Spring is in the air, and there is no better time to embrace the season than by exploring the incredible region surrounding your Craftmark home! Whether you live in the heart of Montgomery County at Watkins Mill Station or The Grove, enjoy central convenience at Strathmore View, or enjoy the wooded serenity of Vantage Hill or The Woods at Occoquan Overlook in Virginia, your home is the perfect launching pad for weekend getaways.

Pack your sunglasses and roll the windows down – here are some of our favorite hyper-local spring day trips to add to your calendar!

Nature & Adventure 

Get ready to trade the city skyline for breathtaking mountain views, otherworldly caverns, and winding rivers with these spectacular outdoor escapes.

• Harper’s Ferry, WV: Where the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers meet! This stunning town is steeped in fun history and is the absolute perfect spot for a sunny afternoon of tubing down the water (or enjoying watching them from a hike!)
• Shenandoah National Park & Skyline Drive, VA: There is no better place to witness the DMV’s spring bloom. Take a scenic drive along the ridge or enjoy a refreshing hike through lush, sunlit trails.
• Luray Caverns, VA: Need a break from the sun? Head underground to explore these spectacular, otherworldly cave formations.

For residents at our Montgomery County communities like Watkins Mill Station, Strathmore View, and The Grove, jumping on nearby I-270 makes the drive toward the mountains an absolute breeze! Meanwhile, Vantage Hill homeowners in Reston can use their fast access to I-66 and Route 7 for a quick jump toward Virginia’s natural escapes.

Charming Historic Towns 

Step back in time and enjoy the cobblestone streets, unique architecture, and vibrant local dining scenes of the region’s most beloved historic towns.

• Cumberland, MD: Did you know this used to be Maryland’s second city? Cumberland is a fantastic hidden gem packed with cool historical sights, beautiful architecture, and a great local winery to toast to the season.
• Annapolis, Old Town, & Frederick: Looking for a perfect Saturday stroll? Enjoy the waterfront breezes and cobblestone streets of Annapolis and Old Town Alexandria, or take a quick drive up to Frederick for historic charm and vibrant al fresco dining.
• Occoquan, VA: This picturesque riverside town offers rich history, charming boutiques, and fantastic waterfront dining perfect for a breezy spring afternoon. 

If you live in MoCo, you are just a straight shot up I-270 to Frederick! For those residing at The Woods at Occoquan Overlook in Lorton, VA, the waterfront charm of downtown Occoquan is just a short, convenient drive up the road – or zip over to Old Town Alexandria.

Equestrian Elegance & Wine Country 

Indulge in a sophisticated afternoon of wine tasting and equestrian charm in the heart of Virginia’s gorgeous horse country. Middleburg, VA is the ultimate spring destination! Known as the nation’s horse and hunt capital, Middleburg invites you to sip refreshing local wines, watch the horses, and spend a leisurely afternoon browsing charming antique shops.

Middleburg is especially convenient for our Vantage Hill residents in Reston, who enjoy fast, easy access to Loudoun County’s scenic destinations via nearby Route 7 and Route 28.

Coastal & Southern Escapes

Whether you are craving fresh seafood by the bay or a deep dive into America’s colonial past, these southern and coastal retreats are well worth the weekend trip.

• St. Michaels & Chincoteague: Breathe in the fresh, salty spring air with a trip toward the coast! Enjoy the maritime charm and incredible seafood of St. Michaels, or head down to Chincoteague to catch a glimpse of the famous wild ponies.
• Richmond & Williamsburg, VA: Head south for a fantastic mix of rich colonial history, beautiful spring gardens, and modern arts.

Don’t feel like driving? Amtrak offers quick trips via Union Station. Residents at Watkins Mill Station can take their on-site MARC train directly to Union Station, while Vantage Hill and Strathmore View homeowners can take a quick stroll to the Metro and head into D.C., leaving the car at home.

The Best Part of the Journey… 

Is always coming home. After a long, sunlit day of exploring vineyards, historic streets, and lush trails, there is nothing quite like returning to the elevated comfort, modern design, and unmatched luxury of your Craftmark home. Explore our locations today and join the Craftmark family!