Travel the Portfolio
Discovering Small Towns with Big Stories
In late summer, the highways clear just enough to pull off and slow down. This is the season of side roads and second looks—when small towns reveal themselves not through bucket lists, but through conversation, craft, and heritage. From the quiet hollers of Virginia to the vineyards of Maryland and the cultural crossroads of North Carolina, three Newport destinations invite you to stay a little longer, listen a little deeper, and discover something unexpected.
The Inn at Wise
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Perched in Virginia’s Appalachian Highlands, The Inn at Wise is more than a place to sleep—it’s a living landmark. Originally opened in 1910 and lovingly restored, the hotel is a centerpoint of the community and a storyteller in its own right, blending period architecture with modern hospitality.
This corner of Southwest Virginia offers a compelling blend of natural beauty, performing arts, and cultural heritage. The summer season brings final performances of the Trail of the Lonesome Pine Outdoor Drama in nearby Big Stone Gap, while the region’s legacy is on full display at the Southwest Virginia Museum Historical State Park and the John Fox Jr. Museum just a few miles away.
Art and entertainment thrive here, too. Pro-Art brings music, film, and theater programming to Wise County year-round, while Barter Theatre in nearby Abingdon is a must-see for fans of American stagecraft. For a nostalgic night out, head to Cinema City or the Central Drive-In in Norton.
Outdoor enthusiasts can explore Flag Rock Recreation Area, hike the Guest River Gorge Trail, or take in sweeping views from the High Knob Observation Tower and Powell Valley Overlook. Water lovers can paddle the Clinch River or relax at High Knob Lake, while golfers can tee off at Lonesome Pine Country Club.
Those looking to shop or sip can browse local boutiques like Turning 360, The Glass Slipper, and The Clapboard House, or unwind with tastings at MountainRose Vineyard in Wise and Sweetbay Brewing Company in Abingdon.
Prince Frederick, Maryland
SpringHill Suites Prince Frederick
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Tucked between the Chesapeake Bay and the rolling hills of Calvert County, SpringHill Suites Prince Frederick offers modern comfort with easy access to both natural escapes and coastal culture. Known for its wide-open spaces and rich colonial history, the area is a late-summer haven for those looking to combine exploration with relaxation.
Just ten minutes away, Running Hare Vineyard hosts weekend wine tastings and concerts surrounded by Italian-style architecture and Southern Maryland vineyards. Nearby, Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum stretches across 560 acres of trails, fields, and riverside exhibits chronicling 12,000 years of Chesapeake Bay history.
In late September, the Calvert County Fair brings together agriculture, family rides, and handmade goods, capturing the county’s rural charm. For quieter adventures, explore the shaded boardwalks of Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary, a rare old-growth wetland forest, or stroll the fossil-laced shores of Calvert Cliffs State Park, where you might uncover a prehistoric shark tooth or two.
Downtown Prince Frederick also surprises with its collection of antique shops, family-run diners, and seasonal farmers markets—each offering a moment to connect with the people who give this town its warm, grounded energy.
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