Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau

Embark on the perfect solo date and self-care experience at Currie Hair, Skin, and Nails in Wilmington. The DuPont Building and Riverfront locations offer beauty services, from transformative hair treatments to rejuvenating skin and nail services to spa treatments with luxurious, expert care. Currie is the opportunity to explore your wellness journey. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, Courtney Haywood, [email protected]

MARYLAND

Calvert

Whether you crave an ice cream sundae with all of the fixings from Mrs. Moo’s Corner in Prince Frederick or a scrumptious freshly baked cupcake from The Bakist in North Beach, be sure to treat yourself with a stop along the Calvert County Sweet Treat Trail. Calvert County Department of Economic Development, VisitCalvert.com, Hilary Dailey, [email protected]

Charles

Pamper yourself this Valentine’s Day by visiting the Town of La Plata. La Plata’s walkable downtown area provides both massage and retail therapy with multiple boutiques and massage studios. If you get hungry, grab a bite to eat and something sweet from one of the local eateries along Charles Street. Charles County Government, Department of Recreation, Parks, & Tourism, ExploreCharlesCounty.com, Brittney Gray, [email protected]

Hagerstown & Washington

Craving some quality me time? Visit some incredible artisan studios along our Pottery Trail, pick up a Nora Roberts book at her bookstore, Turn the Page in Boonsboro, and be sure to catch the “Picasso on Paper” exhibit at the Washington County Museum of Fine Arts in Hagerstown. Spend the night at one of our B&Bs! Visit Hagerstown, VisitHagerstown.com, Betsy DeVore, [email protected]

Harford

Relax your mind and body in the tranquil atmosphere of Serenity Salt Spa in Forest Hill, escape the noise by sitting atop the King & Queen Seats at Rocks State Park, and indulge in retail therapy with our “For The Love of Shopping” campaign in early February. Visit Harford, VisitHarford.com, Tyler Zeisloft, [email protected]

Kent (MD)

Enjoy a romantic stay in one of Kent County’s many B&Bs, shop for artisan chocolates for your sweetie at Bespoke Chocolate, and indulge in an elegant dinner at The Watershed. Kent County is the perfect destination to reconnect and unwind. Kent County Tourism, MD, KentCounty.com/Visitors, Shalyn Boulden, [email protected]

Talbot

Talbot County welcomes solo travelers with independent bookstores. Discover an eclectic read to enjoy at some of the small cafés found throughout the county’s characterful towns and villages. Adventurers appreciate the Academy Art Museum’s incisive exhibitions, reach biking bliss riding the Chesapeake Country scenic byway, and love shopping the Eastern Shore’s most unique boutiques. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, TourTalbot.org, Cassandra Vanhooser, [email protected]

PENNSYLVANIA

Juniata River Valley

Get centered in the relaxing and rejuvenating atmosphere at Shade Mountain Naturals Retreat. Built with you in mind, the retreat caters to the individual by allowing you to choose the ingredients for your spa treatment. Continue the experience by walking next door for some retail therapy and take home some of their all-natural, handmade skincare products. Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, JRVVisitors.com, Buffie Boyer, [email protected]

Laurel Highlands

A trip to Oak Lodge in the rolling hills of the Laurel Highlands is always a treat. Escape to a private cabin that is as luxurious as it is rustic. Relax with a hot stone massage at Whispering Woods Spa and clear your mind with a private mountainside yoga session. GO Laurel Highlands, GOLaurelHighlands.com, Eric Knopsnyder, [email protected]

Raystown Region

Plan a relaxing getaway in the Raystown Lake Region to celebrate you. Roots & Branches Massage is located within a bed and breakfast. Book a room, avoid cooking, and make sure to reserve an unforgettable massage experience before concluding your trip.  A moment away, the perfect way to celebrate you. Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, Raystown.org, Lissy Kinder, [email protected]

Pennsylvania (Commonwealth of)

Namaste, Happy Travelers. From fresh beautiful spas like the one at the Lodge at Glendorn in Bradford to spiritual retreats such as the Himalayan Institute in Honesdale, Pennsylvania’s wellness destinations will provide much-needed rest and quality “me time” during this romantic time of year. Pennsylvania Tourism Office, visitPA, VisitPA.com/Article/Rest-and-Recharge-Pennsylvanias-Wellness-Retreats, Michael Chapaloney, [email protected]

VIRGINIA

Giles

Mountaintop peaks and cozy retreats just for you in Virginia’s Mountain Playground. Take in the lovely sights and sounds on a solo trek to Bald Knob or the Cascades in Giles. Then rest and relax in a cozy waterfront cabin along the New River close to boutique shopping and dining. Giles County, VA Tourism, VirginiasMtnPlayground.com, Cora Gnegy, [email protected]

Harrisonburg

Experience incredible trails in and around Harrisonburg, Virginia, with our new Trail Guide (online and in print). The guide highlights 15 area trails and their most popular features such as scenic overlooks or waterfalls. Each description includes distance, level of difficulty, and much more. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitors Services, VisitHarrisonburgva.com/Area-trails/, Jennifer Bell, [email protected]

Loudoun

Nestled in lush rolling hills just outside historic Middleburg, The Goodstone Inn is a luxury country retreat with an exquisite fine-dining restaurant, 18 intimate rooms done in classical European style, a cozy communal firepit, a heated saltwater pool, and miles of hiking trails. It’s also in the heart of Loudoun’s famed wine country, with 50 vineyards to explore. Visit Loudoun, visitloudoun.org, Jennifer Sigal, [email protected]

Shenandoah

Enjoy some me time in the Shenandoah Valley. Clear your mind, take in breathtaking views, book a cozy cabin, dig into delicious local cuisine, and enjoy award-winning wines. Cruise the countryside, book a trail ride on horseback, take a mural tour, and shop local art and unique gifts just for you. Visit Shenandoah County, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, Brenda Black, [email protected]

Staunton

Treat your body as a sacred sanctuary and experience pure relaxation. Indulge in self-care and unwind at the serene spa located within The Blackburn Inn in Staunton. Nestled within the property’s grounds, a comprehensive array of services awaits, providing a chance to unwind, revitalize, and reconnect with your inner tranquility. Staunton, VA, VisitStaunton.com, Jessica Williams, [email protected]

Virginia’s Blue Ridge

Enjoy date night for one in Roanoke’s Historic Grandin Village. Stop for a movie and a drink at the Grandin Theatre, a 1930s art deco theater restored in 2003. Walk on over to Jolly Grape for a wine tasting for one before enjoying local, authentic Indian cuisine at Taaza. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, VisitVBR.com, Kathryn Lucas, [email protected]

WEST VIRGINIA

West Virginia (State of)

West Virginia’s charming mountain towns make for perfect solo-travel getaways. These towns are overflowing with friendly locals, unique shops and endless outdoor adventure. For an authentic bed & breakfast experience, stay at the Laurel River Club to enjoy comfortable accommodations, farm activities like making jelly and salves, and peaceful views. West Virginia Department of Tourism, WVTourism.com, Lindsey R. Funk, [email protected]

About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations AllianceOur goal is to make your job as travel journalists easier! These once-a-month emails provide a one-stop-shop for unique travel ideas, roundups, and in-destination experiences to uncover and explore across the Mid-Atlantic region. We work directly with destinations across D.C., Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia to put together roundup stories. Understanding your timelines and lead time needs, we’ve preplanned hot industry and travel topics months readily available to you.

We encourage you to reach out to each destination contact above if you’re interested in covering their story, and also welcome you to email us at [email protected] if you’re looking for a roundup on multiple destinations or a different story topic altogether.

The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing D.C., Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.