Day Trip: Kent Island
The DC area is perfectly situated for great day trips. You can explore the wineries of southern Virginia or visit the many little islands in Maryland. That is, of course, if you decide to stay in the DC-MD-VA area, but Philly is just three hours away and New York is only fours hours away.
I recently learned of a new place to visit, Kent Island in Maryland. Kent Island is only 40 minutes from the interstate ("beltway" as they call it here), just a stone's throw from the Bay bridge. Kent seems to have numerous places in which to indulge your inner-seafood maven and also enjoy the scenery of the Chesapeake Bay.
At Kent Island, you can dine at some interesting, cost-conscious places. In terms of breakfast, Just Plain Joe Co. may be the place to try. JPJ sells coffee and an array of pastries. You can get a frappe for only $3.25 (much cheaper than Starbucks!). JPJ is owned by a former veteran who ships coffee to the troops to ensure that they have better tasting coffee than when he served. If you decide to fuel up at the BP on Route 8, you will be pleasantly surprised to find more than gas at this station. You will find quiche Lorriane and german chocolate cake. At the Kent Island Depot, you can sample the delights of Chef Ha Do Dao who sells jumbo cookies, elabore pieces of cake, and gourmet salads. If none of these appeal to you for breakfast, here's another suggestion, Harris Crab House. At Harris, they are known for shrimp and crab hash and the Hangtown Fry Frittata, which is an omelete that has oysters. Yum!
If you are in need of a place to stay overnight, you may want to go to Holly's Motel and Restaurant. Try the fried chicken at Holly's. Holly's has been around since 1955. These recommendations should get you off to a good start....
For more info on Kent Island, please take a look at:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/06/20/ST2008062002000.html?sid=ST2008062002000
For more information on Kent Island, you can also visit: www.kentisland.cc