A free online encyclopedia about bed and breakfasts created and edited by travel writers

sign in or out
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. destination large map

Click map for a larger view

Situated in the United States' eastern regions, the Potomac River Destination is comprised of three states, which are as follows: Maryland, West Virginia, and Virginia. In addition to the namesake of the destination, the Potomac River, a fair amount of other land features characterize the land, such as the Chesapeake Bay, the Patuxent River, and Herring Bay. As for the more urban areas, two of the most notable touristic cities within the destination include Baltimore and Washington D.C. Many tourists are drawn to several places in Washington D.C., especially historic attractions such as the Smithsonian Institution sites, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, and other landmarks.[1] The Potomac River itself also holds historical significance as Mount Veron, the former home of George Washington, is located on the banks of the river.[8] Similarly, the city of Baltimore features several attractions, with one of the most prominent being the National Aquarium. For visitors who come to the area to engage in warm weather activities, it is recommended that they come between mid-August and early October or during June, as temperatures are fairly moderate throughout these months.[4]

What Washington D.C. is known for

The Potomac River Destination can be found in the eastern regions of the United States. West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland constitute the destination, with the two most prominent cities being Washington, D.C. and Baltimore. Washington, D.C. is known for serving as the home of the United States Capitol, the White House, the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and other historically significant sites. The city itself is divided into quadrants, with the Capitol at the center. According to the 2022 census, Washington's population totals approximately 689,545 residents, making it the 23rd most populous city in the country. These residents are dispersed among 131 neighborhoods.[1]

With regard to the namesake of the destination, the Potomac River, the natural feature stretches to about 405 miles in length, coursing across West Virginia’s northeastern border. For those who enjoy outdoor recreational activities, the Potomac River can provide such. Typically during the spring and summer seasons, a fair amount of rafters and kayakers explore the whitewater areas of the river. The river also tends to receive anglers year-round. Notably, the river drains about 14,500 square miles, 3,480 of which are in West Virginia.[3]

Some of the popular touristic sites that typically draw a number of visitors annually are part of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C. It should be noted that admission to all Smithsonian Museums is free. The National Museum of Natural History, in particular, is one of the most notable among the museums of the Smithsonian Institution, as it measures to be comparable to the size of “18 football fields.” Within this relatively extensive attraction, the museum showcases over 140 million natural science specimens and cultural artifacts. The site additionally features a mineral exhibition known as the Janet Annenberg Hooker Hall of Geology, Gems, and Minerals, which displays the Hope Diamond, a presumably cursed gem. Other areas of the attraction include an insect zoo, the Sant Ocean Hall, and the David H. Koch Hall of Fossils, to name a few.[2] 

Another site of the Smithsonian Institution is the National Zoo, which contains over 1,500 animals in the 163-acre park. A total of 300 species reside in the zoo, and nearly 25% of the inhabitants are classified as endangered. The giant pandas at the National Zoo are one of the main animals that people generally take interest in seeing. It should be noted that all of the animals are cared for by “world-class zoologists and veterinarians.” Furthermore, the National Zoo additionally serves as a global research center and conservation center.[2]

The foremost site of these Smithsonian Institution attractions is the Smithsonian Castle, built in 1855. In 1846, the Smithsonian Institution as a whole was officially created by an act of Congress. The iconic red-sandstone structure was designed by an architect named James Renwick, and it was the first building to be a part of the institution. Initially, the Smithsonian Castle contained the entire institution, which at the time comprised a gallery, a laboratory, a natural history collection, and the apartment of the first secretary of the organization. Currently, the castle has a visitor’s center with interactive 3D maps that tourists can view. Moreover, an exhibit called A Castle of Curiosities can teach visitors about the history of the castle and James Smithson’s influence on the city.[2]

Located in the heart of Maryland, northeast of Washington, D.C., is the city of Baltimore. One of the most popular attractions that Baltimore has to offer is the National Aquarium, which is home to a diverse collection of aquatic creatures. Visitors are given the option to participate in the tours that are available at the aquarium, some of which include a dolphin training session, an animal care and rescue center tour, an early access tour, or an aquarium sleepover, plus many others. A 4D theatrical experience is additionally available to tourists, which entails cinematically swimming with dolphins and observing how they engage with one another. Some of the species that one can expect to see at the National Aquarium are Atlantic puffins, Atlantic bottlenose dolphins, blue poison dart frogs, green sea turtles, sloths, and various types of sharks.[6]

Geography

The Potomac River Destination is comprised of a portion of three of the following states: West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia. With the exception of half of the peninsula that Maryland covers, the majority of Maryland is located within the destination, primarily in the northern and eastern regions. West Virginia and Virginia constitute the remainder of the destination to the south and west. Outside the borders of the Potomac River Destination, the north is bounded by Pennsylvania, while the eastern perimeters are encompassed by the Chesapeake Bay. Aside from the Potomac River, the Chesapeake Bay, and other natural land features, a considerable expanse of the destination is characterized by urban areas as well. 

Summers in Washington D.C., where the Potomac River is located, tend to be warm, while winters are contrastingly cold and snowy. Cloud coverage affects the area year-round, and temperatures generally vary between 29 and 88 degrees Fahrenheit. From May to September, it is considered to be the “hot season,” as temperatures are around 79 degrees Fahrenheit on average. July is presumably the hottest month of the year, with an average high of 88 degrees. The “cold season,” which roughly lasts from December to March, has an average daily high temperature below 52 degrees. January, in particular, has temperatures that drop to around 30 degrees on average, as it is the coldest month of the year. For those who are interested in engaging in warm-weather activities, the best time of year to visit Washington D.C., based solely on the tourism score, is during the month of June or from mid-August to early October.[4] Occasionally, hurricanes occur in late summer and early fall, though these hurricanes are generally mild by the time they reach the Washington, D.C. area.[1] 

A fair amount of plant and animal life resides in the Potomac River Destination near Rock Creek Park, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Anacostia and Potomac Rivers. Approximately 29 mammals, 240 species of birds, 21 reptiles, 19 amphibians, and 29 species of fish inhabit the D.C. Metropolitan Area. Some of the specific seasonal species include great blue herons, wood thrush, and several species of warblers, all of which migrate during the spring and fall. A few animals live in the D.C. Metropolitan Area year-round, namely eastern gray squirrels, robins, and blue jays. Other species that may be spotted in the District of Columbia are deer, bald eagles, coyotes, foxes, hawks, owls, and raccoons, among others.[5]

History

After an extensive seven-year process of negotiation, the members of the U.S. congress deemed Washington D.C. as the capital of the United States. This process, which resulted in a compromise, was intended to “define the concept of federal enclave.” After the Residence Act was passed on July 17th of 1790, a permanent seat for the federal government was created. The location at which this capital was established was chosen with careful consideration by President George Washington, the country’s first president. This site is designated on the Potomac River’s head of navigation to accommodate oceangoing ships, in addition to two port cities known as George Town and Alexandria. To honor a notable explorer, Christopher Columbus, the territory was named the District of Columbia, while the federal city was named after George Washington.[7]

The United States declared war against Great Britain in 1812, and the capital city was damaged the following two years. In a raid called the Burning of Washington, Great Britain set fire to the federal buildings, and structural damage occurred throughout the city. In 1817, the construction of a new White House took place where President James Monroe served from 1817 to 1825.[1][7]

In 1729, the city of Baltimore was named in reference to the Irish barony of Baltimore. The city was initially created as a port for shipping tobacco and grain, though eventually, waterways were also constructed and utilized for flour milling. When the American Revolution began, Baltimore served as a seaport and shipbuilding center, with trade extending to the Caribbean. In 1797, the United States Navy’s first ship, which was called the Constellation, was launched in Baltimore. The namesake of the Constellation was the last all-sail warship built for the Navy. Since 1955, this ship has been moored in the harbor of Baltimore. Later on, in the 1990s, extensive restoration to the ship took place.[9]

The Potomac River bears historical significance as the banks of the river contain Mount Veron, also known as the home of George Washington. Early records of the river’s name date back to 1608 from John Smith, a colonist who referred to it as “Patawomeck.” The meaning of this word is currently unknown. Situated in a parallel placement to the Potomac River is the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which was completed in 1850. Traffic ceased in this area during the 1920s; however, in today’s time, the canal serves as a place of recreation.[8]

#1
5.0 (784 Reviews)

Foster Harris House is located in Washington, Virginia, and is about 70 miles west of Washington, D.C. Due to its close proximity to the city, people often refer to Washington as Little Washington. The bed and breakfast offers five units, all of which are available year-round, and the busiest times of the year tend to be during the spring and fall due to the weather. Each unit is uniquely decorated, though they all have a private bathroom. Breakfast is provided free of charge to those who are staying at the establishment, and people are given the option to order breakfast a la carte if they are not staying at the property. Klaus and his wife, the owners of Foster Harris House, would like their patrons to have a “stress-free” experience when they stay at the bed and breakfast. It should be noted that young children and pets are prohibited from visiting the business.

...Read More
View Property
#2
5.0 (449 Reviews)

The Carriage Inn Bed and Breakfast

Charles Town, West Virginia

The Carriage Inn Bed and Breakfast

The Carriage Inn Bed and Breakfast is found in Charles Town, West Virginia, which is a city on the edge of the borders between West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. The Potomac River flows northeast of the property, offering people a place for outdoor recreational activities like fishing, kayaking, and more. The business provides seven units year-round, with the busiest season of operation being August to November. The cities in the area have a large amount of history, especially pertaining to events from The Civil War era. Harper's Ferry National Historic Park and Antietam National Battlefield are two historical locations that are within 15 miles of the business. The property owner, Donn, mentions that several significant soldiers that served in the Civil War came to the house, including people like Ulysses S Grant, Philips Sheridan, Stonewall Jackson, and Robert E Lee.

...Read More
View Property
#3
4.55 (1069 Reviews)

L'Auberge Provencale Bed and Breakfast

White Post, Virginia

L'Auberge Provencale Bed and Breakfast

L'Auberge Provencale Bed and Breakfast is located in White Post, Virginia, within the boundaries of the Virginia wine country. The bed and breakfast has been in business for over 40 years, presently offering 14 rooms to its guests. Eleven of these rooms are located at what is referred to as the main inn property, and the remaining three can be found four minutes away from the main acreage at their sister property called the Villa La Campagnette. The staff strives to provide an experience to their patrons that stands by the following motto: "Provence without a passport." In accordance with this, the assistant innkeeper hopes that their visitors are able to get away from their busy lives when they stay with her, "as though they are visiting another country entirely." She and the staff at the business put forth the effort to interact with their guests and to give recommendations that can help them fully experience the area that they are visiting. 

...Read More
View Property
#4
4.9 (34 Reviews)

Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast

Solomons, Maryland

Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast

Blue Heron Bed and Breakfast is located in Solomons, Maryland, and offers four suites to prospective guests. The suites have two classifications: king suites and queen suites. Both of the king suites are located on the second floor and feature amenities such as a private balcony and an in-room mini-fridge, whereas the queen suites are located on the third floor and share a mini-fridge in the hall. All suites have Wi-Fi access, climate control on each floor, and a coffee service station situated outside the room in the hall. It should also be noted that breakfast is served each morning between 8:30 and 10:00 in the dining room on the first floor. As the island of Solomons is relatively small, many restaurants and some attractions are within walking distance, and due to the property’s position near the shore of the bay, an on-site pier is available for those who travel by boat.

...Read More
View Property
#5
4.6 (109 Reviews)

The Rosemont Manor was originally built in 1811 as a wedding gift from a groom to his new bride, as requested by the groom's father-in-law. The premises started off as one building that acted as a house for various families. As years passed on, more buildings were built on the property. The ownership of the establishment passed from family to family until it came to the current owners, William and Barbara Genda. Though the Rosemont Manor functions as a bed and breakfast, there are multiple venues where events are held. Weddings occur often on the property, and guests who come for the weddings often stay in the Manor House, which is the largest building on the grounds.

...Read More
View Property
#6
0 (0 Reviews)

Spencer Silver Mansion is located in Havre de Grace, Maryland, and is owned and operated year-round by Carol. With a main house and a separate carriage house, it offers various accommodations. The main house features four bedrooms, two parlors, and a dining room. The carriage house provides a relatively private setting with a living room, kitchen area, and bedroom. Guests can utilize the wraparound porch that overlooks the garden area. Modern amenities like flat-screen TVs and wireless internet are available. Breakfast is served in the main house dining room. The mansion’s location allows relatively easy access to attractions, parks, theaters, restaurants, and shops.

...Read More
View Property