So, as a follow-up to my earlier query about ideas for day trips from the D.C./northern Virginia area, I'm back again asking, unfortunately, a fairly broad question. I'm looking at a 3-4 day trip somewhere during the second week of August, but I'm a little short on ideas. Beaches are fine, and someplace where the heat isn't oppressive would be great. Anywhere that typically has cheap airfare from Reagan or Dulles would be a bonus (cheap being, of course, a relative term! ). I'd entertain any potential itineraries from sports to history to the arts/culture. We're already planning side trips to Baltimore and Philadelphia earlier in the summer.

If you are looking for a place to fly, I'd suggest going up to Boston/New England for a few days. Weather is usually pretty nice in August, and you can find tons of history and arts/culture. There's also sports of course (although Red Sox tickets can be hard to find), and beaches (near Boston you could go to Crane's or Plum Island, or you could head to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, etc. but those might not be worth it for a short trip).

Another possibility, if you just wanted to drive, would be to head out to the Shenandoahs/Charlottesville for a couple of days, and then down to the beach at Chincoteague/Assateague for a couple of days, but I'm not sure if that itinerary would be as interesting to you.

Second the New England suggestion. When I lived in DC, my favorite trip was always to Maine. Very easy to fly to Portland.

Or, fly into Manchester NH (usually cheaper) and drive to Maine from there (just under 2 hours). Portland is great, but I also love Kennebunkport (which is south of Portland). Plenty to do in that area for a 3-4 day trip.

Why don't you go to Canada, it's usually not that hot compared to DC, that's for sure. I've been to both Quebec City and Montreal in August for about that time.

MOntreal is real easy to get to as there are nonstop flights from DC. When I went a few years ago, you had to go through Montreal or Ontario to get to Quebec City, but it's not that long. Probably just as cheap and quick as flying to Maine and some of these places. At least that will be something different, both are interesting cities.

There are tons of places to go that are convenient to where you live (I live in same area) - but really, alot depends on your budget. I don't know what your definition of cheap tickets is (and they're certainly not getting any cheaper by the minute) - so I recommend you do some searches online to see what fits your budget. If you don't want hot - but you want beaches (just don't plan to go in the frigid water) - New England is a great idea. You could go to the Jersey Shore (could drive there); you could go to Florida - I recommend West Coast); you could drive West and go up to the mountains along the Skyline Drive area; there are just too many options to go through.... You could also go to Luray Caverns - I actually love that place..... Anyway, where ever you go - have a great time...