lincasanova

Since we'll have a car and have visited the sites in D.C already several times, I am looking for short drives to nice places outside the area one or two days . I hope you have some favorites to share.

Dukey1

Don;t know if it fits your interests but will suggest

Harper's Ferry
Annapolis
Baltimore Inner Harbor

starrs

Have you driven out to horse country? I loved driving west to Middleburg and the surrounding area. Beautiful country, historic small towns with cute shops and restaurants. Have you driven the Skyline Parkway through Shenandoah National Park? Drive to Front Royal and drive along one of the prettiest drives in the country - the start of the Blue Ridge Parkway. If you have the time, I'd drive all the way to Charlotteville before returning to Alexandria. I just love that area!

lincasanova

been to annapolis and baltimore.. any restaurant recs in the other mentioned areas? llke an historic house or nice view or whatever.

lincasanova

Have also been to Charlottesville and part of the parkway, but maybe not that particular part.. I will look into the others mentioned.. hoping to combine with a nice daytime meal stop.

starrs

It's been a few years since I've been there. Here's one idea but hopefully locals can suggest others - http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran..._Virginia.html

Ackislander

Easton and St Michael's, Maryland, and anywhere else on the Eastern Shore.

lincasanova

thank you! We went to St Michael's the last time.. I'm going to look into yelp.com to see some options. I rally don't want to drive too horribly far.. maybe 30-45 minutes or so each direction.

Is this unreasonable?

longhorn55

I've never been there as it's out of my price range, but you might want to look at The Inn at Little Washington. Luxury accommodations and award-winning restaurant.

obxgirl

For dining consider L'Auberge Chez Francois, classic French food impeccably served in Great Falls, VA.

lincasanova

I should have mentioned that price-wise, nothing extravagantly expensive for lunch .. not over $25/person (without wine) if possible. I'll take a look again at the Little Inn menu. I had checked that out a couple years ago to have a meal there with my husband but we never made it.

starrs

Middleburg is 45 miles from Alexandria

lincasanova

Thanks everybody. I have plenty to look over. Middleburg sounds interesting and picturesque!
Any special place you like to eat there or on the way?

yestravel

Fredrick, MD has a cute historic center. Volt is a great restaurant started by Brian Voltaggio of Top Chef. He has also opened some other restaurants in Frederick.

lincasanova

thanks! I love that program!