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Tip: The tasting menu runs $358 and books out months ahead; the Inn also has 24 rooms if you want to overnight.

More food day trips in Washington DC

Charlottesville (Virginia wine country) ★ 4.5

Charlottesville on a day trip from Washington DC is the Virginia university town in the Monticello American Viticultural Area, with 30 wineries within 30.

Tip: Barboursville Vineyards runs the canonical Virginia tasting from 11:00; their Octagon Bordeaux blend is the cellar pick.

Loudoun County (Virginia DC Wine Country) ★ 4.3

Loudoun County on a day trip from Washington DC is the Northern Virginia wine region 45 minutes west of the city, with 40 wineries marketed as DC's Wine.

Tip: Bluemont Vineyard's terrace looks back at the Washington Monument 40 miles east; book the picnic tasting for the value pick.

Old Town Alexandria ★ 4.3

Old Town Alexandria on a day trip from Washington DC is the cobblestone Federal-era riverfront 20 minutes south on Metro, where Hank's Oyster Bar.

Tip: Walk King Street from the Metro to the waterfront; Gadsby's Tavern since 1785 (a Washington-Jefferson favourite) runs a colonial-era set menu.

Shenandoah Valley (orchards and cider) ★ 4.2

The Shenandoah Valley on a day trip from Washington DC is the Virginia orchard region 1.5 hours west, with Bold Rock Cider, hard cider tastings.

Tip: Bold Rock Hard Cider in Nellysford runs free tastings; autumn is the season for orchards, with peak in October.

Eden Center (Falls Church Vietnamese) ★ 4.5

Eden Center on a day trip from Washington DC is the Falls Church Vietnamese-American complex since 1984, the third-largest Vietnamese-diaspora retail hub.

Tip: Pho So 1 and Banh Mi DC Sandwich both run inside Eden Center; lunch on Wednesdays is the quietest visit.

Annapolis (Maryland blue crab) ★ 4.5

Annapolis on a day trip from Washington DC is the Maryland capital on the Chesapeake Bay, a 45-minute drive east where Cantler's Riverside Inn and Boatyard.

Tip: Order steamed blue crabs by the half-bushel (a dozen) at Cantler's; ask for medium, which is the value size. Drive home before 17:00 to avoid traffic.

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