 |
Day
Trips and Excursions
Washington , DC is central to many of the United States’ most
important historic attractions. Attendees who come early or stay
late can visit the places where the fight for freedom began.
Bring the family, and let them learn about the founding fathers
and settlers who came to the shores of the Atlantic, looking
for new frontiers and horizons. Select from one or more of the
locations we recommend for your added enjoyment and enrichment.
Alexandria, Virginia
 Right
across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. you will find
Alexandria, Va. Founded in 1749 and listed on the National Register
of Historic Places, Alexandria is nationally recognized for its
abundance of 18th- and 19th-century architecture, historic attractions,
award-winning restaurants and eclectic shopping. Once George
Washington’s hometown, Alexandria was a Colonial seaport
and the city’s roster of historic sites underlines how
historically influential it has been. Thomas Jefferson entertained
at Gadsby’s Tavern on North Royal Street, which is still
open today, and Robert E. Lee worshipped at the historic Christ
Church on North Washington Street. For more information about
visiting Alexandria, go to www.thefunsideofthepotomac.com.
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
If your wanderlust wants to take you from one bustling city
to another, drive 45 miles from D.C. north on Interstate 95.
Spend the day in the exciting Inner Harbor, which offers 100s
of shopping opportunities, fine dining and great views of the
water. Harborplace and The Gallery rank as this city’s
number one tourist attractions. Points of interest include the
American Visionary Art Museum, the Baltimore Maritime Museum,
Fort McHenry National Park/Monument, the newly-expanded Maryland
Science Center, the Museum of Industry, the National Aquarium,
the Marine Mammal Pavilion, Port Discovery Children’s Museum,
and the Pride of Baltimore II, a schooner replica. Tours of visiting
tall ships and navy vessels are also available at this seaboard
location.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
 For
all of you Civil War buffs that have never visited these historic
places, please take the effort to drive to the battlefields.
The first of these four is Gettysburg, which is about a 80 mile
drive on US 15 from downtown Frederick, MD into Pennsylvania.
If you decide to take this trip, plan on leaving early in the
morning so that you can absorb all of the Gettysburg Civil War
Trail to the somber battlefield. Note that this National Park
closes at 5 p.m. Your visit should also include a tour of the
town of Gettysburg, the Rupp House and other interesting shops
and attractions. Visit these websites for updated information: CivilWarTraveler.com, www.friendsofgettysburg.org, www.nps.gov/gett,
and www.gettysburg.com.
Harpers Ferry, West Virginia
The small and picturesque Harpers Ferry area, 70 miles from
Washington, D.C., has served in a pivotal role in several events
that impacted the nation’s history. This city, on the border
of Maryland and West Virginia, was made famous by John Brown’s
raid on the U.S. Arsenal here. Brown believed if he captured
enough guns and armed slaves, they would unite into an army and
throw off the yoke of what he called “Southern Oppression.” Brown
was caught and most of his band of men was killed. Since the
1950s, the National Park Service has tried to rehabilitate and
restore the town while at the same time interpret its historical
importance to the nearly 2 million people who visit it each year.
Mount Vernon, Virginia
Just outside of Washington and only 14 miles away, this historic
mansion of our first president is remarkable, due to its colorfulness
and original heirlooms. The view of the Potomac from this site
will align your thoughts with George Washington’s and confirm
his rationale for choosing this prime spot as his estate. Your
visit should include the Greenhouse, Slave Quarters, the George
Washington Museum, Archaeology and Restoration Museum, Slave
Memorial and Washington’s Tomb. Outdoors, you can experience
a tour of the gardens, hike the Forest Trail and visit the Pioneer
Farmer site. The newest additions include a working 18th century
mill at George Washington’s Gristmill, and the new Ford
Orientation Center and the Donald W. Reynolds’ Museum and
Education Center.
Exploring the Chesapeake Bay
The Bay is only 70 miles away and can be reached in about an
hour and a half by car. Travel to the east means exploring the
Chesapeake Bay. Day cruises are available from the Baltimore’s
Harbor Place docks and should not be missed. Make sure you take
time to visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels,
MD. From learning the oyster trade to the art of ship building,
this museum makes the bay accessible through real people, real
work and original exhibits. By the time you’re done, you’ll
feel like a native.
Maryland’s Eastern Shore
With spots as close as an hour away and as far as almost four,
the shore along the Chesapeake Bay can offer just about anything.
Whether you crave a day of some of the nation’s best deep
sea fishing, or want to relax on a quiet beach, the Chesapeake
and Eastern shore have definitely got it. The Eastern Shore is
probably most famous for its crabs. With the Chesapeake once
again producing some of the biggest and most delicious blue crabs,
a stop by a classic Maryland crab shack is a must if you visit
the region. The Eastern Shore is also very well known for its
wildlife. With several wildlife refuges, there are tremendous
concentrations of rare animals, especially birds.
Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
 Rehoboth
Beach is located 120 miles from D.C. on the Delaware shore of
the Atlantic. This beautiful summer get away is less than a three
hour drive due east from D.C.. Rehoboth stakes claim to one of
the nation’s most well known boardwalks. With boardwalk
fries, funnel cake, games, amusement parks, and anything else
you can imagine, this boardwalk is home to some great beach characters.
Rehoboth is a favorite escape for Washingtonians with the beach
bug. It is a great spot to escape the humidity and hustle and
bustle of the city and relax on a beautiful beach. |
