When you find yourself in the Washington, D.C. area, it’s hard to decide what to see first. When the crowds start to get to you and you find yourself on museum overload, consider a few easy day trips to check out the surrounding countryside. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at what you will find only an hour out of the hustle and bustle of D.C. life.
Lovettsville, Virginia
About an hour northwest out of D.C., this small town was originally settled nearly 300 years ago by German immigrants. Today it boasts a healthy number of wineries, a historical museum and an Oktoberfest celebration in the fall. For a full bucolic experience, look for farm tours Lovettsville VA to get up close and personal with some wooly sheep.
Kent Island, Maryland
Head an hour east out of D.C. and you’ll find yourself on Kent Island, the biggest island in the Chesapeake Bay. Fort Kent was founded in 1631 making this island one of the oldest European settlements in North America. There are three cities on the island, and plenty to do especially if you like water activities. Terrapin Park in Stevensville provides the nature lover with 73 acres of wetlands and plenty of walking and biking trails.
Port Tobacco, Maryland
Head south for an hour to discover the historic buildings of Port Tobacco, population 15. Wander through the reconstructed historic courthouse from 1819, the one-room schoolhouse from 1872, or the Village-Stagg Hall from 1766. This tiny town also boasts St. Ignatius founded in 1641, the oldest continuously operating Catholic parish in the United States.
No matter which way you drive out of Washington, D.C., in about an hour, you will find something incredibly interesting that probably has immense historical value. Whether you’re looking for an uncrowded walk on the coast, over rolling hills, or through the past, traveling a few miles out of the city will be both an interesting journey and a rewarding destination.