Page 15 - AAA Central Penn – AAA Now! – May/June 2018

TRAVEL AGENCY
Let’s Talk Travel
AAA
TM
By Sandy Fenton
AAA – Diamond-Studded Drive to Getaways
Close to Home
I am frequently asked what I would recommend for a relaxing and luxurious drive-to getaway for couples (romantic) and girlfriends/moms and daughters (pampering).
We are all looking to unplug and step back from our busy daily schedules, and as statistics prove the more vacations we take the happier we are ... it’s a fact. (I promise!)
There are so many wonderful resorts, hotels, inns and B&B’s within a two-to-three-hour drive from Central PA. Here are a few of my favorites; all have special sales and promotions going on throughout the year – so be sure to ask about them.
THE FRENCH MANOR INN & SPA South Sterling, PA
This is one of the most elegant and romantic adults-only properties located in the heart of the Pocono Mountains boasting AAA 4-Diamond overnight accommodations and AAA 4-Diamond fine dining. Built atop Huckleberry Mountain during the early 1930s, the beautiful French Manor began as a private retreat for mining magnate Joseph Hirshhorn before it was sold to Samuel Henry Kress (S.H. Kress & Co. variety stores) as a hunting lodge and family holiday base. Gourmet breakfasts and dinners are served in the highly acclaimed Great Room with twin fireplaces, 40-foot vaulted ceiling, original paneling and pecky cypress paneling –
and a pianist playing the standards during weekend dinners. (During warm weather, The Stone Veranda – off the dining room – offers
drinks and meals with spectacular mountain views.) This authentic French stone chateau boasts private
and luxurious guest rooms and suites, indoor saltwater pool, relaxing Le Spa Foret onsite spa facility, complimentary cheese and crackers plate
with homemade jam and sherry, and so much more. (thefrenchmanor.com)
OMNI BEDFORD SPRINGS RESORT Bedford, PA
I fell in love with Bedford Springs the moment we walked through the doors and into the beautifully restored and decorated lobby. This historic spa and golf resort first opened more than 200 years ago on the site of eight mineral springs that were proclaimed to be a fountain of youth and good health. Today, the AAA 4-Diamond property features oh-so-pretty bedrooms and suites, a fabulous indoor pool and Eternal Springs Spa, championship golfing on the Old Course
and popular outdoor fire pits. New for this spring: horseback riding and eight miles of mountain biking trails. (omnihotels.com/hotels/bedford-springs)
NEMACOLIN WOODLANDS RESORT Farmington, PA
Western PA’s most celebrated full-service luxury resort is a four-season playground nestled within
2,000 acres in the Allegheny Mountains. This resort offers diverse lodging options, including the AAA Five-Diamond Falling Rock boutique hotel and
AAA Five-Diamond dining at Lautrec. Lautrec has ranked among the finest restaurants not only in Pennsylvania, but throughout the United States and beyond. There’s a Pete Dye-designed golf course, fly-fishing, off-road driving, a Holistic Healing Center and a serene Woodlands Spa with many signature treatments.
(nemacolin.com)
The French Manor Inn & Spa
TRAVEL TIPS
• Mid-week rates will be less expensive, except for busy city hotels catering to business travelers.
• City hotels will generally have lower weekend rates, including Sunday nights.
• All properties offer lower rates and special promotions throughout the year, especially during the first quarter (January – March), late August, and the first two weeks in November and December.
• Speak with a AAA representative when making your reservations to receive the best AAA rates and member benefits.
• Join a rewards club/frequent guest membership.
Omni Bedford Springs Resort
Nemacolin Woodlands Resort
"Let’s Talk Travel with AAA," hosted by Sandy Fenton, is broadcast Saturdays 11:00AM to 12:00PM on iHeartMedia’s WHP580. For more information, go to whp580.com and click on the link to "Let’s Talk Travel."
MAY/JUNE 2018
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Now!