5 day trips to make you feel like the protagonist of a holiday romcom
Get in loser, we’re romanticizing public transit.
We all know the plot: A stressed-out, big-city dweller stumbles into a small town looking for some much needed R&R during the holiday season.
What comes next? A rom-com holiday adventure fueled by unlimited hot cocoa, caroling, and a romantic love interest found under some mistletoe. Most likely, it’s a hunky shop owner or a small-time innkeeper barely keeping the business afloat.
By now, we all know this scripted story. But what if the Hallmark movie you watch on TV could become reality? A weekend away from the big city is possible, and you may even encounter some Hallmark-esque holiday experiences with these trip suggestions.
These weekend destinations also come with the added allure of quick-and-easy train travel, no sitting in D.C. traffic required. All you need to worry about is your “meet cute” moment.
Shop King Street in Old Town Alexandria
Train Travel: 20 minutes from D.C. on the Blue/Yellow Line to King Street–Old Town Station
Old Town Alexandria has all the holiday appeal of a Hallmark movie, including a big holiday tree located on Market Square. It’s also the quickest and easiest destination to reach from D.C. whether you want to take a day-trip or a weekend staycation.
And while many holiday shoppers head to malls on Black Friday, Alexandria will be celebrating Plaid Friday. This is the top destination for locally owned retail, with more than 50 participating stores and boutiques open for deals on Friday, Nov. 29. You’re highly encouraged to wear plaid at shops like Made in ALX, Pippin Toy Co., and the homegoods shop Red Barn Mercantile.
Other holiday activities coming soon include the water skiing Santa and boat parade. Make it a staycation by booking an overnight stay at the newly opened Hotel Heron, just a short walk to the Potomac River.
Experience the Miracle on 34th Street in Hampden
Train Travel: 60 minutes from D.C. on the Marc Penn Line or Amtrak Northeast Regional Train to Baltimore’s Penn Station
Tacky holiday sweaters pair perfectly with the vibes in Hampden — a northern neighborhood of Baltimore that goes big for the holiday season with a neighborhood light display (Miracle on 34th Street) that includes light-up Natty Boh and Lady Utz figurines, iconic brands and characters of the city.
Once a 19th-century blue-collar mill town, Hampden has evolved into the epicenter of Baltimore kitsch. Visit the main drag, aka “The Avenue,” for local seafood at Dylan’s Oyster Cellar or The Urban Oyster, then share a beer at Nepenthe Brewing Co. After you fuel up, check out the wide array of vintage shops and street art.
Definitely plan to stay the night too. The Good Neighbor Guesthouse is a stylish stay, with an all-day cafe and bistro. Coffee and breakfast bites are included in your stay.
Try DIY Holiday Crafting in Charlottesville
Train Travel: 2.5 hours from D.C. on the Amtrak Cardinal, Crescent and Northeast Regional Train to Charlottesville’s Station
In Charlottesville, many locally owned businesses use these colder months to get extra creative inside, conjuring up magical holiday experiences for travelers. Sign up for a hands-on cooking class at Pippin Hill Farm & Vineyards or get creative and make a homemade gift at Pikasso Swig, a DIY craft bar. The team there will help you create a one-of-a-kind masterpiece to take home. More of a mixologist? Then sign-up for a cocktail masterclass at The Forum Hotel, which is also an excellent place to spend the night.
You also don’t want to miss Charlottesville Magic on the Mall. This free downtown celebration brings a variety of ways to enjoy the holiday season on Charlottesville's historic pedestrian shopping route, including extended holiday hours, rides on the Downtown Holiday Express train (offered on Saturdays only), and a self-guided 'Elves in Cville' scavenger hunt, plus the can't-miss Grand Illumination celebration on Dec. 6. Before you depart on the train home, be sure to visit The Dairy Market for a one-stop food hall with all the best bites in town.
Wander Through Winter Wonder at Longwood Gardens
Train Travel: 2 hours from D.C. on the Amtrak Northeast to Wilmington, Delaware then a 20 minute Uber to Longwood Gardens
There’s no better place to warm up—and chill out—than at Longwood Gardens near Wilmington, Delaware. These historic gardens are ornately decorated for the holiday season and allow visitors to bask in the warmth of the West Conservatory. This greenhouse conservatory is kept to a tropical, climate-controlled tempeature all winter long. It’s also peak flowering season. Highlights include a towering 24-foot grand fir dressed in traditional red and green, and thousands of vibrant poinsettias, fragrant paperwhites, amaryllis, and begonias.
Tickets for this holiday show go quickly, so be sure to book in advance. There are also several holiday-themed workshops for the gardener or crafter in your life, plus an upscale restaurant on the grounds to enjoy seasonal farm-to-table dishes.
Downtown Wilmington is a great place to stay the night. The Quoin is a boutique hotel in an old bank building that includes a speakeasy bar located in what was once the basement vault.
Visit the Middleburg Christmas Parade
Train Travel: 1 hour from D.C. on the Metro Silver line to Ashburn Station. From there it’s a 20 minute Uber to Middleburg.
Anyone who is a fan of horses or dogs will want to book it to Middleburg for the annual Middleburg Hunt Review, a mile-long Christmas parade. This route goes by several of the city’s best restaurants, pubs, and shops where you can easily find a patio perch to watch the oncoming parade which includes the local hunt club horses and beagles.
The day also includes food events like a breakfast with Santa and afternoon bar crawl featuring local bars, breweries, and wineries, including Lost Barrel Brewing, King Street Oyster Bar, Knead Wine, Mt. Defiance Distillery, and Boxwood Winery.
Beyond the annual parade, Middleburg is a top draw around the holiday season for community activities and shopping, as well as the Salamander Middleburg Resort — a destination spa and hotel where you could easily spend the entire weekend doing some self-care.
