Lobby, Hotel George in Washington, DC
A friend recently asked me to suggest some destinations close by where he and his wife could get away for their anniversary weekend. The guidelines? Needed to be within 2 to 3 hours drive of Baltimore with accomodations less than $250 a night.
When we feature hotels and resorts in the magazine, the nightly rates for the properties we profile often balloon into the $400 to $500 per night range or more for luxurious multi-room suites.
But that doesn’t mean there aren’t a ton of really nice options that won’t bust your budget. Here are 5 great destinations, an easy drive from the Baltimore/Annapolis metro region, each with their own distinct character and allure.
Alexandria, Virginia: Founded in the mid-1700s on the banks of the Potomac, Alexandria’s historic center is known as Old Town, and boasts a concentration of boutiques, restaurants, antique shops and theaters. Nearby is George Washington’s Mount Vernon, which is definitely worth checking out.
Where to stay: The Hotel Monaco Alexandria, with nightly rates starting at $249 a night.
Lewes, Delaware: Founded in 1631, Lewes is a coastal town flush with colonial and native American history and the beaches of Cape Henlopen. Downtown offeres great shops, galleries and restaurants, some located on the Lewes-Rehoboth canal that runs through town and provides boat access to Breakwater Harbor and the Atlantic. A nice day trip to Cape May, New Jersey can be had by hopping the Cape May-Lewes Ferry
Where to stay: The Hotel Rodney, a hip, cosmopolitan boutique hotel with nightly starting rates ranging from $80 to $140 depending on the season.
Shepherdston, West Virginia: A college town with nice little restaurants, bookstores, coffee houses, shops, Shepherdstown was chartered in 1762 and is the oldest town in the West Virginia. Perched on cliffs overlooking the banks of the upper Potomac in the foothills of the Allegheney Mountains, the town offers easy access to hiking, canoeing and other outdoor activities.
Where to stay: The Bavarian Inn, overlooking the Potomac, is a romantic alpine style chalet with a restaurant offering authentic Bavarian cuisine with rates starting at $149 a night and adjusting upward depending on the season.
Washington, DC: Our nation’s capitol, everyone knows what DC has to offer. World-class museums, shopping, dining, national monuments, and more. Whatever you are interested in, DC has probably got it. As an international destination, DC is home to some fo the finest hotels in the world, so part of the fun of visiting is checking out the sophisticated and stylish options for accomodations.
Where to stay: The Hotel George. One of Capitol Hill’s first boutique style hotels, the Hotel George is located within walking distance of The Mall and exudes a hip, contemporary vibe with rooms starting at $179 a night. Be sure to eat at least one meal at the fabulous and award winning Bistro Bis.
Western, Maryland: The Frostburg, Deep Creek Lake region of Maryland is geographically so different from the Baltimore/Annapolis area, a visit there almost feels like a trip to another country. Deep Creek offers boating, biking, and hiking in the summer and skiing at Wisp in the winter. Located about an hour’s drive north of the area are two Frank Lloyd Wright houses, Falling Water and Kentuck Knob, both open to the public for tours.
Where to stay: The Savage River Lodge. Located in a state park with access to miles of hiking and nordic skiing trails, Savage River Lodge accomodations are in upscale private cabins—the lodge itslef serves as a place to hang out, read, and dine at the award winning restaurant. Cabines start at $185/$220 a night (single/double occupancy).
