Shop, walk & eat your way through a weekend in New Hope, PA

6 reasons to plan a day trip to Fredericksburg

I’ve said this before, but one of the pleasures of living in D. C. is the ease with which you can be somewhere completely different within a couple of hours. There are beaches, mountains, small towns, big cities, the grand outdoors and tons of history all around. Fredericksburg may not come to the top of your mind for a quick getaway or day trip, but it really should. It's such a fun and relaxing outing just an hour’s drive from D. C.

Get in touch with nature on weekend getaway to the Poconos

Fall in D. C. is beautiful, there’s no doubt about it. But sometimes you just need a weekend away from the Red Line. If you’re looking for a getaway that is full of relaxation, beautiful fall foliage and an unlimited number of low-key, fun things to do, hop in your car and head up to the Pocono Mountains this fall. It'll take you about four hours by car depending on your destination in the mountains (and the traffic getting out of D. C. on a Friday, of course), but it's well worth the trip.

The best D.C. travel deals for September 2018

Fall is without a doubt one of the best times of year to travel. Why, you ask? Well, the weather is seasonably cool in many parts of the worldnot too hot or too coldand since the kids are back in school, airlines and hotels are dropping their peak-of-summe

Visit Maryland's Dodon Vineyards for educational tastings on a historical farm

If you have any interest in exploring Maryland wine, or have been scarred by previous experiences and need a reset, this winery is for you. Maryland may not have as many producers as Virginia, but the state's wineries really shouldn't be overlooked. The Vi

A guide to Bon Appetit's 'Restaurant City of the Year' Portland, Maine

It’s always a good time to eat your way around Portland, Maine, but given that they just won Bon Appetit’s 2018 Restaurant City of the Year, now is a GREAT time to do it. Portland is glorious in the summer (hello -- no humidity!), but spring and fall are j

How to plan the ultimate Hamilton-themed staycation

Be honest... are you totally sick of hearing me talk about the wonder that is Hamilton already? Well, suck it up one more time, because today is all about every Hamilton activity you can find in the DMV! When I realized that miracles of all miracles had ha

Cruise to Cuba in March with this James Beard Award-winning chef

I don't know about you guys, but Cuba has been sitting at the top of my travel bucket list for quite some time now. It's held a mysterious pull on me for years, and when restrictions on American travel to Cuba were relaxed in 2015, I was positively ecstati

Plan a home run of a trip to Cooperstown's Baseball Hall of Fame

If the hoopla surrounding the All-Star Game and the news that Bryce Harper is staying (for now at least) has whet your appetite for more baseball, think about a trip to Cooperstown, New York and the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. It’s the ultim

The best travel deals for August 2018

Got Labor Day plans?If your answer is ‘no,’ there are still plenty of great travel deals to be had, like a long weekend in Annapolis, a spur-of-the-moment trip to Beantown, or an all-out steal of a deal to Sin City. Turns out, even procrastinators can save

The RNC is going to Charlotte in 2020. Here's what convention goers should explore

Charlotte, the bluest city in purple North Carolina, is rolling out the red carpet as the official host city for the upcoming Republican National Convention in 2020.The Queen City got the nod from the Republican National Committee in July  and already pr

7 ways to make your kids’ vacation more memorable

As I’m writing this I am about to embark on a three-week European vacation with my husband and our two children: Kiera (14) and Ryan (11). The kids and I will spend a week in Paris before my husband joins us and we head to the South of France and then pop

A Young, Broke Student’s Guide to a Month in Europe

By no means am I a travel expert, but I am a college student able to see the world on an incredibly tight budget, and that’s got to count for something, right? I just got back from the European vacation of a lifetime with my best friend. In just under a mo

2018 Beach Guide: Soak up sun and fun in Avalon and Stone Harbor

Welcome to Seven Mile Island on the Jersey Shore. While other shore towns have notorious reputationsthink Atlantic City and gambling or Seaside Heights and MTV’s Jersey ShoreAvalon and Stone Harbor are quieter and more spacious beach towns, known for famil

Plan a day trip around an epic dinner at L’Auberge Provencale

Ever since indulging in a pretty amazing meal at L’Auberge Provencale last fall, I’ve been plotting and planning an opportunity to go back. Here are a handful of reasons why you should hop in the car and make the 90-minute drive west to the tiny town of Bo

5 reasons to visit Providence this summer

Often overshadowed by nearby Boston, Rhode Island’s capital city of Providence has plenty to offer visitors – and is not afraid to let you know. From unique arts programming to outstanding food, here are five reasons to check out this scenic and friendly

5 reasons to splurge on a family vacation at Palmetto Bluff

Charleston might be the trendiest place to visit in  South Carolina, but a recent visit to the Montage Palmetto Bluff resort near Hilton Head proves there are plenty of reasons to drive right on by Charleston (okay, maybe make a quick stop for some biscuit

This is the best way to avoid Home Run Derby and All-Star Game traffic

For the first time in nearly 50 years, D.C. is hosting the Midsummer Classic and this city is PUMPED! I mean who doesn't want to watch Harper crush homers in our own beloved stadium?? It's been a stellar summer sports wise already (WE GOT THE CUP!) and thi

5 reasons to visit Roanoke this summer

Located in Southwest Virginia’s beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, Roanoke is a small urban enclave with surprisingly big offers. As you consider your summer travels, here are five reasons to head to this “Star City.Beer, Beer and More BeerAugust is officiall

2018 Beach Guide: Swim with wild horses at Assateague and Chincoteague

The little pocket of coastal Maryland and Virginia known as Assateague and Chincoteague is a unique stretch of coastal wilderness that is completely different from all the other beach towns around. To start with, the wild ponies that inhabit the island are

Take the kids time-traveling and zip-lining in Williamsburg

It should go without saying that teaching our kids about history is crucial. But let’s be honestthere is perhaps no greater satisfaction for a parent than to show our children how lucky they are, and a trip to Williamsburg, Va., hits both of those birds wi

5 reasons to visit Philadelphia this summer

Philadelphia could easily be renamed “City of Summerly Love” given the many seasonal events and activities awaiting visitors. Here are five reasons to consider this historic destination as part of your summer travels.Dining and Drink DealsAmerica’s Foundi

2018 Beach Guide: Here's where to be beaching in the Carolinas

Strip-mall surf shacks. Pitchers of beer in sports bars. Go-karts. Not one but two outposts of Hooters.Yup, if you’re feeling the pangs of spring break nostalgia, Myrtle Beach may just be your place. But pull off the highway a little sooneror a little late

2018 Beach Guide: Making the most of a weekend at Dewey Beach

Just south of Rehoboth and north of Bethany sits Dewey Beach, the type of town where visitors subsist on lobster rolls by day and jello shots by night. But while it carries a reputation for a vibrant nightlife, Dewey also offers plenty of family activities

6 reasons why you should plan a staycation in Rockville

We all love going on a nice long vacation to a new destination or a foreign country. But sometimes those fancy trips aren't feasible, which means you should be making the most of your weekends locally instead. If you are anything like me, the thought of dr

2018 Beach Guide: Reacquaint yourself with Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach is actually quite a large, sprawling city in Virginia’s Hampton Roads region, which sits about 3.5 hours southeast of D.C. ... on a good day. But anyone willing to brave the brutal summer weekend traffic on I-95 and I-64 generally isn’t inte

Where to find gorgeous sunflower fields in NOVA and MD this summer

It's almost that time of year again. Pretty soon, your Instagram feed will be flooded with photos of people standing in whimsical sunflower fields that look like they leaped from the pages of a fairy tale and into reality.Want to experience the majesty of

The best travel deals for July 2018

By now, you should have put some serious thought toward vacation planning. After all, the dog-days of summer are upon us, and we all need a bit of R&R to decompress from the crazy news and work stresses that may have us feeling down.Plus, most of your cowo

Take a break at this secluded seaside sanctuary on the Eastern Shore

When there’s talk of escaping to the Chesapeake Bay, bustling ports like Annapolis or St. Michaels get all the attention. But just 20 minutes from St. Michaels, there’s a peaceful Bayside town that has the charm of life on the shore, without as many pesky

2018 Beach Guide: Rehoboth Beach delivers on fun

Each Delaware beach seems to have its own vibe and target audience, but Rehoboth Beach manages to magically please all of the people all of the time. It’s awesome for familieseven those with young children, since there are tons of boardwalk diversions for

2018 Beach Guide: Everything you need to know about Bethany Beach

About three hours away from D.C., give or take some traffic, lies Bethany Beach, Delaware, a haven for low-key vacationing. It’s a place for wasting away an afternoon by the ocean or an evening on the boardwalk. If you've got plans this summer to check out

Fitness on the Fly: A look at BWI's RoamFitness gym

Airports aren’t typically associated with health and wellness. Travel days can mean you’re out of your routine, you’re sitting for long periods of time and you’re probably eating junk food at the airport. It’s like the day doesn’t count. Does this sound fa

Hamilton-inspired stays and specials in D.C.

In the words of the Schuyler sisters: “Look around, at how lucky we are to be alive right now”Hamilton, the sensational Broadway hit and Tony-award-winning musical is finally here for its 14-week run at the Kennedy Center.Opening night is Tuesday and ticke

The best travel deals for June 2018

The dog days of summer are officially here, which means you’re probably plotting your next escape from Washington, D.C. Hopefully, it’s to a breezy and cool beach destination, or maybe you’re looking to set sail somewhere closer to home.Either way, we’ve g

Escape the city this summer with a stay at the historical Inn at Evergreen

Of late, I’ve found myself wanting to escape the city more and more – there’s something rejuvenating about tuning out traffic, crowds and restaurants with no reservations, and just being able to enjoy the simple pleasures of the countryside. Lucky for us,

4 reasons to book a Greenbrier getaway

If you say you’re going to White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, it’s likely for one reason, and one reason onlyThe Greenbrier, a historic resort dubbed “America’s resort,” and a vacation destination with more than 200 years of history.The fact is that for

8 new amusement park rides and attractions you need to experience

If you are a fan of amusement parks, 2018 is shaping up to be a can't-miss season for adrenaline junkies. From new hybrid wood and steel coasters giving you major airtime to water rides that will get you psyched (and soaked), we have found eight new rides

Photos: Scenes from London, days before the Royal Wedding

Plan the perfect weekend getaway to Virginia wine country

One of my favorite ways to spend a lazy summer weekend is to head to Virginia wine country for a quick weekend getaway! The beautiful rolling hills, quaint small towns filled with restaurants and antique shops, and countless wineries are just the antidote

The best travel deals for May 2018

May means vacation planning is in full effect. Memorial Day is just around the corner, and maybe you’ve already been thinking about booking a weekend stay by the bay or beach.Because it’s “peak” vacation season, many resorts and airlines might try to gouge

Take a cruise on the Potomac with your pooch

If you're anything like me (and because I obsessively read our Google Analytics stats every day, I know many of you are!) you are constantly trying to find ways to incorporate more Fido in your life. Whether you are a dog owner looking for creative ways to

Moonshine, Mountains & Music: Kicking back in Virginia's Franklin County

Don’t worry about feeling guilty while chillaxing during your long, lazy weekend escape to Franklin County, the front porch to Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains and the “Moonshine Capital of the World.” Urbanites quickly find the virtue in enjoying a slice o

Your guide to the perfect Old Town Alexandria staycation

In case you haven’t already heard, Alexandria has been ranked the top US destination to visit in 2018 by Money Magazine. Lucky for us, that’s right in our backyard, but can feel miles away from Washington, D.C. While you may have spent an evening at the Ol

Memorial Day Planner: 3 new Delmarva resorts to visit this summer

The countdown to Memorial Day Weekend is on, and if you’re a beach bum, that means you’ll be heading to one of the many shore towns that dot the coastlines of Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia.However, this year, there are new reasons to plan a weekend geta

Do you LOVE or HATE the planning part of traveling? This goes out to the haters...

Heading out on vacation is full of excitement for the adventure ahead. But before you can go, there is the planning. Where do you want to go? Where do you want to stay? What will you do while on holiday? Some people love the planning portion of a trip and

I vacationed solo at a couples resort and it was pretty awesome

My job as a freelance writer means I get to travel to cool places. A lot. And while usually I’m part of a group, occasionally I’ll get the chance to explore a city or region all by myself. As someone who’s always been very independent, this can be absolute

Texas (yes, Texas) showcased the best of DC in an exclusive event

With a growing sports fan base, exciting entertainment opportunities and renowned culinary achievements, the DC landscape is one that the rest of the country wants to see, hear and taste.That's why the District's finest headed down south last month from Ma

The best travel deals for April 2018

Spring is finally here, and as the temperatures slowly begin to riseplease, Mother Nature, no more Nor’easters or travel headachesyou’re probably thinking about your next spring or early-summer trip.Also, because it’s April, you’re probably looking to splu

Don't miss the return of LanternAsia at the Norfolk Botanical Garden

Think Chinese lanterns and you likely have the image of traditional paper globes hanging from the ceiling of your favorite Chinese restaurant come to mind. Odds are you are not thinking about a 200 foot long dragon or a field of dancing life size pandas, b

Take a two hour drive to a Getaway in the middle of nowhere

Does the thought of driving down to a tiny house in the woods, locking away your cell phone, and having no predetermined plans sound fantastic to you? Or are you skeptical? Either way, you need to read on.By now you have probably seen a show, read a story,

This Virginia city named #1 place to go in 2018

MONEY Magazine has released its list of the 20 Best Places to go in 2018 and a city near and dear to our hearts has made the list at number ONE! Drum roll pleassseee! Alexandria, Virginia is the number one place to go in 2018, according to MONEY Magazine..

10 tips for easy flying with your pup

Dogs are real members of our families. And would you leave a beloved family member behind when you’re going on vacation? Absolutely not (well, in most cases anyways). In recent years, airlines and airports have become more welcoming of pets. This makes it

11 ways to fly more comfortably (including compression socks!)

Flying is a part of almost all our lives, but honestly it has become uncomfortable and a huge hassle. Make flying comfortable and healthy so your next trip is a blast instead of a drag. Being able to see different parts of the world is exciting but the act

The best travel deals for March 2018

Spring break is near and that means airlines and hotels will try to woo you with some amazing March travel deals to destinations near and far.But March is also a big month for basketball lovers. NCAA March Madness means that big basketball host cities like

A Kids' Review: A stay at the Hay-Adams Hotel

One of the many perks of being a travel writer is that I get to test out some of the country’s best hotels. And when the whole family was invited to staycation at the iconic Hay-Adams Hotel steps from the White House over the holidays, I thought it would b

What to do on a day trip to Purcellville, Virginia

The town of Purcellville, Virginia is about 50 miles from D.C. and makes for a great day trip – it’s packed with quirky stores for shopping, access to wineries and breweries, trails for hiking, and no dearth of places to eat and drink, and some LOVE.  We’v

5 Places to celebrate Black History Month in the DMV

Washington, D.C. is a city filled with black history and culture, and during the month of FebruaryBlack History Monththere are several nearby destinations where you can reflect upon and celebrate African-American leaders.Even if you can’t score one of the

5 Galentine's Day trips to take with your #girlsquard

February is the month of love -- so why not celebrate with a weekend away with your girlfriends? It’s sure to be fun and endless talk with some gossip mixed in. But it doesn’t end there. You can add in spa treatments, gourmet food, and drinks. Below ar

View from the Top: Peep the best views of D.C. from these hotels

Time to book a room for Valentine's Day!

The best travel deals for February 2018

Can you feel it? February is here, and love is certainly in the air.Even if you’re not a big fan of Valentine’s Day, February is typically one of the best months to plan for and save on your next travel adventure.Thrifty wanderlusts are in luck this month

Planning a ski trip to Bryce Resort? Hit up Copper Kettle Restaurant & Bar

If you decide to get together with friends or family this ski season, let Bryce Resort come to mind. Located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, Bryce allows you to enjoy the outdoors as you’ve always dreamed. And if you're looking for the perfect place to

Five things to know for your first time out on the slopes

Skiing and snowboarding are great ways to enjoy the wonders of winter. While learning to ski or snowboard may appear to be quite an undertaking, the reality is that anyone can learn – and much quicker than you might imagine!Roundtop Mountain Resort, Libert

If you need a little spoiling, make a visit to historic Washington, VA

I don't know about you, but nothing makes me crave a getaway like the middle of winter. Unfortunately, however, vacation days aren't unlimited, so a quick close-to-home getaway can be the perfect remedy for winter wanderlust. With its close proximity to D.

Restart and recharge with a wellness package getaway

Let’s face it, when January comes around we all want to hit that restart button. Maybe it’s to exercise more, perhaps eat better, or be empowered. But with this cold weather, I know I’d much rather pull the covers over my head, stay in bed and reemerge w

The ultimate girls' getaway this winter is in Leesburg

Raise your hand if you've ever desperately  needed a girls trip? Are all my ladies' hands raised? Thought so. There's just something to be said for quality time with the gals. Every once in a way, we deserve a bit of pampering, relaxation, reminiscing and

Cozy up to these 3 Virginia Inns this winter

Warm, sunny spring days are still several long months away. Embrace the chill of the bomb cyclones, winter wallops and deep freezes upon us right now with a stay at an inviting inn. We’ve picked three top properties in the Virginia countryside--and places

10 mobile apps you must download before your next road trip

You’ve made it an hour outside D.C. when suddenly, you feel it -- you regret getting that large coffee over the small. You panic, worried you’ll get stuck on a long stretch between exits. Believe it or not, there’s an app for that. Yes, your phone can find

Which D.C. airport had the best on-time performance rate in 2017?

Busy travelers know that timing is everythinga delayed flight is not only a nuisance, it could mean missing a flight connection or rearranging your travel plansquite literally on the fly.Obviously, there are forces outside of your control when it comes to

The best travel deals for January 2018

If you’re like me, your New Year’s resolution is less about going to the gym and more about traveling rightwhich means seeing the world on a shoestring budget.Thrifty wanderlusts are in luck because things are looking good in 2018. If your resolution is to

Lessons From the Road: A year in the life of a travel writer

Travel writing is an enviable gig.Distant exotic lands to explore, fascinating cultures to uncover and a sense of wanderlust to share with readers who long to experience the taste of adventure travel brings to their life.Solid lessons accompany life on the

This local hotel is charging $20,000 for an NYE staycation

When I think of New Year's Eve, I think fancy dresses, cheap alcohol and overcrowded parties. When the Jefferson Hotel thinks of New Year's Eve they think Rolls Royce, presidential suites and next day IV Vitamin Therapy. We clearly have had very different

Weekend Road Trip: Visit Williamsburg this holiday season

The holiday season is upon us, and while it’s supposed to be a time of year filled with merriment, magic, and fun, usually it turns into a series of stressed out battles, including crowded shopping malls, boring office parties, and annoying holiday jingles

5 cozy cabins near D.C. to snuggle up in this winter

Book yourself a vacation on Cyber Monday

I don’t know about you, but I’ve never been a big fan of Black Friday. Getting up before the sun, shivering in line, and getting pushed and shoved are so unappealing. I much prefer Cyber Monday –just me and my computer. Being a travel junkie, I love that

How to plan and pack for the perfect romantic picnic date

With the crisp bite of late fall air and the trees still turning countless shades of red, yellow, and orange, now is the perfect time to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and get “lost” in the woods. Just outside the city, only twenty minute

D.C. ranked the 3rd best cold weather destination

Winter may be the most polarizing season of them all -- you either love it or hate it, and the two sides just can't fathom how the other feels the way they do! Personally, I'm a winter fan, which made me psyched to see that D.C. was ranked highly on Wallet

Day trippin’ it in Winchester, Virginia

Looking for a day trip this fall that doesn’t involve a pumpkin patch?  Need a break from the typical Saturday-afternoon-spent-at-a-winery? Then head out to Winchester. Located an hour and a half from D.C., this Virginia town in Frederick County was the ho

Getting into the Sagamore spirit in Baltimore

Most trips to Baltimore involve meandering around the city’s waterfront, taking in sights from the touristy Inner Harbor to historic Fells Point. Or maybe hitting up an Orioles game if the season is right. But if you’re looking for something a little diffe

There's more to Adams County than Gettysburg -- it has cideries

Back in the summer of 2007 after a long day selling produce from the family farm at a Philadelphia farmers market Ben Wenk and his father went to a nearby bar for drinks. Wenk ordered a hard apple cider produced in England and became an immediate fan of it

Spend a weekend exploring Devils Backbone’s Nelson County Basecamp and Brewpub

Devils Backbone is known around D.C., Maryland, and Virginia for its award-winning beers, including its Vienna Lager and Eight Point IPA; the craft beer company even unveiled a Session Pale Ale called Earned Run Ale exclusively for the Washington Nationals

Alternative warm weather vacations untouched by the hurricanes

We all watched as two major hurricanes devastated some of the most bucolic Caribbean Islands and parts of Key West. For Dominica, Puerto Rico, St. Martin, Turks and Caicos, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, palm trees toppled, hotels were damaged, and infrast

There is something special about Seattle

Take the Bill Speidel's Underground Tour and you’ll learn a lot about Seattle’s rather dysfunctional past that included frequent floodings, a faulty sewage system with exploding toilets, and multiple bankruptcies. There is also the story about how a tax on

3 Virginia day trips that’ll please both kids and adults

If you have kids, you know how tricky it is to find something to do on a weekend that will keep the whole family happy. Parents may want to chill out at a winery, but the kids prefer a more energetic activity. All it takes is a little compromise. These thr

Making the most of 24 hours in Easton, Md.

Living in Washington comes with a few omnipresent stressors politics, traffic and where to score your favorite kombucha, to name a few. On those occasions when you feel like you’ve hit peak DC, it’s time to get in the car and search for a place to slow do

A visit to the Broadmoor is like summer camp for adults

Remember the glory days of summer camp, where your biggest worry in the world was whether the boys cabin would prank you that night? Days were lazily passed playing Red Rover, while evenings were reserved for sharing ghost stories around the campfire and s

Cruise along Skyline Drive and discover Skyland lodge

Tomorrow is the autumnal equinox, meaning it’s officially acceptable to stock up on pumpkin spice-flavored everything and pull out the cable-knit sweaters. Once you’ve gotten that taken care of, you’ll want to turn your attention to the plethora of fall ac

For a taste of Provence take a road trip to the Shenandoah Valley

If you do the math, a trip to Provence is... well... pretty expensive. This southeastern-most region of France is stunningwith its ritzy beachside towns, like Saint-Tropez and Cannes, and its majestic vineyards, olive groves, and rolling hills which lead t

Where 7 local chefs vacationed and dined this summer

5 ways to explore Toronto on the cheap

Our northern neighbor, Canada, is one of the easiest ways to experience an international getaway, whether it’s for a week or weekend away from Washington, DC.Toronto, which is now the fourth-largest city in North America, is your must-visit destination, es

7 fall festivals not to miss in the DMV

Fall and festivals just go together, like peanut butter and jelly. The weather is cooler and what could be better than food, libations, and music. So mark your calendars because we have rounded up seven of the best fall festivals in the DMV.Maryland Seaf

Need Labor Day Plans? Go on a Culinary Camp Out with Compass Rose

When it comes to camping, you probably don’t imagine feasting on award-winning cuisine. You’re probably cooking frank-n-beans over a fire, or worse chowing down on some dry trail mix. But this weekend, the chefs from Compass Rose want to take you outdoors

Get off the beaten path in Upperville

We spent two nights in the Melrose's newly-renovated presidential suite

Ok, this may sound crazy, but August might be my favorite month to be in D.C! Sure, it is (usually) blazing hot and humid, but it's also virtually empty. Congress is off enjoying recess, so staffers and lobbyists tend to plan vacations to coordinate, and e

The Virginia beach town so great, we almost didn't write about it

I've lived in Virginia my entire life and have vacationed to the somewhat local beaches like Virginia Beach, Rehoboth, the Outer Banks and Myrtle. Somehow I had never heard of Cape Charles, a quiet little beach town on the eastern shore, until recently on

12 great green spaces for nature lovers to get their fix

Sometimes we all just need a break from the tourists, traffic and commotion of the city. And we are lucky that D.C. is actually located right in the heart of some of our country's most beautiful scenery and nature-filled retreats. If you're craving a littl

Explore Marshall's small town charm on your next day trip

Check out their award-winning bakery!