Where to go in November?

October 30, 2023 8:00 PM

I have 3-4 days in mid-November to escape Washington DC for a bit. Where should I go?

This would be before Thanksgiving. I am OK to fly or drive or train, but I don't want to spend a ton of time traveling. I'd like to bring my 5-year old but could also go solo. I'd want something relaxing, enjoy sights, enjoy food. Thanks for any recs!

posted by inevitability to Travel & Transportation (9 answers total)

Nice time of year to visit New Orleans, where I spent a memorable Christmas in 2015.
posted by rabia.elizabeth at 4:30 AM on October 31, 2023 [6 favorites]

It's hard to know without more criteria, but personally I like to minimize travel time, so I'd consider Richmond, Baltimore, or Philadelphia. They are all close, not as chaotic or expensive as NYC, and have enough to see for 3 or 4 days.
posted by Mr.Know-it-some at 6:28 AM on October 31, 2023 [1 favorite]

Charleston and hit up an oyster roast.
posted by sandmanwv at 7:40 AM on October 31, 2023 [2 favorites]

There are some nonstop 1.5 hour flights to Asheville NC, might be nice for a few days.
posted by ojocaliente at 11:11 AM on October 31, 2023

My normal late fall/early winter getaway from DC is to Berlin, Maryland. I stay at the Atlantic Hotel in one of their nicer rooms, eat at the good restaurants in town (The Blacksmith and the downtown deli are both great), maybe do some antiquing and chill at one of the breweries. Then I explore Ocean City, which is nice and quiet in the off-season. I also take walks on the beach and look at wildlife at Assateague and at the not-so-far-away Blackwater Refuge, maybe check out some local historic sites like stops on the Underground Railroad. Two or three nights of outdoorsy days and quiet nights reading, and I am well-rested and happy to go home again. Recommended!
posted by gemmy at 9:01 PM on October 31, 2023

If you're considering flying, why not let Google flights or kayak suggest something when you choose the "explore" option, which tells you the cheapest flights to various places. I find Google flights much easier to use. Then boom directly with the airline.
posted by dabadoo at 5:12 AM on November 1, 2023

Come down to the Virginia Beach boardwalk! Its about a 3 hour drive depending on where you are near DC. The off-season hotel rates are amazing. Take your kid to the Aquarium, the Military Aviation Museum, Hunt Club Farm, go see the lighthouses, go over to Norfolk and see a minor league hockey game, the Nauticus, the Chrysler Art Museum (& glass blowing demo), etc. It is a great 3-4 day destination with a 5 year old. Watch the waves on the beach, walk the boardwalk, try a few local restaurants, and go at your own pace.
posted by dpaul at 7:24 AM on November 1, 2023 [1 favorite]

I know I'm a bit late, but (as a DMV native and former resident) my go-to, secret DC getaway has always been Berkeley Springs, WV. It's only a 2 hour drive, tops, and the autumn mountain views (especially in the downtown region) are gorgeous. Tons of great hiking (C&O Canal trail, among others), great restaurants and shops, a small (but lively) art scene, and you can even see George Washington's outdoor bathtub (the town's main draw is its natural hot springs and spa culture). There's a beautiful waterfall in the area, and the Prospect Overlook where you can see a view of three states (PA, WV, MD) + 2 rivers (Potomac, Cacapon) all at once. So, if you're looking for relaxation with lovely sights and food, it's your place. I'd recommend some restaurants but I haven't been there since just before COVID, and I think some of my favorites went out of business during the pandemic. However, Lot 12 Public House is a popular fine-dining spot, and I really enjoyed my visit to the Angus & Ale Brewery gastropub.
posted by nightrecordings at 9:01 AM on November 2, 2023 [4 favorites]

Response by poster: Nice, thank you all! Debating Philly, Virginia Beach, or WV! Will consider New Orleans for a Dec trip!
posted by inevitability at 3:27 PM on November 2, 2023