Baltimore posters: I used to love going to the Inner Harbor in the early 2000s but at some point it felt like it had gotten rundown and unsafe. How is it in 2026?

OP here.

Thanks so much all, such great recommendations! I really appreciate it. Now it's just hard to choose!

Anonymous wrote:Charleston
Newport/Providence

What time of year?

March

Anonymous wrote:You are going to think I am nuts but I love Baltimore for this.

People love Charleston but the two times I was there I just keep thinking about the enslaved people who did all the work.

OP here. Not nuts at all, Baltimore is great for this. But I've already done it!

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also look into the various historic towns along the Hudson River valley.

NP but would love to hear more about this from seasoned visitors. If I did it on my own, I'd end up disappointed at some Sheetz off the parkway.

The HV has towns on both sides of the river and extends from just north of NYC to Albany. There are easily a dozen nice towns and there is hiking, history, and art in multiple places. It's home to over 2 million people. IMO the best thing to do is a bit of googling (nicest towns Hudson valley, best restaurants Hudson valley, etc) and then come back to DCUM with specific questions.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Asheville, Charleston, Savannah. Long drives but fairly easy.

This might be the winner!

Yes, Savannah, Ga. Beautiful, historic, greatest ice cream in the world.

What does your ice cream comment mean? Headed there soon.

NP but Leopolds!
I also think Savannah is perfect for what OP wants. I liked it more than Charleston We flew to Atlanta and drove there (had other stuff to do in Atlanta)

The Martha Washington Inn and Spa in Abingdon. The theater across the street has some great performances. Cute town, decent food. Creeper Trail is fun.

Anonymous wrote:Kennett Square, PA

NewHope, PA/Lambertville, NJ.

Kennett Square plus Longwood Gardens--an amazing garden that used to be owed by the Dupont family and has huge greenhouses and fountains. There are other historic homes you can tour around there.

Agree with Charleston. You could also do 2 days in Annapolis and pair it with 2 days in St. Michaels.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Asheville, Charleston, Savannah. Long drives but fairly easy.

This might be the winner!

Yes, Savannah, Ga. Beautiful, historic, greatest ice cream in the world.

What does your ice cream comment mean? Headed there soon.

If a self-contained resort would do, consider Primland.

Anonymous wrote:Also look into the various historic towns along the Hudson River valley.

NP but would love to hear more about this from seasoned visitors. If I did it on my own, I'd end up disappointed at some Sheetz off the parkway.

Anonymous wrote:You are going to think I am nuts but I love Baltimore for this.

People love Charleston but the two times I was there I just keep thinking about the enslaved people who did all the work.

Rome says 'hold my beer'

Charleston
Newport/Providence

What time of year?

We had a lovely weekend in Charlottesville, visiting the university, shopping, staying in a nice boutique hotel, eating in nice restaurants. It was charming and lovely. I'd never been there before, though.