US Capital Region

The Capital Region isn't all politics and West Wing chatter. Washington, DC and the states beyond are filled with rejuvenated corners, vineyards and US history seen from every perspective

- Peter Moore

To outsiders, the Capital Region is often a confusing concept. 'Is Washington, DC a state?' is just about the most commonly asked question. (Answer: no, it's a district - cue puzzlement). Then there's what lies beyond America's political centre. There is more to this region than the West Wing, something that is swiftly apparent as you explore DC and the packed states around it - particularly Maryland and Virginia.

Through DC runs the mighty Potomac River, with breathtaking mountains to the west, glistening bays and beaches to the east, and close to 300 years of history rammed in between. What's more startling is that much of this lies within just an hour's drive of the iconic Washington Monument.

In the far north of Virginia you'll find Loudoun County. This is DC's wine country: a rolling landscape of hills braided with vineyards and dotted with wineries and breweries. County seat Leesburg buzzes with hipster bars and restaurants in its downtown, while nearby Purcellville gives off more of a family-friendly, Norman Rockwell vibe.

Elsewhere in Virginia you can sample the leafy colonial charms of Alexandria and visit historic Mount Vernon, a site with a complicated history but one that also honours the most famous founding father of them all, George Washington.

To the north-west, you'll find Chesapeake Bay and the big city vibes of Baltimore in Maryland, which, despite its tough reputation (fuelled by TV series The Wire), is also exceedingly sophisticated in parts. This is a port city with world class galleries, a vibrant waterfront, a rich sporting heritage and blue crabs that are to die for.