20 single-tank summer road trips from Baltimore

Fayetteville, W. Va.

Distance from downtown: 354 miles

Drive time: 5 hours and 50 minutes

Adrenalin junkies huff it across West Virginia’s Allegheny Plateau to Fayetteville, whose peaks ascend 3,000 feet, offering butt-kicking mountain biking, rock climbing and white-water rafting. Brave souls endeavor Bridge Walk, a 3,030-foot long catwalk across the New River Gorge Bridge (U.S. 19). In June, folks flock into town for the Mountain Music Festival; this year’s lineup includes the Revivalists and Umphry’s McGee. Downtown Fayetteville abounds with shops selling one-of-a-kind stuff: Studio B combines fine art with libations. The Historic Fayette Theater (115 South Court St.) stages music and theatrical events. Eateries with creative fare local-ingredients eateries, like The Station (312 N. Court St.), rule here. The lovely, circa-1902 Historic Harvey Morris B&B (201 Maple Ave.) is a two-minute walk from town.

Lexington, VA

Distance from downtown: 229 miles

Drive time: 3 hours and 50 minutes

Lively Lexington, Va., home to Washington & Lee University and Virginia Military Institute, is rich with beauty, history, culture and a strong local food ethos. Located on the Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail, Lexington has superb craft breweries, including Devils Backbone (50 N. Wind Lane). For Civil War buffs, Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson were rock stars here — many buildings bear their names. VMI offers a cadet-guided tour of The Jackson House (8 E. Washington St.), while Lee’s tomb resides at Washington & Lee. Other Lexington history-makers — Native Americans, slaves, musicians, and politicians — are memorialized on pavers around town. Catch an outdoor play or concert at Lime Kiln Theater (607 Borden Road). Overnight accommodations at the Robert E. Lee Hotel (30 S. Main St.) have sumptuous bedding and Blue Ridge mountain views.

Smith Island, MD

Distance from downtown: 155 miles to Crisfield

Drive time: 2 hours and 50 minutes, plus a 45-minute ferry ride

Smith Islandis a fishing village where birds outnumber the residents, many of whom are descendants of the original 17th-century settlers and speak a peculiar dialect known as “Tidewater English.” Ferries to the Island leave from the Eastern Shore town of Crisfield. Those who book a room at the Smith Island Inn (20947 Caleb Jones Road) in Ewell (pronounced “yull”), can get a golf cart ride from the ferry dock. Borrow a bike to visit sights like the Cultural Center Museum (20846 Caleb Jones Road, smithisland.org) and the Wildlife Refuge, then book a birding or crabbing expedition. Hurry — Smith Island is gradually sinking into the Chesapeake, losing two feet of land mass annually.

Occoquan, VA


Often overlooked for its splashier neighbors, Occoquan, Va., is 23 miles and worlds away from Washington, D.C. This verdant village alongside the gentle-flowing Occoquan River was named by the Dogue Indians, meaning “at the end of water.” Explore Occoquan’s history at Mill House Museum (413 Mill St.), then wander through its shops and artist cooperatives, including The Artists Undertaking (309 Mill St.) and eccentric Magickal Moons (47 Mill St.), selling Wiccan and pagan supplies. Feast on authentic French cuisine at Bistro L’Hermitage (12724 Occoquan Road). Don’t miss Occoquan’s Arts and Craft Show (June 3) featuring 300 local artisans. Occoquan doesn’t have hotels, but situated just 63 miles from Baltimore, it’s a perfect day trip.

Stone Harbor, NJ

Distance from downtown: 146 miles

Drive time: 2 hours and 45 minutes

Unlike its Jersey Shore neighbors with boisterous boardwalks and kitschy amusements, Stone Harbor’s tranquil white powder beaches front a very chill, coastal-chic village that continues to beckon generations of families back each summer. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the intercoastal waterway, Stone Harbor shares Seven Mile Island with Avalon, N.J., another stylish hamlet. The island is a mecca of nature sanctuaries, including the Wetlands Institute (1075 Stone Harbor Blvd.) and Stone Harbor Bird Sanctuary (11300 3rd Ave.). The Reeds resort offers elegant bayfront guestrooms, a spa, and attentive beach butlers who provide ocean transport and beach amenities.

Chautauqua, NY

Distance from downtown: 322 miles

Drive time: 6 hours

Before there was TED, there was Chautauqua Institution. Every summer, this lovely lake-resort community in New York swells beyond capacity with the intellectually curious crowd, eagerly anticipating a compelling new season of ideation and innovation. The lineup includes world-class music and stage performances; lectures by world leaders, corporate heads and Nobel-prize recipients; and interactive classes and workshops on practically every topic imaginable. Each of the season’s nine weeks has a theme — among them: invention, geopolitics and food — and hundreds of events exploring those concepts. Melodic chimes ring out from the Miller Bell Tower beckoning guests to events or activities. Meanwhile, the Institution’s Sports Club organizes active pursuits like boating, lawn games, tennis and golf. Lodging options within the Institute are plentiful, ranging from private rentals to hotels.

Northhampton, Mass

Distance from downtown: 346 miles

Drive time: 5 hours and 40 minutes

Northampton in Massachusetts’ pastoral Paradise Valley swaggers a counterculture vibe like no other. Home to Calvin Coolidge’s Presidential Library (20 West St.) and spunky Smith College, rainbow flags wave freely alongside highbrow galleries like dmg (40 Main St.). Hiking-booted intellectuals brainstorm with tattooed activists over smoked-tofu sandwiches at The Roost (1 Market St.). The circa-1891 Academy of Music (274 Main St.) stages progressive performances. Smith College’s Museum of Art (20 Elm St.) showcases world-class works, and its botanical garden exhibits terrestrial ecosystems. Taste chocolate pudding ice cream at Herrell’s (8 Old South St.), whose owner was a pioneer of the handcrafted ice cream movement. The town’s grand dame lodging, North Hampton (36 King St.), is decorated with museum-quality antiques.

Lewisburg, W. Va.

Distance from downtown: 295 miles

Drive time: 5 hours

Being named America’s coolest small town by Budget Travel in 2011 hasn’t affected the downhome spirit of Lewisburg, W.Va. Residing along the 80-mile Greenbrier River Trail, Lewisburg’s postcard-worthy downtown canvas is hued with vibrant art shops, historic buildings and pastel-painted Georgian and late-Victorian-style homes. Cutting-edge performances at Carnegie Hall (611 Church St.) and Lewisburg’s Literary Festival (Aug. 3-4) have long lured creative icons like writer Azar Nafisi and filmmaker Morgan Spurlock into town. Don’t miss visiting Lewisburg’s two additional performance theaters and trying the tantalizing dishes at inspired eateries like French Goat (111 Lafayette St.). Bonus: West Virginia’s State Fair (Aug. 10-19) happens just down the road. Lodge at General Lewis Inn, whose historic rooms are chock-full of modern-day creature comforts (301 E. Washington St.).

North Beach and Chesapeake Beach, Md.

Distance from downtown: 53 miles

Drive time: 1 hour and 15 minutes

Sans Eastern Shore traffic and crowds, the secluded western-Chesapeake shore towns North Beach and Chesapeake Beach are appealing alternatives for waterfront weekends and daytrips. Stroll the twin towns’ rustic boardwalk along a yellow sand beach and marina with charter boats, paddleboarding and canoes. Take the kids to the mini-waterpark and Chesapeake Railway Museum (4155 Meers Ave.), inside a historic train depot. A free trolley shuttles riders to North Beach’s antique shops, like Nice and Fleazy Antique Center (9131 Bay Ave.), and the Bayside History Museum (4025 North St.), exhibiting an authentic exploration map of Capt. John Smith. The Chesapeake Beach Resort (4165 Mears Ave.) features sunrise bay-view guest rooms and a spa.

Shepardstown, W. Va.

Distance from downtown: 80 miles

Drive time: 1 hour and 30 minutes

While circa-1762 Shepherdstown is West Virginia’s oldest town, it blazes a progressive vibe — perhaps because the Contemporary American Theater Festival (July 7-Aug. 30) stages plays and workshops by new and prominent playwrights like Sam Shepard and David Mamet. And its circa-1909 Opera House (131 W. German St.) features au courant music, stage and film events. The main drag, German Street, encompasses funky clothing boutiques, antique shops and Shepherdstown’s emblematic clock tower. The Historic Shepherdstown Museum (129 E. German St.), in a former 18th-century hotel, exhibits replications of original rooms and local artifacts, like Sheetz rifles and copperware by Conrad Schindler (ancestor of Mary Tyler Moore). Present-day serenity can be found kayaking along the C&O Canal. The alpine-themed Bavarian Inn (115 German Road) overlooks the Potomac River.

Newport, R.I.

Distance from downtown: 367 miles

Drive time: 6 hours

When New Yorkers boast of “the Hamptons,” Rhode Islanders need only retort “Newport.” Popular nowadays for its Jazz Festival (Aug. 4-6) and tony yachting community, this spectacular stretch of coastline was the Gilded Age’s summer playground of the Vanderbilts, the Astors and other wealthy industrialists. Many of their estates are now museums open for touring. One of the original mansions, Castle Hill Inn & Resort (590 Ocean Ave.), is now a romantic hotel overlooking the Narragansett Bay. Hike along the breathtaking 3.5-mile coastal National Recreation Trail, stroll through the boutiques and cafes around Newport’s wonderfully walkable downtown, shop local handicrafts and foodstuffs at Only In Rhode Island (43 Long Wharf Mall), or throw one back at the White Horse Tavern (26 Marlborough St.), which claims to be the country’s oldest pub.

Lambertville, N.J.

Distance from downtown: 140 miles

Drive time: 2 hours and 40 minutes

Adore antiquing? Overlooking the Delaware River, circa-1703 Lambertville was a popular stopover for ferryboats in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, 40 mile of bike paths line the waterway, alongside kayakers navigating the current. One of Lambertville’s oldest properties, Holcombe Jimison Farmstead, is a living-history museum (1605 Daniel-Bradley Highway). Shop at People’s Store (28 North Union St.), where there are four levels of collectibles, or Rago Arts (333 N. Main St.), an auction house whose owners render appraisals on PBS’s Antiques Roadshow. Dine at Brian’s (8 Klines Court), a French/Italian open-kitchen concept. Modernized guest rooms at the circa-1812 Lambertville House (32 Bridge St.) include heavenly whirlpool tubs.

New York's Hudson Valley

Distance from downtown: 260 miles to Poughkeepsie

Drive time: 4 hours and 30 minutes

New York’s Hudson Valley is a colossal river region of active and cultural pursuits. Encompassing 10 counties, this mountainous, pastoral playground teems with countless hideaways to hike, rock climb, kayak and explore. Zigzagging across the six scenic bridges spanning the Hudson River can help you cover the finest destinations. For a thrill, brave the 1.28-mile Walkway Over The Hudson (82 Washington St., Poughkeepsie). For spelunking and rock climbing, try Shawangunk Ridge. For watersports, head to the Cold Spring waterfront (14 Market St.). For history, see FDR Presidential Library (4097 Albany Post Road, Hyde Park) and Kykuit (381 N. Broadway, Sleepy Hollow), home to four generations of Rockefellers. For the arts, go to Storm King Arts Center (1 Museum Road, New Windsor), a 500-acre sculpture park of world-renowned works, and Manitoga (584 Route 9D, Garrison), mid-century architect Russell Wright’s estate and studio. Aspiring chefs can endeavor the Culinary Institute of America’s weekend grilling or baking boot camp (1496 Campus Drive, Hyde Park). Hudson Valley towns reverberate all summer long with outdoor performances and festivals like Clearwater Festival (June 17-18) and H.V. Shakespeare Festival (June 8-Sept. 1). Stay at Beekman Arms (6387 Mill St., Rhinebeck), which claims to be America’s oldest continuously operating hotel.

Doylestown, Pa.

Distance from downtown: 128 miles

Drive time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

The grand estates and quirky creative arts institutions in Doylestown, Pa., feel like a journey to somewhere far more exotic than Bucks County. The Mercer Museum (84 South Pine St.), named for an archaeologist who collected American artifacts, is home to an assortment of 30,000-plus 18th-century handmade items discarded by upwardly mobile Americans seeking new-fangled, industrial-age products. Henry Mercer also built a castle (East Court Street and Route 313) to showcase larger pieces like stagecoaches. Nearby is Aldie Museum, mansion of Henry’s brother William (85 Old Dublin Pike). Nearby, the Michener Art Museum exhibits Pennsylvania impressionist paintings (138 South Pine St., michenerartmuseum.org), while living-history museum Moravia Pottery and Tileworks, (130 E. Swamp Road, buckscounty.org/government/MoravianPotteryTileworks) sells handmade reissues of original tiles. Check out Doylestown’s contribution to the Union effort at the Civil War Museum (32 N. Broad St.), or take a breather from culture with a beer at one of Doylestown Brewing Co.’s three locations. Lodge in luxury at Doylestown’s 200-year-old Hargrave House (50 South Main St.).

Staunton, Va.

Distance from downtown: 195 miles

Drive time: 3 hours

Staunton (pronounced STAN-ton), Va. is a town packed with innovative theater, newfangled folk music, enterprising craftsfolk and adventurous chefs. The trolley (25 cents) provides town tours, passing by the Tiffany windows of the circa-1847 Trinity Church (214 W. Beverly St.), the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library (20 N. Coalter St.), Staunton/Augusta Art Center (20 S. New St.) and the American Shakespeare Center (10 Market St.), home to the world’s only reproduction of England’s Blackfriars Theater. Downtown dazzles with artist studios and boutiques housed in original neo-gothic and Victorian buildings (Staunton was spared in the Civil War). Stop in for the Staunton Music Festival in August and September. Stonewall Jackson Hotel (24 S Market St.) has an indoor pool and cozy lounging nooks.

North Carolina's Crystal Coast

Distance from downtown: 426 miles to Cape Lookout

Drive time: 8 hours

North Carolina’s Crystal Coast, spanning 85 miles from Cape Lookout to the New River, is a sanctuary of serene beaches, marine wildlife and pirate history. Stay at oceanfront Atlantis Lodge (123 Salter Path Road) in Pine Knolls Shore, nearby to everything worth exploring. Check out the Living Shipwreck at the North Carolina Aquarium (1 Roosevelt Blvd.). Fort Macon State Park (2303 Fort Macon Road) has a Civil War-era fort and trails through marine estuaries. Spend a day at Beaufort Historic Site featuring costumed reenactors. Wild horses run free at the Rachel Carson Reserve, while Emerald Isle offers quintessential seashore attractions: mini-golf, waterslides and shell shops. Worthwhile events include Crystal Cove Music Festival (June 3), Home and Gardens Tour (June 23-24) and Pirate Invasion (Aug 11-12).

Clinton, N.J.

Distance from downtown: 160 miles

Drive time: 3 hours and 5 minutes

Families flock to Clinton, N.J., to explore its historic Red Mill Museum (56 Main St.), a village of 18th-century mills and workshops, a one-room schoolhouse and a model log cabin. Clinton’s Main Street radiates a wholesome vibe with kindly shopkeepers and unpretentious restaurants. Check out the contemporary works of prominent and emerging artists at Hunterdon Art Museum (7 Lower Center St.). Sample local cuisine at Clean Plate Kitchen (49 Main St.). Outstanding events include the annual Town Picnic (June 10 at Huntmill Park) and Rubber Ducky race (July 16) down the Raritan River. Close by, the Berry Preserve B&B (215 Turkey Hill Road) has handcrafted furnishings and gourmet breakfast.

Distance from downtown: 206 miles

Drive time: 3 hours and 30 minutes

Located where the Long Island Sound’s Pelham Bay borders the Bronx, City Island, N.Y. is little known to non-New Yorkers. Barely 20 miles from midtown Manhattan, slow-paced City Island seems more like a New England town, with tidy historic buildings, nautical shops and marinas. Locals are called “clam diggers,” referring to the abundance of fishing fleets and seafood joints. Explore the Nautical Museum (190 Fordham St.), tracing City Island’s history over three centuries; the circa-1862 Grace Episcopal Church (116 City Island Ave.) and hunt for keepsakes at Early Ruth Antiques, (319 City Island Ave.). Sample super-fresh seafood at Lobster House (691 Bridge St.). There are no hotels on City Island; try the Opera House Hotel, nearby in the Bronx (436 E. 149 St.).

Abingdon, Va.

Distance from downtown Baltimore: 414 miles

Drive time: 6 hours and 20 minutes

Who knew a highway Welcome Center could be so cool? Heartwood (1 Heartwood Circle), on the outskirts of Abingdon, Va., offers visitors the opportunity to see and experience the works of Appalachian artists, chefs and musicians. Heartwood’s exhibitions play out in realtime in Abingdon’s 20-block historic district. Drop in on a dress rehearsal at The Barter Theater (127 W. Main St.), America’s longest-running professional theater. Capo’s Music Store (903 East Main St.), cited among the world’s top 100 music retailers, is a wonderland of handcrafted acoustical instruments and hosts evening jam sessions. Bike Abingdon’s 34-mile Virginia Creeper Trail to Damascus, and dine on imaginative local cuisine at Rain (283 E. Main St.). The historic Martha Washington Inn (150 W. Main St.) offers antique-filled guest rooms and resort amenities.

Mystic, Conn.

Distance from downtown: 324 miles

Drive time: 5 hours and 20 minutes

During the War of 1812, Mystic, Conn. was a dynamic epicenter of shipbuilding, exhibited today at The Mystic Seaport (75 Greenmanville Ave.), a living history village of 19th-century homes and traditional workshops. Also in the Seaport, the Charles W. Morgan, the world’s last surviving wooden whale ship, is also available for tours. End the day cruising the Mystic River on another historic ship. Don’t miss New England’s only beluga whales at The Mystic Aquarium (55 Coogan Blvd.). Visit the circa-1717 Dennison Homestead (120 Pequotsepos Road) farmhouse museum and nature center, and check out the eatery that inspired a cult-favorite film, “Mystic Pizza” (56 Main St.). Worthwhile festivals include River Jam (June 23-24) and Mystic Art Festival (August 12-13). Stay at the grand Spicer Mansion (15 Elm St.), originally the manor home of a renowned sea captain.