Coronavirus and Travel : Time for Short Trips

The hits just keep on coming as the coronavirus cases mount. Airline tickets, hotels, and vacations have been canceled in the wake of this scary virus. Yet those of us who love to travel will still get the itch to go somewhere to unwind, recharge, and connect to loved ones and nature. Traveling closer to home, staying clear of crowded events, and being outdoors, might just be what the doctor ordered until the coronavirus goes away. I, too, will want to take shorter and fewer trips until it seems safer to travel. With so many places within four hours of Baltimore by car; choosing a perfect spot won’t be hard. I’m happy to share the places I’ve already visited, written about, and dined at with you. The locales I’ll share offer plenty to do outdoors where the risk of contracting coronavirus seems less likely. Disclaimer: I’m not a doctor or scientist! Americans will find this article most useful, while others may find good information for future travel as well. I’ll highlight the Mid-Atlantic area where I live, where there are loads of places to go for an overnight trip, long weekend, or a week getaway. Frederick, Maryland This historic town at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains has a vibrant and historic downtown. Stop in at the visitor’s center to chart your course for fun. On decent weather days, of which there are many, take a walk down Market Street and Patrick Street checking out the shops and historical markers.

Volt Restaurant in downtown Frederick

Civil War troops marched through Frederick on their way to the battle of Gettysburg. Many of the wounded Unions soldiers were treated for battle wounds in Frederick. See the story of a1860s medicine and a battlefield hospital at the National of Civil War Medicine on Patrick Street. I wonder how the doctors of the 1860s would have dealt with the coronavirus?

My dog Sophie in Baker Park Frederick

To get a bit of exercise, be sure and walk Baker Park, one of the best urban parks in Maryland, where you’ll see kids playing, dog walkers, and historic homes. The Carroll Creek Linear Park is an excellent place to start your Baker Park walk. I suggest starting at McClintock Distilling for a taste of their superb Forager gin, whiskey, vodka, and whatever else the guys have whipped up. If you’d prefer to drive around the area to see the sights instead of walking, check out the Skyline Drive up in the Blue Ridge Mountains.

McClintock Distillery Frederick

Restaurants of note are Sumittra Thai—my favorite Thai restaurant in the Mid-Atlantic, Isabella’s for tapas, Sabor de Cuba, Volt for fine dining, Firestone’s Culinary Tavern, WhiteRabbit Gastro Pub, or find your own perfect place to eat. Frederick is very dog-friendly and you’ll find several restaurants that allow dogs on their patios and decks. Kennett Square, Pennsylvania Known as the unofficial Mushroom Capitol of the World, Kennett Square is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. Longwood Gardens is the former estate of Pierre S. DuPont and the main draw for visitors coming to Kennett Square. Admission costs around$25 per person and is well worth it. Longwood has miles of trails in the forest, meadow, and gardens.

Stylish treehouse at Longwood Gardens

Three treehouses delight kids and adults alike, and the conservatory abounds with exotic and common plant life. In April, the Flower Walk Garden explodes in a blaze of colorful tulips and other bulbs welcoming spring.

Longwood Gardens tulip test plot in peak bloom

Other DuPont estates in the area worth visiting are Nemours and Winterthur. On the outskirts of Kennett Square in Chadds Ford, find the Brandywine River Museum of Art, which not only has an excellent collection of American art, it also has a wonderful restaurant overlooking the Brandywine River.

Portabello’s mushroom wrap

Downtown Kennett Square is well-preserved and has several excellent restaurants. Try Talula’s Table, Portabello’s, Two Stones Pub, or Philter for local mushroom specialties. On Fridays, the farmer’s market is one of the best in the Mid-Atlantic with Amish produce, Big Hill Cider, flowers galore, and crafts. Kennett Square has two vintage B&Bs to consider (Bancroft Manor or Kennett House), or if you want a hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn is above average for a chain hotel.

Cape Charles, Virginia

You’ll have to look far and wide to find a better-preserved town from the 1880s. What was once a place dependent on fisheries, railroads, and agriculture is fast becoming a tourist mecca. It would be best if you planned on staying at least two days to take in all the town and area have to offer. As you enter the Cape Charles, stop by the visitor’s center to get briefed on the area. A walking tour guide book will highlight some of the 526 historic homes and buildings in town.

Cape Charles public beach

Cape Charles has a white sand beach on the Chesapeake Bay; that’s reason enough to visit. Another outdoor option just 10 minutes south of town is Kiptopeke Park for fishing, boating, a gorgeous beach, and camping.

Sunrise at Kiptopeke State Park, VA

For eating and drinking, try The Shanty, Seafood Eatery at the Oyster Farm, the Bakery on Mason, Coastal Baking Company, Hook @ Harvy’s, Ambrogia, or DeadRise Pies for pizza. Cape Charles Brewing Company has you covered for craft beer and good brewpub food. Buskey Cider on the Bay has craft cider and an outdoor patio on Mason Street.

Cape Charles Brewing Co. owners

Don’t miss Brown Dog Ice Cream, listed as one of the top ten ice cream parlors in the US by Tripadvisor. Bring Fido along and buy a cup of doggie ice cream to enjoy out front overlooking Mason Street and the harbor.

Dog water at Brown Dog Ice Cream

Lewes, Delaware

Another historic place makes the list due to its historical nature and excellent beaches. Getting here is more fun if you arrive on the Cape May Lewes Ferry. As the ferry pulls into port, you’ll get a view of the town’s beach. Cape Henlopen State Park is just five minutes drive from town and has miles of trails, camping, a beach, and a nature center worth seeing. Fort Miles Museum at Cape Henlopen tells tales of WW2 history in the area. Take the one hour tour and learn what the fort’s purpose was since its inception. Lewes is a fun town to explore. Zwaanendael Museum is small but worth a 10-20 minute visit. I found the map listing hundreds of known shipwrecks fascinating and enjoyed the other nautical displays. A walk around the downtown area will reveal the War of 1812 history, a vintage lightship, the oldest house in Delaware, and several cool shops.

Zwaanendael museum front door

For dining options, don’t’ miss Heirloom in an old Victorian home serving fantastic food and wine. If you’re looking for breakfast and lunch, don’t’ be fooled by the name Nectar as this is way more than a juice bar. Nectar is super popular for their excellent grub, juices, mimosa, and just about everything else they serve.

Hotel Rodney in Lewes

Stay at the Hotel Rodney, constructed in 1926, to be in the center of all Lewes has to offer. The rooms are in tip-top shape and modern, some with a good view of the town. Dogfish Inn is owned by the brewery of the same name and is one of the few dog-friendly lodging choices in Lewes. Easton, Maryland Being off of the water’s edge doesn’t detract visitors from choosing Easton. The town has a central Chesapeake Bay location and a lively downtown. Not far from Easton, find the Pickering Audubon Center for hiking, birding, or just the joy of being outdoors. In the downtown area, explore the city center and enjoy a variety of shops and restaurants.

Frederick Douglass in Easton

When it’s time to eat, Easton is one of the best places on my list for restaurants. Sunflowers and Greens is a local’s favorite at lunchtime for delicious and healthy salads. They also serve soup, excellent bread, and a Blue Mat noodle bowl. Check out the short but excellent wine list. Other restaurants of note are Scossa Italian Restaurant, Out of the Fire, Hunters Tavern, and Bas Rouge. Piazza Italian Market is a good place for lunch or specialty Italian food products and wine.

Sunflowers and Greens downtown Easton

For lodging, try the Hummingbird Inn—a dog-friendly Victorian B&B, Tidewater House—a vintage mansion, or the Tidewater Inn. All three of these lodgings put you in easy walking distance of Easton’s hot spots. Be sure and check the schedule of performances at the historic Avalon Theater before you plan your trip. Several famous, or just darn good performers, come to Easton all year long. Not far from Easton are the small towns of Oxford, St Michaels, and Tilghman Island. All three are fun to explore by car, on foot, or bicycle. When the coronavirus clears Who knows when the coronavirus scare will end? I heard that viruses tend to decline in summer and I hope that holds true. Life will probably get back to normal soon. Until then, keep yourself and your loved ones as safe as possible, but consider taking a short trip for some recreation to ward off cabin fever. I’m still planning on taking two trips on my schedule–Denver then to Arizona. My wife and I will wear a mask on the plane, wash our hands often, and cover any coughs or sneezes. Unless some huge increase in coronavirus cases arises at our destinations, we’ll still go. Have you made or canceled travel plans? Please share your thoughts in the comments space.

Coronavirus and Travel : Time for Short Trips

Cape Charles, Virginia

Lewes, Delaware

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Cape Charles, Virginia

Lewes, Delaware

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