Where should we go for a long weekend in March in the mid-Atlantic area?

January 17, 2018 9:50 AM

Looking to meet up with some friends for a relaxing long weekend in mid March. Will be traveling with 6 adults and 2 children under 2, and looking for spots within an easy drive from both Philly and DC. Looking for a destination where we could rent a comfortable 4 bedroom house and have options for some shopping/restaurants/outdoor activities. Would consider a beach destination (NJ/DE/MD) if the town has stuff going on in the off-season. Also open to city destinations (we've considered Baltimore or Annapolis) or even a cabin in the Poconos. Any recommendations welcome!
posted by moshimosh to Travel & Transportation around Takoma Park, MD (8 answers total)

Best answer: More along the cabin direction, Berkeley Springs, WV
posted by kittydelsol at 10:37 AM on January 17, 2018

Lancaster County is between the cities, has plenty of vacation rentals, and enough activities to give you an opportunity to get out of the house. We enjoyed Verdant View Farm; even if you don't stay there, try a farm tour.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 10:55 AM on January 17, 2018

We had a long weekend a while back in Kennett Square, PA that included some lovely outings at Longwood Gardens. Havre De Grace has a pretty river/bay shore with biking & boardwalk, and Elk Neck State Park is nearby. Other PA-side sites that ours loved were PA-Deutch country & the Crayola Factory (indoors, if the weather is rough).

Enjoy your time together, wherever you end up!
posted by childofTethys at 3:00 PM on January 17, 2018 [1 favorite]

Best answer: Baltimore has plenty to do. We go to the science center, play at the playgrounds on top of Federal Hill or next to the Visionary Arts Museum. Walters Art Gallery is kid-friendly (ground floor). The Baltimore Museum of Art has a sculpture garden. The Aquarium usually has a Friday-at-5 discount, all while being a short walk from Little Italy for lunch or dinner. Also close are the Flag house and the Reginald Lewis Museum which are a little tougher for very young kids, but solid. Fort McHenry is a lovely outdoor area, and the museum is inexpensive. In the late afternoon they ask visitors to help with taking down & folding the large flag. Check their tourism site to see if there is more scheduled on the weekend you are traveling.
posted by childofTethys at 3:16 PM on January 17, 2018

Chincoteague on the eastern shore, or the vineyard tho both will be chilly. New Bedford if anyone is into whales, whaling, and/or whaling history.
posted by vrakatar at 6:12 PM on January 17, 2018

Response by poster: Thanks all, great suggestions so far.

I should have added that I live in Chester
County PA, so looking for something more mid-way to our friends in DC. Lancaster and Kenneth Square are both great options but feel like it doesn’t split the distance.

Any shore point recommendations that are great in the off season?
posted by moshimosh at 4:59 PM on January 18, 2018

Response by poster: @kittydelsol what do you recommend for activities in the area?
posted by moshimosh at 5:00 PM on January 18, 2018

The State Park is a must. You can see George Washington’s bath and take the waters yourself in a Roman bath and have a massage. There are some lovely easy hikes at Cacapon State Park. Since it’s been 10+ years, I can’t recommend particular businesses, but surely there are still cute shops and restaurants to browse on the main drag.
posted by kittydelsol at 4:58 PM on January 19, 2018