For Baltimorians, it can be tempting to take advantage of BWI airport and all the destinations it offers, but there is so much to see within a stone’s throw of Charm City. Washington D.C. is of course great, as are Philadelphia, Richmond and New York. But this summer, take a trip to some less-traveled destinations and check out small-town life in the Mid-Atlantic.
As with any trip, you’ll be spending quite a bit of time in your rental. With that in mind, why opt for a chain hotel when you can find a unique place to stay that will make the time you spend at the rental as fun as the time you spend out of it?
To get you started, here are three great options, along with two short-term rentals to choose from in each of them.
Leesburg, Virginia
For many, Leesburg is nothing more than the very outer reaches of Northern Virginia’s DC-commuter suburbs, which seem to creep further and further away from the nation’s capital each year. However, the small town in Loudon County has a lot to offer when it comes to a quick weekend getaway for couples, families or solo travelers. Check out George C. Marshall’s Dodona Manor or iFLY Indoor Skydiving in nearby Ashburn. Civil War buffs can venture to the town’s own Ball’s Bluff Battlefield Regional Park.
While there are a number of historic sites, attractions, small shops and tasty restaurants to try, the real appeal of this trip comes in where you’ll want to stay. Leesburg is home to not one but two treehouse short-term rental properties. Both are located in the woods, of course, which gives you the chance to immerse yourself in nature without driving too far. What’s better than venturing less than an hour and a half away and getting a full weekend’s worth of entertainment for the whole family?
Cumberland, Maryland
Cumberland, Maryland, is a beautiful Appalachian town located just under two and a half hours northwest of Baltimore. If your understanding of Maryland is limited to the Chesapeake Bay, Cumberland is a must-see, as it exemplifies the state’s diverse topography and culture and celebrates the region of the Old Line State that is forgotten perhaps more than any other: the panhandle. In Cumberland, you can see the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, the C&O Canal National Historical Park and Visitors Museum, and the Allegany Museum, among other things.
As for where you’ll want to stay, check out one of two great short-term rental options. The first is located in town just north of the Potomac River and the West Virginia state line and features a pool, hot tub, and sauna, not to mention a full kitchen and plenty of space to spread out.
The other option is ideal for a longer trip with your immediate family, cousins, friends and whoever else wants to come. It’s located in nearby LaVale, and features space for 15 guests. The property has a huge yard for all sorts of outdoor fun!
Easton, Maryland
In Easton, one of the Eastern Shore’s most charming small towns, life is enjoyed to the fullest. For those who crave a classic maritime Maryland vacation, this is the place to be. Located an hour and forty-five minutes away from Baltimore — depending on Chesapeake Bay Bridge traffic — Downtown Easton is stationed on the Tred Avon River and just a three-mile or so bike ride from the Miles River.
Down the road from famous St. Michaels, Easton is small but not sleepy. There are museums, shops and lots of great restaurants that serve as much seafood as you can handle. As far as places to stay, check out a Chesapeake cottage with a private dock that has three acres and a private deck perfect for a big family meal. If you’d rather opt for something less classic, try a converted corn crib, which is a structure used to dry and store corn. Either way, you’ll be sure to love all that Easton offers.
