Day Trips from DC

It's official: Double-wide strollers and fanny packs have invaded Washington, DC just in time for the 4th of July weekend. As I do every year, I'll be joining the masses - outsiders and residents alike - on The National Mall tomorrow for an Independence Day celebration like no other, but today I'm going to try to limit my American flag T-shirt exposure by reliving the experiences of my pioneering ancestors and heading west.

The day trip possibilities from DC are endless. Do you want wine or walking tours? Civil War battle sites or beaches? Travel and Leisure lists their top 8 destinations, and About.com suggests trips to satisfy every interest. My suggestion for a day trip? Anything that doesn't involve Metro escalator traffic jams.