Let’s Celebrate! in the Mid-Atlantic

(June 2022) – MATPRA is turning 20 and we’re in a celebratory mood in the Mid-Atlantic region! And what better season for a celebration than summer! From brightly colored seasonal treats, art festivals, vineyard tours, outdoor concert series, fireworks, and everything in between, there’s so much to do, see and eat this time of year. Here’s how you can celebrate summer in Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and, 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
Take advantage of the fantastic weather at the Wilmington Riverfront. Dine al fresco, play some mini golf, take a tiki boat cruise, or enjoy a microbrew at Constitution Yards Beer Garden. Visitors can also rent a bike and cycle the 7.2-mile JAM Trail into Historic New Castle where more adventure awaits. End the day with some homemade ice cream from Woodside Farm Creamery. Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau, Jennifer Boes, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected]

 

MARYLAND

Allegany 
All aboard! After years of meticulous restoration, the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad recently celebrated the inauguration of Locomotive No. 1309 into regular service. This historic steam-powered ambassador of Allegany County takes guests on a scenic ride on the rails between Cumberland and Frostburg … delivering unforgettable memories along the way. Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland, Mindy Bianca, MDmountainSide.com/Western-Maryland-Scenic-Railroad, [email protected]

Annapolis & Anne Arundel
Explore the Chesapeake Bay via sail, power, stand-up paddleboard, and kayak cruises. Tour the Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse. Enjoy al fresco dining at Dinner Under the Stars. Celebrate the arts at Annapolis Arts week and our First Sunday Arts Festivals. Salute our maritime heritage at weekly Tides & Tunes summer concerts. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, VisitAnnapolis.org, [email protected] 

Calvert 
The Sea Glass & Beach Crafts Market at Annmarie Sculpture Garden will be on July 2, 2022. Join us for a celebration of summer and all things beachy! Browse 50+ booths featuring a variety of handmade, homemade, and homegrown products! If you love sun & sand, this is for you! Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected] 

Harford
Make your way to the top of the Chesapeake Bay in June for three full days of music, film and more. The Havre de Grace Jazz and Blues Festival is a citywide music festival with legendary jazz and blues performances. Visit Harford, Matthew Scales, VisitHarford.com, [email protected] 

Kent (MD)
There’s nothing better than the sweet sounds of summer under a starry sky. Enjoy a night of free outdoor concerts at Chestertown’s Music in the Park Concert series. Bring a chair and join the fun on Saturday evenings in Fountain Park located in historic downtown Chestertown. Kent County Tourism, MD, Jana Carter, KentCounty.com, [email protected]  

Maryland (State of)
To honor the anniversary of her 200th birthday, 2022 is the “Year of Harriet Tubman” in Maryland – Tubman’s birthplace. Take a powerful and inspiring road trip to destinations, attractions, and museums across Maryland that are celebrating her legacy through special events, curated exhibits, and driving tours. Maryland Office of Tourism, Connie Spindler, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected] 

Talbot
Talbot County salutes MATPRA on its 20th Anniversary! Celebrate with us by enjoying a cocktail at The Antique and Classic Boat Festival; bringing home a masterpiece from Plein Air Easton, one of the country’s most prestigious art competitions; or raising a glass at the Chesapeake Bay Balloon and Wine Festival. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Krista Boothby, TourTalbot.org, [email protected]

Wicomico
Celebrate summer in Wicomico County. Each Fourth of July, enjoy fireworks and festivities during Red White and BOOM. In August, have fun with the family at the Wicomico County Fair and see all kinds of performers at the National Folk Festival. Families can also catch a Delmarva Shorebirds baseball game. Wicomico County Tourism, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org, [email protected]

 

PENNSYLVANIA

Allegheny National Forest Region
Summer is the season to enjoy Art in the Wilds at Evergreen Park, and to sample the local farm to table cuisine of Table 105, CJ Spirits, and Flickerwood Wine Cellars in Kane, PA. Families will enjoy camping in the Allegheny National Forest (ANF), and hiking/biking miles of woodland trails. Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, Linda Devlin, VisitANF.com, [email protected] 

Butler
Celebrate tourism in the charming towns of Butler County like Saxonburg, Zelienople, and Harmony. Strollable sidewalks along Main Streets make these towns even more appealing as you learn about the area’s unique history while visiting museums, trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. During the summer months, you’ll also discover street festivals and open-air markets. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Tiffany Hernandez, VisitButlerCounty.com, [email protected]

Bradford
The Susquehanna Summer Solstice Fest June 17th-19th at the French Azilum celebrates the arts, music, dance, nature, and history along with environmental awareness.   The fest includes plain air (out of doors) painting competition and show, food, and live music each day.  Celebrate the arts and the scenic beauty of Bradford County! Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com , [email protected] 

Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania 
Waterways across the Endless Mountains are the place to beat the heat each season!  From a refreshing dip in a mountain creek to standing underneath a natural waterfall to a day out on the river kayaking, the freshwater resources of the region invite you to beat the heat in our own pristine natural waterpark! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected] 

Juniata River Valley
Summer has arrived, and along with it, our favorite outdoor pastimes. Join locals at the many small-town festivals, paddle the Juniata River’s 100+ mile stretch, feel the rush of excitement at Port Royal Speedway, or sit underneath the stars to watch a movie at Midway Drive-In Theatre. Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Buffie Boyer, JRVVisitors.com, [email protected]

Lancaster
The 8th annual Lancaster Roots & Blues Festival on July 9-10 in Lancaster City features musicians from around the U.S. and beyond interpreting blues, jazz, folk, soul, rockabilly, funk, bluegrass, and more.  Slate of 40 (and counting!) acts at 8 downtown venues, plus the new ArtPart exhibition for emerging artists. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected] 

Lehigh Valley
From fruits to vines, Lehigh Valley is prime for the picking! Ripe strawberries, cherries, sunflowers, and more can be picked fresh this summer. The region is also considered a paradise for wine lovers, with over 30 vineyards in the area to savor and sample, including Galen Glen Winery with panoramic views of the countryside. Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, DiscoverLehighValley.com, [email protected] 

Potter-Tioga
Over a two week period in summer, the Endless Mountain Music Festival brings world-renowned musicians to perform at a wide variety of locations across northern Pennsylvania. Discover world-class performances presented at museums, outdoors, historic venues, and other spots across the region. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected]

Raystown Region
Summertime in the Raystown Lake Region means lake days full of sunshine, swimming, sand, and playgrounds at Seven Points Beach! Lighthouse Adventures water trampolines are a blast for every age. Stock up on new floaties and snacks on your way at Seven Points Bait & Grocery. Then grab some mouthwatering BBQ ribs and brisket at Backwoods Smoke Shack on your way home. Huntingdon County Visitors Bureau, Liza Gutshall, www.raystown.org, [email protected]

 

VIRGINIA

Hampton
Celebrate family, friendship, and freedom in Hampton, Virginia. Juneteenth events honoring history and heritage will take place all month including festivals, lectures, and more. Hampton is also home to several sites that commemorate Black heritage including the Emancipation Oak where the first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation was held. Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Mahogany Waldon, VisitHampton.com, [email protected] 

Harrisonburg
Enjoy vibrant murals, colorful mosaics, and quaint sculptures in Downtown Harrisonburg, an original Virginia Arts and Cultural District for over 20 years. Follow the Art Walk to see Harrisonburg’s Arts Council Sculpture Garden, Oasis Art Gallery, and Virginia Quilt Museum which all also celebrated 20+ year milestones. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jennifer Bell, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected]

Lexington & Rockbridge
It’s all about freedom, fireworks, and fun during the WanderLOVE Rocking Rockbridge Summer Six event July 2-4 in Lexington and Rockbridge County, VA! Enjoy three days of celebrations with 10 bands, 19 hot air balloons, a tasty downtown street festival, and more. It’s excitement the whole family will enjoy! Lexington & Rockbridge Area Tourism, Patty Williams, LexingtonVirginia.com, [email protected] 

Loudoun
Sip a crisp Viognier, picnic between the vines, or enjoy live music at many of Loudoun’s 50-plus wineries this summer. Round that out with fresh meals sourced from local farms, pro sports at Segra Field and a walk on the Appalachian Trail and you will have a trip to remember in Loudoun.Visit Loudoun, Jen Sigal, VisitLoudoun.org, [email protected] 

Norfolk
Festival season is back in Norfolk, VA. Kick off June with Harbor Fest, America’s largest, longest-running, free maritime festival. Enjoy live music, a Parade Sail and one of the largest fireworks shows on the East Coast. Celebrate Pride Month with PrideFest, a vibrant and energetic celebration not to be missed. Visit Norfolk, Paige Hawsey, VisitNorfolk.com, [email protected] 

Orange
Summer is the perfect time to sample a local vintage or sip a cold brew along the NEW Corks and Caps Trail.  Celebrating the 7 wineries and 4 breweries that make Orange County special, Corks and Caps invites all craft beverage lovers to savor the unique flavors of Central Virginia! Visit Orange Virginia, Julie Perry, CorksAndCapsVA.com, [email protected] 

Shenandoah
Get closer to nature and celebrate family! No-frills Not fancy, just make some old fashion summertime memories. Hike in the woods, feed llamas, go horseback riding, pick berries, explore caverns, tube down the river, and marvel at the views; while enjoying farm-fresh foods, sweet ice cream, and local craft beverages. Visit Shenandoah County, Brenda Black, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, [email protected]  

Stafford
Celebrate and sip your way through summer in Stafford, Virginia. Stafford’s local breweries & wineries offer entertainment for all. Feeling competitive? Play 6B&G’s disc golf putting course or bocce ball at Potomac Point Winery. Enjoy live music nights, festivals, and even a Renaissance Faire this summer in Stafford’s breweries & wineries. Tour Stafford Virginia, Courtney Swenson, TourStaffordVA.com, [email protected] 

Staunton 
We have your guide to Staunton’s summer soundtrack! Kick back on a blanket under the stars and listen to the best area music at SummerStage. Celebrate Independence Day with live music and fireworks at Happy Birthday America. Relish the sounds of chamber, vocal, & symphonic music at Staunton Music Festival. Staunton, VA, Jessica Williams, VisitStaunton.com, [email protected]

Town of Culpeper
Get outside in Culpeper, VA this summer. Spend an afternoon floating down the river, celebrating the 160th commemoration of the Battle of Cedar Mountain with living history, or enjoy live local music in the historic downtown district every 1st Friday and 3rd Thursday throughout the summer. Rich History, Modern Charm. Culpeper Tourism and Visitors Center, 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.