TRAVELRAGS

Washington

14 stories · 8 publicationsRSS
Digest

See. C&O Canal↗ Bicycle or hike the 184.5-mile towpath trail along the Potomac River. Catacombs of Washington, D.C.↗ Explore the underground crypts created by Franciscan monks to channel the Holy Land. Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens Discover this park along the Anacostia River with trails and unique gardens. National Museum of African American History and Culture Admire the revolutionary design with laser-cut aluminum lattices.

Eat. Zorba's Cafe Enjoy Greek food at this long-standing restaurant off Dupont Circle.

Stay. Willard InterContinental Stay in this historic 200-year-old landmark hotel. Hay-Adams Book a stay at this grand hotel with a rich history. The Jefferson Experience a stay at this historic hotel. Watergate Stay at the infamous Watergate hotel.

National GeographicAug 14, 2026

This National Park Will Let You Spend the Night in a 200-Year-Old Lockhouse

Hugging the Potomac from D.C. to the Appalachian foothills, the C&O Canal is best experienced by bicycle and capped off with a night in a historic lockhouse.

21 things in this story
  • C&O CanalTrail184.5-mile towpath trail from D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland
  • Potomac RiverSightwater-powered commerce channel dreamed of in the 1770s
  • Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical ParkPark150-mile towpath trail from Georgetown to the Ohio River
  • Great Allegheny PassageTrailbike trail that picks up where the C&O towpath ends
  • Canal Quarters ProgramPlacehistoric lockhouses available for overnight stays
  • Lockhouse 22Hotelnicknamed 'Pennyfield', evokes the canal's earliest days
  • Swains LockHotelLockhouse 21, reflects a modern take on the 1920s
  • Lockhouse 6Hotelaka 'Brookmont', styled like the 1950s
  • Lockhouse 49Hotelhas 'half amenities' like an outdoor water pump
  • Elsewhere
  • Wheelzup AdventuresPlaceCumberland, United Statesbike outfitter located along the towpath in Cumberland
  • Locals Farm MarketRestaurantPoolesville, United Statesoffers a mouthwatering lunch in Poolesville
  • Brunswick Heritage MuseumMuseumBrunswick, United Statesfeatures an impressive model railroad floor
  • Railroad View ParkParkBrunswick, United Statestwo-story observation deck where B&O workers once overlooked the train yard
  • Beans in the BelfryCaféBrunswick, United Statesoffers live music
  • O’Hurley’s General StoreMarketShepherdstown, United States100-year-old store with weekly old-time music circles
  • Alma BeaRestaurantShepherdstown, United StatesAppalachian bistro led by a James Beard-nominated chef
  • AntietamSightSharpsburg, United Statessite of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest battles
  • Cushwa BasinSightWilliamsport, United Statesspot canal infrastructure like a lockhouse and turning basin
  • Paw Paw TunnelSightPaw Paw, United Stateshalf-mile-long, nearly pitch-black tunnel to walk bicycles through
  • DelFestFestivalCumberland, United Stateslongstanding bluegrass festival in Cumberland
  • The Wills HotelHotelCumberland, United States20-room boutique stay on Baltimore Street
Read the full piece at National Geographic →

Lonely PlanetAug 13

9 of the best Christmas markets in the USA

Visit the best festive European-style markets without leaving the US.

23 things in this storyRead the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Atlas ObscuraAug 11

19 Creepy Catacombs Around the World You Can Visit

Catacombs—underground rooms and tunnels used as cemeteries—date back to first-century Rome, but the most famous (and infamous) were created across Europe in the 17th century. Overcrowding in Paris’s more traditional burial spaces, as well as sanitation issues, led authorities to turn the miles of tunnels connecting quarries under the city into crypts. It’s believed that more than six million pe…

21 things in this storyRead the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Lonely PlanetJul 31

3 Train Routes to See Virginia's Fall Foliage

These three train journeys capitalize on views of Virginia

25 things in this story
  • Union StationTrain stationAdmire the enormous Main Hall and its five curved bays.
  • Elsewhere
  • American Shakespeare CenterSightStaunton, United StatesCozy theater recreating London's famed Blackfriars Theatre.
  • Blue Ridge TunnelSightStaunton, United StatesSay yes to lights off for soul-rattling darkness inside.
  • Blue Ridge FlyerPlaceStaunton, United States3-hour round-trip from Staunton past small towns and pastures.
  • Virginia Scenic RailwayPlaceStaunton, United StatesBegan offering rides in 2022; runs murder mystery and wine excursions.
  • Little Rock TunnelSightStaunton, United StatesHistoric rock-cuts squeeze the tracks; circus train wrecked here.
  • Three Notch'd Mango WheatRestaurantStaunton, United StatesVirginia-made beer recommended on the train.
  • Hotel 24 SouthHotelStaunton, United StatesStately hotel for quick access to the train station.
  • Maude & the BearRestaurantStaunton, United StatesMulti-course dinner by James Beard nominee Ian Boden.
  • Blue Ridge ParkwaySightStaunton, United StatesDrive for high elevation views of fall colors.
  • Blue Ridge Tunnel TrailTrailStaunton, United StatesEerie walk inside the first of the area's two Blue Ridge Tunnels.
  • Norfolk & Western Class J 611PlaceGoshen, United StatesStreamlined, bullet-nosed powerhouse; sole survivor of its class.
  • George Washington & Jefferson National ForestsSightGoshen, United StatesRoute stretches through these forests to Staunton.
  • Virginia Museum of TransportationMuseumRoanoke, United StatesThe 611 spent recent decades here before returning to tracks.
  • Victoria StationSightGoshen, United StatesGoshen Volunteer Fire Department serves burgers and snacks here.
  • Washington & Lee UniversitySightLexington, United StatesWashington and Lee University is a small liberal arts university nestled in the mountains of Virginia’s Shenandoah…
  • Virginia Military InstituteSightLexington, United StatesIt was founded in 1839 as America's first state-sponsored and -supported military college and is the oldest public…
  • SeasonsBakeryLexington, United StatesBakery drawing crowds for bread and breakfast.
  • Hampton Inn Col AltoHotelLexington, United StatesHistoric lodging option in Lexington.
  • The GeorgesHotelLexington, United StatesPosh digs in Lexington.
  • AmtrakPlaceCharlottesville, United StatesLow-stress ride from DC to Charlottesville on Northeast Regional/Cardinal.
  • Journey through Hallowed Ground National Heritage AreaSightManassas, United StatesTrains travel through this area near Founding Fathers' homes.
  • GraduateHotelCharlottesville, United StatesHotel on Main St in Charlottesville, short walk from station.
  • PumpkinseedsPlaceLexington, United States
  • Sugar Maple TradingPlaceLexington, United States
Read the full piece at Lonely Planet →

Atlas ObscuraJul 24

These Five Fun Events Are Worth a Detour

If you’re looking to liven up your weekend plans, we’ve got you covered, with unique event listings around the world. Find more exciting events in Amsterdam , Berlin , Boston , Chicago , London , Los Angeles , New York City , Paris , Prague , Rome , San Francisco , Seattle , Tokyo , and Washington, D.C. Flevopark becomes an unlikely stage for the unconventional when No Art Festival takes over t…

5 festivals in this story
  • OtakonFestivalAsian pop culture, anime, and music celebration
  • Elsewhere
  • No Art FestivalFestivalAmsterdam, The Netherlandsunconventional performances and pioneering sounds
  • Chinatown Summer FairFestivalChicago, United Statesspirited street celebration with lion dances
  • Seafair WeekendFestivalSeattle, United Stateshydroplane races and aerial performances
  • Washu FestivalFestivalTokyo, Japancelebration of Japanese sake culture
Read the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

BBC TravelJun 26

The US that World Cup fans didn't expect to love

From roadside convenience stores to lonely landscapes, travellers are discovering little-known slices of Americana away from the host cities.

13 things in this story
  • US National Park systemSightSystem of parks with majestic landscapes.
  • Elsewhere
  • Route 66TrailChicago, United StatesRoad known for kitschy roadside stops.
  • Zion National ParkAttractionSpringdale, United StatesPark with golden orange arches.
  • Grand CanyonSightGrand Canyon Village, United StatesThe Grand Canyon is 277 miles (446 km) long, up to 18 miles (29 km) wide and attains a depth of over a mile.
  • WalmartPlaceBentonville, United StatesActivate and hold the button to confirm that you’re human.
  • Buc-ee'sRestaurantLake Jackson, United StatesConvenience store, restaurant, petrol station, supermarket.
  • Waffle HouseRestaurantNorcross, United StatesSouthern US institution for breakfast.
  • CostcoSightIssaquah, United StatesAs of 2021, Costco is the third-largest retailer in the world, and as of August 2024, the world's largest retailer of…
  • Louisiana's lowland swampsSightNew Orleans, United StatesDiverse landscapes to marvel at.
  • Beaver NuggetsPlaceLake Jackson, United StatesPetrol station food.
  • Dunkin' DonutsFast foodCanton, United StatesFind your nearest Dunkin' at 140 Albany Tpke in Canton and enjoy Dunkin's signature drinks, coffee, espresso, breakfast…
  • Jamba JuiceFast foodFrisco, United StatesVisit your local Macys San Francisco locations at 170 O…
  • Bass Pro ShopPlaceSpringfield, United States
Read the full piece at BBC Travel →

OutsideMay 13

How to Book a Great National Park Campsite Every Time

Even as a seasoned camper, I learned the hard way that a map does not tell the whole story. These simple steps will help you find a private camping spot and avoid the crowds on your next national park trip.

7 things in this story
  • Recreation.govPlaceReservation site for national park campgrounds
  • Elsewhere
  • Lemolo LakeSightUmpqua National Forest, United StatesCampsite location in morning mist
  • Elkmont CampgroundSightGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, United StatesLargest and busiest campground in the Smokies
  • Little RiverSightGreat Smoky Mountains National Park, United StatesRiver on the edge of Elkmont Campground
  • TripAdvisorPlaceNeedham, United StatesPlatform with national park campground reviews
  • CampendiumPlaceAustin, United StatesPlatform for rating campgrounds and sites
  • TheDyrtPlacePortland, United StatesThird party campground site with user reviews
Read the full piece at Outside →

Atlas ObscuraApr 22

The Fight to Save Kenilworth Park & Aquatic Gardens

Listen and subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , and all major podcast apps. Kelly McEvers: Gina Geffrard has a very specific memory about the first time she encountered the place we’re talking about today. Gina Geffrard: In 2019, I filmed an episode of House Hunters. And one of the houses on the show is across the street from the gardens. I remember talking to the producers of the show, aski…

15 things in this storyRead the full piece at Atlas Obscura →

Condé Nast TravelerDec 19, 2025

23 Best Hotels in Washington, DC, the Nation's Vibrant Capital

Where to stay in the home of presidents and presidential suites.

24 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerNov 10, 2025

Where to Go on Your Next Girls Trip

We asked well-traveled women to share their tried-and-true spots, and ended up with 14 picks from Puerto Rico to Puglia.

21 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

Condé Nast TravelerOct 5, 2025

The Connecticut Towns That Inspired 'Gilmore Girls,' 25 Years Later

Washington, CT may have inspired the fictional TV town, but fame hasn’t changed its identity.

22 things in this storyRead the full piece at Condé Nast Traveler →

The GuardianMar 16, 2024

A local’s travel guide to Washington DC: what to eat, see and do in three days

Top sights in Washington include Capitol Hill Books, the Black Cat music venue and a top-rated Filipino restaurant From phone chargers to podcasts, the best road trip accessories make the miles fly by People love to be rude about Washington DC because it’s full of so many politicians, feds, and consultants who wear fleece vests and don’t take off their work lanyards when they leave the office.…

18 things in this storyRead the full piece at The Guardian →

National GeographicJul 20, 2021

These are the world’s most beautiful museums

Return to travel by seeing 14 architectural marvels, from a building that tracks the sun to a donut-shaped cultural center. Planners and curators realized a flashy, design-forward museum could ...

9 things in this story
  • National Museum of African American History and CultureMuseumIt was established in 2003 and opened its permanent home in 2016 with a ceremony…
  • Elsewhere
  • Empire State BuildingSightNew York City, United StatesThe building was designed in the Art Deco style by Shreve, Lamb & Harmon and constructed between 1930 and 1931.
  • Eiffel TowerSightParis, FranceIt is named after the engineer Gustave Eiffel, whose company designed and built the tower from 1887 to 1889.
  • PantheonPlace of worshipRome, ItalyIl Capitolo dei Canonici della Basilica di Santa Maria ad Martyres – Pantheon di Roma ti dà il l benvenuto…
  • Guggenheim MuseumMuseumNew York City, United StatesSwirling, curling concrete building opened in 1959
  • Museum of the FutureMuseumDubai, United Arab EmiratesLopsided hula hoop-esque fiberglass and steel building
  • Shanghai Astronomical MuseumMuseumShanghai, ChinaPlanetarium formed from a floating sphere
  • Guggenheim Museum BilbaoMuseumBilbao, SpainVoluptuous glass curves and gleaming facade
  • V & A DundeeMuseumDundee, United KingdomShip-like showplace on the waterfront
Read the full piece at National Geographic →
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