Bon Voyage Winter Blues in the Mid-Atlantic

Goodbye winter woes, hello sunny skies! As the days grow longer and temperatures rise, it’s time to get out from under the covers and into the sunshine! Maybe hiking in a national park is your family’s favorite pastime. The season for kayaking is starting! Or maybe simply having a picnic at a local winery, brewery, cidery, or distillery will put a smile on your family’s face. Whatever the draw might be, get outside with your loved ones and enjoy the upcoming season. Check out the outdoor excursions available in the Mid-Atlantic region.

A one-stop-shop for unique travel ideas, roundups, and in-destination experiences to uncover and explore across the Mid-Atlantic region. Click here to view the photo gallery, and please provide photo credit to the appropriate DMO.

Delaware

Greater Wilmington & the Brandywine Valley
Search for early signs of spring with a scenic drive along the Red Clay Scenic Byway. There’s plenty to discover along the way: enjoy a pint at Dew Point Brewing Co., shop the market at Coverdale Farm Preserve, take a ride on the historic Wilmington & Western Railroad, hike the trails at Ashland Nature Center, and drive through one of Delaware’s three covered bridges. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jennifer Boes, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected]

Maryland

Harford
Harford County has awe-inspiring nature– including the 17-foot waterfall at Kilgore Falls in Pylesville. Kilgore Falls has seen many visitors both in real life and on the big screen, where it debuted in the Disney hit movie, Tuck Everlasting! Watch the film, then see its beauty for yourself! Visit Harford, Matthew Scales, VisitHarford.com, [email protected]

Kent
The Winter Blues got you down? Enjoy a day of amazing shopping. You will find unique gifts at the newly renovated Twigs & Teacups, 111 S Cross St., and artful treats at Bespoke Chocolates, 207 S Cross St. in Chestertown. Visit Rock Hall for The Hickory Stick, a unique boutique. Kent County Tourism, MD, Jamie Williams, KentCounty.com/Visitors, [email protected] 

Talbot
Travelers visiting Talbot County for the upcoming vacation season, early spring to late fall, are already booking their hotel, B&B, or vacation rental. They come to enjoy beautiful Eastern Shore views, kayaking and biking the scenic trails, and feasting on delicious crabs and oysters caught straight from the Chesapeake Bay. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Krista Boothby, TourTalbot.org, [email protected]

Wicomico
With more than 50 parks and outdoor facilities, Wicomico County is a great place to get outside. Bring a kayak or canoe and get out on the water, go for a hike on a trail, or enjoy outdoor activities like disc golf and pickleball. Maryland’s Wicomico County, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org, [email protected]

Pennsylvania

Bradford
Grab friends looking to shake their booty at the Keystone Theater as the dance floor heats up while the temperatures plummet outside in late January.  Local celebrities battle for a mirror ball trophy during BCRAC Dancing with the Stars Gala. Proceeds will support arts programming at the Bradford County Regional Arts Council. Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com, [email protected]

Butler
Winter is for the birds which is why the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania will host five Birds & More Walks at Buffalo Nature Creek Park along the Butler-Freeport Community Trail in Sarver, Pa. This naturist-led walk will seek birds and other wildlife along the flat and easy trail. Binoculars are available. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Jeff Martinelli, VisitButlerCounty.com, [email protected] 

Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania
You don’t need to be an expert to explore waterfalls and ice formations as you trek through the ravines of the majestic Ricketts Glen State Park’s Falls Trail and Glens Natural Area, a designated National Natural Landmark. This winter activity is led by expert climbers who navigate the path for you to experience some of the season’s most beautiful scenery. Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected]  

Juniata River Valley
Eat, sip, and connect with locals during a culinary walking tour of Reedsville that gives insight to the area’s food, culture, and landscape. Fantastic flavors can be found at a creamery, coffee shop, wine bar and the wildly popular Revival Kitchen. Reservations for their five-course tasting menu opens April 1st. Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Buffie Boyer, JRVVisitors.com, [email protected] 

Lehigh Valley
It’s time to cure that cabin fever and explore the splendors of Lehigh Valley. Restaurants open their patios for outdoor dining, miles of the region’s trails thaw out for long bike rides, and seasonal blooms paint a picture perfect scene for heading out on a covered bridge tour. Outdoor excursions are calling. Be sure to answer! Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, DiscoverLehighValley.com, [email protected] 

Potter-Tioga
Fly enthusiastically fast or gracefully glide along any of the twenty-nine groomed cross-country ski trails in Potter and Tioga Counties!  Get a great cardiovascular workout while you take in the serene sights and sounds of winter across the region. Bring your own skis or get equipped at one of our region’s experienced local outfitters. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected]

Virginia

Harrisonburg
Escape to Harrisonburg and enjoy great music, craft beverages and charming lodging. Visit February 11th to enjoy Red Wing’s Winter Series featuring a concert by The Steel Wheels & Grammy-nominated Sierra Hull, special lodging rate at Hotel Madison, and a pre-party at Pale Fire Brewing Company on the 10th. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jennifer Bell, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected] 

Lexington & Rockbridge
Have you ever seen a shooting star or observed the Milky Way galaxy? Explore the nights at Natural Bridge State Park in Virginia, an International Dark Sky Park. Monthly ranger-guided stargazing events are offered March–December, weekly self-guided nights run April–October, plus nighttime campfire programs, firefly watching, and owl prowl hikes. Lexington & Rockbridge Area Tourism, Patty Williams, LexingtonVirginia.com, [email protected]

Norfolk
Get outside and enjoy the fresh air along the Elizabeth River Trail. This 10.6-mile urban trail is a great way to soak up some sun and explore the city. From walking, running, biking or scootering, the path is easy to navigate and a perfect guide through Norfolk. Visit Norfolk, Paige Hawsey, VisitNorfolk.com, [email protected] 

Shenandoah
If the long nights and cold chill give you the blues, invigorate your senses and book a cozy cabin surrounded by fresh mountain air and scenic views. Dig into mouth watering meals, sip award winning wines, and step into nature with a healthy winter hike. Unwind and Be Inspired in Shenandoah County. Visit Shenandoah County, Brenda Black, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, [email protected] 

Stafford
Explore Government Island in Stafford, Virginia. Rooted in American history, hike around the historical island trail and climb on the sandstone that was carved during the 1700-1800’s and used to construct DC’s most influential buildings – the US Capitol and the White House. Play in DC’s diverse backyard and discover Stafford. Tour Stafford, Virginia, Courtney Swenson, TourStaffordVA.com, [email protected] 

Staunton
At 148 acres of rolling hills and woodlands, Montgomery Hall Park is a great asset to Staunton. Once you’re on the looping miles of wooded hiking trails, you might actually forget that you’re within city limits. This park is hilly but hikers will spot birds, squirrels, deer, and other creatures. Staunton, VA, Jessica Williams, VisitStaunton.com, [email protected]    

Town of Culpeper
Camp, fish, hike, and zip line at Verdun Adventure Bound this spring, and enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer. Stroll along Davis Street to shop and dine or plan an evening at Death Ridge Brewery enjoying live music, local food, and craft beverages while you watch the sunset. Culpeper Tourism and Visitors Center, Nicole Warner, VisitCulpeperVA.com, [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 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 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 Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.