I think weekend trips are so fun as a teacher, because I can explore the world and honor my soul while making it back on time for class. Based in the USA, there are a surplus of options from historical to hiking when flying into DC. Fasten your seatbelts!
Day 1: Shenandoah National Park
The park entrance is approximately 2 hours 40mn from Baltimore, 2 hours from Arlington Virginia, and 2 hours from Washington DC.
Shenandoah offers sweeping mountain views at a drive-up or after an intense hike. Even on a foggy day with not as many mountain views, we felt like we were hiking through the clouds. Pretty cool, if you ask me! The park houses five campgrounds open spring through fall. There are 7 picnic grounds, 4 of which are open year round and three that are spring-fall.
We hiked Mary’s Rock via the Appalachian Trail. The traditional route is 3.5 mile out and back with 1210ft elevation gain, but we began at Meadow Spring Parking Area for a 2.7 mile hike with 640ft elevation gain. The most popular hike at the park is Old Rag at 9.5miles (Beginning in March of 2022 you will be required to purchase a $1 day use ticket in advance online or over the phone in order to enter, as a pilot project with goals of less crowding/congestion, and to protect the ecology). According to Alltrails, other top hikes to complete include: Hawksbill Loop (moderate), Dark Hollow Falls (moderate), White Oak Canyon (hard), and Story Man (easy).
Day 2: Wharf, National Mall, Arlington
Wharf
Created in 2017, this fun night out is located on the Southwest Waterfront of DC, just minutes walking distance from the National Mall. Local businesses, 4 piers, and live music- it’s just a lively time. Winter features include ice skating and a s’mores campfire. Something that immediately draws me in is their message on inclusivity: “You belong here”.
National Mall
I mean, the possibilities are endless. I’m no historical guru so I’ll let you continue your own research about your preferred stops on this one, but on a leisurely stroll some of my favorite stops were:
- Supreme Court
- Reflection Pond
- Smithsonian Castle (Hogwarts vibes)
- Smithsonian Gardens
Arlington
Day 3: Flight Home
Save money catching a ride to the airport! If you are catching a flight out of BWI, take a train from the national mall to the free airport shuttle that will take you directly to your terminal. The original train was only about 10 dollars, as opposed to 40 dollars getting a ride. I like to take public transport where and when possible!
Other Options
Half or full day
-Billy Goat’s Trail (on my list for next time)
-Georgetown
-Baltimore
-Alexandria
Just an hour or two
-Visit Galaudet
-Read the constitution at Library of Congress (National Mall)
