There’s so much to do in Northern Virginia that one need not go very far to score a really awesome mini-vacation. Whether you’re on a budget, coping with a time crunch, or simply desire to see more of what this part of the country has to offer, day trips are a fun, exciting, and wallet-friendly way to while away a Saturday or Sunday.
Leesburg - Have a history buff in your life? Take them to the site of one of the Civil War’s most notable battles. If you can manage to drag yourself back into the present day, the seat of Loudoun County is a picturesque, engaging town with heaps to see and do. This is also a large part of Virginia’s gorgeous wine country, and the touring potential there alone would easily take up an entire weekend. This is an outstanding destination for the grown-ups.
Philadelphia - You can’t go wrong with a day in fabulous Philly. A cool, fun alternative to D.C. (or trucking further still to Boston or NYC), the City of Brotherly Love holds fascination diverse enough for kiddos, couples, seniors, and/or students to all enjoy a great time. Take a few laps of the “Rocky steps,” salute the statue of Ben Franklin, stop in on the zoo - and, of course, there’s a certain cracked bell that plenty of folks like to visit. You’ll come back with a full belly, too: no Philadelphia visit is complete without a soft pretzel, a Rita’s “water ice,” and, of course, an enormous cheesesteak sub.
Virginia Beach - If you seek a quintessential beach vacation straight out of the postcards, Virginia Beach is calling your name. Three miles of concrete boardwalk line the powdery beach, inviting you to walk, jog, bike, or sightsee as the wild Atlantic breaks on the shore. If sun and surf aren’t your particular thing, check out the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, or scope out Mount Trashmore, a clean and educational public park built atop a massive landfill. Eat, drink, shop, and play along Atlantic Avenue, the main drag that runs by the beach - it hits just the right note of scenic, busy, and tourist-kitschy to assure a great time.
The Kissing Bridges - Very few covered wooden bridges remain intact in Virginia, despite their sight being an example of classic Americana. Hundreds were built during the earliest years of the 20th century; now only eight remain. Of those, five are open to the public. These charming old structures rival carnival Tunnels of Love for quaint, old-fashioned romance - today’s lovers get as much of a thrill out of sneaking smooches as did their great-grandparents! Meem’s Bottom Bridge, in Shenandoah County, is the most famous of the kissing bridges, and an excellent spot for a picnic.
Blue Ridge Parkway - Head west, young (/old) man (/woman)! Where I-64 crosses Afton Mountain, you’ll find yourself at the Mile Zero marker of one of the great American roadways. The BRP starts in Shenandoah National Park and wends its way through 29 Virginian and North Carolinian counties, ending at the Cherokee Indian Reservation just beyond the Great Smokies. In between are nearly five hundred miles of breathtaking Appalachian scenery. You need not drive terribly far, however. Hiking, fishing, and camping are all found in abundance, along with countless quaint small towns. If you are looking for a scenic, tranquil slice of heaven, this is the trip for you.
