The Lodge and Cottages at Primland, Photo Courtesy of Joann Dost
August, one of the hottest months of the season and also the last chance to really get away before summer ends, can be the most exciting time of year to travel. From a dream trip involving racecar driving to a family-oriented vacation on the Atlantic Coast and an exploration into the artistic wonders from the Burning Man festival, we’ve got six ideas for a last-minute getaway to satisfy the wanderlust in all of us.
Primland Racing Experience, Photo Courtesy of Primland Racing Experience
The Blue Ridge Mountains in Southern Virginia
If your ideal vacation includes lush outdoor scenery, an adrenaline rush and afternoons spent on a beautiful fairway, an escape to the Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star The Lodge and Cottages at Primland in the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Virginia is for you.
From August 13 to 15, this expansive, 12,000-acre luxury property hosts The Primland Racing Experience, a three-day car lover’s dream that includes a round-trip helicopter ride to the Virginia International Raceway, an opportunity to drive the full course on your own in an Audi R8 and a Radical RXC as well as an in-car racing experience alongside Hall of Famer and nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen or elite endurance competitor Harold Primat.
With the adrenaline-pumping portion of the event complete, you’ll then have an opportunity to relax in a friendly golf tournament accompanied by PGA Tour Champions player and Primland ambassador Jay Haas. Or spend the day on horseback, taking RV trail rides, or indulge in a 60-minute treatment at the property’s onsite spa.
The Cloister, Photo Courtesy of Sea Island Company
Sea Island, Georgia
For an educational, family-oriented getaway that includes plenty of beach access and stunning accommodations, set your sights on Sea Island, located midway between the Savannah and Jacksonville airports along the Atlantic coast.
This August, if you stay anywhere within the resort — of course, we’re partial to majestic Five-Star The Cloister — you can partake in any of the property’s themed weekends.
On August 4 and 5, the resort introduces its first Kids’ Creativity Weekend, where the kiddos can experience magic performances, enjoy lessons with world yo-yo champion Gentry Stein, participate in an interactive presentation with Robert Sabuda (the reigning prince of pop-up books) and more.
August 12 to 13 brings the Coastal Georgia property’s debut Virtual Reality Weekend, where the entire family can ooh and ahh during a 30-minute futuristic experience created specifically for Sea Island.
The Cape, A Thompson Hotel, Photo Courtesy of Thompson Hotels
Los Cabos, Mexico
It’s never a bad time to visit the Baja, but if you’re a water sports enthusiast, you will definitely want to be there from August 23 to 27, when Los Cabos hosts its first annual Ultimate Waterman’s Challenge (UWC).
Featuring six UWC professional athletes (Rob Machado, Damien Hobgood, Tim Curran, Diego Cadena, Fernando Stalla and Sarah Jarrett), the event allows spectators to frolic in the sun while watching the USA compete against Mexico in a classic wave-riding competition, along with air surf exhibitions, spear fishing and more
The Cape, A Thompson Hotel will be at the center of all the hoopla. Book the Ultimate Waterman’s Challenge Package for chic accommodations, breakfast for two, complimentary surfboards for each day of your stay and round-trip luxury airport transfers.
The Jefferson, Washington D.C., Photo Courtesy of The Jefferson
Washington, D.C.
From the Washington Monument to the Lincoln Memorial, visiting our nation’s capital provides endless opportunities for education and enrichment. This month, add a little luxury to your exploration by booking Four-Star The Jefferson, Washington D.C.’s Summer of American Democracy Package and gain exclusive access to The Smithsonian.
Featuring deluxe overnight accommodations, a daily food and beverage credit for use at any of The Jefferson’s restaurants and a historically themed welcome amenity, the deal is a must for inquisitive travelers.
Other perks include privileged, early morning access to the Smithsonian National Museum of American History’s “American Democracy: A Great Leap of Faith” exhibit, two cocktails at The Jefferson’s historic Quill bar and customized itineraries for exploring Washington, D.C. curated by the hotel’s in-house historian, Susan Lagon.
The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Photo Courtesy of The Ballantyne Hotel
Charlotte
It may be based in Kentucky, but for a taste of the newest craft spirit made in collaboration with Maker’s Mark, bourbon aficionados should plan to be in Charlotte for the unveiling of The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge, A Luxury Collection Hotel’s Personal Select Whiskey, the second custom barrel created exclusively for the Four-Star property.
On August 12, the luxury hotel will host an exclusive dinner with Maker’s Mark Ambassador Jane Conner to celebrate this newer, spicier version of the original barrel. The event will include a reception with bar snacks and specialty cocktails crafted with the new whiskey, followed by a sumptuous bourbon-themed dinner and tasting event.
Feast on entrées such as bourbon barbecue braised short ribs with smoked cheddar grits and then walk around and sample small plates like braised pork cheek sliders with kimchi and bok choy. Bourbon-infused desserts will also be featured accompanied by craft cocktails and live music.
Williamsburg Inn, Photo Courtesy of The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation
Williamsburg, Virginia
One of the highlights of the annual Burning Man Festival in Nevada is the collection of otherworldly, surreal and larger-than-life art exhibits accompanying the event. If spending days in the hot desert sun is just not your thing, you can experience the festival’s fantastic art installations at Norfolk’s Hermitage Museum & Gardens on display through October 14.
Once you’ve had your fill of everything Burning Man (make sure you stay long enough to see the exhibition at night), drive just 45 miles to the historic town of Williamsburg, Virginia, to immerse yourself in the Four-Star Williamsburg Inn, ensuring that your weekend of futuristic art appreciation ends with a luxurious trip back in time.
