There’s nowhere we’d rather live than NOVA, but sometimes we feel the itch to get out of town.
Here are eight driveable day trips to check out the next time you want a low-investment, short-notice getaway.
Small-town charm
Charlottesville | 2-hour drive | Sure, this central-Virginia spot is growing in commercial size and popularity, but if you know where to go, you still get that small-town feeling. Charlottesville checks all the boxes, with hikes, thrifting + farmers market shopping, Southern barbecue, and locally made sips. We suggest a detour to Potter’s Cider.
Harper’s Ferry | 1-hour drive | Okay, okay, we know this is in West Virginia. But it’s the perfect spot for a summer day trip. We recommend spending the entire day lying out on a tube floating down the Shenandoah River. After you’ve baked in the sun, grab a beer from Harpers Ferry Brewing as you take in the views.
Shenandoah National Park | This is a gimme, but we’d be remiss to not include it in our roundup. Take in the great outdoors and explore famous hikes like Old Rag. And if you aren’t scared of the dark, just outside of the park, you can explore Luray Caverns.
Woodstock | 1 hour 30 minute drive | Set in Shenandoah Valley, there are many activities to check out, especially when it comes to exploring the outdoors. Don’t miss the views from the Woodstock Tower, or maybe take a stroll at Seven Bends State Park. Our pick? Grabbing a glass of wine at Muse Vineyards.
Have you stopped at this iconic Virginia diner? | Photo via Flickr
Eccentric gems
American Celebration on Parade Museum | 1 hour 30 minute drive | This unlikely museum reopens in April — a treasure trove of uncanny parade floats and memorabilia reflecting on some of America’s most extravagant traditions.
Pink Cadillac Diner | ~3-hour drive | You’re on a stretch of open road, when all of a sudden, you land on the Pink Cadillac Diner. It’s a pit stop you’d see in a movie, and it’s a 5-minute drive from the remarkable Natural Bridge State Park.
The President Heads | 2-hour drive | Located in Williamsburg, you can see large sculptures of past presidents. I mean, what’s weirder than a bunch of large statue heads of old presidents? Note: You can only access the site by purchasing specialty event tickets.
Woodlawn + Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pope-Leighey House | 30-minute drive | While these properties have a deep history, they also provide stunning exteriors. After you’ve played critic for a bit, take a stroll on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, which runs right through the property.
