Archives for June 2023

The vibrant colors of fall are just around the corner, and the Mid-Atlantic region is gearing up to offer families an unforgettable autumn experience. From the thrill of hayrides to pumpkin picking to exciting festivals, there’s so much for every member of the family to see and do! Click here to view the photo gallery, and please provide photo credit to the appropriate DMO.

A one-stop-shop for unique travel ideas, roundups, and in-destination experiences to uncover and explore across the Mid-Atlantic region. 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

Kent

Autumn in Kent County, Delaware is best spent enjoying the activities at Fifer’s Orchards! With a new themed corn maze every year, U-pick pumpkins, a farm store and kitchen and an entire U-play area for kids, there is always something for the whole family to enjoy in Central Delaware. Delaware’s Quaint Villages, VisitDelawareVillages.com, Catherine Jenkins, [email protected]

MARYLAND

Calvert

Visit the petting zoo and take a wagon ride at Horsmon Farm in St. Leonard. Discover the joy of picking your own pumpkin at Swann Farms in Owings. Indulge in delectable hot apple cider donuts and venture through the corn maze at Spider Hall Farm in Prince Frederick. Calvert County Department of Economic Development, VisitCalvert.com, Hilary Dailey, [email protected]

Harford

Gather the family for a trip to Lorh’s Orchard this fall to pick pumpkins and shop in the market for fresh baked goods. Complete the trip with a cider and spiced apple doughnut for the perfect fall combo of flavors! Visit Harford, VisitHarford.com, Megan Hallett, [email protected]

Kent

FallFest showcases the quaint hamlet of Rock Hall as a way to celebrate Rock Hall’s heritage as a waterman’s town. FallFest guarantees to be a unique event where musicians hold forth throughout the day, oysters are local and plentiful, and children can participate in captivating and free activities. Kent County Tourism, MD, KentCounty.com/Visitors, Shalyn Boulden, [email protected]

Talbot

Autumn hues signal the return of two visitor favorite events to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. In October, the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s OysterFest serves fresh-from-the-bay bivalves and signature cocktails. In November, the Waterfowl Festival flies into Easton with diving dog and retriever competitions, fine art, calling contests, and seasonal delicacies. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, TourTalbot.org, Krista Boothby, [email protected]

Wicomico

Hit the road for Wicomico County for these can’t miss events! The Maryland Folk Festival offers a diverse celebration of arts, culture and heritage.  Best of all – it’s free! The Good Beer Festival offers the only nighttime beer festival on the Eastern Shore during its Friday session and unlimited tastings throughout the weekend. Maryland’s Wicomico County, WicomicoTourism.org, Kristen Goller, [email protected]

PENNSYLVANIA

Allegheny National Forest Region

Colorful, exciting, and vibrant describe the beauty of the Allegheny National Forest (ANF) in the Fall. Mix in the fun of ANF Centennial Celebration events, a 100-mile hiking challenge, a Centennial Geo-Cache, plus miles of multi-use trails and Kinzua Sky Walk’s amazing fall foliage to create an outstanding family-friendly getaway. Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, VisitANF.com, Linda Devlin, [email protected]

Bradford

A drive along Route 6 in Bradford County offers leaf peepers stunning vistas to capture seasonal sights!  Viewing areas at Wyalusing Rocks and Marie Antoinette Overlook offer spectacular views of the Susquehanna River Valley and farmlands. PS – Farmstands along the route offer delicious made-in-PA products to truly savor the season! Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, VisitBradfordCounty.com, Morgan Christopher, [email protected]

Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania

Endless Mountains provide endless opportunities to celebrate the season! Miles of foliage-filled trails and vistas in parks and forests, a wine and brew trail including cider stops, and Farm to You locations where pumpkin picking, corn mazes and seasonal sweets like pies and dumplings offer visitors a chance to enjoy fall’s favorites! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, EndlessMountains.org, Morgan Christopher, [email protected]

Juniata River Valley

Come for the goose, stay for the weekend! Make this fall unforgettable by celebrating a centuries-old tradition in the Juniata River Valley. Celebrate Goose Day on September 29th by eating your lucky goose and staying for the weekend for fall festivals, small business specials, and the Wild Geese trail.  Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, JRVVisitors.com, Buffie Boyer, [email protected]

Lancaster

Lancaster County is full to bursting with agritourism offerings during autumn, from 50+ activities at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm to our beautiful foliage & the many ways to enjoy it. Plus pumpkin pickin’ at numerous sites, bountiful roadside stands & farmers markets, and distinct fall experiences at our fantastic vineyards. Discover Lancaster, DiscoverLancaster.com, Joel Cliff, [email protected]

Pennsylvania (Commonwealth of)

For nature lovers and viewfinders, VisitPA’s four ‘Leaf Peepers’ road trips span the Pocono Mountains, Route 6, Laurel Highlands, and Upstate PA. Travelers can fall in love with #FallInPA on these leaf-peeping trips and embark on a scenic journey through a sea of foliage and breathtaking views. Pennsylvania Tourism Office, VisitPA, VisitPA.com, Michael Chapaloney, [email protected]

Potter-Tioga

Potter and Tioga Counties are home to eight lakes including Tioga, Hammond, Cowanesque, Hills Creek Lake, Hamilton, Lyman Run, Nessmuk and Beechwood. Smaller lakes offer a variety of activities including motorless boating while larger offer the full spectrum of favorite outdoor water sports. Visit Potter-Tioga, VisitPotterTioga.com, Morgan Christopher, [email protected]

Raystown Region

Join us this fall in the Raystown Lake Region as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Raystown Lake Project. Enjoy breathtaking foliage along 118 miles of unspoiled lake shoreline, numerous festivals, historic train and trolley rides, pumpkin patches, hayrides, autumn-themed meals at small coffee shops and so much more! Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, Raystown.org, Lissy Kinder, [email protected]

VIRGINIA

Giles

Historic covered bridges, smallmouth fishing on the New River, staying with the whole family in a riverside cabin and watching college football are quintessential fall activities in Giles County. Extend the fun with fishing with Tangent Outfitters or New River Outdoor Company and finish the trip off with a picnic at the Sinking Creek Covered bridge. Giles County, VA Tourism, VirginiasMtnPlayground.com, Cora Gnegy, [email protected]

Hampton

Have a bushel of fun in Hampton this fall. Just in time for pumpkin spice season, visitors can enjoy the Bluebird Gap Farm Fall Festival, the Phoebus Fall Festival, the Ghost Walk at Fort Monroe, and the Hampton Horror Tours. Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, VisitHampton.com, Mahogany Waldon, [email protected]

Norfolk

Vibrant colors come to life in Norfolk’s NEON District every fall for the annual NEON Festival. Experience live music from local artists, live art performances at venues throughout the neighborhood, new murals and a chance to see how the artist create their pieces. Visit Norfolk, VisitNorfolk.com, Paige Hawsey, [email protected]

Shenandoah

Shenandoah County in the fall season is a feast for the senses. Foliage colors fill the mountains and forests, and the Harvest begins; Enjoy apple butter boiling, pumpkin patch picking, and the taste of seasonal craft beverages. Brisk hikes in the fresh air and cozy cabins and cottages await you! Visit Shenandoah County, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, Brenda Black, [email protected]

Stafford

Tour Stafford, Virginia this fall where the beer flows and creativity grows with family-friendly festivals. Experience the magic of art coming to life at Via Colori Stafford, the annual street art festival that will leave you amazed. Then savor the flavors of Stafford’s craft beer scene with local Oktoberfests. Tour Stafford Virginia, TourStaffordVA.com, Brittany Loving, [email protected]

Staunton

The leaves are turning magical colors, the geese are migrating, and people can’t stop talking about football. While wizardry isn’t synonymous with fall, Stauntonians celebrate with the Queen City Mischief and Magic Festival. Downtown Staunton will turn into a magical village celebrating Harry Potter and all things mystical. Staunton, VA, VisitStaunton.com, Jessica Williams, [email protected]

 

About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance
Our goal is to make your job as travel journalists easier! These once-a-month emails provide a one-stop-shop for unique travel ideas, roundups, and in-destination experiences to uncover and explore across the Mid-Atlantic region. We work directly with destinations across D.C., Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia to put together roundup stories. Understanding your timelines and lead time needs, we’ve preplanned hot industry and travel topics for months readily available to you.

We encourage you to reach out to each destination contact above if you’re interested in covering their story, and also welcome you to email us at [email protected] if you’re looking for a roundup on multiple destinations or a different story topic altogether.

The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing D.C., Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.