I did a trip to NYC with my teen this summer and we had a blast. Philly is also a great option.
We got really cheap tickets on Amtrak.

FYI- East Hampton is a longer drive than you might think.

OP here - thanks for all the great ideas.

It depends on if the kid is much into antique stores but we like to do DimSum and then the large antique mall in Leesburg (Luckett's?) or the huge antique mall in Verona (this one has some interesting people-watching) and then a late lunch at Fishin' Pig in Waynesboro. We live about halfway between the DMV and Charlottesville so these both generally will take the whole day. Podcasts on the ride.

Anonymous wrote:My short list:
Richmond
Shenandoah
Colonial Beach
Lake Anna

...of those Richmond / Colonial Beach have more things to do in a city like environment (restaurants, antiques, etc). While Shenandoah and Lake Anna are more remote. All within 90 minutes so easy for a weekend.

You could cover all of colonials beach in about 30 min.

My short list:
Richmond
Shenandoah
Colonial Beach
Lake Anna

...of those Richmond / Colonial Beach have more things to do in a city like environment (restaurants, antiques, etc). While Shenandoah and Lake Anna are more remote. All within 90 minutes so easy for a weekend.

Berkeley Springs, WV - rent bikes and go on the bike trail.
- St Michael’s
- Rehoebeth or Dewey

Drive to East Hampton
Off season
Leaves changing
Walk on beach
A little shopping

NYC - take bus- walk in park, see a show, order in room service

Well it was June but my DD and I went to Rehoboth and had an awesome time. Left super early on a Friday and came back Saturday afternoon. Great memories.

Camping or staying in a cabin in Shenadoah, Harper's Ferry or Lost River Park WV

What sorts of things do you and DD like to do? Museums in Philly are a great weekend trip.

Are you looking for just outdoors?

If you don't mind indoors, the spa at Hershey is fun.

We had a blast doing the fright fest at Kings Dominion.

So try something like the winter fest at like Kings Dominion or Busch Gardens (you could make an overnight trip in Williamsburg especially with the seasonal decor and historical everything in WB).

any mother daughter weekend trip ideas? ideally DMV area, maybe a night away but don’t have to be.