There’s nothing better than a weekend excursion, except maybe a weekend excursion that includes a comfortable hotel, delicious meals, fabulous art, excellent shopping, and a chance to learn something new. Luckily, Prince George’s is packed with fantastic spots for each of those things, and it's easy as ever to get from one excellent location to another. This makes planning the perfect weekend a nearly effortless endeavor.
Follow this itinerary for the best Prince George’s weekend getaway:
SLEEP: Stay at the centrally located Hampton Inn & Suites in Glenarden, where you’ll be close to all the best spots around the region. It will be easy to get to Riverdale Park, Hyattsville, College Park, Aquasco, Landover, and National Harbor — all the spots where this itinerary will take you. The hotel boasts comfortable suites, free WiFi, an indoor pool, a fitness center, and complimentary breakfast.
EAT: After checking into the hotel, spend your Friday evening in Riverdale Park. Just 20 minutes from the hotel, you’ll enjoy your first meal and drink of the weekend. Denizens Brewing Co. serves up craft beer at its local taproom, which also offers a delicious spread of appetizers, salads, burgers, and entrees — including vegan and gluten-free options. Don’t miss the crispy pretzel bites, stout-marinated steak salad, and brewmaster’s burger.
WATCH: Keep an eye on the schedule at the Prince George’s Publick Playhouse in Hyattsville, just 14 minutes from the hotel, and book an evening performance, if you can. The location hosts a variety of local and national events, including art exhibits, live music, film screenings, dance performances, and theater productions. If nothing is showing at the Playhouse, try The Clarice in College Park.
BRUNCH: Enjoy brunch close to the hotel at the Glenarden/Woodmore location of Milk & Honey. The location is just three minutes from the hotel, and you can’t beat its butter-glazed biscuits, shrimp & grits, crab hash, or berry French toast. Add a Brunch Punch or Bloody Mary to spice up the morning.
PLAY: Get some exercise at the Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex, just 13 minutes from the hotel, where you can pretend to be one of the pros. Inside the Field House is a 200-meter, six-lane track, which sponsors plenty of high-level races throughout the year. There’s also a competition pool, leisure pool, lazy river, water slide, and hot tub — open all year. Check the schedule ahead of time.
SNACK & SHOP: Once you’ve gotten your fill of aquatic fun, make your way to National Harbor — a 20-minute drive. Get a treat at Savannah’s Candy Kitchen; try the pralines or old-fashioned peanut brittle. Once you’re energized by all that sugar, you can turn your attention to your shopping. Check out the clothing at Comm Unity Love, the gear at Carhartt, and the leather goods at ZAAF Collection. Customize your own shoes at the Ki-netics Lab, then stroll through the art at Arts’tination or Corinto Gallery.
INDULGE: After getting your fill of sugar, shopping, and art, you’ll need a good meal. Get a reservation at Succotash, where Chef Edward Lee, a James Beard Award winner, combines his Korean roots with his expertise in Southern cuisine. Start your meal with a chilled shrimp summer roll or the fried green tomato salad, then order the fried chicken and waffles, crispy local blue catfish, or apple cider BBQ pork ribs. Finish the meal with the chocolate bourbon pecan pie or Nana’s banana pudding.
BREAKFAST: After another night in Glenarden, stop at the nearby Silver Diner for a classic diner breakfast. Order the Lumberjack breakfast, with its pancakes, eggs, meat, and home fries, if you’re feeling extra hungry — or stick to the avocado toast & eggs if you’re looking for something lighter. Add a locally roasted Compass espresso for your caffeine fix.
HIKE: End your weekend adventure out in the fresh air at the Watkins Nature Center inside Watkins Regional Park in Kettering. After a 15-minute drive, you can join a ranger-run event at the center, meet one of the center’s animal residents, and take a hike under the canopies on one of the park’s many trails. There are also plenty of kid-friendly spaces, including indoor and outdoor play zones.
Looking for the perfect fall getaway? Plan a trip to College Park with this itinerary.