I know we’re already in the throws of fall, but here in DC, things move a lil’ slow and we tend to not really get a winter until January. Heck, we never even got a winter last year, so maybe we’ll get lucky again.
… Although, I must admit that I *kind* of like the coziness of a snowy day with coffee, baking, and forced resting.. Those days are kind of nice.
But I’m getting ahead of myself. Now that I’ve lived in the DC area for a disgustingly long time, I do have some good ideas to share. All of these ideas are within a 1.5 hour drive of the DC suburbs, and many are even closer. I hope you find them helpful! Happy Fall, y’all!
Venture out to a brewery/winery.
If I had a dime for how many wineries or breweries I’ve been to in the area, I’d be a rich woman.. While I’ve been to dozens, there are still several that I haven’t been to yet. My favorites are Harper’s Ferry Brewing; Smoketown Brewing (in Brunswick, MD.. Make sure you get pizza next door too); Naked Mountain Winery; and Cana Winery. There are many, many more that I didn’t mention that are fantastic too!
Pick your own pumpkin
I did call this Basic Britt for a reason.. But seriously, it’s fun to go to a pumpkin patch (for the Love of God, get there when it opens to avoid crowds, though) and make a day of it. We went to Great Country Farms in Bluemont, VA last year and it was lovely. There are also several other PYO places up Route 15 toward Gettysburg that look fantastic as well. Which brings me to my next point…
Hike a Civil War battlefield
I started writing this paragraph by pontificating about “kids these days” not caring about American history but thought I’d spare you.
If you’ve never been to a Civil War battlefield, I urge you to make the trip. They’re beautiful and somber, especially Gettysburg, Antietam and Chancellorsville. Plan to spend time there. Walk around. Be silent. Read the signs. Remember where division got us before. OK, I’ll shut up…
Go Horseback Riding
Unless, of course, you’re afraid of horses ;).
I grew up riding and always love an opportunity to be back in the saddle. We went to Double H Stable in Front Royal to rent horses a while back and can’t wait to go back this fall!
Watch a football game in a bar
I’ve made my political leanings clear here, but I also want to make it known that I’ve been extremely careful when it comes to COVID mainly because I hate being sick.
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, if you haven’t already done so, PLEASE venture out a watch a football game in a bar. It’s way better than watching it on your couch and, as a restauranteur’s daughter, must say that supporting a small business these days is a good deed in and of itself. Caddies in Bethesda was completely Covid compliant when we were there last week and the garage doors made a chilly fall afternoon so enjoyable.
Go sailing or kayaking
I. Love. Boats. Many people think that renting a sailboat is super expensive and they’re dead wrong. If you know how to sail, check out Belle Haven Marina. The Flying Scot (which can easily seat 4 adults) is like $70 for two hours and is SO fun. Kayaks are also super fun if sailing isn’t your thing!
Fall is fun for many reasons and I hope these ideas make yours even more amazing! Enjoy your weekend, friends!
