Culture

Get Out of Town

The Mid-Atlantic region is a traveler’s paradise. Within just a half-day’s drive of D.C., the possibilities for exploration and adventure are endless. With so many enticing options, it can be hard to know exactly where to go — and what to do when you get there. Join the mother-daughter duo Laurita and Lauren Portee on road trips to amazing destinations near the nation’s capital.

Shenandoah Valley, VA

28m 32s

The mountains are calling in the season finale, as Laurita & Lauren visit the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. From Skyland Restaurant at Shenandoah National Park to Luray Caverns to ATV-riding with Appalachian Adventures, the season concludes with adventures and views of the Virginia countryside. The hosts also visit Hank’s Grille & Catering and stay at The Mimslyn Inn and the Massanutten Resort.

Season 2: Coming Soon!

Seeking out the best food, accommodations and adventures across the region, mother-daughter duo Laurita and Lauren Portee return for season 2 of the locally produced WETA series, Get Out of Town. The new season will premiere April 15, 2024, at 9 p.m. on WETA PBS and 8 p.m. on WETA Metro, with four additional episodes coming later this fall. The series will also stream on the PBS app, with the first two episodes available April 1 with the WETA Passport member benefit.

Visit Baltimore sign

Baltimore, MD

Premieres April 15

A weekend trip to Baltimore is full of surprises for hosts Laurita and Lauren, from raising the flag at Fort McHenry to a visit to the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and a training session with dolphins at the National Aquarium. The hosts stay at the Canopy by Hilton Baltimore Harbor Point and The Ivy Hotel and enjoy seafood from Nick’s Fish House and The Food Market.

Two women in front of pumpkins

Lancaster, PA

Premieres April 22

Lancaster, PA is an area renowned for its Amish and Pennsylvania Dutch cultures. From churning butter at Old Windmill Farm to dressing up in traditional Pennsylvania-German clothes at Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, Laurita & Lauren are immersed in local tradition. They stay at the Amish View Inn and Suites and Eden Resort and Suites and enjoy meals at Miller’s Smorgasbord and Zoetropolis. 

two women and a man in front of a horse and carriage

Williamsburg, VA

Premieres April 29

Laurita & Lauren’s Williamsburg, VA weekend adventure is equal parts historic and equal parts fun! They ride rollercoasters at Busch Gardens Christmas Town and visit an archeology laboratory in Colonial Williamsburg. Authentic dining takes place at King’s Arm Tavern and Amber Ox Public House, and the hosts reside at the Williamsburg Inn and Marriot’s Manor Club at Ford’s Colony.

Two women smiling

Snowshoe, WV

Premieres May 6

From snow tubing to snowboarding and the ultimate in cozy lodging, Laurita and Lauren experience a winter wonderland adventure in Snowshoe, WV.The hosts enjoy a meal at Appalachia Kitchen and drive up a snowy mountain for food from Adventure Dining. Their snowy vacation is complete with restful stays at Allegheny Springs and Corduroy Inn & Lodge. 

Episodes

  • Shenandoah Valley, VA: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Shenandoah Valley, VA

    S1 E8 - 28m 32s

    The mountains are calling in the season finale, as Laurita & Lauren visit the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. From Skyland Restaurant at Shenandoah National Park to Luray Caverns to ATV-riding with Appalachian Adventures, the season concludes with adventures and views of the Virginia countryside. The hosts also visit Hank’s Grille & Catering and stay at The Mimslyn Inn and the Massanutten Resort.

  • Philadelphia, PA: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Philadelphia, PA

    S1 E7 - 28m 32s

    Spectacular food and history, plus a run up the famous Rocky steps, are on the itinerary as Laurita and Lauren visit Philadelphia. They make cheesesteaks at Campo’s, grab smoothies at Reading Terminal Market, and enjoy fine dining at Laser Wolf. Adventures include a Founding Footsteps Tour and stop at Shane Confectionery, plus stays at Center City’s Guild House Hotel and The Notary Hotel.

  • Charlottesville, VA: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Charlottesville, VA

    S1 E6 - 28m 49s

    A visit to Charlottesville offers Laurita and Lauren adventure and meaningful historical explorations. With delicious food at Bodo’s Bagels and Angelic’s Kitchen, and stays at The Clifton and The Draftsman hotels, the hosts get a new perspective on Laurita’s college town. Plus, horseback riding with Indian Summer Guide Service, wine tasting at Veritas Vineyards and a poignant tour of Monticello.

  • Harpers Ferry, WV: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Harpers Ferry, WV

    S1 E5 - 28m 29s

    Laurita and Lauren have a thrilling and tasty visit to Harper’s Ferry in West Virginia. From multiple tours of Harpers Ferry historical sites to rafting down the Shenandoah with River Riders, this destination is full of surprises. The hosts stay at the Clarion Inn and the Rockhaven B&B, get a bread-making lesson at Bolivar Bread and dine at Snallygasters Cafe and the White Horse Tavern.

  • Deep Creek Lake, MD: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Deep Creek Lake, MD

    S1 E4 - 27m 22s

    Mountain & water views beckon on Laurita & Lauren’s visit to Deep Creek Lake, MD. The Lake Pointe Inn connects them to paddle boarding and kayaking in the nearby Deep Creek Lake State Park, while the Wisp Resort offers roller coasters that spiral down the side of the often-snow-covered Wisp Mountain. Two meals at Firewater Kitchen & Bar and Dutch’s at Silver Tree are also part of the adventure.

  • St. Michaels, MD: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    St. Michaels, MD

    S1 E3 - 27m 6s

    Laurita and Lauren take to the water in the seaport town of St. Michaels, Maryland. They learn to sail with Sail Selina II and explore the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, while staying at the Wildset Hotel and the Inn at Perry Cabin. Food exploration includes cracking crabs at The Crab Claw and enjoying local favorites at Ava’s Pizzeria & Wine Bar.

  • Richmond, VA: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Richmond, VA

    S1 E2 - 27m 59s

    Just a quick and affordable train ride away, Richmond offers Laurita & Lauren an art- and culture-filled adventure. They tour the Poe Museum and the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and take an art and history bike tour with BASKET & BIKE. Along the way, they stay at the Linden Row Inn and the Quirk Hotel and Art Gallery, and enjoy meals at Lillie Pearl and Wong Gonzalez.

  • Laurel Highlands, PA: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Laurel Highlands, PA

    S1 E1 - 28m 26s

    Laurita & Lauren visit Laurel Highlands to soak up views, architecture & local history. They stay at Oak Lodge and Falling Rock in the Nemacolin Resort, enjoy local meals at Darlington Inn and Out of the Fire Café, and take a tour of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater. The Laurel Highlands adventure also includes summer tubing, mini golf and getting to meet some local animals.

Extras + Features

  • Luray Caverns is the Largest Cave System on the East Coast: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Luray Caverns is the Largest Cave System on the East Coast

    S1 E8 - 4m 22s

    Laurita and Lauren venture into the captivating underground world of Luray Caverns, the largest cave system on the East Coast, which was discovered in 1878. The Portees marvel at the thousands of stalactites and stalagmites adorning the caverns and are mesmerized by the tones of the Great Stalacpipe Organ. The visit ends at Dream Lake, a reflecting pool that leaves Lauren and Laurita in awe.

  • Explore Skyline Drive & Skyland in Shenandoah National Park: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Explore Skyline Drive & Skyland in Shenandoah National Park

    S1 E8 - 5m 14s

    Lauren and Laurita take a scenic drive along Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park. With breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the Allegheny Mountains, the fall foliage adds a spectacular touch to the journey. They stop at Skyland, a charming hotel and restaurant located at the highest point on Skyline Drive, for lunch and a slice of Skyland's famous Mile High Blackberry Pie.

  • Preview: Shenandoah Valley: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Preview: Shenandoah Valley

    S1 E8 - 30s

    The mountains are calling in the season finale, as Laurita & Lauren visit the Shenandoah Valley in Virginia. From Skyland Restaurant at Shenandoah National Park to Luray Caverns to ATV-riding with Appalachian Adventures, the season concludes with adventures and views of the Virginia countryside. The hosts also visit Hank’s Grille & Catering and stay at The Mimslyn Inn and the Massanutten Resort.

  • Discover Massanutten Resort: A Perfect Getaway: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Discover Massanutten Resort: A Perfect Getaway

    S1 E8 - 3m 4s

    Lauren and Laurita explore Massanutten Resort, a hidden gem in the Shenandoah Valley. This premier Four Seasons resort offers breathtaking mountain views, rich history, and a wide range of activities. From an indoor water park to thrilling slides, escape rooms, and a versatile ski resort, Massanutten has something for everyone -- and the Portees take full advantage!

  • Philadelphia: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Philadelphia

    S1 E7 - 30s

    Spectacular food and history, plus a run up the famous Rocky steps, are on the itinerary as Laurita and Lauren visit Philadelphia. They make cheesesteaks at Campo’s, grab smoothies at Reading Terminal Market, and enjoy fine dining at Laser Wolf. Adventures include a Founding Footsteps Tour and stop at Shane Confectionery, plus stays at Center City’s Guild House Hotel and The Notary Hotel.

  • Reading Terminal Market: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Reading Terminal Market

    S1 E7 - 1m 26s

    No trip to Philadelphia is complete without a stop at the historic Reading Terminal Market. Located in Center City, the market has been around for over 130 years and is home to over 80 small businesses, many of which are still family-owned. The Portees can't get enough of the market's atmosphere and people, and marvel at the variety of fresh produce, meat, and cheeses available.

  • Arch Street Meeting House: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Arch Street Meeting House

    S1 E7 - 3m

    Accompanied by Tim McAleer, owner of Founding Footsteps Tours, Laurita and Lauren tour the Arch Street Meeting House, which is the largest Quaker meeting house in the country and second largest in the world. They learn about the history of the Quaker movement in America and the role that Quaker women played in promoting equality, particularly in the fight against slavery and for women's suffrage.

  • Guild House: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Guild House

    S1 E7 - 3m 36s

    Lauren and Laurita spend the night at the Guild House Hotel, a 12-room boutique hotel, which one of the most inviting places to stay in Philadelphia. The hotel is known for its invisible staff, where guests check themselves in, and its history. The building was the longtime home of the New Century Guild, an organization furthering women's rights and the rooms tell the women's stories.

  • Exploring the Life of Sally Hemmings at Monticello: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Exploring the Life of Sally Hemmings at Monticello

    S1 E6 - 4m 52s

    Laurita and Lauren visit Monticello, the historic estate overlooking Charlottesville where Thomas Jefferson, his family and 400 enslaved people lived. Gayle Jessup White, leads them on a tour and discussion about the history of slavery in America. Monticello's "The Life of Sally Hemmings" Exhibit honors Sally Hemmings and how she negotiated freedom for several of the children she had by Jefferson.

  • Bodo's Bagels is a Charlottesville, VA Institution: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Bodo's Bagels is a Charlottesville, VA Institution

    S1 E6 - 3m 18s

    Laurita and Lauren explore the Charlottesville food scene with a visit Bodo's Bagels. As they sample some delicious cream cheese and bagel combinations, Bodo's co-owner Scott Smith discusses how they make their famous New York-style bagels. After lunch, the Portees head out for a walk across the Charlottesville Downtown Mall, the Corner neighborhood, and the University of Virginia Lawn.

  • At Veritas Winery & Vineyard, Virginia Wine is Art & Science: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    At Veritas Winery & Vineyard, Virginia Wine is Art & Science

    S1 E6 - 3m 24s

    During their weekend in Charlottesville, Lauren and Laurita take a quick trip to Veritas Vineyard & Winery in nearby Afton, Virginia. This family-owned winery grows 11 different varietals of grapes to produces some of the best wines in Virginia. George Hodson shares the story of how his parents turned a cow pasture into a thriving vineyard and winery over 23 years.

  • River Riders: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    River Riders

    S1 E5 - 3m 48s

    Laurita and Lauren are excited to try whitewater rafting during their trip to Harpers Ferry, WV. They head to River Riders, an outdoor recreation company that offers a smorgasbord of activities including whitewater rafting, flat-water tubing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. The 3-hour rafting trip offers plenty of rapids and excitement, along with spectacular views.

Schedule

About the Series

Get Out of Town travels to destinations in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia. Each episode recommends places to stay, restaurants to try and activities for people with all kinds of interests and a variety of budgets. Get Out of Town also spotlights the residents, business owners, historians, trail-and-river guides, chefs, artists and others who make each destination special.

About the Hosts

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Episodes

Get Out of Town is hosted by Laurita and Lauren Portee, a mother and daughter who share a passion for adventure.

They discovered they were great travel companions when they took a trip to France in 2012. Today, Laurita is retired and Lauren works full time as an occupational therapist, so they are more than ready to hit the road. They consider themselves to be best friends and love spending time together seeking out new places and trying new activities.

 

 

 

 

 

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