Travel Head Out Of Washington DC For These Scenic Road Trips From the mountains to the Main Streets.

Nestled between Maryland and Virginia and surrounded by several states within a short drive, DC’s location makes it easy to take road trips and explore nearby destinations. As the COVID-19 pandemic disrupts air travel, there’s never been a better time for travelers to explore nearby cities, waterfront towns, and mountain escapes. So prep your playlists and download your podcasts for the trip because we’ve rounded up easy weekend getaways near DC -- with information on what’s open and the latest social distancing guidelines.

Chesapeake Bay, Virginia Distance from DC: Two hours Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay region is brimming with state parks and scenic waterfront spots. Hike the trails or rent a kayak on the Potomac River’s Northern Neck at Westmoreland State Park in Montross. Note that the visitor center and campgrounds are open, but the outdoor swimming pool is closed for the season. Head to Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster where you can enjoy seven miles of shoreline and birdwatching. Note that the visitor center is closed. The area is home to quaint B&Bs and the recently refreshed Tides Inn. Stay in a Victorian charmer Kilmarnock Inn or a Greek Revival mansion Essex Inn Bed and Breakfast. Irvington’s the Tides Inn reopened in May after implementing new cleaning and safety standards. The hotel offers several restaurants, electric boats for rental, culinary classes and a makerspace featuring artists and art classes.

Rye Street Tavern

Charlottesville, Virginia | Sanjay Suchak

Deep Creek Lake, Maryland Distance from DC: Three hours With abundant state parks and a freshwater lake that covers 3,900 acres, Deep Creek Lake offers the perfect escape for your socially distant getaway. While the visitor center is currently closed, Deep Creek Lake State Park’s hiking and biking trails, picnic tables, and boat ramps are open. Watersports enthusiasts can rent a boat, kayak, or paddleboard. Stay overnight in one of the park’s cabins or 112 campsites.



Other adventures await at Wisp Resort, which has implemented new post-COVID-19 measures, including more frequent cleaning and sanitizing common rooms and guest rooms. Take a scenic chairlift ride to relish the aerial view unobstructed by snow or play a round of golf.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania Distance from DC: Two hours, 20 minutes Drive through the rolling hills in bucolic Pennsylvania Amish country and stop at area roadside stands selling produce from nearby farms. Many of the tours and activities have reopened with reduced capacity and increased sanitation measures. First-time visitors eager to deepen their knowledge of Amish life can stop at Amish Village to tour an 1840s farmhouse while wearing a face mask. Be sure to stop at a country store to pick up whoopie and shoofly pies, freshly baked cinnamon buns, and other goods.



For a more urban experience, discover antique shops and local boutiques on the 300 Block of North Queen Street in downtown Lancaster. The walkable historic downtown is also home to Lancaster Brewing, where you can sit outside and drink Shoo-Fly Pie Porter. Dine at gastropub the Pressroom Restaurant, which recently reopened its indoor space along with outdoor dining. The trip downtown wouldn’t be complete without a stop at the Lancaster Central Market, which houses more than 60 vendors selling locally sourced meat, poultry and cheese.

Easton, Maryland Distance from DC: One hour, 30 minutes While St. Michael’s might get all the glory, this neighboring Talbot County town is building a reputation as an idyllic getaway for food and art lovers. Dubbed the cultural capital of the Easton Shore, the town is home to many reopened art galleries, including Studio B Art Gallery and the Trippe Gallery. Just don a mask before entering. The annual open-air arts festival Plein Air Easton runs through July 19 and is relying on smaller events that are more socially distant. Architecture buffs will find a treasure trove in downtown Easton’s rehabbed historic buildings. Bluepoint Hospitality Group has many of them and turned them into glitzy restaurants, lounges, and cafes filled with priceless art and eye-catching details, all of which have reopened.



Dine indoors at The Stewart whiskey lounge, which boasts two paintings from Peter Caulitz, a court painter to Frederick the Great, and a single-malt Scotch collection worth half-a-million dollars. Fine dining establishment Bas Rouge displays an Austrian Lobmeyr crystal chandelier as the focal point. Offering indoor and outdoor seating, the restaurant is hosting renowned visiting chefs on Fridays and Saturdays this month. Paying homage to Coco Chanel’s middle name, ice cream shop, Bonheur features outdoor tables where you can enjoy classic ice cream, pies, and root beer floats.

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