Five Ways to Spend a Spring Day on Erie’s Waterfront April 8, 2022 by Visit Erie Now that warmer temperatures are on the way, are you ready to “spring” out of the house and find some fun things to do? Here are our top suggestions on how you can enjoy Erie’s beautiful waterfront this spring! Experience New Heights at the Bicentennial Tower One of our area’s most recognizable landmarks, the Bicentennial Tower, is open year-round and offers birds-eye views of Downtown Erie, Presque Isle State Park, Lake Erie and on a clear day, Canada! You can access the 138-foot top level observation deck via stairs or elevator. From the top deck you can also get a unique perspective of the abstract mural entitled “Flotsam”. It is painted on the entire second-level observation deck and was created by internationally-known artist SatOne. Dig for Hidden Treasure at Presque Isle Bring a bag for beach glass hunting on the sandy beaches of Presque Isle State Park! Our friends at Relish Inc. tell us that the best beach glass can be found at Beach 1, located near the entrance to the Park. These sparkly, colorful gems are great for making crafts and gifts such as jewelry or picture frames. For tips of the trade, seminars and of course, tons of beach glass products, make plans to come back in October for The Great Lakes Beach Glass & Coastal Arts Festival. Order Lunch with a View One of Erie’s dining hot spots is the Bayfront Grille’s outdoor patio at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel. The Bayfront Grille is the top-rated Sheraton restaurant in the world, features American fare with flair! Enjoy your lunch amid the relaxing waters of Presque Isle Bay set in a casual atmosphere. We recommend their signature house salad or the chicken salad croissant with a side of truffle fries. Discover Erie’s Maritime Heritage at the Erie Maritime Museum Learn Erie’s role during the War of 1812 and the Battle of Lake Erie and how it helped shape the history of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The museum’s central exhibit is the U.S. Brig Niagara. It is home –ported just outside the maritime museum and serves as a floating exhibit and sail training vessel. During the summer, you can board this majestic Tall Ship for a day or sunset sail. Cruise Presque Isle Bay aboard the Victorian Princess Sailing the waters of Presque Isle Bay since 1998, this three-level Victorian-style paddlewheel boat is the Grand Dame of Erie boat tours. Sunset, sightseeing, dining and party cruises are available May to October. It’s the perfect way to enjoy life’s special events with friends and family.
Where to See Mountain Laurel in the Laurel Highlands April 6, 2022 by Laurel Highlands PA Mountain laurel is in bloom in the Laurel Highlands! The shrub keeps its foliage year-round, but keep an eye out in May and June for umbrella-like flowers that range in color from white to pink, with unique purple markings. Not only is mountain-laurel absolutely beautiful, but it is also Pennsylvania’s state flower and can be found all over the Laurel Highlands. Want to see the spring flowers yourself? Lucky for you, they can be found right in your backyard! Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail/Laurel Ridge State Park While a backpacker or day-hiker can find many opportunities to gaze at the glory of this unique and beautiful plant, one of the best spots to view mountain-laurel on the entire Laurel Highlands Hiking Trail is via the Route 30 trailhead just outside of Ligonier. If you park at the trailhead parking lot, you’ll see the lovely flora right away. You can hike north or south to see blooms lining the trails at a few different points. Forbes State Forest and Laurel Mountain State Park Close by the Route 30 trailhead is Forbes State Forest/Laurel Mountain. This area is renowned for hiking, mountain biking, and when conditions provide, excellent cross-country skiing. But in June, it is where hikers and bikers can take in the beautiful sights and sounds of a high elevation forest. Explore the Rocky Gap, Wolf Rocks, and Silvermine Trails for the best chances to see mountain-laurel in bloom! Bonus points: visit nearby Spruce Flats Bog and Linn Run State Park for even more unique and gorgeous scenery! Ohiopyle State Park A local gem and beautiful trail offering a nice loop hike or mountain bike ride past large rock outcroppings, beautiful overlooks, and remnants of homesteads. Find the best display of mountain-laurel from the top of the loop from Fire Tower Road, or via a steep climb from the McCune Trailhead. Quebec Run in Forbes State Forest A great place to get off the beaten path, Quebec Run offers a variety of trails known for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running. These trails are challenging and this is an area where you are less likely to run into other trail users. Enjoy the lush rhododendron and peaks of mountain-laurel as you weave through this rugged landscape. Fallingwater Check two things off of your bucket list by viewing mountain-laurel at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater! It’s only perfect that this beautiful flower can be found in the surrounding landscape of the architectural masterpiece. As if Fallingwater wasn’t picturesque enough!
Hidden Gems in the Mid-Atlantic April 5, 2022 by MATPRA Admin (Mid-Atlantic Region, April 5, 2022)- In every destination across the Mid-Atlantic region there are popular and beloved restaurants, attractions and shops of all kinds. There are also hidden gems that offer just as much of an experience, but are not as generally known. Check out this list of hidden gems across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia that you’re going to want to add to your list. 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. MARYLAND Allegany Hidden in plain sight, there’s a world of art on display in Mountain Maryland’s outdoor communities. Public art includes works from world-class sculptors and muralists, in addition to the destination’s new Poet-Tree project, where poems classified as tree-centric are displayed on metal plaques next to 22 trees throughout the destination. Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland, Mindy Bianca, MDMountainside.com, [email protected] Annapolis & Anne Arundel Immerse yourself in horticulture, history, and archaeology at Historic London Town and Gardens. Woodland, ornamental, and sound and sensory gardens provide year-round opportunities for communing with nature. Visits to the William Brown House, Lord Mayor’s Tenement, and Carpenter’s Shop recreate the story of a once-thriving port city founded in 1683. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, VisitAnnapolis.org, [email protected] Calvert From sweet kettle corn made right before your eyes, to extreme milkshakes, luscious cookies, tasty muffins, delectable donuts and much more – the Calvert County Sweet Treat Trail satisfies any sweet tooth! Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, [email protected] Cecil Escape to the charming Town of North East MD with specialty shops, antiques, fabulous restaurants, kayak rentals, riverfront park, wildlife, and options for sweet treats such as ice cream, frozen yogurt, baked goods, and candy. Experience family friendly events, history, and the nearby State Park with trails, camping, and historic Turkey Point Lighthouse. Cecil County Tourism, Sandy Turner, SeeCecil.org, [email protected] Harford Hike one-half mile to the second highest vertical waterfall in Maryland. Kilgore Falls was featured in the Disney movie Tuck Everlasting. Visit the Jericho Covered Bridge which is the last remaining covered bridge in Harford or Baltimore counties. Tour the historic Liriodendron mansion tucked into the heart of Bel Air. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, [email protected] Kent DYK there’s a small aviation museum in Kent County? Massey Air Museum, reminiscent of rural airports of a bygone era, hosts fly-ins featuring antique biplanes and gliders. Each year the Chili Fiesta Fly-In welcomes aviation and food connoisseurs alike. Walk through a DC-3 or schedule a biplane tour. Plan your adventure in Kent County, MD! Kent County Tourism, MD, Jana Carter, KentCounty.com, [email protected] Maryland (state of) The Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore (FACES), located on Artsway in Denton, is the region’s premier destination for fiber art enthusiasts to visit, shop, learn, and find inspiration. Rotating exhibits feature work by quilters and fiber artists from throughout Maryland’s Eastern Shore and the Delmarva Peninsula. Maryland Office of Tourism, Connie Spindler, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected] Prince George’s Step back in time! National Capital Radio & Television Museum offers a portal into the history of broadcasting and communications. Take flight at College Park Aviation Museum and glimpse airplanes from the early 1900s with insight about aviators who ruled the skies. Discover the wineries along the Legacy Wine Trail. Experience Prince George’s, Kaletha Henry, ExperiencePrinceGeorges.com, [email protected] Talbot Talbot County’s hidden gem is a whole Island! A 30 minutes’ drive from Easton reveals the waterman’s village of Tilghman Island, where fishermen have netted the Chesapeake Bay’s bounty for generations. Enjoy picturesque views, fresh seafood, and luxury inns. See native fauna while kayaking the Bay, or charter a crab boat! Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Krista Boothby, TourTalbot.org, [email protected] Wicomico There are plenty of hidden gems to discover in Wicomico County. Outside of Salisbury — Wicomico’s largest city — learn about history at sites in Mardela Springs or Whitehaven. Enjoy local produce from a market or shop for antiques. Wicomico County Tourism, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org, [email protected] PENNSYLVANIA Allegheny National Forest Region The Eldred WWII Museum is dedicated to preserving the history of the real-life heroes who fought to keep America free. During WW II, over 1500 women in Eldred worked for the war effort manufacturing bombs. Learn why NATO was formed and other significant history that relates to today’s events. Allegheny National Forest Visitors Bureau, Linda Devlin, VisitANF.com, [email protected] Bradford The Wyalusing Hotel is an historic property where visitors will experience great food and warm hospitality in an area surrounded by wineries, shopping, historic attractions, and recreational sites in the heart of beautiful Bradford County. Close to state parks, waterways, and trails, this wonderful hotel is waiting to welcome you for a delightful visit. Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com, [email protected] Butler A hidden gem in plain view, Preston Park has a rich history that’s only matched by its lush beauty. Preston Park consists of 88 acres and offers a variety of recreational activities enjoyed year-round. The park features luscious woodlands, walking trails, fishing ponds, wildlife, numerous unique plants, and more! Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Tiffany Hernandez, VisitButlerCounty.com, [email protected] Columbia-Montour Searching for that next hidden gem? Pay a visit to Bill’s Old Bike Barn, located between Bloomsburg & Berwick. Bill’s 55,000 square foot museum is full of some of the most extraordinary antiques from all around the world. See vintage motorcycles, bikes, military displays, and memorabilia from basically anything imaginable! Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Linda Sones, ITourColumbiaMontour.com, [email protected] Endless Mountains of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Eagles Mere, also known as “the town that time forgot” is a small village in the heart of the beautiful Endless Mountains. The famous Eagles Mere Inn, DeWire Arts Center, Auto Museum & Air Museum are local treasures that visitors looking for a mountain getaway will enjoy in close proximity to waterfall trails, forests, and PA wineries. Endless Mountain Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected] Juniata River Valley Travel to the quaint town of Reedsville where you’ll discover a farm-to-table restaurant that’s been an area favorite since it first opened in 2015. Revival Kitchen was born out of the desire to create a dining experience centered on locally sourced ingredients carefully crafted using both classical and modern cooking methods. Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Buffie Boyer, JRVVisitors.com, [email protected] Lancaster Experience early American life through tours of one of the nation’s few replica Native American longhouses and the oldest surviving house in Lancaster County at the 1719 Museum in Willow Street (yes, that’s the actual name of the town!). Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected] Laurel Highlands Architecture fans flock to the Laurel Highlands to explore the famed Fallingwater. A few miles away, high atop a bluff, stands another Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, Kentuck Knob. Here, Wright combined native sandstone with tidewater red cypress to create a chorus of color and texture that replicates the surrounding landscape. Go Laurel Highlands, Anna Weltz, GOLaurelHighlands.com, [email protected] Lawrence West Park Nature Center is a wildlife sanctuary containing blue bird nesting boxes, an arboretum and a one mile hiking trail with an observation deck overlooking the wetlands. There is also a two mile single track mountain bike/cross country running and hiking trail. Visit Lawrence County, Janet Falotico, VisitLawrenceCounty.com, [email protected] Lehigh Valley The Allentown Arts Museum is a hidden gem for art admirers with a collection spanning from Rembrandt to Keith Haring. The museum is showcasing treasures from its vault through September. The Banana Factory Arts Center in Bethlehem is home to 30 resident artists’ studios and galleries, including mesmerizing glassblowing demonstrations. Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, DiscoverLehighValley.com, [email protected] Potter-Tioga The Potter County Artisan Center in historic Coudersport is a fantastic destination for visitors to discover the best locally produced art, crafts, and products created by the many artists and artisans who call Potter County their home. Throughout the year, this gem of a shop is the place to find one-of-a-kind treasures for gift giving, decorating or collecting. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected] VIRGINIA Hampton Stay in style during your next visit to Hampton! Magnolia House Inn: Bed & Breakfast is home to three rooms, each with its own charm. Close to Downtown Hampton, local restaurants, and shops, it is the perfect place to stay for a weekend getaway, anniversary, or girls’ trip. Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Yuri Milligan, VisitHampton.com, [email protected] Harrisonburg Discover Roots Run Deep, a self-guided African-American History tour with 24 remarkable sites in Harrisonburg, VA including the home of local legend Lucy F. Simms born a slave in 1856, a graduate of Hampton University who over 52 years taught over 1,800 students from three generations. Available via Traipse app. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jennifer Bell, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected] Lexington & Rockbridge Engage your senses with a visit to The Lavender Fields at Tantivy Farm in Fairfield, Virginia. Open weekends, the grounds are perfectly wanderable with trails, mounds of luscious lavender, farm animals, a glorious waterfall, and gift shop. Special events are held often. Relax and soothe your soul at Tantivy Farm. Lexington & Rockbridge Area Tourism, Patty Williams, LexingtonVirginia.com, [email protected] Loudoun Loudoun changed the world – or at least a favorite son did. Statesman-General George C. Marshall drafted the Marshall Plan to reconstruct Europe after WW2 from his handsome Leesburg home, Dodona Manor. Now a museum and foundation for international relations, the hidden gem celebrates 75 years of the Marshall Plan this year. Visit Loudoun, Jennifer Sigal, VisitLoudoun.org, [email protected] Norfolk The Ocean View Fishing Pier in Norfolk, VA is the longest free-standing pier in North America, and stands along the gentler waves of the Chesapeake Bay. Fish for a wide variety of aquatic life, then eat seafood at the pier’s rooftop restaurant as you watch the dolphins and sunset. Visit Norfolk, Nicole Nussbaum, VisitNorfolk.com, [email protected] Richmond Hidden in Plain Site is a new virtual tour of Richmond that tells the Black experience story throughout history. Many of these sites have been previously overlooked, and Hidden in Plain Site allows visitors to see the sites and learn from their stories virtually, with an option to view through VR headsets. Visit Richmond VA, Meghan Gearino, VisitRichmondVA.com, [email protected] Shenandoah Shenandoah Caverns an underground world of wonders, including what National Geographic described as the world’s most realistic “bacon formation” along a one-mile tour circuit, a comfortable 56-degree temperature is maintained year-round. The only caverns in Virginia with elevator service. Admission includes Main Street of Yesteryear and American Celebration on Parade. Visit Shenandoah County, Brenda Black, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, [email protected] Stafford Discover the nation’s history in Stafford, Virginia. Explore the waters where John Smith met Pocahontas. Walk the grounds of George Washington’s Boyhood home at Ferry Farm where George Washington spent his childhood years. Hike Government Island, the birthplace of the Aquia Sandstone that built the White House & U.S. Capitol. Tour Stafford Virginia, Courtney Swenson, TourStaffordVA.com, [email protected] Virginia’s Blue Ridge Enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of Botetourt County’s scenic Upper James River Water Trail. Located in historic Downtown Buchanan, Twin River Outfitters allows you to relax by providing everything needed for an exceptional paddling, tubing, or riverside glamping excursion. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Kathryn Lucas, VisitVBR.com, [email protected] Take a look at even more images from across the Mid-Atlantic. Please be sure to provide photo credit to the appropriate DMO. 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.
Discover Golf in Williamsburg March 28, 2022 by VisitWilliamsburg Williamsburg has top-ranked premier courses that bring golfers to the area and great supporting courses that bring golfers back. The region is home to more than 12 championship courses ranked 4 stars or better and is very affordable compared to similar golf courses in other golf destinations. Several facilities have multiple courses on-site, allowing golfers to easily play two different courses on the same day. Williamsburg National Golf Club Voted “Best Golf Course in Williamsburg” by the Virginia Gazette two years in a row, this open-to-the-public private club features two very different courses when it comes to layout and putting surfaces (Bermuda vs. bent). The Jamestown Course, developed by Nicklaus Design, is a 4-star Golf Digest winner. The par-72 course measures close to 7,000 yards from the championship tees with five different sets of tees appealing to golfers of all skill levels. It has received several awards, including being named “One of the Ten Best Courses you can play in Virginia” by Golf Digest magazine. The Yorktown Course layout offers a great mix of classic course design with a few modern twists. In addition to being ranked No. 7 of the most-improved courses in the nation by Golf Advisor (now GolfPass) in 2018, it has the area’s most interesting back nine featuring three par-5s, three par-4s and three par-3s. Bermuda fairways, bent grass putting greens, and a course full of fun challenges await. Golden Horseshoe Golf Club Just as Colonial Williamsburg brings America’s history to life, the Golden Horseshoe Golf Club honors the classic traditions of the game—while still creating an entertaining challenge for today’s player. Designed by the father-and-son team of Robert Trent Jones Sr. and Rees Jones, players will experience 45 walkable holes over three courses, surrounded by mature woodlands. The Gold Course is a classic reimagined. Recently renovated by “the Open Doctor” Rees Jones, the Gold Course now features cutting-edge turf grasses, new grass on the fairways, greens and surrounding roughs, and utilizes “Better Billy Bunker” construction. Tees have been re-leveled and resurfaced, and the expansion of the practice putting green and range gives golfers plenty of opportunity to work on their long and short games. Opened in 1991, Rees Jones drew inspiration from his father Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s iconic Gold Course to create the acclaimed Green Course. Carved from the same beautiful parkland terrain, the Green Course is longer than the Gold Course but also more forgiving—creating an enjoyable challenge for golfers of every skill level. Perfect for networking or a quick golf getaway, the Spotswood Course is Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s updated version of the original 1947 Williamsburg Inn course. Called the “best short nine-hole course in the country” by Golf magazine, this par-31 course includes six par-3s, two par-4s and one par-5 to test your whole game. Spotswood is family-friendly and fun for beginners and juniors, but still presents a signature Jones contest for the more experienced golfer. Kingsmill Resort Championship golf is the centerpiece of the Kingsmill Resort experience. It has hosted 38 PGA and LPGA events with golf legends Payne Stewart, Jack Nicklaus, and Arnold Palmer among those who have played the famed courses. Additionally, the Kingsmill Golf Academy offers expert advice for all level of players. The River Course, a Golfweek “Top 200 Resort Course,” is designed by prominent architect Pete Dye and home to the LPGA Pure Silk Tournament. This course has welcomed presidents Gerald Ford, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama. Arnold Palmer and Ed Seay designed the Plantation Course to test the skills of all types of players with its generous fairways, water hazards, and undulating greens. Kiskiack Golf Club Kiskiack Golf Club is home to one of the top-ranked 18-hole golf courses in the state of Virginia. Designed by John LaFoy, it’s nestled along a ridge of a natural bluff in Williamsburg. Kiskiack’s public course features tree-lined fairways, gorgeous water features, and is easily walkable. While the course can be demanding even for the experienced player, the course’s open fairways and picturesque views will allow beginners to enjoy a round of golf as well. It’s the only golf course in Williamsburg with no houses on the course. Stonehouse Golf Club The 18-hole golf course at Stonehouse Golf Club in Toano features 7,013 yards of golf from the longest tees for a par 72. Stonehouse was originally designed by one of the most innovative golf course architects in the business, Mike Strantz, a former protégé of Tom Fazio. Strantz envisioned a mountain-style course that disturbed nature as little as possible. With deep bunkers and wide fairways, the par-72 layout features dramatic elevation changes and enormous putting greens perched on the edges of natural cliff formations with constant challenges for all levels. Williamsburg golf travelers looking for a unique golf experience will find it at Stonehouse. Ford’s Colony Country Club Located just minutes away from historic Williamsburg, Ford’s Colony offers some of the best resort golf in Virginia. This semi-private golf club features 54 holes with three distinct championship golf courses designed by Dan Maples. Each course brings its own challenges and highlights. Blackheath is the most picturesque of the three courses with water coming into play on 13 holes. Every green on the course is guarded by bunkers and the course also features many doglegs with rolling fairways. The Blackheath course is the only course at Ford’s Colony that plays to a par 71. Blue Heron is a continuous 18 that has long, challenging par-3s and par-5s. The Blue Heron has generous fairways carved out of dense wetlands. The course has new Champion Bermuda greens which provide the smoothest surfaces throughout the year. Blue Heron is the longest of the three courses and contains many different species of birds, fish, and other wildlife. Marsh Hawk features traditional tree-lined fairways. It has small, undulating greens with strategically placed bunkers. The narrow fairways, well-placed bunkers, natural lakes, and elevation changes are the defenses of this course. Marsh Hawk was the host of the 1998 and 1999 Virginia State Opens, a Monday Qualifier for the 2005 – 2007 Henrico County Open, and a Monday Qualifier for the PGA Tour’s Michelob Championship for 12 straight years. Colonial Heritage Golf Club Featuring the only Arthur Hills signature-designed golf course in Williamsburg, Colonial Heritage is open to the public and offers pristine playing conditions on an exceptional layout that winds through rolling hills, streams, and pine forests. This artfully crafted masterpiece emulates the classic beauty and refinement of the natural terrain of its southern Virginia surroundings. Thoughtfully planned bunkers, undulating fairways, and well-arranged water features create an enjoyable golfing experience for novices and experts alike. Each year since 2013, Colonial Heritage has been ranked “Best in Region” by Coastal Virginia Magazine.
Cabin Fever in the Mid-Atlantic March 10, 2022 by MATPRA Admin (Mid-Atlantic Region, March 10, 2022)- It’s been a long winter, but the end is in sight! From resorts to rustic cabins to cozy B&Bs, outdoor adventures to relaxing getaways, the Mid-Atlantic region boasts plenty of places to get out and break your cabin fever and shake off that winter blues. Check out some of the best offerings across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia. 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 & the Brandywine Valley Go luxe with a stay at the Inn at Montchanin or the venerable HOTEL DU PONT. Both offer fine dining on property and full service spas on site or nearby. Or, head to the Wilmington Riverfront for a stay at one of its three full-service hotels. Dine with views of the Christina River and take a cycling adventure from the Riverfront to Historic New Castle on the J.A.M. Trail. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitor Bureau, Jennifer Boes, VisitWilmingtonDE.com, [email protected] MARYLAND Allegany Shake off the winter blues by exploring 70,000 acres of public land on The Mountain Side of Maryland. A perfect place for active travelers is the Allegheny Trail House B&B, a historic home in downtown Frostburg, which is a short pedal from the Great Allegheny Passage and a local trail head. Allegany County, The Mountain Side of Maryland, Mindy Bianca, MDmountainside.com, [email protected] Annapolis & Anne Arundel Our 533 miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline, 137 parks and natural resource areas, and 54 miles of paved hiking and biking trails invite you to create your own unique adventure. Wrap up your day with al fresco dining along centuries-old brick-lined streets and live music, available seven days a week. Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County, Susan Seifried, VisitAnnapolis.org, [email protected] Baltimore The melting of the winter frost will make way for spring flowers, and Flower Mart, Baltimore’s annual celebration of all things floral, will greet the season with flower and plant vendors, artisans selling handmade crafts, local food vendors and live music in the parks surrounding the Washington Monument from April 29 – 30. Visit Baltimore, Tracey Johnson, Baltimore.org, [email protected] Calvert Booking a charter boat on the Chesapeake Bay is the perfect way to clear your mind and concentrate on having fun! Charter boat crews provide everything you need – equipment, licenses and a great water view. All you need to think about is enjoying time out on the water and catching a big one! Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, H[email protected] Harford Susquehanna State Park offers a wide variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The park is home to some of the most popular mountain biking trails in Maryland and the river itself beckons fishermen and boaters alike. The park also contains a family-friendly (and pet-friendly) campground with traditional campsites and camper cabins. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, [email protected] Kent Kent County has your cure for “Cabin Fever”. Find your “wild side” camping at Bayshore Campground on the banks of the Chesapeake Bay. Pitch your tent by the water to stargaze or park your RV near the private beach. Bring your boat along too — to further explore the area by water. Paradise awaits in Kent County, MD! Kent County Tourism, MD, Jana Carter, KentCounty.com, [email protected] Maryland (State of) Over the nine years (1933 – 1942) the Federal Civilian Conservation Corps operated in Maryland, their many projects included construction of sturdy chestnut log cabins that still welcome guests. Herrington Manor State Park’s 20 full-service cabins (three of them ADA compliant) offer the perfect cure for cabin fever! Maryland Office of Tourism, Connie Spindler, VisitMaryland.org, [email protected] Prince George’s Restore your spirits and end your cabin fever! Our scenic outdoors and landscapes offer plenty of fresh air while agricultural escapes lead to horse drawn carriage rides among lush vineyards. Visit the vibrant National Harbor and feel rejuvenated in retreats that span the most luxurious to charming and quaint. Experience Prince George’s, Kaletha Henry, ExperiencePrinceGeorges.com, [email protected] Talbot In Talbot County, spring brings flowering trees, newborn wildlife, and folks getting back outdoors. Experience this renewal yourself while paddling our St. Michaels and Tilghman Island water trails or cycling the Chesapeake Country All-American Road, all leading to picturesque towns and views. Afterward, enjoy chef-inspired dining with Eastern Shore views. Talbot County Office of Economic Development and Tourism, Krista Boothby, TourTalbot.org, [email protected] Wicomico Enjoy the spring weather in one of more than 40 parks in Wicomico County. Bring a picnic or take a hike. Wicomico County’s flat, scenic terrain is perfect for walking and cycling. Visitors can bring a kayak or canoe and get out on the water from one of numerous launches. Wicomico County Tourism, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org, [email protected] PENNSYLVANIA Bradford Shake off cabin fever by heading out to discover Bradford County’s rich history. The Bradford County Museum in Towanda, housed in the former county jail, is where visitors will discover an eclectic setting filled with fantastic exhibits and stories. Other sites like the French Azilum also highlight details of the region’s heritage. Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com, [email protected] Columbia-Montour Find yourself with cabin fever? March brings an outdoor activity to the Danville area that will surely get you moving! On Saturday, March 5, test your hardiness by competing in the Humdinger Trail Races, which will take participants through a challenging gauntlet of snowy, muddy Central Pennsylvania fields and forests. Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau, Linda Sones, ITourColumbiaMontour.com, [email protected] Endless Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania Trails across the Endless Mountains offer recreational resources throughout the year to connect with nature! The D & H Rail-Trail as well as trail systems at Ricketts Glen State Park, Worlds End, Loyalsock Forest and Salt Springs State Park offer a wide variety of options for outdoor enthusiasts of every skill level! Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, [email protected] Juniata River Valley Dreaming of your next fishing adventure while relaxing at a charming cottage? Guests of The Cottage on Honey Creek can relax on the back deck watching nature come back to life in the spring or go fly fishing in the backyard’s premier, Class A wild brown trout fishery. Juniata River Valley Visitors Bureau, Buffie Boyer, JRVVisitors.com, [email protected] Lancaster Spring in Lancaster County is wonderful to enjoy on two wheels, so get out with Lititz Bikeworks! They’ve got a variety of great rentals and turn-by-turn info for many scenic routes in the area, including the 7+ mile Warwick-Ephrata Rail Trail. Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, [email protected] Laurel Highlands Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands is an outdoor lover’s dream come true. Lace up your hiking boots and explore beautiful and diverse trails, marvel at expansive overlooks, rushing waterfalls, towering trees, unfurling ferns, and the delicate wildflowers. Breathe in the fresh air and keep an eye out for native wildlife! GO Laurel Highlands, Anna Weltz, GoLaurelHighlands.com, [email protected] Lawrence North Country National Scenic Trail (NCT) has 29 miles of off-road hiking and 11 miles of temporary connector road walk. NCT runs through various boroughs and townships and into McConnells Mill State Park. Start in Wampum, a designated PA first trail town! Visit Lawrence County, Janet Falotico, VisitLawrenceCounty.com, [email protected] Lehigh Valley Lehigh Valley’s Trexler Preserve has 18 miles of recreational activities including hiking and biking and is home to endangered bison and elk. After your adventurous expedition, escape to family-owned Eight Oaks Farm Distillery, to see how your favorite spirits transform from grain to glass and pair with delectable bites. Discover Lehigh Valley, Alicia Quinn, DiscoverLehighValley.com, [email protected] Potter-Tioga Give yourself the gift of fresh air and beautiful scenery by visiting the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon! Overlooking Pine Creek and its popular recreational trail system, the expansive views offer visitors bird’s eye access from one of the state’s most iconic landmarks. Get outdoors and shake off the winter blues! Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, [email protected] VIRGINIA Giles Giles is Virginia’s Mountain Playground® where mountains and back roads lead to amazing, world-class friend and family adventures. We want you to experience our 37 miles of the New River Water Trail which is home to topnotch smallmouth bass fishing and paddling experiences for all skill levels. Giles County, VA Tourism, Cora Gnegy, VirginiasMtnPlayground.com, [email protected] Hampton Sleep among the trees at Sandy Bottom Nature Park. You can have a private getaway, or bring all of your closest friends. They have 9 campsites, 2 group sites, and 4 yurts (Cabins). The park also includes 12 miles of trails and a lake for you to rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat. Hampton Convention and Visitor Bureau, Yuri Milligan, VisitHampton.com, [email protected] Harrisonburg With the moto “minutes from town, miles from reality” By the Side of the Road Getaway Lodging offers the perfect retreat only a few minutes from Downtown Harrisonburg, Virginia’s First Culinary District, museums and shopping. Enjoy a cozy private cottage by a pond or stay in their 18th century farmhouse. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jennifer Bell, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, [email protected] Lexington & Rockbridge Shake off winter with a stay at Natural Bridge Historic Hotel & Conference Center in Natural Bridge, Virginia. Adjacent to Natural Bridge State Park and its namesake limestone arch, the pet-friendly hotel offers on-site dining and is an easy drive to Virginia Safari Park, Shenandoah Beerwerks Trail stops, and more. Lexington & Rockbridge Area Tourism, Patty Williams, LexingtonVirginia.com, [email protected] Loudoun Escape to Loudoun, with everything from cozy cabins and B&Bs to luxe resorts. Unplug at Algonkian Regional Park where rustic, winterized cabins are set in scenic woodlands on the banks of the Potomac River. Out west, find a cozy B&B in the heart of wine country, offering breathtaking views of mountains, horse farms and vineyards. Visit Loudoun, Jennifer Sigal, VisitLoudoun.org, [email protected] Norfolk Soak up the warmer days in Norfolk, VA and celebrate Women’s History Month with a relaxing stay at woman-owned Four Eleven York Inn. Spend a day exploring the surrounding Historic Freemason District and enjoy culinary delights in their beautiful courtyard restaurant before ending the evening in your suite’s soaking tub. Visit Norfolk, Nicole Nussbaum, VisitNorfolk.com, [email protected] Orange Tired of being inside? Beat the winter blues in Orange County, Virginia by hiking the trails at the Fort Germanna Visitor Center. The 170-acre Siegen Forest features scenic views of the Rapidan River, historical sites and vistas galore. Trails range from beginner to advanced. Visit Orange Virginia, Julie Perry, VisitOrangeVirginia.com, [email protected] Prince William Spend a weekend away this spring in a rustic cabin once used by The Office of Strategic Services during World War II. Located in Prince William Forest National Park, the cabins found here were built in the 1930’s to serve as part of a large spy training camp on property. Visit Prince William, Virginia, Nicole Warner, VisitPWC.com, [email protected] Richmond Enjoy a quaint stay on your next visit to the Richmond region at the Museum District Bed & Breakfast. Located a few steps away from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Virginia Museum of History & Culture and the Carytown district, this B&B includes tickets to special exhibits at the VMFA and complimentary wine and cheese every evening. Visit Richmond VA, Meghan Gearino, VisitRichmondVA.com, [email protected] Stafford Escape the everyday with a getaway in Stafford County, Virginia. Enjoy your rustic stay at Aquia Pines Camp Resort, then explore the great outdoors with Crow’s Nest Natural Preserve and Widewater State Park. Take a hike, go fishing, relax in a kayak, and experience Stafford’s wildlife and natural beauties. Tour Stafford Virginia, Courtney Swenson, TourStaffordVA.com, [email protected] Staunton Hailed as “America’s Favorite Mountain Towns” by Travel + Leisure, Staunton is a natural home base for your Shenandoah Valley adventures. From casual day-hikers to trail-savvy backcountry gurus, we have an adventure waiting. If nothing helps you unwind and reset like communing with nature, Staunton is the destination for you! Staunton, VA, Jessica Williams, VisitStaunton.com, [email protected] Virginia’s Blue Ridge Hop on Amtrak’s Northeast Regional route and head to Roanoke in Virginia’s Blue Ridge to cure your cabin fever the metro mountain way. Opening March 2022 directly across from the Amtrak platform, the Liberty Trust is an upscale boutique hotel that makes the perfect basecamp for your Downtown Roanoke explorations. Visit Virginia’s Blue Ridge, Kathryn Lucas, VisitVBR.com, [email protected] Take a look at even more images from across the Mid-Atlantic. Please be sure to provide photo credit to the appropriate DMO. 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.
7 Essential Things To Do On A First-Time Visit To Williamsburg, VA February 25, 2022 by VisitWilliamsburg Never been to Williamsburg? Baffled by how to plan your visit? This insider’s guide to an initial visit hits all the highlights you don’t want to miss. We’re going to make sure you don’t forget your first time. Here are the essentials for what will be the first of many memories. Live in Colonial Times – Eighteenth-century Colonial Williamsburg is not the place you visited in fourth grade. The world’s largest living history museum — with more than 40 sites and trades and two world-class art museums — is full of participatory experiences. Stop by Peyton Randolh House and take the “Freedom’s Paradox” tour examing slavery’s evolution and the reliance upon it by patriots to build a city, a colony, and eventually a nation. Take part in a dig into the past. For the adventurous, learn how to fire a flintlock musket. Amuse Yourself – After a fascinating dose of history, time for some fun. Who doesn’t love a day at an amusement park? Head to Busch Gardens and Water Country USA where new rides and old favorites will leave you smiling — and maybe screaming with joy. Check out Finnegan’s Flyer, the swinging ride that takes your childhood playground experience to the extreme. Two-pendulum arms soar to 80 feet over the cliffs of the Celtic coast at the park’s Ireland village at 45 mph. If you can keep your eyes open, you’ll get a stunning vista of the park, annually named one of America’s most beautiful. At Water Country USA, chill with some wet thrills. The Cutback Water Coaster is the only RocketBlast coaster on the East Coast and Virginia’s first hybrid water coaster, combining a water jet propulsion system, tunnels and open-air saucers at a speed of 35 feet per second over 865 feet. Caught your breath yet? Exactly. Quench Your Thirst – Greater Williamsburg is home to a tasty mix of breweries, distilleries, and a winery. It offers a journey through the old and the new — and the exciting — ways of making beer, wine, and spirits. Check out the fun at relative newcomers like The Virginia Beer Co. or the Precarious Beer Project and old standards like The Williamsburg Winery and Alewerks Brewing Company. Leave the driving to others by taking a Drink Williamsburg tour. Cheers! Experience the Revolution in a Revolutionary Way – At the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, children of all ages will identify with the stories of ordinary people in an extraordinary time, a time when subjects of a king become citizens of a nation. Inside, nearly every attraction is interactive. Outside, there are old-fashioned interactive options. Drill in an Army encampment. Help fire artillery. Pick up a recipe from colonial cookbooks at the bakehouse. Tend to the crops at a colonial-era farm. Time Travel Four Centuries in a Day – Head back in time to the beginnings of the colonies at Historic Jamestowne. There you can talk with archaeologists about their excavations on the exact site of the first permanent colony in America, experience the first democratic assembly, and visit the Archaearium, a museum that houses some of the two million artifacts uncovered since the Jamestown Rediscovery Project began in 1994. For another view of the time, drive over to the living history museum at Jamestown Settlement where you can climb aboard replicas of the three ships that made the historic voyage from England in 1607, visit the re-creation of a Powhatan village, and walk through a re-creation of the original fort, interacting with interpreters. Find Your Outlet – You can’t return home empty-handed. Go shopping. Browse the more than 120 stores of Williamsburg Premium Outlets. You’ll find deals up to 65 percent off where that word “premium” is not an accident. These are the best of the best. Pick up bargains at Burberry, Calvin Klein, Nike, the Coach Outlet, Oakley, Ralph Lauren, L’Occitane, Swarovski, Waterford, and many others. Take a Tour Standing in Place – Head to Yorktown and hop on a Segway with Patriot Tours for a one- or two-hour tour covering the waterfront and historic Main Street. If you’ve never tried a Segway, it’s easier than you think. Lean forward, imagine you are moving and — presto — you are.