“Why not write something for Valentine’s Day?” asked my wife, as I tried to brainstorm ideas for this week’s column. “Maybe you could write about romantic things to do in Fairfax?”
“That’s a great idea,” I responded. “Unfortunately, though, I once took you to the on a date. I’m not sure I’m qualified to write such an article.”
“Yeah, that’s true, you probably aren’t.”
Find out what's happening in Lortonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“So I’m kind of stuck. I have several articles in the pipeline, but all of them require me to interview somebody at the location and nobody can see me this week.”
My wife stared thoughtfully at the ceiling. “Why not search Patch for the most romantic events this weekend and write about those?”
Find out what's happening in Lortonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
“Great idea!” I replied. After 20 minutes of searching, though, I realized that the would be at the former prison in Lorton. “Okay, that won’t work. I can’t have people thinking that my best ideas on romance involve landfills and prisons.”
“Yes,” my wife muttered. “Why reveal the truth?”
“What?”
“Nothing. Why not write about the , where you can sample a variety of aphrodisiac foods for $30? That might be fun.”
“Yeah, not really right for my column though.”
“But it might be fun.”
“Yeah, but my column is broader than that, and I think already wrote about it anyway.”
“But it might be fun. You know . . . fun. Like, to go to.”
“Maybe I’ll put together something on the best ways to avoid Valentine’s Day. Perhaps I’ll make up a list of bars that will be showing the Capitals game against the Phoenix Coyotes that night.”
“Um . . . okay.”
“Or, I don’t know . . . maybe I’ll write something on the best deserted roads for parking your car and making out.”
“Er . . . what?”
“Or, hmmm . . . “
Here’s four Virginia ski resorts within three hours of Lorton:
Wintergreen Resort -- offers dozens of trails for skill levels from the most basic to the most advanced. In addition, they have tubing, a spa, an indoor pool, tennis, golf, and an "adventure center" which features a zip line, climbing wall, trampolines and more. They are located just south of Charlottesville.
Massanutten Resort -- a four seasons resort located in the Shenandoah valley, they have skiing and also an indoor water park, golf, fine dining and much more. Massanutten is just south of Harrisonburg off I-81.
Bryce Resort -- has seven slopes for skiing and golf. There are numerous hiking trails around the area and an assortment of other activities. Lake Laura offers swimming, boating, fishing and a grassy beach, although Valentine's weekend might be just a wee bit cold to enjoy that particular part of the resort.
The Homestead -- The Homestead resort in Hot Springs, VA just off route 29 offers 9 slopes for skiing, an olympic-sized skating rink, tubing and a snowboard park.
Snow. Mountains. Fireplaces. Food. My best advice for Valentine's Day? Hit the slopes.
