29 Apr Our 7-Day Spring Break Road Trip: New Adventures Close to Home
Our 7-Day Spring Break Road Trip: New Adventures Close to Home. This spring break, my family and I decided to do something a little different — a road trip to nearby U.S. cities! 🚗✨ We packed up our car, set our playlist, and hit the road, starting from our home base in New Jersey.
The plan was simple: visit as many destinations as possible in seven days. And we did! Over the course of our journey, we explored Washington, D.C., Alexandria, Baltimore, and parts of Pennsylvania. Every stop had its own unique charm, and the memories we made were unforgettable.
Washington, D.C. – A Return Visit
We had visited Washington, D.C., during last year’s spring break, but there were still a few museums we hadn’t had the chance to explore. (If you haven’t seen my video from that trip, make sure to check it out [here]! 🎥)
This time, we revisited some favorite spots and discovered a few hidden gems. It reminded us just how much there is to see and experience in D.C., no matter how many times you visit.
Alexandria, Virginia – Art, Food, and Charm
Just a short 25-minute drive from Washington, D.C., lies Alexandria — a beautiful historic city along the Potomac River. Known for its Old Town area, with cobblestone sidewalks and 18th- and 19th-century architecture, Alexandria felt like stepping back in time.
Our first night there was pure magic. The weather was perfect, and we strolled through King Street, lined with charming boutiques and lively street performers filling the air with music. We enjoyed dinner at a cozy restaurant, soaking in the atmosphere — until a surprise rain shower cut the evening short! 🌧️
The next morning, after a delicious breakfast on Duke Street, we spent the entire day at the Torpedo Factory Art Center on North Union Street. This vibrant space is home to dozens of working artists, and it was inspiring to meet them, watch them at work, and hear their stories.
- Susanne Tabet welcomed us into her studio as she worked on a breathtaking painting inspired by her travels to Cairo. Her studio felt like an art gallery, filled with color and history.
- Dane Hamblin’s paintings captured us with their vivid colors and incredible detail. He photographs his inspirations and then transforms them into oil masterpieces.
- We also loved visiting Matthew Johnston, who specializes in creating custom paintings from client photos. It was amazing to watch him bring a family’s candid moment — sitting on their couch with their dog — to life on canvas.
Delicious Eats in Alexandria
After a day full of art, we were more than ready for another Italian feast. We returned to King Street and dined at Mia’s Italian Kitchen. Their gnocchi, pizzas, and salads were absolutely delicious — the gnocchi quickly became a family favorite! 🍝
Before leaving Alexandria, we made two more important stops:
- Turkish Coffee Lady — We couldn’t resist trying their specialty Turkish coffee and desserts. We sampled the mastic-flavored coffee and a decadent pistachio chocolate dessert — both were delightful and unique experiences!
- Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams — Ever since spotting a long line outside during a rainy evening walk, we knew we had to try it. The incredible variety of flavors did not disappoint. 🍦
Next Stop: Baltimore!
With our hearts (and bellies) full, we set off for the next adventure: Baltimore. Stay tuned for all the highlights from this next vibrant city on our spring break road trip!
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