I lived in DC for 13 years; there are byways, you don't have to drive the harder parts of town; take Rock Creek Parkway wherever you're going if you can. If you go through Frederick on your way from the country, now those people drive crazy But I've been camping in Beckley, know you aren't married to your cousin. It just looks that way

Good luck, YouOme, I've only driven through New York, took a train to there, wouldn't drive there unless I was going somewhere specific and staying only there. No place for the car!