New fall weekend getaways from D.C.
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Burnt Hill Farm combines hyper-local tastings with estate-grown wines and a peaceful escape. Photo: Courtesy of Lindsey Plevyak
Fall is getaway season — whether you're looking for a fun day trip or a quick overnight, check out these new escapes.
Burnt Hill Farm | Clarksburg, Maryland
32 miles from D.C.
An active farm, immersive dining and wine tasting — all with mountain views. Burnt Hill feels a world away but sits just off I-270 in Montgomery County's Agricultural Reserve.
Why it matters: The siblings behind Old Westminster Winery teamed up with former Momofuku chef Tae Strain for an elevated, hyper-local experience atop a 117-acre regenerative farm.
State of play: Burnt Hill opened last month and is already sold out through year's end — except for new Friday reservations, just released.
Each three-hour ticketed experience ($85) includes:
- A welcome glass of Blanc de Blancs and farm tour
- Tasting of three wild-yeast wines, aged in native ash casks
- "Garden snacks" and house-baked bread with dips and spreads blending Strain's Korean and Maryland roots
🍷 Add-ons: More wines and bites available à la carte.
What's next: Casual lounge dining, an intimate chef's counter and eco-friendly farm stays are in the works.
Sassafras | Betterton, Maryland
93 miles from D.C.
Baltimore chef Paul Edward (Bluebird Cocktail Room) brings modern Chesapeake cooking to this eight-seat Eastern Shore supper club overlooking Betterton Beach.
What to expect: 12-course prix-fixe dinners ($158) featuring dishes from the Bay and local farms like catfish raviolo with caviar.
🛌 Stay the night: Recommended spots include Great Oak Manor in nearby Chestertown, a destination in itself.
The "Silver Palace" train | Staunton, Virginia
158 miles from D.C.
Ride through the Blue Ridge and Shenandoah mountains aboard a vintage dome train once owned by Merle Haggard — now part of the Virginia Scenic Railway.
Details: "Dome class" tickets run $98-$119 for the three-hour journey
- Box lunches, Virginia wines and local beers available onboard
🍽️ Make it a weekend: Staunton is a foodie town — book Maude & The Bear, chef Ian Boden's (The Shack) dreamy new inn and tasting room.