vacationing in Maryland
Feb 21st, 2009, 10:38 AM
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vacationing in Maryland
I am attending a conference in D.C. at the end of July and my family and our friends are considering vacationing in Maryland for a week after that. There would be 4 adults and 6 children total. I am not familiar with the area at all. We would like to rent a house or two cottages on the water where it is family friendly. Any ideas about where to go and about how far would that be from the D.C. area? If there is an eaiser or better place to vacation other than Maryland from D.C. we are definitely open to suggestions!
Feb 23rd, 2009, 07:43 AM
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Are you looking a beachy vacation or more mountains/lake type vacation? The reason I ask is because Ocean City, Maryland is about 3.5 hours from D.C. You could probably rent a condo on the beach and spend a week down there. If your like more the mountain/Lake idea, then Deep Creek Lake in MD is really nice. There are tons of houses to rent (just google deep creek lake). Deep Creek Lake is about 2.5 to 3 hours from DC. It's a nice scenic drive into the mountains. You can hiking, go fishing, swim, boating, camping, all at Deep Creek Lake.
You may also want to check out Williamsburg, VA or even Virginia Beach, although both of those locations would take you about 2.5 to 3.5 hours from D.C.
You may also want to check out Williamsburg, VA or even Virginia Beach, although both of those locations would take you about 2.5 to 3.5 hours from D.C.
Feb 26th, 2009, 07:58 AM
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Is Annapolis a vacation spot? We are looking at a beachy type place, unless there are other suggestions from the D.C. area to go to for a week with family. I like the Virginia area as a possibility but where in the Virginia Beach area do we look? It's huge!
Feb 26th, 2009, 09:38 AM
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I think a key question is whether you want to go to the beach or be on the water. With the Chesapeake Bay, there are tons of places you stay that are on or right near the water. If you want a beach, then Rehoboth or Bethany in DE, or Ocean City in Maryland are good options. Of the three, Bethany is the most family-friendly. Please note that many rentals fill up a year out.
Feb 26th, 2009, 11:42 AM
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I think the MD/DE beaches are a better bet then VA beach. I vote for Bethany Beach, DE -- about 2.5 - 3 hours from DC if u want a family oriented nice beach. If u want a a little more action than go for Rehoboth. Both OC and Rehoboth are easy to visit from Bethany.
Anapolis is nice for a day or so or if you want to do a lot of boating.
Anapolis is nice for a day or so or if you want to do a lot of boating.
Feb 26th, 2009, 01:42 PM
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My parents live in Ocean City, MD, so I thought I would chime in and give you a "vibe" for each town.
Ocean City, MD
OC is a touristy beach town. Lots of families, like mine, spend a week there every summer, often in a condo or house rental. The beach is nice, and any rentals on the "oceanside" (the block or two right off the beach) are pricier because of the convenience. You don't go to OC for charm or scenery, you go for fun: boogie boarding, eating funnel cakes, going out for crabs, riding the go karts, etc. I love it for what it is...if I want charm I go to Maine.
The entire town is laid out along Ocean Hwy, the main drag that is 6-8 lanes wide in places and dotted with red lights. This means traffic can be crazy in the summer. For those of us who grew up going "down the ocean" as Baltimoreans say, it is all part of the vacation.
On the "bayside" on the other side of the highway from the beach are lots of strip malls, big neon beach stores, restaurants, bars, putt putt golf courses, water slides, pretty much anything to entertain tourists. Frankly, as a little kid, I thought it was paradise. As an adult, it is sort of tacky and overbuilt but I still love the beach. There are some good restaurants, some nice stores, and lots of crap.
Behind this strip on the bayside, there are all types of rentals, condos, houses, etc, many on either canals or directly on the Assawoman Bay, a gorgeous body of water for fishing and boating that runs to the west of the barrier island that is OC. Rentals here give more bang for the buck, but you have to cross the highway with all your beach gear (very little parking on the oceanside unless you have parking with your rental.)
The beach is free- no admittance charges- but also no bathrooms or anything in most areas, which is why a house or condo on the ocean side is great- just run back to the house.
In "Old Ocean City" there are some charming older properties and there is a long boardwalk filled with cotton candy, bumper cars, "boardwalk" fries, stores...an evening there is part of the vacation, walking the boardwalk, eating junk food, going on rides, buying t-shirts, etc. There are also a few seedy pockets down in this area.
Moving up the coast:
Fenwick, DE
Further up Ocean Highway, is Fenwick, DE. This is right next to OC but has a quieter vibe, no high rises, more single family rentals, just lower key overall but right by all the touristy stuff when you want it.
Continuing up the coast, there is a large state park beach that is much more quiet and natural. (In the summer the beaches in all the towns get crowded- get your blankets and umbrellas out early to get a good spot for people watching.)
Dewey Beach, DE
This is party central for people in their 20s. Lots of DC young singles rent summer shares. Not really a family local, but good for party bars.
Bethany Beach, DE
This is where my husband grew up going on his beach vacations (I married "up"- LOL). It is much more charming, low key, family oriented, small town feeling. They have a little olden days looking boardwalk, more single family homes (except for the big Sea Colony condo development south of town), and in general what I would describe as a "preppier" vibe.
Rehobeth Beach, DE
This is a more established-feeling town, with charming homes, an adorable "down town" area with cute shops and restaurants (more upscale than OC- not Rodeo Drive upscale but nice). Very lovely place. Also a preppy vibe- more of a DC crowd than OC. This is a very gay-friendly destination, but also a family-oriented town.
Lewes, DE
At the tip of the island is Lewes, more of a quiet bayside town with some historical properties. From here you can take a ferry to Cape May, NJ.
To get to any of these towns, you will head east out of DC on Route 50, passing right by Annapolis if you want to stop and stroll the historic downtown area (charming!), have lunch, see some gorgeous sailboats at the city dock in the middle of town, tour the historic sites and the Naval Academy, etc.
Then you cross the Bay Bridge over the Chesapeake, a magnificent body of water. The road takes you across Maryland's Eastern Shore, mostly farm country dotted with some lovely small towns. Nice and scenic unless you are driving by a poultry farm.
The trip takes about 2.5- 3 hours on a good day from DC, but traffic at times can be horrendous with backups at the bridge in peak travel periods. Again, all part of the vacation for those of us who make the yearly pilgrimage (the annoying part, that is).
Heading south to the Virginia Beach area you may also hit horrific traffic on 95South. The trip takes 3.5-4 hours. I can't write a treatise on Va Beach since it isn't my home turf, but the area does feature:
Williamsburg-
So much fun for kids (and adults) who love history! When I went there in second grade I decided I wanted to live there permanently so they could wear long dresses and bonnets all the time. Nice golfing in the area, too.
Busch Gardens-
Amusement Park and Water Park. Awesome for kids and teens.
Virginia Beach-
Similar to Ocean City but a little more low key.
Sandbridge-
Lovely family-oriented area south of Virginia Beach. Really gorgeous and not at all touristy.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel-
This super long bridge goes over the water then through a tunnel, then back over, then back under a bunch of times with a tourist center in the middle. As a kid I thought it was super-cool (okay, as an adult, too). Last time we went across we got to see an aircraft carrier going by from Newport News.
I hope this isn't too much information but will help you start your research on where to stay! Deep Creek Lake is gorgeous but not my area of expertise, so I will leave that to the lake and mountain lovers.
Ocean City, MD
OC is a touristy beach town. Lots of families, like mine, spend a week there every summer, often in a condo or house rental. The beach is nice, and any rentals on the "oceanside" (the block or two right off the beach) are pricier because of the convenience. You don't go to OC for charm or scenery, you go for fun: boogie boarding, eating funnel cakes, going out for crabs, riding the go karts, etc. I love it for what it is...if I want charm I go to Maine.
The entire town is laid out along Ocean Hwy, the main drag that is 6-8 lanes wide in places and dotted with red lights. This means traffic can be crazy in the summer. For those of us who grew up going "down the ocean" as Baltimoreans say, it is all part of the vacation.
On the "bayside" on the other side of the highway from the beach are lots of strip malls, big neon beach stores, restaurants, bars, putt putt golf courses, water slides, pretty much anything to entertain tourists. Frankly, as a little kid, I thought it was paradise. As an adult, it is sort of tacky and overbuilt but I still love the beach. There are some good restaurants, some nice stores, and lots of crap.
Behind this strip on the bayside, there are all types of rentals, condos, houses, etc, many on either canals or directly on the Assawoman Bay, a gorgeous body of water for fishing and boating that runs to the west of the barrier island that is OC. Rentals here give more bang for the buck, but you have to cross the highway with all your beach gear (very little parking on the oceanside unless you have parking with your rental.)
The beach is free- no admittance charges- but also no bathrooms or anything in most areas, which is why a house or condo on the ocean side is great- just run back to the house.
In "Old Ocean City" there are some charming older properties and there is a long boardwalk filled with cotton candy, bumper cars, "boardwalk" fries, stores...an evening there is part of the vacation, walking the boardwalk, eating junk food, going on rides, buying t-shirts, etc. There are also a few seedy pockets down in this area.
Moving up the coast:
Fenwick, DE
Further up Ocean Highway, is Fenwick, DE. This is right next to OC but has a quieter vibe, no high rises, more single family rentals, just lower key overall but right by all the touristy stuff when you want it.
Continuing up the coast, there is a large state park beach that is much more quiet and natural. (In the summer the beaches in all the towns get crowded- get your blankets and umbrellas out early to get a good spot for people watching.)
Dewey Beach, DE
This is party central for people in their 20s. Lots of DC young singles rent summer shares. Not really a family local, but good for party bars.
Bethany Beach, DE
This is where my husband grew up going on his beach vacations (I married "up"- LOL). It is much more charming, low key, family oriented, small town feeling. They have a little olden days looking boardwalk, more single family homes (except for the big Sea Colony condo development south of town), and in general what I would describe as a "preppier" vibe.
Rehobeth Beach, DE
This is a more established-feeling town, with charming homes, an adorable "down town" area with cute shops and restaurants (more upscale than OC- not Rodeo Drive upscale but nice). Very lovely place. Also a preppy vibe- more of a DC crowd than OC. This is a very gay-friendly destination, but also a family-oriented town.
Lewes, DE
At the tip of the island is Lewes, more of a quiet bayside town with some historical properties. From here you can take a ferry to Cape May, NJ.
To get to any of these towns, you will head east out of DC on Route 50, passing right by Annapolis if you want to stop and stroll the historic downtown area (charming!), have lunch, see some gorgeous sailboats at the city dock in the middle of town, tour the historic sites and the Naval Academy, etc.
Then you cross the Bay Bridge over the Chesapeake, a magnificent body of water. The road takes you across Maryland's Eastern Shore, mostly farm country dotted with some lovely small towns. Nice and scenic unless you are driving by a poultry farm.
The trip takes about 2.5- 3 hours on a good day from DC, but traffic at times can be horrendous with backups at the bridge in peak travel periods. Again, all part of the vacation for those of us who make the yearly pilgrimage (the annoying part, that is).
Heading south to the Virginia Beach area you may also hit horrific traffic on 95South. The trip takes 3.5-4 hours. I can't write a treatise on Va Beach since it isn't my home turf, but the area does feature:
Williamsburg-
So much fun for kids (and adults) who love history! When I went there in second grade I decided I wanted to live there permanently so they could wear long dresses and bonnets all the time. Nice golfing in the area, too.
Busch Gardens-
Amusement Park and Water Park. Awesome for kids and teens.
Virginia Beach-
Similar to Ocean City but a little more low key.
Sandbridge-
Lovely family-oriented area south of Virginia Beach. Really gorgeous and not at all touristy.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel-
This super long bridge goes over the water then through a tunnel, then back over, then back under a bunch of times with a tourist center in the middle. As a kid I thought it was super-cool (okay, as an adult, too). Last time we went across we got to see an aircraft carrier going by from Newport News.
I hope this isn't too much information but will help you start your research on where to stay! Deep Creek Lake is gorgeous but not my area of expertise, so I will leave that to the lake and mountain lovers.
Feb 26th, 2009, 01:49 PM
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If you want to drive a little further, you can also rent cottages in Chincoteague, Virginia, home of the Misty books about the pony. It is an adorable small town on a barrier island with great fishing and boating, some good restaurants,and really nice down-home people. You drive over a short bridge to Assateague Island, a state park, where you go to the beach, see wild ponies everywhere, enjoy great hiking and birding (but bring your bug spray) and overall natural beauty. This is an excellent place for boaters, kayakers, fishermen, etc.
Feb 26th, 2009, 06:05 PM
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I don't know the age of the kids but I would highly recommend Gettysburg. Towers to climb, hiking and the highligts for kids is Little Round Top and the Devils Den.
Hiking in the Catocins west of Thurmont is on the way up or down.
Drive west of DC, very pretty, to Parkers Ferry W.Va. where the Shenadoa and the Potomac comes together, beautifull and fabulous rafting.
I would only reccomend Ocean City if your from the midwest, or have never been to the ocean, very commercial, get's old real fast. If your going to do the ponies definitely do Chincoteague in VA. They do the pony penning in July so check your calendar now if your interested in that as you will have to reserve a place now.
A good place to go for a rental is VRBO.com we've used them a couple of times fabulous results and much cheaper than motels.
My husband said if the Yankees are in town you would have fun at camden yards, Baltimore.
Everyone loves the National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. A short walk from Camden Yards.
Have Fun
Hiking in the Catocins west of Thurmont is on the way up or down.
Drive west of DC, very pretty, to Parkers Ferry W.Va. where the Shenadoa and the Potomac comes together, beautifull and fabulous rafting.
I would only reccomend Ocean City if your from the midwest, or have never been to the ocean, very commercial, get's old real fast. If your going to do the ponies definitely do Chincoteague in VA. They do the pony penning in July so check your calendar now if your interested in that as you will have to reserve a place now.
A good place to go for a rental is VRBO.com we've used them a couple of times fabulous results and much cheaper than motels.
My husband said if the Yankees are in town you would have fun at camden yards, Baltimore.
Everyone loves the National Aquarium at the Inner Harbor in Baltimore. A short walk from Camden Yards.
Have Fun
Feb 27th, 2009, 10:59 AM
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Thanks LN! After a lifetime of summers there, I feel qualified
Harper's Ferry, WV is a great destination, as is Shepherdstown, WV a few miles away. Both have waterfront (river) rentals available on VRBO. A charming and historic area.
Tubing along the Shenandoah is so much fun in the summer; there are a bunch of outfitters who drive you up river, provide tubes (and floating coolers) and pick you up after the current carries you down river. canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and some fun bass fishing in the area too.
Harper's Ferry, WV is a great destination, as is Shepherdstown, WV a few miles away. Both have waterfront (river) rentals available on VRBO. A charming and historic area.
Tubing along the Shenandoah is so much fun in the summer; there are a bunch of outfitters who drive you up river, provide tubes (and floating coolers) and pick you up after the current carries you down river. canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and some fun bass fishing in the area too.
Feb 27th, 2009, 12:21 PM
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Thanks BlueSwimmer, I was going to recommend the oshun, hon but didn't want to explain it!
For the Beach, Blue Swimmer has nailed it. There are scads of places for rent for the week in OC, Fenwick and Bethany, but do look into it asap.
Annapolis is just great but doesn't have ocean swimming. Bay has sea nettles by July so you don't want that. Colonial atmosphere, shopping, Naval Academy, boat tours. I think it's fair to say the same thing about St. Michaels.
Chestertown is another wonderful colonial town. And Betterton Beach (13 miles) is north enough on the Bay to NOT have nettles and a great beach.
For the Beach, Blue Swimmer has nailed it. There are scads of places for rent for the week in OC, Fenwick and Bethany, but do look into it asap.
Annapolis is just great but doesn't have ocean swimming. Bay has sea nettles by July so you don't want that. Colonial atmosphere, shopping, Naval Academy, boat tours. I think it's fair to say the same thing about St. Michaels.
Chestertown is another wonderful colonial town. And Betterton Beach (13 miles) is north enough on the Bay to NOT have nettles and a great beach.
Feb 28th, 2009, 06:22 PM
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TDudette-
Whoa- I haven't heard anyone talk about Betterton for years- my mom's family went there every year when she was a kid, pre-Bay Bridge, I think.
And yes, 309, you have it nailed! My family does pronounce it downey oshun, with the lovely Baltimore "o" sound, and all my aunts call everyone "hon" habitually. We were all sad when the city kept covering over the grafitti addition of "Hon" to the sign that says "Welcome to Baltimore" on 295 North. B-more is a great town and I treasure my roots there but also love making fun of our linguistic individuality.
And for the OP, if you decide on a beach rental, make sure to check with your rental company to see if linens and towels are provided. Most rentals in the area don't provide them and I know people can get very irate if they have to go out and buy sheets on the first night of vacation.
Whoa- I haven't heard anyone talk about Betterton for years- my mom's family went there every year when she was a kid, pre-Bay Bridge, I think.
And yes, 309, you have it nailed! My family does pronounce it downey oshun, with the lovely Baltimore "o" sound, and all my aunts call everyone "hon" habitually. We were all sad when the city kept covering over the grafitti addition of "Hon" to the sign that says "Welcome to Baltimore" on 295 North. B-more is a great town and I treasure my roots there but also love making fun of our linguistic individuality.
And for the OP, if you decide on a beach rental, make sure to check with your rental company to see if linens and towels are provided. Most rentals in the area don't provide them and I know people can get very irate if they have to go out and buy sheets on the first night of vacation.
Mar 1st, 2009, 09:10 AM
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WOW! There is a ton of information in this! Thanks so much Blueswimmer for all the info you gave me. And yes, we are from Chicago, so we are very midwest but I went to school in CT so I do love the east coast but didn't get to spend much time in Maryland at all.
Virginia Beach and OC sound just like what we are looking for. Someone had asked about the ages of the kids: 13, 10, 8 year old twins, 7 and finally the 2 year old...NO THEY ARE NOT ALL MINE!!! But the 2 year old is the only girl in the group and she will acclamate to most any situation as long as there is food, water and sand to play in and a place to nap.
I am not sure what direction we'll go in yet, but we have to make sure there is enough for all the kids to do without there being a problem. I am assuming that the places mentioned around OC and around the bay, Fenwick and such, are not too far to drive to.
Thanks for all the ideas...keep them coming!
Virginia Beach and OC sound just like what we are looking for. Someone had asked about the ages of the kids: 13, 10, 8 year old twins, 7 and finally the 2 year old...NO THEY ARE NOT ALL MINE!!! But the 2 year old is the only girl in the group and she will acclamate to most any situation as long as there is food, water and sand to play in and a place to nap.
I am not sure what direction we'll go in yet, but we have to make sure there is enough for all the kids to do without there being a problem. I am assuming that the places mentioned around OC and around the bay, Fenwick and such, are not too far to drive to.
Thanks for all the ideas...keep them coming!
Mar 1st, 2009, 09:26 AM
#19
Ocean City would be a blast for kids those ages. And yes, Blueswimmer's info is exactly right. The boardwalk is a major part of the fun (cheesy/kitschy - but hey - take it for what it is). We love staying in one of the older properties right on the boardwalk in the middle of the action for a night or two. For a week, you might want a condo with more space and a little more peace and quiet. It's easy enough to drive down to the boardwalk area (the boardwalk is about 30 blocks long - great for an easy morning bike ride). Have breakfast or lunch (excellent pizza) at the Dough Roller on the boardwalk at about about 4th Street. Check out the Kite Loft for a great selection of kites. Get a henna tattoo. And definitely have some Boardwalk fries, caramel corn from Fisher's or Dolle's, funnel cakes, and vanilla and orange swirled ice cream from Kohl's. It's junk-food heaven. You can go parasailing, rent wave riders, and try your hand at boogie boarding or body surfing, Definitely have some crabs (yum!) or at least crab cakes while you're there.
Assateague/Chincoteague are an easy drive - less than a half hour - and a whole different world. No beach vendors and much fewer people. The wild ponies are icing on the cake.
Assateague/Chincoteague are an easy drive - less than a half hour - and a whole different world. No beach vendors and much fewer people. The wild ponies are icing on the cake.
Mar 1st, 2009, 12:20 PM
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Have a great vacation lcpc! If it were me, and I didn't already have my parents to stay with for free, I would stay in Fenwick for less crowded beaches and a quieter vibe but in quick driving distance to all the OC fun. Somewhere like this would be awesome: http://www.vrbo.com/103528
One other thing to note, there is a jitney bus that runs up and down the highway all day and into the night, so you don't always have to drive in the traffic.
One other thing to note, there is a jitney bus that runs up and down the highway all day and into the night, so you don't always have to drive in the traffic.
