Enjoy the Silence: Spend the Night at Buffalo Bill’s House November 17, 2021 by Laurel Highlands PA If you’re a horror movie fan, you’ve seen “The Silence of the Lambs.” But did you know that there’s a filming location from the movie right in your backyard? For the first time ever, Buffalo Bill’s House in Perryopolis is open to the public as a boutique accommodation and cinematic destination. Your reservation in the 111-year-old Queen Anne Victorian house gives you exclusive access to the entire property, making it a private, immersive experience. The new owner of the house, Chris Rowan, came across an article about the house being for sale and had what he describes as a lightbulb moment. As a horror fan and art director by trade, he knew that he had the passion, knowledge, and experience to turn the house into a filming location like no other. Despite there only being 15 to 20 minutes of footage at the house featured in the movie, the cast and crew spent more than 7 weeks filming in Buffalo Bill’s House during the winter of 1990. The climax and some of the most iconic lines of the movie were filmed in this house, and Chris has made every effort to make sure that you can recreate all of those moments in Buffalo Bill’s House during your stay. On the coffee table, you’ll find a guidebook full of still shots from the movie and where that was filmed in the house, so you don’t miss a single photo op. For example, the school bus across the street that was never moved after filming or the drawer that Buffalo Bill rummaged through for business cards. While decorating, Chris treated the house as a movie set in order to devise a concept. As a result, the house’s décor doubles as an art gallery, with pieces of art everywhere, many donated by Silence fans all over the world. The collection includes three mounted and framed Death’s-head hawkmoths, the most recognizable item from “The Silence of the Lambs.” Among the decorations are two actual props from filming: two scraps of wallpaper used on set, which the owners at the time of filming saved. “It feels really good to know that something I’m doing means so much to so many people. And that’s so important because I get to share this experience and my artistic vision with the same community I’ve been a part of my entire life.” Buffalo Bill’s Workshop of Horrors After you get a good video of you nervously and sneakily walking down the stairs as Jodie Foster did, you’ll enter the basement aka the Workshop of Horrors. This is your opportunity to fully embody Buffalo Bill. Sit at an original Singer sewing machine in the nude, chat with the mannequins, put on some makeup, grab the silk robe (provided for guests’ use), and dance to “Goodbye Horses.” While there isn’t a well in the basement (that scene was actually filmed in a warehouse in Monroeville), Chris has plans to fabricate one in the basement of Buffalo Bill’s House. The resin fiberglass structure will create a forced perspective that will simulate something similar to the well from the movie. Of course, there will be props including a bucket on a pulley with, you guessed it, lotion. Buffalo Bill’s Playhouse On the third floor, Buffalo Bill’s Playhouse is a vintage recreation and game room featuring six arcade games, a billiard/air hockey table, a TV, and an expansive movie collection. Along with an original “The Silence of the Lambs” theatre poster from 1991, you’ll find nods to other horror films peppered throughout the playhouse. Hanging on the walls are keepsakes from filming, including personal notes from both Jodie Foster and Jonathan Demme, a call sheet from Valentine’s Day 1990, and the production team’s blueprint of the Buffalo Bill’s House plan. Living Quarters Upstairs you’ll find four bedrooms, and each is named after a character in the movie: Buffalo Bill (king), Clarice (queen), Hannibal Lecter (queen), and Precious (two single). Just like the downstairs, the second floor is decorated with period-correct furniture and tasteful Silence accents. When you stay at Buffalo Bill’s House, you’ll receive a few complimentary items, including a travel-size bottle of Buffalo Bill’s House’s signature Skin Suit Soft lotion. Full-sized bottles of the lotion, along with branded shirts and face masks are available for purchase at checkout when reserving your stay! The property offers so much more outside, including a gazebo, koi pond, pergola with a barbecue grill, a fire pit, an in-ground pool, and more! Chris has long-term plans for the garage and train conductor car on the property, but we won’t give that secret away just yet. In the future, Buffalo Bill’s House also hopes to offer limited guided tours, Hannibal-inspired dinner parties, celebrity engagements, and more. With many other horror film locations in the region, Buffalo Bill’s House is the perfect place for horror film buffs to spend the night after a day of touring. Check something off of your horror fan bucket list and book your getaway today! Learn more about Buffalo Bill’s House on their website, Facebook and Instagram.
Holiday Happenings in the Mid-Atlantic November 5, 2021 by MATPRA Admin (Mid-Atlantic Region, November 5, 2021) — Destinations across the Mid-Atlantic are busy decking the halls and putting regional touches on small town business districts and suburban shopping areas to welcome visitors for the annual celebration of this special season! Annual and special events across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia highlight each region’s traditional celebrations with modern and unique takes on classic yuletide greetings. Whether celebrating the splendorous tidings of Christmas, the soulfully illuminating lights of Chanukah or the thoughtful reflections of Kwanzaa, destinations across the region offer a wide variety of events and attractions for visitors, as well as their families, friends and loved ones to consider when planning travel this December! 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 and the Brandywine Valley Explore the holiday splendor of the famed du Pont estates featuring dazzling light displays, bejeweled trees, and a festive Gingerbread House contest. Take a ride through the scenic Brandywine Valley with the big guy himself on the Wilmington & Western Railroad’s Santa Claus Express or step back in time with a Little Women-themed yuletide house tour in Historic Odessa. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jennifer Boes, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected] Maryland Allegany County With hundreds of elves taking over downtown Frostburg, Storybook Holiday is a kid-centric, action-packed day of winter fun. The annual event celebrates children’s literature and features such festive activities as breakfast with the elves, elf Olympics, storybook readings, an elves’ secret workshop, letters to Santa, a cookie contest and more. Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland, Mindy Bianca, mdmountainside.com, [email protected] Baltimore Tis the season for ice skating, hot chocolate and light-adorned landmarks in Baltimore. The Washington Monument celebrates its 50th lighting ceremony with music, food trucks and fireworks. For more festive fun, visit the Christmas Village at the Inner Harbor and the rooftop ice rink at the Four Seasons Baltimore Hotel. Visit Baltimore, Tracey Johnson, Baltimore.org, [email protected] Calvert County It’s the most magical time of year! Annmarie Sculpture Garden is transformed into a twinkling wonderland of enchanted woods with glowing light sculptures and installations. Head to the towns of Chesapeake Beach and North Beach to the decorated boardwalk, play I-Spy with the lighted crab who hides around town! Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected] State of Maryland Maryland is “Open for the Holidays,” with deals and discounts on accommodations, attractions, restaurants and shops to make the season more magical. Enjoy holiday performances, light displays, train experiences, holiday arts and crafts shows, along with other seasonal festivities that are full of Maryland holiday cheer. Maryland Office of Tourism, Matthew Scales, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected] Prince George’s County Prince George’s County sparkles to life with bright lights and colorful decorations when beloved celebrations for the holidays return. See the Festival of Lights in Watkins Regional Park; experience magical trail rides and horse-drawn carriages in Brandywine; visit National Harbor’s nightly tree lighting and Gaylord National Resort’s So Much Christmas! Experience Prince George’s, Kaletha Henry, ExperiencePrinceGeorges.com, [email protected] Talbot County The second weekend in December heralds in Christmas in St. Michaels! The tree-lined streets illuminate shops brimming with gifts and goodies, and Lighted Boat Parade brings Santa into town. Plus the seasonally decorated Tour of Homes, Breakfast with Santa, downtown parade, and many other festivities help shepherd in the holiday. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Krista Boothby, TourTalbot.org, [email protected] Wicomico County Wicomico County is a festive place during the holidays, with light displays and numerous events. In Downtown Salisbury, visitors can see a Christmas tree, Hanukkah menorah and Kwanzaa kinara. Attend the tree lighting, take part in events at the Salisbury Zoo or visit the town of Mardela Springs. Wicomico County Tourism, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org, [email protected] Pennsylvania Bradford County One of northern Pennsylvania’s favorite holiday events kicks off on Nov. 26 at 6:30 p.m when the annual Sayre Christmas parade takes to the streets of this historic city. Floats, bands, and an array of lighted displays make this kickoff to the holiday season a “don’t miss” event in beautiful Bradford County! Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com, [email protected] Butler County Drive through Shadrack’s Christmas Wonderland at the Big Butler Fairgrounds. This award-winning Christmas light and music extravaganza is unlike any show you’ve ever seen. Tune in your radio and watch the magic unfold while driving through nearly one million brilliant LED lights dancing in synchronization. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Tiffany Hernandez, VisitButlerCounty.com, [email protected] Columbia-Montour Counties Millions of lights, animatronics, Santa, & holiday fun! Visit Berwick & Elysburg this December to witness amazing drive-thru holiday light displays. A time-honored tradition, the Berwick Christmas Boulevard is celebrating its 75th Anniversary. Or start a new tradition at Knoebels Amusement Resort’s Joy Through the Grove, in its second year. Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Linda Sones, itourcolumbiamontour.com, [email protected] Endless Mountains Celebrate An Endless Mountains Christmas between Thanksgiving and New Year’s when the region’s two spectacular drive through light shows, holiday festivals, small town shopping and famous tree farms welcome visitors to share the nostalgic joy of a mountain holiday! Pick out a fresh tree or wreath to take the memories home. Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected] Juniata River Valley The Festival of Ice kicks off the holiday season in the Juniata River Valley! Throughout the festival, visitors can watch large sculptures come to life as expert carvers chisel, saw and torch giant slabs of ice. Family-friendly activities include a live nativity, a petting zoo, kids’ games, caroling, vendors, the Chillin’ 4K, and a crazy parade. Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Buffie Boyer, JRVVisitors.com, [email protected] Lancaster County ‘Tis the season for Discovering Christmas in Lancaster County, home to several American yuletide traditions – like the mischievous Belsnickle – and brimming with festive history events, fantastic holiday shows, great shopping deals, seasonal family activities, and cut-your-own Christmas tree farms. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected] Laurel Highlands A holiday season visit to Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands isn’t complete without a stop in Ligonier! This charming Norman-Rockwell–esque town has enough holiday spirit to warm even the Grinch’s heart. Explore the 50+ boutique shops while classic carols ring throughout town. Your Instagram page definitely needs a shot of beautifully decorated Ligonier Diamond! Go Laurel Highlands, Anna Weltz, GOLaurelHighlands.com, [email protected] Lehigh Valley Bethlehem, PA is known as “Christmas City” and with the annual Bavarian-style Chriskindlmarkt, it’s easy to see why. Nearby Easton features its own winter village complete with a skating rink, boutique huts around the square, and the peace candle. Allentown’s Lights in the Parkway provides a nightly magical drive-thru experience. Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, LehighValleyHolidays.com, [email protected] Pocono Mountains Stroudsburg is a true winter wonderland with its magical Netflix Lights Display and 40 life-size snowmen, while Hawley’s Winterfest is a sure way to celebrate the season. Jim Thorpe is decked out Victorian style for its Olde Time Christmas. Or take in the snowy scenery aboard a Santa Claus Train. Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Brianna Strunk, PoconoMountains.com, [email protected] Potter – Tioga Counties Dickens of a Christmas and Christmas on Main Street are annual holiday events that draw visitors to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon region. “Dickens” transforms Main Street into a Victorian Marketplace while the following weekend’s Christmas on Main Street celebrates the nostalgic charm of Shiny Brite ornaments that were created in Wellsboro! Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected] York County York County Parks celebrates the holiday season with Christmas Magic – A Festival of Lights. Located at Rocky Ridge Park, this is a half-mile ADA walking trail that meanders along a wooded hilltop through nearly 600,000 twinkling LED lights and animated scenes! It’s a truly magical experience for young and old! Explore York, Chrissy Tobias, YorkPa.org, [email protected] Virginia Bedford County The Festival of Trees is an annual event held at the Bedford Area Welcome Center. Festive and family-friendly, this event celebrates the season while helping causes important to the community. 30 local businesses will participate with a tree decorated to the theme “A Storybook Christmas”. Bedford Area Welcome Center, Nicole Johnson, DestinationBedfordVA.com/event/, [email protected] Giles County The Palisades Restaurant hosts their holiday tea that includes four courses of Appalachian contemporary cuisine and Narrows is twinkling from the Duck Pond to downtown with Christmas décor and lights! We have the coziest lodging in waterside cabins or our historic lodge and you will still find hiking and cross-country skiing through the mountains of the Giles. Giles County, VA Tourism, Cora Gnegy, VirginiasMtnPlayground.com, [email protected] Harrisonburg Enjoy Winter Wonderfest in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley in Downtown Harrisonburg beautifully decorated for the holidays. Enjoy live performances, competitions, holiday shopping, beautiful window displays and fun for all ages. Don’t miss the cookie tour including half a dozen local bakeries and a dozen or more stops. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jennifer Bell, visitharrisonburgva.com, [email protected] Lexington & Rockbridge Celebrate a “small-towns, big backyard” Christmas in Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County, VA. Shop amidst the sweetest, walkable downtowns all dressed in the spirit of the season! Parades, performances, and magical light displays—such as Luminary Nights and carriage rides at Natural Bridge State Park—entertain as the nights grow dark. Lexington & Rockbridge Area Tourism, Patty Williams, LexingtonVirginia.com, [email protected] Loudoun County Celebrate in Loudoun, home to the iconic Christmas in Middleburg parade where scarlet-jacketed riders on horseback stroll historic downtown. Don’t miss two new light shows- the east coast debut of Holiday Road at Morven Park and Tinsel! an interactive light festival. Finish with lighting of the vines at Bluemont Vineyard. Visit Loudoun, Jen Sigal, visitloudoun.org, [email protected] Norfolk Join in on all the Holiday fun throughout Norfolk! Winterfest on the Wisconsin is back again this year with even more lights and holiday-themed entertainment. Warm-up by the Holiday Yule Log Bonfire, explore Zoolumination with the family or enjoy the Million Bulk Walk through Norfolk Botanical Gardens. VisitNorfolk, Sarah Hughes, VisitNorfolk.com, [email protected] Orange County It’s time to indulge in seasonal wines and holiday feasts at Barboursville Vineyards. Orange and Gordonsville transform into “hallmark” holiday villages, James Madison’s Montpelier is adorned with vintage 19th century holiday customs and the Market at Grelen offers wreath making workshops and PYO Christmas trees in their enchanting rural setting. Visit Orange Virginia, Lori Landes-Carter, VisitOrangeVirginia.com, [email protected] Prince William County One of the best small towns to spend this holiday season in is Historic Occoquan, Virginia. Located just 30 miles from Washington D.C., visitors can grab a hot cocoa and attend a traditional Christmas tree lighting, holiday parade and they won’t want to miss the arrival of Santa Claus by boat! Visit Prince William, Virginia, Nicole Warner, VisitPWC.com, [email protected] Richmond Enjoy the tacky light scene in the Richmond region! Take a tacky light tour with Discover Richmond Tours or put on your best tacky sweater and join the CarMax Tacky Light Run, a 6k course which shows off Midlothian, VA’s best display of tacky lights. VisitRichmondVA, Meghan Gearino, VisitRichmondVA.com, [email protected] Shenandoah County The holiday season in Shenandoah County is festive and relaxing. Drive through the light display and stay for the winter carnival in Woodstock, enjoy small-town tree lighting and the reverse parade in New Market. A plethora of unique gifts, art, culinary delicacies, and craft beverages can be found all season. Visit Shenandoah County, Brenda Black, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, [email protected] Staunton Experience the most wonderful time of year in Staunton, Virginia. Do something different and spend it in the past at the Frontier Culture Museum’s Lantern Tours. Enjoy the timeless Christmas classic, A Christmas Carol, at American Shakespeare Center. Fill your holidays with warmth and light this December! Staunton, Virginia, Jessica Williams, VisitStaunton.com, [email protected] Virginia’s Blue Ridge The charming mountain towns of Virginia’s Blue Ridge light up during the holidays. Off the Blue Ridge Parkway, enjoy 500,000 dazzling lights on a wooded walking path at Explore Park’s Illuminights. Admire over-the-top trees on the historic Fincastle Tinsel Trail and at The Hotel Roanoke’s Fashions for Evergreens. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Taylor Spellman, VisitVBR.com, [email protected] West Virginia Hampshire County Nestled in the mountains of Hampshire County, West Virginia, you’ll find small villages brimming with holiday cheer! Follow our winding country roads from Capon Bridge to Augusta to Romney and beyond. Discover holiday treasures along the way, including Elf Hunts, Twinkling Lights and The North Pole Express! Hampshire County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Tina Ladd, ComeToHampshire.com, [email protected] Take a look at images from across the Mid-Atlantic. Please be sure to provide photo credit to the appropriate DMO. 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 to better promote common threads, offering story ideas about the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.