faile626

Your ideas are needed!

My husband and I are searching for a weekend getaway from our home in Annapolis this July. We do not wish to cross the Bay Bridge -- sitting in traffic is not a good way to start a weekend. We'd like to travel somewhere within a 3-hour drive radius, and we'd like to go somewhere to get out of the heat and humidity. That is priority #1!

We are fairly active, outdoorsy folks in our (late) twenties who enjoy a nice, moderate hike and lovely picnic. We aren't big shoppers, but we do like strolling through quaint towns. We have an interest but little-to-no experience in white-water rafting and kayaking. We like to visit historical sites, too.

Though we have money, we don't like to spend it. We might like to try camping, though we don't own any camping gear. Yet, I suppose. But we also like small B&Bs. If they're not too expensive.

Ohiopyle seems awfully far away, and West Virginia seems far, too! What about Catoctin? I'm saving Gettysburg and Antietam for when my parents visit in September, otherwise that would be a fun combo. Any similar ideas?

Thanks!

JanDelaware

You might consider Antietem in Sheppardsburg, West Virginia and start boning up on your Civil War history. It's not that far from Washington DC.

faile626

Thanks, JanDelaware. Antietam is definitely on my list of must-sees in this area, but I'm saving it for a later trip.

Any other ideas for a cool weekend from Annapolis? What are your favorites?

Greatsights

Deep Creek Lake would be my first choice as it's a wonderfully large lake in the woods!

Second I could choose Cape May NJ for a really nice weekend.

Third - the Amish area in Pennsylvania is beautiful and has some great places to visit. There's a great little railroad near Lancaster (name escapes me right now) and, of course, Hershey Park - all within 3 hours drive.

Thomas6

JanDelaware - it is Shepherdstown, in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia, and we are maybe two hours from Annapolis. Lots of great restaurants, nice locally-owned shops, 5 minutes to Antietam, 20 minutes to Harpers Ferry for rafting and kayaking as well as historic stuff.

BlueSwimmer

Another vote for Shepherdstown. It is a cute place to walk around, with nice restaurants, and easy walking along the tow path beside the river with pretty views. Check Shepherd College for cultural events too.

If you just want to get away from it all and enjoy nature- what about a cabin in the Blue Ridge? We spent a weekend at Hot Tub Heaven- cabin #3. http://www.hthva.com/

It was adorable and surrounded by trees. The hot tub was fun and relaxing. We took groceries with us and cooked, hiked, relaxed. The only downside was that the beds are just doubles, so sleeping was tight as we are used to a king. (better than sleeping bags in a tent- our other back-to-nature getaway option-lol!)

There are TONS of cute cabins in western/ Blue Ridge area of Virginia and the panhandle of WV. You could even cool off by doing a tubing trip on the Shenandoah. Less intense than white water rafting, but really relaxing.

Another option is Berkeley Springs, VA to get massages, sit in the hot springs, etc.

Another fun weekend is touring wineries and picnicking in the Middleburg, VA area. Sort of an expensive town, but SOOO charming, with great eateries and lovely scenery. A little closer than the Blue Ridge, too.

I'm originally from Annapolis, so I understand the Maryland mentality that everything in Virgina and WVA is far away and hard to get to. It truly isn't that far- longer in miles than the Eastern Shore, but at least you won't sit in Bay Bridge traffic. Do be aware that at rush hour the western highways through NoVa can be full of traffic too.

I think you will find heat and humidity anywhere in the mid-atlantic, but the mountains will be a little cooler.

faile626

Awesome! Thank you, everyone, for your replies.

It shall be Shepherdstown / Antietam / Harpers Ferry for July. Everything else can come once it cools down. Also a little trip to Philly in August for the Crowded House reunion tour. Independence Hall, sure, but I can't wait to visit the oldest zoo in America, though age is usually an inverse indicator of quality when it comes to zoos.

I'm from the West Coast, and have only been living on the East for a little over a year. I still can't get used to the idea that going to another state is a huge deal. It's one of the reasons I moved here (that, and a new job), but it's not yet instinctive.

Thomas6

Faile - if you are planning a weekend trip , you might want to aim for the last weekend in June or the first weekend in August. There is the Contemporary American Theater Festival in Shepherdstown during July and it makes accommodations and restaurants difficult to get into. You may be able to stay in some of the smaller B&Bs in Harpers Ferry then, if you plan ahead.

Saraho

ttt