DC’s Best Excursions

Most Impressive Home [1]: Built by brothers Augustine and Lawrence Washington and developed into an estate worthy of a president by their half-brother George Washington, Mount Vernon [1] is the finest and most famous colonial farm still in existence, on 500 well-tended acres overlooking the Potomac River.

Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Site [1]: The home of the forgotten Founding Father George Mason is one of the area’s most unsung colonial structures. Gunston Hall [1] has many of the trimmings of Mount Vernon — waterfront, gorgeous grounds and trails, beautifully restored interiors and a gift shop — without the crowds.

Best Way to Enjoy the Sunset [2]: Climb aboard a 74-foot schooner and enjoy a sailboat tour [2] at dusk on Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis. Sister ships Woodwind and Woodwind II set sail for two-hour excursions.

Most Impressive Church [2]: A 200-foot dome, seating for 2,500, impressive stained glass windows, and a crypt guarded by U.S. Marines make the chapel at the U.S. Naval Academy [2] a must-see.

Nearest Civil War Battlefield [3]: Skirmishes and battles took place across the region between 1861 and 1865, but on July 21, 1861, the first major land battle of the Civil War occurred just a morning’s ride from Washington at Manassas National Battlefield [3], otherwise known as the Battle of Bull Run.

Best Grown-Up Outing [4]: Hire a car, rent a limo, or find a designated driver, and head to Virginia’s vineyards [4]: Loudoun County has 28 wineries and tasting rooms.