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MATPRA is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C. and West Virginia.

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The Mid-Atlantic’s Most Surprising Stays

Greetings MATPRA Media Partners,

MATPRA distributes press releases designed to inspire media coverage of the Mid-Atlantic region. We plan topics months in advance to accommodate longer lead times. If you have suggestions for future topics, we’d love to hear them! Please email ([email protected]).

If you think a place to stay is just a place to sleep, think again. From beautifully restored historic inns and charming farm stays to boutique hotels tucked inside unexpected buildings and one-of-a-kind rentals, your stay can be just as memorable as the destination itself.

MARYLAND


Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (MD)
Severn Grove Hospitality Group offers four beautifully restored historic properties, each blending Annapolis’ architectural heritage with subtle, modern luxury — ideal for travelers seeking character with comfort. The Historic Inns of Annapolis provide another exceptional option, with three landmark buildings that immerse guests in centuries of history while accommodating small to mid size groups and individual travelers. In South County, Honey’s Farmhouse adds a completely different experience rooted in wellness, farm to table living, and art forward “agritourism.” Together, these properties exemplify the region’s unique lodging — restored inns, boutique stays, and distinctive farm retreats that create memorable, place-based travel.
Visit Annapolis


Calvert County (MD)
Discover a stay steeped in maritime history at the Cove Point Lighthouse Keeper’s Cottage in Lusby, Maryland which is available for vacation rentals. Established in 1828, Maryland’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse overlooks a scenic stretch of the Chesapeake Bay and features historic structures, including its original tower and expanded keeper’s duplex. The restored cottage sleeps up to 16 guests, offering a unique coastal getaway. Summer visitors can also tour the grounds, view Calvert Cliffs, and explore the tower’s base while learning about this enduring beacon’s legacy.
Visit Calvert


Kent County (MD)
Kent County offers memorable lodging options that blend history, charm, and waterfront beauty. The Kitty Knight Inn, overlooking the Sassafras River, is a beloved historic inn known for its cozy rooms, scenic views, and rich local lore. In Chestertown, the elegant White Swan Tavern provides boutique accommodations in a beautifully restored building, offering guests a refined stay in the heart of the historic district. Visitors can also find charming bed-and-breakfasts, waterfront cottages, and small inns throughout the county, making Kent County an ideal destination for travelers seeking a unique and relaxing Eastern Shore getaway.
Kent County Tourism


Wicomico County (MD)
The historic Whitehaven Hotel is located along the Wicomico River waterfront in Maryland’s Wicomico County. The hotel opened in 1877, serving steamship passengers who traveled among the region’s farming communities. Next to the port for the three-car Whitehaven Ferry, which dates back to 1685 and is the oldest publicly operated ferry in the country, the property now operates as an eight-room bed and breakfast, decorated by local Jefferson Boyer, who created an atmosphere faithful to the building’s history. Two kayaks are available and an on-site gift shop offering handmade Eastern Shore crafts is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Maryland’s Wicomico County

PENNSYLVANIA



Bradford County (PA)
Combine a visit to an award-winning winery with a farm stay at a property that is home to a private zoo, tasting room, picnic area and surrounded by four seasons of beautiful scenery in Bradford County, PA, and you’ve got a great getaway when you visit Grovedale Winery. Nestled within the picturesque Grovedale Farm, guests can relish access to the winery and its scenic surroundings. Revel in modern comforts, including a heated towel bar, inviting hot tub, and a warm fireplace. Experience a perfect retreat in the heart of idyllic countryside bliss, within minutes of area trails and recreational resources.
Visit Bradford County


Butler County (PA)
Known for charming small towns, Butler County, PA, is home to a delightful selection of B&Bs. Downtown Butler features several unique stays. The Lasky House is a Victorian-era Airbnb filled with antiques and a grand piano, just minutes from Main Street. Nearby is Suite Thyme, a 1890s home renovated to include modern amenities. Find a luxury stay at Urban Nest, a chic loft-style space. Beyond the city of Butler is Slippery Rock’s Applebutter Inn, Harmony’s Guest House, and Hay’s Haven in Saxonburg. Whether looking for a romantic weekend getaway, a nature retreat, or a small town stay, find somewhere here.
Experience Butler County


Erie (PA)
Lake Erie Treehouses-Experience a serene retreat in luxurious treehouses, nestled in the woods, but conveniently located near Erie’s popular shops and restaurants. Offering the perfect blend of nature and comfort, each treehouse is uniquely designed and equipped with modern amenities. The treehouses feature their own hot tub, indoor gas fireplace, hammock, and kitchenette/kitchen, allowing you to unwind and cozy up in style. Experience the joy of elevated living.
Visit Erie


Endless Mountains (PA)
Built in 1887, the Eagles Mere Inn is the only original hotel still operating in the historic resort town of Eagles Mere, Pennsylvania. With 16 beautifully restored rooms and an on-site restaurant and bar, this hotel encompasses the luxury and charm of “the town that time forgot.” Each room has a locally inspired theme, complete with historic photos and artifacts. Guests receive free daily breakfast and exclusive access to the private lake and the nearby country club. Located about 45 minutes from Williamsport, the Inn provides a tranquil getaway in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Endless Mountains.
Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau


Happy Valley (PA)
Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, offers distinctive stays that blend character and comfort. The Gamble Mill Inn in Bellefonte welcomes guests to a restored 19th-century mill overlooking Spring Creek, pairing boutique rooms with a walkable historic setting. Riffles & Runs B&B delivers timeless charm in a gracious Bellefonte home, complete with elegant spaces and home-cooked breakfast. At Nittany Meadow Farm in Boalsburg, guests can unwind in private cottages and experience an authentic farm stay with resident goats. In Downtown State College, the newly renovated Hotel State College provides contemporary style steps from dining, nightlife, and campus energy.
The Happy Valley Adventure Bureau


Huntingdon County (PA)
From glamping domes at Airydale Retreat and cozy yurts at Lake Raystown Resort to charming historic bed and breakfasts like the Inn at Solvang and the Gage Mansion, unforgettable stays await. Spacious Airbnbs perched high above Raystown Lake at Eagle’s height offer breathtaking views from sunrise to starlight. Visitors can choose rustic, refined or somewhere in between, all surrounded by the natural beauty of the region.
Raystown Lake Region


Juniata River Valley (PA)
River Golf Lodge is a riverfront retreat designed for making memories together. Set right along the water, the lodge features a sprawling patio that stretches beside the river—complete with outdoor fireplaces, plush seating, and your own outdoor kitchen, making it the ultimate place to relax from morning coffee to evening fireside conversations.

Spend your days kayaking the Juniata River with on-site rentals, or step into the backyard where a golf course awaits for an easy round with friends. Inside, each room offers a nostalgic feel, filled with vintage details that add character and charm while still feeling comfortable and welcoming.
Mifflin Juniata Counties (PA)


Lancaster County (PA)
The Nautical- or Victorian-themed guest rooms and property décor of the Fulton Steamboat Inn make for a relaxing and one-of-a-kind stay in Lancaster County. Combined with an indoor pool, outdoor koi pond & walking path, onsite restaurant & tavern, and personalized guest service, it’s like stepping into a vintage riverboat experience.
Discover Lancaster


Laurel Highlands (PA)
Seeking a divine stay? The Chateau Connellsville is a boutique hotel that opened in 2025 featuring 10 fully updated suites inside a historic former convent in Connellsville. The Stairway to Heaven Suite nods to that heritage with mosaic ceilings, stained-glass windows, and striking architectural details, balanced by modern comforts – a plush king bed, smart TV sitting area, and en-suite bath with rainfall shower and marble tub.

Convenient to Fallingwater, Ohiopyle, and the Great Allegheny Passage, the Chateau offers distinctive themes ranging from the Medieval Royal Chamber and Mid-Century Modern suites to the playful That 70s Suite.
GO Laurel Highlands


Potter / Tioga (PA)
Heading to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon or to see the spectacular Dark skies at Cherry Springs State Park this year? Check out Allegheny Campground’s cabins where you can book a stay in a caboose! This fantastic “Caboose” cabin is fully modernized with electricity, water, full bathroom, heat and air conditioning, a refrigerator, outside charcoal grill, fire ring, and picnic table. The campground along the Allegheny features a swimming pool, splash pad, dog park, wagon rides, and more. Themed events and weekends like the annual “Cardboard Regatta” make it a great destination for a fun family getaway along Pennsylvania’s scenic northern tier.
Visit Potter/Tioga


Susquehanna River Valley (PA)
Rusty Rail Brewing Company Suites in Mifflinburg, PA is a wonderfully unexpected Mid‑Atlantic stay — think luxury lodging above Pennsylvania’s largest brewpub. Housed in a historic 1911 industrial building, the suites combine rustic charm with modern comforts like free Wi‑Fi, kitchenettes, TVs, and spacious living areas. Guests can enjoy craft beer, bold food, live music, and games downstairs while sleeping just steps away in stylish, comfortable suites. It’s an immersive “beercation” experience that turns a simple overnight into a memorable destination stay off the beaten path.
Susquehanna River Valley


York County (PA)
York County, Pennsylvania offers stays as memorable as the destination itself. Spend the night inside the iconic Haines Shoe House, a whimsical, shoe-shaped stay straight out of a nursery rhyme. In downtown York, Grace Manor Bed & Breakfast blends Beaux Arts elegance with globally inspired suites, while Jackson House Bed & Breakfast offers a cozy, historic retreat along the Heritage Rail Trail. For timeless sophistication, the restored Yorktowne Hotel delivers 1920s grandeur with modern comforts—proving every stay here tells its own story.
Explore York

VIRGINIA


Danville and Pittsylvania County (VA)
Experience the charm of Moses Mill Farm Bed & Breakfast, a newly opened 1872 farmhouse offering scenic views, farm‑fresh treats, and warm hospitality. Unwind, tour the grounds, and even try a goat‑milking session during your stay. The farm sits near great dining, outdoor adventures, and local favorites like Historic Chatham Main Street, The Homeplace Vineyard, Callands Coffee, and Funky Fleece Farm.
Visit SoSi


Hampton (VA)
A black-owned bed & breakfast! Magnolia House Inn, a five-star property, in the downtown urban waterfront village of Hampton, Virginia. This historic Queen Anne Victorian offers three spacious, sophisticated guestrooms, and its unique location, centrally located on the southeastern tip of the VA peninsula on the Chesapeake Bay, is a central Tidewater location for business travelers, honeymooners, and tourists, specializing in small, intimate weddings with an onsite Wedding Chapel. Close to restaurants, breweries/wineries, shopping, etc. During your stay, experience American history firsthand by living in a home that was constructed in the 1880s. It’s a jewel of comfort and hospitality!
Visit Hampton


Loudoun County (VA)
Loudoun native Donnie Walker started fixing and remodeling historic homes with his father when he was 7 years old. Forty years later Walker is co-owner of Waterford Reservations – a slate of unique and unusual properties with stunning designs, all in spectacular settings. The latest is Hummingbird Treehouse Cottage, a soaring two-bedroom one-bath duplex suspended in a grove of trees. The cottage – all timber floors, sturdy reclaimed wood beams and soaring windows – hosts up to six guests and has stunning views of the Catoctin River Valley and Blue Ridge Mountains.
Visit Loudon


Richmond Region (VA)
For a stay that’s anything but typical, visit the Richmond Region of Virginia, where you’ll find accommodations with plenty of history, charm, and character. Sleep where travelers rested centuries ago at the New Kent Ordinary, a restored 18th-century stagecoach stop turned boutique inn. In Ashland, the Henry Clay Inn offers classic Southern hospitality with front porch views of a charming railroad town. And in downtown Richmond, Linden Row Inn lets you unwind in a Greek Revival townhouse setting where Edgar Allan Poe once played. From countryside escapes to city gems, these one-of-a-kind stays make your Mid-Atlantic getaway unforgettable.
Visit Richmond


Waynesboro (VA)
The Atelier is a charming third-floor walk-up apartment tucked above the bustle of Main Street. A true hidden gem in the heart of downtown, it’s surprisingly quiet, private, and filled with natural light. The beautifully restored historic building recently underwent a major renovation to become the Shenandoah Valley Art Center’s second location, (studios and galleries located just downstairs from the apartment) preserving its original character while introducing modern touches. Thoughtful decor and beautiful art create a warm, welcoming feel. Enjoy sweeping views of the Shenandoah Valley from the windows or balcony.
Visit Waynesboro

About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance
The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a collaborative network of tourism partners across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The alliance is dedicated to supporting travel journalists by providing resources that transcend geographic boundaries, much like travelers themselves. By identifying common themes and regional highlights, MATPRA offers a wealth of story ideas for journalists interested in showcasing the diverse destinations of the Mid-Atlantic region as a unified whole. For more information, visit matpra.org.

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Voices that Shaped the Nation: Celebrating Women’s History Across the Mid-Atlantic

Each March, destinations across the Mid-Atlantic from Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and Pennsylvania’s storied river towns to Virginia’s Blue Ridge and coastal shores shine a light on the women whose vision, resilience, creativity, and leadership helped shape our nation. Throughout the region, museums, historic homes, public art, and cultural landmarks invite visitors to explore stories of abolitionists and activists, artists and educators, scientists and entrepreneurs whose influence spans centuries. Together, these powerful narratives reflect the depth and diversity of women’s contributions and offer meaningful opportunities to experience history where it happened.

Maryland: Art, Freedom, and the Power of the Press

In Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, the Banneker Douglass Tubman Museum stands as a beacon of African American heritage and cultural memory. This February, the museum debuts She Speaks: Black Women Artists and the Power of Historical Memory, a landmark exhibition featuring contemporary Maryland-based and internationally recognized artists. Spanning 250 years of American history through a Black feminist lens, the exhibition explores how Black women preserve, reinterpret, and propel cultural memory. Running through January 2027, it offers bold, resonant works that honor generations of creative leadership while envisioning Afrofuturist futures.

The museum itself carries a powerful legacy. Originally named for Benjamin Banneker and Frederick Douglass, it expanded its name in 2024 to honor Harriet Tubman recognizing her extraordinary contributions as an abolitionist, Underground Railroad conductor, and human rights advocate with deep Maryland roots. Today, it serves as a statewide center for African American heritage, elevating the voices of women whose leadership changed the course of history.

Also in Annapolis, the legacy of Anne Catherine Green reminds us that women have long shaped public discourse. After her husband’s death in the 18th century, Green became one of colonial America’s earliest female printers. From the historic Jonas Green House, she published the Maryland Gazette, government proceedings, and even currency authorized by the General Assembly—helping define press freedom and democratic dialogue in a pivotal era. While the home is privately owned, the Museum of Historic Annapolis preserves and interprets her remarkable story.

Pennsylvania: A Colonial Visionary

In Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, visitors can step back to 1738 at Wright’s Ferry Mansion, home of Susanna Wright. A woman of intellect and influence, Wright was a dynamic force in colonial America. She encouraged regional industry, shared legal and medical knowledge, and stimulated literary debate in the growing rivertown of Columbia.

The mansion (open May through October) houses an exceptional collection of period furniture, ceramics, needlework, metals, and glass, reflecting Wright’s refined tastes and broad interests. Her life stands as a testament to women’s leadership in shaping early American self-sufficiency and intellectual life.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge: Honoring Henrietta Lacks

In Roanoke, Virginia, a life-sized sculpture honors Henrietta Lacks, whose unwitting contribution to medical science changed the world. Unveiled on October 4, 2023, Virginia’s Henrietta Lacks Day, the statue stands proudly in the newly renamed Lacks Plaza in downtown Roanoke.

Lacks’ HeLa cells became one of the most important tools in modern medicine, contributing to decades of life-saving research. Designed by local artist Bryce Cobbs, the sculpture provides a space for reflection, recognition, and respect for a woman whose legacy continues to advance science globally.

Culpeper, Virginia: Courage on the Front Lines

In the heart of Virginia’s Piedmont, Culpeper highlights women whose bravery and compassion reshaped their communities during times of profound challenge. Among them is Cornelia Hancock, a Civil War nurse whose dedication on the battlefield earned her lasting recognition. At just 23 years old, Hancock volunteered to serve wounded soldiers and worked near the front lines at Brandy Station, the Wilderness, and Petersburg—becoming one of the few women to live and work so close to active combat.

Her letters home, later published as South After Gettysburg, provide a vivid account of wartime medical care and the human cost of conflict. Beyond the war, Hancock co-founded charitable and educational organizations, continuing a lifelong commitment to service. Today, visitors can explore her story along the Civil War Trails in Brandy Station, where interpretive signage honors her role in expanding the narrative of women’s contributions during the war.

Culpeper also celebrates the broader impact of women in shaping its civic, cultural, and business communities. Through local storytelling initiatives and museum programs, the town recognizes influential educators, artists, entrepreneurs, and leaders whose efforts helped define Culpeper’s identity ensuring that both well-known and lesser-told stories continue to inspire future generations.

Richmond Region: Trailblazers in Freedom and Equality

The Richmond Region tells the stories of remarkable women whose influence spans centuries.

In Jackson Ward, the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site honors the first Black woman in the United States to charter and lead a bank. Walker was not only a financial pioneer but also a national leader in civil rights and economic empowerment.

In Chesterfield, the historic Half Way House highlights the bravery of Susanna Bolling, a teenage intelligence courier during the Revolutionary War. Nearby New Kent County was home to Martha Washington during her formative years before becoming America’s inaugural First Lady.

Downtown Richmond’s monument Voices in the Garden pays tribute to Virginia women whose fight for equality from suffrage to civil rights continues to resonate across generations. Together, these sites illuminate how women, often facing extraordinary odds, altered the trajectory of American history.

Hampton, Virginia: Resilience, Innovation, and Legacy

Few places capture the depth and breadth of women’s contributions like Hampton, Virginia.

At the Fort Monroe Visitor & Education Center, visitors encounter Isabela a powerful sculpture representing African matriarchs. The figure stands at the heart of the exhibit on the 1619 arrival of the first enslaved Africans in English-speaking North America. Dedicated to Angela, Isabella, and the countless African women who carried cultural traditions across centuries of hardship, the installation honors resilience, leadership, and the preservation of heritage.

Nearby, the Virginia Air & Space Science Center celebrates the groundbreaking women of NASA’s “Hidden Figures.” Historic markers honor Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan three extraordinary African American mathematicians whose calculations helped send astronauts into space. Inside, the Dr. Christine Darden Literary Center inspires young visitors through books and exhibits that spotlight Darden’s pioneering research in supersonic flight and her leadership as the first African American woman at NASA Langley to reach the Senior Executive Service rank.

At Hampton University, the Hampton University Museum displays works by influential women artists like Elizabeth Catlett, whose sculptures and graphic art vividly depict the Black American experience. The Countee and Ida Cullen Collection offers further artistic treasures, while Legacy Park honors icons including Rosa Parks, Mary Jackson, Dr. Susan LaFlesche the first female Native American physician and educator Mary Peake, who taught freed African Americans beneath the historic Emancipation Oak.

The Hampton History Museum further explores the city’s trailblazing women, from preservationists who safeguarded local history to the “Human Computers” whose brilliance shaped the nation’s space program.

A Collective Invitation

Across the Mid-Atlantic, these destinations invite travelers to step into stories of bravery, creativity, intellect, and perseverance. Whether standing before a sculpture in Roanoke, walking the halls of a historic mansion in Lancaster County, reflecting at Fort Monroe, exploring powerful exhibitions in Annapolis, uncovering local legacies in Culpeper, or discovering civil rights landmarks in Richmond, visitors will encounter women whose voices shaped the nation and continue to inspire its future.

This Women’s History Month, MATPRA members proudly celebrate the leaders, innovators, artists, and activists whose legacies remind us that history is not only something we inherit it is something we actively preserve, reinterpret, and propel forward.

Plan your journey, explore these remarkable sites, and experience the stories of women who helped define America.

So Much Dog-Gone Fun In Butler County, PA

When it comes to our pets, they’re an extension of our family. Bring them along while you experience all that Butler County has to offer!

Whether it’s dining out with your pooch at a pet-friendly restaurant or brewpub, enjoying outdoor activities, or attending one-of-a-kind events, take Fido for a ride to our charming small towns!

Only in Butler County, PA

Whether you’re seeking unique experiences, noteworthy nature, or simply a good dose of the weird: Butler County has something to offer everyone. The truly strange, truly quirky, truly fun!

The Jeep

jeep festival

One of our County’s biggest claims to fame is the invention of the Jeep. Initially a vehicle built to assist soldiers in WWII, the vehicle has since built a huge following celebrated by the annual Bantam Jeep Heritage Festival.

Harmony Cemetery

This 1800s cemetery is the resting place of approximately 100 graves belonging to the town’s founding members. Headstones are absent, except one dedicated to the founder, George Rapp. Navigate through the impressive one-ton revolving stone gate and take a moment to embrace the tranquility.

Playthings Etc.

Welcome to the ultimate playground of imagination, where classic gems meet the latest toy tech. This gleaming silver, curiously-shaped building is home to a treasure trove of board games, puzzles, science kits, and more. The demo section always has a cool toy to test.

Evans City Cemetery

Horror movie fans make their pilgrimage to Evans City Cemetery to see the filming locations of George Romano’s “Night of the Living Dead.” The cemetery chapel also makes a brief appearance in the film. They’re coming to get you, Barbara!

Mars New Year

The town of Mars celebrates the planet’s new year every 687 Earth days! Even on off-years, the town represents Mars with space and alien-themed attractions like Mars-Bethel Golf’s planet-themed mini cornhole course and a UFO in the town square.

Jennings Environmental Education Center

Home to the state’s only protected prairie, Jennings has a diverse trail network featuring rare wildflowers and native wildlife. Celebrate the Bloom welcomes the public to admire the beautiful Blazing Star.

The Snowman

This one-of-a-kind roadside attraction serves 24 delicious flavors of shaved ice served from the belly of a 13-foot-tall snowman. Stop for the photo-op and tasty treat!
(Open April – Labor Day)

Maridon Museum

This specialized museum focuses on Asian art. Take a docent-led tour and travel through history. Visitors are invited to rub the belly of their Buddha statue for good luck and prosperity.

Hidden Revolutionary Sites Worth The Trip

Greetings MATPRA Media Partners,

MATPRA distributes press releases designed to inspire media coverage of the Mid-Atlantic region. We plan topics months in advance to accommodate longer lead times. If you have suggestions for future topics, we’d love to hear them! Please email ([email protected]).

Explore the Mid-Atlantic Region’s underrated historical stops that bring 1776 to life in unexpected ways! From hidden Revolutionary War sites to charming colonial towns, these destinations offer a unique way to celebrate America250 while discovering the stories that shaped our nation.

MARYLAND


Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (MD)
Annapolis & Anne Arundel County offer one of the nation’s richest concentrations of American history, with more original 18th‑century buildings than any U.S. city — making it a top destination for America 250 and a place to understand the country’s founding story. Nowhere is this more evident than the Maryland State House, where Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, officially ending the Revolutionary War, and where visitors can stand in the Old Senate Chamber where George Washington resigned his commission. Nearby, the homes of Maryland’s four Declaration signers, including the restored William Paca House and Garden, bring 1776 to life.
Visit Annapolis


Harford County (MD)
Harford County offers a fresh perspective on America’s founding through lesser-known sites that tell powerful Revolutionary stories. The revolution began here with the signing of the Bush Declaration, a bold local stand for independence that helped ignite the American Revolution. Today, history enthusiasts can explore places that deepen that story, including the Hays House Museum, the preserved Jerusalem Mill Village, and the historic Edgeley Grove Farm. At Harford Community College, the Hays-Heighe House offers another window into early American life. Together, these landmarks make Harford County compelling for history lovers.
Hello Harford


Talbot County (MD)
Visit Talbot County, located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, to explore the hometown of Tench Tilghman, George Washington’s most trusted aide-de-camp. Tilghman famously rode from Yorktown to Philadelphia announcing the British surrender in 1776. Despite suffering from fever, Tilghman rode nearly 200 miles in less than five days. Following the Revolution, Tilghman returned to private life. The hardships of war, however, left his health diminished. He died on April 18, 1786, at just 41 years old. He was buried in his family’s burial site, which has since become the Oxford Cemetery. A gravesite monument still stands.
Tour Talbot

PENNSYLVANIA


Bradford County (PA)
In 2025, the French Azilum in Bradford County hosted its first Revolutionary War Weekend that transported the historic property along the Susquehanna River back in time to our country’s founding. This event, planned again for August of 2026, offers visitors the chance to experience musket fire, witness skirmishes in the tall grass, take part in expeditions to the river, and more. Learn how to hold a musket, march in formation, hear the story of revolutionary war soldiers, and experience their camp. Head to Bradford County this summer when the Revolutionary War reenactment returns to French Azilum!
Experience Bradford County


Lancaster County (PA)
Learn about one of America’s most unique religious communities at the Ephrata Cloister, including the period when the complex was transformed into a military hospital during the Revolutionary War.
Discover Lancaster


Potter / Tioga (PA)
Pennsylvania (“Penns Woods”) is named for the lush forests chartered to commonwealth founder William Penn. Today a drive through Tioga and Potter Counties offers visitors a glimpse into the scenic splendor of this gift to Penn by the crown. A visit to the Pennsylvania Lumber Museum and other local attractions that share the area’s history as a key source of lumber and the role the lumber industry and these “woods” provided in the development of the country are stories that illustrate the bounty of why a war was fought to retain these natural riches for the burgeoning nation.
Visit Potter/Tioga


York County (PA)
In York County, the American Revolution comes alive beyond the battlefield. When British troops threatened Philadelphia, the Continental Congress fled across the Susquehanna to York, making this small town the nation’s capital for nine dramatic months. Here, Congress ratified the Articles of Confederation and first declared the words “The United States of America.” That turning point comes alive at the York County Colonial Complex, from the Golden Plough Tavern to the Colonial Courthouse. Just beyond the city, the historic site of Camp Security—one of the last largely undeveloped Revolutionary War POW locations—marks the ground where thousands of British prisoners were held after Yorktown, offering a powerful, open-air connection to the war’s final chapter.
Explore York

VIRGINIA

Norfolk (VA)
Celebrate VA250 in Norfolk with a global gathering of tall ships and military vessels during Sail250® Virginia. From June 19 – 22, Norfolk will serve as an official host city, expanding its annual Harborfest and Juneteenth celebrations to be part of Sail250 and VA250 commemorations. This weekend-long celebration offers visitors an opportunity to experience Norfolk’s maritime heritage and explore how history has shaped the city.
Visit Norfolk


Virginia’s Blue Ridge (VA)
To celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, the Roanoke region of Virginia’s Blue Ridge has several commemorative events. The Taubman Museum of Art has several exhibits throughout the year, from celebrating the legacy of George Washington (on display from July 2, 2026 – October 11, 2026) , to exhibitions detailing two centuries of American creativity through DeMell Jacobsen’s collection (on display from October 10, 2026- January 24, 2027). The Salem Museum & Historical Society details our region’s ties to revolutionary leaders, while the Fincastle Resolutions of 1775 laid the groundwork for the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution.
Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge


Richmond Region (VA)
The Richmond Region is central to the American Revolution and home to several sites with rich history. In Chesterfield County, the Half Way House hosted figures like George Washington and Lafayette, serving as both a stagecoach stop and wartime headquarters. In Hanover County, Hanover Tavern invites you to dine where patriots once debated liberty, minutes from Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown home. And along the James River in Richmond, Wilton House Museum—once home to the powerful Randolph family—offers a glimpse into the lives and loyalties that shaped a divided colonial Virginia. These underrated sites bring lesser-known Revolutionary stories to life.
Visit Richmond

About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance
The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a collaborative network of tourism partners across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The alliance is dedicated to supporting travel journalists by providing resources that transcend geographic boundaries, much like travelers themselves. By identifying common themes and regional highlights, MATPRA offers a wealth of story ideas for journalists interested in showcasing the diverse destinations of the Mid-Atlantic region as a unified whole. For more information, visit matpra.org.

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8 Things to Do in Winter at Presque Isle

Though known for its beaches and water activities in the summer, Presque Isle State Park is magic all year round. Visit Presque Isle in the winter to experience all the splendor of the season and get a dose of fresh air at Pennsylvania’s most visited state park.

Take a Winter Walk

Though the paved multipurpose trail is the natural place to walk year-round, there are many more places to explore Presque Isle. If the ice is thick enough, venture out onto Presque Isle Bay to catch a unique view of the park and the city of Erie that you can only get once a year. On the lake side of the peninsula, taking a walk on the beach is a new experience in the winter, with ice dunes visible from the shore.

Please view the ice dunes from afar. It is never safe to step onto the dunes. 

Go Birding

Presque Isle State Park is known to be one of the top birding spots in the country, and that continues in winter. A wide variety of waterfowl can be seen from shore, as well as gull species on the shoreline, and owls high in the trees. The waterfowl migration over the peninsula happens during late November through December, and large concentrations of diving ducks can be seen off shore until ice closes over. Stop at any of the bay side vista lots to get a good view, or head to Leo’s Landing and Thompson Bay for the best diversity. Snowy Owls are a stunner to see in person, and the best place to see them is at Gull Point from the designated observation platform and trail.

Cross Country Ski on Fox Trail

The half-mile Fox Trail is across from the Presque Isle Lighthouse, winding through wooded swamps and oak-maple trees, providing a picturesque, forested byway between the Sidewalk Trail and a portion of the Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail. Other trails that are great for cross-country skiing include the Sidewalk Trail and Dead Pond Trail.

Snowshoe on Long Pond Trail

This one-mile trail follows the shoreline of Long Pond, one of the ponds within the park’s lagoon, near the entrance to the East Pier. The trail is ideal for snowshoe exploration and has great opportunities to see some of the park’s wildlife population, including some very active beavers that typically cut a noticeable path through the trail near the eastern trailhead. Other snowshoe trails at the park include Pine Tree Trail and Ridge Trail.

Go Ice Fishing

With its many ponds and sheltered bays, as well as wide array of fish species, Presque Isle State Park is well regarded as a top ice fishing destination in Pennsylvania. Some of the most popular locations are Presque Isle Bay, Misery Bay, Horseshoe Pond, and Presque Isle Marina. Common catches are yellow perch, panfish, northern pike, walleye, and the occasional steelhead. When ice fishing, exercise caution and think safety first: test ice thickness with an auger, always carry safety equipment, and know how to use it. Ice should be at least four inches thick for a single person, and seven inches thick for a small group.

Watch a Winter Sunset

Presque Isle is known for its world-class sunsets, and when the sun sets on the horizon between the snow-dusted sand and the frozen lake, it’s simply breathtaking. The best spot to watch is at Sunset Point, also known as Kite Beach, but any location on the lake side of Presque Isle will give viewers a great vantage point. Bring blankets and some hot cocoa and really make it an experience.

Attend an Event

Events don’t end in the winter, especially when there’s so much to explore. The Presque Isle Partnership hosts an annual Winter Discovery Day at Presque Isle, that’s all about getting outside. The event features ice fishing, sled dog demonstrations, crafts, and more. The 2026 event is planned for Saturday, February 7. Park officials host events like guided hikes and wildlife seminars year-round.

Go Sightseeing

Though many favorite summer attractions aren’t open in the same way in winter, it’s fun to see them in a new light. Check out staple attractions like the Perry Monument, the Presque Isle Lighthouse, and the North Pier Light on a snowy backdrop. They make for great photo ops all year round.

Know Before You Go

Presque Isle State Park is open daily from 5 a.m. to sunset. After dusk, driving is allowed until 9 p.m. Keep the following in mind while you plan your trip: 

  • The park is dog-friendly in all areas! Please keep your dog on a leash and always pick up after them. 
  • The Tom Ridge Environmental Center is located at the entrance to Presque Isle State Park and not only houses its own collection of interesting information and exhibits about Presque Isle, but it’s also home to the Erie Visitor Center. 
    Both are open Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the winter months. 
  • Though many park restrooms are closed during the winter, those at the Rotary Pavilion, Public Safety Building, Perry Monument, the Niagara Boat Launch, Lighthouse Beach, and North Pier Light are open year-round. 
  • Roads at Presque Isle are plowed, but never treated with salt or other chemicals, in order to protect wildlife.