Well within driving distance of Washington is the modern city of Baltimore on the coast. Nicknamed as "Charm City", the city has plenty of attractions including good shopping and some fascinating museums. One of its most notable attractions is the grave of Edgar Allen Poe, who died drunk penniless and syphilitic in 1849, and is regarded as one if the greatest American writers ever.
The city also has a thriving art community centred on SoWeBo, where you can pick up some excellent locally produced artwork.
