Sometimes you need a change of scenery, even if just for a weekend. Fortunately, you don’t have to venture far to find lodging far more interesting than your standard vanilla hotel room. Here are a few options for unique vacays within a three-hour drive of Arlington.
Grist Mill Cabin
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Situated less than two hours from Arlington, this 18th-century gristmill-turned-house has two bedrooms that sleep up to four guests. Tune out daily life and tune into the sounds of Holman’s Creek, which runs through the heavily wooded property. Perks of the place include a hot tub, indoor gas fireplace and covered deck. Plus the 55-inch TV has Netflix. Nearby attractions include Luray Caverns and Shenandoah Caverns, which is also home to American Celebration on Parade, a museum that offers up-close looks at floats from famous parades, such as presidential inaugurals, and hosts events such as the Shenandoah Uncorked wine, food and craft festival (Nov. 9) and American Fright Night for seven nights in October.
The Little Red Schoolhouse
Drive time: 1.5 hours
Don’t assume this one-bedroom property that sleeps four is too rustic for your taste. It may be vintage-inspired, but the fully equipped kitchen has modern appliances, an the exterior appointments include an outdoor hot tub and fire pit. Situated near the border with West Virginia, it’s close to the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley (note that admission is free on Wednesdays) in Winchester and Cacapon State Park.
Hobbit-Style Underground Cabin
Drive time: 1 hour, 45 minutes
Paging fans of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit: this almost literal hideaway is for you. A blink-and-you’ll-miss-it spot in the Blue Ridge Mountains, the one-bedroom cabin sports details that have been handcrafted by the owner’s family, including wooden furniture and pottery. Other amenities include heated floors and a waterfall shower. Guests can plan around events in the small town of Broadway, such as the Hometown Halloween Fest on Oct. 24.
Luna Modern & Cozy Container Home
Drive time: 2 hours
Situated on a family farm near James Madison University and Harrisonburg, this shipping-container-turned-home is small but mighty. It has one bedroom that sleeps two, a patio, fire pit and full kitchen that you can stock with items from the on-property store, such as meat from the farm and specialty spice blends. There is no cable TV or Wi-Fi, but you can busy yourself by hiking in the nearby George Washington & Jefferson National Forests or picturesque Shenandoah National Park. Depending on the season, you can also mountain bike or ski at Bryce Resort and Massanutten.
The Sanctuary
Drive time: 2.5 hours
Gather the extended fam or some friends and run for the hills—the Blue Ridge Mountains, specifically. This cabin, which Travel and Leisure magazine calls the most unique Airbnb in Virginia, sleeps eight. Sitting on almost 60 acres in Vesuvius, the cabin is made of 19th-century logs, flooring and stones, and today it features a wrap-around porch, outdoor hammock and limited cell service, which may or may not be a draw. Area points of interest include trails such as St. Mary’s Wilderness, an old iron ore mining area with a waterfall;  the secluded Bee Mountain; and The Priest, a challenging climb with an elevation gain of more than 3,000 feet.
The Maury River Treehouse
Drive time: 3 hours
Fishing for something on the water? This elevated cabin may sit in the trees, but it has direct river access, so grab your kayaks and fishing poles. Inside the modern space is one bedroom with a king-size bed and an air mattress to accommodate four guests—and a bathroom with a heated floor. Outside, you can relax by the fire pit. Should you want to venture away, nearby Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve has beautiful fall foliage. Iconic Natural Bridge State Park and Virginia Safari Park are a short drive south.
Looking for more options? Read our stories on glamping getaways and other quirky rental retreats in the mid-Atlantic.Â