Haunted Norfolk, VA October 18, 2020 by Visit Norfolk Norfolk traces its tales back to the early 17th century, soon after the first English settlers arrived in the new world. Since then, the city has seen its fair share of history: battles, fires, hurricanes, and strife. It continues to strive for that balance between Southern charm and metropolitan pace but no matter the direction it evolves into, Norfolk cannot forget the haunting tales that do not allow the past to be forgotten. Here are just a few… Photo above: @jeffwermers_b_side, Instagram The Ghost of Willoughby Spit There are countless stories of ghosts along the beach of the Spit which are usually intertwined with lost loves and those waiting for their return. One local legend is of a man who yearns to keep us safe. It is said that this ghost only appears as an omen that a hurricane is near. Stories of a mysterious dark figure on the beach were reported just before Hurricane Isabel in 2003. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church Built in 1739, the church is the only colonial-era building in Norfolk to survive the many wars the city has seen. It still carries a centuries-old cannonball embedded in its bricks, a memento from Lord Dunmore. And there are said to be more spiritual reminders of the past within and around its walls. The most prevalent sighting is a figure that appears in the graveyard, thought to be the ghost of Dr. Nicholas Albertson Okeson who tragically died of Malaria in 1882. He was a humble servant for 26 years and was buried at St. Paul’s. Perhaps he still feels there is work to be done. The Moses Myers House Prominent Businessman Moses Myers built this house in the late 18th Century and until it was donated to the city in the 1930s, five generations inhabited the home. The man is said to haunt the garden of the house is believed to be Thomas Bowden, someone who was quarreling with Moses Myers before he was shot on the property. It is said that the two were in the middle of a heated discussion before Bowden was shot by Moses Myers’ son, Samuel. The figure is described to be wearing a top hat and cloak, pacing back and forth through the garden relentlessly eager to give his last word. Norfolk City Jail It is said to be the most haunted place in the city. A prisoner many years ago hanged himself in his cell and since then, anyone who has been assigned to that particular 9’x9’ space has been terrifyingly provoked by the uneasy spirit of that man. One prisoner has reported never being able to see his own reflection in the mirror but rather a distorted figure of a man’s face. Night guards have reported seeing a silhouette, only to approach and find nothing. The Wells Theatre Opened in 1913 as the crown jewel of the Wells Brothers’ Beaux Arts theaters, the historic Wells has gone from stage to cinema to stage again, with some scary members of the cast tagging along. The death of a small girl from a balcony fall during the theater’s movie days is still being relived. Employees say they hear her laughter from time to time and audience members have been seen in strange attire waiting for shows. And the spirit of a sailor – a crew member who fell while working on the fly system and died tangled in the stage rigging – is said to roam backstage and is often blamed for missing props or doors being locked. During rehearsals, crew and cast will often be heard shouting “Stop it, Ned!” Battleship Wisconsin The famous battleship, largest ever operated by the U.S. Navy, is now a museum in downtown Norfolk, a symbol of the city’s proud naval history. But one crew member has apparently stayed behind when all others left. The poor soul was working on the air conditioning system during an overhaul during the Korean War when someone turned on the unit, ending his life. Among the reports of his presence on the ship is testimony from a quartermaster 2nd class serving on board during Operation Desert Storm. Included in his report is this: “ I’m walking past the Harpoon launchers [port side] and you get that feeling that you’re being watched? That there’s somebody behind you? So, I turn around thinking it’s the aft lookout, coming to me for something, so I stop and turn around and look and there’s this bright white wispy shadow there behind me. Now, it’s the midwatch and there was no moon that night. It was pitch black. You couldn’t see your hand in front of your face it was so black. And there is now this billowy white shadowy sort of thing floating behind me. It sort of freaked me out. The story about the electrician – at the time I didn’t know, but I went “ok, that’s enough of that’ – I turn around and start making my way forward and boom – there it is again right in front of me. And this billowy white shadowy thing is right in front of me, so I turn around and walked aft again towards the aft lookout and there it is again, behind me. So this time, I turn around and facing forward, I just took off running as fast as I can, back forward.” Freemason Abbey Today it has been converted into a restaurant. But in 1873 the Abby was built in the city’s Freemason section. There have been numerous paranormal accounts particularly in the kitchen and bar area where things are being moved around, cupboards opening on their own, and items falling off shelves and doors that will either not stay closed or won’t stay open. There are also those who claim to have seen a dark wandering figure and the sound of a woman weeping. And to this day, employees still end the evenings by saying “Goodnight Mr. B,” a nod to a former owner of the restaurant who apparently still takes smoke breaks in the dry goods storeroom long after he has passed. The Norfolk Pagoda The Blessing Gate arch is a landmark that promises good fortune to all who pass under it. However, when the downtown section was part of the bustling port, the arch’s concrete slab foundation held the weight of a 5,000-gallon molasses storage drum, a sticky grave for many industrial accident victims from many years ago. To this day, many visitors comment on the smell of molasses around the gate. Could it be a message from beyond? @enorashanephotography, Instagram USS George Washington This Navy ship is said to have a few ghosts that haunt this vessel. One is of a little girl who strolls through the lower levels, perhaps the daughter of a sailor that never returned home. The other ghost is of a guard dog that disappears instantly. And there have also been accounts of a man who walks the halls along with the eerie feeling of always being watched. Please note:The stories depicted here have been gleaned from shared accounts, postings, and collected news features and are not meant to be taken as endorsements of the stories by VisitNorfolk. These are the merely the tales being told and visitors are encouraged to decide for themselves what is factual. Have fun.
How to Safely Explore Norfolk October 18, 2020 by Visit Norfolk As destinations enter new phases for reopening, we know that the decision to travel is a personal one. For those that are ready to venture out, we have compiled information on the diligent measures Norfolk has taken to make the city a safe and healthy place for all. As always, we encourage you to abide by your own comfort level, follow the guidelines set in place for the state of Virginia and know that Norfolk is putting your safety first. Please be informed: The state of Virginia requires everyone to wear a face mask when entering a building. You can find more information on this requirement here. Photo above courtesy of DNC Getting Here The Great American road trip is amping up with private vehicles remaining to be a safe and reliable way to reach Norfolk. Our city’s location along the mid-Atlantic coast provides travelers easy access from two interstate highways. Home to an Amtrak station located directly in downtown and an international airport, Norfolk is also easily accessible by train and plane. Amtrak requires all passengers to wear facemasks and offers contact free-travel, meaning e-ticketing and eliminating cash transactions. Increased cleanings guarantee further sanitation and limited ticket sales help maintain distance while traveling. When moving between cars on the train, passengers can use an “automatic door open” button with their foot. For a full list of Amtrak precautionary measures click here. Norfolk International Airport has also amped up its cleaning practices by using disinfectant foggers regularly in public areas and installing hand sanitizer dispensers throughout their buildings. They highly encourage guests to limit touchpoints by either printing boarding passes at home or by using mobile boarding passes. For a full list of the airport’s safety measures click here. Once You Arrive Hotels While each hotel is taking their own precautionary measures to ensure a safe stay (please contact the specific property for all their safety initiatives), here are a few examples of efforts getting made. Hilton Norfolk the Main: Guests can use digital check-in, select a room, and receive a digital key which will allow them to bypass the front desk. The modern hotel has increased cleaning of elevators, especially the buttons, and is employing a new “Cleaned Just for You” policy where a seal is placed on hotel room doors to notify guests when their space has been sanitized. Sheraton Norfolk Waterside: This waterfront hotel has increased the cleaning of public spaces with EPA-approved hospital-grade disinfectants. Guests can enjoy single-serve, made-to-order, and to-go food and beverage options to enjoy in spaces where they feel most comfortable. Glass Light Hotel and Gallery: The boutique hotel (pictured above) is rolling out enhanced technologies including electrostatic sprayers to sanitize surfaces while offering digital check-in, room service and room access through their app. More information on our hotels can be found here. Things To Do Getting on the Water Rover Cruises are not only educational but extremely relaxing, making for a memorable experience accompanied by spectacular views of Norfolk’s skyline. Rest-assured, the tours themselves have not changed, just the capacity of how you experience them. Tickets are now required to be purchased by phone or online to limit close interactions. The ships have moved to outdoor-only seating (don’t forget your sunscreen) and face masks are highly encouraged for all. For a full list of what to expect while on board their vessels, please visit their websites; American Rover and Victory Rover. Beach Day @zoe.irene, Instagram Norfolk’s southern location makes ample sunshine, and heading to the beach for the day is the perfect activity. Norfolk’s seven-plus miles of beach and minimal waves are ideal for paddle boarding, fishing, swimming, and crabbing. Roaming cleaning crews will be out and about and as always, everyone is encouraged to remain physically distanced. Attractions Our attractions are slowly reopening with new health and safety regulations in place. You will find increased hand sanitizing stations, social distancing signs, and limited visitation capacities throughout Norfolk. You can expect one-way walking paths through the MacArthur Memorial Museum and the Virginia Zoo to help with the spacing of visitors. The Chrysler Museum of Art (free admission) and Perry Glass Studio recommend reserving your timed ticket ahead of time online while they limit patronage capacity. The Hunter House Victorian Museum is taking reservations for their scrumptious tea services and will properly space guests throughout the house and outside gardens. The Hermitage Museum and Gardens’ 12 blossoming acres of gardens and art (free entry for the rest of 2020) and the Norfolk Botanical Garden’s 60 unique gardens offer ample space to spread out. Norfolk Botanical Garden has moved to online purchases of tickets and a self-scan entry to limit touchpoints. The Battleship Wisconsin is Norfolk’s open-air battleship attraction and is offering a new ‘Battleship Experience’ ticket to provide admission to the ship while the Nauticus museum stays closed, for now. For a full list of each attractions’ precautions please visit their website. Dining @saltinenorfolk, Instagram Lucky for us, Norfolk’s weather is in our favor and allows ample days to enjoy al fresco dining on patios and rooftops. The City of Norfolk has set up expanded outdoor spaces, parklets, and new pedestrian walkways to accommodate increased al fresco dining through their OpenNorfolk initiative. For a full list of our restaurants with outdoor dining click here. Hesitant on dining out? Don’t stress, our restaurants are still offering take out as well! Shopping Macarthur Center Mall, Selden Market, and the Norfolk Premium Outlets (which offers open-air space between shops) are open and eagerly awaiting your support. The shops and boutiques that have opened their doors for you are limiting occupancy, enhancing their sanitation regiments, and utilizing PPE.
Virginia’s Blue Ridge is Worth the Wait April 20, 2020 by Virginias Blue Ridge 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.
5 Easy Activities Bring History To Life in Jamestown, Virginia April 13, 2020 by MATPRA Admin By Keryn Means / DC Travel Magazine Jamestown, Virginia / DC Travel Magazine Nothing beats a day out in nature where history can really come alive for you and your kids. Travel is one of my favorite ways to explore, as everything leads back to some point in history for us to discover. While in Jamestown, VA, history popped out at us from every corner, whether we were driving down the Colonial Parkway, walking along the James River or interacting with interpreters at the Jamestown Settlement. It was hard NOT to see the parts of the early American story that helped to shape the nation in the 1600s, and would have lasting effects on what we see today. Read the full article at DCTravelMag.com.
Stay Overnight in the Mid- Atlantic March 12, 2020 by MATPRA Admin Mid-Atlantic Region, March 12, 2020) Plan your next getaway around an amazing lodging experience! Throughout the Mid-Atlantic, you can pick from a variety of unusual and memorable overnight accommodations. From luxury resorts to one of a kind bed and breakfast retreats, there is a wonderful assortment of places to rest your head across the region. You can journey back in time when you stay at one of the many national historical landmarks dating back to the birth of our country. Immerse yourself in breathtaking natural beauty while spending the night in a lighthouse, tree house, railroad car, glamping, modern cabins or an all-inclusive family-owned country resort! When it comes to unique places to stay, there is something for everyone in the Mid-Atlantic region. 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 Delaware’s Quaint Villages Spend the night underneath the stars at Delaware’s Quaint Villages’ Killens Pond State Park. This Park features year-round wooded camping for tents, RVs, and family cabins. Spend the day at the outdoor waterpark, kayak along the 66-acre mill pond or adventure off to one of their many hiking and biking trails. Delaware’s Quaint Villages (Kent County, DE), Danielle Jonigan, VisitDelawareVillages.com, [email protected] MARYLAND *Maryland (State of) For a unique camping experience, stay in either a treehouse or Hobbit House in Western Maryland. Travel to Southern Maryland to stay at the Cove Point Lighthouse, located along the Chesapeake Bay. Or stay along the C&O Canal in one of the seven lockhouses, ranging from full amenities to rustic living. Maryland Office of Tourism, Matthew Scales, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected] Calvert County Cove Point Lighthouse is a beautifully restored and re-purposed active lighthouse and keeper’s home that sits on a seven-acre point of land in one of the narrowest parts of the Chesapeake Bay. The gorgeous keeper’s house can be rented as a vacation home, and sleeps up to 16 guests. Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected] Charles County Discover two of the friendliest lodging draws to Explore Charles County – Legends, Lore, and Room to Explore. Visit Rosewood Manor and Brictoria Cottage Bed and Breakfast locations soon and reimagine a wedding venue or rural retreat. Explore Charles County is 30 miles south of Washington D.C. Charles County Government, Department of Recreation, Parks, & Tourism, Catherine Herbert, explorecharlescounty.com, [email protected] Frederick County Situated between the scenic Potomac and the still-active railroad tracks, Lockhouse 28 is a half mile from the nearest parking lot. Though this is a house, there is no electricity or plumbing inside. It is truly a place to get off the grid! Visit Frederick, Melissa Joseph Muntz, VisitFrederick.org, [email protected] Harford County Stay and play at the Vandiver Inn in Havre de Grace, Maryland. At Vandiver you will experience charming boutique lodging in a historic waterfront town. The Inn is located just blocks from the Chesapeake Bay and is surrounded by historic homes, museums, golf, shopping, antique stores, marinas and water oriented activities. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, [email protected] Howard County There is so much to explore in Howard County, especially at The Columbia Inn at Peralynna. A boutique hotel, nestled in a private estate and rolling hills of Howard County. Featuring a unique blend of chic and elegance. Be sure to ask for the fresh baked cookies. Visit Howard County, Crystal Abrom, visithowardcountytourism.com, [email protected] Talbot County The luxurious Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels is where “Wedding Crashers” was filmed while the historic Tidewater Inn anchors downtown Easton. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a family excursion, Talbot County also offers numerous rentals, from charming in-town cottages to sprawling estates on the Chesapeake Bay. Talbot County Office of Tourism, Cassandra M. Vanhooser, TourTalbot.org, [email protected] Wicomico County Stay in a historic building during your next visit to Wicomico County. The Whitehaven Hotel has eight rooms and is located on the Wicomico River by the Whitehaven Ferry. The new Gillis Grier Bed & Breakfast is in Salisbury. Or, get in touch with nature at one of three campgrounds. Wicomico County Tourism, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org, [email protected] PENNSYLVANIA Allegheny From Plush to Primitive. The Lodge at Glendorn, set in the majestic scenery of the Allegheny National Forest, is the ultimate luxury resort, 4-star dining, wine cellar, and spa. B & B’s in the Smethport Mansion District, Olmsted Manor, rustic cabins and campgrounds round out your distinct overnight accommodation choices. Allegheny National Forest, Linda Devlin, VisitANF.com, [email protected] Bradford County Built in 1897 for wealthy lumber baron and banker J. A. Decker, the Victorian Charm Inn in Towanda is a 30 room Victorian home welcoming guests as a bed & breakfast. Stained glass windows, original woodwork, wraparound porch and grand cherry staircase are some of the features of this cozy getaway spot. Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com, [email protected] Butler County Armstrong Farms is an award-winning bed and breakfast. Their B&B is comprised of different houses and quaint cottages situated on the farm along with suites in the town of Saxonburg. With over six miles of trails, ponds and beautiful vistas, Armstrong Farms offers a relaxing and unique lodging experience. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, VisitButlerCounty.com, [email protected] Clearfield County Clearfield County is the “best place to escape to in Pennsylvania” expedia.com. You can digitally disappear in Clearfield County breathtaking natural beauty or you can enjoy and experience the many fun and adventurous activities and attractions that Clearfield County has to offer. Come visit the place that is also known as “Halfway to Everywhere.” Visit Clearfield County, Josiah Jones, VisitClearfieldCounty.org, [email protected] Endless Mountains Twin Spruce Tourist Home is a Victorian bed & breakfast operating in a historic “tourist home” dating back to the early 20th century when travelers and salesmen were the primary lodgers in these once popular venues along rural highways. Near hiking trails and wineries, this nostalgic property is the perfect mountain getaway! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected] Gettysburg Stay at the upscale Federal Pointe Inn. Part of the Ascend Hotel Collection, this boutique hotel served as Gettysburg’s first high school. The hotel pays homage to its past with old photos, report cards and chalkboards in the basement pub. Destination Gettysburg, Rachel Wright, DestinationGettysburg.com, [email protected] Happy Valley Wake up to Happy Valley. Spend the night in a state park with sweeping lake views at The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle State Park. Luxury and sophistication abound at the Carnegie Inn & Spa. Connect with university tradition on Penn State’s campus for a comfortable stay at the Nittany Lion Inn. Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Edward Stoddard, visitpennstate.org, [email protected] Lancaster County Lancaster County offers plenty of unique lodging, from the fun of refurbished railroad cars at Red a boose Motel in Ronks to the live entertainment vibe & theme-ing of Hotel Rock Lititz to the intimate & personalized tiny-house experience at Tiny Estates in Elizabethtown. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected] Pennsylvania Commonwealth From cozy bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts and even rustic farm stays, Pennsylvania has accommodations for your next adventure. Fall asleep under the stars, relax by the fire on the countryside, or shop til’ you drop in a charming city. Pennsylvania Tourism Office, Sarah Lunny, VisitPA.com, [email protected] Potter County – Tioga County The Penn Wells Hotel, a designated Historic Hotels of America, reflects the grandeur of hotels from the early 20th century. In the heart of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon region, this landmark hotel serves as a venue site for local events like Dickens of a Christmas, Endless Mountains Music Festival and many more! Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected] VIRGINIA Alexandria In Alexandria, known as George Washington’s adopted hometown, visitors can stay in a replica of a town house originally owned by Washington. Available for rent on Airbnb, the town house is located steps from Christ Church, where Washington attended, and Gadsby’s Tavern, where he socialized and conducted business. Visit Alexandria, Leah Spellman, VisitAlexandriaVA.com, [email protected] Charlottesville & Albemarle County Charlottesville & Albemarle County, Virginia have a wide variety of lodging options, but few are as unique as The Townsman. Dubbed “the unhotel,” this 4-room hotel is located directly on the historic pedestrian Downtown Mall, steps away from nightlife, restaurants, live music and arts. Charlottesville & AlbemarleCounty CVB, Brantley Ussery, VisitCharlottesville,org, [email protected] Giles County, VA Lodging in Giles is just as adventurous as the great outdoors. Mountain Lake Lodge, home of Dirty Dancing, is a full family adventure. Romance and peace are found at the Inn at Riverbend while classic and quality cabins at Walker Creek Retreat are a basecamp in Virginia’s Mountain Playground™. Giles County, VA Tourism, Cora Gnegy, VirginiasMtnPlayground.com, [email protected] Harrisonburg By the Side of the Road Getaway Lodging has been transformed into Harrisonburg, Virginia’s premier short-term rental property to serve your Getaway Lodging needs in a unique and beautiful nine-acre “Oasis in the City.” When was the last time you felt really and truly pampered? Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jessica Williams, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected] Norfolk The Glass Light Hotel & Gallery is a new boutique hotel and glass art gallery located in the heart of downtown Norfolk’s Historic District, featuring world renowned artists such as Dale Chihuly, and Peter Bremers. A Michelin starred chef serves upscale French cuisine at the ground floor restaurant. VisitNorfolk, Sarah Hughes, VisitNorfolk.com, [email protected] Orange County, VA Mayhurst Manor House, circa 1859, was the most fashionable home in Orange county at the time, Italianate in style. Stunning in its architectural beauty it hosted many historical figures from General Lee to Stonewall Jackson. Immerse yourself in an era of history, architecture and southern hospitality of old Virginia. Orange County, Virginia Tourism, Lori Landes-Carter, VisitOrangeVirginia, [email protected] Prince William County Spend the night in a rustic cabin that was once used for spy training during WWI & II at Prince William Forest Park. If you prefer modern amenities, The Inn at Evergreen, a Civil War Era mansion, offers the perfect blend of modern amenities, historic charm and a first-class getaway. Prince William County Office of Tourism, Nicole Warner, VisitPWC.com, [email protected] Virginia’s Blue Ridge Breathe in fresh mountain air along the banks of the scenic Upper James River while glamping riverside with Twin River Outfitters. These new float-up camp sites offer cozy lodging, an outdoor kitchen, prime fishing spots and a chance to unplug during a multi-day paddle trip in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, @VisitVBR, VisitVBR.com, [email protected] WEST VIRGINIA Hampshire County Come home to Hampshire with family-owned and operated lodging. Romney, the oldest town in WV, provides both the comfortable South Branch Inn and the retro Koolwink motel. Or you enjoy a full vintage vacation at the all-inclusive Capon Springs & Farms- an historic mountain resort set on 4700 picturesque acres. Hampshire County CVB, Jonathan Bellingham, cometohampshire.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 to better promote common threads, offering story ideas about the MidAtlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.
Warm & Cozy March 2, 2020 by MATPRA Admin (Mid-Atlantic Region, March 2, 2020) — Don’t let Jack Frost have the upper hand this winter! Throughout the Mid-Atlantic, destinations are waiting to greet you with a warm welcome for a wide variety of events, activities and attractions that are the perfect antidote to that case of cabin fever. From historic country inns where you can snuggle up for a romantic weekend with that special someone to events like film festivals and car shows, there is much to consider across the region. Let your winter warrior have some fun and embrace the outdoors at a wide array of parks, resorts and trail systems perfect for a fun filled winter getaway! 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 Delaware’s Quaint Villages Escape the cold and head to one of Delaware’s Quaint Villages breweries for entertainment, food and craft beers at Blue Earl Brewing Company. Book a tour and tasting at Painted Stave Distilling and enjoy unique craft spirits! Wrap up the night with a stay at one of Kent County’s cozy and charming bed & breakfasts! Delaware’s Quaint Villages (Kent County, DE), Danielle Jonigan, VisitDelawareVillages.com, [email protected] Greater Wilmington The Horizon Services Riverfront Rink at Justison Landing Green on Wilmington’s Riverfront is a family oriented outdoor ice skating rink. It accommodates approximately 350 skaters and is open daily. Skate rental is available. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jennifer Boes, www.visitwilmingtonde.com, [email protected] MARYLAND *Maryland (State of) Discover Maryland’s history and culture at one of Maryland’s museums, fill your appetite during restaurant week, take a ride along the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, learn about muskrat skinning at the National Outdoor Show or cozy up by the fire in some of the best retreat centers in Maryland. Maryland Office of Tourism, Matthew Scales, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected] Baltimore When the weather takes a turn toward chilly, there’s no better time to get cozy in Baltimore! Food lovers can dine fireside at Woodbery Kitchen or Petit Louis Bistro, art aficionados can visit the Baltimore Museum of Art and book connoisseurs can get lost in the George Peabody Library. Visit Baltimore, Abigail Vitaliano, baltimore.org, [email protected] Calvert County Embrace Winter in Calvert County, Maryland! Outdoor experiences include hiking on boardwalks, wooded paths or along the beaches of the Chesapeake Bay, geocaching and bird watching. For indoor fun, there’s museums, an indoor pool, art galleries, breweries, wineries and cooking and mixology classes at No Thyme to Cook. Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected] Cecil County Make your winter escape to one of Cecil County’s charming inns located in towns and in the countryside. Find cozy amenities to take the chill away like crackling fires, Jacuzzis, a player grand piano to sing along with, local wine samplings, a luxurious spa, and a hot tub overlooking the C&D Canal. Visit SeeCecil.org. Cecil County Tourism, Sandy Turner, SeeCecil.org, [email protected] Charles County Discover the warmest addition to Explore Charles County – Legends, Lore, and Room to Explore. Visit BlueDyer Distilling Co. soon and savor the flavor at the Aw Shucks events and try a new spirit inspired craft cocktail from their full menu. BlueDyer Distilling Co. is 30 miles south of Washington D.C. Charles County Government, Department of Recreation, Parks, & Tourism, Catherine Herbert,explorecharlescounty.com, [email protected] Frederick County Get cozy with dinner at the newly opened French Cafe, Up On Market, followed by a show at the Historic Weinberg Center for the Arts where you’ll enjoy national acts and local beverages. Visit Frederick, Melissa Joseph Muntz, VisitFrederick.org, [email protected] Hagerstown – Washington County When it’s cold outside, retreat to one of Washington County’s 30-plus warm and cozy museums. Whether you’re enjoying fine art exhibitions, introducing your children to STEAM learning, connecting through family activities and learning local history, or embracing your inner child while viewing model train displays, there’s something for everyone! Visit Hagerstown, Betsy DeVore, VisitHagerstown.com, [email protected] Harford County These places in Harford County are sure to keep you warm and cozy. Test your lumberjack skills at Crabby Axe Throwing in Bel Air, Maryland. Play a game of indoor blacklight mini golf at Jurassic Golf and Arcade. Solve puzzles to “unlock” the room and “escape” at Great Escapes Harford. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, [email protected] Howard County This winter check out Howard County indoor free or almost free activities. From seasonal activities at Robinson Nature Center to the historic railroad at B&O Railroad in Old Ellicott City. There is so much to see and new while visiting Howard County, Maryland! Visit Howard County, Crystal Abrom, visithowardcountytourism.com, [email protected] Kent County (MD) Arts. Birding. Trails. Cozy B&Bs. A winter getaway with all of the ingredients for a warm and cozy, cultural, and invigorating experience. From Chestertown’s A & E District happenings to the walking trails of Eastern Neck Island, you will find plenty to do. Or you may want to cozy up in front of a roaring fire at a favorite B&B. Visit Kent County on MD’s Eastern Shore. Kent County Tourism, Jana Carter, KentCounty.com, [email protected] Talbot County There is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by hearing iconic singer Art Garfunkel at Easton’s Avalon Theater. The Grammy-nominated Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are coming to the Stoltz Listening Room. And the family-friendly Chesapeake Fire & Ice Festival brings spectacular ice sculptures and fire performances to Easton. Talbot County Office of Tourism, Cassandra M. Vanhooser, TourTalbot.org, [email protected] Wicomico County Admire artwork at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury Art Space and the Salisbury University Art Galleries. Visitors can also attend events at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, which hosts family events, concerts and more. Wicomico County Tourism, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org,[email protected] PENNSYLVANIA Altoona Build your Blair County Bucket list and enjoy our indoor recreation facilities! We’re home of Slinky Action Zone, indoor play park and arcade themed around the Toy Slinky made in Blair County. Or play indoor glow-in-the-dark mini-golf at Tilt Studio inside the Logan Valley Mall. Play inside and stay warm. Explore Altoona, Jennifer Fleck, explorealtoona.com, [email protected] Bradford County Grab your popcorn! Restored theaters across Bradford County are perfect to spend a winter evening catching first run films and special presentations like National Theater Live on a cold day! The Sayre Theatre, Rialto Theater and Keystone Theater are restored movie houses offering audiences nostalgic settings for great movies. Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com, [email protected] Butler County Enjoy outdoor adventure during the winter months at Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania’s third largest state park. Visitors can enjoy activities like sledding, snowmobiling, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Pleasant Valley and Sunken Garden trails are groomed for cross-country skiing when snow conditions permit and are suitable for all skill levels. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, VisitButlerCounty.com, [email protected] Central Pennsylvania Enjoy the beauty of a fresh coating of snow on the ridge tops in Rothrock State Forest. Find adventure on the slopes with a visit to Tussey Mountain where skiing and tubing are available all winter long. A very family friendly attraction. Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Edward Stoddard, visitpennstate.org, [email protected] Endless Mountains The Winter Film Festival at the Dietrich Theatre in the heart of Tunkhannock offers three weeks of independent, art house and foreign film favorites for audiences. Over a weekend, visitors can catch up on first run favorites and Oscar hopefuls at this Endless Mountains cultural arts center. Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected] Erie Experience AWEsome! Erie winters are packed with snowy adventures and warm hospitality! Enjoy downhill and cross country skiing, tubing, snow shoeing, snowboarding, ice sailing, ice fishing, OHL hockey, NBA G-League basketball, birding and sledding! Wine and Dine to end your day at a local restaurant, winery or brewery. VisitErie, Christine Temple, VisitErie.com, [email protected] Lancaster County Lancaster County’s hot theater scene provides a great winter warm-up, from the Broadway-caliber performances of the Fulton to the inspirational epics at Sight & Sound to the great acting & great food at Dutch Apple to the state-of-the-art productions & concerts at American Music Theatre, and many more! Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected] Lehigh Valley Cure cabin fever with a dose of color. At the Crayola Experience, you can explore more than 25 hands-on attractions spread throughout four floors of fun. Create a crayon with your name on the wrapper, watch your artistic creations digitally come to life, and more. Discover Lehigh Valley, Kaitie Burger, DiscoverLehighValley.com, [email protected] Laurel Highlands A winter wonderland of fun awaits in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands! Spend a day shredding the slopes or explore mountaintop trails on a snowmobile, then snuggle fireside after a day of snow tubing, sledding, and snowballs at one of our winter resorts. Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, Anna Weltz, laurelhighlands.org, [email protected] Philadelphia Philadelphia has plenty of great events to enjoy while the weather is cold. The Philadelphia Auto Show is always a popular event each year. And, the Philadelphia Flower is always the perfect sample of what the spring will bring. Visit Philadelphia, Daniel Davis, VisitPhilly.com, [email protected] Pocono Mountains The Poconos’ six ski resorts offer skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Or, warm up in one of our 84-degree indoor water parks! Our nine state and two national parks offer snowshoeing, ice skating and cross-country skiing. Winter hikes and eagle watching are popular – as are horseback, sleigh, UTV and dog sledding rides! Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, PoconoMountains.com, [email protected] Potter County – Tioga County After a day playing on slopes and trails, head to Pop’s Culture Shoppe, home of unique board, card and skill games, for a night of indoor fun! Offering old favorite and new board, card and skill games, Pop’s offers Friday Game Nights and classes in chess and other strategy games. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected] Reading, Berks County Get toasty this winter at a glassblowing demonstration at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Bask in the warmth of the hot glass studio as you marvel at this age old art. Afterward, get cozy at The Speckled Hen, an 18th-century log home turned eatery serving hearty pub fare. Pennsylvania’s Americana Region, Lisa Haggerty, VisitPaAmericana.com, [email protected] VIRGINIA Alexandria Minutes from Washington, D.C., historic Alexandria, Virginia is bustling with energy and endless things to do, and the fun doesn’t stop when the weather is less than ideal. Winter is the perfect time to visit historic sites, tour the Torpedo Factory Art Center or cozy up in a coffee shop. Visit Alexandria, Leah Spellamn,VisitAlexandriaVA.com, [email protected] Arlington Wintry temps doesn’t mean staying in the hotel while visiting Arlington. Here, beat the cold by checking out an array of visual and performing arts. Expand your horizons with a cooking class at Cookology or Lebanese Taverna Market. And of course, you can still enjoy winter activities with indoor ice skating at Medstar Capitals Iceplex – home of the Washington Capitals. Arlington Convention & Visitors Service, Cara O’Donnell, StayArlington.com, [email protected] Fairfax County Lace up those skates at Reston’s iconic pavilion ice rink or stay warm by exploring one of the world’s most fascinating air and space museums. Cozy up with Virginia wine or see a show at Wolf Trap’s intimate winter venue, The Barns. No matter the weather, fun is around every corner. Visit Fairfax, AliMorris, FXVA.com, [email protected] Fredericksburg Region (Spotsylvania, Stafford and Fredericksburg) The FredericksBURRRG region has great places to warm up. Start at A. Smith Bowman Distillery for award winning Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Bourbon and take it to one of the cozy B&Bs in downtown or a cottage at Stevenson Ridge while you sip in front of the fireplace with a good book or your sweetie. Fredericksburg Region, Debbie Aylor, VisitFred.com, [email protected] Giles County, VA A playground for your next adventure. Visit Giles to explore mountaintop resorts, including Mountain lake Lodge or experience unique dining adventures, like The Palisades Restaurant, The Bad Apple, or Bluegrass BBQ. Giles is Virginia’s Mountain Playground and your adventure destination with the New River, Appalachian Trail, scenic byways, and wilderness experiences! Giles County, VA Tourism, Cora Gnegy, VirginiasMtnPlayground.com, [email protected] Harrisonburg When there’s cold weather outside, head to Harrisonburg and warm up by sampling the latest microbrews on tap at our five downtown breweries. Enjoy special events like homebrew classes and live music at The Friendly Fermenter or grab a seat by the fire at Pale Fire Brewing Company. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jessica Williams, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected] Lynchburg It’s always the hidden places that are the coziest. Givens Books is one of those places. Inside, choose from thousands of books, games for all ages in their Little Dickens section, or visit their Drowsy Poet Cafe’ for a hot mocha as you warm up with a new book. Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism, Krista Boothby, LynchburgVirginia.org, [email protected] Norfolk The mild weather and walkability of Norfolk’s neighborhoods means less time in the chill and more moments enjoying craft cocktails and the wide array of cultural dishes on our historic Restaurant Row. Get inspired inside free art museums, delight in waterfront sunsets and cozy up at an outdoor firepit. VisitNorfolk, Sarah Hughes, VisitNorfolk.com, [email protected] Orange County, VA While the vines at Orange County’s wineries have gone dormant for the winter, the tasting rooms are warm and cozy, making this a wonderful time for a wine excursion and a relaxing stay at our Inns to unwind from the holidays and reconnect with the ones you love. Orange County, Virginia Tourism, Lori Landes-Carter, VisitOrangeVirginia, [email protected] Prince William County Plan a cozy weekend at The Inn at Evergreen, a Civil War Era mansion nestled at the foot of Bull Run Mountain. Spend the weekend enjoying nearby attractions like The Winery at La Grange, The Farm Brewery at Broad Run and Trummer’s Wine & Coffee Bar. Prince William County Office of Tourism, Nicole Warner, VisitPWC.com, [email protected] Richmond Cold weather calls for indoor activities and the Richmond region has plenty of Eatertainment options. Kick things off with a shuffleboard match and cocktails at Tang & Biscuit. Walk over to Slingshot Social Game Club for some retro games like duckpin bowling and ultimate bocce. End the evening with dinner and a game of putt putt at Hotel Greene. Richmond Region Tourism, Meghan Gearino, VisitRichmondVa.com, [email protected] Shenandoah County Just two hours From DC, Shenandoah County is the place to get away and enjoy skiing, snowboarding, plus a variety of other adventures: Ice skating, guided snowshoeing tours, horseback riding, and snow tubing. There are also locally owned restaurants, B&B’s and cozy wine tasting rooms to escape the cold. Shenandoah County Tourism, Jenna French, VisitShenandoahCounty.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 to better promote common threads, offering story ideas about the MidAtlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.