WASHINGTON 鈥� If you find you鈥檙e in need of one 鈥� or two 鈥� last-minute getaways before summer ends, D.C.-based travel writer and photographer has a few recommendations.
From a quiet beach town to an exciting city experience, you can access it all within a few hours from Washington, D.C.
Find food, beer, nature and culture in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley聽 One way to escape D.C.鈥檚 suffocating summer humidity? Head west to take in some fresh air and scenic views in Virginia鈥檚 Shenandoah Valley. 鈥淚 think a lot of people in Washington are familiar with Skyline Drive, maybe Luray Caverns, but there are a ton of great places to explore in that area,鈥� said travel writer and photographer Jess Moss. Beer lovers can taste their way through the Virginia Valley on the , which connects 13 breweries from Harrisonburg to Glasgow, while those seeking an outdoor adventure will find numerous hiking trails and campsites. One town Moss highly recommends is Staunton, Virginia, which was named one of by Travel & Leisure. The downtown area is rich with restaurants, plus there are plenty of historical sites to visit and cultural experiences to check out, including the . Additionally, Moss says throughout August, Shenandoah National Park is celebrating its second annual with constellation tours and presentations from astronomy experts.聽 (AP/Robert F. Bukaty)
AP/Robert F. Bukaty
Discover a charming beach town away from the crowds in Cape Charles, Virginia聽 Delaware, Maryland and Virginia鈥檚 beach towns are buzzing this time of year, but if you鈥檙e in search of a more quiet aquatic getaway, Moss suggests on Virginia鈥檚 Eastern Shore. The destination is about three and a half hours from D.C., but well worth the drive once you鈥檙e there. 鈥淚t鈥檚 this really small, charming little town, there鈥檚 some great Victorian architecture 鈥� but it really doesn鈥檛 see the massive influx of crowds, so it鈥檚 a great way to go and get some quiet time,鈥� Moss said. Visitors can hang out on the beach at , or go biking, kayaking or paddleboarding. The is also in town, which is a big draw for bird-watchers. 鈥淚t鈥檚 really an unexpected place for people to go and spend some time on the bay or the shore and not be inundated with crazy beach crowds,鈥� Moss added. 聽 (Thinkstock)
Thinkstock
Take in history and views along Maryland’s scenic Harriet Tubman Byway聽 A new addition to Maryland鈥檚 Eastern Shore is the , part of the 125-mile . The visitor center houses multimedia exhibits on Tubman鈥檚 life, and the Byway highlights 36 sites related to Tubman and the Underground Railroad. Along the self-guided route, visitors can stop at historic landmarks such as Tubman鈥檚 childhood home and the site of her most daring rescues. There are also opportunities along the way to hike, bike, shop and dine. Moss suggests a stop at the . (AP/Patrick Semansky)
AP/Patrick Semansky
Have an “of the moment” city adventure in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania聽 For a city experience, Moss says, hands down, go to Pittsburgh. “People looking for a city break maybe assume Philly or New York, and while those are wonderful and there鈥檚 plenty to do there, I think Pittsburgh is perfect for a weekend escape,” she said.聽 鈥淚t鈥檚 having a moment right now. There鈥檚 an amazing food scene there; it鈥檚 a really great city with a great culture.”聽 Since it’s still summer, Moss says make sure you get to a baseball game at PNC Park. There are plenty of historic sites to visit, as well as old warehouses that have been repurposed into new businesses. “It鈥檚 small, it鈥檚 manageable, it鈥檚 about four hours driving time from D.C., and it鈥檚 a really pretty drive,” Moss added.聽 (Getty Images)
Getty Images
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