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Overnight getaways don’t have to be far away

Annapolis, Middleburg, Lost River offer easy escapes

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Escape the chaos of the city without the luggage rules, TSA hassles or outrageous airfares. In the time it takes to get to the airport, you can get away to one of several charming locations in the D.C. metro area.

While the city is most popular for a day trip, options abound for overnight accommodations in Annapolis, Md.

ā€œTo do Annapolis justice, you really want to stay overnight,ā€ said Graham Gardner, innkeeper of the Two-O-One Bed & Breakfast.

In a town where on-street parking can be a nightmare, the biggest benefits of staying overnight are off-street parking and close proximity to all the attractions.

ā€œEven the farthest restaurant is only a 15-minute walk,ā€ Gardner said.

The Two-O-One’s expansive backyard has a greenhouse, a koi pond and seating for guests to enjoy a relaxing afternoon with Camilla, the spunky resident dog. An hour before breakfast, help yourself to coffee in the butler’s pantry. Gardner finds that guests enjoy the opportunity to meet and mingle over a cup of joe. The elegantly appointed rooms range from $180 to $250 per night.

Just around the corner from the Two-O-One is the 1908 William Page Inn, run by partners Robert Zuchelli and Jon O’Connor, where rooms are available for $165 to $225 per night.

Zuchelli, an Annapolis native and the longest full-time innkeeper in the city, is not an official concierge, but offers, in his words, ā€œconcierge-style servicesā€ including restaurant reservations, boat bookings and tour recommendations.

While Zuchelli is busy preparing breakfast and booking plans, you can rely on O’Connor to provide insight on local activities.

ā€œHe will sit outside and drink wine with you and tell you everything you need to know,ā€ said Zuchelli.

If you prefer the countryside, drive just an hour from Washington to experience the scenic beauty of Middleburg, Va. On your way, stop off for some antique shopping in the little village of Aldie or wine-tasting at any of the many local vineyards.

Downtown Middleburg features stores of all sorts, several taverns and an old-fashioned ice cream shop. ā€œThere is something for everybody here,ā€ said local resident Candi Kobetz.

History buffs will be drawn to the Red Fox Inn, an establishment rich with tradition in the heart of downtown. Started as a tavern in 1748, the Inn is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Famous guests, including George Washington, Elizabeth Taylor and the Kennedy family have visited the Inn over its remarkable history.

The dark wood and low ceiling beams of the Inn’s dining room add to the charm of this truly historic tavern. The Inn’s 14 guest rooms are available 365 days a year and room rates vary from $170 to $245 per night.

Venturing away from downtown Middleburg feels like a tale from a children’s book. Cross the babbling brook and pass the cobblestone walls as you drive into the woods. Continue along the gravel road and emerge to the manicured grounds of the Goodstone Inn and Estate.

If you are looking for luxury and serenity, the 265-acre estate features six different properties including country cottages and a carriage house that originally housed the pride of this region: horses. The Goodstone’s definitively British vibe is punctuated by a daily afternoon tea. Want something less formal? Relax by the ivy-cloaked pool that overlooks expansive fields dotted with wildflowers and bales of hay. Summer rates at the Goodstone range from $250 to $620 per night.

If you don’t mind a slightly longer drive, venture two hours west to the Guest House at Lost River in West Virginia. Set just outside the George Washington National Forest, the Guest House provides a tranquil retreat for $145 to $225 per night.

Andrew Huddleston and his husband, Chris Baker, have visited the Guest House every year for the last 10 years. Huddleston describes the property as ā€œa nice hybrid between a bed & breakfast and a hotel.ā€

The Guest House offers a spacious property where ā€œyou don’t have to compete to find a quiet place,ā€ said Huddleston.

Outdoor enthusiasts can go hiking, canoeing, cave exploring or horseback riding. Follow your day of adventure with a massage from the on-site masseuse.

Huddleston and Baker return to the rustic and cozy location because it provides a convenient opportunity to get away from the hustle of daily life. ā€œWe’re definitely urban people but it’s nice to get away from that sometimes,ā€ Huddleston said.

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Bars & Parties

MIXTAPE returns Jan. 4

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Shea van Horn and Matt Bailer are back with Mixtape. (Photo by David Claypool/Kalorama Photography)

ā€œMIXTAPE with DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Hornā€ will be on Saturday, Jan. 4 at 10 p.m. at the Atlantis. 

This event is D.C.’s legendary LGBTQ dance party. Founded in 2008 by DJs Matt Bailer and Shea Van Horn, MIXTAPE quickly became a staple of the city’s queer nightlife, bringing together a vibrant crowd of music lovers, dancers, and everyone in between. Known for its eclectic blend of indie, house, nudisco, and throwbacks, MIXTAPE creates a unique, inclusive experience that brings people back to the dance floor time and again.

Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the Atlantis website.

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Bars & Parties

Ring in the New Year with Capital Pride

Rainbow Masquerade features drag shows, aerial silk performances

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There are plenty of queer parties planned for New Year’s Eve around D.C., including one hosted by Capital Pride. (Photo by grapix/Bigstock)

Capital Pride will host ā€œRainbow Masquerade NYE Partyā€ on Tuesday, Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. at 3400 Georgia Ave. NW.

There will be an all-night open bar, midnight Champagne, drag shows and aerial silk performances. There will also be dessert and midnight snack tables and themed photo ops. 

To get tickets and a discount (Code: CAPPRIDE for $25 off), visit Capital Pride’s website.

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Bars & Parties

Ring in 2025 with a World Pride party

Rainbow Masquerade to be held at Hook Hall

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(Photo by Masson/Bigstock)

Capital Pride/World Pride will host Rainbow Masquerade at Hook Hall,  a New Year’s Eve party featuring drag shows, silk aerial acts, private lounges and the venue’s Hot Tub Cabana. According to Brandon Bayton, Capital Pride executive producer, “Step into the Fabric of Freedom and toast World Pride 2025 in style—where every moment sparkles, every performance dazzles and every toast makes a difference. It’s going to be an amazing night!”

The party is Tuesday, Dec. 31, 10 p.m.-2 a.m. at Hook Hall, 3400 Georgia Ave., N.W. Proceeds benefit Capital Pride D.C. and tickets are available on Eventbrite.

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