feedthemalik
Sep 24, 2023
This post contains *affiliate links, which means I receive commissions for purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. I only provide links to products that I use and wholeheartedly recommend.
Washington, D.C., is forever home in my heart, or at least one of my homes. It's a place I always come back to after going to grad school there, beginning my professional career there, and taking the chance to chase my creative pursuits there. It's a city that I absolutely love for its dynamic food scene, cultural sites and events, music options, and more. It's a city where I've taken too many tequila shots and danced the night away and also where I cried standing in line on the opening night of the historic National Museum of African American History and Culture.
And since D.C. was my home for a long time, like any person, I wanted to get out sometimes and take a break. No matter how dope a place is, sometimes you just need a getaway.
So here are four weekend trips you can easily take from D.C. for a weekend away (or from nearby Maryland or Virginia!). These are all great options for folks in the broader DMV area. These would also all work really well linked together with a D.C. trip if you're exploring the city, as they are within easy driving distance.
Richmond, VA, is just a 2-hour drive from Washington, D.C., and is also easily accessible via train. Richmond has a variety of great food options, including one of my favorite Black-owned spots in the country (Penny's Wine Bar).
Add that together with some dope Black-owned businesses offering everything from RnB-fueled spin classes to curated book selections, and you've got a really fun weekend celebrating Blackness in a quaint smaller city.
Get the full guide here and take a peek at my experience in Richmond!
The Ivy, a Black-owned luxury bed and breakfast in Baltimore, is one of my favorite places to stay anywhere. It's absolutely indulgent, and the level of service is outstanding.
The almost all-inclusive experience includes everything from champagne upon check-in to made-to-order breakfast, afternoon tea, and a self-service bar. The drive from D.C. to Baltimore is about an hour, depending on traffic, and you could also take the train.
Williamsburg, Virginia, is about two and a half hours drive from D.C. There, you'll be able to check out historical sites deeply connected to Black history, such as Colonial Williamsburg and The Historic First Baptist Church. The area also has lots of outdoor activities to offer and diverse dining options, from a Black-owned cafe to a great barbecue.
Check out my guide to Williamsburg and take a peek at my experience there.
Only about 45 minutes from D.C., Leesburg offers a charming historic downtown with super cute shops to explore, from a local bookstore to a place to snag super cute jewelry. It's a really quaint and easy place to walk around, get some sun, shop a bit, and get some great food.
Add to that the array of wineries nearby (there are over 50 wineries and tasting rooms in the country) and distilleries to explore, and Leesburg offers a great base for a weekend of fun.
Get my guide to Leesburg and take a peek at my experience there!
These are just a few options to consider from the broader D.C. area or that you can link up with your trip to D.C. to explore more regionally! If you have any questions, drop them in a comment below, and I'm happy to answer based on my experience!
Other Resources:
Stay at Getaway Shenandoah, about a two-hour drive from D.C.
Here are 10 Black food, wine, and beer festivals to plan for in the U.S.