Archives for October 2019

(Mid-Atlantic Region, October 29, 2019) — The fun doesn’t have to end after dinner. This region is filled with late night attractions!

For more information on any of the following, contact the destination marketing organization listed below. For general information on the Mid-Atlantic, visit MATPRA.org.

DELAWARE

Delaware’s Quaint Villages

Dive into one of Delaware’s Quaint Villages breweries and distilleries for late night fun and live entertainment. Head to Milford’s Mispillion River Brewing for craft beer tastings and late-night music, or head to easySpeak Spirits for hand craft sprits, live music and wood-fired eats! Delaware’s Quaint Villages (Kent County, DE), Danielle Jonigan, VisitDelawareVillages.com, [email protected]

Greater Wilmington

As the cool evening air settles over Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley the Delaware Astrological Society brings out their telescopes for several evening activities including Introduction to Observing the Night Sky at Bellevue State Park, Telescope Viewings at Woodside Farm Creamery, and Astronomy Workshop at the Mt. Cuba Observatory. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sarah Willoughby, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected]

MARYLAND

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant city of neighborhoods—especially after dark. With live music, comedy acts and historic notables at every turn, Fell’s Point, Canton, Federal Hill and Mount Vernon are the perfect spots to hit with their abundance of bars, pubs, restaurants and cool hangouts. Visit Baltimore, Abigail Vitaliano, Baltimore.org, [email protected]

Calvert County

Activities After Dark! Spring: Enjoy dinner out with friends during Restaurant Week in early March. Summer: Catch a Movie on the Beach with the kids. Fall: Scare yourself in Twisted Fields of Terror. Winter: Stroll through the twinkling Garden of Lights or check out the illuminated Twin Beach Towns. Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected]

Frederick County

Downtown Frederick is the place to be after dark. Bars and restaurants line the streets and live music is everywhere. Catch a local band at Cafe Nola, grab a cocktail or a few beers at Jojo’s Taphouse, and follow it up with a late night slice at Pretzel and Pizza Creations. Visit Frederick, Melissa Muntz, VisitFrederick.org, [email protected]

Hagerstown – Washington County

Hagerstown’s Arts & Entertainment District is the place to be for visitors who want some nightlife. Take in a concert or performance at the newly expanded Maryland Theatre & Performing Arts Complex and enjoy a delicious dinner or an after-show nightcap at one of downtown Hagerstown’s many eateries and taprooms. Visit Hagerstown, Betsy DeVore, VisitHagerstown.com, [email protected] Harford County

Ladew Gardens comes alive at night during their annual Garden Glow. A magical celebration of fall featuring illuminated sculptures, hundreds of glowing jack o’ lanterns, live music, and local vendors of food and spirits. Marvel at glowing creations by talented local artists or enjoy educational exhibits of creepy crawly critters! Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, [email protected]

PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania (Commonwealth of)
Packed with renowned restaurants and bars, Pennsylvania’s cities are the perfect spot for a night on the town! Not to mention, we lead the nation in beer and wine production, boasting more than 350 breweries and more than 200 wineries. Pennsylvania Tourism Office, Lisa Zahn, VisitPA.com, [email protected]

Central Pennsylvania

State College has nightlife opportunities from relaxed atmosphere taverns to live music venues open until 2 AM. Steps away from campus and downtown lodging. Arts & culture places includes Bryce Jordan Center, The State Theatre, Schwab Auditorium and Eisenhower Auditorium. A gorgeous outdoor setting for live music and festivals is the Tussey Mountain Amphitheatre. Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau, Edward Stoddard, VisitPennState.org, [email protected]

Endless Mountains

When the sun goes down the curtain goes up on great entertainment across the Endless Mountains. The historic Dietrich Theater in Tunkhannock plays home to annual film festivals, first run hits, workshops, lectures and arts events while the Montrose Theatre offers films and local theater for a great night out. Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected]

Gettysburg

When the sun goes down in Gettysburg, for some the fun is just beginning. Ghost tours and excursions are available for visitors throughout the nighttime hours to explore the paranormal side of town. Many craft beverage makers in and around town are serving up glasses and pints of tasty brews and spirits. Destination Gettysburg, Rachel Wright, DestinationGettysburg.com, [email protected]

Lehigh Valley

Nightlife comes alive at Wind Creek Bethlehem (formerly Sands Bethlehem). The hotel & casino resort offers slot machines, table games, and even stadium gaming. If gambling isn’t your thing, catch a show at the Wind Creek Event Center, shop at the outlets, or dine restaurants including three by Emeril Lagasse. Discover Lehigh Valley, Kaitie Burger, DiscoverLehighValley.com, [email protected]

Montgomery County

Montco has a variety of fantastic nightlife scene. Ardmore, Pa’s main street is your one stop location for an unforgettable night out. Suburban Square, Ardmore’s main shopping district, is home to popular brand names and unique boutiques. Once you’re done shopping, pop on over to Ardmore Music Hall and after the final encore, stop by Tired Hands for a night cap! Visit Montgomery, Emily Keel, ValleyForge.org, [email protected]

Potter County – Tioga County

The only spot in the Mid-Atlantic with a credited Dark Skies program, thousands of visitors travel annually to experience the skyshow at Cherry Springs State Park in Potter County. Without ambient light for miles, you can view the Milky Way, planets and more on a clear night with the naked eye. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected]

VIRGINIA

Alexandria

In Alexandria, Virginia, minutes from Washington, D.C., spend the evening dining in historic Old Town and unwinding on the Potomac River waterfront. Then, enjoy live music at The Birchmere: America’s Legendary Music Hall, host to big-name artists alongside up-and-comers in an intimate setting, or at bars and pubs along King Street. Visit Alexandria, Leah Spellman, APR, VisitAlexandriaVA.com, [email protected]

Fairfax County

Music lovers, see a show at Jammin’ Java or Wolf Trap and theater-goers, add 1st Stage or NextStop Theatre to your list. For unique experiences, hit up Bad Axe Throwing, an escape room or paint bar, an evening cruise on the Potomac River or a Virginia craft brewery or winery. Visit Fairfax, Ali Morris, FXVA.com, [email protected]

Fredericksburg Region (Spotsylvania, Stafford and Fredericksburg)

Charming Fredericksburg after dark offers window shopping or dining at a chief owned restaurant. If dinner and a show are more to your liking, Riverside Center has the musical you want to see. For an active evening try Splitsville to test your bowling skills while enjoying a scrumptious meal with friends. Fredericksburg Region, Debbie Aylor, VisitFred.com, [email protected]

Harrisonburg

Nothing characterizes a city quite like its nightlife, and Harrisonburg has a scene from which great stories are born! Start at one of our eclectic local restaurants and work your way through stylish venues that host live music and entertainment. The Golden Pony and Clementine Café are two local favorites. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jessica Williams, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected]

Prince William County
From dueling pianos and tiki bars on the water to nightclubs and live outdoor music venues D.C.’s Countryside offers visitors a wide variety of nightlife options. Experience unforgettable live music at Jiffy Lube Live, the #1 instagrammed location in Virginia, or sip cocktails on the river at Tim’s Rivershore. Prince William County Office of Tourism, Nicole Warner, VisitPWC.com, [email protected]

WEST VIRGINIA

Hampshire County

Want to see the Milky Way Galaxy under dark skies with a 360 panoramic view? Stay at Capon Springs & Farms resort and enjoy your own explorations of the heavens. Hampshire County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jonathan Bellingham, ComeToHampshire.com, [email protected]

About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance
The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. The group serves travel journalists by creating a regional resource that ignores geographical boundaries while promoting common threads, offering story ideas about the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.

(Mid-Atlantic Region, October 10, 2019) — With the children back in school, this is the perfect time to extend their educational experiences and take learning outside the classroom. From sites where America’s history unfolded, to outdoor opportunities where people can connect to the environment, the Mid-Atlantic is filled with ways to bring those textbook lessons to life.

For more information on any of the following, contact the destination marketing organization listed below. For general information on the Mid-Atlantic, visit MATPRA.org.

DELAWARE

Greater Wilmington

Located on Wilmington’s family-friendly Riverwalk, adjacent to the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge, DuPont Environmental Education Center offers visitors access to 212 acres of freshwater marsh, is a trailhead to the JAM trail connecting Wilmington to Historic New Castle and is home to birds and animals, including American Bald Eagles. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sarah Willoughby, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected]

Delaware’s Quaint Villages

Delaware’s Quaint Villages is home to many nature and educational centers, perfect for the whole family to learn! Take a trip to DuPont Nature Center and learn about the Delaware Bay’s natural history and ecology or head to Killens Pond State Park’s Nature Center to see native reptiles and amphibians overlooking a 66-acre millpond. Kent County Tourism, Danielle Jonigan, VisitDelawareVillages.com, [email protected]

MARYLAND

Maryland (State of)

Before heading back to school, take a trip along one of Maryland’s Scenic Byways where everyone will learn something new. From the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway to the Star-Spangled Banner Byway, explore fun and educational attractions along the way, plus excellent lodging and dining. Maryland Office of Tourism, Matthew Scales, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected]

Annapolis & Anne Arundel County

Sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and canoeing options abound in and around Annapolis. Land lovers can hike miles of trails in city, county and state parks, and cycling enthusiasts can workout on the 13.3-mile Baltimore and Annapolis Trail. It connects to another 12.5-mile trail circling BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, VisitAnnapolis.org, [email protected]

Baltimore

Baltimore is full of educational and inspiring attractions— the best way to learn about the past is to visit historical places! Explore Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the location of the War of 1812, see “on duty” guards demonstrating muskets and unfurl a full-sized replica of the Star-Spangled Banner.Visit Baltimore, Abigail Vitaliano, Baltimore.org, [email protected]

Calvert County

In Calvert County, Maryland, Solomons Island Heritage Tours let families experience life on the water first hand in a unique and fun way on a commercial fishing vessel. The Calvert Marine Museum boasts rich maritime history, fossils and live marine life and Calvert offers public beaches on the Chesapeake Bay. Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected]

Charles County

An impressive mecca for birding, kayaking, hiking, camping, cycling, fishing, photography, shopping and fabulous seafood, you never know what you might find in Charles County. Explore the newly designated national marine sanctuary of Mallows Bay, largest ship graveyard in the Western hemisphere or bike Indian Head Rail Trail. Charles County Government, Department of Recreation, Parks, & Tourism, Kellie Hinkle, ExploreCharlesCounty.com, [email protected]

Frederick County

Discover the story of the first American-born Saint at the Shrine of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton. A stunning basillica, fascinating museum and guided tours of her historic home tell a story of true compassion. Visit Frederick, Melissa Joseph Muntz, VisitFrederick.org, [email protected]

Hagerstown – Washington County

Washington County is rich in Civil War history and much more! From the stretch of National Road where macadam was first used to the last remaining original stone fort in America and the place where John Brown organized his Harpers Ferry raid, there’s no shortage of unique history and learning. Visit Hagerstown, Betsy DeVore, VisitHagerstown.com, [email protected]

Harford County

Fawn View Farm is a family farm offering educational farm tours for large groups. Participants get a firsthand look at the day-to-day operation of a working dairy farm with a mix of guided tour and hands-on activity. Call in advance and plan to experience the wonderful world of farming. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, [email protected]

PENNSYLVANIA

Pennsylvania (Commonwealth of)

Pennsylvania is home to children’s museums for hands-on learning in cities across the state including Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Erie. Families can also get a history lesson in Gettysburg and Valley Forge, get creative at the Crayola Experience in Easton and inventive with ice cream flavors at the Turkey Hill Experience. Pennsylvania Tourism Office, Lisa Zahn, VisitPA.com, [email protected]

Central Pennsylvania

Columbus never made it to North America…but his family’s treasures did…to Boalsburg, Pennsylvania. The Boal Estate has been the Boal family home for over 200 years and tells the story of America through eight generations of one family. Original furnishings, artwork and artifacts. The Columbus Chapel was brought to Boalsburg in 1909. Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau, Stoddard, VisitPennState.org, [email protected]

Endless Mountains

Streams and woodland trails aren’t just window dressing in the Endless Mountains, they’re here to play in and learn in! Keystone College’s Woodlands Campus includes a network of trails leading to the suspension bridge, biology pond and more. This student resource is the perfect area for scientific and environmental studies. Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected]

Lehigh Valley

Learn about industries that shaped America at two Smithsonian affiliate institutions in Lehigh Valley. The National Museum of Industrial History examines steam engines, the steel industry and more. The National Canal Museum takes you back in time to when mule-drawn canal boats were integral to the anthracite industry. Discover Lehigh Valley, Kaitie Burger, DiscoverLehighValley.com, [email protected]

Montgomery County

Montgomery County is home to a plethora of amazing attractions, unique events and incredible opportunities. Home to both the King of Prussia Mall and Valley Forge National Historical Park, minutes from Philadelphia, and hosting 76 world-class full-service hotels, Montco has everything you need to make it a weekend you won’t forget. Visit Montgomery, Emily Keel, valleyforge.org, [email protected]

Philadelphia

Philadelphia bursts with fun for children of any age. Kids can get their pizza fix at the country’s largest pizza memorabilia collection (Pizza Brain), enjoy hands-on fun at the Please Touch Museum®, play mini golf at Franklin Square and enjoy ice cream at The Franklin Fountain. Visit Philadelphia, Daniel Davis, VisitPhilly.com, [email protected]

Potter County – Tioga County

The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum educates the public about the Commonwealth’s rich lumbering history and the management and recreational use of its forests. Students are encouraged to explore the museum’s working historic saw mill, recreated lumber camp, exhibits, public programs and collections to discover the relevance of history in their lives. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected]

Reading, Berks County

Step back in time at one of the finest remaining 19th century massive iron plantations – Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. With museum tours, theater programs and individual explorations, learn how this historic site in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region helped transform the United States into an industrial giant. Pennsylvania’s Americana Region, Lisa Haggerty, VisitPaAmericana.com, [email protected]

VIRGINIA

Virginia (Commonwealth of)

Virginia is an American history icon. Learn about the great leaders of our country at one of eight estates of former U.S. Presidents, visit the hallowed grounds of Virginia battlefields and heritage sites, tour the fascinating destinations along the Historic Triangle and travel the Crooked Road for a musical history experience. Virginia Tourism Corporation, Andrew Cothern, virginia.org, [email protected]

Alexandria

Harry Potter fans of all ages will love the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum located in historic Old Town Alexandria. Step back in time to a pharmacy exactly as it was when it closed in 1933. See real-life ingredients mentioned in the Harry Potter books and movies, including dragon’s blood. Visit Alexandria, Leah Spellman, APR, VisitAlexandriaVA.com, [email protected]

Fairfax County

In Fairfax County, kids will be so busy having fun that they won’t even realize they’re learning: visit two Founding Fathers’ homes, meet baby animals at a working historical dairy farm, see a real-life space shuttle at a Smithsonian museum or attend a Jr. Ranger course at a National Park. Visit Fairfax, Ali Morris, FXVA.com, [email protected]

Harrisonburg

Take a trip to space and imagine what it would be like to explore an exoplanet, a planet outside our own solar system that could possibly support life. Visitors to the John C. Wells Planetarium can get a good idea of what they would see on such a journey. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jessica Williams, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected]

Loudoun

Loudoun’s rich agricultural history comes to life at Great Country Farms. For 20+ years, the farm has offered experiences that range from how produce is grown to the importance of pollinators like honeybees and the life cycle of butterflies. While here, enjoy wagon rides, the country store and farm animals. Visit Loudoun, Jennifer Sigal, visitloudoun.org, [email protected]

Prince William County

Families can see, hear, smell and even taste history while touring Ben Lomond Historic Site. This immersive experience allows families to enjoy learning about Civil War history ranging from medicine and slavery to farming all while making incredible memories too. Prince William County Office of Tourism, Nicole Warner, VisitPWC.com, [email protected]

Richmond

Take an Upper River Rafting Trip on the James River with Riverside Outfitters (good for children 5 and up). For families who love to camp: Sharp’s Island, an entire private island on the river, is available to rent for weekend camping adventures and fun. Richmond Region Tourism, Meghan Gearino, VisitRichmondVa.com, [email protected]

About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance

The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Washington, D.C. The group serves travel journalists by creating a regional resource that ignores geographical boundaries while promoting common threads, offering story ideas about the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org