Ellicott City's Enchanted Forest may just be Maryland's quirkiest business

At Clark's Elioak Farm in Ellicott City, Maryland, the attractions from a decades-old amusement park have taken on new life.

For only $299 round trip, you can go to Iceland

I don't know what I expected Iceland to be like, but it was so much better.

Why a road trip to Chapel Hill this summer is totally worth the drive

Pack the car and cue up the driving playlist because summer is the season for road tripping! June is right around the corner, so now is the time to start planning. We think the ideal road trip is just about four hours awaynot so far that you’ll hate everyo

Streetscape plans promise exciting changes in the Shaw neighborhood

Cities are like kaleidoscopes – the pieces and parts are always shifting and change is to be expected. Still, the changes to come in the Shaw neighborhood of Washington, D.C. have residents, visitors and even Mayor Muriel Bowser extremely excited.

Choose your own adventure in wild and wonderful West Virginia

Oh Wild and Wonderful West Virginia! Every time I go, I’m blown away by its rugged natural beauty – fast-rushing rivers, mountains and rugged rock formations. For thrill seekers, it’s paradise. For me and others who like their thrills on the tamer side,

Head to The Lodge at Woodloch for a dose of the great outdoors

I’m not even going to try to sugar coat it: I’m not a fan of camping. No part of setting up a tent, showering in facilities that are generously described as rustic or cooking my own food in a makeshift kitchen with none of the tools or niceties as the one

Newly opened Pod DC is the city's latest micro-hotel

The newly opened Pod Hotel in Chinatown is the newest addition to D.C.’s options for budget travelers, bringing over 200 micro-hotel rooms to the city. What is a micro-hotel, you ask? The hotels generally have much smaller rooms than average, but much mor

Escape to the beautiful Isle of Palms this summer

Each summer, Washingtonians flee the swamp-like heat of the city in search of salt air and ocean waves. Unfortunately, we all tend to end up at the same spots,  whether it’s the collection of Delaware beach towns, Maryland’s Ocean City, or the string of Ou

These local Instagrammers will give you a serious case of wanderlust

Enjoy a small town vibe for a day in Ellicott City

I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of those fake Main Streets with no character and chain-store shopping. What I needed was a small town with a true historic vibe – boutique shopping, unusual stores, different restaurants, and even a tea room. After a

9 essential products to help you gear up for spring travel

With spring upon us can road trips be far behind? D.C. is a terrific home base, but as the weather warms, we tend to start feeling the travel itch! Whether you’re off to the mountains with the kiddos, the beach with your sweetie or just going solo to Katma

Pick your own bouquet at this Virginia flower farm

There's still time to experience this family-friendly and ultra-photogenic excursion

Chef David Guas' guide to New Orleans

When people from the DMV talk about New Orleans, Celebrity Chef David Guas’ name comes up right away. The NOLA native spent his childhood and formative years in the city before moving north to pursue his culinary career in the D.C. area. Now, he’s practica

Getting the most bang for your buck with a staycation at MGM National Harbor

Ah, the staycation -- such a glorious gift to the over-worked and under-paid! It's the perfect time to recharge, unplug and connect with yourself, or loved ones. Don't get me wrong, I love a vacation just as much as the next person! But sometimes, all you

Get a Taste of Tokyo at Events DC Cherry Blast!

Kon’nichiwa reader, and welcome (almost!) to the weekend. If you’re looking to shake up your routine, look no further: Events DC Cherry Blast! will take you on a night out in Tokyo without leaving Washington, DC. Make your way to Dock 5 at Union Market to

10 tips to elevate your glamping game this spring

Now that spring is in full force, it is time to dig out your tent, sleeping bags, and cooler and head out into the great outdoors. As we get older, I have found it is really hard to get a group of friends together for a weekend in the woods. I get the “sta

Travel back in time with a day trip to Dinosaur Land

It's campy, family-friendly and kind of amazing.

#IPulledOverForThis: These 39 Pics Will Change The Way You Drive

It's the visual equivalent of "stop and smell the roses." (& Trust us, you'll be glad you did.)

4 summer camps for adults that are sure to bring out your inner child

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to go to summer camp as an adult? The fun games, late night s'more, and lounging by the water all day without a worry in the world. Well, wonder no longer! I have gathered four adult sleep away summer camps with

Tips & tricks for roadtripping with your pup

Warmer weather is here and it's the perfect time to plan a road trip getaway. What better way to travel than with your four-legged friend by your side? If you're looking to escape D.C., there are great dog-friendly options nearby and as long as you're prep

7 things to consider when traveling with your adult children

My family, like so many today, is scattered across the country. So what do you do when part of your family lives on the West Coast and the other on the East Coast and you want to spend time together? You plan a vacation! Of course, it's not that simple

Kent Island: Maryland’s hidden Eastern Shore gem

Just a short cruise across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge rests one of the most overlooked destinations on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Take the first exit when you hit the Eastern Shore and discover Kent Island, a fantastic escape just 45 minutes east of D.C.Wit

Sometimes, the Best Place to Experience D.C. is...In Texas?

We all have our favorite part of the city, but last week the best of DC was far from the nation’s capital. The District’s makers, entrepreneurs and innovators were all at Austin’s SXSW, showing the world what inclusive innovation looks like.The action was

Get a dose of wine country living with a stay at Early Mountain Vineyards

Spring has finally arrived--and that means road tripping to Virginia wine country for lazy afternoon lounging on a tasting room patio or picnicking blanket-side with a just-uncorked bottle and some cheese and charcuterie. But why stop there? Let that irres

Thinking about getting away from DC? Book one of these 5 flights for under $400

Remember when spring break was something we looked forward to? You had a week off of school and maybe your parents even took you on an all expenses paid vacation. Those days before bills and full-time jobs are greatly missed! #AdultingSucks. Before you sto

Head to Music City for a weekend of food and fun

Nashville is the ultimate destination for country music fans, singers and songwriters from all over the country. It’s a lively city with a dynamic food and drink scene, history, and of course fantastic music! Given that it’s under a two hour flight away fr

Looking for a relaxing weekend getaway? Look no further than St. Michaels

Thanks to Captain John Smith and Pocahontas for exploring the magnificent Chesapeake Bay. It’s a favorite of mine, especially the charming town of St. Michaels on the shores of the Miles River, a tributary of the bay. Lucky for Washingtonians this coastal

A day in the country is only an hour drive away with a trip to Middleburg

The nation’s “Horse and Hunt Capital -- Middleburg -- is a lovely rural escape about an hour away from D.C. It dates back to the 1700’s, but today the quaint downtown is lined with boutiques, cafes and historic inns, making for a perfect day of easy walkin

Making the most of a weekend escape to Philadelphia

Philadelphia is often overshadowed by its bigger and flashier sibling to the north (looking at you, NYC), but the city has so much to offer, that it has become a favorite for a quick weekend or overnight getaway from D.C. This itinerary is jam packed, but

6 reasons to plan a girls-only getaway and where to go

No boys allowed! It’s time for a girlfriends’ getaway. Traveling with your besties is memories, giggles, and good natured gossip. Whether it’s on a mountaintop, at a spa, or in a city, it’s no stress and guaranteed laughter.Here are six resorts that make

Chocolate-Covered Romance: Escape to The Hotel Hershey and Spa This February

Does your valentine crave chocolate, and lots of it? Skip the heart-shaped box of candies, and take him or her to the town that Milton Hershey built. From a rubdown with whipped cocoa butter to a Martini glass painted with dark chocolate syrup, a stay at t

West Palm Beach welcomes Nats fans (and everyone else, too)

For some it’s the budding of the trees, for others it’s the warming of the weather, and for many it’s the cracking of the bats that signal the start of spring.After four dragging months of no baseball, the start of spring training is a coveted occasion. An

Charlottesville is a great getaway for skiers, history buffs and epicureans

With D.C. receiving barely a dusting of snow so far this winter, it might be time to head out in search of some of the powdery stuff. And since Massanutten Resort sits about an hour and a half north of Charlottesville and Wintergreen Resort can be found ab

D.C. is 4th on "Best City for Living Without a Car" list

If you do life without a car, then you’re in luck because D.C. was just named the fourth city on Redfin’s Best Cities for Living Without a Car list. Yay for eco-friendly tactics!When I first moved to the city from the suburbs of Virginia, I was totally sur

6 places to celebrate love around D.C. in February

It’s February and love is in the air. Are you thinking about a night away with chilled champagne, luscious chocolate covered strawberries, and rose petals? Add a candlelit dinner, in-room breakfast, and a relaxing spa treatment. Sound romantic? Well, you c

Bryce Resort: The ultimate escape for family fun minus the fuss

We’ve all been there: you spend hours planning the perfect family getaway only to have the getaway itself make you want to…you know…get away.Whether it’s the hassle of flying, the stress of coordinating everyone’s activities or the challenge of keeping tab

Snuggle by the fireplace at these four nearby getaways

I don’t know about you, but when snowflakes fly and temperatures dip below freezing, I love snuggling by a roaring fire with a good book and sipping hot chocolate or a hot toddy. It’s a festival for my senses  -- crackling logs, dancing embers and the scen

Bayside Escape: Stay in the Inn where Wedding Crashers was filmed

Whether you want to get out of Dodge and escape Inauguration craziness, are planning a romantic couples’ retreat for Valentine’s Day, or are musing over a Spring Break getaway, The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michael’s, MD offers a sense of tranquility.

Make the most of a winter weekend Boston getaway with a CityPASS

Winter is the perfect time to escape to Boston for a quintessential New England experience: bundle up in your pea coat and mittens, stroll the adorable streets lined with twinkling lights, sip hot clam chowder, and explore the city’s rich history. The best

Day Tripping: Slow down with a day in Frederick

With inauguration and the Women’s March on Washington barreling down on us, you might find yourself having the same internal struggle I’m experiencing: Should I stay and add my voice to those of my feminist sisters, or should I get the heck out of Dodge? I

6 presidentially-inspired road trips to escape Inauguration insanity

As you may be aware (HA!), Inauguration is just a little over a week away! Whether you're making some extra dough by renting out your place on Airbnb for the weekend or you just can't stand the thought of traffic and crowds, we've got 6 road trip-worthy pl

Charm City: Making the most of 24 hours in Baltimore

For some inexplicable reason, Baltimore seems infinitely removed from D.C. I can’t pin down why it feels that way, since it’s merely an hour’s drive up the parkway. It’s so local, and yet couldn’t be more different. Combining a blue collar backbone with an

These #UrbanAndStreet Photos Will Upend Your View Of Cities

Because there's just something about bright lights, tall buildings, and people everywhere that screams "photogenic."

If you want to escape the city before Inauguration, consider London

With Inauguration just 11 days away, we are hearing a lot of people saying they just want to get out of dodge and escape the city. Whether it's the crowds or the politics that you can't stomach, we understand if you need a D.C. detox for a few days, so for

The Resolute Traveler: 10 travel resolutions for 2017

It happens every New Year ... By the second weekend in January, my New Year’s resolutions implode with zero trips to the gym, one hot fudge sundae too many, and epic failure in the “Mind my own business” department.2017 will be different.This year, I’m shi

Norfolk -- The city proving that southern hospitality is alive and well

I don't know about you guys, but this time of year I get super antsy to travel. Of course, I'd love to pack up and jet off to some warm, sunny Caribbean island or spend a chic getaway in Paris. But timewise (and financially!) that's not always in the cards

Take a nonstop flight from D.C. to relaxation at Skyterra Wellness

Take an eight-hour drive or a nonstop flight from BWI to Asheville, North Carolina for a trip full of relaxation, delicious food prepared fresh at every meal, cabins that meet your every need and fitness classes to kick start a healthier less stressed you.

6 hotels with holiday decorations that are worth a visit

Have you ever wanted to totally immerse yourself in Christmas? We're talking a super over-the-top professionally decorated gingerbread house, garland and ribbon-trimmed staircases, a holiday village complete with a toy train running through the town, and a

NYC is a magical place to be during the holiday season

As a former New Yorker, there are two things I never lost--my New York accent and my love of seeing NYC decked out for the holidays. To me, nothing says the holidays like New York - the twinkling lights, the dazzling windows, the glittering trees, and the

Up Up and Away: 5 non-stop getaways in under five hours

When I fly on vacation, I want a non-stop flight -- no chance of missing my connection or waiting hours between flights or finding out my luggage didn’t make it. Luckily, with three nearby airports -- Dulles International Airport (IAD), Baltimore–Washingto

6 romantic mini-moon destinations and how to plan the getaway

Mini-moons for newly married couples are on the rise. Instead of jetting off to foreign destinations as soon as the reception ends, couples are opting for relaxing and quick getaways. Why mini-moon? Weddings are seriously exhausting. While escaping reality

Explore the ornate architecture, history and dining scene in Savannah

“Life was like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re gonna get.” This is one of the most memorable lines in movie history. It could also be the unofficial motto for Savannah, Georgia’s oldest city.Forrest Gump spoke those words as he sat on a par

4 wineries to visit on your next trip to Paso Robles

Planning a trip to California wine country? No, we don’t mean Napa or Sonoma. About equidistant from both San Francisco and Los Angeles, Paso Robles is a different kind of wine region (and the locals pronounce it “ROW-bulls,” by the way). The winemakers ar

The prettiest fall foliage photos from Shenandoah National Park

Road trip to Asheville for a weekend away from D.C.

In the past few years, Asheville, North Carolina has earned the titles of Beer City USA, Top 10 Best Cities in the US, Top 10 Best Outdoor Towns in America, and Top 15 Best Foodie Destinations in the USA. If you haven’t been yet, what are you waiting for?C

Pack your bags now and head to Salamander Resort for a weekend of pampering

You’ll know you’ve made the right decision to book a room at Salamander Resort & Spa as soon as you enter Middleburg, a quaint Virginia town about an hour and a half west of Washington, D.C. Located at the epicenter of Virginia horse country, it looks as i

Take advantage of these National Parks right in our backyard

Birthdays are a big deal, especially when you turn 100. And that’s why this year everyone is celebrating the 100th birthday of the National Parks Service (NPS) as often as they can! I have to admit that when I think of National Parks, I'm picturing the Gra

5 epicurean destinations in Napa Valley that aren’t the French Laundry

Walking through Yountville, California on an early September evening, I smelled honeysuckle, sage, a touch of wood smoke, and something peppery. The bungalow-lined side streets were sleepy and quiet, while the main drag was alive with tourists on their way

Blue Heaven: 9 reasons to pack your swimsuit and vacay in Curaçao

Craving a tropical getaway that’ll make your friends turquoise with envy? Head to Curaçao. One of the ABC islands (along with Aruba and Bonaire) that are all but out of the hurricane belt, this island -- located forty miles from the coast of Venezuela -- i

Pack your bags! You can go to South Africa on a budget

While for many a trip to South Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime exploration of a safari camp, the vibrant culture and food scene of this country should make it a hot spot to frequently visit (with or without a safari pit-stop). And Washington, D.C. metro res

Windstar Cruises teams up with the James Beard Foundation for the ultimate food cruise

Small luxury cruise ship operator Windstar Cruises has always been noted for their boutique travel experience. Deliberately cultivating a private yacht experience for a more reasonable general public cost, a maximum of 310 guests are allowed on each voyage

6 destinations to book now for "shoulder season" travel

Say it isn’t so -- summer is over. Okay, it has been a blazing hot summer, so maybe we’re not all that sad, and maybe we're ready for cooler temps. And the good news is fall is a perfect time to travel. There are fewer crowds and it’s shoulder season: when

Making the most of 24 hours in Richmond

During my 10 years living in Richmond, Va., I used to refer to the River City as Hotel California as in, you can check out any time you like, but you can never leave. And really, who would want to? It’s a city that gets under your skin in the best possibl

Escape busy D.C. and head to the luxurious Primland

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, an accessible bucolic four-hour drive from Washington, D.C., Primland is a resort unlike any other in Virginia. Having weaved together the pleasures of living freshly off-the-land, with the desire of guests to have luxu

29 pics that will have you booking a trip to a National Park

The 10 best hotels to book for Inauguration

No matter who becomes President of the United States, there will be one heck of a party on January 20, 2017, when the new president is sworn in. Don’t be stuck -- like thousands of visitors were in 2008 -- with outrageous Airbnb rentals that get you nowher

Make the most of what remains of summer and jet off to Saint-Tropez

Sure, summer is on the way out, which means back to school and back to regular work hours, if you were one of the lucky receivers of Summer Fridays. But, there is still time to book a getaway. If you are looking for one more relaxing vacation this Summer -

4 bed and breakfasts that won't remind you of grandma's house

Remember when you were little and breakfast was on the table, homemade cookies were in a cutesy jar, and the fridge was stocked with your favorite drinks? Well, you may not be a kid anymore, but you can still get that attention at a Bed and Breakfast. Yes,

Etihad Residence turns flying into an extravagant experience

In the short 13 years of its existence, Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has become synonymous with magnificent luxury, never more clearly evidenced than with the launch of the “Etihad Residence” last year.Subsuming even their pace-setting first class servic

Why Melania Trump's birthplace, Slovenia, should be on your bucket list

During my first visit to Slovenia last year, I had one recurring thought: When do I get to meet Shrek?!That might sound silly until you learn that this little (about the size of New Jersey) Central European country is home to dozens of beautiful castles an

The Great Escape: Weekend in Charleston

Pass on Nashville. Forget Brooklyn. Say “later” to Charlottesville. Charleston is your best bet for a weekend escape. Just an hour’s flight from D.C. (with daily directs on major airlines ranging from Southwest and Jet Blue to American and United), you can

Mountains of Fun: Making the most out of 4 ski resorts this summer

Looking for a great place for a mini-vacation? Why not try a local ski resort? Yes, I'm aware we are months away from snow, and no, I’m not crazy. Today’s ski resorts have gotten creative and turned the slopes into miles of summer fun. Whether you’re an ad

Living like Grace Kelly in Monte Carlo for the weekend

Situated on the glistening French Riviera, with its glamorous history as the former residence of the luminous Grace Kelly and her perfect Prince Rainier, the tiny French principality of Monte Carlo (Monaco) has transfixed romantics all over the globe.Each

The 5 best spa experiences in the world, from Istanbul to D.C.

Relaxation. Comfort. Beauty. Whatever the reason for seeking out a great spa experience, the essential ingredients seem to remain a mixture of these three emotional states, combined with a gorgeous setting. So in case you are looking for an opportunity to

Spend a romantic New England weekend at Spicer Mansion

Looking for the perfect summer weekend escape? Search no further. Many Washingtonians look south for their summer travels, but we love heading north, to New England, where one of our favorite collections of hotels, Ocean House, just added a new property.My

Swiss Bliss: Adventure, stunning vistas and engineering marvels

Sipping a sunset-hued Aperol Spritz along the right bank of Lucerne's Reuss River earlier this month I was enveloped in pure holiday contentment.From the snow-topped peaks of the Alps against Robin's-egg blue skies, to the welcome of belled Swiss Brown Cow

Getting the most from a visit to Iceland's iconic geothermal spa

Enormous piles of black lava rocks surrounding steaming neon turquoise water create a foreign, almost otherworldly, feel. Observing this site, you quickly realize, there really is no place like the Blue Lagoon. It's long been on my bucket list, and my rece

The 5 best glamping destinations for outdoor luxury

The glamping concept has moved up the ranks in the travel world over the last few years. First things first, what is it? A mashup of the words glamour and camping, it's basically the answers to your prayers if you're looking to enjoy the outdoors, but aren

How to escape the city for a weekend in Punta Cana

Coming down the steps of the plane you spot a friendly face holding a sign with your name on it. With a warm welcome, you are immediately whisked past hundreds of hot tourists waiting in the customs line, your bags are picked up, your private car awaits an

Melt away election stress at the Omni Homestead Resort

The next five months leading up to the election are going to be nail-biters as Washingtonians await who will take over 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. Consider de-stressing with some me-time at The Omni Homestead Resort in Bath County, Virginia. Rising out of th

Wanderlust diaries: Finding 'la dolce vita' at the Tuscan table

Thoughts of Tuscany's sun-washed vistas and verdant hillsides also bring to mind culinary indulgences washed down with sips of Chianti and Brunello. After having recently returned from a sojourn in the region, I can admit that it lives up to the hype.But f

Behind the scenes of the Bachelorette's Nemacolin Woodlands Resort stay

Remember the last episode ofThe Bachelorettetwo weeks ago? Did you find yourself wondering if Chad is gone for good? Or maybe you sat there wishing you were JoJo in that grand Presidential Suite? Even better -- how about being in the hot tub with one of

Direct from DC: Four of the summer's best nonstop flights

Washington, D.C. is one of the country's best destinations for easy-access travel, thanks to its three international airports within easy reach. If you're looking for some fun in the sun this summer, these four destinations offer up something for everyone

Kick your hotel stay up a notch-- all the way to the Club Level

When a 4 or 5 star hotel isn't quite enough and you're really craving VIP treatment, it's time to take it up a level -- to the Club Level that is. Of course, it will cost you, and not all Club Floors are created equal. It can run anywhere from $100 to ove

Drop what you're doing, grab your ladies and book a trip!

There's a defining scene in the one of the quintessential chick flicks, Bride Wars, where both female protagonists, after doing everything they could to destroy and hate each other, realize how much they missed their former state of being best girlfriends

Keswick Hall is basically Charlottesville's own "Downton Abbey"

Far from the District's daily scrum of traffic jams and election scams lays a genteel oasis of civility in the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountain hunt country of Albemarle County.A scant two hour drive from Foggy Bottom, Virginia's piedmont is calling at Kesw

Doing Vegas the healthy way... Yeah it's possible

It was only 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning and the slot machines at Las Vegas's Aria Resort & Casino were already buzzing with gamblers seeking their fortune. I was surprised by the large number of people, but they were probably even more surprised to see me

4 travel apps you need to know before you pack those bags

When attempting to cull through the laundry list of travel apps available on iTunes, it's difficult to ascertain what is, in fact, helpful. After all, while concierge hotel services like the Four Seasons Travel App are perfect for those looking for a seam

Bath butlers, running concierges and other awesomely quirky hotel jobs

When planning any hotel stay there are certain things you just expect -- clean rooms that are ready when you check-in and a competent staff who can provide the basic needs. And then there are those little extras that make a hotel stand out in your mind --

4 hotels catering to our four-legged friends

It's true -- we often think of the dog as a member of the family. Sometimes, Fido gets better meals, better hair care and better exercise than we give ourselves. So why shouldn't that benefit extend to traveling, too? That's why we've rounded up four local

Getting to Cuba still isn't easy. Here's how to go

The doors to Cuba have been closed to most U.S. travelers for more than half a century. But in the last few years, President Barak Obama has worked to push the doors wide open.So is tourist travel to Cuba now legal? No, absolutely not.You might be asking

Life in photos: My cross-country road trip

This winter, I decided to drive 3,653 miles from my hometown of Claremont, California, a suburb of Los Angeles, to an apartment in D.C. that I found on Craigslist after realizing my life needed a drastic shakeup.Maybe it was because I kept running into hig

Need a staycation? Check out these local Airbnb's

Looking to get away for the weekend, but don't want to go far?The Washington, D.C. area has some of the coolest Airbnb's around. So you can stay in the best city (we may be a little bias) but still get away from home!Looking for something a little on the f

Luxury cruising in Antarctica with penguins and champagne

Voyaging to the penultimate continent Antarctica presents itself with a unique set of challenges, requiring a spirit of adventure and resoluteness different from, say, a jaunt to New York City or even another far-flung continent like Australia.Visceral ima

Baltimore: There's more than just the Inner Harbor

When I used to think of Baltimore, the first thing that popped into my head was the Inner Harbor. But after I explored some other areas, I learned that Baltimore has much more to offer.Hard to believe, but not long ago, the super-chic neighborhood of Harb

3 soon-to-open hotels worthy of your next staycation

We love a vacation as much as the next person, but sometimes a night away is just what the doctor ordered. These soon-to-open D.C. hotels are the perfect excuse to get away from it all, play tourist in your own city and plan an indulgent night on the town,