North by Northwest

This loop features history, wine, funky antiques and river stops, plus desolate country roads worthy of a Jane Austen novel.

Route: Take Route 193 (Georgetown Pike) to Route 7 (Leesburg Pike) to Leesburg. Stay on Route 7 west, then take Route 690 north and make a left on Route 9 to Route 671 up to Harpers Ferry, W.Va. Cross the Potomac River into Maryland on Route 340, turn right on Route 17 (Burkittsville Road), then left on Route 464 (Point of Rocks Road). Choose some random right turns to explore the various canal stops and boat put-ins. Follow Route 464 to Route 15 south near Point of Rocks, then take Route 28 east through Tuscarora to Dickerson. From there, use back roads (such as Martinsburg, Club Hollow and Mount Nebo roads) to skirt the river and the C&O Canal park all the way back to River Road, which hooks up with the Beltway. Continue on River to reach the last stop, Glen Echo.

Highlights:

Scott's Run Nature Preserve covers 384 acres of wildflowers, woods and trails, including a two-mile loop that leads to a waterfall. 7400 Georgetown Pike, McLean, 703-324-8702.

Ball's Bluff Battlefield Regional Park is a good resting stop for history buffs. Balls Bluff Rd., Leesburg, 703-737-7800.

At the Old Lucketts Store Antiques, antique doors, wrought-iron garden arches and vintage refrigerators are piled chest-high outside, while shabby-chic furniture fills the 1910 house. 42350 Lucketts Rd., Leesburg, 703-779-0268.

Hillsborough Vineyards overlooks farms, mountains and grapevines. (We bought a bottle of the Moonstone Viognier blend and settled in for sunset.) 36716 Charles Town Pike, Purcellville, 540-668-6216.

Lock 29 on the C&O Canal is a nice spot to wade or swim, but bring water sneakers, as it's very rocky. Off Lander Road, Lander, 301-739-4200.

At DoDo Birdhouses, Rick Keeney makes the little homes (from $15) from bits of old barns, rakes and shutters. routes 85 and 28, Tuscarora, 301-874-8303.

White's Ferry offers a leisurely, scenic river crossing between Maryland and Virginia. 24801 Whites Ferry Rd., Dickerson, 301-349-5200.

At the Irish Inn at Glen Echo, finish the day with dinner and then dancing at Glen Echo Park. 6119 Tulane Ave., Glen Echo, 301-229-6600.

MAP CREDIT: Laris Karklis - The Washington Post