“While you weren’t looking, Richmond got cool.” This statement from Frommers as it named Richmond one of its top places to visit to 2014 has recently kicked off a flurry of national recognition for Virginia’s capitol city that to many is long overdue. Indeed, Richmond offers visitors much more than just
After an especially brutal winter, I think everyone is like me: eagerly awaiting the warmth and new life that comes with spring this year. This weekend, I spent an afternoon the National Arboretum, a place I've long heard about but hadn't yet visited. I can happily report some good news...
A brand new "Ask Chris" question comes to us fresh from Facebook. And, off we go! Dear Chris, My hubby and I are hoping to do a short trip away with our baby for the first time next month during spring break. Do you have any favorite local spots (within 1-2 hours
There’s nothing like springtime in our nation’s capital. Once the ground thaws and the trees finally start to blossom, Washington D.C. becomes abuzz with cheery positivity... just about everyone seems to have an extra spring in their step. But, the secret's out and people come from all over the nation to
Richmond, Virginia is in the midst of a serious foodie revolution. Craft breweries, artisan bakeries, mixology hotspots, independent coffee houses and inspired farm-to-fork eateries are popping up all over Virginia's capital city, giving this southern gem a surprisingly hipper, Pacific Northwest vibe. In recent months, publications like Frommer's and the New York Magazine have
Trip Overview: This DC Day Trip is perfect for those looking for a last minute afternoon out of the city. With more than 1,400 farms spread out over 200,000 acres, Frederick County is truly an escape to a simpler time. Here, winding country roads, open fields and fresh country air await in
Trip Overview: For this DC Road Trip, we focus on the quaint town of Middleburg, Virginia. Known as the nation's "Horse and Hunt Capital," Middleburg is an upscale rural escape that's just about an hour away from the nation's capital. Its historic district dates back to the 1700s and is listed
The Christmas holiday may feel long gone, but with the upcoming President's Day and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, 'tis is the season for the 3-day weekend! If you’re tight on vacay-days, then a 3-day holiday weekend is the perfect solution for your restless and travel-deprived soul. A 3-day weekend allows you
This past November, I hit the road for an Old School Virginia Road Trip. My first stop was Roanoke, a city about 3 1/2 hours away from D.C. that I had heard about, but never visited before. With my limited knowledge, Roanoke was faceless with ambiguous features. But after my day
The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.” – G. K. Chesterton Are you thinking ahead towards next year's travels and looking for some inspiration a little closer to home? I've compiled
Another year has come and gone, which means it’s time to reflect on some of my favorite travels from the past 365 days! 2013 marked an important shift here at Packed Suitcase. While I had started #TravelLocal adventuring in October 2012, this year I focused on it nearly exclusively. I’m determined
Today, I'm excited to share a new feature on PackedSuitcase.com designed to help you find relevant travel inspiration quickly and easily. Introducing "My Travel Map," a handy map that both visually shows locations that are featured on this blog, as well as lists all published blogs for each location. As new
