Sunday, February 26, 2006

Where: Massanutten Resort in Harrisonburg, Va.

Why: Go rock climbing, eat ice cream and float over the rapids on an inner tube.

How Far: 140 miles, or 2 1/2 hours without stops, from Washington.

Despite the mild weather here in the Nation's Capital, it's still winter. But this hardly means you have to wait for summer to enjoy many of your favorite warm-weather activities: tennis, golf, running . . . even surfing some waves. Life is a beach if you know where to go.

For an early taste of summer, grab your swimsuit and hit the road for the new indoor water park at Massanutten Resort, which opened in December. There, you can float atop an inner tube through the Blue Ridge Rapids, a circular stream that's just part of the three-story, heated, 42,000-square-foot facility. On its many slides, lie perfectly flat to attain top speed and create the biggest splash when you hit the catch pool at the bottom. Or try boogie boarding on the Pipeline, Virginia's only Flowrider wave ride: Thousands of gallons of water shoot along a wide, gently curved wall while you try to carve a wave through the torrent. It's just plain fun. A large hot tub also helps to melt away the winter blues.

The road to summer begins at an indoor tennis bubble at Hains Point's East Potomac Tennis Center. Up to 24 indoor courts are heated to 70 degrees and are available to the public on a first-come, first- serve basis.

Then, you can shed the ghastly pale of winter at the Bronze Image Sun Spa in Centreville, where there are nine tanning beds, including the Ultrabronze bed that uses 1,000-watt lamps to tan seven to 10 times faster than a normal tanning bed. The salon says this model blocks UVB rays, which means less chance of a burn. Or if the blinding light of the beds isn't your thing, go for the ultra fake tan and schedule an appointment for an air brushing.

At the Stoney Creek Roller Rink and Fun Center in Woodstock, you can enjoy a cavalcade of outdoor fun -- indoors. Play miniature golf, go rock climbing and speed along on roller or inline skates on the wooden rink. The family-owned center has been providing recreation for the young and old for more than 50 years. Finally, when you're tired, thirsty and hungry, get your sugar fix with a frozen slushy at the snack bar. Just like a summer day in the park! Matthew Graham

Massanutten Water Park, Massanutten Resort, 1200 Adventure Dr. (Route 644 off Route 33), Harrisonburg, Va., 540-437-3340, http://www.massresort.com/ . Open daily, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. $24-$40; children under 42 inches $16-$20; younger than 2 free.

Road Trip maps are available online at www.washingtonpost.com/roadtrip, as are addresses and hours of operation (be sure to check before you go). Have an idea for a trip? E-mail roadtrip@washpost.com.