Autumn bears changing leaves, cooler temps, and fewer crowds. It’s a majestic time to travel. Whether you’re looking to drive a few hours or hop on a short non-stop flight, below are our top ten recommendations for weekend getaways from DC.

1. Charleston, SC

Distance from DC: 1 hour, 45 minute non-stop flight to Charleston. Where to Stay: The Dewberry, The Spectator Hotel, Wentworth Mansion, Zero George. Where to Dine: 167 Raw, Chubby Fish, FIG, Husk, Leon’s, Maison, The Darling Oyster Bar, The Restaurant + Bar at Zero George, Wild Common. What’s the Vibe: Old-world charm abounds in this small city offering something for everyone. Antebellum architecture, eclectic art galleries, sprawling gardens, boutiques along King Street, and a thriving food scene. Plus moderate temps in the 70s with abundant sunshine. Don’t Miss: The Charleston Farmers Market, Saturdays from 8am-2pm.

2. CHARLOTTESVILLE, va

Distance from DC: 2 hours, 15 minutes by car. Where to Stay: Keswick Hall, Oakhurst Inn, The Clifton, The Draftsman. Where to Dine: 1799 Restaurant, Lampo, Marigold, Tavola, The Local, The Restaurant at Veritas, The Ridley. What’s the Vibe: Love to fill your days with a mix of small city exploring, hiking, and wine tasting? Charlottesville is a food-centric city with wine country and mountains in the background, and fall is the ideal time to visit. Accommodations range from intimate farmhouse style inns to boutique hotels and luxury resorts featuring restaurants by Jean-Georges. Don’t Miss: Bodo’s Bagels, a Charlottesville institution.

3. Eastern Shore, MD

*Image courtesy of the Inn at Perry Cabin.*

Distance from DC: 1 hour, 30 minutes by car. Where to Stay: The Inn at Perry Cabin, The Wildset Hotel. Where to Dine: 2 Ava’s, Bistro St. Michael’s, Plates at 208, Ruse, Scossa, STARS, Sunflowers & Greens. What’s the Vibe: White Adirondack chairs dot the expansive lawn of Inn at Perry Cabin, a classic all-white inn set along the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Spend your days paddle boarding or kayaking, sailing along the Miles River, pedaling around town or lounging by the heated pool. Evenings are best enjoyed with a sunset cocktail on the lawn followed by dinner in town. Don’t Miss: Evening s’mores by the firepit.

4. MEADOWS OF DAN, VA

Distance from DC: 5 hours by car. Where to Stay: Primland. Where to Dine: On property; reservations are suggested. What’s the Vibe: An upscale retreat set on 12,000 acres of land along the Dan River Gorge in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Enjoy the abundance of nature as you explore the wilderness on foot, mountain bike, or horseback… or simply relax by the spa. Primland’s two dining venues feature seasonal cuisine. Don’t Miss: Stargazing at The Observatory.

5. Middleburg, VA

Distance from DC: 1 hour by car. Where to Stay: Goodstone Inn, The Salamander. Where to Dine: Harrimans, King Street Oyster Bar, The Conservatory at Goodstone, The Red Fox Tavern, Tremolo Bar. What’s the Vibe: The rollings hills at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains are home to quintessential small-town America. Browse art galleries and boutiques, explore local wineries, or hit the road on two wheels. Enjoy farm-to-table fare in the evenings on property or out at a local restaurant. Don’t Miss: Oktoberfest Beer Dinner with Lost Barrel Brewing on September 22.

6. NANTUCKET, MA

Distance from DC: 1 hour, 30 minute non-stop flight to Nantucket. Where to Stay: Greydon House, The Life House Hotel, The Nantucket Hotel, The Wauwinet. Where to Dine: Read our recommendations here. What’s the Vibe: The shoulder season is one of the best times to visit this quaint island off the coast of Massachusetts. Stroll the cobblestone streets of town, take a picnic to the beach or bike out to Sconset to enjoy the famed Bluff Walk free of other tourists. In the evenings, you can easily snag a reservation at one of the island’s best restaurants. Don’t Miss: Food trucks and live music at Cisco Brewers.

7. New York, NY

Distance from DC: 4 hour, 15 minute drive; 3 hour Amtrak ride; or 1 hour, 20 minute non-stop flight to LaGuardia or JFK. Where to Stay Uptown: Aman, Baccarat Hotel, The Lowell, The Mark, The Whitby. Where to Stay Downtown: Crosby Street Hotel, Equinox Hotel, The Beekman, The Greenwich Hotel, The Standard, High Line. Where to Dine: Dame, Estela, Felice, Frenchette, Gramercy Tavern, I Sodi, Joseph Leonard, Jua, Le Bernardin, Pastis, Sushi Noz, Via Carota. What’s the Vibe: There’s no place in the world like NYC. While there are top-notch spas and relaxation to be had, come to New York to stimulate the senses. Roam through Central Park, browse the boutiques in SoHo and the department stores on Fifth Avenue, check out the latest exhibition at The Met, invigorate your palette at a multi-Michelin starred restaurant and take in a Broadway musical or a performance at the Metropolitan Opera. Don’t Miss: A walk on the High Line and lunch at Chelsea Market.

8. SMOKY MOUNTAINS, TN

Distance from DC: 1 hour, 40 minute non-stop flight to Knoxville plus a 30 minute drive. Where to Stay: Blackberry Farm, Blackberry Mountain. Where to Dine: On property; reservations are essential. What’s the Vibe: In the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains lie Blackberry Farm and Blackberry Mountain, two luxury havens for those seeking a peaceful respite from their daily lives. Spend your days engaged in outdoor activities and sports on the farm or in the mountains, relaxing at the spa or simply reading a book on your porch. The on-property restaurants specialize in local inspired fare at varying levels of formality. Don’t Miss: A visit with the Farm’s Lagotto Romagnolo puppies (a.k.a. truffle dogs).

9. WASHINGTON, VA

*Image courtesy of the Inn at Little Washington.*

Distance from DC: 1 hour, 20 minute drive. Where to Stay: Blue Rock, The Inn at Little Washington, White Moose Inn. Where to Dine: Patty O’s Cafe & Bakery, Rappahannock Pizza Kitchen, The Inn at Little Washington, The Restaurant at Blue Rock, The Tasting Room at Blue Rock, Three Blacksmiths. What’s the Vibe: A quick jaunt from DC lies a veritable foodie haven in Washington, Virginia. The famed Inn at Little Washington holds three Michelin stars and maintains its status as the longest tenured Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond restaurant in the world. Twenty minutes down the road, Executive Chef Bin Lu (formerly of D.C.’s Pineapple and Pearls) runs the Restaurant at Blue Rock, a contemporary country inn. Days are best spent hiking in the Shenandoah Valley or wine tasting at the nearby vineyards. Don’t Miss: Booking your dinner at the Inn at Little Washington six months in advance via Tock and your reservation at Three Blacksmiths 203 days in advance via their site.

10. WOODSTOCK, VT

Distance from DC: 1 hour, 40 minute non-stop flight to Burlington plus a 1 hour, 30 minute drive. Where to Stay: Twin Farms. Where to Dine: On property; reservations not required. What’s the Vibe: Dubbed the “Hotel of the Year” in 2020 by Forbes Magazine, Twin Farms is an unparalleled adults-only luxury country inn set on a 300 acre estate on the outskirts of Woodstock, Vermont. Hike or bike amidst the golden foliage, enjoy a picnic by the pond, peruse local antique shops or work your way through a Stave jigsaw puzzle in front of the fire. Creative, farm-to-table cuisine is served in the property’s restaurant, expertly run by Executive Chef Nathan Rich. Don’t Miss: A chat with Activities Coordinator Brenda (who knows anything and everything about the property) and an expertly executed picnic lunch.

10 Best Fall Weekend Getaways from DC.