Although that long-awaited trip to the West Coast or even the beach may not be happening this year, that doesn’t mean you have to scrap your vacation plans. 

This summer, Pearlstone is offering COVID-safe family getaways on its picturesque 180-acre campus, complete with outdoor adventures, food and meal plans and even private swimming pools. 

“We need the emotional release of a vacation now more than ever,” says Jakir Menela, Chief Executive Officer of Pearlstone. “These getaways provide opportunities to exhale and rejuvenate in a beautiful nature setting that affords easy social distancing” 

Currently, vacationers can pick from one of three of distinct lodgings which can sleep anywhere from 10 to 15 individuals. Each home comes with a full kitchen and grill – one has a private pool and another a hot tub.  

Each day includes an adventure with a trained Pearlstone educator that can range from ropes course adventures, guided nature hikes and stream walks to yoga, TiChi, pickling and tie dying. In addition, families have full access to the campus amenities, which include three swimming pools, a splash ground, three-miles of walking trails, sports courts and a lake, with canoes, paddle boats and fishing opportunities. 

For those who don’t want to cook – or who want to supplement their meals – Pearlstone is offering a variety of kosher food options and meal plans, created by its culinary team, that range from sandwich boxes to everything you would need for a cook-out. 

Health and safety, explains Manela, are a top priority for all programming on campus grounds. Not only is Pearlstone abiding by the Baltimore County Department of Health codes and regulations, they are adhering to standard operating procedures according to hospitality and retreat center industry guidelines, with the support of their Reopening Taskforce and public health consultant.  

In addition to the three homes, those with smaller family needs are asked to call Pearlstone to see about availability in the Retreat Center’s cabins. 

The idea for these getaways came about as a way to serve the community, while looking at the need to create additional revenue streams at the property. When the coronavirus hit, most of Pearlstone’s overnight retreat clients cancelled. 

As a result, the Pearlstone team, with the support of its leadership, looked at new enterprises that would take advantage of its lodging facilities, extensive, bucolic setting and mix of nature-based and adventure offerings that could appeal to all ages. 

“We needed to find ways to survive,” Manela says. 

As part of its efforts, the Pearlstone Kitchen was launched, offering nutritious farm-to-table kosher menus delivered to the home.  

The response to these meals has been positive with one client remarking that it is  “waaaay less than the cost of eating out, you get an amazing meal that you can also feel good about. Organic, sustainable, and oh-so-delicious. Even if you don’t keep Kosher, it’s an incredible deal and an incredible meal.” 

Moving forward, Pearlstone hopes to continue to offer these getaways well into the fall, offering long weekends that take advantage of the fall foliage.