Shenandoah Valley

Just beyond DC, the Shenandoah Valley offers and easy escape to the mountains for a restful weekend. You’ll find cozy cabins, Virginia’s wine country, and small town exploring. This area has always been special to me because my husband and I met at James Madison University in the marching band. We get back to the valley at least once a year – often with some of our college friends.

A weekend in the valley can be built around wine tasting, an afternoon at Devil’s Backbone, historic stops at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello or James Madison’s Montpelier, a visit to Luray Caverns or Endless caverns, or exploring a small town like Harrisonburg, Charlottesville, or Staunton.

Explore the trails and sweeping views in Shenandoah National Park, home to mountains older than the dinosaurs. Enjoy a drive along Skyland Drive or explore the trails on a variety of hikes. They say every national park has a season and for the Shenandoah, it is without a doubt the fall. Book early for a stay from mid-September through October! Or visit mid-April through mid-June before the summer heat kicks in.

Northeast City Escapes

Washington, DC offers incredible access to east coast cities, making a weekend adventure feel like a full vacation. Philadelphia offers a similar early American history vibe with an incredible, underrated food scene. Beyond the famous cheesesteak, you’ll find memorial bars and creative higher end dining. I love visiting a couple of historic sites like The Liberty Bell, Constitutional Hall, and The Betsy Ross House followed wandering the residential streets. It’s easy to travel to different highlights on foot or using the Big Bus. Plus, you’ll see fun outdoor art and architecture along the way.

New York is a good idea anytime of year. Because of the city’s size, I like to plan a weekend trip around a couple of highlights: a Broadway show, a concert or baseball game, or a museum I’ve been wanting to visit. Then I’ll fill it in with other sights near by, good food, and maybe a boat tour to enjoy the skyline. Sometimes an afternoon exploring Central Park, shopping, or checking out some restaurants in a new-to-me neighborhood is the best way to spend an afternoon.

Boston holds a special places in my heart because my family grew up near by so I visit often. Boston also offers similar early American history vibe and sports town feeling that DC and Philadelphia have. Spending a weekend checking out the Freedom Trail, enjoying a boat tour, touring the Harvard campus, or joining a food tour.