There’s space for you here September 2, 2020 by Liza Gutshall Escape, explore and keep your story interesting with a trip to the Raystown Lake Region. During this difficult time, finding vacation options and new and exciting activities to do may prove to be a challenge. Fortunately, here at the Raystown Lake Region of Pennsylvania, we say, “Challenge accepted!” Social Distancing – We were built for this! The Raystown Lake Region offers many options for you to stay and play, while maintaining a safe distance from others. Exceptional placid water kayaking on our lakes and rivers, including two paddle-sport river launches in Jack’s Narrows, giving convenient access to paddling in PA’s deepest gorge (Jack’s Narrows)(Arnold’s Marine Boat Rentals)(Rothrock Outfitters Rentals) Hundreds of miles of hiking trails, including the 2019 Pennsylvania Trail of the Year: The Mid State Trail and the 2016 Trail of The Year: The Standing Stone Trail (Trails) More than 135,000 acres of public land Golf courses (Golf) Caves, state parks and rails-to-trails opportunities (Caves, Lower Trail) Seven Points Marina is the only place within PA where you can get a houseboat and live on Raystown Lake during your vacation. Most of the houseboats in the Seven Points Marina fleet come equipped with hot tubs and slides. The marina’s rental fleet includes fishing boats, ski pontoon boats and 15 houseboats. (Seven Points Marina) There are about 3,000 campsites to choose from plus many other types of social-distance appropriate accommodations … luxurious vacation homes, secluded forest cabins, cozy B&Bs, well-appointed houseboats, etc. (Lodging) The Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake are ranked as some of the top single-track mountain bike trails in North America. (Allegrippis Trails) Lake Raystown Resort has many types of accommodations, a Marina Café, full-service marina and Angry Musky Outfitters. Raystown Lake is the Freshwater Striped Bass Capital of the Northeast United States. The current Pennsylvania record for a freshwater striped bass is 53 pounds 12 ounces – caught at Raystown Lake. (Fishing) Huntingdon, PA is a stop on the Amtrak Pennsylvanian line, with roll on/off bike service now available. Grab and go food options are available from many grocers and restaurants in the region. (Food) Be sure to flip through our 60-page virtual Visitors Guide while you plan from home. Come see us soon! We’ve got space for you here.
Virginia’s Blue Ridge is Worth the Wait April 20, 2020 by Taylor Spellman NEW Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge Marketing Campaign Launched – “Worth the Wait“ Featuring a message of optimism and hope, Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge has developed a campaign encouraging future visitors and local residents to get inspired and dream about making new memories in Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VBR). The campaign, which was made completely in-house with existing resources, features a Worth the Wait video, virtual activities and events, online tours, coloring sheets, and VBR-themed games like trivia and bingo. Another integral part of the program includes opportunities to support local businesses during this time of COVID-19 by taking advantage of special VBR takeout maps, online shopping options, and ways to participate in local campaigns & fundraisers. Visit the new landing page here. More information, including editorial images, regarding the new “Worth the Wait” campaign is available. Please contact Taylor Spellman.
Explore Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania for a Festive Fall Getaway September 16, 2019 by Kaitie Burger Discover Lehigh Valley® shares the best places to enjoy fall foliage, nationally known festivals, and unique, seasonal goods LEHIGH VALLEY, Pa., September 9, 2019 – Tucked among the rolling hills and countryside of Pennsylvania, the small towns of Lehigh Valley are primed with leaf peeping scenery, nationally known festivals, and homegrown goods. Discover Lehigh Valley®, a destination organization with insider’s advice for Lehigh and Northampton counties, is sharing its top list of fall attractions and events. “Fall in Lehigh Valley is both charming and breath-taking. A quick drive from Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and New York City, our region welcomes guests to escape bustling cities and relax among picturesque small towns,” says Alicia Quinn, vice president of marketing and strategic alliances for Discover Lehigh Valley. “There is also a perfect fall activity for everyone. Whether it’s indulging at PA Bacon Fest, enjoying handcrafted cocktails or pumpkin ales at one of our local distilleries and breweries, or taking in amazing views of vibrant fall foliage and having some fruit-picking, family fun at one of our many fall farm experiences.” Create your perfect fall getaway with these Discover Lehigh Valley recommendations: Relaxing, scenic views Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour – History and charm collide when exploring Lehigh Valley’s covered bridges. Enjoy the tranquility of country roads when discovering the region’s seven covered bridges originally built in the 1800s. The Lehigh Valley Covered Bridge Tour is approximately 50 miles long and allows visitors to travel back in time during a leisurely drive. Jacobsburg State Park – Outdoor enthusiasts will rejoice when visiting Jacobsburg State Park because of its rich history, outdoor recreation, and unique habitat landscapes. Home to more than 18 miles of trails and the Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center, the park also welcomes visitors to experience Henry’s Woods, one of the remnant Old Growth forests in eastern Pennsylvania. Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor – Explore Lehigh Valley’s most spectacular colors. Bike, hike, or stroll along the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor to experience Lehigh Valley. The multi-use trail spanning 165 miles runs through the region telling stories of railroads, canals, rivers, and trails. For fall educational experiences, visit the National Canal Museum for hands-on exhibits that educate and entertain the entire family. Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites – Enjoy one of Lehigh Valley’s most picturesque and historic towns with a walking tour. Nominated to the U.S. Tentative List for the UNESCO World Heritage Designation, Historic Bethlehem is rich with stories of European influences that made their mark on colonial America before growing into a city embracing tradition and life. With stunning fall colors, 19 historic buildings, 20 acres of land, and two National Historic Landmarks, Bethlehem is a quintessential fall experience. Small town vibes, big-name festivals The Great Pumpkin Fest & Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park (Weekends, September-November) – The Great Pumpkin Fest is a scare-free Halloween event, which includes a meet-and-greet with the PEANUTS™ gang, petting zoo, and more. For spooky happenings, experience Dorney’s Halloween Haunt with ghostly mazes, scare zones, and prowling monsters. Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival (September 27-29) – With roots firmly planted in historic Bethlehem, Celtic Classic Highland Games & Festival helps preserve and promote Celtic heritage through music, athletics, piping, and dance. The Highland Games are a must see. As athletes from around the world come together, their display of strength, speed, and skill are top-notch. Oktoberfest at SteelStacks™ (October 4-6 and 11-13) – It does not get better than authentic German food, axe-wielding lumberjacks, and a dachshund race. Recently featured on TravelChannel.com, Lehigh Valley’s Oktoberfest has something for the entire family. Set to the backdrop of the iconic blast furnaces of the former Bethlehem Steel, Oktoberfest welcomes guests to enjoy endless food, drinks, music, and activities. Chambourcin Weekend (October 19-20) – A signature grape of Lehigh Valley, Chambourcin Weekend celebrates the region’s 40 acres of Chambourcin crops, which ferments into approximately 150,000 bottles of wine. Hosted along the Lehigh Valley Wine Trail, visit these eight family-owned vineyards and wineries for Chambourcin Weekend featuring wine tasting, live entertainment, and vineyard tours. Lehigh Valley Cider & Wine Festival (October 24) – Hosted at Coca-Cola Park, one of minor league baseball’s most celebrated venues, the Lehigh Valley Cider and Wine Festival welcomes local spirit enthusiasts. The on-field event brings together local cideries and wineries, entertainment, and food trucks during Pennsylvania Wine Month. PA Bacon Fest (November 2-3) – Featured on Parade.com and recognized by FEST300.com, PA Bacon Fest is home to countless bacon-centric culinary creations, Pig and Wiener Dog Races, and sample pairings of bacon and beers with Weyerbacher Brewing Company. Unique, homegrown goods Good, fall family fun – Experience Grim’s Orchard & Family Farms during their fall festival. With endless family-friendly activities, as well as apple cider donuts and slushies, Grim’s is a local favorite. For one of the region’s best corn mazes, visit Seiple Farms where visitors can explore the 18-acre maze. Seasonal, flavorful brews – Lehigh Valley crafts pumpkin beers with precision. Weyerbacher’s Imperial Pumpkin Ale and Fegley’s Devious Pumpkin are recognized as two of the best seasonal brews in the country and are a must-taste for beer enthusiasts. For more local brews, explore Lehigh Valley’s more than 20 breweries. Crisp fall wines – Lehigh Valley is Pennsylvania’s fastest-growing wine region and a designated American Viticultural Area. For local fall favorites, enjoy Vynecrest Vineyards & Winery’s Autumn Gold and Clover Hill Vineyards & Winery’s Spiced Apple. Eight Oaks Craft Distillers – Enjoy Eight Oaks Craft Distillers’ signature fall cocktails including the Pear Mule, Brown Sugar Pecan and Log Cabin when discovering Lehigh Valley. Providing a relaxed, farmhouse atmosphere, Eight Oaks Craft Distillers welcomes guests to indulge in artisan spirits and handcrafted cocktails made from its own locally grown grains and crafted on-site. The perfect fall getaway is a short drive away. Plan your adventure at DiscoverLehighValley.com/Fall. Follow @LehighValleyPa on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. About Discover Lehigh Valley Established in 1984, Discover Lehigh Valley® makes Lehigh and Northampton counties a premier destination through marketing and image building that increases the number of visitors, the number of nights they stay and the number of things they do in the region. Discover Lehigh Valley’s official visitor website, DiscoverLehighValley.com, keeps locals and visitors abreast of all things happening in the region. Visitors can explore things to do, upcoming events, themed itineraries and hotel packages. Compelling photography and videos, brochures and detailed visitor information make the site an effective trip-planning tools. Along with Discover Lehigh Valley’s social media channels, the online platforms communicate directly with consumers. Travelers can also call and stop into one of the many visitor centers for additional information. About Lehigh Valley, Pa. Set amid gentle hills and charming country sides, Lehigh Valley, Pa. is home to Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton, as well as dozens of small towns and picturesque boroughs. The region is steeped in pre-Colonial, Early American and industrial history. Lehigh Valley has an impressive range of tourist attractions including nationally-recognized events like Musikfest, wineries and breweries, the Lehigh Valley Zoo, outdoor activities, world-class sporting events, 10 colleges and universities, and is home to America’s favorite brands such as Crayola®, Peeps®, Mike & Ike®, Martin Guitars and Mack Trucks. The region offers a diverse array of memorable things to do and plenty of dining options to fit every budget and taste. And, it’s easy to get to and around. Lehigh Valley is located approximately 60 minutes north of Philadelphia and 90 minutes west of New York City by car. ###
Southern Delaware Outdoor Adventures: Life is more good-natured here! June 20, 2019 by Tina Coleman Southern Delaware is the perfect playground for outdoor adventurers. The natural beauty of the area is captivating. Our ocean beaches have consistently achieved 5 star ratings from Natural Resources Defense Council. In fact, our water quality has taken first place over the 29 other coastal states in the U.S. in multiple consecutive years. We sparkle! Surfing, skimboarding – Dewey Beach hosts the Zap Amateur World Championships of Skimboarding every year – beach sports and, of course, sunbathing are high on the list of activities for visitors. The jewel in the crown of Sussex County, though, is Cape Henlopen State Park. The park offers miles of beautiful hiking/biking trails that meander through coastal marshes, pine forests, and along ocean beaches. You’ll find a fishing pier, Frisbee golf, campgrounds, a nature center, cycling, hiking, and many other activities and events too. And don’t miss the scenic Gordons Pond trail that connects Rehoboth Beach with Lewes! This trail can’t be beat for pure, unspoiled coastal beauty. Trap Pond State Park, also with many beautiful trails, is a wetland forest and home to the northernmost natural stand of bald cypress trees in the United States. Have you ever taken a pontoon boat tour of a cypress swamp? At night? You can do that here in Southern Delaware! Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a huge draw for hikers, photographers, and birders – we’re right smack in the middle of the Atlantic Flyway, so the birding is phenomenal here. The Nanticoke River in western Sussex County – the most pristine tributary of the Chesapeake Bay – provides countless opportunities for recreation and sightseeing too. Love boating, sailing, kayaking, parasailing, skydiving, kiteboarding, stand up paddleboarding, hiking, and biking? You’ll find all of that – and more – right here. Visit us and become acquainted with our beautiful state parks and 26 miles of 5 Star ocean beaches. Explore our inland bays and bay islands, tidal marshes, and rivers. Learn how to surf fish; enjoy a pontoon boat Eco Tour; attend a lantern tour of the historic Indian River Life Saving Station; view a reenactment at Fort Miles, the WWII fort that’s been transformed into an indoor-outdoor museum in Cape Henlopen State Park; take a walking tour of historic downtown Lewes; play a round of golf (or miniature golf!), or paddle out to an uninhabited bay island. There are outdoor adventures waiting year round for visitors of every age and level of ability in Southern Delaware. Find your next adventure at www.VisitSouthernDelaware.com.