(Mid-Atlantic Region, March 2, 2020) — Don’t let Jack Frost have the upper hand this winter! Throughout the Mid-Atlantic, destinations are waiting to greet you with a warm welcome for a wide variety of events, activities and attractions that are the perfect antidote to that case of cabin fever. From historic country inns where you can snuggle up for a romantic weekend with that special someone to events like film festivals and car shows, there is much to consider across the region. Let your winter warrior have some fun and embrace the outdoors at a wide array of parks, resorts and trail systems perfect for a fun filled winter getaway! For more information on any of the following, contact the destination marketing organization listed below. For general information on the Mid-Atlantic, visit MATPRA.org
DELAWARE
Delaware’s Quaint Villages
Escape the cold and head to one of Delaware’s Quaint Villages breweries for entertainment, food and craft beers at Blue Earl Brewing Company. Book a tour and tasting at Painted Stave Distilling and enjoy unique craft spirits! Wrap up the night with a stay at one of Kent County’s cozy and charming bed & breakfasts! Delaware’s Quaint Villages (Kent County, DE), Danielle Jonigan, VisitDelawareVillages.com, djonigan@visitdelawarevillages.com
Greater Wilmington
The Horizon Services Riverfront Rink at Justison Landing Green on Wilmington’s Riverfront is a family oriented outdoor ice skating rink. It accommodates approximately 350 skaters and is open daily. Skate rental is available. Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jennifer Boes, www.visitwilmingtonde.com, jenboes@visitwilmingtonde.com
MARYLAND
*Maryland (State of)
Discover Maryland’s history and culture at one of Maryland’s museums, fill your appetite during restaurant week, take a ride along the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad, learn about muskrat skinning at the National Outdoor Show or cozy up by the fire in some of the best retreat centers in Maryland. Maryland Office of Tourism, Matthew Scales, VisitMaryland.org, mscales@visitmaryland.org
Baltimore
When the weather takes a turn toward chilly, there’s no better time to get cozy in Baltimore! Food lovers can dine fireside at Woodbery Kitchen or Petit Louis Bistro, art aficionados can visit the Baltimore Museum of Art and book connoisseurs can get lost in the George Peabody Library. Visit Baltimore, Abigail Vitaliano, baltimore.org, avitaliano@baltimore.org
Calvert County
Embrace Winter in Calvert County, Maryland! Outdoor experiences include hiking on boardwalks, wooded paths or along the beaches of the Chesapeake Bay, geocaching and bird watching. For indoor fun, there’s museums, an indoor pool, art galleries, breweries, wineries and cooking and mixology classes at No Thyme to Cook. Calvert County Department of Economic Development, Hilary Dailey, ChooseCalvert.com, hilary.dailey@calvertcountymd.gov
Cecil County
Make your winter escape to one of Cecil County’s charming inns located in towns and in the countryside. Find cozy amenities to take the chill away like crackling fires, Jacuzzis, a player grand piano to sing along with, local wine samplings, a luxurious spa, and a hot tub overlooking the C&D Canal. Visit SeeCecil.org. Cecil County Tourism, Sandy Turner, SeeCecil.org, sturner@ccgov.org
Charles County
Discover the warmest addition to Explore Charles County – Legends, Lore, and Room to Explore. Visit BlueDyer Distilling Co. soon and savor the flavor at the Aw Shucks events and try a new spirit inspired craft cocktail from their full menu. BlueDyer Distilling Co. is 30 miles south of Washington D.C. Charles County Government, Department of Recreation, Parks, & Tourism, Catherine Herbert,explorecharlescounty.com, herbertc@charlescountymd.gov
Frederick County
Get cozy with dinner at the newly opened French Cafe, Up On Market, followed by a show at the Historic Weinberg Center for the Arts where you’ll enjoy national acts and local beverages. Visit Frederick, Melissa Joseph Muntz, VisitFrederick.org, mmuntz@fredco-md.net
Hagerstown – Washington County
When it’s cold outside, retreat to one of Washington County’s 30-plus warm and cozy museums. Whether you’re enjoying fine art exhibitions, introducing your children to STEAM learning, connecting through family activities and learning local history, or embracing your inner child while viewing model train displays, there’s something for everyone! Visit Hagerstown, Betsy DeVore, VisitHagerstown.com, betsy@visithagerstown.com
Harford County
These places in Harford County are sure to keep you warm and cozy. Test your lumberjack skills at Crabby Axe Throwing in Bel Air, Maryland. Play a game of indoor blacklight mini golf at Jurassic Golf and Arcade. Solve puzzles to “unlock” the room and “escape” at Great Escapes Harford. Visit Harford, Mindy Schneider, VisitHarford.com, mindy@visitharford.com
Howard County
This winter check out Howard County indoor free or almost free activities. From seasonal activities at Robinson Nature Center to the historic railroad at B&O Railroad in Old Ellicott City. There is so much to see and new while visiting Howard County, Maryland! Visit Howard County, Crystal Abrom, visithowardcountytourism.com, crystal@howardcountytourism.com
Kent County (MD)
Arts. Birding. Trails. Cozy B&Bs. A winter getaway with all of the ingredients for a warm and cozy, cultural, and invigorating experience. From Chestertown’s A & E District happenings to the walking trails of Eastern Neck Island, you will find plenty to do. Or you may want to cozy up in front of a roaring fire at a favorite B&B. Visit Kent County on MD’s Eastern Shore. Kent County Tourism, Jana Carter, KentCounty.com, jcarter@kentgov.org
Talbot County
There is no better way to celebrate Valentine’s Day than by hearing iconic singer Art Garfunkel at Easton’s Avalon Theater. The Grammy-nominated Po’ Ramblin’ Boys are coming to the Stoltz Listening Room. And the family-friendly Chesapeake Fire & Ice Festival brings spectacular ice sculptures and fire performances to Easton. Talbot County Office of Tourism, Cassandra M. Vanhooser, TourTalbot.org, cvanhooser@talbotcountymd.gov
Wicomico County
Admire artwork at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury Art Space and the Salisbury University Art Galleries. Visitors can also attend events at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center, which hosts family events, concerts and more. Wicomico County Tourism, Vanessa Junkin, WicomicoTourism.org,vjunkin@wicomicocounty.org
PENNSYLVANIA
Altoona
Build your Blair County Bucket list and enjoy our indoor recreation facilities! We’re home of Slinky Action Zone, indoor play park and arcade themed around the Toy Slinky made in Blair County. Or play indoor glow-in-the-dark mini-golf at Tilt Studio inside the Logan Valley Mall. Play inside and stay warm. Explore Altoona, Jennifer Fleck, explorealtoona.com, jfleck@explorealtoona.com
Bradford County
Grab your popcorn! Restored theaters across Bradford County are perfect to spend a winter evening catching first run films and special presentations like National Theater Live on a cold day! The Sayre Theatre, Rialto Theater and Keystone Theater are restored movie houses offering audiences nostalgic settings for great movies. Bradford County Tourism Promotion Agency, Morgan Christopher, VisitBradfordCounty.com, info@visitbradfordcounty.com
Butler County
Enjoy outdoor adventure during the winter months at Moraine State Park, Pennsylvania’s third largest state park. Visitors can enjoy activities like sledding, snowmobiling, hiking, and cross-country skiing. Pleasant Valley and Sunken Garden trails are groomed for cross-country skiing when snow conditions permit and are suitable for all skill levels. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, VisitButlerCounty.com, tiffany@visitbutlercounty.com
Central Pennsylvania
Enjoy the beauty of a fresh coating of snow on the ridge tops in Rothrock State Forest. Find adventure on the slopes with a visit to Tussey Mountain where skiing and tubing are available all winter long. A very family friendly attraction. Happy Valley Adventure Bureau, Edward Stoddard, visitpennstate.org, edwards@visitpennstate.org
Endless Mountains
The Winter Film Festival at the Dietrich Theatre in the heart of Tunkhannock offers three weeks of independent, art house and foreign film favorites for audiences. Over a weekend, visitors can catch up on first run favorites and Oscar hopefuls at this Endless Mountains cultural arts center. Endless Mountains Visitors Bureau, Morgan Christopher, EndlessMountains.org, sales@endlessmountains.org
Erie
Experience AWEsome! Erie winters are packed with snowy adventures and warm hospitality! Enjoy downhill and cross country skiing, tubing, snow shoeing, snowboarding, ice sailing, ice fishing, OHL hockey, NBA G-League basketball, birding and sledding! Wine and Dine to end your day at a local restaurant, winery or brewery. VisitErie, Christine Temple, VisitErie.com, cvb1@visiterie.com
Lancaster County
Lancaster County’s hot theater scene provides a great winter warm-up, from the Broadway-caliber performances of the Fulton to the inspirational epics at Sight & Sound to the great acting & great food at Dutch Apple to the state-of-the-art productions & concerts at American Music Theatre, and many more! Discover Lancaster, Joel Cliff, DiscoverLancaster.com, jcliff@discoverlancaster.com
Lehigh Valley
Cure cabin fever with a dose of color. At the Crayola Experience, you can explore more than 25 hands-on attractions spread throughout four floors of fun. Create a crayon with your name on the wrapper, watch your artistic creations digitally come to life, and more. Discover Lehigh Valley, Kaitie Burger, DiscoverLehighValley.com, kaitie@discoverlehighvalley.com
Laurel Highlands
A winter wonderland of fun awaits in Pennsylvania’s Laurel Highlands! Spend a day shredding the slopes or explore mountaintop trails on a snowmobile, then snuggle fireside after a day of snow tubing, sledding, and snowballs at one of our winter resorts. Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, Anna Weltz, laurelhighlands.org, aweltz@laurelhighlands.org
Philadelphia
Philadelphia has plenty of great events to enjoy while the weather is cold. The Philadelphia Auto Show is always a popular event each year. And, the Philadelphia Flower is always the perfect sample of what the spring will bring. Visit Philadelphia, Daniel Davis, VisitPhilly.com, daniel@visitphilly.com
Pocono Mountains
The Poconos’ six ski resorts offer skiing, snowboarding and snow tubing. Or, warm up in one of our 84-degree indoor water parks! Our nine state and two national parks offer snowshoeing, ice skating and cross-country skiing. Winter hikes and eagle watching are popular – as are horseback, sleigh, UTV and dog sledding rides! Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, PoconoMountains.com, bstrunk@poconos.org
Potter County – Tioga County
After a day playing on slopes and trails, head to Pop’s Culture Shoppe, home of unique board, card and skill games, for a night of indoor fun! Offering old favorite and new board, card and skill games, Pop’s offers Friday Game Nights and classes in chess and other strategy games. Visit Potter-Tioga, Morgan Christopher, VisitPotterTioga.com, morgan@visitpottertioga.com
Reading, Berks County
Get toasty this winter at a glassblowing demonstration at the GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Bask in the warmth of the hot glass studio as you marvel at this age old art. Afterward, get cozy at The Speckled Hen, an 18th-century log home turned eatery serving hearty pub fare. Pennsylvania’s Americana Region, Lisa Haggerty, VisitPaAmericana.com, lisa@visitpaamericana.com
VIRGINIA
Alexandria
Minutes from Washington, D.C., historic Alexandria, Virginia is bustling with energy and endless things to do, and the fun doesn’t stop when the weather is less than ideal. Winter is the perfect time to visit historic sites, tour the Torpedo Factory Art Center or cozy up in a coffee shop. Visit Alexandria, Leah Spellamn,VisitAlexandriaVA.com, lspellman@visitalexva.com
Arlington
Wintry temps doesn’t mean staying in the hotel while visiting Arlington. Here, beat the cold by checking out an array of visual and performing arts. Expand your horizons with a cooking class at Cookology or Lebanese Taverna Market. And of course, you can still enjoy winter activities with indoor ice skating at Medstar Capitals Iceplex – home of the Washington Capitals. Arlington Convention & Visitors Service, Cara O’Donnell, StayArlington.com, codonnell@arlingtonva.us
Fairfax County
Lace up those skates at Reston’s iconic pavilion ice rink or stay warm by exploring one of the world’s most fascinating air and space museums. Cozy up with Virginia wine or see a show at Wolf Trap’s intimate winter venue, The Barns. No matter the weather, fun is around every corner. Visit Fairfax, AliMorris, FXVA.com, amorris@fxva.com
Fredericksburg Region (Spotsylvania, Stafford and Fredericksburg)
The FredericksBURRRG region has great places to warm up. Start at A. Smith Bowman Distillery for award winning Isaac Bowman Port Barrel Finished Bourbon and take it to one of the cozy B&Bs in downtown or a cottage at Stevenson Ridge while you sip in front of the fireplace with a good book or your sweetie. Fredericksburg Region, Debbie Aylor, VisitFred.com, daylor@spotsylvania.va.us
Giles County, VA
A playground for your next adventure. Visit Giles to explore mountaintop resorts, including Mountain lake Lodge or experience unique dining adventures, like The Palisades Restaurant, The Bad Apple, or Bluegrass BBQ. Giles is Virginia’s Mountain Playground and your adventure destination with the New River, Appalachian Trail, scenic byways, and wilderness experiences! Giles County, VA Tourism, Cora Gnegy, VirginiasMtnPlayground.com, cgnegy@gilescounty.org
Harrisonburg
When there’s cold weather outside, head to Harrisonburg and warm up by sampling the latest microbrews on tap at our five downtown breweries. Enjoy special events like homebrew classes and live music at The Friendly Fermenter or grab a seat by the fire at Pale Fire Brewing Company. Harrisonburg Tourism & Visitor Services, Jessica Williams, VisitHarrisonburgVA.com, jessica.williams@harrisonburgva.gov
Lynchburg
It’s always the hidden places that are the coziest. Givens Books is one of those places. Inside, choose from thousands of books, games for all ages in their Little Dickens section, or visit their Drowsy Poet Cafe’ for a hot mocha as you warm up with a new book. Lynchburg Office of Economic Development & Tourism, Krista Boothby, LynchburgVirginia.org, krista.boothby@lynchburgva.gov
Norfolk
The mild weather and walkability of Norfolk’s neighborhoods means less time in the chill and more moments enjoying craft cocktails and the wide array of cultural dishes on our historic Restaurant Row. Get inspired inside free art museums, delight in waterfront sunsets and cozy up at an outdoor firepit. VisitNorfolk, Sarah Hughes, VisitNorfolk.com, shughes@visitnorfolktoday.com
Orange County, VA
While the vines at Orange County’s wineries have gone dormant for the winter, the tasting rooms are warm and cozy, making this a wonderful time for a wine excursion and a relaxing stay at our Inns to unwind from the holidays and reconnect with the ones you love. Orange County, Virginia Tourism, Lori Landes-Carter, VisitOrangeVirginia, Lcarter@orangecountyva.gov
Prince William County
Plan a cozy weekend at The Inn at Evergreen, a Civil War Era mansion nestled at the foot of Bull Run Mountain. Spend the weekend enjoying nearby attractions like The Winery at La Grange, The Farm Brewery at Broad Run and Trummer’s Wine & Coffee Bar. Prince William County Office of Tourism, Nicole Warner, VisitPWC.com, nwarner@pwcgov.org
Richmond
Cold weather calls for indoor activities and the Richmond region has plenty of Eatertainment options. Kick things off with a shuffleboard match and cocktails at Tang & Biscuit. Walk over to Slingshot Social Game Club for some retro games like duckpin bowling and ultimate bocce. End the evening with dinner and a game of putt putt at Hotel Greene. Richmond Region Tourism, Meghan Gearino, VisitRichmondVa.com, mgearino@visitrichmondva.com
Shenandoah County
Just two hours From DC, Shenandoah County is the place to get away and enjoy skiing, snowboarding, plus a variety of other adventures: Ice skating, guided snowshoeing tours, horseback riding, and snow tubing. There are also locally owned restaurants, B&B’s and cozy wine tasting rooms to escape the cold. Shenandoah County Tourism, Jenna French, VisitShenandoahCounty.com, jfrench@shenandoahcountyva.us
About the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance
The Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) is a cohesive unit of regional tourism partners encompassing Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The group serves travel journalists by creating a regional resource that ignores geographical boundaries to better promote common threads, offering story ideas about the MidAtlantic region as a whole. For more information, visit MATPRA.org.
