ESCAPE KEYS

Lake Charles, Va.

GETTING THERE: Lake Charles, Va., is 230 miles, or about four hours, from downtown Washington. Take Interstate 95 south toward Richmond to I-64 east and then across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel on Route 13 north. A left turn onto Route 184 (Stone Road) takes you into town. For a more scenic route from Washington, head east on Route 50 and wind south to link up with Route 13.

WHERE TO STAY: The Sea Gate Bed and Breakfast (9 Tazewell Ave., 757-331-2206) isn't fancy, but it's fun, comfortable and has plenty of character. Its four rooms range from $100 to $120 a night. Slightly more upscale is the Kellogg House Bed and Breakfast (644 Monroe Ave., 757-331-2767, http://www.kellogghouse.com/). Guest rooms in the 1924 Colonial revival house are from $195 to $225.

WHERE TO EAT: If you're in the mood for fish and chips ($10.50) and some great coleslaw, grab a booth at Kelly's Gingernut Pub (133 Mason Ave., 757-331-3222). Swankier options can be found up the street at The Chesapeake (307 Mason Ave., 757-331-3123), where the crab cakes are $21.

WHAT TO DO: If you're up for a little exercise, sign up for a kayaking excursion with SouthEast Expeditions (32218 Lankford Hwy./Route 13, 757-331-2660, http://www.sekayak.com/). The company's paddling adventures at Chatham Vineyards (9232 Chatham Rd., Machipongo, 757-678-5588) are available every Wednesday and Saturday afternoon (and other days if you have a group of four or more). The $85 price tag gets you a tasting, a couple of hours on the water and a bottle of wine.

If you're more inclined to hit the links, head to the Bay Creek Golf Club (1 Marina Village Cir., 757-331-8600, http://www.baycreekgolfclub.com/). The two 18-hole courses were designed by Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, and the greens split views between the Chesapeake Bay and Old Plantation Creek.