One of the DMV’s lesser-know destinations is having its day in the sun this week. Tucked away in Southern Maryland, south of our nation’s capital, Charles County’s rural charm and historic sites helped it make the Condé Nast Traveler’s “23 Best Places to Go in the U.S. in 2023.”
It sits firmly, if surprisingly, on the list alongside larger destinations like Boston, Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
But it’s no accident.
Charles County caught the editors’ eye because it plays a central role in the upcoming Apple TV+ series Manhunt, which chronicles the aftermath of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln. The county offers plenty of historic destinations, but also plenty of natural beauty paired with modern charm.
“There’s a music and arts revival afoot here, as well as a downtown renewal,” the Condé Nast Traveler wrote. “La Plata, the county seat, is picture-perfect small town Americana with contemporary additions to its key thoroughfare of Charles Street and BIPOC- and woman-owned small businesses cropping up”.
The piece goes on to name drop places like Landon’s Ices and Creams, Bird City Records and Shop 53, the latter two owned by local artist Shannon Wang.
It also recommends some of the DMV’s best restaurant markets (The Charles/Market at the Charles), coffee roasters (Wee Bean), breweries (Patuxent Brewery) and vineyards (Bridgett Vines Winery).
If you live in the DMV and haven’t visited Charles County, you’re missing out. The good news is, it’s easy to fix it. Check out some of Condé Nast Traveler’s destination recommendations and then make your plans for a day trip or weekend visit.
The locals will welcome you with open arms.
