3 Fall Weekend Getaway Ideas
One of the great aspects of living in Washington DC is just how easy it can be to get away for the weekend. From mountains to beaches to everything in between, there is a lot to see and do this fall! Matt on our team has rounded up 3 Fall Weekend Getaway Ideas that are convenient and perfect for a short weekend away!
Sperryville, VA
If you’re thinking of taking a trip to Skyline Drive, make sure to put Sperryville on your list. Founded in 1820, this quaint village is nestled in the foothills of Shenandoah National Park, less than a 2-hour drive away from Northern Virginia and Alexandria.
Aside from the natural beauty of the mountains, the town features numerous antique shops, cafes, and restaurants. If you have a designated driver with you, be sure to imbibe at one of the craft breweries and distilleries in the area. World-renowned Inn at Little Washington is just a 10-minute drive to the north!
Want to make your Sperryville getaway last all weekend? There are plenty of B&Bs to stay the night.
Harpers Ferry (By Train)
Located in West Virginia, Harpers Ferry is a well-known destination for those looking to get away from the District. What many people do not realize, however, is that no car is needed to get there. The town has its own Amtrak station and is one of the first stops for the legendary Capitol Limited, the train service from the District to Chicago.
Trains operating on this route differ drastically from those running up and down the East Coast, and feature among other things, an observation car with an exposed glass ceiling. This allows passengers to take in the beautiful scenery of Maryland in comfort and style.
Once in Harpers Ferry, we recommend hiking up to the Maryland Heights Overlook, which offers sweeping views of the city below. For those not quite up to the challenge, take a walking tour of this historic city, or even consider signing up for a ghost tour!
Harpers Ferry has several B&B’s available for those staying the night, but don’t sleep in too long, since the Capitol Limited runs through the town only once a day!
St. Marys County
While Annapolis and the Eastern Shore are perennial favorites for those looking to take a quick trip to the Chesapeake Bay, we recommend visiting St. Mary’s County. Located southeast of the city, this rural area has plenty to see and do.
St. Mary’s County is home to a large Amish and Mennonite community, which continues to run small family farms to this day. Visitors can buy locally grown produce at one of the many Amish markets scattered throughout the county.
If you’re in the mood for some history, we recommend visiting the Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, which features exhibits and displays artifacts related to naval aviation. The last weekend of October also features historical reenactments of the British invasion of the county during the War of 1812 at Point Lookout State Park.
For fans of motorsports, the Maryland International Raceway is the home of this year’s drag racing World Cup Finals from October 31 to November 4.
Do you have any other quick weekend getaways that you would like to share? Drop us a note, and let us know!