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MATPRA

MATPRA is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.

Archives for March 2022

Discover Golf in Williamsburg

Williamsburg has top-ranked premier courses that bring golfers to the area and great supporting courses that bring golfers back. The region is home to more than 12 championship courses ranked 4 stars or better and is very affordable compared to similar golf courses in other golf destinations. Several facilities have multiple courses on-site, allowing golfers to easily play two different courses on the same day.

Williamsburg National Golf Club

Voted “Best Golf Course in Williamsburg” by the Virginia Gazette two years in a row, this open-to-the-public private club features two very different courses when it comes to layout and putting surfaces (Bermuda vs. bent).

  • The Jamestown Course, developed by Nicklaus Design, is a 4-star Golf Digest winner. The par-72 course measures close to 7,000 yards from the championship tees with five different sets of tees appealing to golfers of all skill levels. It has received several awards, including being named “One of the Ten Best Courses you can play in Virginia” by Golf Digest magazine.
  • The Yorktown Course layout offers a great mix of classic course design with a few modern twists. In addition to being ranked No. 7 of the most-improved courses in the nation by Golf Advisor (now GolfPass) in 2018, it has the area’s most interesting back nine featuring three par-5s, three par-4s and three par-3s. Bermuda fairways, bent grass putting greens, and a course full of fun challenges await.

Golden Horseshoe Golf Club

Just as Colonial Williamsburg brings America’s history to life, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club honors the classic traditions of the game—while still creating an entertaining challenge for today’s player. Designed by the father-and-son team of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Rees Jones, players will experience 45 walkable holes over three courses, surrounded by mature woodlands.

  • The Gold Course is a classic reimagined. Recently renovated by “the Open Doctor” Rees Jones, the Gold Course now features cutting-edge turf grasses, new grass on the fairways, greens and surrounding roughs, and utilizes “Better Billy Bunker” construction. Tees have been re-leveled and resurfaced, and the expansion of the practice putting green and range gives golfers plenty of opportunity to work on their long and short games.
  • Opened in 1991, Rees Jones drew inspiration from his father Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s iconic Gold Course to create the acclaimed Green Course. Carved from the same beautiful parkland terrain, the Green Course is longer than the Gold Course but also more forgiving—creating an enjoyable challenge for golfers of every skill level.
  • Perfect for networking or a quick golf getaway, the Spotswood Course is Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s updated version of the original 1947 Williamsburg Inn course. Called the “best short nine-hole course in the country” by Golf magazine, this par-31 course includes six par-3s, two par-4s and one par-5 to test your whole game. Spotswood is family-friendly and fun for beginners and juniors, but still presents a signature Jones contest for the more experienced golfer.

Kingsmill Resort
Championship golf is the centerpiece of the Kingsmill Resort experience. It has hosted 38 PGA and LPGA events with golf legends Payne Stewart, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer among those who have played the famed courses. Additionally, the Kingsmill Golf Academy offers expert advice for all level of players.

  • The River Course, a Golfweek “Top 200 Resort Course,” is designed by prominent architect Pete Dye and home to the LPGA Pure Silk Tournament. This course has welcomed presidents Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama.
  • Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed the Plantation Course to test the skills of all types of players with its generous fairways, water hazards, and undulating greens.

Kiskiack Golf Club

Kiskiack Golf Club is home to one of the top-ranked 18-hole golf courses in the state of Virginia. Designed by John LaFoy, it’s nestled along a ridge of a natural bluff in Williamsburg. Kiskiack’s public course features tree-lined fairways, gorgeous water features, and is easily walkable. While the course can be demanding even for the experienced player, the course’s open fairways and picturesque views will allow beginners to enjoy a round of golf as well. It’s the only golf course in Williamsburg with no houses on the course.

Stonehouse Golf Club 

The 18-hole golf course at Stonehouse Golf Club in Toano features 7,013 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par 72. Stonehouse was originally designed by one of the most innovative golf course architects in the business, Mike Strantz, a former protégé of Tom Fazio. Strantz envisioned a mountain-style course that disturbed nature as little as possible. With deep bunkers and wide fairways, the par-72 layout features dramatic elevation changes and enormous putting greens perched on the edges of natural cliff formations with constant challenges for all levels. Williamsburg golf travelers looking for a unique golf experience will find it at Stonehouse.

Ford’s Colony Country Club
Located just minutes away from historic Williamsburg, Ford’s Colony offers some of the best resort golf in Virginia. This semi-private golf club features 54 holes with three distinct championship golf courses designed by Dan Maples. Each course brings its own challenges and highlights.

  • Blackheath is the most picturesque of the three courses with water coming into play on 13 holes. Every green on the course is guarded by bunkers and the course also features many doglegs with rolling fairways. The Blackheath course is the only course at Ford’s Colony that plays to a par 71.
  • Blue Heron is a continuous 18 that has long, challenging par-3s and par-5s. The Blue Heron has generous fairways carved out of dense wetlands. The course has new Champion Bermuda greens which provide the smoothest surfaces throughout the year. Blue Heron is the longest of the three courses and contains many different species of birds, fish, and other wildlife.
  • Marsh Hawk features traditional tree-lined fairways. It has small, undulating greens with strategically placed bunkers. The narrow fairways, well-placed bunkers, natural lakes, and elevation changes are the defenses of this course. Marsh Hawk was the host of the 1998 and 1999 Virginia State Opens, a Monday Qualifier for the 2005 – 2007 Henrico County Open, and a Monday Qualifier for the PGA Tour’s Michelob Championship for 12 straight years.

Colonial Heritage Golf Club
Featuring the only Arthur Hills signature-designed golf course in Williamsburg, Colonial Heritage is open to the public and offers pristine playing conditions on an exceptional layout that winds through rolling hills, streams, and pine forests. This artfully crafted masterpiece emulates the classic beauty and refinement of the natural terrain of its southern Virginia surroundings. Thoughtfully planned bunkers, undulating fairways, and well-arranged water features create an enjoyable golfing experience for novices and experts alike. Each year since 2013, Colonial Heritage has been ranked “Best in Region” by Coastal Virginia Magazine.

Cabin Fever in the Mid-Atlantic

(Mid-Atlantic Region, March 10, 2022)- It’s been a long winter, but the end is in sight! From resorts to rustic cabins to cozy B&Bs, outdoor adventures to relaxing getaways, the Mid-Atlantic region boasts plenty of places to get out and break your cabin fever and shake off that winter blues. Check out some of the best offerings across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

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 & the Brandywine Valley
Go luxe with a stay at the Inn at Montchanin or the venerable HOTEL DU PONT. Both offer fine dining on property and full service spas on site or nearby. Or, head to the Wilmington Riverfront for a stay at one of its three full-service hotels. Dine with views of the Christina River and take a cycling adventure from the Riverfront to Historic New Castle on the J.A.M. Trail. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitor Bureau, Jennifer Boes, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected]

MARYLAND

Allegany
Shake off the winter blues by exploring 70,000 acres of public land on The Mountain Side of Maryland. A perfect place for active travelers is the Allegheny Trail House B&B, a historic home in downtown Frostburg, which is a short pedal from the Great Allegheny Passage and a local trail head. Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland, Mindy Bianca, MDmountainside.com, [email protected]

Annapolis & Anne Arundel
Our 533 miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline, 137 parks and natural resource areas, and 54 miles of paved hiking and biking trails invite you to create your own unique adventure. Wrap up your day with al fresco dining along centuries-old brick-lined streets and live music, available seven days a week. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, VisitAnnapolis.org, [email protected]

Baltimore
The melting of the winter frost will make way for spring flowers, and Flower Mart, Baltimore’s annual celebration of all things floral, will greet the season with flower and plant vendors, artisans selling handmade crafts, local food vendors and live music in the parks surrounding the Washington Monument from April 29 – 30. Visit Baltimore, Tracey Johnson, Baltimore.org, [email protected]

Calvert
Booking a charter boat on the Chesapeake Bay is the perfect way to clear your mind and concentrate on having fun! Charter boat crews provide everything you need – equipment, licenses and a great water view. All you need to think about is enjoying time out on the water and catching a big one! Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, H[email protected]

Harford
Susquehanna State Park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The park is home to some of the most popular mountain biking trails in Maryland and the river itself beckons fishermen and boaters alike. The park also contains a family-friendly (and pet-friendly) campground with traditional campsites and camper cabins. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, [email protected]

Kent
Kent County has your cure for “Cabin Fever”. Find your “wild side” camping at Bayshore Campground on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay. Pitch your tent by the water to stargaze or park your RV near the private beach. Bring your boat along too — to further explore the area by water. Paradise awaits in Kent County, MD! Kent County Tourism, MD, Jana Carter, KentCounty.com, [email protected] 

Bayshore Campground on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay

Maryland (State of)
Over the nine years (1933 – 1942) the Federal Civilian Conservation Corps operated in Maryland, their many projects included construction of sturdy chestnut log cabins that still welcome guests. Herrington Manor State Park’s 20 full-service cabins (three of them ADA compliant) offer the perfect cure for cabin fever! Maryland Office of Tourism, Connie Spindler, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected]

Prince George’s
Restore your spirits and end your cabin fever! Our scenic outdoors and landscapes offer plenty of fresh air while agricultural escapes lead to horse drawn carriage rides among lush vineyards. Visit the vibrant National Harbor and feel rejuvenated in retreats that span the most luxurious to charming and quaint. Experience Prince George’s, Kaletha Henry, ExperiencePrinceGeorges.com, [email protected]

Talbot
In Talbot County, spring brings flowering trees, newborn wildlife, and folks getting back outdoors. Experience this renewal yourself while paddling our St. Michaels and Tilghman Island water trails or cycling the Chesapeake Country All-American Road, all leading to picturesque towns and views. Afterward, enjoy chef-inspired dining with Eastern Shore views. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Krista Boothby, TourTalbot.org, [email protected] 

Wicomico
Enjoy the spring weather in one of more than 40 parks in Wicomico County. Bring a picnic or take a hike. Wicomico County’s flat, scenic terrain is perfect for walking and cycling. Visitors can bring a kayak or canoe and get out on the water from one of numerous launches. Wicomico County Tourism, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org, [email protected] 

PENNSYLVANIA

Bradford
Shake off cabin fever by heading out to discover Bradford County’s rich history. The Bradford County Museum in Towanda, housed in the former county jail, is where visitors will discover an eclectic setting filled with fantastic exhibits and stories. Other sites like the French Azilum also highlight details of the region’s heritage. Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com, [email protected] 

Columbia-Montour
Find yourself with cabin fever? March brings an outdoor activity to the Danville area that will surely get you moving! On Saturday, March 5, test your hardiness by competing in the Humdinger Trail Races, which will take participants through a challenging gauntlet of snowy, muddy Central Pennsylvania fields and forests. Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Linda Sones, ITourColumbiaMontour.com, [email protected] 

Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania
Trails across the Endless Mountains offer recreational resources throughout the year to connect with nature!  The D & H Rail-Trail as well as trail systems at Ricketts Glen State Park, Worlds End, Loyalsock Forest and Salt Springs State Park offer a wide variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts of every skill level! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected] 

Juniata River Valley
Dreaming of your next fishing adventure while relaxing at a charming cottage? Guests of The Cottage on Honey Creek can relax on the back deck watching nature come back to life in the spring  or go fly fishing in the backyard’s premier, Class A wild brown trout fishery. Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Buffie Boyer, JRVVisitors.com, [email protected] 

Lancaster
Spring in Lancaster County is wonderful to enjoy on two wheels, so get out with Lititz Bikeworks!  They’ve got a variety of great rentals and turn-by-turn info for many scenic routes in the area, including the 7+ mile Warwick-Ephrata Rail Trail. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected] 

Bike Pennsylvania's Laurel Highlands

Laurel Highlands
Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands is an outdoor lover’s dream come true. Lace up your hiking boots and explore beautiful and diverse trails, marvel at expansive overlooks, rushing waterfalls, towering trees, unfurling ferns, and the delicate wildflowers. Breathe in the fresh air and keep an eye out for native wildlife! GO Laurel Highlands, Anna Weltz, GoLaurelHighlands.com, [email protected] 

Lawrence
North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) has 29 miles of off-road hiking and 11 miles of temporary connector road walk.  NCT runs through various boroughs and townships and into McConnells Mill State Park. Start in Wampum, a designated PA first trail town! Visit Lawrence County, Janet Falotico, VisitLawrenceCounty.com, [email protected]

Lehigh Valley
Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Preserve has 18 miles of recreational activities including hiking and biking and is home to endangered bison and elk. After your adventurous expedition, escape to family-owned Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, to see how your favorite spirits transform from grain to glass and pair with delectable bites. Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, DiscoverLehighValley.com, [email protected]

Potter-Tioga
Give yourself the gift of fresh air and beautiful scenery by visiting the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon! Overlooking Pine Creek and its popular recreational trail system, the expansive views offer visitors bird’s eye access from one of the state’s most iconic landmarks. Get outdoors and shake off the winter blues! Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected]

VIRGINIA

Giles
Giles is Virginia’s Mountain Playground® where mountains and back roads lead to amazing, world-class friend and family adventures. We want you to experience our 37 miles of the New River Water Trail which is home to topnotch smallmouth bass fishing and paddling experiences for all skill levels. Giles County, VA Tourism, Cora Gnegy, VirginiasMtnPlayground.com, [email protected] 

Hampton
Sleep among the trees at Sandy Bottom Nature Park. You can have a private getaway, or bring all of your closest friends. They have 9 campsites, 2 group sites, and 4 yurts (Cabins). The park also includes 12 miles of trails and a lake for you to rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat. Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Yuri Milligan, VisitHampton.com, [email protected]

Harrisonburg
With the moto “minutes from town, miles from reality” By the Side of the Road Getaway Lodging offers the perfect retreat only a few minutes from Downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia’s First Culinary District, museums and shopping. Enjoy a cozy private cottage by a pond or stay in their 18th century farmhouse. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jennifer Bell, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected]

Lexington & Rockbridge
Shake off winter with a stay at Natural Bridge Historic Hotel & Conference Center in Natural Bridge, Virginia. Adjacent to Natural Bridge State Park and its namesake limestone arch, the pet-friendly hotel offers on-site dining and is an easy drive to Virginia Safari Park, Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail stops, and more. Lexington & Rockbridge Area Tourism, Patty Williams, LexingtonVirginia.com, [email protected] 

Loudoun 
Escape to Loudoun, with everything from cozy cabins and B&Bs to luxe resorts. Unplug at Algonkian Regional Park where rustic, winterized cabins are set in scenic woodlands on the banks of the Potomac River. Out west, find a cozy B&B in the heart of wine country, offering breathtaking views of mountains, horse farms and vineyards. Visit Loudoun, Jennifer Sigal, VisitLoudoun.org, [email protected] 

Norfolk
Soak up the warmer days in Norfolk, VA and celebrate Women’s History Month with a relaxing stay at woman-owned Four Eleven York Inn. Spend a day exploring the surrounding Historic Freemason District and enjoy culinary delights in their beautiful courtyard restaurant before ending the evening in your suite’s soaking tub. Visit Norfolk, Nicole Nussbaum, VisitNorfolk.com, [email protected] 

 

Orange
Tired of being inside?  Beat the winter blues in Orange County, Virginia by hiking the trails at the Fort Germanna Visitor Center.  The 170-acre Siegen Forest features scenic views of the Rapidan River, historical sites and vistas galore. Trails range from beginner to advanced. Visit Orange Virginia, Julie Perry, VisitOrangeVirginia.com, [email protected] 

Prince William
Spend a weekend away this spring in a rustic cabin once used by The Office of Strategic Services during World War II. Located in Prince William Forest National Park, the cabins found here were built in the 1930’s to serve as part of a large spy training camp on property. Visit Prince William, Virginia, Nicole Warner, VisitPWC.com, [email protected] 

Richmond
Enjoy a quaint stay on your next visit to the Richmond region at the Museum District Bed & Breakfast. Located a few steps away from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Virginia Museum of History & Culture and the Carytown district, this B&B includes tickets to special exhibits at the VMFA and complimentary wine and cheese every evening. Visit Richmond VA, Meghan Gearino, VisitRichmondVA.com, [email protected] 

Stafford
Escape the everyday with a getaway in Stafford County, Virginia. Enjoy your rustic stay at Aquia Pines Camp Resort, then explore the great outdoors with Crow’s Nest Natural Preserve and Widewater State Park. Take a hike, go fishing, relax in a kayak, and experience Stafford’s wildlife and natural beauties. Tour Stafford Virginia, Courtney Swenson, TourStaffordVA.com, [email protected]

Staunton
Hailed as “America’s Favorite Mountain Towns” by Travel + Leisure, Staunton is a natural home base for your Shenandoah Valley adventures. From casual day-hikers to trail-savvy backcountry gurus, we have an adventure waiting.  If nothing helps you unwind and reset like communing with nature, Staunton is the destination for you! Staunton, VA, Jessica Williams, VisitStaunton.com, [email protected] 

Virginia’s Blue Ridge
Hop on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional route and head to Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge to cure your cabin fever the metro mountain way. Opening March 2022 directly across from the Amtrak platform, the Liberty Trust is an upscale boutique hotel that makes the perfect basecamp for your Downtown Roanoke explorations. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Kathryn Lucas, VisitVBR.com, [email protected] 

 

Take a look at even more 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.