Discover the Best Solo Retreats for Rejuvenation Near Baltimore: Top Locations for Reflection and Relaxation
I’m an extrovert and always thought I needed conversation and connection with others to thrive. I never yearned for alone time. And then I went on a solo retreat. Now I can’t wait for the time to reflect and connect with myself.
As I was searching for a new location this winter that wouldn’t take a plane to get to, I went to social media. Loads and loads of incredible suggestions came pouring in. And equal amounts of people wanted to see this list compiled. So here are some of the highlights.
Big thanks to all these leaders who shared their retreat gems!
Getting away for a retreat in Gettysburg has been the ultimate rejuvenator for my business.
It is a close enough destination that I can drive there in under two hours, but it’s far enough away to be secluded from a lot of the hustle and bustle of typical city life here in Baltimore. I also get to pass by the outlet mall on my way there, which offers its own thrill! The hotel has a pool and a hot tub with luxurious common room areas I can relax in for a change of scenery when I need to get out of my room. And I love the location of my hotel because it’s right across the street from a cineplex, if I want to take a short break for some entertainment (which I never get to do when I’m at home with my kids!). While the hotel is in driving distance to the ski slopes, I rarely leave “Gateway Gettysburg campus” as they call it. Between $75-80 per night in February, you can’t beat it for a weekend retreat.
Bridget Forney, Owner of The Press Market, Co.
You cannot beat the serene surroundings at Rocky Gap Resort Casino!
Whether you are resting in your cozy room, relaxing at the resort spa, navigating Lake Habeeb in a canoe, or enjoying a round of golf on the resort’s course, you will instantly feel at home. About a 2-hour drive from Baltimore, Rocky Gap is family friendly! Try a visit in October; the fall foliage can’t be beat!
Erica Reaves, Doctoral Student at Harvard
I’ve visited the Davis/Thomas West Virginia area three times in the last seven years.
It’s known for skiing but I like to sneak up in March or April, in the ‘down’ season. It’s good for solitude and attitude readjustments, mostly because very few people are around at that time and you have to make your own fun. Cell phone reception is spotty, which was a plus for me.
The Mountain State Brewing Company is a friendly local spot if you get bored talking to yourself. You can also visit the Purple Fiddle for live music and drinks.
The cool weather tends to hang around in the mountain air until mid-April, which makes it ideal for hiking without humidity in the spring. If you visit, you should come back smelling like a campfire.
Noah Smock, Executive Director of Baltimore Community ToolBank
Sandy Cove is a beautiful all-inclusive Christian Retreat Center located on the Chesapeake Bay in North East, MD.
My church’s annual women’s retreat is held at this facility and every year is such an awesome experience. There are no televisions in any of the rooms, so it forces you to focus on what you’re there for rest, relaxation, and rejuvenation. This is a perfect location for a group retreat or personal retreat, whether for religious purposes or secular. Sandy Cove also has a host of recreational activities like swimming, a fitness center, volleyball, and tennis to name a few but the best thing is the beautiful sunset! I never want to leave Sandy Cove and I always look forward to going.
Phyllis Ajayi, Administrative Services Coordinator at Kennedy Krieger Institute
My wife and I have always loved Virginia, maybe that’s why we’ve been married 40 years. They do say Virginia is for Lovers.
And Lansdowne Resort and Spa is a perfect getaway for a lovely weekend – located on 500 acres overlooking the scenic Potomac River. The resort is in the heart of Virginia’s Wine Country surrounded by 45 wineries, 20 breweries. If you’re a Civil War buff, you can explore the history of Loudoun County. There’s a great spa that has wine-inspired spa treatments. The resort is wrapped by a 45-hole championship-level Troon Golf Course that’s wonderful for golfers, walkers and keeps the surrounding scenery in beautiful condition. Though located in Lessburg, which is just 25 miles from DC, the resort feels quiet, open and very in touch with nature. The rooms have been recently redesigned and are spacious and the restaurants are excellent. So you really never have to leave the grounds. But when you do leave, you’re just 75 minutes from Baltimore – so you can stay late on your final day.
Jim Naylor, Marketing Therapist at Protem Marketing
Don’t just read the list, check one out. Alone or otherwise. Get away from your 9-5 and invest in yourself with a retreat that brings you joy.
If you’d like a complete list of all recommendations, email me marybeth@sparkvisionnow.com