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Day
Trips and Excursions
Washington, D.C. 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.
Annapolis, Maryland
Just drive 30 miles (45 minutes) east on Route 50 at Exit 24,
and you will find yourself at the Capital of the great state
of Maryland. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, the quaint and historic
old town of Annapolis will take your breath away. The harbor
view alone is worth the effort. Ships of all sizes and types
bob up and down in their moorings, providing an opportunity to
use up many rolls of film. This quaint village is alive with
activity all year round, offering shopping opportunities, fine
dining on the water, and rustic homes and buildings dating back
to the early 1800s. The historic state capitol building overlooks
this peaceful gem of a city, buttressed by the U.S. Naval Academy.
You will find there are so many things to see and do that you
will wonder why you didn’t take more days off to enjoy
the area.
If you prefer to stretch your legs and see the most significant
places, there are many tours to accommodate your desires. Guides
dressed in colonial garb will help you discover the history of
Annapolis and the U.S. Naval Academy. Daily tours run from April
through October starting at 10:30 a.m. from the Visitors Center
located at 26 West Street and at 1:30 p.m. from the Information
Booth located at the City Dock. The Naval Academy Guide Service
located at Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center provides walking tours
of the Academy from March through November, Monday through Friday,
10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday,
12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Armel-Leftwich Visitor Center, 52 King George
Street, (410) 263-2344, www.navyonline.com.
If you prefer to view the area from the water, Watermark Cruises
offers narrated boat tours and “Day on the Bay” cruises
to St. Michaels, Rock Hall and Baltimore that leave from Annapolis
Harbor. Contact Tour Information at (410) 268-7600 or visit the
website at www.watermarkcruises.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.
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania
 Only
an hour and a half away from the Capital Beltway, Lancaster County,
Pa., is a favorite destination for families in the Mid-Atlantic.
And it’s no wonder – there is so much to experience
in “The Heart of Pennsylvania Dutch County.” Visitors
will find miles of scenic roads, farm-fresh cuisine, nearby amusement
parks, historic towns, Amish markets and a friendly welcome always.
Located on the banks of the Susquehanna River, the county includes
the towns of Lancaster, Strasburg, Bird-in-Hand, Manheim and
Lititz. While there, take advantage of Amish buggy rides, an
historic train trip through the countryside, tours to nearby
factories including those that produce anything from pretzels
to Harley-Davidson motorcycles, eat at a traditional smorgasbord,
shop for homemade crafts and baked goods, and enjoy a simpler
way of life.
In addition to Lancaster County, those visiting the area might
also want to venture further into Pennsylvania. Hershey and Hershey
Park are only nine miles to the northwest; Gettysburg is 43 miles
west; and Philadelphia is 51 miles east. For more information,
go to www.padutchcountry.com.
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.
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