Small Town Spring Break: Return to Road Trips This Spring

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Return to road trips this spring and explore the beauty and adventure that the Mid-Atlantic region has to offer

We have a sneaking suspicion you haven’t traveled much in the past year or two. However, with increasing vaccination rates—including vaccines for your kids—it might be time to dig out your suitcase, venture out of your neck of the woods and take that trip you’ve been longing for. You don’t have to go far, however, to enjoy yourself. The states surrounding Maryland (and Maryland itself!) are teeming with small towns that are full of outdoor adventures. Gas up, friends—it’s time to return to the open road. 

Berkeley Springs, West Virginia

If you’re the type to indulge in a spa day, experience the original in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia. Located in the tippy-top part of the state that juts into Maryland, Berkeley Springs is about a two-hour drive from Annapolis. Considered America’s first spa, the town’s main attraction—as the name implies—is Berkeley Springs State Park (wvstateparks.com/park/berkeley-springs-state-park), situated in the center of the historic town, where warm mineral waters flow at a constant 74.3F. George Washington himself was a fan of the Springs, and you can follow in his footsteps at the Berkeley Springs State Park Bathhouse Spa, where you can luxuriate in the Old Roman Bathhouse or relax with a massage. In mid-March, the town hosts the annual George Washington’s Bathtub Celebration, which honors Washington’s first visit in 1748. Yes, his stone bathtub is still prominently on display. 

Where to Stay Just down Route 522 is Cacapon Resort State Park (wvstateparks.com/park/cacapon-resort-state-park), where you can stay in the recently renovated lodge. The 78-room property, which also offers rustic cabins and campsites, reopened in May 2020 after a $25 million makeover, complete with its own spa and a golf course. As a bonus, it’s surrounded by the picturesque beauty of the 6,000-square-foot state park that offers plenty of hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities. If you’d rather stay in town, check out The Country Inn of Berkeley Springs (thecountryinnwv.com), a historic property that opened in 1933. 

Where to Eat Enjoy the history of Berkeley Springs with a meal at Lot 12 Public House (lot12.com), a property built on the town’s original Lot #12, originally purchased in 1777. Headed by Chef Damian Heath and his wife, Betsy, Lot 12 focuses on fresh, seasonal cuisine, featuring as much locally-procured food as possible. If you want to check out the local brewery scene, you have two to choose from: Cacapon Mountain Brewing Co. (cacponbrewing.com), located right in town, or Berkeley Springs Brewing Co. (berkeleyspringsbrewingcompany.com), about five miles south toward the state park. 

Lewes, Delaware

When it comes to places that contend to be the “first,” the lower Delaware town of Lewes has a legitimate claim. Most people know that Delaware is considered “the first state” because on December 7, 1787, it was the first to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Well, Lewes is proud to claim that it’s the first town in the first state because it was the site of the first European settlement in Delaware, founded by Dutch settlers in 1631. 

Most Marylanders probably think of Lewes as a beach town, suitable only for the summer months, but there’s an argument for visiting in the spring when the crowds are next to nothing. You’ll want to spend time at Cape Henlopen State Park (destateparks.com/beaches/capehenlopen), where you can: Explore the Fort Miles Museum, which boasts a wealth of history for WWII buffs, including an observation tower that showcases panoramic views of the entire park; Visit the Seaside Nature Center, which has a 495-gallon, two-level touch tank that kids will go crazy for; Borrow a bike (for free, thanks to the Friends of Cape Henlopen!) and ride the loop trail. 

Where to Stay Lower Delaware is known for Dogfish Head beer (dogfishhead.com)—the brewery is about 20 minutes west in Milton; the brewpub is just down the road in Rehoboth Beach. Did you know that there’s also a Dogfish Inn? This quirky, retro 16-room property offers an Off-Center Gear Shed, with a collection of gear (like beach cruiser bicycles, running headlamps, and hammocks) and outdoor games (such as spikeball or cornhole) for guests to borrow. 

Where to Eat Foodies should make reservations at Heirloom (heirloomdelaware.com), which was nominated in 2019 and 2020 for a James Beard Mid-Atlantic Award and offers a farm- and garden-to-table approach to its menu. For mornings, try Nectar Cafe & Juice Bar (cafenectar.com), with its fresh-pressed juices and all-day breakfast menu. Looking for something to sip on? Delaware’s first winery, Nassau Valley Vineyards (nassauvalley.com) has free self-guided tours and $10-per-person tastings. 

Crisfield, Maryland

Located on the lower Eastern Shore, Crisfield might be in the same state as Annapolis, Baltimore, and other larger Maryland cities, but it offers a completely different way of life. The Somerset County town was built around the waters of Tangier Sound and the crabs, oysters, and other seafood that went with it. 

Crisfield is also the starting point for visiting Tangier and Smith Islands, both small fishing villages that bring you back in time (especially Tangier, where residents still speak with remnants of an Elizabethan accent). To get to these islands, you must take ferries, though the number of boats running depends on the season. They typically run once a day, departing from Crisfield’s City Dock at 12:30 p.m. 

Quite a bit closer to town, you’ll find Janes Island State Park (tinyurl.com/janesislandstatepark). Although it’s also an island, there’s no need for a ferry to get here. The park has more than 100 campsites (as well as backcountry campsites that require a permit), plus more than 30 miles of water trails and opportunities for fishing and crabbing. You can try handline crabbing on the bulkhead along Daugherty Creek canal without a license, but you have to obtain a free Maryland Saltwater Angler registration.

Where to Stay There isn’t a plethora of traditional hotels in Crisfield, but if state park camping doesn’t appeal to you, consider a B&B such as Lady Grace Bed and Breakfast (myfairladybandb.com) or, about eight miles up the road in Marion Station, the waterfront Kingsbay Mansion (kingsbaymansion.com).

Where to Eat It might not be crab season yet, but you’re going to want to get some seafood while in Crisfield. Right outside of town, Linton’s Seafood (lintonseafood.com) has sit-down service at its crab house, but also offers carry-out, while Fisherman’s Grille (facebook.com/fishermansgrille) serves up food right on the water. Of course, don’t forget about a slice of layered Smith Island Cake! Smith Island Baking Company (smithislandcake.com) was born on the Island itself, but moved to Crisfield a few years ago. 

Sandbridge Beach, Virginia

You’re probably familiar with Virginia Beach, but one of its southern neighborhoods, Sandbridge Beach, might be the place to go if you’re looking for something a bit quieter than a busy boardwalk. The community is adjacent to a national wildlife refuge and an isolated state park, meaning that immersing yourself in nature is one of the main draws here. 

First, make a stop at Surf & Adventure (surfandadventure.com) to pick up a couple of rentals, whether bikes, kayaks, or paddle boards. Next, head down into Back Bay Wildlife Refuge (fws.gov/refuge/back_bay) to use that gear (or your hiking shoes) to catch a glimpse of one of the approximately 300 species that call this refuge home. If you want to get deeper into nature, hike, bike, or paddle down to False Cape State Park (dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/false-cape), but forget the car—they aren’t allowed. However, check with staff before you go because the trails aren’t open year-round. 

If you’d rather someone else handle all the logistics, look into a prearranged tour. Surf & Adventure offers two-hour kayak and paddle board tours of Back Bay, as well as False Cape Bike Tours. If you’d rather be on the water, Rudee Tours (rudeetours.com) offers dolphin-watching boat tours and fishing trips.

Where to Stay Like many other East Coast beach towns, home rentals are the most popular form of accommodations. However, those who are feeling awfully adventurous can apply for a reservation for primitive camping (read: no cabins, no facilities) at False Cape State Park, which are available year-round. There are no traditional hotels in Sandbridge Beach, though there are two RV parks: Indian Cove Resort (indian-cove.com) and Surfside at Sandbridge (surfsidesandbridge.com).

Where to Eat Sandbridge Island Restaurant (sandbridgeislandrestaurant.com) is a neighborhood staple, serving casual dinners on most weekdays, plus lunch on the weekend. Down near the wildlife refuge, Baja Restaurant (bajasandbridge.com) offers surf and turf, while you can pick up coffee and breakfast at its coffee shop, Baja Coffee Company. (It’s open seasonally, so you’ll want to verify its status before visiting.) If you’re interested in trying out local beers, take a short drive up to Tapped Crafthouse (tappedcrafthouse.com), which has a variety of Virginia brews on draft, as well as a full menu.