People in DC work hard and play hard.
Which is probably why we have so many great restaurants, clubs, and recreation areas in town. Whatever your neighborhood, you probably can find world-class cuisine, creative cocktails, and exciting clubs and performance venues to ensure you always have something fun to do on a Saturday night.
But sometimes you want a change of scenery and a slower pace. Luckily for us, there is an incredible number of gorgeous areas, just a short drive away, whether you are going for the day or a quick weekend getaway.
And if there’s someone special you’d like to have on the drive, there are plenty of areas that offer beautiful scenery, great food and drinks, and an opportunity for romance right nearby. You need a day trip from DC!
Charlottesville, VA
No matter what you’re interested in, you’ll find something to love in Charlottesville!
History? Monticello is gorgeous, and you’ll enjoy learning about Jefferson’s life and legacy.
Music? Check out Thursday Evening Sunset Concerts at Chiles Family Orchards for a laid-back start to a long weekend.
Food? Incredible restaurants abound all over the area. Whether your taste runs to fine dining at Fleurie or upscale grub time at C&O, you’re bound to find something new and delicious. Ready for a happy hour? The distilleries, wineries, and breweries offer fantastic food, drinks, and music with gorgeous scenery to boot. Head down 29 South and get there. You’ll be glad you did.
Chesapeake Bay
Are you looking to immerse yourself in gorgeous scenery and the great outdoors? The Chesapeake Bay offers everything you could want and more. Ride a ferry to Smith Island and hear accents straight out of Elizabethan England.
Don’t forget to stop for a piece of Smith Island cake at one of the local eateries. Go to Oxford for dinner at Latitude 38 Bistro & Spirits and find out why this is one of the best waterfront towns in the country. Or check out the cool bars and restaurants of Fells Point if nightlife is more your speed.
And of course, Maryland crabs are a must, so plan to go to the Taste of Cambridge Crab Festival this summer for the best of the best. And this doesn’t even scratch the surface of all of the great places to visit in the Bay area.
Annapolis, MD
If you are looking for an area that blends a love of the great outdoors with historical realness, puts them in a shaker, and adds a laidback vibe, Annapolis is the place for you. If you’re a dog lover, be sure to bring them along, because almost every store and restaurant provides water bowls for your four-legged friend.
Incredible shopping downtown will keep you occupied for hours. Be sure to stop in at Kilwin’s for some ice cream to cool off. Want to be out on the water? Charter a boat or go kayaking or paddleboarding. Are you interested in history? The State House is just one of the places you’ll want to visit. And dining can be anything from crab picking to Harry Browne’s. There’s so much to love; you might find it hard to leave.
Hershey, PA
Think Hershey is just for kids? Think again. While you might come for the roller coasters and waterpark, The Hotel Hershey is a genuinely grown-up getaway with accommodations, dining, and entertainment to rival some of the most beautiful resorts in the region. Check out the amazing spa with cocoa facials and body treatments you have to experience to believe.
Experience world-class fine dining at signature restaurant The Circular or one of the other incredible eateries. And experience live jazz in the Iberian Lounge on Saturday nights or on the veranda on Friday evenings. Oh, and don’t forget to have a Hershey’s Martini as your nightcap.
This doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of all of the great places there is just a short ride from DC. But when it’s time to go home again, we’ll make sure you have a great place to return to. Sign in and let your Eng Garcia Realtor help you find the right neighborhood and the right home to make sure you always have a soft place to land.