Detour Destinations

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Greetings MATPRA Media Partners,

MATPRA distributes press releases designed to inspire media coverage of the Mid-Atlantic region. We plan topics months in advance to accommodate longer lead times. If you have suggestions for future topics, we’d love to hear them! Please email ([email protected]).

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Enhance your next trip to the MidAtlantic Region’s big cities with a delightful detour destination stop. Explore the surrounding area’s charming villages and towns to make the most of your trip by enjoying local eats, quirky shops, and peaceful parks along the way.

MARYLAND

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (MD)
Beyond Annapolis, Anne Arundel County offers hidden gems worth exploring. Visit Historic London Town and Gardens in Edgewater for colonial history and lush landscapes. Try your luck at Live! Casino & Hotel in Hanover, adjacent to Arundel Mills Mall for shopping and entertainment. Discover cryptology’s secrets at the National Cryptologic Museum near Fort Meade. For nature lovers, hike scenic trails at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center in Edgewater or bike the BWI Trail. A trip to Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse is a hidden gem and a must-experience! These attractions blend history, nature, and fun—all just outside the capital’s spotlight.
Visit Annapolis

Calvert County (MD)
Battle Creek Cypress Swamp in Prince Frederick, Maryland is an ideal detour stop! Visitors can explore the boardwalk through the cypress trees, newly designed interactive exhibits, and one of the northernmost bald cypress swamps in the country! It’s peaceful, educational and uniquely local.
Choose Calvert

Kent County Economic and Tourism Development (MD)
Next time your travels take you through the Mid-Atlantic’s bustling cities, plan a refreshing detour to Kent County, Maryland. Just a short drive from urban hubs, this Eastern Shore gem offers a slower pace and authentic small-town charm. Wander Chestertown’s historic district, lined with unique shops and cozy cafés. Savor local flavors at waterfront restaurants or explore Rock Hall, where maritime heritage and friendly faces shine. Outdoor lovers can unwind at serene parks, scenic trails, or along the Chester River. Whether for a quick stop or a lingering stay, Kent County makes every detour truly delightful.
Kent County Tourism

Talbot County (MD)
Find the yin to the big city’s yang in Talbot County, Maryland, where you can explore the best of the Chesapeake Bay’s culture and cuisine, much of it bound together by a ribbon of backroads that string together the small-town pearls of Easton, Oxford, St. Michaels, and Tilghman Island. Each town offers its own distinct character and timeless appeal, creating a journey that whispers tales of colonial grandeur, maritime heritage, and the tranquil beauty of the Chesapeake Bay.
Tour Talbot

Washington County (MD)
When in D.C. or Baltimore, add a charming detour to Hagerstown-Washington County, MD. Just 1 hour away, it offers an escape from city life, inviting you to explore its quaint historic towns. Discover Hagerstown’s Arts & Entertainment District or visit the Antietam National Battlefield in Sharpsburg. Hike or bike the C&O Canal in Williamsport. Enjoy local eats, browse quirky shops, or find peace in serene parks like Greenbrier State Park. Try kayaking on the Potomac River and hike the Appalachian Trail. This trip is filled with history, nature, and authentic local character. History – it’s in our Nature!
Visit Hagerstown

PENNSYLVANIA

Bucks County (PA)
Peddler’s Village has 65 unique shops and six unique restaurants on 42 acres of landscaped gardens and brick pathways located between Doylestown and New Hope. Guests can enjoy year-round events and festivities, including specially themed months, weekend celebrations, fall scarecrow displays, comedy nights and so much more.
Visit Bucks County

Butler County (PA)
Butler County’s small towns are constantly evolving and growing. By fostering new businesses, creating unique events, and community collaboration, they’ve become a true destination for visitors. Just 25 miles from Pittsburgh, they make a perfect detour.

The charming towns of Saxonburg, Zelienople, and Harmony are known for their unique history with specialized museums, trendy boutiques and delicious restaurants. Butler and Zelienople come alive with seasonal street fairs and markets, offering extended shopping hours, local music, and fun for all.

Finally, visit Portersville and beautiful Moraine State Park, the perfect spot for a picnic, hike, or boat tour.
Experience Butler

Endless Mountains (PA)
Three seasons of the year, Brown Hill Farms is a detour destination in the heart of the Endless Mountains agricultural area that offers visitors seasonal ways to celebrate! At the beautiful property located near Tunkhannock, right off historic Route 6, Brown Hill Farms provides opportunities to stroll through over 400,000 tulips and daffodils each spring, bask in the glow of summertime magic on thirty acres of sunflowers and cut flowers, and provide the perfect fall foliage activity of picking a pumpkin from a patch that grows classic orange pumpkins as well as blue heirloom varieties.
Endless Mountains

York County (PA)
York County, PA is the perfect detour destination—close to Lancaster, Gettysburg, Hershey, and Baltimore, yet full of its own unforgettable experiences. It’s easy to turn a quick stop into a full weekend with vibrant downtowns, rich history, rolling farmlands, and a thriving food and craft beverage scene. Fun year-round, York County always has something new to explore, whether you’re chasing seasonal festivals, scenic trails, or hidden gems that make every visit feel fresh and inviting.
Explore York

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About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance
The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a collaborative network of tourism partners across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., West Virginia – and coming soon… New Jersey! The alliance is dedicated to supporting travel journalists by providing resources that transcend geographic boundaries, much like travelers themselves. By identifying common themes and regional highlights, MATPRA offers a wealth of story ideas for journalists interested in showcasing the diverse destinations of the Mid-Atlantic region as a unified whole. For more information, visit matpra.org.

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