Richmond to Philadelphia road trip: 24 stops worth the detour

Michelin-starred Wharf restaurant showcasing live-fire Levantine cooking and mezze. Order: Whole grilled fish.

Independent West African spot downtown on 8th Street serving generous, boldly spiced Malian and West African home cooking. Order: Grilled tilapia and rice.

Routinely ranked Maryland's best public course, Bulle Rock hosted the LPGA Championship from 2005 to 2009. Dye stretched it across rolling farmland with dramatic elevation and his trademark hazards.

Fells Point institution celebrating New England and Chesapeake seafood with a raw bar and old-school preparations. Order: Maine-style lobster roll.

Reopened historic tavern serving seasonal American cuisine, an Old World wine list and pre-prohibition cocktails for lunch, brunch and dinner. Order: Crab cakes.

A well-regarded daily-fee track near Fredericksburg.

Michelin-starred Shaw restaurant cooking hearth-fired Mid-Atlantic fare over a wood-burning fireplace. Order: Wood-fired seasonal plates.

Bloomingdale stalwart since 2013 with wood-fired Italian cooking and creative house-made pastas. Order: Rigatoni with sausage.

Washington's oldest saloon, open since 1856 steps from the White House with a bustling oyster bar. Order: Oysters.

A classic city municipal course.

U Street institution serving DC's signature dish since 1958, an Eisenhower-era late-night landmark. Order: Chili half-smoke.