Memorial Day is this Monday, meaning a lot of Washingtonians have a three day weekend. With the extra day comes extra opportunity to take a day trip (or two) around the area. We polled our staffer for some good destinations in the area to share, so pump up the bike tires, get out the hiking boots or start the car (Zip, Flex, or your own). And if you have any other good suggestions, let us know in the comments.

Harpers Ferry, WV — If you thought Harpers Ferry looks like it hasn’t changed since 1850, you’d be right. The town, famous for John Brown’s Raid, is nestled in the mountains at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah. The lower town is all original or restored buildings and you won’t find a McDonald’s or Exxon. Walking the brick-lined streets or the trail up Camp Hill to Storer College, you can almost imagine life in early industrial times. There are other hikes around the town too, like the ruins along the riverfront. Take the quick route up I-270 through Frederick or the scenic route through Leesburg. – Andrew Wiseman

If you’re up for a good challenge, try biking up to Harpers Ferry. It’s pretty much impossible to get lost — just follow the C&O Canal trail north for 60 miles. Along the way you’ll pass Great Falls and White’s Ferry (the last fully operational ferry across the Potomac), not to mention spend the better part of the day in complete natural isolation. Once you get to Harpers Ferry, bunk up in one of the local hotels or head a mile or so north of town along the path, where you can camp alongside the river. And if that’s not enough, you can keep on going for about 120 miles, ending up in Cumberland, Maryland along the border with Pennsylvania. – Martin Austermuhle