The Mid-Atlantic region of the United States is packed with some of the country’s best attractions. Hit the highlights of New York City and Washington, D.C., or spend your time exploring Pennsylvania or Virginia with their many historic sites.

There is, in fact, so much to do in this region rich in history and culture that planning a trip can be a challenge. Perhaps the best plan of attack is to make a list of your top attractions and prepare an itinerary that fits in as many as possible. You could spend your days exploring Washington, D.C., and Virginia or explore upstate New York and its beautiful scenery.

Planning a trip to this exciting region can be tough, but travel expert Karen Brown has made the task much easier. On her popular website, Brown outlines nearly a dozen unique itineraries for visitors to the Mid-Atlantic States. Karen Brown readers also chose the following hotels and inns as the best lodgings in the Mid-Atlantic:

Whatever your definition of a romantic getaway, you’ll find the perfect lodging at the Antrim 1844 Country House Hotel in Taneytown, Maryland. The main house of this 24-acre former plantation is a meticulously restored gem listed in the National Register of Historic Places. There are nine guest rooms in this home, each with period dcor and a wood-burning fireplace; some also have a clawfoot or Jacuzzi tub. There are also 30 more accommodations, spread throughout the property. Among the offerings is a cottage that once served as the plantation’s ice house and Smith House, a two-story home with several romantic suites, all featuring period dcor. Karen Brown readers have chosen this hotel as the Mid-Atlantic’s “Most Romantic” lodging.

Enjoy exceptional accommodations, fine cuisine and an idyllic country setting at the Inn at Turkey Hill. This Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, inn was chosen by Karen Brown readers as the “Greatest Value” in the Mid-Atlantic. Two of the guest rooms are located in the main house, a picturesque historic farmhouse that dates to 1839. Other rooms and suites surround the inn’s main courtyard or are located in the luxurious Stable rooms, which include double whirlpool tubs. The inn has a gourmet restaurant and a cozy tavern where you can relax and enjoy a glass of wine from the inn’s extensive wine list.

Few places can boast as much historic significance as the Inn at Warner Hill. The historic plantation home was part of a spread that was founded by George Washington’s great-great-grandfather, and the inn is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Add to that its proximity to historic venues such as Jamestown and the location of the Battle of Yorktown, and you’ll find plenty to do and see. In addition to attracting history buffs, the meticulously restored home is a true romantic retreat. The guest rooms, decorated in period style with antiques, include amenities such as fireplaces and spa tubs. Dinner at the inn is gourmet treat and a perfect place to celebrate an anniversary or special occasion. This Gloucester, Virginia, inn was chosen as the Mid-Atlantic’s “Warmest Welcome,” by Karen Brown readers.

A stay at Hotel Plaza Athenee could spoil you for any other place. Located on Manhattan’s stylish Upper East Side just a block from Central Park, the boutique hotel offers rooms and suites with an elegant European design. The city and park views are equally impressive, and a few suites even offer private balconies or indoor atriums. A drink in the intimate Bar Seine is a must, with its charming mix of dcor that is part Paris, part Casablanca. Arabelle, the hotel’s romantic restaurant, serves breakfasts, an opulent afternoon tea, and offers a lunch and dinner menu filled with gourmet treats. The hotel was chosen by Karen Brown readers as the Mid-Atlantic’s top “Splendid Splurge.