The sun is shining, the weather is glorious and the windows are down. The question is where do I go? If you’re looking for a quick jaunt out of town, we have some fun and relaxing suggestions for you. Set the GPS and it’s smooth sailing.
The Beachgoer: Ocean City, Maryland
Drive on downee ocean, hon! In just under 3 hours, you can have your toes in the sand with a large order of Thrashers fries, or be bellied up to any of the local bars with a piña colada or Corona—whatever floats your boat. It’s the perfect locale for families, couples, friends or just a little on-your-own me time. What to do? Take in a game of mini-golf at any of the themed courses, winner buys a cone at Dumsers. Enjoy an afternoon or evening with the kids (little and big) and ride the classic amusement park collections at the Boardwalk or Jolly Roger. Need some adult time? Day drink and float along at Seacrets, jam with the band at Fager’s Island or chill on the beach at Macky’s. If you need free entertainment, grab a bench on the Boardwalk where the people watching is unbeatable. Should the vibe of Ocean City not be your cup of tea, head north on Coastal Highway to the lovely beaches of Bethany, Rehoboth and Lewes, Delaware.
The Mountaineer: Shenandoah Valley
Want to trade skyscrapers of the steel persuasion to those of rock? Head southwest to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley that meets with the eastern panhandle of West Virginia. One of the best parts is escaping the heat for the cooler nights of the mountains—and let’s not forget the solitude. You can spend the day filled with adventures like hiking one of the many peaks in the area or horseback riding on beautiful trails. Load up on the fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, meats and more at a local farmers market. Need a low key idea? Grab lunch or a coffee and walk through galleries and shops filled with antiques and works by local artists. You can also meander down beautifully windy and scenic Skyline Drive or explore the underground caverns at Luray. Don’t forget to partake in tastings at some of the area’s fantastic breweries, wineries and cideries. Looking for a little history? Visit one of the many local museums or venture through Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historic Park. In this vast valley, there is something for everyone.
The Urbanite: New York City
If you really like it hot, try the heat coming off of the asphalt in NYC in July. It’s oppressive. The good news is that during this time of year, most of the locals have escaped to the Hamptons via the Jitney, so you can enjoy most of the city to yourself. With endless entertainment at any hour of the day, Manhattan is the summer spot for those looking to pack a lot into a short period of time. You can start the morning with a museum, catch a matinee on Broadway, grab a hotdog during a stroll through Central Park, have cocktails at a swanky bar in the Village or pop over to a chill hangout in Brooklyn. Then pick any cuisine in the world and you will surely find the best place to have it just a short walk or cab ride away. At the end of the evening partake in a nightcap or dancing at an exclusive club. The next day you can rent a boat from the Loeb Boathouse, visit another museum, head Downtown to see the 9/11 memorial and One World Observatory, walk the Brooklyn Bridge or the High Line, play games at Chelsea Piers, catch a ferry to Ellis Island and Lady Liberty… The world is truly your oyster in NYC. Just be sure to stay hydrated.
The Countrysider: Gettysburg
Full of historic charm, Gettysburg is an easy and fun getaway in Adam County, Pennsylvania. Story-filled battlefields are the heart of this town, and the ghost tours are not for the timid. But there are also plenty of other entertaining things to do while visiting. Tee off for a round of golf, enjoy a horseback ride through history, try downward facing dog with goats, or relax and be carefree at the spa. Don’t forget to tour local wineries and distilleries before heading back to a quaint bed & breakfast. Love music? Be sure to check the events calendar and plan a trip around one of Gettysburg’s many music festivals happening all summer long. Want a souvenier? Shop for antiques and try on some historic-inspired garb. Who knows? You may look good in a bonnet.
