Details: Lancaster, Pa.

GETTING THERE

Wheatland is about 2 1/2 hours from Washington. Take Interstate 95 north, then I-695 toward Towson, then I-83. At York, Pa., take Route 462 (Market Street), then Lincoln Highway (U.S. Route 30). Go for 19 miles, then take Route 741 toward Millersville; take a left at Marietta Avenue (Route 23). Wheatland is about 1 1/2 miles ahead on the right.

WHERE TO STAY

The Lancaster Arts Hotel (300 Harrisburg Ave., 717-299-3000, http://www.lancasterartshotel.com) is a 63-room boutique hotel in a former tobacco warehouse in downtown Lancaster. Rooms start at $199. The Victorian Secret Garden B & B (445 W. Chestnut St., 717-399-9229, http://www.secretgardenpa.com) has three guest rooms with private baths. Summer weekend rates are $129-$149. The Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square (25 S. Queen St., 866-503-3786, http://www.marriott.com), a 19-story hotel connected to the convention center, opens on Friday.

WHERE TO EAT

Harrisburg Pike is Lancaster's unofficial restaurant row. Lancaster's Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant (781 Harrisburg Pike, 717-291-9800, http://www.ironhillbrewery.com/lancaster) is one of eight locations in southeastern Pennsylvania. It's a casual brew pub with chicken potpie and fish and chips as house specialties. John J. Jeffries (300 Harrisburg Ave., 717-431-3307, http://www.johnjjeffries.com) promises seasonal cooking based on local meats and produce.

WHAT TO DO

The Wheatland mansion is at 1120 Marietta Ave., Lancaster, 717-392-8721. From April to October, it's open Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; in November and December, it's open only on Friday and Saturday. Admission $8. The Lancaster Historical Society (230 N. President Ave., 717-392-4633, http://www.lancasterhistory.org) is open Tuesday and Thursday, 9:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

For Wheatland and the historical society, go to http://www.lancasterhistory.org.

-- J.F.L.