T
he geographical diversity makes the area truly special,
with some of the finest mountainous and coastal scenery
in the world screaming at you to get out and explore!
The golf courses are well above par, there are amazing hikes
and cycle routes through the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia
and the Appalachians, and miles of beautiful Atlantic coastline
for those who wish to make waves.
I found the best way to get about was to hire a car and make
Whitewater
the road trip part of the fun.
rafting,
The region certainly makes a splash when it comes to
Maryland
fun on the water. Surfing dudes should head to Ocean City,
Virginia Beach
Maryland. The 10km of white sandy beaches holds a variety
of swell directions with excellent wave quality. Grab your
spot early though, it gets very busy at peak times. Virginia
Beach is the largest city in Virginia with impressive surf and
even better nightlife. For windsurfing, Sandy Point State Park,
Maryland, near Annapolis, will keep the novice and experienced
practitioner happy.
There are many outlets to kayak and canoe on the gorgeous
Shenandoah River, while the Annapolis Sailing School will get
you ship-shape in jig time. The Potomac River in DC is also
spectacular to paddle down.
For fishing and boating try Point Lookout State Park, at the
west side of Chesapeake Bay.
Eco-tourists will be impressed with what is on offer from
Skyline Drive
SouthEast Expeditions, Cape Charles, Virginia. They offer
beginners sea-kayak tours through scenic marshes and coastal
creeks. They also run a kite-boarding school if you fancy a rush
of adrenalin.
Exploring the region on horseback can be a lot of fun. I found
riding ‘cowboy style’ with long stirrups a bit tricky at first, but
soon found my John Wayne form at the Wagon Wheel Ranch,
Winchester, Virginia. Romantics will enjoy the Wintergreen
Resort’s sunset dinner trail rides just off route 644 in Virginia.
The Marriot Ranch in the Blue Ridge Mountains near
Hume, Virginia; Rock Creek Park in DC; the Fair Hill Stables,
MUST SEE
l The Skyline Drive though the Blue Ridge Mountains, Virginia, is
not to be missed. The panoramic views are breathtaking as you
curve through the Mountains overlooking the Shenandoah Valley
with the Appalachians in the distance.
l Catch the Shenandoah Valley in all its
golden glory in autumn. The nature trails
offer fabulous chances to ‘leaf peep’.
Wildlife fans will see plenty of white-
tailed deer, bald eagles and if you’re
lucky some cute black bear cubs
munching away happily at the road side.
Janes Island State
Park, Maryland
www.capitalregionusa.org 23
CRU09 pp22-25 Outdoors.indd 23 6/11/08 12:02:22
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