Escape D.C. During the Inauguration

With the presidential inauguration set to descend on Washington, D.C., there are many who would rather avoid the congestion and crowds expected Jan. 20. Luckily, there are some great surrounding areas to escape to — where you can watch the events from afar, if you wish. Here are a few destinations to consider.

**Culinary Excursions**
**Goodstone Inn & Restaurant**, located in Middleburg, Virginia, has a new chef taking over the helm: Jeffrey Surma, formerly of the Capital Grill in Tysons Corner. Chef Surma plans to commit to a farm-to-table concept while specializing in the classic French and brasserie styles for which Goodstone is known. He will feature a seasonal presentation with heavy emphasis on local products from Goodstone and other local farms, showcasing the freshest of vegetables, herbs, microgreens, eggs, pork and lamb. *36205 Snake Hill Road, Middleburg, Virginia.*

Also in Middleburg, Salamander Resort & Spa’s restaurant, **Harrimans**, offers a local bounty of bold, fresh and flavorful dishes made from the highest quality ingredients, all while celebrating the rich resources and history of Virginia’s most fertile region. Like Italy’s Piedmont, the Virginia Piedmont contains land with high agricultural value. Whether you choose a private chef’s dinner in Salamander’s cooking studio or prefer to relax with an after-dinner cordial by the fire pit, you will feel miles away from the bustle of the city. *500 N. Pendleton St., Middleburg, Virginia*.

Since its opening last September, **Field & Main** has been a welcome addition to Virginia’s dining scene. Located on Main Street in Marshall, the restaurant occupies the former O’Bannon house, parts of which date to the 1790s. With its custom 10-foot hearth and unique décor, Field & Main, which is now offering brunch, would make the return trip to D.C. so much easier. *8369 W. Main Street, Marshall, Virginia*.

**An Inaugur-cation**
The **Inn at Willow Grove** in Orange, Virginia, is the perfect destination for escaping from your routine. Among the inn’s current specials and packages is a weekend getaway with a $100 resort credit. This package includes a chilled glass of Prosecco at check-in and a sweet treat and hot tea in your room at turn-down. Plus, each morning a butler will deliver hot French-press coffee and fresh house-made beignets to your door. *14079 Plantation Way, Orange, Virginia*.

Why not head to the shore to the **Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay**? Set on the banks of the Choptank River in Cambridge, on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, the resort is offering a special “inaugur-cation” rate Jan. 19 to 22 — the crunch-time for inaugural events, when road closures, crowds and other inconveniences will be stressing out those of us who stayed in D.C. *100 Heron Boulevard, Cambridge, Maryland*.

**Just for the Day**
Originally built in 1764, **Castle Hill Cider** is a Virginia cidery located in Keswick’s horse country. Melding tradition with the cutting edge, Castle Hill Cider strives to produce the highest quality and most enjoyable ciders. The tasting room features different ciders to take home and enjoy on-site. *6065 Turkey Sag Road, Keswick, Virginia*.

The rolling hills and verdant valleys of Virginia’s Piedmont region will provide the perfect backdrop for Virginia-based singer-songwriter Randy Thompson. On Jan. 20, the Randy Thompson Band will be performing at **Smokehouse Live**. *1602 Village Market Boulevard SE, Leesburg, Virginia*.

Bring out your child’s inner princess at the annual Snowflake Ball at the **Lovettsville Community Center** in Loudoun County. On Jan. 21, the center will be magically transformed into a castle with crafts and activities for princesses ages 3 to 10. Admission is $15 per child and online registration is available through Jan. 12 at loudoun.gov/webtrac (activity 202705-01). For details, call 540-822-5284. *57 E. Broad Way, Lovettsville, Virginia*.