Have you taken a day trip recently? When life gets busy, sometimes a change of scenery that doesn’t require much planning or packing is just what the doctor ordered. Luckily in the DC area, it’s easy to plan a quick escape, with many options for day trips from DC just a short drive away….
Spring is officially here, and it’s the time of year when many of us are ready to jump in the car for a short road trip or weekend adventure a few hours from home. Those of us with four-legged family members have another question to consider—should I take my dog on a road…
Welcome 2021! Like so many, we are yearning to get out and safely explore after staying at home and distancing for months on end. While there are still many travel restrictions in place at this time, it’s never too early to start planning for a future getaway. As a family, we have found that vacationing…
Are you searching for a fun place for outdoor adventure, scenic views, and great food? Then add the mountain town of Roanoke, Virginia to your list. Over the years we’ve driven up and down Interstate 81 at least a dozen times, stopping in Roanoke for an occasional meal or a quick visit to…
If you are a dog owner, you probably are familiar with that look—the sad eyes when your dog sees your suitcase and waits patiently to see if you are going to invite them to go along. Our dog Hallie has gone on many day trips and hiking adventures with us, and was always…
Fall is my favorite time of year, when nature paints a colorful picture in neighborhoods, parks, and forests. When I originally wrote this post in late 2020, many people were eager to take short road trips and day trips for a much-needed change of scenery. If you are like me, there is something soothing about…
One of the best things about living in the suburbs of Washington, DC is the ability to make repeat visits to the stirring memorials and monuments around the National Mall. If you have ever walked the path at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial or read the 24 bronze panels on the World War II Memorial, you…
If you have traveled to Virginia, you probably have seen the “Virginia is for Lovers” slogan. After living in the state for over 30 years, I’ve discovered many things to love, including mountains, lakes, iconic food, local beer and wine, history, and tons of opportunities for outdoor adventure. The geography in the state…
Are you ready to take a family road trip but not sure where to go or how to plan? This post was originally published in honor of the 100th birthday of the National Park Service, as a way to share several of the big National Park family trips that we have taken over the…
Are you thinking about your next outdoor getaway? With over 8,500 areas across the USA, state parks provide opportunities to get outside and connect with nature, often close to home. For a multi-day adventure, the America’s State Parks website shows that collectively the parks have over 200,000 campsites and almost 9,000 family cabins and cottages…