DC on a Dime » Day Tripping

Outdoors in Autumn

admin — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 20:52:59 +0000

Don your door with a wreath, collect wood for the fire, and buy a pumpkin. All these things are tell tale signs of fall. However, if you really want to get into the fall spirit, check out the local corn mazes, pumpkin patches, and hayrides. Click here for full list of fall activities in Virginia.

Most of these activities are affordable, and always fun. Pack a lunch, grab some friends, and dive into fall.

So long summer, hello fall

DC Belle — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:35:34 +0000

Fall

After a brief hiatus (summer vacay in Kenya), DC on a Dime is back and ready to assist. The dog days of summer are getting ever shorter, and fall is on its way in. The Washingtonian has amassed a list of 36 easy getaways from the DC metro area for the fall, and DC on a Dime recommends a few modifications for the cost conscious.

1.) Try to book your stay after Labor Day weekend. Accomodation and activity prices usually fall after the high summer season.

2.) Limit your stay to one night. If you arrive early Saturday morning and depart Sunday evening you can still have time to enjoy the activities offered in the area.

3.) Call ahead. In the throws of a the recession, clientele strapped businesses are more willing to wheel and deal. Take a chance and call ahead to see what you can negotiate. You might get lucky.

Great Falls, Great Deal

DC Belle — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 21:15:29 +0000

Feeling outdoorsy? Right here in our own backyard is one of the most dynamic geological features in the U.S. of A — Great Falls. At Great Falls Park, the Potomac River builds up speed and force as it cascades over a series of steep rocks and swift turns. Whether you visit the Maryland or Virginia side, Great Falls will not disappoint.

What makes Great Falls even more enticing is the rock bottom entrance fee. If you’re on foot, bike, or horse it’s just $3. While a vehicle pass costs a mere $5. And if you’re feeling especially close to mother-earth, an annual pass will set you back $20.

Check out the website for more details. We hope to see you on either the River or Billy Goat Trail.

From I-66:

Take the I-495 North exit. Once on the Beltway, take the next exit, Exit 44, and follow the directions from I-495.

From Washington, D.C.:

Take Constitution Ave. NW/US-50 to I-66 W/ US-50 W. You will cross Roosevelt Bridge. Continue until you reach the US-50 W/ Arlington Blvd/ GW Parkway exit. Turn onto George Washington Memorial Parkway (GWMP or GW Parkway), north. Follow the GWMP towards I-495. At the interchange with I-495, the GWMP will split, with the right lane going to I-495 north and the two left lanes going to I-495 South. Stay in one of the left two lanes and take the exit that says I-495 South. When you are on the ramp, stay in the right hand lane. This lane will turn into the exit ramp for Route 193, Georgetown Pike. follow the directions from 495.

Day Tripping – Annapolis, MD

DC Belle — Mon, 11 May 2009 16:00:59 +0000

Annapolis - America's Sailing Capital

For Washingtonians looking for an economical vacation spot, you don’t have to look far. Just 33 miles - 45 minute drive - Annapolis, MD is the perfect day trip or week-end getaway from DC.

Annapolis has great shopping, restaurants, and a rich history. Founded in 1649, it is the Capital of Maryland, and was the Capital of the United States when the Treaty of Paris was signed, ending the Revolutionary War. It is also the proud home of the U. S. Naval Academy, founded in1845, and St. John’s College, founded in 1696.

Whether by car, boat, or on foot, you can enjoy what “America’s Sailing Capitol” has to offer. And please treat yourself to the awesome crab cakes at Carrol’s Creek Waterfront Restaurant, which is tucked away in the Annapolis City Marina.

View From the Deck at Carrol's Creek

Things to See and Do: Annapolis offers a wide variety of activities. It is home to incredible boat shows. The sports enthusiasts can attend football, baseball, lacrosse and all sorts of other sports year round at the United States Naval Academy. You can also attend our annual Renaissance Festival or our New Years Eve Celebration with hundreds of musical, theater, dance and comedy performances in and around the City.

Yacht Club

Navy 1 - Pirates 0

Duke of Gloucester St.