The best destination for a weekend trip from Baltimore is a town Coastal Living Magazine named one of the “20 Best Places to Live on the Coast.” It’s Irvington, Virginia! Our small storybook town is nestled on the Chesapeake Bay coastline with gorgeous scenery, top-notch wineries, world-class restaurants, and more just three hours away. Of course, it’s also home to the award-winning Hope and Glory Inn with lodging and unique experiences that make getaways even more enticing. The Hope and Glory Inn actually has its own Coastal Living Magazine honor, having been named one of their “Top 10 Coastal Inns” in the US. Read on to learn more and get ready for the trip of a lifetime!
The Hope and Glory Inn Is the Top Destination for Weekend Trips From Baltimore
The Fascinating History
Did you know that Irvington and Baltimore have a connection that goes back several years? It’s true! The steamboat was once the easiest option for goods and people to travel to and from Irvington. These steamboats provided an economic lifeline between the two areas. Irvington was more oriented to Baltimore than any other town in the region. The city provided the markets, the towns provided the goods, and the steamboats provided a means to both. Today, Irvington is also listed as one of the 12 Best Road Trips for Summer Travel by Baltimore Magazine!
The Extraordinary Cuisine
While Maryland and Baltimore have invested in the blue crab, Irvington and Virginia have placed their bets on the oyster. Irvington and its surroundings serve as the epicenter of Virginia’s oyster following and explosion. Local oyster farmers are the darlings of the celebrity chefs. So, prepare yourself for a culinary experience like none other. The Hope and Glory’s owner, Dudley Patteson, convinced the state to brand itself with the oyster, and the Virginia Oyster Trail was his brainchild.
Don’t let our town’s population of only 415 people fool you — Irvington is overflowing with top-notch restaurants, making it a foodie’s favorite destination. Chef Meseret Crockett at the Hope and Glory Inn, Chef Stuart Tyson at The Dog and Oyster Vineyard, Chef Alex Pasco at The Tides Inn, or Chef Bryan Byrd at Dredge will confidently challenge any Baltimore chef to a crab or oyster competition. (The trump card in the deck is the robust number of Virginia wineries and oyster farmers compared to those in Maryland.)
The Scenic Route
Are you ready to enjoy the best place to visit near Baltimore? We highly recommend you hop in the car and make a fun road trip out of the experience. Irvington is only a three-hour drive away from Baltimore! The southern roads connect with Route 3, the northernmost and most scenic route to Irvington and the Chesapeake Bay. It meanders past eight wineries, a cidery, and a couple of breweries. In addition, there are local farm stands, historic plantations, and homes such as Stratford Hall and Ditchley. Be sure to check out attractions along the Virginia Oyster Trail, the Northern Neck Artisan Trail, and Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail.
Fun fact: Route 3 bisects the Northern Neck, which is the birthplace of three US Presidents, including George Washington, James Madison, and James Monroe.
Plan Your Weekend Getaway to the Hope and Glory Inn!
Let’s cut to the chase and help you plan the ultimate weekend getaway from Baltimore to Irvington. The first thing you need to do, before packing your car and hitting the road, is to decide where you want to stay. Luckily, that’s an easy decision to make when you have the Hope and Glory Inn as an option! Here, you can stay stylish, sophisticated, and swanky.
Recent improvements: We are now offering breakfast picnic boxes delivered to your door each morning, “Hooky” dining experiences on our fountain patio, private picnic cruises aboard True Love, adjusted offerings at our vineyard, and more. Visit our Changes & Improvements page to learn more.
Browse the luxurious accommodations that we have available, reserve your favorite, and join the long list of guests who have fallen in love with our dreamy destination!