If you've already crossed off the big icons from your list of Washington DC and Washington StatePerhaps you'd like to venture a little further afield and discover those towns and small cities that often go unnoticed. Around the nation's capital and scattered throughout Washington state, there are charming spots perfect for day or two getaways, combining nature and culture, or simply enjoying a change of scenery.
In this article we will explore Towns with their own personality, historic locations and small gems which are spread both in the Washington DC area (Virginia and Maryland) and in Washington state, on the Pacific coast.
Old Town Alexandria: the colonial origin on the banks of the Potomac
Very close to the capital, Old Town Alexandria It is the old town that developed along the Potomac River and which today retains a very particular period atmosphere. cobblestone streets, brick and wood facades And the historic buildings transport you directly back to the 18th century with just one turn of a corner.
The heart of the neighborhood is its historic port and farmers marketwhich has been celebrated every Saturday for over 260 years. It's a great plan to arrive early, have a coffee in one of the local cafes, and stroll among the stalls as the city awakens.
Alexandria is one of those excursions that combine history, shopping and gastronomySmall boutiques, restaurants serving updated American cuisine, and a riverside promenade that takes on a very relaxed atmosphere at sunset. It's the kind of place you can easily visit and return to in a day trip from Washington, D.C., without feeling overwhelmed.
Mount Vernon: George Washington's Plantation
About 30 minutes by car from the center of the capital, the plantation of Mount Vernon It was the home of George Washington, the country's first president. Today it is visited as a large historical complex where how a [unclear] functioned is explained in considerable detail. 18th-century plantation, with its economy based on slave labor, its crops, dependencies and daily life.
The property is situated on a hill overlooking the Potomac RiverAnd you can not only tour the main house, but also the outbuildings, gardens, fields, and areas where the slaves lived. It's an excursion that forces you to confront the country's history head-on, with its triumphs and tragedies, and helps you better understand the context of Washington's life.
Spending a whole day there makes sense: there are exhibitions, reconstructions, educational activities and ample outdoor space, so it's a A very comprehensive plan to combine culture, landscape and historical reflectionFurthermore, being so close to the city, it fits easily into a short itinerary in Washington DC and the surrounding area.
Georgetown: a university neighborhood with a small-town feel
Although it is part of Washington DC, the neighborhood of Georgetown It has the feel of a small, independent town. Its narrow streets with brick houses, cozy cafes and university life This makes it an essential stop for anyone who wants to experience another side of the capital.
On N Street, in the so-called Thomas Bell HouseJackie Kennedy lived here after leaving the White House following the assassination of John F. Kennedy, and many of the mansions you'll see in the area belong to former politicians, diplomats, and other well-known figures. It's a perfect neighborhood for a leisurely stroll, browsing in bookstores, enjoying a drink on a terrace, or simply exploring.
There's no shortage of film buff references: the famous stairs from “The Exorcist” They are located here, and are one of those spots where almost everyone takes the obligatory photo. Just a few blocks away is also the Old Stone House, from 1765, one of the few houses that are preserved from the pre-revolutionary era within the city itself.
Lewisburg and the scenic route to Richmond
If you fancy taking a slightly longer trip from the Washington DC area, the city of LewisburgIn West Virginia, it can be a good starting point. Despite having only about 3.800 inhabitants, it is home to one of the four Carnegie Hall theaters that are still active in the world, which makes it a very interesting cultural hub.
The small town center is full of quirky shops where you can buy unusual souvenirs, such as Harmony Ridge Gallery or Brick House AntiquesFor food, there are options very focused on local produce like Stardust Café, or more classic American restaurants like Food & Friends, where you can try hamburgers, meat dishes and other comforting basics.
The historical part is revealed in places like the Confederate cemetery of 1862The North House Museum, dating from around 1820, and the Old Stone Presbyterian Church, built in 1796 and still in use, are just some of the attractions. Strolling through these streets is like stepping into a... Several centuries of history condensed into a few city blocks.
From Lewisburg you can take the Route 250 towards RichmondA scenic highway that winds through small towns and tranquil rural landscapes before reaching the capital of Virginia. It's one of those routes to take at a leisurely pace, stopping wherever you like and enjoying the journey as much as the destination.
Richmond: state capital and great city break
Richmond, the capital of Virginia, is today a very dynamic city where people mix history, alternative culture, street art and gastronomyIt's a great place to visit for a couple of days if you're traveling by car through the region and want something more than quiet villages.
The city played a key role in the American Civil WarThis is reflected in sites such as the American Civil War Museum and the Virginia State Capitol itself. St. John's Episcopal Church, dating back to 1741, is another landmark that helps to understand the city's role in the nation's history.
For those looking for something more lively, the James River offers a rather curious experience: Class III and IV rapids that pass practically through the city centerYou can book rafting trips to see Richmond from a different perspective or, if you prefer something more relaxed, rent a bike and have a picnic on Belle Isle, lying on the rocks by the water.
When it comes to strolling around, neighborhoods like Carytown They concentrate independent shops, trendy stores and a very lively nightlife, to the point that the area is known as the “Mile of StyleThe Fan District, with its characteristic fan shape, unfolds streets with continuous facade houses, corner restaurants and a very pleasant atmosphere for strolling.
El Arts District It's Richmond's most creative corner: art galleries, record stores, small theaters, clothing boutiques, rooftop cocktail bars, and restaurants that champion local produce, homemade hummus, artisan charcuterie boards, and cutting-edge cuisine. It's the perfect place to spend an afternoon and stay for dinner before heading back to the city for the night and returning to the Washington Dulles area the next day.
Other destinations You're sure to recognize some of the sights here, including Washington, D.C., with the White House and the Capitol Building, and the Smithsonian Museums. There's also Arlington National Cemetery and a string of small towns and cities, both in the mountains and along the coast. For example, Sequim, Elba, Poulsbo, Port Townsend, Gig Harbor, and Leavenworth, nestled in the mountains with a Bavarian feel.
Both on the Atlantic coast, around Washington DC, and in Washington state, there is a surprising amount of towns, small cities and historic corners capable of complementing any urban trip. From scenic routes between Lewisburg and Richmond to getaways to Old Town Alexandria or Mount Vernon, passing through Sequim, Leavenworth or La Conner, the map is filled with stops that combine history, landscapes and local life.
Setting aside one or more days for these places is a great way to add depth to your trip and take away less obvious memories than the classic monuments of the capital.