Weekend at Kingsmill
• January 17, 2014

Existence of pre-historic Indians that lived 7,000 years ago on the bluffs of the James River where Kingsmill Resort is now located has been proven through the discovery of pottery and stone tools. I wonder what conclusion the future’s archeologists will come to when they find all of the post-industrial urethane-covered rubber Titleists I left all over the property three weeks ago? Most of the evidenc will be found on the River course, although similar deposits will be available for unearthing on the Woods and Plantation courses also.

The recent LPGA event at the River course left behind in its wake a series of well groomed fairways, immaculate greens and overall lushy factor where all plant growth was concerned, and made it visually pleasing to play. From the first hole, whose fairway was diagonally punctured with beckoning sand traps at tee shot distances, the bunkers reigned supreme in a way only possible in a non-beach town. A moat of sand surrounding the 5th hole makes the landing of the par three’s tee shot safely within the castle walls crucial to scoring well.

The picturesque and windy par three 17th hole along the river, immediately followed by a challenging tee shot over a souped-up water retention area to reach the 18th fairway make for a strong finish. The River course is clearly the benevolent bully of the trio worth befriending on your visit to Kingsmill.

The remoteness of the Woods course in relation to the Kingsmill hub was a welcome relief, and upon arrival I found myself looking for an archery instructor or some broken clay pigeons. The absolute dominant thought I walked away with after playing the Woods course was that the two sets of nine holes could not have been more different from each other, with the back nine utilizing three times more real estate than the front. If the back nine’s long wooden bridges, steep inclines, and tube-like tunnels between holes didn’t plant the idea in your head that you were adjacent to Busch Gardens, than the pleasant far away roller coaster shrieks audible from the 12th hole tee box sure did. The back nine here would make a great addendum to the championship River course when planning a 27 hole golf day.

The yardage reduction and less complex obstacles of the Arnold Palmer designed Plantation course will be a warm welcome for the mid to high handicapper or beginner golfer. Its signature hole features tobacco and grain era plantation houses from the 17th and 18th century, but otherwise winds through a neighborhood consisting of Williamsburg brick homes, seemingly each of original design. While I understand seasonality plays a role in their prevalence, I would have found flame throwers a welcome golf cart presence to combat the oversized and persistent horseflies in some dank areas of the course.

Boasting a marina, tennis courts, boat rentals, walking areas, and riverside dining, Kingsmill has plenty to offer the non-golfer before you even factor in the presence of Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg right next door. Since I was not here with my wife and am not metrosexually correct enough to enjoy spa treatments, I had to rely on my club’s length observations of the unbelievable amount of ways to pamper yourself one could avail themselves of at this spa. Decadent chocolate wraps, sugar scrubs, reflexological half hours, warmed basalt stone rubdowns, and something involving eucalyptus called nasal drainage stroking are only some of the plethora of treatments, available for age ranges starting at 5 to 11 through senior citizenhood.

Kingsmill Resort housing is made up of sprawling villas, only some of which are owned and operated by the resort. This ownership mix, combined with the sprawl, offers visitors a choice in how involved they would like to be in choreographing their stay. Whether a stay at the riverside villas will complement your visits to Williamsburg attractions and be a place to dine or whether you plan to never leave the premises and rely on the full service staff to plan your golf and spa weekend, your needs will surely be met. For more information, visit www.kingsmill.com/golf. 1010 Kingsmill Road, Williamsburg, Va. 23185 – toll free, 800-832-5665; direct dial, 757-253-1703

Wandergolf will be a frequently appearing golf column in The Georgetowner that will be reporting on the golf interests of Washingtonians. If you have suggestions for columns or comments, please email them to [wally@wandergolf.com](mailto:wally@wandergolf.com
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Northern Neck, Full of Summer Surprises
•

Self-described as “the road less traveled,” Virginia’s Northern Neck is a premier destination for art and culture experiences outside all of the hustle and bustle of the District. Make a day or a weekend trip out of heading down to the Northern Neck to see what summer 2013 has to offer.

Summer Beach Bash at Ingleside Winery
Take a trip out to Oak Grove, Va., on June 22 for a summer kickoff. There will be live beach music in the courtyard, wine tasting and an optional dinner. You can reserve a dinner reservation or bring your own picnic to the party. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door (music only). Dinner costs $15 (advance reservations).
Ingleside Winery, 5872 Leedstown Road, Oak Grove, Va. 22443

Wine Tasting and Water Exploration at Cat Point Creek
Have a swimming time and taste some wine on June 29 at Cat Point Creek in Richmond County, Va. Paddle your way down the creek to take part in a wine tasting at Belle Mount Vineyards. Make a reservation by June 25 to wine, dine, and explore one of Northern Neck’s vital habitats. The cost of this waterside adventure is $40 per person with reservation only.
Northern Neck Land Conservancy, P.O. Box 125 Lancaster, Va. 22503 804-462-0979

Kilmarnock Volunteer Fire Department 77th Annual Carnival
Pick one or a few nights between July 25 and August 3 to join all the fun in Kilamarnock for this nine-day carnival extravaganza. Help support the Kilamarnock Volunteer Fire Department while taking part in old-fashioned games, riding carnival rides and eating great food. Admission to the carnival is free, but tickets are required for games and food.
Waverly Avenue, Kilmarnock, Va.

Irvington Crab Festival
Grab a hammer and get ready to start pickin’ the best on July 27 at the Second Annual Irvington Crab Festival. Groove to live music from Jumbo Lumb Daddy while enjoying all-you-can-eat steamed jumbo crabs, and listen to Backfin Boys while enjoying barbecue. Proceeds form the Irvington Crab Festival were benefit the Steamboat Era Museum. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door day of. Tickets for kids 12 and under are $5.
Steamboat Era Museum, 156 King Carter Drive, Irvington, Va. 22480

Music by the River at Belle Isle State Park
Bring your picnic blanket and jive your way to Rappahannock Crossing’s Belle Isle State Park to take in the nature and bluegrass musicians from the Northern Neck and the Middle Peninsula. It is a family-friendly setting, and it is encouraged and accepted to play games with family and kids during the concerts. The event will take place most Saturdays, starting July 13. Visit www.NortherNeck.org for a full list of dates and performances for Music By The River. Admission for all is free.
Belle Isle State Park 1562 Belle Isle Road, Lancaster, Va. 22503

Virginia’s Northern Neck: Lively Mix of History and Recreation
•

A mere two hours or so from the nation’s capital is one of the most historic areas of America: the Northern Neck of Virginia, the birthplace of George Washington, James Madison, James Monroe and Robert E. Lee. Because of its early influence on the new nation, this peninsula, which lies between the Potomac and Rappahannock Rivers, has been called “the Athens of the New World” and “the garden of Virginia.”

Rich with tobacco exports, the plantation-owning society was a powerful leader with river transport so easily at hand, but the peninsula was left behind by the railroad and the nation’s expansion. This pause in time may prove in the years ahead to be beneficial for the region, which is gaining newcomers via retiring baby-boomers, second homeowners, boaters and water enthusiasts.

While the English explorer, Captain John Smith, discovered the land where eight Algonquian tribes lived in 1608, you can drive south of Fredericksburg, Va., turn off Interstate 95 and get on the main road, King’s Highway, and take it easy. This is Route 3, which has also been called Historyland Highway.

From Montross down to Irvington and perhaps checking out some places on the southern banks of the Rappahannock on the Middle Neck, as it is called, this can be a trip not merely down memory’s lane but an active adventure, whether boating, sailing, fishing, biking, hiking, antiquing, eagle watching, dining, vineyard exploring or just going to the beach.

Smith saw the Northern Neck “as a place heaven and earth never agreed better to frame man’s habitation.” Today, more and more people seem to agree with him, too.

The George Washington Birthplace National Monument on Popes Creek with home and farm (not the original) evoke the 1700s. Stratford Hall, home of the Lee family, is a lively place. It holds various workshops during the summer, and in other buildings on the grounds it rents rooms and cabins.

There are many historic attractions to see, but save time for the Reedville Fishermen’s Museum, the Steamboat Era Museum in Irvington and historic Christ Church in Weems. Also consider the Mary Ball Washington Museum in Lancaster.

There are marinas and beaches for boating and water sports – it’s all about the water along this peninsula of eastern Virginia’s Tidewater that claims more than 1,000 miles of shoreline.

There is also Belle Isle State Park, Bush Mill Stream Natural Area Preserve, Caledon Natural Area, Dameron Marsh Natural area and Westmoreland State Park. Along with the Northern Neck Birding Trail, these wildlife spots offer a chance to see bald eagles soaring in the sky above.

Although the Northern Neck seems like a great getaway secret newly revealed—its tourist board’s slogan is “Experience the Road Less Traveled”—there was a time when Washingtonians flocked to its Colonial Beach on the tidal Potomac. There were even barges where gambling was legal, as the Potomac is controlled by Maryland all the way to the Virginia shoreline. It was the time when steamboats crisscrossed the Chesapeake Bay.

Today, local connections continue. The Rappahanock Oyster Company, located in Topping, has an outpost in DC at Union Market on Fifth Street, NE. Chef Troy Clayton, owner of Geranio Restaurant on King Street in Alexandria, along with business Thomy Moore, formerly with the Clyde’s Restaurant Group, opened the Landing Restaurant and Waterfront Bar at Coles Point Marina in May.

The Northern Neck is justly proud of its wineries: Athena Winery near Burgess and Wicomico Church, Belle Mount Vineyards in Warsaw, Dog and Oyster Vineyard in Irvington, General’s Ridge Vineyard in Hague, Good Luck Cellars in Kilmarnock, the Hague Winery in Hague, Ingleside Plantation Vineyards in Oak Grove, Jacey Vineyards in Wicomico Church, Oak Crest Winery in King George and Vault Field Vineyards near Kinsdale. The region has an official wine appellation: Northern Neck George Washington Birthplace American Viticultural Area.

You may be visiting friends or family or just camping, but sometimes a great resort is required. The Tides at Irvington is that place. It is a world-class inn with a golf course, spa and marina at the southern tip of the peninsula. It often uses the sailing teachers from Norton’s Yacht Sales in Deltaville across the Rappahannock on the Middle Neck. Owned by Carolyn Norton Schmalenberger and Ken Schmalenberger, Norton’s sells, fixes and charters boats—and can teach you how to sail. Also not to be missed in Irvington are bed-and-breakfast Hope and Glory and Nate’s Trick Dog Cafe.

Back up in Montross, sample Angelo’s pizza. For great sandwiches and pastries, try Art of Coffee in Montross or the Daily, which is down the road in Warsaw. Local farms offer produce to weekenders as well as to restaurants in the District and elsewhere. Virginia ham? You know it, and someone mentioned Whitley’s peanuts and Joe Lewis’s tomatoes, to name but a few of the top items to bring home besides the history lessons. [gallery ids="99244,104149,104152" nav="thumbs"]

Haute & Cool
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Georgetown is known for the decadent dining, luxury homes, society nightlife, and of course, M Street fashion. This week we style stalked those milling around the streets of Georgetown looking for this summer’s most popular trends. With a forecast of excessive heat and humidity weighing down our wardrobes, it’s been a challenge to stay and look cool simultaneously. However, these street fashionistas didn’t let a little heat cramp their style. With a combination of vivid, electrifying colors and cool, classic whites, these ladies looked chic and crisp in their summer whites and summer brights. [gallery ids="99993,99994,99995,99996,99997,99998" nav="thumbs"]

Haute & Cool: Get Booted Up
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The rain seems to be falling harder and colder every day, turning the streets of D.C. into veritable rivers. Unfortunately, splashing through puddles tand crunching through fallen leaves in those strappy summer sandals just isn’t cutting it anymore. The fall season is the start of boot season, and D.C. stores are stocking their shelves with cute knee-highs, heeled and ankle boots to keep those tootsies warm.
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The Georgetown University Learning Community
•

Georgetown University is giving adults the chance to go back to school with short non-credit courses at their Georgetown campus. People ‘55 or better’ can take part in the university’s School of Continuing Education to engage in courses ranging from current political hot topics, literature, and the sciences.

Preregistration is required with limited class-sizes. Registration fees are $30 for one course and $50 for two or more courses. Dues-paid members (and their spouses) of The Association of Main-Campus Retired Faculty, The DC Alumni Club, The GU Library Associates, and present or past GU Learning Community faculty can register for at no charge.

Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

Ellen Henderson, Professor of Biology, Emerita

Wednesdays, 1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.; Feb. 26, March 5 and 12.

Human trafficking is now the second largest money-maker among illicit international criminal activities. This short course will look first at the international situation and the role of the U.S. government in efforts to prevent global trafficking, as well as on a national level and within the District.

F. Scott Fitzgerald: More Than Ever

Paul Lilly, Professor of English, Emeritus, SUNY Binghamton

Thursdays, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.; March 13, 20, 27

This course will focus on reading and discussing some of Fitzgerald’s great works such as The Great Gatsby (1925), “The Rich Boy” (1926), and “Babylon Revisited,” and Book I through III of Tender Is the Night (1934). As well as addressing relevant information about Fitzgerald’s life.

The Social Impact of the Internet Now and in the Future

Professor: Lee Rainie, Director, Pew Research Center’s Project on The Internet and American Life
Tuesdays, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.; March 18, 25 and April 1

The lectures for this course will explore the rise and impact of the Internet, the development of “mobile life,” and the future of the Internet.
All classes will be held in The Murray Room, Fifth Floor, Lauinger Library. Parking ($3/hour) in the South Parking Garage, enter from Canal Road. For additional information on more courses and descriptions about the instructors, visit emeriti.georgetown.edu, email ccpeprograms@georgetown.edu, or call 202-687-7000.

One Stylish Weekend With Carleton Varney at The Greenbrier
•

Nestled safely within the Allegheny Mountains
in the small community of White Sulphur
Springs, W.Va., lies one of this country’s most
venerable and longstanding luxury resorts. Since
1778, The Greenbrier has hosted distinguished
guests from around the world, setting the standard
for luxury accommodations in the United
States while managing to continually reinvent
itself for each new generation.

Once known by the Southern elite as the “Queen
of the Watering Places,” this sprawling estate in
the lush foothills of the Appalachian Mountainsis one of the premier getaways on the East Coast.
With the very best of comfort and accommodations,
spa treatments, leisure pursuits and worldclass
cuisine, The Greenbrier brings together all
the luxuries of the world’s finest resorts with the
distinctive history and character of the region.
In 1948, The Greenbrier teamed with another
national institution, Dorothy Draper & Company,
one of the country’s oldest and most established
interior design firms, named for its founder, a
doyenne of interior design from the 1920s to the
1960s. With Dorothy Draper, The Greenbrier
once again reinvented itself, reconstructing its
image at the forefront of haute design to meet the
postwar era head-on.

As the Greenbrier evolved, so did Dorothy
Draper & Co. The two institutions have been
working and growing together for over 60 years
to ensure that guests receive the very best.
Along the way, they have enjoyed a relationship
immersed in bold colors, elegant patterns,
and The Greenbrier’s signature green and white
stripes.

During the weekend of Jan. 24-26, guests will
have the opportunity to go behind the scenes of
The Greenbrier’s signature style with one of the
most highly regarded interior designers in the
country, Carleton Varney. Owner and president
of Dorothy Draper & Co., Varney is a protege of
Draper herself.

During this landmark event, the first-ever
Carleton Varney weekend, guests will have
exclusive access to Varney. The weekend schedule
includes seminars and talks, private walking
tours, book signings, afternoon tea and an exclusive
cocktail reception with “Mr. Color” himself.
With Varney on hand, guests will discover why
The Greenbrier’s look is truly one of a kind.
“We are thrilled to launch our new Discovery
Series at The Greenbrier, which will allow guests
to experience a different side of the resort while
learning from, and interacting with, our diverse
group of assembled experts in the fields of art
and antiques, design, food and wine and more,”
said Jeffrey Kmiec, president of The Greenbrier.
“It’s only fitting that we should inaugurate this
exciting new annual series of fascinating personalities
with a weekend with Carleton Varney, the
legendary interior designer and our good friend,
who has been with The Greenbrier for 50 years,
carrying on the extraordinary legacy of Dorothy
Draper.”

The Varney design philosophy stresses “the use
of bright colors and the rejection of all that is
impractical, uncomfortable and drab.” Here is a
listing of weekend highlights, sure to attract the
attention of any and all tastemakers, from those
looking for inspiration to redecorate their living
room to design-industry professionals.

Friday, January 24
6-7 p.m. – “Cocktails with Carleton” in the
State Suite

Carleton Varney invites guests to join him for
cocktails in The Greenbrier’s highly acclaimed
State Suite. The State Suite boasts one of the
most impressive entrance foyers found anywhere
on the estate, showcasing The Greenbrier’s traditional
black and white marble tile. Cocktails
and dry snacks will be served as guests mix and
mingle with Varney.

Saturday, January 25
10:30 a.m. – “The Decoration History of The
Greenbrier” in the Upper Lobby
The elegant interior and exterior décor of the
current hotel is traced from its 1913 beginnings
during this fireside chat hosted by Varney.
Though the hotel is well known for the dramatic
transformation of the 1940s, contributions to
the unique dimensions and ambience have been
witnessed each decade.

4 p.m. – Afternoon Tea with Carleton Varney
in the Main Dining Room
Live piano music and dancers will provide
entertainment as guests savor tea and delicacies.
Varney will be available to sign copies of his
books, CDs and DVD.

6-10 p.m. – “Happy Birthday Carleton
Varney!” Dinner Party

Guests will celebrate in style in the Main Dining
Room with Varney and his family members
and friends. The Greenbrier’s timeless classics
will be served beneath Dorothy Draper’s dazzling
custom-made chandeliers. Live music and
dancing complete the evening under the stately
columns and magnificent arched windows that
bring the ambiance of a dignified Southern mansion
to life.

Sunday, January 26
10:30-11:30 a.m. – Interior Tour with Carleton
Varney

Carleton Varney’s design philosophy continues
the tradition of Dorothy Draper, embracing the
imaginative use of vibrant colors, floral patterns
and bold contrasts. Varney and Brinsley
Matthews lead this Sunday morning tour through
the hotel, discussing all things Dorothy Draper.
For more information about the listed events,
call 877-684-5060. [gallery ids="101603,147109" nav="thumbs"]

Murphy’s Love: Advice on Intimacy and Relationships
• January 15, 2014

Dear Stacy:
This year I am resolving to do some things
differently when it comes to my personal life.
I turned 30 last year and dated a few guys
for a few months at a time (all after a big
breakup the year before with
a boyfriend I’d been with for
four years). At first these guys
seemed great, but soon, when
we got to the stage of spending
our weekends together and had
met one another’s friends, I
would start getting really irritated
by basically silly things.
I would be highly critical of
things they said (or wore), and
wouldn’t hold my tongue, which
sometimes led to an argument,
but always led to hurt feelings.
Those breakups were mutual,
but I know that my criticisms
had an impact. I don’t want to
be this kind of nitpicking girlfriend.
I want to know if there
is anything I can do to prevent this behavior,
because I really do know it won’t get me what
I really want, which is a husband and a family
in the near future.
– ISO Advice

Dear ISO,
Good news! You already may have
answered your question about whether there
is anything you can do “to
prevent this behavior in the
future.” From the start, it
sounds like you recognize
there’s a problem and you
are taking responsibility
for it. That’s an excellent
first step – and one that
is often hard-won. This is
not going to be about avoiding
these feelings, however.
It’s going to be about noticing
them, recognizing what
triggered them and taking
some time to see where the
roots lead you. You know,
one of those basic, mindful,
self-awareness quests. But
I have a hunch about where
this might lead, so I’ll give you a crib sheet.
If we were talking about one specific
relationship, in which your criticisms of his
ever-present Caps jersey showed up on his
Facebook wall for all to read, this would be
different. Instead, we’re talking about a pattern
of behavior occurring with all of Last Year’s
Boyfriends. Here’s the identified pattern: when
things start looking serious, your radar lights
up with criticisms that usher in the end of the
relationship. To me, that sounds like a highly
effective defense mechanism, protecting you
from getting in too deep – keeping you safe,
for the most part. You get out while the separation
is “mutual,” READ: no real hurt feelings,
no real lingering pain. Are you sure you are
ready to be in a long-term relationship right
now? Four years with Ex-Boyfriend was a long
time. Have you fully grieved that loss? It would
be too simple to label you a critical nitpicker.
I think you might have a wounded heart that
hasn’t quite healed enough to give someone
else a true chance.

Stacy Notaras Murphy www.stacymurphyLPC.
com is a licensed professional counselor and certified
Imago Relationship therapist practicing in
Georgetown. This column is meant for entertainment
only and should not be considered a substitute for
professional counseling. Send your confidential question
to stacy@georgetowner.com.

12 Ways of In Country Living
• January 6, 2014

Middleburg, Va., has a quiet beauty. Driving down the winding farm roads outside of Washington, low-lying fences of stacked stone separate the asphalt from the rolling country beyond. Estates sit on expansive greenways shared with rustic, whitewashed barns and grazing horses and cattle.

Perhaps this is why Middleburg continues to be one of the most thriving real estate markets in the region and a favorite area for Washingtonians seeking a country lifestyle. A drive of 30 minutes to two hours from the city, depending on traffic, sprawling country homes are waiting to be bought up around Middleburg.

Because this holiday season is the perfect time to gain a foothold in the countryside, the “12 Ways of In Country Living” highlights some of the most persuasive reasons to think of Middleburg and its environs as more than a weekend getaway.

1. Virginia Wines
There is a rampant misconception that East Coast wines are sweet, simple and unrefined. Bandied about is the truism that our land is unsuitable for growing proper wine grapes. But the truth is that we just got a late start. We are California 30 years ago. Today, more and more of our winemakers produce high-quality dry wines and the world is taking notice. Among the many vineyards of distinction around Middleburg, Chrysalis Winery, Boxwood Estate Winery, Barrel Oak Winery and Linden Vineyards are all worthy stops on any wine enthusiast’s Virginia itinerary.

2. The National Sporting Library and Museum
The colorful history and legendary stories of Loudoun’s long, rich equestrian history are enshrined in the National Sporting Library and Museum. On its shelves and in its galleries are more than 17,000 books dating back to the 16th century. The permanent art collection and special exhibitions chart the county’s sporting traditions back to their roots. NSL.org

3. The Ashby Inn and Restaurant
In the town of Paris, Va., one finds the Ashby Inn and Restaurant. This popular travel destination offers respite for jaded city dwellers seeking nature’s tranquility. A small inn with 10 double rooms, its charming 70-seat restaurant fills up every Saturday. For adventurous couples, nearby Sky Meadow State Park offers hiking and outdoor activities. Looking for less strenuous quality time? The antique shops, tack stores and restaurants of Middleburg are just next door. Another option is to combine exploration and relaxation with a trip to any number of the more than 20 wineries located within 30 minutes of the inn. AshbyInn.com

4. The Salamander Resort
Salamander Resort & Spa in Middleburg formally opened last August on 340 acres just outside Middleburg. The 168-room hotel is built to evoke a country estate, with a pale plaster facade, a stone courtyard, terraces and wrought-iron balconies. At Harrimans, the main restaurant, the menu includes locally harvested delicacies such as blue crab, Rappahannock River oysters, Angus beef from the Plains and Berkshire pork from Pennsylvania. Seasonal, local vegetables star on every plate, many grown in the kitchen gardens or at nearby farms. SalamanderResort.com

5. The Inn at Little Washington
No discussion of luxury dining and accommodations in Virginia is complete without admiration for the Inn at Little Washington, the life’s work of renowned restaurateur Patrick O’Connell. A self-taught chef and pioneer of the local, organic movement, O’Connell is often accused of having “perfect taste.” The Inn is one of the most highly decorated restaurants and hotels in the country – and just about the only one nationally lauded for offering both fine dining and sumptuous guest rooms. TheInnAtLittleWashington.com

6. The Kennedy Estate, from Atoka Properties
Wexford, the iconic John F. Kennedy family estate just west of Middleburg, is for sale for the first time in 22 years. The property was custom-designed by President and Mrs. Kennedy as a family retreat in 1963. Originally 39 acres, the property today comprises 166 acres. The main residence is a beautiful stucco home filled with light with views of the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains. The Kennedys’ first visit to Wexford after completion was Oct. 25, 1963; they visited again on Nov. 10. Mrs. Kennedy sold the property a year later. Located in Orange County Hunt territory, the property offers riding trails, peaceful surroundings and dramatic views. The property still contains an underground bunker and areas used by Secret Service personnel. $10,995,000. AtokaProperties.com

7. Blue Spring Property, from Long & Foster
Blue Spring, designed by longtime Georgetown resident and architect Robbi Cooper, was created as a rural escape close to Georgetown to accommodate weddings, anniversaries and family holidays. It comprises three buildings around a small formal courtyard. Centrally located in Loudoun County and surrounded by hills, valleys and a stream, it’s a short drive from Washington. On 12.99 acres for $525,000 and on 23.99 acres for $720,000. (The separate approximately 11 acre lot is priced at $195,000.) LongAndFoster.com

8. Scawfell Farm, from Washington Fine Properties
This is a charming and elegant home with the original section dating to c. 1860 and the most recent renovation and additions to 2003. On 58 acres, the house has sweeping views down to the Rappahannock River and past fenced pastures to a cascading stream, pond and two-bedroom log cabin. The home has a beautiful pool, five bedrooms, five baths and two half-baths. There are also several barns, run-in sheds and paddocks with water. $2,195,000. WFP.com

9. Liberty Hall, from Thomas and Talbot Real Estate
Nestled just below Paris, Va., Liberty Hall, c. 1770, is a lovely stone and stucco farmhouse that sits at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains on 20 acres surrounded by protected lands. A dream property for lovers of antique homes, it offers captivating views of the countryside and features meticulous exterior renovations. County records indicate that the residence provided room and board for soldiers during the American Revolution. $1,950,000. Thomas-Talbot.com

10. Signal Mountain, from Sheridan MacMahon Realtors
Located in The Plains, Va., the 160-acre Signal Mountian estate sits on the western slope of Bull Run Mountain. Used by the Confederate cavalryman, Colonel Mosby, the estate is rich in beauty and history. The property is entered through an automated gate system built of stone walls and gate piers that support hand forged iron gates. The private drive passes a civil war era stone chimney/foundation, a well, and a spring house. On the property sits a stocked pond and a two-story carriage house. Several main home sites are available to build out the estate. $1,950,000. sheridanmacmahon.com

11. Creighton Farms and Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course
Conveniently located on Route 15 in the scenic Route 50 corridor, Creighton Farms is ideal for those who want the luxury and privacy of a first-rate community without an hour’s drive outside the city. Creighton Farms has a large handful of homesites with dramatic views of woods, meadows, mountain ranges and a spectacular golf course. The 900-acre landscape on which the course sits was designed by Jack Nicklaus who is currently building a home behind the ninth green. CreightonFarms.com

12. New Long & Foster Real Estate Office in Purcellville
The growth and development in Loudoun County continues to drive the real estate west of the District. Many already consider the area surrounding Purcellville, just north of Middleburg, to be an up-and-coming area with more modestly priced homes than its sister town. “This site in Purcellville was specifically chosen to give us centralized access to the community and a brand new state-of-the-art facility,” said Michele Stevens, managing broker of Long & Foster’s Middleburg office, who is leading the team at the new Purcellville sales office. [gallery ids="101587,147509,147506,147502,147494,147498" nav="thumbs"]

Murphy’s Love: Advice on Intimacy and Relationships
•

Dear Stacy:
I am a 20-something woman living in D.C. with a great job, good friends and a nice place to live. I really love my life and wouldn’t change a thing about it. But as this month has approached, I have realized that I am really anxious about the holidays because I do not have anyone to bring as a date on New Year’s Eve. I made a resolution last year that I would be with a long-term boyfriend and that did not happen in 2013. Every time I think about the holidays, I see myself getting sad and worried and I know it’s all because of that idea of seeing myself at the party without a boyfriend. I know this sounds stupid, but it’s what is really happening and I don’t know what to do to make it better.
– Alone for the Holiday

Dear Holiday,
Ah, the dreaded New Year’s Resolution Regret. We’ve all been there, but many of us forget about last January’s failure, particularly as the next New Year approaches and we are suddenly convinced that this time will be different! I’m really sorry you are feeling this way and that our culture has conspired to create an event that seems to celebrate only the coupled, while also providing a handy shame-distribution exercise (aka the New Year’s resolution). The good news is that you already know that you have many positive things in your life. Rather than let our anxiety about what’s not happening ruin our holidays, we need to help our brains focus on the good and take gentle care of ourselves. The latter point is the most important – which leads me to my most specific, directive piece of advice:
Don’t go to the party.

The excellent, thoughtful brain that has allowed you to accept all the wonderful assets you named (job/friends/housing), that brain is telling you, well in advance, that it’s a bad idea to attend a New Year’s party where you know you will feel bad about yourself. So don’t go. That very important reason you just thought of? The one that makes it impossible for you not to go to the party? It’s not real. You don’t have to go. Seriously.

This doesn’t mean you have to pretend it’s just a regular Tuesday and head to bed early. Just please find a different way of celebrating. It sounds like an invitation to a party has made you dread the holidays and left your self-esteem in shambles. That’s a lot of power you are giving up. Take it back. You can do this by choosing to travel on Dec. 31, or gathering your single friends together for a wine tasting, or visiting a nursing home that night – the possibilities are endless. But the concept is the same. Focusing on what you don’t have will not make you feel better. Taking good care of yourself (your heart/mind/spirit) is the best thing you can do to launch a new year in your incredible life.

Stacy Notaras Murphy www.stacymurphyLPC.com is a licensed professional counselor and certified Imago Relationship therapist practicing in Georgetown. This column is meant for entertainment only and should not be considered a substitute for professional counseling. Send your confidential question to stacy@georgetowner.com.