Where do you go that’s close enough, yet allows both of you to relax and enjoy some time away from the house and all the responsibilities?

You have the weekend without the kids. It will be just the two of you. Where do you go that’s close enough, yet allows both of you to relax and enjoy some time away from the house and all the responsibilities? I Am Modern has your itinerary!

FRIDAY
After a scenic hour to a 90-minute ride (depending on where you’re coming from), check into The Inn at Vaucluse Spring: Stephens City, Virginia. www.vauclusespring.com (800) 869- 0525. Named as one of the “Top 10 Most Romantic Inns,” this Bed and Breakfast consists of fifteen rooms spread throughout a small village of six guesthouses surrounding a large limestone spring, in the Shenandoah Valley. Ask for The Jones Room in the Manor House, with a fireplace in the bathroom and a 2-person Jacuzzi tub.

Before heading to your late dinner, take a stroll on the Walking Mall www.oldtownwinchesterva. com (especially if it’s a First Friday) and enjoy the boutiques and galleries.

Suddenly you realize you’re really hungry, which is great because you are going to One Block West Restaurant: Winchester, VA. www.oneblockwest.com, (540) 662-1455. Owner Ed Matthews will not only share recipes, but will tell you, “we have no dress code; dress comfortably,” wanting guests to feel as if they’re coming over to his “house for dinner.”

Before returning to the Inn, stop by for a relaxing drink at: The George Washington Hotel: Winchester, VA www.wyndham. com/hotels/DCAGW/main.wnt, (540) 678- 4700. This is a wonderful historic accommodation dating back to 1924.

SATURDAY
After a satisfying breakfast at The Inn, drive to Middletown to the Belle Grove Plantation http://www.bellegrove.org (540) 869- 2028. Experience the life and times of the people who lived here in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

Continue on to Strasburg; to the Great Strasburg Emporium, for some unbeatable antique shopping. Grab a quick bite at one of the local restaurants. If you have time or prefer, check out the Crystal Caverns , the oldest documented cave tour, (540) 465-5884. Dinner this evening is at the L’Auberge Provencale www.laubergeprovencale.com /restaurant.html (800) 638-1702. A fivecourse menu awaits you and you vow to return to stay in this bed and breakfast with a French flair location.

SUNDAY
You sleep in late, then regretfully checkout of the Inn. Drive to Paris and Delaplane. Stop at the Three Fox Vineyards: Delaplane, VA. www.threefoxvineyards.com, (540) 364- 6073.

Claiming they will “make La Dolce Vita a part of your life,” the 50-acre winery is open Thursday through Monday. Continue to Sperryville to the Thornton River Grill www.thorntonrivergrille.com (540) 987-8790 and enjoy their fabulous Sunday brunch before heading home.

You are refreshed, relaxed and ready to face the world. Welcome home!