Monticello, home of Thomas Jefferson, as seen in spring. Photo © Visions of America LLC/123rf.
Separated by Washington DC and the Potomac River, Virginia and Maryland are often mentioned in daily news of political maneuverings at the nation’s capital. Although the news networks paint vivid pictures of power and scandal, there is far more to this region than can be summed up in a sound bite.In Virginia and Maryland, history comes alive. Follow in the footsteps of Thomas Jefferson at stately Monticello. Raise a glass at George Washington’s favorite tavern in Colonial Williamsburg or tread the hallowed ground at Civil War battlefields like Manassas and Antietam.
Alongside monuments, historical sites, and museums, Washington DC offers urban pursuits like fine dining and buzzing nightlife. Don’t overlook Baltimore, which refracts big-city charms through its own quirky lens.
Yet not far from thriving metropolitan areas, you’ll find sleepy mountain towns, quaint fishing villages, and an abundance of natural beauty. Wander through glowing fall foliage along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Summit the peak of Old Rag Mountain in Shenandoah National Park. Sail on the Chesapeake Bay before cracking a claw at a waterfront crab house in Annapolis. Stroll the bustling Ocean City Boardwalk. Relax on the quiet beaches of Assateague and Chincoteague Islands, where wild ponies roam free.
Welcome to Virginia and Maryland, where there’s always something new to discover. Get busy!
Virginia
Maryland
Excerpted from the First Edition of Moon Virginia & Maryland.
