The Most Charming Weekend Getaways From Washington, DC

Washington, D.C. doesn’t loosen its (metaphorical) tie all too often—this much is true. And although the capital city has made major strides to shed its steak and potatoes reputation in recent years with a booming restaurant scene, new museums and galleries, and an onslaught of boutique hotels, it’s the weekend getaways from DC that are increasingly attracting attention. From plush country inns in rural towns to destination restaurants to wineries working their way up to national recognition, there’s never been a better reason to get out of town. Here’s where to go to escape the District, whether you call DC home or are looking for somewhere to visit that isn’t the National Mall.

Middleburg, Virginia

Middleburg is Washington’s answer to the Cotswolds. While just over an hour from the capital, it could not feel further away—nowhere else nearby does rolling fields, horse farms, old stone buildings, and vineyards quite as well. The picturesque town features a charming main street flush with window shopping and splurge-worthy options, like Crème de la Crème (which sells a curated selection of mostly Italian and French homewares), Middleburg Books (a compact bookstore), Highcliffe Clothier (an upmarket country outfitter), and Knead Wine (which sells wines hand-selected by a master sommelier as well as pizza). There’s also the surprisingly interesting National Sporting Library & Museum, which boasts an on-brand collection of paintings and sculptures of all things equine.

Middleburg has long been a haven for well-heeled Washingtonians and their weekend homes, with residents including Elizabeth Taylor and the Kennedys, who made Wexford, a 166-acre farm their weekend home during their White House years. (Even after the sale of the Wexford, horse-mad Jackie still made Middleburg a regular destination, staying at the historic Red Fox Inn and Tavern in the center of town.) As charming as the town itself is, the real beauty of Middleburg is its deep countryside dotted with horses, cattle, foxes, and Virginia’s growing wineries—Boxwood, Cana, and Greenhill provide an excellent introduction to the area’s viticulture and make Middleburg one of the most surprising weekend getaways from DC.

The crowning jewel of the area is Goodstone, an inn featuring guest rooms and a handful of well-appointed country homes spread across 256 very private acres of working farmland and open fields. To be a guest at Goodstone—to wander its meadows, swim in its quiet pool, and soak in a hot bath with views of rolling hills—is an experience to savor long after returning home. The excellent French-leaning, farm-to-table restaurant is the ultimate cherry on top.

Washington, Virginia

The Inn at Little Washington.

Photo: Gordon Beall / Courtesy of the Inn at Little Washington