Field Guide

Washington, DC Daytrips

I went three years without a car in Washington, DC, but on the day that I did finally have wheels, DC suddenly became so much more grand to me. Who knew that there were so many towns to explore within an hour or two from my front door? These little escapes are the most perfect palette cleanser at the end of the week - some are ideal for a half day jaunt, while others are a worthwhile visit for a weekend. Regardless, taking the time to see them up close and personal will make DC feel all the more rooted and extravagant.

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Photography & Writing by Chesley McCarty

Old Town, Alexandria, VA

I visit Old Town almost as often as I visit Georgetown. Though Old Town is a bit further away, for some reason it feels more accessible and less chaotic - there is far less shopping, but King Street is much more walkable because you aren’t having to fight for space with an army of tourists. I also adore the character of the homes to the North and South of King Street, and could spend hours wandering along them. As you are strolling, be sure to check out Mason & Greens as well as Penny Post and Red Barn Mercantile - boutiques such as these feel few and far between near DC, so I make a point to go out of my way to visit these shops at least once a season.

Snacks, Drinks, & Bites

Misha’s
Don Taco
Virtue Feed & Grain
Hank’s Oyster Bar
Jeni’s Ice Cream

Shop & See

Penny Post
Red Barn Mercantile
Mason & Greens
Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum
Carlyle House
Prince Street, East of Washington St
Queen Street, East of Washington St
Captains Row
Spite House

Leesburg, VA

At this present moment, Leesburg might be my top recommendation for a DC daytrip – it’s about an hour away, so you will really feel as though you’ve left the city, and there is just the right amount of things to do for a long afternoon. A visit around the holidays is particularly magical, and a visit to Lucketts is an absolute must for their holiday open house (truly, this might be the closest you can get to the North Pole). Wldwst and Buford’s Biscuits were also standouts during my visit.