Shenandoah
National Park & Skyland Resort The sun had set long before we began our ascent into the Blue Ridge Mountains, winding along twisty blacktop that was sweetly smooth, beckoning the car to speed past the dense forestry in which crouched countless wild animals, ready to pounce streetward – or so we imagined. Who knew what resided in the brush? Hungry black bears? Clusters of spry deer? We edged on into the darkness that was Skyline Drive, inching our way up toward the ridge of the mountainous chain, where Skyland Resort is modestly perched. [Read Review]

Virginia Beach
Honey Bee Golf Club A 6,075-yard, par 70 layout is open enough to be friendly to the high handicapper, yet challenges the zealous golfer with a blend of length, water on 10 holes, elevated tees and immense sand bunkers. Next to a 300-yard driving range, separate putting and chipping greens and elongated 40-foot practice bunker www.vbfun.com

Bay Creek Golf Club may be the most spectacular golf course on the East Coast! With four holes on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, eight holes on Old Plantation Creek and several holes framed by giant sand-dunes, Bay Creek is a nature lover's delight. www.baycreekgolfclub.com

Virginia Beach has almost 200 public tennis courts; most are lighted, all are free. You'll find them at Bayville, Little Island, Lynnhaven, Princess Anne, Red Wing and Woodstock parks. The Parks and Recreation Department also operates the Owl's Creek Municipal Tennis Center just south of the resort area. It offers lessons, has tournament seating for 1,300, and charges a nominal court fee. For more information, call (757) 437-4757.