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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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8 Ways to Enjoy the Water When Visiting Norfolk

Summertime is the perfect time to make a splash with a visit to Norfolk, one of the world’s great port cities. With 144 miles of shoreline waiting to be explored, with the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean and countless rivers in our backyard, you’re never far from the water in Norfolk. Here are a few great things to do on the water during your visit.

Go Sailing

Discover sailing at Sail Nauticus, the Norfolk-based sailing school and community sailing center on the Elizabeth River. Set sail for two relaxing hours with one of the captains at the rudder or take a class from a certified instructor and learn how to tack, jibe and steer. It’s a great way to unwind or just give yourself a unique treat.

sailing - photo for blog@rylantuohy, Instagram

Join the Party at the Water’s Edge

Celebrating its 43rd year in 2019, Norfolk Harborfest® is three explosive days of tall ship visits, national, regional and local entertainment, electrifying fireworks – and the biggest outdoor dock party in Hampton Roads. The June 7-9 weekend festivities include more than 130 hours of live entertainment on multiple stages featuring national, regional and local musical acts, a Craft Beer Garden, pirates, mermaids and so much more.

Hit the Beaches in Ocean View & East Beach

Ready for a swim? Norfolk has three beaches in the low-key Ocean View area that are perfect for swimming. These include Sarah Constant Beach Park, just east of 4th View Street, Community Beach Park, and Ocean View Beach Park, farther east near Norfolk Avenue.

ocean view - photo for blog@marstravelsearth, Instagram

Go Fishing!

No matter what your choice of the fresh catch may be, you’re sure to find it in the nearby Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean or Elizabeth River. The Chesapeake Bay is home to a host of saltwater fish, including trout, flounder, cobia, croaker, red drum, and striper. The Ocean View Fishing Pier offers a unique and enjoyable experience, with fishing license included in the cost of admission, equipment available for rent, on-site facilities and restaurant, and head boat excursions departing once or twice daily.

ocean view blog

@coopdeville_, Instagram

Board and Tour a Tall Ship

Want to get a lay of the land from the water? Then you’ll want to set sail aboard Norfolk’s own Tall Sailing Ship, The American Rover. This three-masted topsail schooner with its familiar red “tanbark” sails has been a signature sight along the Elizabeth River and Hampton Roads Harbor since 1986, offering 1½- and 2-hour narrated Harbor or Sunset Cruises, April through October.

Experience the Spirit of Norfolk

See incredible views of the Norfolk Harbor and the Navy’s Atlantic Fleet aboard the Spirit of Norfolk. Enjoy delicious new menus and specialty drinks. Then, dance to DJ entertainment or relax on the rooftop lounge. It all adds up to the perfect Norfolk experience. Cruising year-round from downtown Norfolk, Spirit offers lunch, brunch, dinner, cocktail, moonlit cruises and more.

spirit of norfolk - blog post

@toddimbriaco, Instagram

Step off the Garden Path

Norfolk Botanical Garden offers more than strolls through beautiful landscapes. This must-see attraction also offers Guided Kayak Tour-Sunset Paddles and other waterborne adventures on the adjoining Lake Whitehurst. Visit their website for details and tour schedules.

Cruise by the Base

The Victory Rover is your front row seat to the U.S. Navy’s Norfolk-based fleet. Departing from a berth just a short walk along the Downtown Norfolk Harbor from Nauticus, the Victory Rover offers a 2-hour narrated naval base tour, an enjoyable alternative to the bus tours offered on base. Passengers will witness the majesty of the Navy’s aircraft carriers, nuclear submarines, guided missile cruisers, and other vessels that make up the world’s most powerful sea-going armada.

Victory Rover

The Natural Wonders of Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands

Spanning 3,000 square miles across some of the most diverse landscapes in Pennsylvania, the Laurel Highlands is home to scenic views, lush forests, rushing rivers, and roaring waterfalls. Let’s take a closer look at some of the stunning natural wonders in the Laurel Highlands. Perhaps you will recognize a few gems and discover some new must-sees.

Spruce Flats Bog, Laurel Summit State Park
Make a stop at Spruce Flats Bog, a unique vantage point and home to beautiful plant life, including carnivorous plants. Home to unique plants not usually found in this region, Spruce Flats Bog is shrouded in geological mystery. Bogs are typically not found at such high elevations. But this bog sits in a rock depression at 2,720 feet above sea level. Geologists believe that Spruce Flats probably wasn’t formed by glacial movement, but by extreme weather. The water in the bog isn’t fed by natural springs, but by rain and snowfall, making the water a little stagnant and very acidic. Here you’ll find familiar flora like mountain laurel and rhododendron, as well as cranberries, St. John’s wort, grasses, and even carnivorous sundew and pitcher plants.

The less than a half a mile stroll from the parking area at Laurel Summit ends at a deck overlooking the 28 acres of swampy and moss-covered land. This region is a great place for bird watching.

Hemlock Grove at Laurel Hill State Park
Laurel Hill State Park is the perfect destination for winter sports, family fun, hiking, wildlife and bird watching and camping during any time of year. Seventy-five years ago, the Civilian Conservation Corps revived the landscape after heavy timbering and the only untouched area is the Hemlock Trail Natural Area. The hemlocks are at least 200 years old and measure up to three-and-a-half feet in diameter. Take a peaceful trek on the 1.6-mile Hemlock Trail loop, which leads you along the banks of Laurel Hill Creek and through the grove of stately towering trees.

Ohiopyle Falls, Ohiopyle State Park
Ohiopyle Falls, one of many waterfalls in Ohiopyle State Park, features a 20-foot drop of powerful rushing water that spans the entire width of the Youghiogheny River. Visitors can easily access the falls by parking on the main road in town or in the Laurel Highlands Falls Area Visitor Center parking lot. On your way to the observation deck, read some of the interpretive signage about the history of whitewater and the falls, including the story of George Washington’s run-in with the powerful river. Ohiopyle Falls can also be viewed from the opposite side of the river by taking a short hike on the Ferncliff Trail.

Ferncliff Peninsula, Ohiopyle State Park
Encircled by the Youghiogheny River, the 100-acre Ferncliff Peninsula in Ohiopyle State Park is an exceptional habitat for many rare and interesting plants. The Youghiogheny River flows from the south to the north, picking up seeds in Maryland and West Virginia and leaving them at Ferncliff, north of their usual growing range. Here the deep river gorge is a bit warmer than the surrounding area, allowing these southern plants to survive.

Recognized for its botanical diversity for more than 100 years, the peninsula was declared a National Natural Landmark in 1973.

Mount Davis, Forbes State Forest
The highest point in Pennsylvania is located in the Laurel Highlands! Mount Davis, located in Forbes State Forest in Somerset County, is situated 3,213 feet above sea level on the crest of a 30-mile ridgeline. Adventurers will find a large parking lot off of Mount Davis Road and can walk about 100 yards to the peak, making it easily accessible by car. The expansive view from the summit is absolutely breathtaking, but feel free to climb to the top of the nearby observation tower for a better view of the rolling hillsides and picturesque mountains.

Blue Hole, Forbes State Forest, Blue Hole Division/Barron Tract
Not too far from Cole Run Falls, you will find Blue Hole, a stunning sight for sure. The water has formed a deep hole within the stream where the water appears blue because of the depth and the stones over which the water flows.

For added adventure, check out the remains of the Civilian Conservations Corps camp at nearby Fall Run.

Eastern Continental Divide on the Great Allegheny Passage
The highest point on the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) at 2,392 feet above sea level, the Eastern Continental Divide can be found at mile marker 23.7, very close to Meyersdale. Pour water on one side of this watershed divide and it flows to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Pour on the other side, it’s headed to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.

Abundant Snowfall
Alberta Clippers, lake-effect snow, Nor’easters… you name ‘em, we got ‘em here in the Laurel Highlands. The mountain ridges and valley areas not only create a beautiful landscape but a diverse environment, ripe for snow. Western-facing ridges are a bulls-eye for lake effect snowstorms coming from the west and Lake Erie. On average, the highest elevations of the region receive about 138 inches (11.5 feet) of snow between late October and early April. Only our neighbors along Lake Erie can rival the Laurel Highlands for the highest totals in the state.

About Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands
A magnificent mountainous region, the Laurel Highlands spans 3,000 square miles in southwestern Pennsylvania. Located an hour’s drive east of Pittsburgh, the beautiful four-season destination offers spectacular natural scenery, outstanding outdoor recreation, historic sites and attractions, family activities, and world-class resorts. Notable destinations within the region include four architectural masterpieces by Frank Lloyd Wright – Fallingwater®, Kentuck Knob, Mäntylä, and Duncan House – Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Flight 93 National Memorial, Idlewild and Soak Zone, whitewater rafting in Ohiopyle State Park, and more.

Located within 200 miles of the major metropolitan areas of Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Cleveland, and Washington D.C., the Laurel Highlands can be easily accessed from exits 67, 75, 91, and 110 of the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

Visitors to the Laurel Highlands can find information online at www.GOLaurelHighlands.com, calling 724.238.5661, www.facebook.com/laurelhighlandsPA, and www.twitter.com/laurelhighlands. Established in 1958, GO Laurel Highlands, also known as Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, is the official destination marketing organization for Fayette, Somerset, and Westmoreland counties in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Best Outdoor Things to Do in Norfolk, VA

With an abundance of outdoor activities, Norfolk is the perfect destination to enjoy some sunshine. From exploring our gardens to setting sail along the Chesapeake Bay, there is a variety for you to explore. You won’t want to miss these unique ways to get outside!

Photo above,  @anastasiau , Instagram

Parks and Gardens

Elizabeth River Trail

ERT biking - Our Photo

The Elizabeth River Trail or as locals call it, the ERT, is a 10.5-mile biking and pedestrian urban trail that will satisfy the highly active. Rental bikes (Pedego) are located downtown so you don’t even have to worry about having a bike!

Poplar Hall Park

Poplar Hall Park Disc Golf Course is one of Norfolk’s several public parks. Friends and family can enjoy the park with a picnic and toss the frisbee, but if you’re ready to get competitive the frisbee course awaits.

Botanical Garden

girlfriend getaway

@shaundanecole, Instagram

The beautiful Norfolk Botanical Garden has over 60 themed gardens on the property and there is always something to explore. Most blooms can be spotted during the spring and summer months, but make sure to check out their year-round gardens too. The Sensory Garden is year-round and filled with plants that will please all of your senses. Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the sights, textures and smells of this space.

Hermitage Museum and Gardens

The Hermitage Museum and Gardens offer visitors a dose of history, art and horticulture all in one spot. With the Hermitage sitting right on the Lafayette River it’s a perfect backdrop for a day spent outdoors! During the warmer months, be sure to check out their “Sunsets on the River” (postponed due to COVID) event, for an evening of outdoor entertainment including local music, food trucks, art, local craft beer and wine. Best part yet, they allow your well- behaved dog to join in on the fun!

Eat and Drink

longboards - crowdriff photo

@cheersto757, Instagram

The mild weather in Norfolk allows foodies to enjoy patios and rooftops from March to November. Breweries are equipped with patios and beer gardens that make for the perfect afternoon outing.

On the Waterocean view

Norfolk has 144 miles of shoreline! Needless to say, there is no shortage of water access.

Sailing

With the Elizabeth River and the Chesapeake Bay running along its west and north borders, Norfolk is the ideal home for a Nauticus’ sailing school and its informative boating excursions. Sign up for a weekend course emphasizing on the water instruction and earn a US Sailing Basic Keelboat certification.

Fishing

The Chesapeake Bay is home to a whole host of saltwater fish including trout, flounder, cobia, croaker, red drum and striper. Norfolk has two fishing piers – the Ocean View Fishing Pier and Willoughby Fishing Pier – both are open around the clock. So, drop your line in the water and see what’s biting!

Self-Guided Tours and Guides

Cannonball Trail

Cannonball Trail - crowdriff image

@erikdeseanbarrett, Instagram

This self-guided tour marks 400 years of Norfolk and American history. The Cannonball Trail winds along the shoreline of the Elizabeth River and through the districts of downtown Norfolk. Pay attention to the historic sites noted on this tour for bonus history lessons on this walking trail adventure!

Must-See Outdoor Public Art

Norfolk’s public art not only distinguishes us from other cities, but also brings great awareness to our community’s values. Giant sculptures, iron statues and a life-size kaleidoscope are all pieces that are scattered throughout our city for your enjoyment. While there are more than 50 pieces of public art (and counting), we’ve rounded up the must-see pieces for you.

10 Fun Things To Do in Hampton, VA Over 3-Day Weekend

As the weather warms up, take time to slow down and enjoy it in Hampton, Virginia. Spend time relaxing at the beach, rent a canoe at Sandy Bottom Nature Park, and enjoy a delicious meal outdoors. Even when summer ends you will always have the memories that were created during your time in Hampton.

Enjoy a long weekend with these 10 outdoor activities:

1. Visit the animals at Bluebird Gap Farm 

Goats, cows, and turtles, oh my! The animals at Bluebird Gap Farm are patiently waiting to greet you. With a large variety of animals, and beautiful landscaping, Bluebird Gap Farm is perfect for a family outing and spending time outdoors while the weather is still nice.

 

2. Rent a boat at Sandy Bottom Nature Park   

Rent a canoe, kayak, paddle boat, or jon boat from Sandy Bottom Nature Park to paddle around their lakes. Just $4 and hour to rent, this is a great activity if you are looking for fun on a budget! After you paddle, and hopefully stay dry, go for a hike on their 11 different trail systems. The trails include soft surfaces, wild life, water views, and beautiful scenery.

3. Walk around Air Power Park

Free to all visitors, history buffs can walk around vintage aircraft and experimental space launch vehicles from the 1950s and 60s. Each aircraft is also accompanied by historical markers to explain the history and importance of each plane and space vehicle. If you are looking to stay cool, make sure to visit Air Power Park’s air conditioned museum open daily from 9 am – 4:30 pm.

4. Set Sail on Miss Hampton II 

Miss Hampton II Harbor cruises take you on a 3 hour ride to Norfolk Naval Base and back. Pass by locations only accessible by water, and learn fun and interesting facts about Hampton and the Naval Base. Cruises set sail Tuesday-Saturday at 11:00 am and Sundays at 2pm. For Labor Day, they will have special hours on Monday, with a cruise leaving the dock at 11:00 am! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride! 

5. Paddle along the Chesapeake Bay 

Hampton Water Sports, located at Buckroe Beach has Paddle Boards, kayaks, and Jet Ski’s for you to rent. With 4 square miles to paddle and ride, it is a safe and fun activity for the whole family. Reservations are recommended!

6. Explore Historical Fort Monroe 

As the largest stone fort in America, visitors can walk around and explore Fort Monroe‘s 63 acres at their leisure. Learn about the fort’s history from its completion in 1834 to 2011 when it became an official National Monument. After your exploration you can soak up the sun and cool off in the water at Outlook Beach! 

7. Spend the day at the beach 

Beach lovers can spend Labor Day weekend soaking up the sun on Hampton’s public beaches. Cool off in the Chesapeake Bay, build a sand castle, or throw a football around with friends. Beaches at Buckroe, Fort Monroe, Salt Ponds and Grandview are ready to welcome you for a day of fun in the sun!

8. Watch the sunset or sunrise 

Whether you are at Buckroe Beach, Downtown Hampton, or Sandy Bottom Nature Park, take time to watch the sunset light up the night sky. Surrounded by water, Hampton is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. Early risers can watch a beautiful view of the sunrise over the Chesapeake Bay at Buckroe Beach and Fort Monroe.

 

9. Hit the Links

The Hamptons Golf Course and Woodlands Golf Course are both open for the public to “hit the links”. Maintained by the city, these two courses are perfect for any golf lover. Grab your golf clubs, and spend a quiet day among these fun courses. 

10. Dine Outdoors 

With many outdoor dining options, there is a restaurant for everyone to enjoy. After a long day of soaking up the sun, exploring the trails at Sandy Bottom, or playing a round of golf, refuel with a delicious meal.

Discover everything Hampton has to offer as you create lasting memories over Labor Day weekend. As summer winds down, take time to relax and enjoy the outdoors with those you love most.

Learn About Explore Hampton’s Historic Black Churches

Following the Civil War, many African Americans in Hampton received their education in concert with religious studies through the programs of the American Missionary Association, a philanthropic society dedicated to teaching people of color. But while the presence of the association brought new religious ideas to their communities, Hampton’s African American population soon broke away. Forming their own congregations, they were able to worship more inclusively. The churches were also the source of moral and social advancement, initiating and sustaining temperance organizations, fraternal groups, a YMCA, and a host of social gatherings.

The following churches are significant because they represent some of Hampton’s first African American sanctuaries. Learn more about these historic Hampton churches:

St. John’s Episcopal Church 

100 West Queens Way
Hampton, Va 23669

The Elizabeth City Parish was formed in 1610, the same year the first English – speaking settlement was established in Hampton. This parish would become that of St. John’s Episcopal Church in 1728. It helped other Episcopal parishes organize, including the first Black Episcopal congregation in Hampton, St. Cyprian Episcopal Church.

Little England Chapel 

4100 Kecoughtan Road
Hampton, Va 23669

Built in 1879, Little England Chapel is Virginia’s only known African American missionary chapel. Exhibits interpret the religious lives of post-Civil War African Americans in Virginia and include handwritten Sunday school lessons, photographs, a 12-minute video, and 19th-century religious books. Call ahead, (757) 660-8646, to tour this State and National Historic Landmark.

St. Cyprian’s Episcopal Church

1242 West Queen Street
Hampton, Va 23669

Formed in 1905, The St. Cyprian group was small at first, numbering just 10, and moved from location to location until a permanent sanctuary could be raised. For a short time the Black congregation met in the parish hall at St. John’s. In 1907, the first Cyprian’s Church was built on Lincoln Street and remained there until 1963, when it moved to a new church on the campus of Hampton Normal and Agricultural Institute. The congregation now resides at 1242 West Queen St.

First Baptist Church 

229 North King Street
Hampton, Va 23669

First Baptist Church grew out of Hampton Baptist Church, the city’s oldest congregation. Before the Civil War, White and Black people shared the same worship space, with White parishioners utilizing the main sanctuary while Black parishioners worshiped from the balcony. In 1863, Black churchgoers separated from the parent body to establish their own place of worship. First Baptist found its permanent home in 1889 on North King Street.

Zion Baptist Church 

125 West County Street
Hampton, Va 23663

Established in 1863, the congregation held house-to-house prayer meetings and open-air assemblies. The Reverend William Thornton, who was formerly enslaved, was its first and only pastor for 39 years. Drawn by his powerful sermons, membership soon grew and a large structure was raised on County Road in 1869. Zion Baptist Church was instrumental in organizing several other churches in Hampton.


Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church

2521 N Armistead Ave
Hampton, VA 23666

Historic Bethel AME was organized in August 1864, at Camp Hamilton, New Tabb’s Field by Father Peter Sheppard. After many years of persistent labor, the first brick church was erected on Lincoln Street in 1887.  After 85 years of service, and numerous repairs and additions, the present sanctuary was completed in 1972 under the leadership of the late Reverend R. W. Wisner. In 2020, Bethel AME parish moved to its present location on Armistead Avenue.

Queen Street Baptist Church 

190 W Queen St
Hampton, VA 23669

First known as Second Baptist, Queen Street Church was established in 1865 by African Americans from Williamsburg. The group worshiped at various locations including the Hampton Court House and at Butler School near the site of Emancipation Oak. Eventually land was purchased and the church was raised “in town”before eventually moving to its present address on West Queens Way in 1893.

Memorial Church 

Hampton University Campus

Located on the campus of Hampton University, Memorial Church is an Italian-Romanesque structure that features an 150-foot tower and four-faced illuminated clock. Built in 1886, the elaborate building was designed by New York architect J.C. Cady. One of six National Historic Landmarks on campus, the chapel is still used for services when the campus is open.

Tour the chapel virtually with the Hampton University Virtual Tours!

Antioch Baptist Church 

1563 Old Buckroe Rd.
Hampton, Va 23664

Antioch Baptist Church was organized on September 1, 1895 when the Herbert Family donated land for a school, lodge, and church to be constructed in Buckroe. The church founders originated from Zion Baptist Church in Phoebus and Queen Street Baptist Church. Services were held in the lodge until plans were formulated for the church.

Must Visit Craft Beverage Trails Across the Mid-Atlantic

The Mid-Atlantic Region boasts a number of fun and unique craft beverage experiences. From breweries to wineries, cideries to distilleries and meaderies, there’s something for every craft beverage lover in the Mid-Atlantic.

For more information on any of the following, contact the destination marketing organization listed below. For general information on the Mid-Atlantic, visit MATPRA.org.

Delaware

Greater Wilmington
Northern Delaware is home to nearly 15 breweries. If they don’t have food regularly on the site, most host food trucks on the weekends. Many also feature live music. Check these out and more on the Delaware Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jennifer Boes, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, jenboes@visitwilmingtonde.com.

 

Maryland

Annapolis & Anne Arundel County
In 2020 Forward Brewing nano-brewery opened in Eastport and Pherm Brewing opened in Gambrills. Together with the Crooked Crab Brewing Company and the nearby Guinness Open Gate Brewery, the breweries provide great beer and a ton of personality, offering everything from food trucks, free yoga, local artwork, and more. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, VisitAnnapolis.org, sseifried@visitannapolis.org.

Baltimore
With an impressive crop of breweries offering craft beverages with bold, original and exciting flavors, Baltimore is an undeniable beer town. A major standout is Mobtown in the aptly named Brewers Hill neighborhood where visitors can sample classic milk stouts alongside interesting concoctions like the golden sour with apricot. Visit Baltimore, Tracey Johnson, Baltimore.org, tjohnson@baltimore.org.

Charles County
Explore Charles County is a hidden gem 30 miles south of Washington, D.C. Patuxent Brewing Company recently released a craft beverage called “Sunken Sips.” The IPA is inspired by the “Ghost Fleet” abandoned ships at Mallows Bay-Potomac River National Marine Sanctuary. Locals dubbed the beverage the Official Charles County Beer. Charles County Government, Department of Recreation, Parks & Tourism, Catherine Herbert, ExploreCharlesCounty.com, herbertc@charlescountymd.gov.

Harford County
Come for the brews, wines, and spirits on Visit Harford’s Libation Trail, but stay for the good vibes. Music, games, food trucks, and special events await you. The Libation Trail takes you to eleven places that serve up a unique combination of locally produced craft beverages and atmosphere. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, mindy@visitharford.com.

Montgomery County (MD)
Montgomery County Tastemakers are brewing, fermenting, distilling and roasting some of the best local libations in Maryland! From savoring a pint on a working horse farm to relaxing with a Cabernet Franc at the base of Sugarloaf Mountain, spend the weekend exploring the Tastemakers Trail. Visit Montgomery, MD, Cory Van Horn, VisitMontgomery.com, cvanhorn@visitmontgomery.com

Talbot County
Grains and grapes become memorable beverages in historic Talbot County. Windon Distilling of St. Michaels makes the incomparable line of Lyon Rums. At Triple Creek Winery in Cordova, winemaking is a family affair. And Eastern Shore Brewing in St. Michaels is the oldest brewery on the Maryland Shore. Talbot County Office of Tourism, Cassandra M. Vanhooser, TourTalbot.org, cvanhooser@talbotcountymd.gov.

Pennsylvania

Butler County
Grab your “Passport to Hoppiness” and navigate your way through the Butler County Beer Circuit, a self-guided trail of local brewpubs. This trail features 13 brewpubs, a taproom, and a canning facility; all offering a variety of unique and local craft beers year-round. Explore more on the Butler County Beer Circuit.  Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Tiffany Hernandez, VisitButlerCounty.com, tiffany@visitbutlercounty.com.

Central Pennsylvania
The Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail was the first to bring together Happy Valley adult-beverage producers in a single trail that has the ability to please everyone, regardless of their particular tastes. Enjoy distilled spirits, wine, cider and craft beer all on one trail! Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Edward Stoddard, Dispatch.HappyValley.com, edwards@happyvalley.com.

Clearfield County
Visit Clearfield County and enjoy the many flavors offered throughout the Lumberjack Tasting Trail. Visit all 15 locations and enjoy their free tasting or purchase their lumberjack special. Don’t forget to get your passport stamped at each location so that you can earn your free t-shirt or hat for completing this wicked awesome trail! Visit Clearfield County, Josiah Jones, VisitClearfieldCounty.org, jjones@visitclearfieldcounty.org.

Columbia-Montour Counties
Hit the trail and bask in a plethora of fantastic brews on the River Rat Brew Trail, Central Pennsylvania’s original craft beer trail! Encompassing twelve enterprising craft breweries, it is home to award-winning beers and creative brewers who are always crafting unique flavors! Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Linda Sones, ITourColumbiaMontour.com, lsones@cmvb.com.

Gettysburg
Discover the unique tastes of Adams County’s craft beverages with a self-guided journal along the Adams County Pour Tour. From small batch breweries and distilleries, to wineries, meaderies and famous Adams County cideries, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Pick up your passport at any participating location to get started! Destination Gettysburg, Rachel Wright, AdamsCountyPourTour.com, rachel@destinationgettysburg.com.

Laurel Highlands
From moonshine, rye whiskey, and IPAs to cider, mead, and fruit wines, get a taste for southwestern Pennsylvania on the newly expanded Laurel Highlands Pour Tour!  The passport-based trail showcases 45 craft beverage locations and the region’s stunning landscape. Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, Anna Weltz, GoLaurelHighlands.com, aweltz@golaurelhighlands.com.

Lehigh Valley
Did you know Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania is federally designated as a premier grape-growing region in the country? Established in 2008, Lehigh Valley’s American Viticultural Area covers over 230 planted acres and includes over 30 wineries. For more local flavor profiles and unique experiences, discover Lehigh Valley’s brewery and distillery scenes. Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, DiscoverLehighValley.com/restaurants/libations, alicia@discoverlehighvalley.com.

Montgomery County (PA)
Montgomery County has more than 30 craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries, including some of the most awarded in the state and country. Montco Makers is your guide to the craft beer, wine, and spirits that Montgomery County has to offer. Via the app, visitors and locals alike can check in and access a plethora of rewards. Visit Valley Forge, Emily Keel, ValleyForge.org, keel@valleyforge.org.
Pocono Mountains
The Pocono Beverage Trail is a craft beverage lover’s dream. It’s a beer, wine, and spirits trail in one. Craft your adventure as you explore the best wineries, breweries, and distilleries throughout the scenic Pocono Mountains. Hire transportation or experience the trail at your own pace, on your own time. Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Brianna Strunk, PoconoMountains.com/Pocono-beverage-trail.com, bstrunk@poconos.org.

Fredericksburg Region
Discover modern craft brewing and a little history along the FAB Trail. Grab a FAB Trail Passport and forge your way along the Fredericksburg Area Breweries Trail. Passports can be picked up at the breweries, the regional visitor centers (Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, and Stafford) or downloaded from FABTrail.com. Fredericksburg Region, Danelle Rose, VisitFred.com, leslie.baker@hamptoncvb.com.

Hampton
We’ve rounded it up on our Toast the Coast: Beer, Wine and Shine trail to make enjoying our relaxing region that much easier. If you love craft beer and spirits, you’ll love our 4 Taps 4 Cities and 3 Barrels 3 Cities trails that take you through Newport News, Hampton, Smithfield and Williamsburg. Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Leslie Baker, ToastTheCoastva.com, leslie.baker@hamptoncvb.com.

Lynchburg
Not even a pandemic can stop the golden nectar from flowing!  In late 2020, Lynchburg saw two breweries open Downtown: Starr Hill, the second oldest craft brewery in Virginia, serving The Love (donates $1 per pint sold to local charities), and Three Roads Brewing, serving seasonal flavors and flagship favorites. Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism, Krista Boothby, LynchburgVirginia.org, krista.boothby@lynchburgva.gov.

Norfolk
Sip your way through Norfolk, VA with the NFK Brew Hop pass to the city’s top breweries. Enjoy a three-day brew pass and take your time to savor the experience and tastes of Norfolk’s local craft beer scene. Passes are delivered through text and email, and instantly redeemable. Visit Norfolk, Nicole Nussbaum, Explore.VisitNorfolk.com/checkout/370/visit-norfolk/1824/brew-hop, nnussbaum@visitnorfolktoday.com.

Virginia’s Blue Ridge
A collection of breweries, wineries and craft spirits producers, the Virginia’s Blue Ridge Cheers Trail is a fun way for visitors to discover the unique flavors of the region. Download a free Cheers Trail Passport to receive special offers and deals while you experience the local craft beverage scene. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Taylor Spellman, VisitVBR.com, tspellman@visitvbr.com.

 

About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance
The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The group serves travel journalists by creating a regional resource that ignores geographical boundaries to  better promote common threads, offering story ideas about the Mid-Atlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.