Discover the Things that Make the Mid-Atlantic Unique

(Mid-Atlantic Region, September 3, 2019) — The Mid-Atlantic is packed with things to see and do, but each destination has its own claim to fame. Find out what each area is best known for – ranging from food, to outdoor recreation, and everything in between.

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

Wilmington, Delaware was once home to the du Pont family. Today, their former estates delight visitors with gardens and grandeur. Hagley Museum, the original 1802 gunpowder works; Winterthur Museum, a 1,000-acre naturalistic garden and decorative arts collection; Nemours Estate, a 77-room mansion and the finest French gardens in the U.S. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Sarah Willoughby, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected]

MARYLAND

State of Maryland

From the Appalachian Mountains to Assateague Island, with the Chesapeake Bay in between, Maryland is known for its outdoor recreation and culinary delights. Enjoy the iconic blue crabs and oysters along Maryland’s Crab & Oyster Trail. Along the trail, learn about the waterman heritage by visiting a maritime museum. Maryland Office of Tourism, Matthew Scales, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected]

Baltimore

Break out your mallets and lay down your newspaper for some traditional Baltimore crab picking! From steamed crab, to crab cakes, to crab feasts, if there’s one thing Baltimore is known for—it’s this sweet and tender delicacy. From catching to cracking to enjoying these crustaceans, visitors can do it all. Visit Baltimore, Abigail Vitaliano, Baltimore.org, [email protected]

Calvert County

Calvert County, Maryland: Calvert Cliffs State Park. The massive cliffs dominate the shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay for 24 miles and were formed millions of years ago. Today these cliffs reveal the fossils of prehistoric species including sharks, whales and rays that you can find and take home with you. Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected]

Frederick County

Frederick, Maryland is best known for its Civil War history and its 50-block walkable historic district. Home to the National Museum of Civil War Medicine, several battle fields, and a variety of boutique shops and restaurants located in re-purposed buildings, there are decades to uncover here. Visit Frederick, Melissa Muntz, VisitFrederick.org, [email protected]

Harford County

Our agriculture producers and products are second to none. Discover creameries, wineries, breweries, farmer’s markets and pick-your-own farms that are sure to satisfy. Meet the local farmer and relax with a cone in your hand (or a glass of wine) while you enjoy the breathtaking scenery of a working farm. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, [email protected]

Montgomery County

Spend the weekend in 93,000-acres of abundant beauty in Montgomery County, Maryland. Book your stay at The Inn at Tusculum Farm. Visit Butler’s Orchard for the perfect pick-your-own experience. Hike Sugarloaf Mountain and savor a glass of Hazy American IPA at Elder Pine Brewing Company. Visit Montgomery, MD, Cory Van Horn, VisitMontgomery.com, [email protected]

PENNSYLVANIA

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania’s greater-than-great outdoors, vibrant communities and urban centers, thriving arts and food scene, and iconic historical attractions offer something for every kind of traveler. The Keystone State truly boasts endless opportunities for visitors and residents alike to pursue their happiness. Pennsylvania Tourism Office, Lisa Zahn, visitPA.com, [email protected]

Altoona

Blair County, PA offers a number of bucket list opportunities only found here! Ride the world’s oldest wooden roller coaster, float down a lazy river at the country’s only Italian themed waterpark and see the factory where the Slinky is made! Only in Blair County PA! Explore Altoona, Jennifer Fleck, explorealtoona.com, [email protected]

Butler County

Butler has an interesting automotive history and is known ‘round the world for being the birthplace of the Jeep. The county celebrates this through the annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival in June. Thousands of visitors attend this event to embrace the vehicle’s past and the lifestyle it promotes. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Tiffany about Hernandez, VisitButlerCounty.com, [email protected]

Central Pennsylvania

Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park is America’s only all-water cavern & farm-nature-wildlife park. Only cave in Pennsylvania placed on National Register of Historic Places. Unique experiences for the whole family. Fully-guided cavern tour by boat, beautiful farm to enjoy nature & wildlife, an off-road mountain tour, gemstone panning, gift shop, Miners Maze, Cave Café. Central Pennsylvania Convention & Visitors Bureau, Edward Stoddard, VisitPennState.org, [email protected]

Endless Mountains

Home to eclectic towns like Montrose, Tunkhannock, Eagles Mere and Dushore famous for festivals, shopping and arts, the Endless Mountains lay claim to miles of trails and waterways perfect for outdoor recreation. Covered bridges, museums, and Elk Mountains’ award-winning slopes make the area a four season destination for fun! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected]

Lancaster County

Lancaster County has a rich variety of things to see and do, including several historic firsts, but is most well-known nationally and internationally as home to America’s original and largest Amish settlement, with several interpretive attractions to explore, plus buggy rides and personalized tour options. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected]

Laurel Highlands

Immerse yourself in the works of America’s greatest architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Stand on the cantilevered terraces of his masterpiece, Fallingwater. Visit Kentuck Knob, a stunning home built from cypress, stone and copper. End your Wright day with an overnight stay at the newly-rebuilt Mäntylä or secluded Duncan House. Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, Anna Weltz, LaurelHighlands.org, [email protected]

Montgomery County

Montgomery County, PA is home to an incredible number of amazing towns and things to do. Of all our world-famous, world-class attractions, the King of Prussia Mall and Valley Forge National Historical Park, located right next door to each other, are among the most well-known and widely visited. Visit Montgomery, Emily Keel, valleyforge.org, [email protected]

Philadelphia

Philadelphia is the birthplace of the United States and the country’s first World Heritage City. Visitors travel to see the Liberty Bell, the Rocky Steps and Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Philadelphia is also known for its unique foods, most notably the cheesesteak and the hoagie. Visit Philadelphia, Daniel Davis, VisitPhilly.com, [email protected]

Potter County – Tioga County

The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in Tioga County draws visitors from across the country to experience “the other Grand Canyon”, this one famous for lush foliage and breathtaking panoramic scenery. Combined with stargazing at Potter County’s “Dark Skies” at Cherry Springs Park, these two attractions make for a spectacular getaway. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected]

Reading, Berks County

When you hear Reading, Pennsylvania, what comes to mind? Reading Railroad? Outlet shopping? The PA Dutch? Others may rival our region in these categories, but no other place can lay claim to our Pagoda. This welcoming landmark delights visitors with its quirky style and fantastic views from atop Mt. Penn. Pennsylvania’s Americana Region, Lisa P Haggerty, VisitPaAmericana.com, [email protected]

VIRGINIA

Fairfax County

Connect with one-and-only experiences in Fairfax County, from the home of America’s first president and America’s only National Park dedicated to the performing arts to one of the few places you can get up close with a Space Shuttle and some of the best shopping on the East Coast. Visit Fairfax, Ali Morris, FXVA.com, [email protected]

Giles County

Cascade Falls, in Giles County, Virginia, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the entire East Coast. The scene is both breathtaking and peaceful as the falls combine both power and beauty. The 4-mile round-trip hike has ample viewing space at the base of the 69-foot waterfall. Giles County, VA Tourism, Cora Gnegy, GilesCounty.org, [email protected]

Hampton

With several miles of waterfront, Hampton, Virginia’s relationship with the water is the city’s hallmark. Chesapeake Bay beaches boast white sands and gentle surf. Many independent restaurants feature amazing local seafood dishes. Visitors can spend the day on the water through watersports, charter fishing or by taking a harbor cruise. Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Elizabeth Severs, VisitHampton.com, [email protected]

Harrisonburg

Not only is the area home to a bustling farmers market, but it also houses a community of restaurants that bring farm-fresh to life. With an array of flavors to satisfy everyone’s palate, Virginia’s first culinary district will take you on a culinary trip around the world. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jessica Williams, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected]

Lexington & Rockbridge

Lexington is a historic college town influenced by presidents, statesmen and generals. George Washington and Robert E. Lee held pivotal roles at Washington and Lee University. Thomas Jackson taught at Virginia Military Institute before earning his nickname “Stonewall.” VMI graduate George C. Marshall influenced key events of the 20th century. Lexington & Rockbridge Area Tourism, Patty Williams, LexingtonVirginia.com, [email protected]

Orange County

The BEST and BIGGEST Corn Maze this side of the Mississippi is at Liberty Mills Farm. Their Corn Maze covers 33 acres! 2019 theme: Man on the Moon, celebrating the Apollo 11 Mission! Open from September through the first weekend of November, this Corn Maze will amaze all ages! Orange County, Virginia Tourism, Lori Landes-Carter, VisitOrangeVirginia.com, [email protected]

Shenandoah County

Shenandoah County has the best variety in outdoor recreation from light hiking trails to extreme adventures. After a great day of hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing or ballooning, it’s best to settle in for a great meal at a local eatery and stay at a family owned B&B. Shenandoah County Tourism, Jenna French, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, [email protected]

WEST VIRGINIA

Pocahontas County

Pocahontas County, WV is known as the Birthplace of Rivers. With headwaters of eight pristine streams heading up in Pocahontas County, there’s clear waters perfect for casting a line, taking a dip or enjoying a float. It doesn’t hurt we’re also known for our breathtaking sunsets and jaw-dropping scenic vistas – see for yourself in Nature’s Mountain Playground! Pocahontas County Convention & Visitors Bureau, Chelsea Walker, NaturesMtnPlayground.com, [email protected]

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 while promoting common threads, offering story ideas about the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.