STAYCATIONS
Off the Vine: Day Trips to Maryland Wineries
Maryland wineries have exploded to 40 and counting, with five designated wine trails to explore all varieties of vino. The wine trails are divided by region: Carroll, Chesapeake, Frederick, Patuxent and Piedmont. A recent write-up in the NY Times has brought much-needed attention to the region’s quality of wines harvested, comparable to some of the world’s best vineyards.
These local wineries are the perfect setting for a romantic day trip for two, lovely family picnic lunch or a caravan full of friends ready to indulge their palates. Many of the Maryland wineries are offering fun summer events and festivals to enjoy while visiting. With so many impressive local vineyards to choose from, it’s simple to find one that rivals the famed Bordeaux region-if not on a slightly smaller scale.
Wined and Dined by Gaylord National Resort, Cooking Light and Hendry Estates!
Who needs to travel for a vacation with a wonderland like the Gaylord National Resort on our doorstep? This past weekend I had the pleasure of a mini staycation allowing maximum time to indulge in the Wine Dinner at Old Hickory Steakhouse featuring Cooking Light and Hendry Estate Wines and the National Harbor 2011 Wine & Food Festival. A mere ten minutes from Old Town Alexandria and twenty minutes from Georgetown, the National Harbor has grown rapidly since the Gaylord laid their roots three years ago. With over six hotels and twenty dining locations it’s no wonder dozens of retails stores have planted seed too.
