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City Cast DC

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

Harpers Ferry is everything a day trip should be: cute, accessible, packed with activities, and most importantly, has lots of great food (and beer 😏). As an avid hiker, I think it’s a great jumping off point for adventures and I find myself there often. Here’s how to make the perfect day in Harpers Ferry.

It’s a one hour drive (although you may have to park out of town and 

. The train ride takes an hour and costs about $15. The Harpers Ferry station is an easy five-minute walk from restaurants and hikes.

. Do not skip it. As a coffee snob, I was blown away by the quality of their espresso drinks, not to mention homemade pastries and syrups. It’s in an adorable refurbished old stone house and I left wishing we had one in D.C. If you can’t be bothered to walk up the hill though, 

 serves perfectly acceptable coffee and egg sandwiches that have gotten me through many a morning hike.

As the symbolic halfway point of the Appalachian Trail, Harpers Ferry is the jumping off spot for hikes of all levels. Hike to 

 where you can take in the classic three-state view of Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. You can also climb the 1810s stone steps to 

 or cross the famous pedestrian bridge to walk along the 

 in the area, just steer clear of the falcon nesting areas!

 for a post-hike burger and beer overlooking the river. Plates are loaded high with beer battered fries and towering sandwiches. For something lighter check out 

, an all-vegan comfort food restaurant with tacos, burgers, ramen and oat milk soft serve. 

 is my favorite for grabbing a sandwich and snacks for the road (they also have the best ice cream in Harpers Ferry). And, of course, you have to stop by 

A history nerd's dream, Harpers Ferry has more than 20 small-scale museums all with their own historical niche. Visit 

 where abolitionist John Brown and several of his followers famously barricaded themselves after a raid in 1859. Learn about popular industries of Harpers Ferry 

, the only school in West Virginia where any person of color could receive secondary education for over 25 years.

More DC Day Trips

Harpers Ferry is everything a day trip should be: cute, accessible, packed with activities, and most importantly, has lots of great food. Here’s how to make the perfect day in Harpers Ferry.

How To Spend a Day In Harpers Ferry

Everything to know about DC neighborhoods: Where to go, eat, shop, drink, and more.

DC Neighborhood Guides

Neighborhood Guides

Summer’s over, but that doesn’t mean camping has to be. In fact, October is one of the best months to camp in D.C. Whether you’re an experienced outdoorsperson or just testing the waters with a little car camping, there’s still time to get outside. Leo Murray, founder of D.C. outdoor group 

 spilled all his fav camping spots and we added a few of our own.

Borrow gear! Buying all your camping gear at once can be intimidating but you don’t need to invest a ton right away. Borrow from friends or buy second hand from facebook marketplace or sites like 

Book early. Camping spots go fast, especially during peak foliage, so make sure to find out when they open and book right away.

Pack warm, this time of year gets cold at night, especially at higher elevations, so be sure your sleeping bag is warm enough for the temps. Being cold is a sure way to be miserable all night.

Don’t be afraid to grab takeout. Cooking outside is fun, but can add a lot of logistics and gear. If it's your first time, grab a pizza on your way instead. Save the cooking for the s’mores.

☝️Note: National Parks might be affected by the government shutdown, so check before you go!

You can literally Metro to this campground, which is located in the beautiful Greenbelt Park. With so much hiking and wildlife around, you would never know you were so close to the city. But beware, this is also a favorite among local scout groups and youth programs so can get busy on weekends.

This is more what I would call “primitive camping.” No bathrooms (bring your shovel!), no water, and no electricity. But in return, you get absolutely stunning quiet outdoor space and a lot of privacy. For your first time, I recommend going when the park office is open to ask the ranger about the best open sites and how far they are. It’s easy to get lost.

A lovely local campground right on the Potomac River that you can literally bike to on the Capital Crescent Trail. It has grills at each site for easy cooking. It’s also a popular spot for kayaking, hiking, and fishing.

A shockingly nice campground considering how close it is to the city. They have bathrooms, showers, and grills, plus the sites are spaced far enough apart to be private. There are campfire talks by rangers on summer weekends, and lots of easy hikes around. It’s accessible without a car via the 971 bus and a 20-minute Uber.

The closest campground to D.C. in Shenandoah National Park, this is the perfect spot to see foliage. It’s also a great basecamp for nearby hikes like Mary’s Rock and Hazel Mountain. Get a site away from the RV spots if you can and make sure to bring lots of firewood as you can’t buy it there.

What To Pack For Camping In the DMV

Your Guide To DMV Camping This Fall

Find the best of everything that DC has to offer.

DC’s Best

DC's Best

Looking for a fall getaway that doesn’t break the bank? City Cast DC contributor Tim Ebner was recently on the podcast and talked with Bridget about how this color-filled season is the perfect time to get away. Here are some of his suggestions for the 

If one of your favorite things about road trips is experiencing a beautiful scenic drive, Tim says you have to experience the road leading through the national park: Skyline Drive. “It’s almost as if you’re driving through the clouds on top of the mountain,” he says. For 

 inside the park which help you beat the crowds getting in, Tim says consider the Skyland and Big Meadows Lodge. September and early October rates ranged from $140 to $160 per night, but expect prices to go up in mid-October to coincide with peak leaf-peeping season.

Glamping is ideal if you want a weatherproof, comfortable outdoor experience. This charming and peaceful retreat offers glamping pods that are set up on wooden platforms, so you don’t have to worry about bugs crawling into your space. Plus, they do all of the work for you, which is a perfect camping experience if you don’t have the equipment or don’t enjoy setting up tents. 

. (Plus, subscribe to their newsletter for 10% off your first night!)

Our host Bridget Todd loves experiencing the waves during the autumn, and Tim agrees: Beach season does not have to end on Labor Day. Hotels along the strip lower their rates substantially in shoulder season, so you can find dozens of hotels along the strip for around $70 a night — rates you won’t find in the summer. Ocean City plans a lot of festivals during this time of year, and is upping its game with great golf courses and restaurants (Bridget and Tim especially love 

). Head to Assateague Island for the ponies!

More trip ideas, and how to travel sustainably.

🍷 Plus, best wineries in the DMV

Looking for a fall getaway from Washington, D.C. that doesn't break the bank? Here are some fun travel suggestions in Virginia and Maryland that are all under $150.

The Best Fall Trips Under $150

Best Fall Trips Around the DMV

. The weather is good. The leaves are turning. It’s an ideal time to hike and hang out before hibernating for winter. And even though the city is still reeling from the federal takeover, we are still finding joy and ways to connect with this city we call home. From fast cars to throwing back a few drinks with a former U.S. president, 

here are some of our top picks for what to do in D.C. this October

Overrated? Underrated? Either way, it’s apple picking season and time to grab a pumpkin from a patch. 

 in Germantown has ripe apples, hay rides, and petting zoos. It’s also their 75th anniversary, and their pumpkin festival is in full swing from Wednesdays to Sundays until Nov. 2.

Thinking you could be an F1 driver? Union Market is giving you that chance from Oct. 9-12 with 

. Take a spin in a go kart, then unwind (or get more hype???) with a block party hosted by Louis the Child.

A beer festival and a wine festival?! In the same month?! Hopefully you don’t have to choose. Mount Vernon is hosting their annual 

Beer Festival takes place on the Mall Oct. 11.

With the effects surrounding the government shutdown, Smithsonian museums all across the city 

. But there are a few hidden gems like the 

, which has an exhibit on Claude Monet, and 

American University’s Katzen Art Center

, currently showing artists Luciano Penay, Joan Lewis Birnbaum, and Myrtle Katzen. They remain open because they aren't government funded, so check out an exhibit or show at a place that isn’t a Smithsonian if you haven't yet!

 is in full swing across the District and ‘burbs. You can take in most games for free, while a few have cheap ticket prices. Cozy up in the bleachers with some cocoa and popcorn and show some school spirit.

Exciting news! We're up for a national podcast award — the Signal awards! This win would be huge for our little team and for representing D.C. And 

From fast cars to throwing back a few drinks with a former U.S. president, here are some of our top picks for what to do in Washington, D.C. this October.

Your Guide to DC in October 2025

Fall hiking season is here and Old Rag Mountain is one of the best places to enjoy it. The hikes are the most popular in Shenandoah, but beware, they can be tough even for experienced hikers. Here’s how to spend the perfect day on and around the mountain.

 ($2) online. There is no service at the trailhead, so have a copy of the confirmation code with you. Separately, you must also have a 

. You can purchase one at the rangers station or online.

Old Rag Mountain is a two-hour drive from D.C. Park at the 

 (unless you are hiking Barry Hollow) or at one of the overflow parking lots.

🏔️ Old Rag Circuit Trail (9.4 mile loop)

The most popular and most strenuous hike on Old Rag, this loop is one of the best on the East Coast, but the elevation and rock scramble at the summit are not for the faint of heart. I recommend going counterclockwise so that you end the hike on the fire road.

🥾 Barry Hollow Hike (5.4 mile out-and-back)

This shorter but still strenuous uphill hike gets you to the summit without the rock scramble, however, you also miss the consistent ridge views. Park at the 

🐕 Robertson Mountain Trail (7.8 mile loop)

This trail follows the fire road and then heads up a river to a summit across from Old Rag. It is less popular but allows dogs!

Congratulations, you finished your hike! Now it's time for a reward. Stop by 

 to fill up on carbs. Then, pop into the attached general store for some amazing homemade cookies. The 

 has great smash burgers and fried chicken. For dessert, go to 

 for a homemade pie to take home or stop by 

 on the way back for the best apple cider donuts in the area.

Grab a cold beer overlooking the mountains at 

. They have especially good sours and blondes. On the drive out, you will also find 

, which focuses on French-style wines and offers all sorts of tasting options. Or you could stop at 

recommended by the Washington Post’s wine columnist.

Fall hiking season is here and Old Rag Mountain is one of the best places to enjoy it. Here’s how to spend the perfect day on the mountain and where to eat after!

The Ultimate Guide To Hiking Old Rag Mountain

What Washingtonians have been wondering. We break down why things in DC are the way they are and how they work.

DC, Explained

¡Saludos! Hispanic Heritage Month began Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15. With D.C.’s Latine community being under threat due to Trump’s federal takeover, this year's celebrations are more important than ever. Joy and good times are their own form of protest, and D.C. has no shortage of either this month.

Why does this heritage month start in the middle of September? It marks 

a significant period in the region’s liberation from its European colonizers

. Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua declared independence on Sept. 15, 1821. Mexico celebrates independence on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18, and Belize on Sept. 21.

Here are some ways you can celebrate this month:

One of North America’s largest and longest-running showcases of Latin American cinema. View award-winning films, panels with filmmakers, and attend embassy-hosted parties all month long.

This showcase of Latine poets and writers from across the DMV takes place at Dupont Underground by Tintas DC.

Party at the first annual Mt. Pleasant Cumbia Fest in Lamont Plaza! The event is headlined by one of our team's favorite local Cumbia bands, 

. There is also an afterparty at Marx Cafe that goes late.

Latin music party collective Vibras is bringing their sound to Culture, where DJ’s Anthony Raad and Melina will take over the decks and keep you dancing until 3 a.m.

Learn how to make delicious pupusas and then eat them at El Tamarindo while connecting with new friends and neighbors. The cost is $25/person and includes a welcome drink.

Head to the Kogard Courtyard at the National Portrait Gallery for this bilingual event for all ages. Learn about Latine artists from the museum and celebrate with a day of art making, dancing, museum tours, story times, and book signings.

This DC-based queer and trans Latine dance party celebrates indie and underground sounds from Latin America. Their anniversary party at DC9 will feature DJs Cybersyn, El Sucio, Kristy la rAt spinning all night long.

This family-friendly event celebrates the opening of the Corazón y vida: Lowriding Culture exhibit at the National Museum of American History. The festival includes lowrider cars and bikes, live music, hands-on activities, and a documentary screening.

The nation’s largest Latino festival, and D.C.’s cornerstone Hispanic Heritage Month event, this two day celebration has a parade, several stages for bands and performances, endless food vendors, artisan exhibits, and is just generally one of the most fun parties of the year!

Old Town Square in Fairfax will transform into a space for bands, dancing, food vendors, and arts for the afternoon, all celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month.

¡Saludos! Hispanic Heritage Month began Sept. 15 and runs through Oct. 15. Here are the best ways to celebrate in the DMV this month. 

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in Washington DC, 2025

10 Ways Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the DMV

Tips and tricks for living your best DC life, by locals, for locals.

DC Life Hacks

Sometimes sunbathing in Malcolm X Park just isn’t enough and you need a real beach. As someone who loves the water but hates driving, these are my best tried-and-true beaches within a three hour drive of D.C.

Haters will say it’s not a “real beach” but it’s more than enough to scratch the itch for me. It’s super convenient and has great views of the Bay Bridge. The only downside is the sand can stain your legs a bit orange.

A personal favorite, this dog-friendly beach is hidden behind a park. It’s small but the water is shallow and warm, so it’s perfect for swimming if you’re a baby getting in the water like me. It’s also quieter than other beaches. Pro tip: Be sure to stop by the Stevensville Crab Shack on your way back!

Technically still on the Potomac, this beach is clean and rarely crowded. There are public bathrooms on site, a pier, and a cute town right behind the beach. Just beware, it tends to have quite a lot of jellyfish!

Now we’re getting to the good stuff: the beaches on the ocean. They might be a little further, but they’re well worth a visit. Rehoboth has a long boardwalk and a well-maintained beach with big waves. The connecting town is picturesque, with everything from ice cream to oyster shacks.

A fan favorite of horse girls everywhere, Assateague is more than just a beach, it's a National Park with tons of birds and wildlife — including wild horses. The beach itself is wonderful (just be careful horses don’t get your snacks!) and the surrounding town and nature make for a great weekend trip.

Washingtonians often say this is the closest “real beach,” and honestly I find it a bit overwhelming… but it 

fun. The boardwalk is complete with rides, crappy t-shirt stalls, and more fried dough than you could eat. It’s mayhem most of the summer, but you just have to lean into it.

The chiller cousin of Ocean City, Bethany Beach is the quintessential Mid-Atlantic beach town. Less crowded than others on this list, the beach is perfect for families and there are cute shops and inns just a few steps from the water.

More Things To Do In the DMV This Summer

The Best Beaches Within 3 Hours of DC 

The temps are rising and it’s time to get outside. Here are the best places to hike this spring.

Built in the 1930s to resemble the natural forest that once covered the island, the trails here will take you through gorgeous woods and some of the best birding in the District.

This popular trail is a combination of asphalt and gravel on the site of an abandoned railroad between Georgetown and Silver Spring. Just note that part of the trail east of Bethesda is closed for the Purple Line project through 2027.

A hike with history. Built in 1862 to defend Chain Bridge along the Potomac River during the Civil War, there are still preserved parapet and gun positions around the park.

Connecting to Union Station, various neighborhoods, and all the way to the town of Silver Spring, this is peak urban hiking.

The hike for when you’re short on time but still need fresh air. Nestled just east of the Wesley Heights neighborhood, the 2.5 mile trail runs the length of the 183-acre park and it can be easily accessed on both ends via public transit.

Harper Ferry’s National Historical Park

Between the Blue River Mountains and 20 miles of trails, this is one of my favorite hikes in the DMV. There’s plenty to see and do, so you can make a weekend out of it.

More Outdoor Activities in DC

Now that the temps are rising, it's time to get outdoors and connect with nature. Here are the best places for a spring hike around DC and the DMV.

The Best Spring Hikes Around DC

Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome is when a healthy tree’s branches suddenly fall. It’s a rare phenomenon whose exact cause is unknown and is typically not fatal. But after an oak tree’s limb dropped in Garfield Park on July 10 and resulted in the death of 

if extreme heat could have been a contributing factor.

Also referred to as “sudden limb failure,” it 

, but wind or storms are not considered a factor. Oak trees with large and heavy branches are prone to the syndrome, and the likelihood increases in older trees. Branches tend to break about 3 feet from the tree trunk and the drop can extend about 12 feet. Once a tree experiences Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome, it will likely experience it again.

The tree whose branch fatally struck Noah was about 100 years old, but 

, according to the Department of Transportation’s Urban Forestry Division. That tree was taken down that day. The division later identified six trees to be removed because they were deemed dead and no longer growing. DDOT says they will create a 

management plan for trees labeled “poor.”

Thomas Spencer of the Heart of Wood Tree Service in Arlington told Washingtonian that while it’s difficult to determine if sudden limb failure was the cause of Noah’s death, “the stress on the trees lately has been really, really bad in this area 

.” Oak trees are increasingly dying because they’re not accustomed to the rising temperatures and 

The Adirondack Tree Services advised customers to 

 while the hot weather and drought persist. If you have an oak tree in your backyard or on your street, here’s our guide on 

. The Trees for Georgetown group also has some watering tips; they’re also looking for donations to help 

After the tragic death of a woman in D.C., local officials are investigating if extreme heat contributes to Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome.

Does Extreme Heat Cause Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome?

Get to know the natural side of DC: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

DC Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

It’s strawberry-picking season in the DMV! U-pick farms are open for picking now through June and are all about an hour drive away.

Not to brag but, I worked on a PYO strawberry farm through college. The secret is to look under the leaves, keep the tops on (they last longer that way), and don’t pick any green ones. Also, wear sunblock and your least favorite pants.

Swann Farms is already picking and doesn’t take reservations. Quarts are $6 and gallon buckets are $23. They aren’t weighed after, so pile on as much as you can. Bring a lunch to eat at the shady picnic tables after. 

Butler’s is popular for a reason. Strawberry picking starts next week, but they also have pick-your-own raspberries, blueberries, cherries, and more. They also have a big farmers market, playground, and restaurant that easily make it an all-day affair. 

Reserve a one-hour slot in the field for $30 which includes your first bucket of self-picked strawberries. The price-per-bucket goes down the more you pick. 

This family farm in Prince William County is no frills but has great deals and some of the best picking available. You’ll need a reservation if you're planning on going on a weekend though! 

Well worth the drive, this farm has PYO berries and homemade custard, an animal petting zoo, hayrides, ziplines, wine tasting, and lots more. They are also hosting a strawberry festival this weekend! 

outdoor activities

How To Spend a Day In Harpers Ferry

Your Guide To DMV Camping This Fall

Best Fall Trips Around the DMV

Latest articles

How To Spend a Day In Harpers Ferry

Your Guide To DMV Camping This Fall

Best Fall Trips Around the DMV

Your Guide to DC in October 2025

The Ultimate Guide To Hiking Old Rag Mountain

10 Ways Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the DMV

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Latest articles

Your Guide to DC in October 2025

The Ultimate Guide To Hiking Old Rag Mountain

10 Ways Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month in the DMV

The Best Beaches Within 3 Hours of DC

The Best Spring Hikes Around DC

Does Extreme Heat Cause Sudden Branch Drop Syndrome?

Where To Strawberry Pick In the DMV