You Asked, They Answered: Favorite Winter Long-Weekend Plans

With two three-day weekends on the horizon, we posed the question to the women of Alexandria Stylebook. What do our small business owners do when they have a three-day weekend? Especially a long weekend in January and February, two very long, very cold winter months. Read on to see their plans.

Celeste, Kiskadee

When it comes to long weekends in the winter, my family usually likes to go snow tubing. This time, however, I plan on flying out to see my grandmother in New Mexico. Well, I hope I do! I'm getting a rapid PCR test before I go. Fingers crossed. Here I am with her this past May. I try to go once a year.

Meaghan, Alx&Co

This will come as a surprise to no one, but we like to spend our long weekends at our cabin, and the next few holidays will be no exception. Even (maybe especially?) in the winter, hikes in the woods are such a relaxing, beautiful way to spend your day and cozying up to a craft beer by the fire or, in Nolan's case, a hot pretzel, at The Hopkins Ordinary is the perfect way to close out a good jaunt. Dress warmly, and you'll be just fine.

Photo: Hopkins Ordinary

Adrien, Alexandria Wellness

Since my family prefers to be home, my favorite long weekend would be to stay home and dabble in all Washington, D.C. has to offer. I'd start with the exhibits at the National Gallery of Art. I love to walk the beautiful halls and take it all in, and the kids love the café downstairs! This exhibit looks amazing and a cool take on the word "sorry," which Alexandria Wellness members know we say all-too-often, unnecessarily. The days would include a little more exploring of different neighborhoods, like Adams Morgan and the Penn Quarter, and end with a meal at home!

I often marvel at how we are surrounded by so much art, culture, and history, and I know the Cottons don't take advantage of all Washington, D.C. has to offer. My mom used to tell me how we have one of the best - and the largest - museums in the world and that I needed to dedicate time every year to visit, and I do.

On most school holidays, our son and I can be found on the grounds of one of the memorials dedicated to our veterans. We discovered the renovation and expansion of the Korean Memorial and, when the children were younger, we would throw their bikes in the Suburban and ride around Haines Point.

Katie, Mint Condition, Mint Collective

One of my favorite things to do on a long weekend is organize my house! I love the holidays but sometimes putting away all the decor and clutter and starting again is just what this girl needs.

Maura, Monday's Child

We just brought home a fluffy golden retriever puppy, so we don't have any long weekend plans on the horizon for now. Before bringing Dolly home, Pat and I had a great getaway in Charlottesville before Christmas, which is always such an easy escape, just two and a half hours away. 

We spent an afternoon at the amazing Merrie Mill Farm and Vineyard out in Keswick (about 20 minutes away from Charlottesville) - the whimsical tasting room with a floating 150-year-old sea lion is like no other vineyard we've been to, and we loved every second of it - I highly recommend you check it out! We had dinner at the newly renovated Keswick Hall restaurant, Marigold, and spent a day antique shopping, walking around downtown Charlottesville, and loving every second of our stay at the Boar's Head Resort. My one and only magical hot air balloon ride was at the Boar's Head, and Pat and I have been fascinated with them ever since…it was the inspiration for my logo. Charlottesville never disappoints - even for this JMU girl!

Katelin, Family First Law

I love hopping down to Miami for a long weekend in the winter. It's such a quick flight from Reagan National Airport. My favorite things on vacation are being in or on the water, on a beach, at an art museum, and going out to nice meals. Miami has all of that. I love going to the Perez Art Museum. When it is dreary at home, hanging out on the beach or by the pool in the sun is so relaxing for me. I like that you can get amazing food somewhere as lowkey as El Palacio de los Jugos or as fancy as Stubborn Seed. The last time I was there, we rented bikes and biked around just to see all the cool buildings in a different way. It is just so different from the Washington, D.C. area that I really feel like I have gotten away, even when it's a quick trip.