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200nm Weekend Excursions
Kick-Back • Relax • Unwind
by Jan Gerner
The Hershey Hotel, PA
Land at the Harrisburg International Airport (KMDT) and you’re about 15 minutes away from the sweetest place on earth. Let The Hotel Hershey know you’re arrival time and the resort’s shuttle will pick you up for a small fee. This four star, four diamond hotel sits on a hilltop overlooking the quaint town of Hershey — the town that chocolate built. This is where street lights look like candy kisses and there’s always a hint of chocolate in the air.
When you stay here, you will discover there’s a lot more to chocolate besides eating it. The Chocolate Fondue Wrap, Cocoa Massage, and Whipped Cocoa Bath are specialties of the Chocolate Spa. Forget calories when you indulge here.
No matter where you sit in the Hotel's Circular Dining Room, you will have a commanding view of the resort’s beautifully-landscaped grounds and the hills of central Pennsylvania. There are no corners here thanks to the founder, Milton S. Hershey who insisted every table have a view. For the past six years, the restaurant has received the prestigious AAA Four Diamond Award and Wine Spectator Award. And needless to say, this is not the place to skip dessert.
Busy families wanting to reconnect can try the Odyssey Challenge. This giant jungle gym will have all ages climbing walls, ropes, and riding zip lines. Amusement park aficionados can join the 100th anniversary celebration of Hershey Park, which was scheduled to reopen for the season in May.
Ten roller coasters and six water rides will please those who like steep ascents and vertical drops with loops and barrel rolls. Like the hotel, Hershey Park has won numerous awards including being named the number one amusement park in the northeast.
Make this weekend getaway a family affair — sometimes even the kids need a break.
The American Club, WI
Midwesterners looking for seclusion, luxury, and elaborate amenities can escape to the American Club in the picturesque village of Kohler, Wisconsin. Fly into the Sheboygan County Memorial Airport (KSBM), make arrangements in advance, and the resort will pick you up for the five-minute ride.
This is the Midwest’s only five diamond AAA destination and it has been awarded those five diamonds every year since 1986. The resort is owned and operated by the Kohler Company, which means each room in this English Tudor style hotel has an opulent bathroom. All have whirlpool tubs, some more elaborate than others and some large enough to accommodate two.
Treat yourself to one of the Immersion Suites and you may be tempted to spend the entire weekend luxuriating in your private water playground. Your Kohler whirlpool bath, the focal point of the suite, is situated in front of a fireplace and plasma TV. Any of the services offered at the Kohler Water Spa can be brought into the privacy of the Immersion Suites, giving room service a whole new meaning.
Other amenities available to guests include four championship golf courses, River Wildlife (a wilderness preserve and private hunt club available to resort guests), the Sports Core Health and Racquet Club, and a selection of dining venues sure to please all palates. Try one of the food and beer pairing dinners held throughout the year and don’t leave the club without sampling the famous Wisconsin cheese. Pair these exclusive cheeses with one of the 400 fine wines for a memorable taste treat.
Before climbing into bed at the end of the day, try an evening bath ritual. Choose a therapeutic soak or an aroma soak with special bathing amenities, candlelight, wine, champagne, or tea and an attendant to draw your bath. Close your eyes and let stress fade away with this peaceful, healthy indulgence.
 Big Cedar Lodge, MI
The Big Cedar Lodge in Ridgedale, Missouri offers guests comfort, convenience, and the great outdoors. Accommodations include several lodges, cabins, and cottages with unique interiors and varying views and degrees of seclusion.
The Graham Clark-Taney County Airport (KPLK) is seven miles from the resort. Transportation can be arranged in advance or rent a car. For those into county music, Branson, which has been called the Live Music Show Capital of the World, is a ten minute drive from the resort.
Children are welcomed here and the Kids Club will keep them busy with action-packed, fun things to do. Parents have a lot of action packed things to do also. Horseback riding, hiking the Ozarks, bass fishing and boating on Table Rock Lake are favorite pastimes.
Situated in the heart of quaint, artistic Laguna Beach, the Montage offers guests a 20,000 square foot oceanfront spa with breathtaking views. A variety of ocean and earth inspired therapies along with beach-side yoga and meditation will refresh mind, body, and soul. For those wanting to get their heart pumping, try the Beach Boot Camp, a Thalassic Beach Walk, or hip-hop yoga.
Sea breezes and spectacular vistas are among the many amenities here. Every room has a balcony, awe-inspiring ocean view, and craftsman-style architecture.
Art lovers will appreciate the museumquality collection of art showcased throughout the resort. And parents will appreciate The Paintbox, the resort’s exclusive kid’s club. Known for distinctive dining, Montage guests have several dining options. If a romantic dinner for two is on your agenda, try the Studio where acclaimed Chef James Boyce creates mouthwatering meals that are also works of art. The Loft is the popular casual gourmet restaurant. Dramatic ocean views, plush décors, and an inventive approach to the best ingredients California has to offer have garnered the resort critical acclaim and awards. Whether you choose to dine in one of the restaurants or lounges, you will be treated to memorable meals to go along with a memorable weekend.
The Carriage House Spa should be included in your visit. For those craving solitude, arrange a treatment in the privacy of your room. Couples can enroll in the Class for Two where they will learn massage techniques to take home.
Hungry guests have several dining options. While the settings are historic and elegant, the dress is casual. Children menus keep the young ones happy and adults have many menu choices.
End your day with a campfire wagon tour that takes you to a rustic campsite complete with bonfire, marshmallows, story telling, and singing cowboys. This is a warm, inviting getaway for all ages.
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