Destinations > The Americas > Mid-Atlantic
Mid-Atlantic
Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia & Washington DC
The Mid-Atlantic states’ role in shaping the nation’s history cannot be overstated. Embrace the political legacy of America’s first capital in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love; and peruse one-of-a-kind specimens in the renowned museums and monuments of its current capital, Washington, D.C. Head west into Amish country to sample artisanal baked goods and craft wares, or make a beeline to Virginia to explore Jefferson’s estate and the surrounding wineries.
Best time to visit: March through November is the ideal time to visit the Mid-Atlantic. The cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom in March and April, and the fall foliage appears in October.
Go for this: Visit Philly, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell hangs in honor of freedom and justice. Visit a bevy of historic sites and then, taste your way through Philadelphia with a street food tour including a stop for a funnel cake at Fox & Son at the world-famous Reading Terminal.
Take a private tour of the most significant battlefield of the American Civil War with a historian. Walk through the cemetery where Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address, and pay your respects to the soldiers buried there.
But try this: Go crabbing with a lifelong resident of Chesapeake’s Eastern Shore and feast on a bounty of crab cakes. Ride along the Eastern shores of Maryland and Virginia, stopping in a small fishing town like Tangier for the country’s best crab dishes.
Head to Virginia to explore the home of Thomas Jefferson, horseback ride through the Appalachian countryside and stay at a luxury mountain retreat such as Keswick Hall or the Clifton Inn with outstanding culinary programs.
Favorite guest experience: Meet a former spy to learn about espionage and see some notorious Cold War landmarks in the nation’s capital. Then, tour the Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution with a former NASA astronaut. Finally, visit the US Capitol with a former Congressman and learn the buildings vast secrets and watch a Congressional vote.
Favorite hotel: Hay-Adams (Washington, DC): Steeped in rich history and surrounded by the most iconic institutions of our nation, The Hay-Adams is enveloped by views of the White House, St. John’s Church, and the scenic Lafayette Park. The 5-star accommodations are the embodiment of refined service and hospitality.
The Inn at Little Washington is a luxury country inn and restaurant located in Washington, Virginia. A member of Relais & Châteaux, the hotel’s owner and chef, Patrick O’Connell, has received numerous rewards over its 42 year history including the coveted James Beard Awards and 3 Michelin Stars.
Favorite restaurant: Zahav is an Israeli restaurant that brings the flavors of Israel's cultural crossroads to Philadelphia. Chef/owner Michael Solomonov, a James Beard Award winner, brings Israeli hospitality to new heights along with his delectable authentic cuisine.
Authentic, regional Italian cooking and seasonal availability of ingredients is the inspiration for Chef Amy Brandwein’s menu at Centrolina between the White House and US Capitol.
Favorite foods & beverages: Jim's Philadelphia cheese steaks on South Street; stacked soft pretzels with mustard; Maryland crab cakes; scrapple and funnel cakes; Jamestown oysters; Chesapeake Bay Bluecrabs; George Washington's Rye Whiskey; Berger Cookies; Natty Boh (beer); Utz Chips; Butterscotch Krimpets
Best time to visit: March through November is the ideal time to visit the Mid-Atlantic. The cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom in March and April, and the fall foliage appears in October.
Go for this: Visit Philly, where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and the Liberty Bell hangs in honor of freedom and justice. Visit a bevy of historic sites and then, taste your way through Philadelphia with a street food tour including a stop for a funnel cake at Fox & Son at the world-famous Reading Terminal.
Take a private tour of the most significant battlefield of the American Civil War with a historian. Walk through the cemetery where Abraham Lincoln gave the Gettysburg Address, and pay your respects to the soldiers buried there.
But try this: Go crabbing with a lifelong resident of Chesapeake’s Eastern Shore and feast on a bounty of crab cakes. Ride along the Eastern shores of Maryland and Virginia, stopping in a small fishing town like Tangier for the country’s best crab dishes.
Head to Virginia to explore the home of Thomas Jefferson, horseback ride through the Appalachian countryside and stay at a luxury mountain retreat such as Keswick Hall or the Clifton Inn with outstanding culinary programs.
Favorite guest experience: Meet a former spy to learn about espionage and see some notorious Cold War landmarks in the nation’s capital. Then, tour the Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution with a former NASA astronaut. Finally, visit the US Capitol with a former Congressman and learn the buildings vast secrets and watch a Congressional vote.
Favorite hotel: Hay-Adams (Washington, DC): Steeped in rich history and surrounded by the most iconic institutions of our nation, The Hay-Adams is enveloped by views of the White House, St. John’s Church, and the scenic Lafayette Park. The 5-star accommodations are the embodiment of refined service and hospitality.
The Inn at Little Washington is a luxury country inn and restaurant located in Washington, Virginia. A member of Relais & Châteaux, the hotel’s owner and chef, Patrick O’Connell, has received numerous rewards over its 42 year history including the coveted James Beard Awards and 3 Michelin Stars.
Favorite restaurant: Zahav is an Israeli restaurant that brings the flavors of Israel's cultural crossroads to Philadelphia. Chef/owner Michael Solomonov, a James Beard Award winner, brings Israeli hospitality to new heights along with his delectable authentic cuisine.
Authentic, regional Italian cooking and seasonal availability of ingredients is the inspiration for Chef Amy Brandwein’s menu at Centrolina between the White House and US Capitol.
Favorite foods & beverages: Jim's Philadelphia cheese steaks on South Street; stacked soft pretzels with mustard; Maryland crab cakes; scrapple and funnel cakes; Jamestown oysters; Chesapeake Bay Bluecrabs; George Washington's Rye Whiskey; Berger Cookies; Natty Boh (beer); Utz Chips; Butterscotch Krimpets
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