Marvey Le Pen ($2) at Trohv

South and West by Joan Didion ($21) at The Ivy Bookshop

Designworks Ink cactus journal ($14) at Poppy and Stella. 

Treason the Biddle backpack ($125) at Treason Toting Co. 

Bronze water bottle ($24) at Su Casa. 

Bettye Ace sling back pompom slides ($69) at South Moon Under. 

Heart shaped sunglasses ($20) at Brightside Boutique. 

Marvey license plate key chain ($9) at Trohv. 

Ursa Major traveler’s skin care kit ($48) at Trohv. 

Auto Bingo ($2/each) at Shananigans Toy Shop. 

The 3rd Dimension ($7) at Shananigans Toy Shop

Free Play Magnatab ($25) at aMuse Toys. 

Instax Mini 8 ($70) at Service Photo. 

Through the Past Darkly by The Rolling Stones ($20) at The Sound Garden. 

Bobino cord wrap ($6) at Su Casa. 

Hitting the highway this fall, but can’t
agree on an itinerary? We’ve picked three scenic getaways with stops to
suit just about anyone’s agenda, whether you’re a nature nut, a history
buff, a comfort seeker, a chronic shopper—or maybe a little bit of each.
Mix and match these highlights to create the perfect autumn road trip. Now all you have to do is decide who’s driving.

Meander the Mountains

Head west on Interstate 70 and Alternate U.S. 40 through the foothills into dark Appalachian forests. Picnic beneath
the pines or hike the Appalachian Trail as it shimmies along ridges
offering unbeatable views of three states. When you’re ready, pick a
country road and meander past silent Civil War battlefields to the
Potomac River. Then tramp the steep streets of Harpers Ferry, WV, where
the past, present, and two scenic rivers converge.

Nature

Before there were Washington Monuments in Baltimore or D.C., citizens
of tiny Boonsboro marched up South Mountain on July 4, 1827, to erect a
stone mini-memorial to the first President. Today, visitors can drive
the slope to Washington Monument State Park
(301-791-4767) and walk to this rustic lookout (rebuilt in the 1930s).
Bring a camera; the 360-degree views are spectacular and you may spy
migrating hawks. Next, travel west to Williamsport to enjoy foliage
along the C&O Canal Towpath. The National Historical Park’s Visitor Center
(301-582-0813) has maps of a 1.5-mile route leading to a surviving lock
house and a stately stone aqueduct. Or bring bicycles and cruise south
to Falling Waters, where Confederate troops once escaped across the
Potomac. Too pooped to pedal? Spread a blanket at Williamsport’s
Riverbottom Park and watch fallen leaves float by like fragile toy
barges.

History

Don’t miss Washington Monument State Park’s
(301-791-4767) new museum. Exhibits include an amusingly detailed
account of the monument’s construction and a narrated diorama depicting
the Battle of South Mountain, a prelude to the Battle of Antietam in
nearby Sharpsburg. Even 150 years later, it’s profoundly moving to think
of the 23,000 soldiers killed, wounded, or missing at solemn, bucolic Antietam National Battlefield
(301-432-5124). Self-guided auto tours will deepen your empathy.
Conclude your tour in Harpers Ferry, WV, where the National Park Service
has turned the city and neighboring Bolivar Heights into a living
museum honoring the community’s industrial, cultural, and violent past.
Only have two hours? Spend them in Lower Town, the historic district
comprising two-dozen attractions, including museums devoted to John
Brown and the Civil War.

Comfort

Value, fresh ingredients, and haute home cooking, here are three food finds along your route. For lunch, try Cannonball Deli
in Harpers Ferry (304-535-1762), popular with hikers and locals for its
sandwiches and sociability. Order a lamb or chicken gyro and admire the
intricate walking sticks the owner carves. (They’re also for sale.)
Those white vans with black spots you see roaming rural roads? Follow
one home to South Mountain Creamery in Middletown
(301-371-8565) and buy bottled (yes!) milk, eggs, farm-churned butter,
and luscious homemade ice cream. You could bypass Frederick, but don’t
if it’s breakfast, lunch, or dinnertime. Family Meal
(301-378-2895), chef Bryan Voltaggio’s homage to mom-cooked meals,
elevates comfort food. Think fries cooked in duck fat with yummy dipping
sauces (smoked ketchup, salsa verde) and chicken pot pies miniaturized
as creamy, veggie-stuffed fritters.

Shopping

Before his big hike, explorer Meriwether Lewis stocked up on weapons
and tools in Harpers Ferry. Today, you can buy essentials and luxuries
in Lower Town. Appalachian Trail trekkers love The Outfitter at Harpers Ferry
(888-535-2087) for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor equipment. It
sells tenderfoot gear, too, like “I hiked the width of the Appalachian
Trail” T-shirts. (Fill your water bottles at its bamboo spigot.) At Tenfold Fair Trade Collection,
a global gift shop (304-579-8525), make purchases with a peaceful
conscience from stock that includes colorful Ikat shoulder bags from
Nepal, rustic birdhouses from the Philippines, and fused-glass earrings
from Chile. Don’t miss the National Park Bookshop
(304-535-6881), a not- at-all-musty trove of local history and culture,
from brick-thick Civil War tomes and soldiers’ caps for the kids to
Appalachian cookbooks and music CDs by West Virginia’s fiddle-playing
senator, the late Robert Byrd.

Water, Water Everywhere

Summer dictates you reach the Eastern Shore via the Bay Bridge.

But in fall, take I-95 north instead (U.S. 40 if you’re ambling) to
explore the woodsy and watery nooks of the upper Chesapeake Bay. Count
hawks as they soar above a bluff or pretend you’re a raptor as you
zip-line over a Delaware pond. Stop to eat, shop, and be awestruck by
ship traffic in Chesapeake City, whose historic canal still means (big)
business.

Nature

Abandon I-95 at MD 272 and head north, stopping at North East Creek
to photograph Gilpin’s Falls Covered Bridge. The road ends to the south
at Elk Neck State Park (410-287-5333), 2,100 acres of
wooded beauty wedged between two rivers. At Turkey Point, join local
birders as they count migrating hawks. Drive north, past Elkton, to Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area
(410-398-1246), ex-galloping grounds of the du Pont family. Ramble
miles of scenic trails made for hiking, cycling, or (appropriately)
horseback riding. Rent a steed from Fair Hill Stables (410-620-3883) and mosey over Foxcatcher Farm Covered Bridge. Type A’s, are we? Swing through the foliage at Lums Pond State Park in nearby Bear, DE, (302-368-6989), home of Delaware’s first (brand-new) zip-line course Go Ape Treetop Adventure
(800-971-8271). This is leaf-zooming: five lines (four crossing the
200-acre pond) plus rope ladders, a trapeze, and Tarzan swings.

History

In Elk Neck State Park, enjoy commanding views of the Chesapeake from Turkey Point Lighthouse
(410-287-8170) perched on a 100-foot-high bluff. Turkey Point had more
women keepers than any of the other lighthouses on the bay. Hear their
stories of hardship and vigilance during weekend tours. Automated now,
Turkey Point Lighthouse guides ships transiting the nation’s busiest
canal, the Chesapeake & Delaware, which opened in 1829. Loop around
the Elk River to Chesapeake City (twin towns bisected by the canal). At
the C&D Canal Museum (410-885-5622) in South
Chesapeake City, you’ll learn how long it took to hand dig this 14-mile
shortcut to the port of Baltimore (26 years) and see the workers’ humble
earthmovers (wooden buckets) plus a giant waterwheel used when the
canal had locks.

Comfort

Chesapeake City’s “main street” is 450 feet wide, and traffic watching is wildly popular. Grab a front-row seat on the deck at Schaefer’s Canal House
(410-885-7200), a north shore institution that reopened last fall after
years in renovation limbo. Order something frosty, anything crab, and
admire the parade of jumbo ships and jaunty speedboats. Booking an
upper-floor room at the Ship Watch Inn (410-885-5300), a genteel South
Chesapeake City B&B, is like having a skybox for the canalcade—only
closer to the action. Find a rocking chair and prepare to feel
Lilliputian as a 600-foot ship stuffed with Toyotas passes your balcony.
Prefer less activity? Elk Forge Bed & Breakfast
outside Elkton (410-392-9007) offers 14 exquisitely decorated rooms and
suites and a day spa on five acres of woods and gardens. Fireplaces,
couples’ whirlpools, and sunset walks spell romance to us.

Shopping

Stop at North East’s Day Basket Factory
(410-287-6100), where they’ve been hand weaving handsome split-oak
baskets for over 130 years. A picnic basket or market basket makes a
handy fall travel accessory. Just sayin’. Get inspiration and
ingredients for a lush yard at Terra Joy Edible Landscapes
in North East (443-480-5417). This nursery/gift shop preaches that
landscaping with herbs, fruit trees, and berry bushes makes your
backyard look and taste great. Beats mowing, too. Shop South Chesapeake
City’s Bohemia Avenue for these and other treasures: boomer-vintage
playthings at Toys from the Attic & More (410-885-2554), accessories for garden-lovers at Thyme in the Garden (410-885-2647), vintage stoneware at Katydids (410-960-0855), handcrafted silver, pewter, and turquoise jewelry at My Jewelry Place (410-885-2005), and women’s fashions at Chick’s (410-885-3933).

Through Fields & Forests

Take the Northwest Passage, MD 140,

to Westminster, then head for south-central Pennsylvania, a land of
apple orchards, limestone streams, fall festivals, and deep forests. Buy
apples and fresh cider at a fruit stand. (They’re everywhere.) Tour
Gettysburg National Military Park’s 150th anniversary exhibits. Explore
mountain trails on foot or fat tires. When it’s time to slow down, visit
the idyllic village of Boiling Springs, PA, for a leisurely meal and
some holiday shopping.

Nature

From Gettysburg, take U.S. 30 west into Michaux State Forest
(717-352-2211), 85,000 acres of mountainous woodlands laced with trails
for hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians. Ramble scenic gravel
roads on two or four wheels, hugging ridges and plunging through pine
and hardwood forests dotted with lakes and streams. Drive Michaux’s
super-scenic north-south thoroughfare, PA 233, which links three state
parks nestled within the forest, (south to north) Mont Alto (717-352-2161), Caledonia (717-352-2161), and Pine Grove Furnace
(717-486-7174). Nosh lunch at Mont Alto’s vintage picnic pavilion.
Wander an ancient pine and hemlock forest in Caledonia. Climb a mountain
trail at Pine Grove Furnace for knockout views from Pole Steeple Vista.
Don boots and backpacks to tackle the other super-scenic path through
this enchanting forest: the Appalachian Trail, 37 miles of which transit
Michaux.

History

If the movie moved you, imagine how you’ll feel walking where Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address 150 years ago. Gettysburg National Military Park
(717-334-1124) deserves a day’s visit. Don’t miss the themed galleries
and evocative, ginormous cyclorama, or The Soldiers’ National Cemetery
where Lincoln gave his haunting speech. Then head west on Lincoln
Highway (U.S. 30) to visit Thaddeus Stevens Blacksmith Shop in Caledonia
State Park, where the fiery abolitionist owned an iron works. At the Appalachian Trail Museum
(717-486-8126) in Pine Grove Furnace park, learn about the trail’s
pioneers and hikers, including a Keds-wearing grandmother. Ask a park
ranger about the bizarre legend of a quarryman who drowned trying to
save his lunch-pail dessert, a slice of pumpkin pie. His hairy hand
reputedly haunts the quarry (now Fuller Lake), where glowing
jack-o’-lanterns are set adrift in tribute around Halloween.

Comfort

Need a retreat from Gettysburg’s anniversary hubbub? Here are two
lodging options less than an hour away. Reserve one of six beautifully
decorated rooms and suites at Sheppard Mansion
(717-633-8075), a luxurious Select Registry B&B in downtown Hanover,
PA, another battle-proud town. “The Picket,” a bronze statue in the
town square, honors the 1863 Battle of Hanover. Or rest at Allenberry Resort Inn and Playhouse
(717-258-3211), a rambling country inn and theater on a noted
fly-fishing stream in Boiling Springs. Choose from 61 guestrooms in
three lodges and a stone mansion or four private cottages. For
sustenance, dig into Allenberry’s hearty Pennsylvania Dutch buffets or
opt for lighter fare like salads and paninis. Whether you dine Dutch or a
la carte, do try Allenberry’s iconic sticky buns.

Shopping

This is farm country: Stock up on local bounty. Buy Nittany apples,
Niagra grapes, plump pumpkins, fresh cheeses, and other locally sourced
foods at Hanover’s Carriage House Market
(717-633-8075). The market, run by the owners of Sheppard Mansion, also
sells fine kitchen accessories. Get a jump on holiday shopping in
Boiling Springs. Tucked on a side street, The Village Artisan Gallery
(717-258-3256) sells distinctive, handcrafted-in-America gifts,
including Pennsylvania crafts like Shaker boxes and scherenschnitte, an
intricate paper-cutting technique. Watch the in-house carver as she
details her whimsical folk-art figures. Don’t know a woolly bugger from a
woolly mammoth? No matter. Stop by Yellow Breeches Outfitters
(717-258-6752), a fly-fishing mecca named for the local trout stream.
Besides waders, tackle, and hand-tied flies (e.g. woolly buggers), the
shop sells Orvis clothing and local gifts next to a picturesque lake

You’re rambling down a country road admiring the fiery-hued foliage
when it hits you: You’re hungry and only one food will do—pie, perhaps
the quintessential fall fare. A warm wedge of apple à la mode would fit
the bill nicely, or a slice of lofty lemon meringue. Chances are the
next small town will have just the dining spot you’re looking for: large
parking lot (promising), lots of cars with in-state plates (better
yet), a neon sign of a certain vintage (bonus points), and customers
leaving with telltale pie boxes (bingo!). We all crave comfort food,
especially when traveling. Fresh-baked pies, homemade soup, and anything
slathered in gravy represent a piece of home on terra incognita and a
sample of the local cuisine, all rolled into one. Here are four fall
getaways sure to satisfy your tastes in leaf looking, apple picking, and
local flavor.

The Maryland Countryside

Why: Farm bounty and fall glory
Plan: A full day

What can top the autumn scenery along Falls Road? Okay, maybe the
scenery from above Falls Road if you’re in one of those hot-air balloons
lifting off from Oregon Ridge Park. Make the most of your day in the
countryside; rise early like the balloonists and get rolling before the
morning dew dries. Let whim be your GPS. You could detour to
Reisterstown for a breakfast pizza piled with scrambled eggs and cheese
at Martha & Mary’s, a popular downtown gathering spot (75 Main St.,
410-833-3336). Or simply stick with Falls Road all the way to Alesia. As
you pass century-old stone houses, stream-laced valleys, and rolling
farmland, you’ll see why the highway, officially Route 25, is designated
a Maryland scenic byway.

From Manchester (about three miles west of Alesia), follow MD 27
south to Westminster, home of McDaniel College, the Carroll County Farm
Museum, and an apple empire that dates to the Roosevelt era (Teddy, that
is). Pick a peck of apples or the perfect pumpkin at Baugher’s, a
pick-your-own orchard with a busy restaurant and market that has been in
the apple biz since 1904. All of the pies—over a dozen varieties,
including four types of apple—are baked in-house. Order a slice à la
mode, and you can sample Baugher’s luscious homemade ice cream, too.
Other Baugher’s attractions: wagon rides, a petting zoo, and a
maniacally grinning mascot, “Apple Man.” (Farm: 1236 Baugher Rd.,
410-848-5541; pick-your-own hotline, 410-857-0111; restaurant, 289 W.
Main St., 410-848-7413.)

Walk off one of Baugher’s home-style meals by hiking the trails at
Sugarloaf Mountain, a mounded promontory rising 800 feet above the farms
that surround it. Take MD 27 south to the town of Mt. Airy. Follow back
roads southwest to Comus Road and the entrance to the Sugarloaf
recreation area. Sugarloaf has no mountainous neighbors, so you’ll enjoy
unobstructed views from overlooks located near the east and west
parking lots. If you’re feeling ambitious—or crowd-shy—hike the
five-mile Northern Peaks Trail for spectacular views from White Rocks
overlook. The trail is a favorite of local hikers (7901 Comus Rd.,
Dickerson, 301-874-2024). As the afternoon sun paints the fields in
gold, savor a glass of Merlot at Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard, whose 92
acres abut the Sugarloaf Mountain property (18125 Comus Rd., Dickerson,
301-605-0130).

Plot a route home by way of Eldersburg and order a few gooey-good BCT
(bacon, cheddar, and tomato) sandwiches to go at Grilled Cheese &
Co.—or eat in if you’re too famished to wait (in Johnsville Center, 577
Johnsville Rd., Eldersburg, 410-920-3238).

THE DETAILS: Must-Try Pie: Anything seasonal, like apple crumb or
pumpkin, at Baugher’s in Westminster. Don’t Miss: Fall festivals at the
Carroll County Farm Museum: The Maryland Wine Festival takes place
Sept. 17 and 18, and the Fall Harvest Days Jamboree, featuring
scarecrow-making, tractor pulls, threshing demonstrations, and bluegrass
music, is Oct. 1 and 2 (500 S. Center St., Westminster, 410-386-3880).
Don’t Forget: Binoculars for Sugarloaf’s summit, where you can spy the
Potomac River, Catoctin Mountain, and hawks soaring above a patchwork of
farm fields and brilliant fall foliage. Bring Home: A plump pumpkin
suitable for “scary” cosmetic surgery.

Maryland and West Virginia Mountains

Why: Vistas and mineral springs
Plan: A weekend

Glaciers move faster than Friday night traffic on I-70 West, but
persevere; once you’ve passed Frederick, your mountain getaway has
begun.

Reward yourself with comfort chow at Barbara Fritchie Restaurant,
whose giant candy-cane sign has lured motorists off U.S. 40 for decades.
All-day breakfast, hot turkey sandwiches, liver and onions, mac and
cheese, homemade pies, root-beer floats—Fritchie’s serves nearly all the
feel-good food groups. And in an age of retro-’50s diners, the
restaurant’s Formica counters and Sputnik-like chandeliers are the real
deal (1513 W. Patrick St., Frederick, 301-662-2500).

From the restaurant, use Bletinger Road to access Alternate 40 and
continue west. At Braddock Heights, gaze from atop Braddock Mountain at
Frederick’s poetic “clustered spires.” In Middletown, the kids will
insist you stop at South Mountain Creamery. This dairy farm, which
offers glass-bottle milk delivery in metro Baltimore, has a store
selling yummy ice cream and dairy goods a stone’s throw from the herds
that produced them. The kids can even help feed the calves (8305 Bolivar
Rd., 301-371-8565).

Plot a day’s trip to Berkeley Springs, WV, the spa town where George
Washington famously soaked. To bypass downtown Hagerstown, where
Alternate 40 ends, follow MD 68 west to hit U.S. 40 at Clear Spring.
Stop to take photos at Devil’s Backbone Park, where a historic stone
bridge and a waterfall span Antietam Creek northwest of Boonsboro, and
at the C&O Canal in Hancock, where the poignant remains of the
Tonoloway Creek Aqueduct are a short walk from the new visitor center.
Before taking U.S. 522 to Berkeley Springs, grab a rib-sticking lunch at
Park-N-Dine, a roadside fixture in Hancock since 1946 (189 E. Main St.,
301-678-5242).

A lot has changed, obviously, since the Father of our Country “took
the waters” in the mountain town he christened Bath (still Berkeley
Springs’s official name), the latest being a $2-million modernization
last year of Berkeley Springs State Park’s historic bathhouse. Book in
advance, if you can, to reserve a soak in the soothing mineral waters of
the retiled Roman baths or the updated whirlpool tubs. Thirty-minute or
one-hour massage packages (bath, shower, full-body rub) are your best
value (304-258-2711 or www.berkeleyspringssp.com).
Top off your relaxing day by dining at Lot 12 Public House, where chef
Damian Heath creates slow-cooked stews (rabbit ragoût), seasonal
desserts (pumpkin cheesecake), and other “upscale comfort cuisine” (117
Warren St., Berkeley Springs, 304-258-6264).

Make your homeward passage via MD 64 and MD 77 over the Catoctin
Mountains. You’ll wind through Catoctin Mountain Park, where 25 miles of
hiking trails lead to stunning vistas of the Monocacy Valley and the
town of Thurmont. Post hike, wind down with a pint of ale and a surf or
turf dinner at Shamrock Restaurant, a favorite Sunday dinner destination
for generations of Marylanders (7701 Fitzgerald Rd., Thurmont,
301-271-2912).

THE DETAILS: Sleep: The brainchild of novelist Nora Roberts, Inn
BoonsBoro is part B&B, part Euro-hotel, and pure romance. Its eight
rooms bear the names and period décor of beloved literary couples, from
Deco for Nick and Nora’s chamber to English country for Jane and
Rochester’s. Rooms have luxury bedding, opulent baths, and customized
bath fragrances (heather, naturally, for Charlotte Brontë’s moor-crossed
lovers). Packages available (1 N. Main St., 301-432-1188). Must-Try
Pie: Pecan in puff pastry with caramel sauce and vanilla whipped cream
at Lot 12 Public House, Berkeley Springs. Don’t Miss: Gathland State
Park and its curious mountaintop monument to Civil War journalists. Once
the home of Civil War correspondent George Alfred Townsend, the park
encompasses several buildings and a 50-foot-high stone arch in the
outline of a castle, which Townsend dedicated to his colleagues. You can
gawk, picnic, and hike the Appalachian Trail (on Arnoldstown Road, one
mile east of MD 67, in Burkittsville, 301-791-4767). Don’t Forget:
Bicycles to ride the C&O Canal towpath and, if you’re demur, a
bathing suit for the mineral baths; birthday suits are fine otherwise
(cover-up towels provided). Bring Home: Pound cake (apple spice,
blueberry, orange, cream cheese, or banana nut) from Catoctin Mountain
Orchard’s farm market (15036 N. Franklinville Rd., Thurmont,
301-271-2737).

Lancaster County, PA

Why: Antiques and shoofly pie
Plan: At least a weekend

Escape to Pennsylvania on the road most traveled (historically
anyway). The East’s oldest highway, Route 1 was serving Maryland
motorists long before it earned “U.S.” status 85 years ago. As the
Mother Road crosses the Susquehanna River atop Conowingo Dam, watch for
bald eagles soaring above the spillway hunting fish.

Turn west onto U.S. 222 and cross into a slower, simpler world where
horses—real ones—often provide vehicular power and farm fields unfurl
over seemingly endless hills. PA 272 offers a slightly more scenic ride
than 222, but either route carries you into the heart of Amish country
in Lancaster County. Miller’s Smorgasbord and its Route 30 emporium are
über-touristy, but they offer one-stop immersion into Pennsylvania Dutch
food and folkways. For half the price of a porterhouse in the city,
stuff yourself on chicken corn soup, chow-chow, roast turkey, baked ham,
fried chicken, buttered noodles, and shoofly (molasses) pie (2811
Lincoln Hwy. East, Ronks, 717-687-6621).

Reserve a full day to explore the county’s northern tier on PA 272
and 772. Chock-a-block with antiques shops and markets, Adamstown on 272
is the place to hunt for indigenous folk art (quilts, coverlets,
primitive furniture, rugs, pottery, and tin ware) as well as fine
antiques. Visit on Sundays, when Renninger’s holds its indoor/outdoor
market, one of the largest around (7:30 a.m.-4 p.m., 2500 N. Reading
Rd., 717-336-2177), and Stoudt’s Black Angus Antiques Mall opens its
outdoor pavilion and German-style beer garden at 5:30 a.m., two hours
before its more than 300-dealer indoor market commences. Post-antiquing,
dine at the microbrewery’s restaurant/pub surrounded by its collection
of political memorabilia and vintage beer trays (2800 N. Reading Rd.,
717-484-4386).

Follow 772 west through the small towns of Ephrata and Lititz,
formerly German-speaking religious communities. Today, only a state
museum, the Ephrata Cloister, survives to tell of the town’s founding by
would-be hermit Conrad Beissel. You can tour several of the original
buildings in which Beissel and his followers led their monastic lives
and buy local handicrafts—including replicas of the “pillows,” actually
blocks of wood, used by the brothers and sisters—at the Cloister Museum
Shop (632 W. Main St., 717-733-6600).

By contrast, the Moravian Church remains active in Lititz, where its
congregation dates to 1749. But modern pilgrims journey to this lovely
burg for another reason: chocolate. Buy it fresh at the irresistibly
aromatic Wilbur Chocolate Factory Store on the site where the confection
has been made for over a century (48 N. Broad St., 888-294-5287). At
Café Chocolate, owner Selina Man preaches the virtues of cocoa solids
and fair-trade coffee. Stop by for a Turbo (organic hot chocolate with
an espresso shot), and you might see MSNBC anchor and Lititz weekender
Mika Brzezinski sipping her morning joe (40 E. Main St., 717-626-0123).

Finally, return home along the Susquehanna’s east shore, stopping in
Columbia, PA, for a bite of the Bayou at Prudhomme’s Lost Cajun Kitchen.
Yes, that Prudhomme family. Chef Paul’s nephew, David, and his wife,
Sharon, serve authentic gumbo, red beans and rice, crawfish étouffé, and
other Cajun fare in an old hotel with a colorful past (50 Lancaster
Ave., 717-684-1706).

THE DETAILS: Sleep: Cradled by rolling farmland, The Inn at Twin
Linden offers eight rooms—including two private-entrance suites—that
feature canopy and feather beds, spa tubs, fireplaces, and stunning
views. Guests get preference for reservations for the inn’s four-course,
prix-fixe dinners on Saturday nights (2092 Main St., Churchtown,
717-445-7619). Must-Try Pies: Shoofly and whoopee (really an overgrown
chocolate cookie) anywhere. Don’t Miss: Oktoberfest in Stoudt’s beer
garden, featuring German music, dancing, and food (Sept. 24-25 and every
Sunday in October). Don’t Forget: Your furnishings’ wish list; in
addition to Adamstown antiquing, there’s a Shaker furniture shop in
Lititz. Bring Home: Fresh-baked fruit and cream pies from Wilson’s Farm
Market, which grows its own fruit and uses locally sourced ingredients.
Call ahead to reserve your favorites (2826 Conowingo Rd., Bel Air,
410-836-8980).

Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley

Why: Valley views and apples
Plan: A long weekend

From Baltimore, make haste westward on I-70, then plot a slower
course via Routes 340 and 15 to Leesburg, VA, crossing the Potomac at
craggy Point of Rocks. Your reward is nearby.

Housed in a handsomely renovated brick bank, Lightfoot Restaurant
showcases historic Leesburg’s demi-Dixie sensibilities. For lunch, order
shrimp and andouille gumbo or a GCOTD (grilled cheese of the day)
sandwich, oozing melted Havarti and pumpkin butter (11 N. King St.,
703-771-2233).

Route 7, a gentle roller coaster of a road, leads west to Winchester,
VA, the heart of apple country and the beginning of your Shenandoah
Valley exploration. From there, U.S. 11 slices southward between
mountains, linking small towns with solid Civil War pedigrees.

Wander down side roads and take your pick (literally) of apples and
pumpkins at local orchards and farm markets. You’ll find a diverse
choice of comfort cuisine in the valley, from house-made gnocchi at
family-run Violino Ristorante (181 N. Loudoun St., Winchester,
540-667-8006) and fair-trade coffee and fresh-fruit pies at folksy
Cristina’s Café (219 W. King St., Strasburg, 540-465-2311) to creamy
peanut soup with country ham at the neon-lit, road-foodie favorite,
Southern Kitchen (9576 S. Congress St., New Market, 540-740-3514).

On day two, head south and east to Front Royal, gateway to the Blue
Ridge Mountains and a 75-year-old treasure, Shenandoah National Park.
Whether you plan to drive, hike, pedal, or saddle up to see the
mountains’ colorful canopy, fill your tummy first. Try a curry chicken
wrap with mango coulis at Soul Mountain Restaurant, whose eclectic menu
is peppered with pulled pork, jerk chicken wings, Cajun fried catfish,
and other pleasingly piquant lunch and dinner dishes (300 E. Main St.,
540-636-0070). If Skyline Drive, the park’s illustrious highway, is too
congested, take a lesser-known, nearly-as-scenic western route through
sparsely settled Fort Valley. From Front Royal, take Route 55 west to
Waterlick, turn left and follow VA 678 as it winds south through a
national forest and acres of farm fields and pastures.

Detour onto VA 758 to visit Woodstock Tower, a National Forest
Service landmark perched on one of the highest peaks around. Climb the
tower to spy the seven bends of the Shenandoah River along with the
occasional hang-glider riding the ridge drafts below. Continue on VA 758
west to U.S. 11. Stop in Middletown for a hearty supper of corned beef
and cabbage at the refreshingly authentic Irish Isle Restaurant and Pub
(7843 Main St., 540-868-9877). Dine upstairs to hear live folk music,
but do sneak a peak at the leprechaun-sized basement bar.

On day three, pick your way home along Routes 55 and 50 through
Virginia’s vineyard and horse-farm territory. In Linden, don’t miss The
Apple House, a farm market/restaurant/gift shop (4675 John Marshall
Hwy., 540-636-6329). The pork barbecue is good (a porcine-shaped smoker
outside attests to its authenticity), but the house treat is apple
doughnuts. Order at least a dozen of these kinda-teeny-but-very-tasty
treats to go. In tweedy Middleburg, scour the Middleburg Humane
Foundation’s thrift store for hunting jackets, vintage riding boots,
original artwork, and other lightly used finds (Second Chance Thrift
Shop, 6 W. Washington St., 540-364-3272). At Aldie, follow the historic
“Carolina Road” (U.S. 15) northward back to Point of Rocks.

THE DETAILS: Sleep: Nestled in the countryside, yet less than a
mile off U.S. 11, the ultra-romantic Inn at Vaucluse Springs has six
comfortable guesthouses clustered around a limestone spring and its
millpond. On Saturday nights, guests gather in the hilltop manor house
for a five-course candlelight dinner (reservations required) specially
prepared by the chef de la maison (231 Vaucluse Spring Ln., Stephens
City, 540-869-0200, vauclusespring.com). Must-Try Pie: Coconut cream or
coconut custard at Southern Kitchen, New Market. Don’t Miss: A ride
(nighttime is more romantic) on the Gen. Jubal A. Early, the lone
survivor in a long tradition of Potomac River ferryboats (White’s Ferry,
24801 Whites Ferry Rd., Dickerson, MD, 301-349-5200). Don’t Forget:
Hiking shoes for Shenandoah Park. Bring Home: A Shenandoah Valley
favorite, Rinker Orchards’s fresh-pressed apple cider, sold at the
orchard (1156 Marlboro Rd., Stephens City, 540-869-1499) and local
stores.

Apple Orchards

Where to find the best fruit for picking and eating.

Butler’s Orchard: Butler’s is the place to go for
fall fun, with pick-your-own apples starting in early September. They
also have a Pumpkin Festival every weekend in October, which includes
hayrides, giant slides, and a straw maze! 22200 Davis Mill Rd.,
Germantown. 301-972-3299. www.butlersorchard.com

Larriland Farm: This impressive Woodbine farm has a
terrific selection of apples come fall. Check the pick-your-own harvest
calendar online for a detailed guide of when to expect what type of
apple—from Galas in early September to Pink Ladies in November. 2415
Woodbine Rd., Woodbine. Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5
p.m., (Open Mon. in October). 410-422-2605. www.pickyourown.com

Milburn Orchards: Milburn’s apple season starts
Labor Day weekend. Be sure to try their country-fresh pies, apple-cider
donuts, and caramel apples, all made fresh in their Bake Shoppe. 1495
Appleton Rd., Elkton. Mon.-Sat. 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
410-398-1349. www.milburnorchards.com

Weber’s Cider Mill Farm: Kicking off with their
Johnny Appleseed Festival the weekend of September 17, apple season at
Weber’s Cider Mill Farm offers a great selection. Also, try their
fresh-pressed apple cider. Weber’s is the oldest Maryland cider mill in
continuous use, so they’re sure to get it right. 2526 Proctor Ln.,
Parkville. Sept.: 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Oct: 9 a.m.-8 p.m. 410-668-4488. www.weberscidermillfarm.com

—Emily Graham

Leaf Peeping

Nestled in the mountains right where the Shenandoah and Potomac
Rivers meet, beautiful, historic Harpers Ferry, WV, is a great place to
spend a fall day, whether you stay in the picturesque town or hike
through the surrounding woods and battlefields. Also, since it’s located
right over the Maryland/West Virginia line, the drive is just over an
hour. www.historicharpersferry.com

Although the bloodiest battle of the Civil War was fought there,
historic Gettysburg, PA, is now a quaint and peaceful town. Just over an
hour from Baltimore, you can easily spend a day driving through the
rolling hills that surround the town, taking in breathtaking foliage,
and stopping every once in a while for a professional or self-guided
history lesson. www.gettysburg.travel

Located off of Route 77 in the Catoctin Mountains, 78-foot high
Cunningham Falls is the largest cascading waterfall in Maryland and is
simply stunning. Cunningham Falls State Park also has a huge selection
of hiking trails, fishing, and camping sites, so you can spend as much
time as you’d like in this beautiful park. 14039 Catoctin Hollow Rd.,
Thurmont. dnr.state.md.us

The Appalachian Trail stretches 2,180 miles from Georgia to Maine.
Maryland has 40.9 of those miles (among the easiest to hike!) located
out in Western Maryland between Frederick and Hagerstown, offering
numerous scenic vistas. Many entrances including South Mountain State
Park, 21843 National Pike, Boonsboro. www.appalachiantrail.org

The Patapsco Valley State Park has miles of trails that are, for many
of us in Baltimore and Howard Counties, literally in our backyards. The
Avalon/Glen Artney/Orange Grove area in particular includes the Grist
Mill Trail, complete with a paved path along the river and access to the
Swinging Bridge, as well as the Buzzards Rock Trail offering
breathtaking cliff-top views. 5120 South St. dnr.state.md.us

The Gunpowder River is beautiful all year long, but is at its most
picturesque in autumn. One of the best ways to appreciate its watery
splendor is by hiking, biking, or horseback riding the Torrey C. Brown
Rail Trail, a 21-mile path that runs along the river, and includes a
museum at the restored Monkton Train Station. Several entrances
including Monkton Station, 1820 Monkton Rd. dnr.state.md.us

Pumpkin Patches

For baking or carving, there’s a great gourd for you.

Glade Link Farms: Glade Link’s fall season starts on
September 15, bringing pick-your-own pumpkins, green beans, winter
squash, and more! 12270 Woodsboro Pike, Keymar. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed
Tues. and Thurs. 301-898-7131. gladelink.com.

Homestead Farm: Homestead has a huge selection of
apples and pumpkins in the fall, with hayrides out to the pumpkin
patches on weekends in October. 15604 Sugarland Rd., Poolesville.
Mon.-Sun. 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m. 301-977-3761. homestead-farm.net.

Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch: With 15 acres of pumpkins to
choose from, hayrides, a petting zoo, and a corn maze, Jumbo’s offers
tons of family fun. 6521 Holter Rd., Middletown. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
301-371-6874. jumbos.org.

Rodgers’ Farms at North Run Farm: In addition to
pick-your-own pumpkins, the farm has one of the most impressive corn
mazes around. Opens September 17. 1818 Greenspring Valley Rd.,
Stevenson. Fri. 12-6 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 410-241-3392. northrunfarm.com.

Sharp’s at Waterford Farm: On weekends, this Howard
County farm offers free hayrides to their pumpkin patches. 4003 Jennings
Chapel Rd., Brookeville. Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5
p.m. 410-489-2572. sharpfarm.com.

Summers Farm: Starting September 24, this farm
offers more than a pumpkin patch, with fun activities like pig races and
pony rides. 5614 Butterfly Ln., Frederick. Times vary. 301-620-9316. summersfarm.com.

Yes, spring has finally sprung and wanderlust has likely set in, but that doesn’t mean you need to fly from Balto to Bora Bora to tame your travel bug. The beauty of living in the Mid-Atlantic is that when you get the urge for a road trip, nothing beats our own environs for exploration. Whether you want to go spelunking at Luray Caverns, peer into Einstein’s brain, or take a pub crawl through Annapolis, consider an excursion to one of these locales—all less than 135 miles or so from Charm City.

ADVENTURE

Billy Goat Trail (Potomac, 48 miles).
Why Go:
Just beyond all the Hill-top hubbub of Washington, D.C., this regional retreat brims with natural beauty. Here, the Potomac River snakes between Maryland and Virginia, serving as a billowing borderline between the states. On the Maryland side, weave your way through Montgomery County’s great outdoors with a web of trails in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park. From hard hikes to mild meanders, take it easy on the C&O Canal towpath or test yourself on the rugged Billy Goat Trail, a 4.7-mile loop divided into scenic sections of varying difficulty. Life’s short, so we recommend the latter. Don’t Miss: The protected paths boast incredible views of the Potomac River and Mather Gorge and access to the Great Falls Overlook. Trip Tip: Find Billy Goat trailheads along the Clara Barton Parkway, including Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. 11710 MacArthur Blvd., Potomac, 301-767-3714

Dover International Speedway (Dover, DE, 94 miles).
Why Go:
If you love things that go vroom, you don’t have to drive all the way to Daytona. Simply ride over to the Dover International Speedway, where, on spring and fall race weekends, the 95,500-seat stadium fills with roaring fans and riveting racecars. Don’t Miss: The big NASCAR races—the XFINITY and Sprint Cup Series—fire up their engines May 29 through 31, but beyond the main motorsport events, there’s plenty to do, including test-driving a racecar of your own. You can also head to The Woodlands, 150-plus acres of forested grounds for mega-music festivals, including Firefly, whose talent this year includes Paul McCartney and the Kings of Leon, and the inaugural Big Barrel Country Music Festival, with country superstars like Carrie Underwood. Trip Tip: Plan ahead for heavy traffic on race weekends. 1131 N. Dupont Hwy., Dover, DE, 302-883-6500

Luray Caverns (Luray, VA, 131 miles).
Why Go:
At the turn of the 20th century, the town tinsmith and a few country cronies were looking for a cave in the Shenandoah Valley when they stumbled upon a geological gem beyond their wildest dreams. It was a milky, melting underworld, with 10-story ceilings dripping in tapering stalactites and a Martian desert floor studded with towering stalagmites. Their discovery, now a U.S. Natural Landmark, was more than 400 million years in the making, and is the largest conglomeration of caverns in the American East, still growing one cubic inch every 120 years. Don’t Miss: The main event is Giant’s Hall, cathedral-sized chambers of stone castles that look like Indiana Jones booby traps, but there are other must-do wonders, like the optical illusion of Dream Lake and the haunting, symphonic sounds of the Stalacpipe Organ. Trip Tip: There’s just as much above-ground beauty in this lush valley as there is below. Located along the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling hills are dotted with cozy towns, serpentine byways, and breathtaking overlooks. 101 Cave Hill Rd., Luray, VA, 540-743-6551

If you love things that go vroom, you don’t have to drive all the way to Daytona.

Skydive Delmarva (Laurel, DE, 105 miles).
Why Go:
Skydive Delmarva instructors are complete pros. They’ve logged thousands of jumps and provide the proper encouragement needed for you to take a leap. If you focus on that and the sweeping scenery of farms, forests, and the Chesapeake Bay, you’ll forget all about that pit in the middle of your stomach. Plus, everything always looks better—even the Indian River PowerPlant—from 13,500 feet up. Best endorsement? Delaware state Senator Brian Pettyjohn flew with them last summer. Don’t Miss: Keep your eyes open: The aerial view of Maryland’s coastline is breathtaking. Trip Tip: Splurge on the $110 video, since we’re guessing this will be a one-and-done on the old bucket list. And if the videographer happens to miss your initial jump, the video is free. (Just trust us on this one.) 32524 Aero Dr., Laurel, DE, 888-875-3540

Theodore Roosevelt Island (Washington, D.C., 44 miles).
Why Go:
Take a walk on the wild side at this 89-acre wilderness preserve that serves as a living tribute to the nation’s nature-loving 26th President. Miles of trails through swamps, marshes, and upland forests rife with rabbits and raccoons will make you marvel that you’re in the middle of the Potomac River. Don’t Miss: Pay homage at the 17-foot statue of Roosevelt in the northern center of the island, where four 21-foot tablets are inscribed with his conservation philosophy. Another way to show your respect: There’s an annual family-friendly birthday celebration for Teddy (Oct. 24 this year), including physical tests of strength. (Roosevelt was fitness-obsessed and kept records on how fast he could run and how high he could jump.) Trip Tip: To add to the fun, rent a canoe and paddle over from Thompson Boat Center on Virginia Ave. Word to the wise: Parking spots for cars go fast. Washington, D.C., 703-289-2500.

CHARMING TOWNS

Chesapeake City (Chesapeake City, 63 miles).
Why Go:
Escape the bright lights and big city and go revel in the simple pleasures of a small town. Chesapeake City feels like a world away—a quintessential, Eastern Shore whistle stop with historic houses, antique shops, and brackish tides that lap up and lick at the tiny town’s edge. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the city sits beside the C&D Canal, tucked beneath a suspension bridge. It’s not much bigger today than it was back then (current population: 688), and many of the old buildings still stand, albeit with a fresh coat of paint. Don’t Miss: Learn about the waterway and its coastal community at the C&D Canal Museum or watch the sunset with Miss Clare Cruises. On land, partake in waterfront fine dining at the historic Bayard House, raw bar beauties at Chesapeake Inn, or crab feasts and cheap beers at Tap Room Crabhouse. Trip Tip: Tour nearby Mount Harmon Plantation, an early 17th-century waterfront manor set on 200 acres of former tobacco farmland. Route 213, Cecil County.

Georgetown (Washington, D.C., 40 miles).
Why Go:
Sometimes in the bubble of Baltimore, we forget about our next-door neighbor, D.C. Beat the throngs of Capitol Hill tourists and make your way to Georgetown for 18th-century architecture, historic homes, red brick sidewalks, and a scenic waterfront. But don’t let the Colonial charm fool you: Georgetown is a hip and happening ‘hood, with great shopping, incredible eats, and a nightlife scene that includes lots of live music. Don’t Miss: After you’ve perused the Georgetown Flea Market, the string of stores along M Street, and various vintage and antique shops, treat yourself to a taste of the district’s world-class culinary scene. Restaurants for every palate and paycheck abound—date-night fine dining (Bourbon Steak, Chez Billy Sud); above-average pub grub (Martin’s Tavern, The Tombs); playful comfort food (Luke’s Lobster, Thunder Burger); and, of course, cupcakes. Trip Tip: For Instagram-worthy tourist attractions, climb the iconic Exorcist steps from the 1970s horror film at 36th and M Streets, or stroll between the landmark homes and haunts of Jackie O and JFK. Washington, D.C., 202-298-9222.

Lancaster County (Lancaster, PA, 74 miles).
Why Go:
Time seems to stand still in dreamy Lancaster County—and that’s exactly the point. Here, amongst the Amish and Mennonite, you’ll find horse-drawn carriages (we recommend Ed’s Buggy Rides in Ronks), covered bridges, the nation’s oldest pretzel factory, Julius Sturgis in Lititz (try your hand at making your own), and Amish crafts and culture. (The Landis Valley Museum highlights Pennsylvania German life.) Unplug, and be present to the past. Don’t Miss: Stop by Lancaster Central Market, one of the nation’s oldest publicly owned, continuously operating farmers’ markets. We suggest a stop at Wendy Jo’s Homemade stall for a slice of Shoo-Fly Pie, anointed one of the Top 10 Best Places for Pie in America by Bon Appetit. (Even if you don’t go, you can order it online.) Trip Tip: This is not a place to add to your Instagram image library. Cultural sensitivity is called for, folks: Amish people don’t take selfies. Lancaster County, PA, 800-AMISH-PA, lancasterpa.com

St. Mary’s City (St. Mary’s County, 101 miles).
Why Go: While Williamsburg has its Colonial charms, Maryland’s fourth permanent settlement in North America and the state’s first capital is not only charming, but a lot easier on the fuel tank. History buffs will love the early 18th-century Sotterly Plantation, a National Historic Landmark and one of the oldest museums of its kind in the United States, as well as a tour of the recreated brick chapel of St. Mary’s, the first English Catholic chapel in the colonies. Meanwhile, sun worshippers should consider a few hours at Myrtle Point Park, water enthusiasts can rent canoes or kayaks at Spray Tobacco Plantation, and foodies will delight in North St. Mary’s County Farmers’ Market for produce and Amish baked goods. Don’t Miss: The adults-only tour at St. Mary’s City where, based on actual court documents, the dirty little secrets of 17th-century Maryland are revealed. Trip Tip: Given that there’s water, water everywhere, a crab cake at Courtney’s Seafood Restaurant in Ridge is a must. This is the spot where local watermen enjoy the fruits of the bay. St. Mary’s County, 800-327-9023, visitstmarysmd.com

St. Michaels (St. Michaels, 78 miles).
Why Go:
There’s something so intriguing about the Eastern Shore—a sort of city-state within the borders of Maryland. Tap into our tidewater roots with a trip to the historic hamlet of St. Michaels. Many of the old shipbuilding and seafood plants are long gone, but the town still displays a rich maritime spirit where watermen reap the bounties of the bay and life moves at a slower pace. Don’t Miss: In town, browse antique shops and art galleries, feast on invigorated Chesapeake classics at 208 Talbot, and tour the burgeoning booze scene, with Eastern Shore Brewing, Lyon Distilling, and St. Michaels Winery all on the same block. Visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, a dockside treasure trove of bay history, or, to experience the shore for yourself, canoe, bike, and walk a wealth of water and land trails with lots of local wildlife. Trip Tip: On your way to St. Michaels, take a detour on MD Route-333 south to ride the country’s oldest continuing car ferry across the Tred Avon River in the tiny town of Oxford. Talbot County, 410-745-0411, stmichaelsmd.org

CULTURE

Antietam National Battlefield (Sharpsburg, 67 miles).
Why Go:
Just because you saw it re-enacted in Steven Spielberg’s Oscar-winning Lincoln doesn’t exactly make you an expert on September 17, 1862, the bloodiest one-day battle of the Civil War, when 23,000 Union and Confederate soldiers lost their lives. To truly walk though the pages of history, visit this hallowed ground, which led President Abraham Lincoln to issue the preliminary Emancipation Proclamation. This serene site, with rolling cornfields and dense woodlands belies the battles that unfolded here. It’s also one of the best-preserved battlefields in the country. Don’t Miss: The Pry House Field Hospital Museum features a recreated operating room with implements used to care for the fallen on display. Trip Tip: The well-curated bookstore is worth a visit to further your understanding, and purchases directly benefit the historic site. 5831 Dunker Church Rd., Sharpsburg, 301-432-5124.

Arlington National Cemetery (Arlington, VA, 43 miles).
Why Go:
Pay your respects with a visit to the more than 400,000 active-duty American soldiers, as well as many notable Americans (Presidents John F. Kennedy and William Howard Taft, Supreme Court Justice Warren Earl Burger, novelist Samuel Dashiell Hammett) interred on the grounds of this serene cemetery established as the nation’s military burial ground in 1864. Don’t Miss: The more than 8,600 native and exotic trees offset the somberness of the site. Check out the Medal of Honor Historic Trees such as the white ash tree grown from seeds collected at the Hartford, CT, birthplace of abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe. Trip Tip: With an average of 27 to 30 funerals held every weekday, see a service while you can. It’s projected that the cemetery will be filled by 2060. Arlington, VA, 877-907-8585.

Mütter Museum (Philadelphia, PA, 102 miles).
Why Go:
This museum of medical oddities has a certain Ripley’s-Believe-It-or-Not quality to it. But whether you’re drawn to the tumor removed from President Grover Cleveland’s jaw or the seven-foot-six-inch skeleton (the tallest on display in North America), we’re willing to bet that you won’t be able to look away from a comprehensive collection that includes fascinating anatomical organs and pathological specimens. Don’t Miss: It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the museum’s display of sections of Einstein’s brain should be at the top of your list. The death cast of Siamese Twins Chang and Eng Bunker, whose autopsy was performed on the same premises, is also great for gawking. Trip Tip: Before you head to the museum, consider a hot corned-beef on rye at the Famous 4th Street Delicatessen for a true taste of Philadelphia. 19 S. 22nd St., Philadelphia, PA, 215-560-8564.

National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center (Chantilly, VA, 65 miles).
Why Go:
The National Air and Space Museum on Washington, D.C.’s, Mall is on everyone’s culture radar, but fewer day trippers seem to know about the sister Smithsonian museum in Chantilly at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, which houses more than 3,300 space artifacts, including the first supersonic commercial Concorde jet, a Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird (the fastest-ever jet flown), and the space shuttle Discovery. Don’t Miss: Take a moment of silence while standing in the presence of the Enola Gay, which dropped the first atomic bomb used in combat over Hiroshima. Trip Tip: Even if you normally go the self-guided route, don’t miss the chance to tour with one of the museum’s docents. Many of them are former NASA employees, pilots (some who flew the actual aircraft in the exhibitions), engineers, and historians. Taking a tour is rocket science. 14390 Air and Space Museum Pkwy., Chantilly, VA, 703-572-4118.

It would not be hyperbole to call the Freer’s Peacock Room one of the most beautiful rooms in America.

Peacock Room at the Freer Gallery (Washington, D.C., 45 miles).
Why Go:
With its floor-to-ceiling gold murals painted on peacock-blue walls and a peacock-feather patterned gold-leaf ceiling, James McNeill Whistler’s recently restored room is a masterpiece of Anglo-Asian design. It would not be hyperbole to call this one of the most beautiful rooms in America. Don’t Miss: Check out the pair of fighting peacocks on the south wall. Whistler depicted this aggressive confrontation between the birds after a fight with Frederick Leyland, a shipping magnate, for whom the room was originally built in London. Whistler was brought in to touch up the tycoon’s walls, but instead—and much to Leyland’s dismay—revamped the space. While there, view the museum’s collection of Whistler’s works, the largest in the world. Trip Tip: At noon on the third Thursday of every month, the shutters are thrown open to bathe the room in natural light. 1050 Independence Ave., SW, Washington, D.C., 202-633-1000.

FOOD & DRINK

Annapolis Pub Crawl (Annapolis, 29 miles).
Why Go:
From the Naval Academy to the State House to a brief 1700s stint as our young nation’s capital, Annapolis has no shortage of history, culture, or political attractions, but for a warm-weather visit, we suggest something a bit more, you know, Colonial. Wander the cobblestoned streets, peek into the windows of historic homes, then make like a local and head to the harbor for an afternoon pub crawl with some of the region’s best raw bars, draft beers, and good old-fashioned fun. Don’t Miss: Bop between waterfront watering holes and historic taverns like Dock Street and McGarvey’s for oyster shooters and pints of Guinness. When evening falls, hang out to hear live local music or scramble to West Street for marquee talent at Rams Head Tavern. Trip Tip: Need a palette change? Try the small plates at Level, or mosey over to Eastport and nab a seat and a sip of wine at the lauded brick-oven pizza bungalow, Vin 909. Anne Arundel County, 410-280-0445.

Dogfish Head Brewery (Milton, DE, 107 miles).
Why Go:
With hourly tours, boundless beer samplings, beer-infused food, and even an adult-sized tree house, the Dogfish Head brewery is a must-play jungle gym for grownups. Proudly billed as “off-centered stuff for off-centered people,” Dogfish Head Craft Brewed Ales are made for bold beer-lovers. The dozens of Delaware drafts and bottles range from fan-favorites like Shelter Pale Ale and 90 Minute IPA to beer-wine hybrids and experimental elixirs made with wasabi, “moon dust” (literally lunar meteorites), and even local breakfast meat, Rapa Scrapple. Most brews are poured exclusively at the brewery’s Milton tasting room or at the nearby Rehoboth brewpub. Don’t Miss: The company encourages artistic expression, so don’t pass up the chance to donate an item—be it art, craft, or found object—to the tasting room’s Off-Centered Wall. Trip Tip: If you tipped back one too many, spring for a stay at hipster haven, the Dogfish Head Inn in nearby Lewes. 6 Cannery Village Center Blvd., Milton, DE, 302-684-1000.

Reading Terminal Market (Philadelphia, PA, 100 miles).
Why Go: The Reading Terminal Market is a big, bustling, melting pot, like the city it calls home. Whether you’re buying groceries from the Middle East, scouting for Pennsylvania Dutch fudge, or searching for that classic cookbook, the market is a Philly institution. Don’t Miss: With everything from Cajun crawfish to Peking duck to the obvious cheese steak, come hungry. Sit at the counter for roast pork at DiNic’s or shoot the breeze with the guy making your corned beef Reuben at Hershel’s. As for dessert? That’s easy: a cannoli at Termini Bros. and a scoop at Bassett’s, America’s oldest ice cream company. Trip Tip: Need to walk off your lunch? The Liberty Bell, Constitution Hall, and the Betsy Ross House should get you started. 51 N. 12th St., Philadelphia, PA, 215-922-2317.

Utz Potato Chip Factory Tour (Hanover, PA, 52 miles).
Why Go:
You’ll never think negatively about snack foods again after touring the headquarters for the 94-year-old business that turns out 16,000 pounds of chips per hour and 52-million pounds of chips per year. Yes, it’s a bit of a shameless self-promotion for the largest privately owned snack food company in America (and every conceivable Utz product is on hand at the nearby outlet store to tempt), but tracing a chip’s trip from raw spud to bagged crisp is legitimately fascinating—and it’s a great field trip to take with the tykes. Don’t Miss: Get your free bag of chips at tour’s end—you’ll understand why they’re called “crisps.” Trip Tip: Consider combining your jaunt with another snack-food tour at Synder’s of Hanover or Martin’s Potato factory. 900 High St., Hanover, 800-367-7629.

Virginia Wine Country (Virginia area, 60 miles).
Why Go:
With more than 230 wineries and dozens of wine trails, Virginia is for wine lovers. You could easily spend a week wending your way from Arlington to Williamsburg to the North Carolina border, but if you want to conquer this countryside within a day’s drive, consider the wineries in Loudown County (known as D.C.’s Wine Country). Tarara Winery, Winery 32, and Fabbioli Cellars are all within easy proximity to each other and offer highly heralded Bordeaux blends, tannats, and Cabernet Franc. Don’t Miss: Grab your lawn chair and head to Tarara Winery’s summer concert series for classic rock. Trip Tip: Appoint a designated driver, but also sop up the alcohol with a farm-to-table repast at Magnolias at the Mill in nearby Purcellville. Another tip: Hit the wine trail on a weekday to meet and mingle with the winemakers (Tarara’s Jordan Harris was named one of the Top 100 Most Influential U.S. Winemakers by IntoWine.com) and learn the difference between plonk and pomace. Virginia, 804-344-8200.

Oldies But Goodies

Alt-Americana

Indie Pop

Great Escape

Why taking a break is a must.

When Jack Kerouac wrote about the romance of the road, he was onto something. In fact, industry experts say that hitting the road is not a luxury, but actually vital to good health.

“Going away gives our nervous systems a chance to rest,” says psychologist Lara Wrigley of the Metta Integrative Wellness Center in Hampden. “We are designed to experience short bursts of stress, then have a recovery period, but with the way our lives are structured now, bombarding our minds and bodies at all times, we’re always on high alert and affected by chronic stress. Going away, even on a day trip, interrupts that cycle.”

Giving your brain a break can change the way you think, says Nathalie Savell, a holistic wellness counselor also at Metta Integrative. “Taking time off shifts our perspective,” Savell says. “It’s like taking a very deep breath that takes us out of survival mode and brings us to a calmer state. From there, we can make better decisions and stay present.” Sums up Wrigley, “Getting away gives us space for reflection and a chance to quiet. It’s a vaccine against burnout.”

Ones for the Road

There’s nothing like reading on the road. (And no, we’re not talking about our email Inbox.) Audio Books prove that, indeed, getting there can be half the fun. check one out at your local library or download an audio app. We could go on forever, but here are just a few suggestions for great listens:

Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef: Gabrielle Hamilton’s brilliant memoir about food and a family is one of the best of its genre. Word of warning: Wherever you are, you’ll want to reprogram your GPS and head straight to Hamilton’s East Village restaurant, Prune. Hamilton reads her own work, adding to the allure.

David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants: Malcolm Gladwell’s ambitious examination of the advantage of disadvantage is a page-turner, or, in this case, a mile-mover. Narrated by the author.

Middlesex: Jeffrey Eugenides’s sweeping Pulitzer Prize-winning coming-of-age masterpiece about hermaphroditism clocks in at a whopping 21 hours and 26 minutes, so a drive to Savnnah and back might be more approriate than a jaunt to D.C., but 30 minutes in, and you’ll be all ears. Kristoffer Tabori’s narration is captivating.

Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison: Piper Kerman’s insightful and self-deprecating memoir turned Emmy-winning Netflix series details the Smith College alumna’s days spent in the slammer. Cassandra Campell narrates.