The Best Golfing in the Erie Region July 29, 2022 by Visit Erie The Erie region is home to several golf courses that welcome every type of golfer from beginner to professional. Sharpen your game and test your skills across their sprawling fairways and beautifully landscaped greens. Whether you shoot a 72 or 144, there’s nothing like spending a couple hours, or even an afternoon, out on the golf course. Here are our suggestions for the best golfing in the Erie area. Peek‘n Peak Resort The Upper Course at Peek’n Peak is a championship-caliber, par 72 course and is perfect for players of all skill levels. The unique terrain and natural landscape creates an atmosphere that is unlike any other course. The panoramic views and mature woods give a serene experience to all who are on the course whether it be during spring, summer, or fall. Erie Golf Club Erie Golf Club is an 18-hole par 69 course, designed by the prolific American golf course architect A.W. Tillinghast. Enjoy lunch or dinner with a cocktail on their patio while watching the sunset and scenic views of the course. Erie Golf Club is a PGA operated facility with a fully stocked pro shop and a friendly staff of golfers. Riverside Golf Course Founded in 1915, Riverside Golf Course is one of the oldest courses in northwestern Pennsylvania. The 18-hole, par 72 course features rolling fairways, manicured greens, over 48 sand traps and 6 lakes spanning 242 acres. The newly renovated Rambler at Riverside restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine and overlooks the golf course. Photo by John Mangine Mound Grove Golf Course Mound Grove Golf Course features a beautiful scenic 18-hole, par 72 golf course set against the backdrop of an historic 1860’s barn/restaurant. Year-round private and online golf lessons with their Golf Academy and Professional Coaching program are available by appointment. Lake View Country Club Lake View Country Club is a private 18-hole, par 72 golf club that offers one of the most challenging and beautiful courses in the area, with an elite practice facility that golfers of all skill levels can enjoy. Lake View was built by legendary golf course architect and Donald Ross protégé James G. Harrison. The club has hosted several prestigious tournaments, including the West Penn Amateur Championship and the Pennsylvania State Amateur Championship. Harbor Ridge Golf Club Harbor Ridge offers an enjoyable round, for golfers of all ages and skill levels with expansive views of Lake Erie. It is a family-friendly public 9-hole, par 36 golf course, bar, and restaurant complex. Their course features bent grass tees, fairways, and greens from four sets of regulation tees. Bring young golfers out to their USGA slope/rated family tees.
Family Time is Time Well Spent in Virginia’s Mountain Playground July 25, 2022 by Giles County All items and locations are perfect to add to your trip with your family, large or small, to Giles. Close-knit group or large family gathering- read on for trip inspiration and plan to come to Giles. There’s always so much to consider when planning a family get-away. With Giles’ easy-to-access location, family-friendly activities, and welcoming people let us help you take some of the work out of planning your next get-away. Large groups of up to 16 can enjoy the riverfront cabin at New River’s Edge. While staying at “The Edge” guests have access to the firepit, their own river access, and all the yard and river toys you can imagine. New River’s Edge can also set up the entire group to enjoy a short section float on the New River in tubes or kayaks. For a flat rate all day (10am-4pm) guests can enjoy the Pembroke to NRE section of river as many times as they’d like, stopping only to play as needed. Small family groups will enjoy Mr. Hunter’s Cottage which features two units in a single-story cottage, also near the New River. With accommodations for eight people, this historic vacation home in the heart of the Village of Eggleston is in the heart of it all (easy access to everything), but off the beaten path so your family can enjoy their time together. Adjacent to Mr. Hunter’s Cottage, groups of all sizes are welcome at The Palisades Restaurant. Their seasonal menu features unique, contemporary Appalachian cuisine and fan favorites. If you’re looking to try farm-raised trout or sticking to the pepperoni stone-fired pizza there is something on the menu for the family to enjoy. Their dessert menu is top-notch and homemade ice cream is worth the trip. The Palisades also regularly features live local music on the weekends and offers food to go if you’d rather enjoy the company of family in your lodging accommodations. While there are many things to do in Giles that offer up fun to your family unit- in the warm months, you can’t miss getting out on the New River. Tangent Outfitters, also located in Pembroke, can help you pick the best float for your family in kayaks or canoes and based on the amount of time you want to spend on the water. Along the New River Water Trail families can enjoy easy access at our 14 public boat landings, making it easy to spend an hour or the day on the water. From scenic rock cliffs to fun water rapids, the New River in Giles, with the appropriate level of caution, is an easy and safe family fun experience. In cooler months, when on-water isn’t ideal take the family for a hike in Virginia’s Mountain Playground. Short and easy nature walks, or more moderate hikes to spectacular waterfalls- you’ll find your family’s next adventure is here in Giles County, Virginia. The most important part and takeaway from playing in Giles with family and friends is the time spent together was well worth the memories made. We’ll see you soon, in Virginia’s Mountain Playground. At a glance: Stay at New River’s Edge or Mr. Hunter’s Cottage Play with New River Edge or Tangent Outfitters Dine at Cascade Café or The Palisades Restaurant
Our Guide to Em”bark”ing on a Pet-Friendly Trip to Staunton, VA July 19, 2022 by StauntonVA If you’re like most Americans, you rarely leave home without your pandemic pet! Fortunately, there are a lot of pet-friendly activities, plenty of lodgings that cater to paws, and a wealth of restaurants and watering holes that are totally cool with your pet joining you on the patio. Here’s a “pound-up” of where your pet is welcome in Staunton. Pup-cation Fun for People and Pets Get outside to howl, run, and play fetch. Here are our favorite parks and hikes. Montgomery Hall Park has miles of wooded trails as well as big, open fields for playing catch and fetch. Dog owners who like solitude and taking serious hikes with their dogs should sniff out the Betsy Bell Wilderness Area. Gypsy Hill Park has a paved 1.3-mile loop that offers a nice view of the park as well as doggy bag stations and convenient trash cans. The star of the show, however, is the Gypsy Hill Bark Park. Divided into separate enclosures for small and large dogs, it gives pups a chance to meet and greet while their owners make small talk. The enclosures include tunnels, training ladders, “fire hydrants,” and benches for humans to sit. Leashed pets are welcome on the majority of the hiking trails in Shenandoah National Park. It’s actually one of just a few national parks with this perk. For day-trippers and campers, George Washington and Jefferson National Forest stipulates that dogs must be leashed on hiking trails (but may go off-leash in undeveloped areas). Make sure you pack plenty of water for your furry friend and check them for parasites after your outing. Coyner Springs Dog Park in Waynesboro boasts a large, open off-leash area as well as trails for leashed dogs and their human packmates. The nearby Crozet Tunnel trail is a good hike for leashed dogs, especially if you’re afraid of the dark! Make sure you take your flashlight. Leashed dogs are also welcome on the Augusta Springs Wetland trail, but you shouldn’t take your dog if you think he might disturb the waterfowl and other wildlife. Un-Pack Your Bags Kenneling your dog is expensive, sad, and can cause a lot of stress shedding. Fortunately, many Staunton inns and hotels offer luxury accommodations for people and dogs, so you can share that king-sized bed just like at home. Just check the fine print: lodgings may have restrictions on size and number of pets. They may also apply additional fees to bunk your fur baby. Hotel 24 South is both a luxury, historic hotel as well as a pioneer in Staunton’s dog-friendly accommodations. The Blackburn Inn opens select rooms to dogs and has extensive grounds to explore while you walk them. Howard Johnson by Wyndham is steps from downtown shopping, dining, and the farmers’ market. There’s also free parking, light breakfast, and wifi. Sleep Inn Staunton ensures you’ll sleep well in one of their Designed to Dream rooms. Bring your pet: there’s no pet fee! Best Western Staunton Inn boasts comfortable rooms, easy access to I-81, and no pet fee. Comfort Inn Staunton has free breakfast, a pool, and is convenient to both the highway and downtown Staunton. Motel 6 Staunton allows pets and lets kids stay free. You’ll also enjoy free coffee and expanded cable options. Holiday Inn Staunton Conference Center allows up to three pets. It’s convenient to golf, the interstate, and kids eat free with paying adults. Red Roof Inn Staunton is a great budget option. Kids and one pet up to 80 pounds stay for free. Econo Lodge is convenient to the Frontier Culture Museum and downtown Staunton. It’s pet-friendly and offers free coffee. Walnut Hills KOA and Sherando Lake Campground both accommodate families and dogs. Paw-some Patios Staunton has several dining spots where the waitstaff doesn’t mind stepping over Teddy’s outstretched paws. They might even bring him a dish of water! Well-behaved dogs on leashes can join you at a table on the covered, gated patio at Table 44. The patio at Byer’s Street Bistro also welcomes dogs. Spend your lunch hour dining with Rex and watching the bustle of downtown. Bonus: Dogs will find water bowls and often treats. Just want a quick bite? Stop by the outdoor patio at The By & By for coffee drinks, beer and wine, and sandwiches. The patio at Thai Staunton Restaurant is pet-friendly. If you’re feeling like eating Mexican, take your pooch to Mi Rancho’s outdoor dining space where you can get relax with a big, tasty margarita. Prefer Italian? Family-owned Maria’s Pizza & Italian Restaurant has a dog-friendly patio where you can share your spaghetti with Lady. The Pampered Palate, Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery, The Split Banana, Nu-Beginning Farm, and the Clocktower Eats & Sweets all have delicious food and allow dogs at their sidewalk seating. Get there early and grab a spot at the Peck’s Bar-B-Que’s dog-friendly picnic table. There’s shade and nearby grass for your pet to sniff. There’s also a lone pet-friendly table at Sam’s Hot Dog Stand where you can enjoy a sack of all-beef hot dogs. Share your BBQ and ice cream with your dog at one of the two dog-friendly picnic tables at Hog Wild BBQ and Klines Dairy Bar. Edelweiss Restaurant serves authentic German food like bratwurst and jager schnitzel. If you dine outside at one of the covered tables, Fido can join you and lick knackwurst juice off your fingers. Bark-tastic Breweries Want to spend an evening out having beers with your best fur buddy? Raise a glass because many of Staunton’s breweries are pet-friendly. Redbeard Brewing and Skipping Rock Beer Co. allow well-behaved dogs on the patios, and Shenandoah Valley Brewing and Queen City Brewing actually welcome dogs inside their taprooms. Hang with your pup on the patio at Ciders From Mars. Or if you’d rather have wine, Barren Ridge Vineyards welcomes leashed dogs if there are no ticketed events. Other Staunton Stops that are Mutts about Dogs It’s not surprising to come across a dish of cool water waiting on the sidewalk on a hot day in downtown Staunton. Here are other pet-friendly destinations. Your pet will be the star of the show at the Well Balanced Paw Pet Wellness Shoppe and Barkery. Specializing in nutrient-rich pet nutrition and relaxing small-animal massage, this downtown destination will keep your pet balanced and healthy for years to come. Latitudes has all kinds of fair-trade gifts, including this snazzy puppy place-mat! Locally owned Pets N Pals has been selling pet supplies like habitats, food, and toys since 1989. They also have healthy pets of all kinds for sale if you’re seeking a new companion. Petco has a big selection of supplies as well as fish, lizards, birds, spiders, and rodents. Also, check out Augusta Dog Adoptions and the SPCA for pets that need new homes. It’s common to see happy dogs walking with their owners as they shop for dinner at the Staunton Farmers’ Market. Leashed dogs can also browse the aisles at Tractor Supply Co.
Race to Shenandoah Downs July 18, 2022 by Visit Shenandoah County Strong bodies pull against the weight of the carts behind them. Manes flying, nostrils wide, sucking in as much air as possible, the horses follow behind the moving gate waiting for the moment the wings come in and the race begins. The crowd roars as the race starts and the horses and drivers head into the first turn, jockeying for position. Twice around the track and the winner crosses the line in front of the grandstand to the cheers of the crowd. Shenandoah Downs at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds in Woodstock, VA, is the only harness racing venue in the state of Virginia. In April and May and mid- September through October, the racetrack is open to harness racers. Previously 188 horses are registered to participate in 25 races over a weekend. Harness racing has been part of the Shenandoah County Fair for more than 100 years. Many local families have participated in the sport over the years as well. One such family is the Lineweavers. Doris “Dee” Lineweaver has been a trainer and driver since she was in her teens and now is the director of Shenandoah Downs. Her young children, Weston and Maggie, help at the Downs, continuing the tradition by working with the horses in their stalls and taking care of them both before and after the races. “It has been something our family has been involved in forever,” Dee said, from her seat in a golf cart as she watched the horses fly by in front of her. When Shenandoah Downs was established four years ago, it was announced as a pari-mutuel track which means that race-goers can place bets on their favorite horses. Pari-mutuel is a betting system in which all bets are placed together in a pool; taxes and the house take are deducted and payoff odds are calculated by sharing the pool among all winning bets for that race. Winnings are awarded to win, place, show and exacta in every race. No entry or parking fee is charged to people who want to come and watch the races. Typical crowds are full of people of all ages who have come to enjoy this historical sport. To draw larger crowds, simultaneous events are held at the track on race day. The race early October will take place at the same time as Autumnfest, a chamber-sponsored event which will feature whole-hog barbecue, chicken barbecue, 35+ crafters, a wood-splitting competition, music and beer, wine and spirits tasting. Dee noted that Shenandoah Downs is sponsored by the Virginia Equine Alliance which is a non-profit association comprised of members from the Virginia Harness Horse Association, the Virginia Horsemen’s Benevolent & Protective Association, the Virginia Gold Cup Association, and the Virginia Thoroughbred Association. The purpose of the Virginia Equine Alliance is to sustain, promote, and expand the horse breeding and horse racing industries in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Standing outside the barn area where the horses are prepared for racing is fascinating and offers an up-close view of these beautiful racers and all that goes into getting them prepared to run. The horses are excited, waiting for their turn on the track. Their ears are pointed and some paw at the dirt in their stall as their harnesses and tracings are checked for a final time. They will get on the track for a brief trot until it is time for the race to begin. Each racer pulls up behind a car which has wings sprouting from its sides. Inside, the back has two bucket seats facing the horses. The rear driver has control over the wings and the gas. The front driver does the steering. He increases the speed of the car until the race is ready to begin and he draws in the wings as the driver moves off to one side to let the horses pass. Shenandoah Downs is a wonderful way to spend the day. For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/Shenandoah-Downs or www.shenandoahdowns.com.
Best Eats in Ocean View and East Beach – Norfolk, VA July 11, 2022 by Visit Norfolk Best Eats in Ocean View and East Beach Ocean View and East Beach are best known for their beaches, but the food scene in this neighborhood is equally worth the exploration. From local seafood to finger-licking bbq and all the international dishes in between, Ocean View has it all. Here are some of our local favorites in the neighborhood. A World of Good Ever wish you could eat more than one type of cuisine and not have to go to multiple restaurants to quench that desire? Lucky for you A World of Good (pictured above, @alyssaboone_) is a globally inspired street food cantina serving up dishes from multiple continents. Their menu offerings range from Bao Buns and Bibimbap to Latin American styled nachos and the classic North American Philly Cheesesteak. Bar-q @bar_q , Instagram Southern wraparound porches will catch your eye when you drive by Bar-Q’s location which is nestled inside Bold Mariner Brewery. Your attention will quickly divert to the oversized meat smoker that resides in their parking lot, leaving you to wonder just how delicious their BBQ must be. Next, the aromas of freshly smoked meat will have your mouth watering almost instantly while you debate what to order on their à la carte menu. We highly suggest filling up a platter with their moist brisket, fall-off-the-bone ribs, rich mac and cheese, spicy (but not too spicy) jalapeño and cheddar links, classic cornbread and the menu doesn’t end there! Pit Master, Jayme Campbell, is a barbecue pro but embraces his creative side and on occasion hosts BBQ Sushi Nights at the brewery. Captain Groovy’s Raw Bar and Grill A telltale sign a restaurant is well loved is when their parking lot is always full. Captain Groovy’s has quite the local following and attracts lots of attention around happy hour – one of the best in Norfolk! Crowds keep coming back for their fresh seafood platters, raw bar and southern seafood items including their Low Country Boil, Seafood Creole and Crab Cake entrees. They have a laid back atmosphere, plenty of outdoor seating and are a stone’s throw away from the beach. Jessy’s Tienda y Taqueria @_nomarama_, Instagram What better way to end a beach day than with homemade tortilla chips dipped in fresh diced salsa while sipping a cold cerveza or margarita? Jessy’s has been slinging out some delicious Mexican tacos for a few years now and even made their debut on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives back in 2017 – for the avid Food Network fans. Jessy’s also doubles as a tienda – a convenience shop for all your Mexican dish needs. They sell Carne Asada and Chorizo in their butcher shop section, hot peppers and Mexican spices in their grocery section and even have a fresh baked goods area where you can munch on all the Conchas y Borregas to Polvoron you could want. So, go hungry and we promise you will leave full and happy. My Mama’s Kitchen It always seems big tastes come from small kitchens, and in this case My Mama’s Kitchen is that tiny kitchen that packs a big punch. We normally recommend My Mama’s Kitchen for their barbecue or wings, but the whole menu is delicious. Try their Drip Sandwich – a warm fried chicken sandwich covered in drip sauce (their secret sauce) and topped with house slaw, pickles and remoulade on a brioche bun. Treat yourself to one of their classic southern Chicken and Waffle dishes or nibble on one of the seafood platters. Just be mindful of their 5:30 p.m. closing time! Oceanview Diner Chow down at the beach’s classic All-American coastal diner. They have delicious classics on the menu including steak and eggs and chicken and waffles. Don’t forget to also check out their specials board for daily seafood dishes for other options. Ocean View Pier @greenriotgrrrl, Instagram The Ocean View Fishing Pier Restaurant, an icon to this neighborhood, sits high in the air offering views of the Chesapeake Bay for miles. Adirondack high top seats that parallel the Chesapeake Bay invite you to sip on some sweet tea, slurp down she crab soup and relish in the fact that you just saw a dolphin!
Beat the Heat in the Mid-Atlantic July 10, 2022 by MATPRA Admin (July 2022) – Summer is in full swing, and the Mid-Atlantic region has got you covered if you’re looking to cool down as summer really starts to heat up! Spend a day on the lake, splash around with the kids at a water park or enjoy a shaded picnic at a park. Add these adventures to your summer to-do list! 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 A stone’s throw from the historic Smith’s Bridge Covered Bridge, there is a slow-moving section of the Brandywine Creek perfect for a cooling dip. Visitors will find a rope swing to help them take the plunge. The adjacent picnic area, within the First State National Park, is the ideal spot to relax in the shade afterward. Set the GPS to Smith Bridge Picnic Area. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jennifer Boes, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected] MARYLAND Allegany Cool down this summer on the Allegany County Ice Cream Trail. Nine locations throughout Mountain Maryland range from roadside stands to diners to old-fashioned ice cream parlors. Each stop on the trail is 100% locally owned and offers such menu items as super shakes, sundaes, frozen custard, and more! Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland, Mindy Bianca, MDMountainside.com/blog/allegany-county-ice-cream-trail, [email protected] Allegany County, MD Annapolis & Anne Arundel From public sails and cruises to water taxi rides, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking, nothing says beat the heat like exploring our 500+ miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline. Bike or hike 54 miles of paved trails, stroll an 18th-century pleasure garden or relax in the shade at our wineries and breweries. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, VisitAnnapolis.org, [email protected] Calvert At just under an hour’s drive from DC and Baltimore, the Chesapeake Beach Water Park is a family-friendly destination featuring pools, slides, & waterfalls, plus private cabana rentals. Voted one of Maryland’s Best Water Parks. Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected] Harford Cool down along Harford’s Snowball Trail. Stroll through Ladew Gardens, one of the top topiary gardens in the country, and witness their Butterfly House. Get out on the water via jet ski, SUP, kayak, sailing, or windsurfing. Take to the skies via hot air balloon or skydiving. Visit Harford, Matthew Scales, VisitHarford.com, [email protected] Maryland (state of) Beat the summer heat with this frozen treat, first served on the continent by Maryland Governor Thomas Bladen in 1744. Check out “Ice Cream Lovers’ Guide to Maryland” and discover funky flavors, cow-to-cone-creameries, and a 275-year tradition that makes Maryland a very cool sweet (or savory!) summer paradise. Maryland Office of Tourism, Connie Spindler, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected] Talbot Visitors will see herons, egrets, osprey, turtles, and more while navigating the St. Michaels and Tilghman Island Water Trails. Kayak and canoe rentals are available throughout Talbot County including at select lodging establishments. Pick a place with a pool or swimming outlet for the ultimate way to beat the heat. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Krista Boothby, TourTalbot.org, [email protected] Talbot County, MD PENNSYLVANIA Bradford The Endless Mountains Heritage Region hosts kayaking sojourns on the North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail through the beauty Bradford County scenery and at local lakes in order to promote outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship. These multi-day trips are a chance to tour the region and beat the summer heat! Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com, [email protected] Columbia-Montour Boy, it’s hot outside! Escape the heat on the Falls Trail Loop at Ricketts Glen State Park, where the abundance of trees and roaring waterfalls keep temperatures bearable. Later, hit the Susquehanna River for a cooling kayak adventure. Or, visit Knoebels Crystal Pool for a cooldown between riding those coasters! Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Linda Sones, ITourColumbiaMontour.com, [email protected] Erie Erie is Pennsylvania’s ONLY port on the Great Lakes! Enjoy Presque Isle State Park-a National Natural Landmark nestled between Lake Erie and Presque Isle Bay, featuring 7 miles of sandy beaches, boating, swimming, pontoon tours, kayaking, hiking/biking trails, Discover Presque Isle Festival, world-class sunsets, and the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Visit Erie, Chris Temple, VisitErie.com, [email protected] Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania The waterfall trails of Ricketts Glen State Park and the beautiful recreation resources of Lake Jean make this Endless Mountains state park one of summer’s favorite attractions for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers. The cabins and campgrounds near the lakes and trails offer close proximity to the fantastic resources to cool off. Endless Mountain Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected] Endless Mountains, PA Juniata River Valley With a waterfront location on both the serene Juniata River and the historic Pennsylvania Canal, WaterSide Campground has plenty of ways to beat the heat. Enjoy a ride on a replica canal boat down the Historic Pennsylvania Canal, fish for small-mouth bass in the river, or cool off as you float down the river. Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Buffie Boyer, WatersideCampground.com, [email protected] Lancaster Duke’s Lagoon waterpark at Dutch Wonderland amusement park features a multi-level waterplay platform, kid-sized slides, a variety of spray nozzles & jets, and a large tipping bucket. The area also includes a tropical paradise lounge section, which includes palm trees, thatched umbrella shading, and plenty of seating. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected] Lancaster, PA Lawrence With multiple kayak and boat launches, visitors have many opportunities to enjoy the beautiful blue ways Lawrence County has to offer. Float along the Shenago River, which was voted “River of the Year” or for the experienced there is Slippery Rock Creek at McConnells Mill State Park. Visit Lawrence County, Janet Falotico, VisitLawrenceCounty.com, [email protected] Potter-Tioga Outfitters across our beautiful two counties have all the equipment you need to cool off on the waterways to enjoy kayaking, canoeing, tubing, paddle boarding, and all the other popular activities that offer you a way to beat the heat. See the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in the morning, count stars at Dark Skies, but time in between on our area’s lakes, creeks, and streams. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected] Pennsylvania (Commonwealth of) This year, The Pennsylvania Tourism Office and the Department of Agriculture launched the fifth annual Ice Cream Trail, a self-guided road trip of farm-to-scoop creameries across the commonwealth. This year, “Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail” is going digital, and visitors who complete the 2022 trail by September 10 win a special ice cream scooper. Pennsylvania Tourism Office, visitPA, Pennsylvania Tourism Office, VisitPA.com, [email protected] Raystown Region Beating the heat is easy in the Raystown Lake Region of Pennsylvania! Swim at one of the two public beaches at Raystown Lake or find your own secret swimming hole anywhere on the 118 miles of shoreline. Greenwood Furnace and Whipple Dam State Parks’ lakes are close by, full of refreshing mountain water, and lined with public beaches and playgrounds. Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, Liza Gutshall, Raystown.org, [email protected] VIRGINIA Giles Bring your own or rent from our local outfitters to fish, float, and paddle along the New River Water Trail this summer. The New River flows 37 miles through Giles County and hosts world-class fishing, class I and II rapids, or gentle flowing waters. Boys trips, girls’ getaways, or family vacations- find it at Virginia’s Mountain Playground. Giles County, VA Tourism, Cora Gnegy, NewRiverWaterTrail.com/NRWT, [email protected] Giles County, VA Hampton Beat the heat in Hampton at Outlook Beach, located at Ft. Monroe National Monument. Experience scenic views of the Chesapeake Bay and enjoy the fort’s many historic sites. Visitors can also cool off at Buckroe Beach’s newly-renovated boardwalk or catch live music at the Docks at Downtown Hampton. Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Mahogany Waldon, VisitHampton.com, [email protected] Harrisonburg Wander through cool shaded trails in Harrisonburg’s arboretum or bike through the wooded Hillandale Park, plan a picnic with a dip in a local stream at Riven Rock Park, or enjoy a visit to Virginia’s Quilt Museum, Mineral Museum or Explore More Museum all in The Friendly City, Harrisonburg, VA. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jennifer Bell, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected] Loudoun From rafting and kayaking the Potomac River to stand-up paddle boarding Beaverdam Reservoir and getting soaked at Volcano Island Waterpark, Loudoun has the wet and wild adventures to keep you and the kids cool this summer. Visit Loudoun, Jennifer Sigal, VisitLoudoun.org, [email protected] Norfolk Get on the water in Norfolk, VA. Cruise the Elizabeth River on American Rover as the sun sets or paddle the Lafayette River with Norfolk Kayak Rentals. Spend a day on the beach at Ocean View and enjoy all waterside fun in the city. Visit Norfolk, Paige Hawsey, VisitNorfolk.com, [email protected] Shenandoah County Your summertime cool down begins on the Shenandoah River where you can slip in a canoe, kayak, or tube and float the day away. Lake Laura at Bryce Resort is perfect for swimming and non-motorized sports. Enjoy shaded picnics, splash around in pools or take the River Walk in Strasburg. Visit Shenandoah County, Brenda Black, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, [email protected] Shenandoah County, VA Stafford Beat the Heat in Stafford, Virginia where the water’s calling. Take an epic paddling adventure at Widewater State Park. Spend time boating on the Potomac River, then unwind with our local Food & Spirits experience. End the day with a breathtaking sunset at Aquia Landing. Soak up the summer in Stafford. Tour Stafford Virginia, Brittany Loving, TourStaffordVA.com, [email protected] Staunton Experience Staunton’s great outdoors! Whether you’re looking for a family adventure or a getaway with friends, we’ve got you covered. Head to Walnut Hills Campground for an ideal destination for families or Sherando Lake Recreation Area which boasts two deliciously cool spring-fed lakes. Dig out the tent and camp chairs! Staunton, VA, Jessica Williams, VisitStaunton.com, [email protected] Town of Culpeper Spend the day floating down the Rappahannock River, picnic at Rockwater Park, and play all day in the splash pad and on the playground there or rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard for a little outdoor adventure at Lake Pelhem. Culpeper, VA is the perfect spot to stay cool this summer. Visit Culpeper, Virginia, Nicole Warner, VisitCulpeperVa.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.