With the temperature starting to rise and the kids about to leave school for summer break, there’s probably one thing going through your mind – vacation. Whether it’s a long weekend or two weeks of bliss, it’s time to leave the crowded streets of Washington D.C. and hit the open road. Here are a few of our favorite getaways, all within driving distance and all packed to the brim with the potential for good eats and fond memories.
Charlottesville, Virginia
Located about 2.5 hours from D.C. by car, you’ll find Charlottesville at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Home to historical buildings, working farms and the prominent University of Virginia, it’s the perfect blend of both rural and urban aesthetics. Spend the day touring Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello or consider booking a tour with Blue Ridge Wine Excursions. A private wine trail guide will drive you to three or four wineries with a stop for refreshments or lunch. When you’re planning your meals, make sure you pencil in The Ivy Inn Restaurant near the university. It’s on the more expensive side, but the locally-inspired, seasonal American cuisine is worth it. Or if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, head to the well-known Citizen Burger Bar. They have more than 110 beers available and their specialty burgers are made using local ingredients. The city offers several options when it’s time to choose a hotel, but there are some standout locations. The Clifton Inn is a luxurious hotel with the option for a fine dining experience and the Inn at Monticello is a bed and breakfast with charming rooms, canopy beds, fireplaces and the option for a private porch.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia may seem like a world away, but in actuality, it’s only about three hours by car. The city is full of history and no trip would be complete without a visit to Independence Hall. For those with a taste for art – or perhaps just Rocky – a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art is a must-see. And if you’ve never visited the city before, you may also want to consider a hop-on, hop-off pass so you can use public transportation to hit the main attractions. When it comes to dining, any cheesesteak from a street vendor will past muster, but a trip to the Reading Terminal Market is probably your best bet. There are Amish specialties mixed in with produce, baked goods and nearly every type of food you can imagine. Wursthuas Schmitz offers delectable schnitzel sandwich platters and homemade sausages. Molly Malloy’s has 24 beers on tap. And DiNic’s roast pork and broccoli rabe was named the best sandwich in America by the Travel Channel. The market truly has something for everyone, even the pickiest of eaters. As for lodging, the choices are endless, but the Spruce Hill Manor Bed and Breakfast is highly ranked for its close proximity to attractions and its victorian charm. If you feel like splurging, The Rittenhouse is sure to please with packages for spa-goers.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
If you want to take your family to the beach this summer, this is the place for you. Only 2.5 hours by car, Rehoboth Beach is known as the “Nation’s Summer Capital.” The beach has an iconic mile-long boardwalk with ice cream parlors, arcade games and retail stores. Other than the beach itself, you’ll also want to check out Funland, which has throwback rides like bumper cars, a haunted house and the always popular, skeeball. If food is your thing, check out Eating Rehoboth, which offers walking food tours with tastings from five eateries. Grotto Pizza is also a popular restaurant because of their speciality pizzas (including gluten-free), calzones and strombolis. If you prefer your meals with a hefty dose of beer, consider going to the Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats pub. They offer seafood, sandwiches and pizzas along with live music and about 20 beers on tap. If luxury is at the top of your list, consider staying at the highly rated The Avenue Inn & Spa. Only one block from the boardwalk, it’s conveniently located and offers wine and spa packages. If you plan on traveling with your pet, consider the Homestead B&B at Rehoboth. It’s only three miles from the beach with four rooms in the main house and a private cottage onsite. They’re so pet-friendly they even offer a shower for your pet when you return from the beach.
Annapolis, Maryland
Making a trip to Maryland’s capital city will only take you an hour by car and you get to soak up some sun by the bay. You can spend the day touring historic Annapolis, visiting the U.S. Naval Academy, learning to sail or taking a cruise. Grab some breakfast at the Iron Rooster where you can order a fried green tomato stack or a plate of biscuits and gravy. Or if drinks are more your thing, book a table at Vin 909. They have a large selection of wine and beer and take their American cuisine to another level using local, seasonal ingredients. For a once in a lifetime opportunity, book the Schooner Woodwind for your hotel. You’ll enjoy a sunset sail, spend the night onboard and have warm asparagus and crab quiche for breakfast. If you prefer to stay grounded overnight, consider booking the Historic Inns of Annapolis. This boutique hotel is located at the city center and boasts its own restaurant, Treaty of Paris, which specializes in Chesapeake Bay seafood cuisine.
If none of these locations strike your fancy, consider hoping a train to Boston or even New York. Whatever you decide to do, make sure it includes completely unplugging from work and the day-to-day office grind. You’ve earned your time off, now go enjoy it.
