Want to book a little weekend escape? Check out these seven destinations, all within six hours of Northern Virginia.
Berkeley Spring | 1 hour and 45 minutes
In need of a relaxing vacation? This town in West Virginia is the perfect place. Be sure to soak in the famous hot springs, and don’t forget to try the tap water, which is said to be the second-best-tasting in the world.
Chrysler Museum of Art + Hermitage Museum and Gardens | 3 hours and 30 minutes
Curate a day-trip focused on art and beauty with these two Norfolk museums, both near the Elizabeth River for a waterside walk.
Great Dismal Swamp | 3 hours and 30 minutes
Wildlife watchers are in for a treat at this National Wildlife Refuge on the border of North Carolina. Bring binoculars. Approximately 200 species of birds are known to thrive across the refuge’s ~113,000 acres.
Smith Mountain Lake State Park | 4 hours
If you’re looking to plan a trip where you can take a dip or go boating, this is the spot for you. It’s the second-largest freshwater lake in the state, and also includes a variety of hiking trails, cabins, and other amenities.
As the “Ham Capital of the World,” Smithfield takes the topic of ham very seriously. A local museum even hosts the World’s Oldest Ham, which you can carefully observe on a 24/7 live stream.
Photo via Flikr, Joe Schumacher
Smithfield | 3 hours
Shop local, dive into the town’s architectural history, and see what adventures are in store, like visiting the world’s oldest ham and oldest peanut.
Virginia Beach | 3 hours
When warmer weather arrives, why not celebrate with a beach vacation? There are plenty of other activities you can check out, including hikes, boat tours, and other annual events.
Virginia Creeper Trail | 5 hours and 30 minutes
A must-see destination for bicyclists, the Virginia Creeper Trail stretches 32 miles through the mountains of southwest Virginia, and it’s great for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Plus, there are plenty of country cabins to rent.
What’s your favorite weekend trip from Northern Virginia? Let us know.
