Top

Menu

MATPRA

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

News

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.

###

Erie, Pennsylvania, Secures New Year-Round Air Service to Chicago

Erie, Pa: Beginning in spring 2026, American Airlines and United Airlines will each launch year-round direct air service between Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Erie International Airport (ERI), significantly improving access to Pennsylvania’s fifth-largest city and only port on the Great Lakes. Chicago O’Hare is the third-largest U.S. air travel market and a key connecting point for coast-to-coast flights.

  • American Airlines will launch service on May 21, 2026, with a daily 65-seat regional jet departing ERI at 6:40 a.m. and returning from ORD at 11:15 p.m.
  • United Airlines will begin service on June 1, 2026, with three daily nonstop flights, marking its return to Erie and restoring a key Midwest connection.

The new flights make Erie a more accessible and competitive destination for leisure travelers, meeting planners, and tournament organizers. Erie is a destination where all are welcome to experience their version of the good life, featuring a walkable bayfront convention district with easy access to a vibrant waterfront, thriving sports tourism, diverse cuisine, and year-round outdoor recreation along its namesake Great Lake.

“Improved air service is a major win for both communities,” said John Oliver, VisitErie president and CEO. “These new flights enhance accessibility, support tourism, and create new opportunities for convention, sports, and leisure travelers alike.”

Tickets for American Airlines and United Airlines Chicago to Erie flights are now available.

###

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. 

Five Places to Explore the Outdoors in Erie this Winter

Erie gets a lot of snow – and does it better than anyone. Visit Erie for a true snow day and embrace the snowy season. Grab your gear, bundle up, and make plans to play in the snow at one of these snowy spots this winter.

Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle isn’t just a summer destination – it’s a peaceful, and still destination in the winter months. The trails at Presque Isle are open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, in addition to hiking and birdwatching. The paved Karl Boyes Multi-Purpose Trail is plowed from the main park entrance to the Public Safety Building, allowing visitors to navigate the path with ease. The trail is left snow covered from the Public Safety Building to Perry Monument. Beyond the park, winter is a great time to get out on the ice of Presque Isle Bay when it’s thick enough to safely do so (the general rule is 4″ for a single angler, 6″ for ice boating, and 7″ for a small group). Presque Isle Bay and Misery Bay are popular for skating, pond hockey, and ice fishing.  On the lake side, walk the beaches to admire the ice dunes, but don’t climb on them. Their instability makes walking on them extremely dangerous.

Asbury Woods

Throughout winter, as long as there are at least six inches of snow on the ground, Asbury Woods allows visitors to snowshoe or cross-country ski across five trails that wind through its scenic 216-acre property of native species, old-growth forests, and sprawling terrain. Visitors can bring their own gear or rent equipment inside the Nature Center. For those new to either sport or looking to refine their technique, Asbury Woods offers basic skills clinics on weekends during the winter months, weather permitting. When there isn’t enough snow, visitors can still enjoy outdoor fun with various nature hikes.

Peek’n Peak

The region’s biggest ski resort is at Peek’n Peak, just over the New York line in Clymer, NY. Featuring 26 trails and slopes of varying difficulty levels, as well as three terrain parks for those looking to get creative, the Peek offers a complete winter getaway experience, so you never have to leave the resort. Rentals and lessons are available on site. Skiing isn’t a prerequisite for visiting: the seven-lane tubing hill includes a “Magic Carpet” lift to take tubers to the top, and is colorfully lit up at night for “Lunar Lights.” Between runs, warm up at the lodge, where a full restaurant and bar are available, as well as a pool, spa, and lodging.

Mount Pleasant of Edinboro

Nestled among the rolling hills of Edinboro, just south of Erie, Mount Pleasant of Edinboro is a small ski resort with a big family atmosphere. Mount Pleasant features 15 distinct trails with difficulties ranging from beginner to advanced, including six trails that are supported with snowmaking and lights for night skiing. Additionally, the eight-lane, 600-foot tubing hill features a tube tow to take visitors back to the top. The resort also offers a covered conveyor lift, tubing tow, clubhouse, equipment rentals, and a tuning shop.

Wilderness Lodge

In the heart of the snowbelt on the Pennsylvania State Line, you’ll find Wilderness Lodge: a woodsy haven for snow lovers, with more than 18 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Wilderness Lodge sits on the southwest edge of the Chautauqua Ridge, benefiting from the area’s frequent lake effect snow. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available for both classic and skate skiing.