Wrightsville, Pa.
(in South Central Pennsylvania’s lower Susquehanna River Region)
Drive time: About 90 minutes.
Back to nature: Rent a kayak ($20-$30 for up to two hours) or take a guided dinner or weekend brunch paddling “rendezvous” ($30-$36) on Lake Clarke with Shank’s Mare Outfitters (pictured below; 2092 Long Level Road, 877-554-5080, shanksmare.com).
Accommodations: It’s about a 15-20 minute ride to historic downtown Marietta’s Ascot House Bed & Breakfast (219 W. Market St., ascothousebandb.com, 717-426-2518), a romantic spot with fireplaces, in-room Jacuzzis and loads of British charm. Rooms $99-$150, suites $170-$205.
Don’t miss: The merlot, port and live music at Moon Dancer Vineyards & Winery (1282 Klines Run Road, 717-252-WINE, moondancerwinery.com); the cast-iron bargains on the second floor at John Wright Store and Restaurant (North Front Street, 717-252-2519, jwright.com); the homemade ice cream at Lauxmont Farms (1215 Long Level Road, 717-252-1952, lauxmontfarms.com); and the signature crab cake and melting short ribs at Josephine’s Restaurant (324 W. Market St., Marietta; josephinesrestaurant.com, 717-426-2003).
