Memorial Day is only a week away, and with a travel season predicted to be expensive and filled with flight delays, your best bet this summer might be to stay local.
Luckily, the mid-Atlantic region offers accessible, fun, and easy vacation options reachable by car — but also bike, train, bus, or boat. Whether you want to sip wine in a yurt, relax on the beach with a brew, or travel back in time, we’ve got you covered this summer.
These are mostly recession-friendly trips — plus a few splurge-worthy options — and we’ve prioritized easy booking so you don’t have to plan too far ahead — or worse, get stuck in airport security. All you have to do is remember the sunblock and a good book.
Cherry Hill Park
College Park, Maryland
In life, there are two kinds of people, those who like to camp and those who absolutely hate it.
At Cherry Hill Park, you can compromise with both cabin and glamping options for those who fall into the latter category. Best of all, it’s tucked away in the woods of… College Park (Yes, believe it or not, there is tranquility to be found in this college town).
It’s a quick and accessible trip just beyond the Beltway. From where I live on Capitol Hill, it’s a 90-minute bike ride on the Anacostia River Trail to the Paint Branch Trail, or you can take a bus shuttle from downtown DC. Plus it’s even reachable by public transportation.
This campsite offers versatility, fun and an optional roof over your head (in case you fear rain or hate the great outdoors).
Guests can choose from a selection of premium log cabins and cottages, glamping pods and yurts, and traditional camping pads for tents or RVs.
Newer amenities include express check-in, free WiFi, and on-demand deliveries from the camp’s store and cafe. Did we mention this campsite has two solar-warmed pools, miniature golf, and access to golf cart rentals? OK, this is definitely a step up from camping.
C&O Canal Lockhouses
Multiple locations along the Potomac River in Maryland
Looking for a period piece getaway? The C&O Canal Trust will take you back in time with one of several historic lockhouses located along Maryland’s C&O Canal.
These houses are available to rent for overnight stays at low rates ($110-$160 plus fees), each with varying degrees of comforts.
For instance, Lockhouses 6, 10, and 21, all have air conditioning, full kitchens, and a bathroom.
Lockhouses 22, 25, and 28 are quite rustic — like 150 years ago rustic. There is no air conditioning, power, or plumbing to be found — but don’t worry, portable bathrooms are nearby.
Lockhouses along the canal run from Lock 6, just north of the DC line, to Lock 49 in Clear Spring, Maryland (near Hagerstown, which is also one of the largest houses, accommodating groups of 8 or more).
The history alone makes this a unique offering and it’s another biker-friendly option for those looking to do a trail ride on the C&O.
In fact, minimum bookings only require a one night stay, so you can use them on a multi-day bike ride up the canal.
Nicewonder Farm & Vineyards
Bristol, Virginia
For food and wine lovers, southwestern Virginia may be calling. A new resort in Virginia’s Highlands recently debuted with a boutique hotel featuring 28 luxury rooms and suites, as well as nine private yurts. It’s located on a farm and vineyard that provide several compelling reasons to sit down for a meal.
The first is served up by James Beard-nominated Chef Travis Milton. He oversees Hickory, which features a menu of Appalachian cuisine, from smoked hen to blue catfish served in tomato gravy. He cooks almost everything over an open flame, pairing dishes with wines grown on the property, including Viognier, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Petit Verdot.
Another is this year’s most recent addition, the Tasting Room, which offers guests a selection of light bites paired with wine. The experience also comes with some stunning views of the property’s vineyard, gardens, and greenhouse, plus live bluegrass music on Saturdays.
The Forum Hotel
Charlottesville, Virginia
The Forum Hotel is a key reason to visit Charlottesville this summer, with special opening rates at Kimpton’s upscale property.
Each stay comes with a $100 dining credit to enjoy at Birch & Bloom, a farm-to-table restaurant featuring Virginia winegrowers, or to the bar and taproom The Good Sport.
Rates start at $249 from Sunday to Thursday, and $349 on Fridays and Saturdays for bookings made by August 12. This is also a hotel that comes with kid-friendly accommodations and where sustainable practices are taken to heart.
The entire property is LEED-certified and comes with the added perk of being located next to a 5-acre arboretum with walking trails that connect to the UVA campus and to the Rivanna Trail that runs throughout Charlottesville.
Tilghman Island Inn
Tilghman Island, Maryland
The Tilghman Island Inn is surrounded by water in a remote fishing village in Maryland, making it the perfect place to relax by the water when the temperatures inch upward. And while it’s an island, a drawbridge connected to the mainland means you can reach it by car.
Whether you want to leisurely kayak, bird watch, or slurp oysters, this is the place to be by the water. The inn also holds several dock slips for guests who arrive by boat.
On land, you can take in sunsets from the Adirondack chairs scattered across the property or be lazy and chill by the pool. There’s also a new and expanded outdoor restaurant with seafood sourced from Maryland purveyors.
Tilghman Island is part of Talbot County’s Chesapeake Bay, situated on the Eastern Shore. It’s only a few miles from Saint Michaels but, unlike ritzier resorts found there, the inn’s summer rates start at a cooler $275 per night.
The Dogfish Inn
Lewes, Delaware
Beach weather and craft brews pair perfectly at The Dogfish Inn in Lewes, Delaware.
Situated along the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal and near a network of bike trails, the Dogfish Inn is a basecamp for beer lovers and outdoor fun-seekers.
New this year are the Priority Current E-Bikes, free to rent and ride along trails that link to Rehoboth and Cape Henlopen State Park. This is a bike trail frequented by President Joe Biden, so be on the lookout for his secret service detail.
After your ride, celebrate with a crisp and refreshing beer. Rooms at Dogfish come equipped with growlers to fill at the brewery in Milton, Delaware, or the brew pub and restaurant in Rehoboth. Bookings also come with other shore essentials, like free beach chairs and tote bags for an easy day by the water.
Lewes is low key and also one of the best small towns to eat on the Delmarva shore. Make sure to come hungry and book a reservation at Heirloom, Bramble & Brine at the Buttery, or Lewes Oyster House while you’re there.
Beach Plum Farm
Cape May, New Jersey
New Jersey’s Beach Plum Farm is an inviting place to stay on a working organic farm near Cape May.
Guest houses comfortably sleep families or larger groups and come with the option to request a fully stocked fridge, including fresh veggies from the field and eggs from the chicken coop nearby.
Beach Plum grows dozens of fruits, vegetables, and herbs on the property. And farm livestock, including hens and heritage hogs, greet you at check-in.
Guests are encouraged to visit with and feed the animals. They also have easy access to an on-site farmers market, pool, and golf carts to make it easier to explore Cape May’s historic streets and beautiful beaches.
Blue Rock
Washington, Virginia
The Farmhouse at Blue Rock is now open for summer bookings and features a gourmet kitchen, five bedrooms, and a hot tub.
Just 90 minutes outside DC, it offers sweeping views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and if you invite 11 of your closest friends, it will run you less than $100 per person.
Reservations are available online. Or if you’re a smaller party and prefer a more intimate B&B experience, book the quaint and cozy rooms in the main inn.
While there, enjoy Blue Rock’s restaurant and tasting menu, prepared by Chef Bin Lu. His team is up for a RAMMY award this year for best formal dining restaurant.
Not in the mood to get dressed up? This inn also keeps things casual with outdoor firepits and a Friday live music series featuring cocktails, wine, beer, and light bites available on their Foothills Menu.
