In case you missed it, National Plan for Vacation Day just passed, and there’s a federal holiday on the horizon. If that isn’t enough to get your winter trip planning into high gear, maybe a few easy and accessible trip ideas from the D.C. region can help get you there.
From a trip to the ski slopes, where you can actually see some snow, to a quaint town oozing with Valentine’s or Galentine’s Day charm, these are bookable trips you can take on a moment’s notice this winter.
Take a snow lovers’ escape to Deep Creek Lake
Maryland’s only ski resort has a geographic advantage unlike most other resorts this winter. Wisp Resort is located three hours north and west of Washington, at one of the highest points in the state, so when it rains elsewhere, it’s likely snowing there. It’s also surrounded by Deep Creek Lake — a four-season resort that truly comes to life during the winter.
From downhill skiing and tubing to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing (when the lake fully freezes over) there are plenty of outdoor activities. Off the mountain, nightlife revolves around the lake with live music venues that lean toward country music and bluegrass. Apres ski options include tiki-ish drinks at Honi Honi Bar, craft beers at Mountain State Brewing Co., and craft cocktails and growlers to-go at MoonShadow. Best of all, the resort is fully open thanks to some extra snowy conditions this February.
Visit the other Washington Monument in Baltimore
Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood is one steeped in history, and it’s easy to reach from D.C. — only an hour north on the Amtrak or MARC train to Baltimore’s Penn Station, and then a 10-ish minute walk or short cab ride to the neighborhood.
This neighborhood is where you’ll also find Baltimore’s version of the Washington Monument, in addition to two historic libraries, the city’s Enoch Pratt Free Library and a John Hopkins stunner, the George Peabody Library. Plus, you’ll find museums like the Walters Art Museum and Maryland Center for History & Culture (where the original copy of the “Star-Spangled Banner” is kept) and classic brownstones that conjure up the turn of the 20th century.
Hotel stays are easy to come by, from the value-driven Hotel Ulysses, with luxurious details like canopy beds and clawfoot tubs, to a nightlife-centric stay at Revival, complete with private karaoke rooms and a rooftop bar with 360-degree views of the city.
Fall in love with Fredericksburg shopping (and brunch!)
Like Baltimore, Fredericksburg, Virginia, is another rail-accessible city, this one about an hour south of D.C. via Amtrak or VRE, and it offers a historic city with a Main Street District to fall in love with this winter.
The first Friday of February is Galentine’s Day (the unofficial, Leslie Knope-approved holiday) and all are invited to collect treats, including hot cocoa, and participate in fun activities including paper craft at PONSHOP Studio, a photo booth at Duly Noted, and chocolate gift bags from Heather Boutique.
Fredericksburg is also a foodie destination and the place to get your weekend brunch on. From a German-themed feast with Chef Jannec Hornig at Alpine Chef to belly-filling dishes at Fork N Biscuit – which is arguably the most famous Fredericksburg breakfast spot offering brunch around the clock.
Travel the Edna Lewis food trail
To honor Grande Dame of Southern Cooking Edna Lewis, and celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Edna Lewis Cookbook release in 1972, Orange County, Virginia, has launched the Edna Lewis Menu Trail.
It’s an excellent way to celebrate Black History Month and explore Edna Lewis’ inspired cuisine. She was one of the first African American women to write a cookbook that didn’t hide the author’s true identity, race, or gender, and she was born and raised in Orange County, a beautiful region on the road to Charlottesville with rolling hills and charming towns, including Gordonsville, Barboursville, and Orange.
Participating restaurants on the trail include The Barbeque Exchange, Champion Ice House, The Market at Grelen, and Vintage Restaurant at The Inn at Willow Grove. (The last one is also an excellent place to book an overnight stay.)
In addition to the menu trail, visitors to Orange County can also check out the Mere Distinction of Colour Exhibit James Madison’s Montpelier, visit the Orange County African American Historical Society, see Bethel Baptist Church where Lewis and her family attended services, and see the new Virginia Department of Historical Resources highway marker location to honor Edna Lewis and the Freetown community.
