Dec 2015 recreation news

Recreation THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF RECGOV.ORG & GOVEmPLOyEE.COm December 2015 Volume 33/Number 12

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recreationnews.com I december 2015 I recreation news 3

editor’s note I marvin bond

Filling a Christmas stocking

Holiday gift-giving has become a major preoccupation for Americans and the “success” of the season seems to be measured in cash register receipts. Even most holiday movies set the tone with presents piled around a tree. Yet, there was a time when the Christmas stocking was the main purveyor of holiday cheer. Indeed, the season’s most famous poem depicts Santa Claus filling stockings to bring Christmas joy. Even Dr. Seuss’s grumpy

Grinch concerns himself with stealing the “Whos” stockings to ruin their celebration.

In today’s gift-centric holiday celebrations, is there still a place for the lowly stocking? What can you really cram into a sock, even a long one?

Aside from the obvious fruits and nuts and candy, there are some great goodies to be lovingly shared in a Christmas stocking.

Stockings are great receptacles for tickets to events. It doesn’t matter whether the recipient is an opera lover or a sports fan, a ticket to a play, concert, or game is a gift that keeps on giving.

First, there is the joy of opening the surprise, then the anticipation until the event date arrives, then the enjoyment of the event itself, and finally, the memories created and stored.

Of course, there are plenty of other kinds of tickets to share. An airline ticket to a favorite destination or bucket list location fits the bill, as does a reservation confirmation for a getaway. Again, it doesn’t matter if it’s an overnight at a downtown hotel or a weekend at a fancy resort, you have the luxury of choice (and likely won’t have to worry about the gift being returned).

Over the past year, we’ve featured hundreds of destinations and thousands of events in the pages of Recreation News. This being our December ski issue, I’d be remiss in not including lift tickets or slope-side rooms in my stocking stuffer suggestions. You can access back issues of the publication in the archive at RecreationNews.com for plenty of other ideas.

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We often talk of the benefits of a gift of travel, including the anticipation, enjoyment, and memories it creates. It can be a family vacation, romantic getaway, or even a day trip. What better time to share such a gift than the holidays? And, what better place to deliver the surprise than from the “stocking hung by the mantle with care”?

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publisher’s note I karl teel

A Christmas wish for you

What to give for a Christmas gift? Gifts are a joyful thing, so giving — as well as deciding what to give — should have meaning and not be painful.

But, reality often steps in and makes things a bit harder.

I’ve discovered some of these realities, as I am hopelessly out of touch with what clothing styles, music, or trendy items would make my kids happy. Maybe I could get somewhere in the ballpark, but why go through the pain of a crowded mall to get something they’ll likely want to return because I got the wrong color or size? Then they, too, are stuck in those lines at the mall.

I admit, I take the cop-out and just give cash.

It is, after all, something they always need more of, and parity among the kids is easily solved that way.

Then there’s the reverse. “Hey, Dad, what can I

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On our cover A skier gets air at Shawnee Mountain’s Bushkill Terrain Park. (Shawnee Mountain)

TABLE OF CONTENTS 4 ~ Editor’s Note 5 ~ Publisher’s Note 6 ~ Family Travel 8 ~ Travel Line 10 ~ Cruise Corner 12 ~ Charitable Choices 14 ~ Holiday potters’ tour 16 ~ Civil War in Carroll County 16 ~ Front Royal Civil War Trail 18 ~ Tucker County winter sports 22 ~ Massanutte means winter fun 24 ~ Calendar of events 28 ~ Split your fun at Split Rock 29 ~ New at Shawnee Mountain 30 ~ Nearby Pennsylvania skiing 32 ~ A Maryland mountain winter 34 ~ Ski trends 35 ~ Mid-Atlantic ski chart 36 ~ Adventures in Taste 37 ~ Wine Doctor

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get you for Christmas?” This is also a challenge. I try to stop buying things a few months prior to the holidays to create a legitimate wish list. The reality, at this stage in life, is that I have fewer material needs and more money. Frankly, if I want it and it’s not much money, I buy it. If it’s a lot of money, well, I’d love a Ferrari, but it’s too pricey for the gift list.

What a parent of grown children really wants is their time. The visit means more than the gift.

Nothing beats family vacation time, even in small doses.

How about a gift that says, “Dad, I know you can buy whatever you want. I want to give you a stroll on the beach, just you and I, or I want to sit by a campfire and hear about (whatever) with you,” perhaps with a commitment to time and place.

That’s the kind of gift a parent loves.

Alternatively, there is also the gift of letting me know they are developing well. Don’t give me something. Instead, divert it to a charity.

What parents wouldn’t be thrilled to have their child donate to a worthy cause in their name? It would show compassion, thought, and responsibility. They made it as adults, not just in survival, but in mission. I can’t imagine the joy of a card saying, “Thanks for giving me a good start. In your honor, I have decided to donate the amount of … to feed the poor. I know that’s always been important to you.”

My wish to my readers is similar to my wish for my family. May the holiday season, Christmas for me and whatever holiday tradition you prefer, be filled with love and celebration. May you find opportunities to share time together and joy that brings.

My life’s work, in addition to raising my children, has been to share with you, the reader, ideas for adventures and getaways — not just to see the world and its fascinating beauty, but to be a conduit of adventure to share with those you love. Merry Christmas.

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recreationnews.com I december 2015 I recreation news 5

family travel I ami neiberger-miller

Take a whirl this winter: Enjoy outdoor ice skating Outdoor skating can be magical.

The outdoor ice rinks in this roundup provide plenty of options. All of them are near restaurants, shopping, and other amenities, so if your toes get too cold, it’s not hard to warm up with cup of hot chocolate or a tasty snack.

Outdoor rinks in the metro area are open from November through mid-March, weather permitting.

Many rinks are open on the holidays, too. Check on rink hours and availability before heading out for a whirl around the ice.

WASHINGTON, D.C. u The National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden Ice Rink is between the NGA’s East and West buildings and across the street from the National Archives (Constitution Avenue at Seventh Street NW) and offers lessons and lots of inspired skating. Warm up at the Pavilion Café (closed in January) over hot chocolate, delicate pastries, and sandwiches. u The Washington Harbour Ice Rink in Georgetown (3000 K St. NW) is huge at 11,800 square feet. Take

a spin around this rink for views of the Potomac and Theodore Roosevelt Island. Weekly skating events include Two for Tuesday, College Night Skate, Cartoon Skate on Saturdays, and Rock ‘n’ Skate on Saturday nights. Little ones can lean on a sturdy “penguin” as they learn to balance on blades. u The Canal Park on the riverfront lets you cruise its elliptical 12,000-square-foot rink located at Second and M streets SE. This rink offers thematic sessions, learn-toskate lessons, and a full bar at the Park Tavern for post-skate refreshments.

MARYLAND u Rockville Town Square (131 Gibbs St.) offers outdoor ice skating and even extends its hours when schools are out. Lessons for children and adults are offered. The rink is 7,200 square feet and the largest in Montgomery County. u Veterans Plaza in downtown Silver Spring (8523 Fenton St.) offers ice skating outside at slightly lower rates than many of the other rinks in the Washington area. Enjoy an outdoor skate in easily accessible downtown Silver Spring. u Outdoor skating is fun at Glen Burnie Town Center (103C Crain Highway N). The rink offers a topunch discount card. Skate school

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6 recreation news I december 2015 I recreationnews.com

and birthday parties available. u Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis (600 Quiet Waters Park Road) boasts a family-centered county-run outdoor rink. Helmets and walkers are available for novices and they will even sharpen your skates on-site.

Not open on Tuesdays unless there is a school break.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA u Pentagon Row (1201 S. Joyce St., Arlington, Va.) is recently renovated and now has an expanded ice rink.

Skaters are sure to delight in “Snow on the Row,” which puts snow nightly on the rink at 6:30pm and 8:30pm, Dec. 7–Jan. 1. An outdoor dual-sided stone fireplace lets you lounge rinkside. u Reston Town Center’s outdoor ice skating pavilion (1818 Discovery St.) is beautifully lit and offers plenty of fun, including themed events such as College Skate Night (Thursdays), Rock ‘n’ Skate (Fridays), and Cartoon Skate (Saturdays). Enjoy a birthday party at the rink. Stroll nearby to see a movie, go shopping, or get a bite to eat. u The Harris Pavilion (9201 Center St.) in downtown Manassas offers skating and rentals, as well as lessons. A special secret: The rink offers “free skate” on Wednesdays from 6:00–8:00pm and skate rentals are only $4.

family event

Ice lovers will enjoy the five ice slides, chilly temperatures (in an attraction kept at a balmy 9 degrees), and 2 million pounds of ice sculptures within National Harbor’s annual holiday attraction. In a retelling of the classic television special Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town, ICE! shares the story of how Santa Claus started giving toys to good girls and boys. The event, scheduled for Nov. 12–Jan. 3, has moved to the Orchard Terrace. Enter through the Village of the North Pole in the hotel’s exhibit hall. Reduced pricing is available during offpeak hours. (christmasonthepotomac.com) — ami neiberger-miller

FREE IN D.C.

Celebrate the holiday season at the National Christmas Tree and Pathway of Peace on the Ellipse near the White House with nightly performances. (thenationaltree.org) … Model train lovers will enjoy the Norwegian Christmas Train Display at Union Station (unionstationdc.com) and the outdoor train garden at the United States Botanic Garden. (usbg.gov) … Marvel at the lighted animal figures and live music in the ZooLights program at the National Zoo. (nationalzoo.si.edu) — gwen woolf

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recreationnews.com I december 2015 I recreation news 7

travel line I carol timblin

AREA’S Christmas options promise special yule memories for families Busch Gardens Williamsburg has transformed into a Christmas wonderland, thanks to 8 million lights, candlelit shops and restaurants, and elaborate decorations in the villages of England, Ireland, Scotland, France, and Germany. The aromas and sounds of Christmas fill the air, as shoppers look for one-of-a-kind gifts in the villages.

Busch Gardens also is home to the 45-foot-tall “O’ Tannenbaum,” the largest LED Christmas tree in Virginia. There are regular performances of Scrooge No More! at the Globe Theatre, as well as the Christmas show Gloria!, featuring a live orchestra and choruses, at the Abbey Stone Theatre. Families may dine and have photos taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus, then shop at his North Pole workshop.

Christmas at Busch Gardens continues through Jan. 3. (seaworldparks.com/buschgardens) Elsewhere in Williamsburg, snow began falling at Great Wolf Lodge in late November and will continue through early January, as families gather to celebrate Christmas.

Great Wolf Lodge’s Grand Lobby has been transformed into Snowland, featuring elaborate holiday decorations, musical concerts, visits and pictures with Santa, life-size ginger-

bread houses, and special activities such as story times around the big fireplace. Children may drop their letters to Santa in the lobby’s official mailbox through Dec. 24, and those who complete activities at North Pole University receive a “Snowploma” and a limited-edition Reindeer Rowdy trading card.

New to the resort this year is Snowland Suites, decorated with garlands, lights, and a full-size holiday tree. Each suite comes with a complimentary copy of Great Wolf’s winter storybook, and a Great Wolf Kids character delivers milk and cookies one evening during each stay.

The resort offers a variety of dining experiences, ranging from breakfast buffets to pizzas to grilled steaks. There’s also a plethora of regular activities to pursue, including splashing in the huge indoor water park, bowling, playing arcade games, hiking indoors around the lodge, going on a special “Quest,” creating a stuffed animal, having a 4-D experience, and more. Kids can choose mani/pedi treatments (with their choice of ice cream) at Scooops Kid Spa, while grown-ups will enjoy facials and massages at Elements Spa Salon. Christmas shopping is fun at Great Wolf Lodges, too. (greatwolflodge.com)

n VLM’S ‘HOLIDAY MAGIC’

Virginia Living Museum is celebrating 50 years of its mission to protect what’s precious and is presenting the “Star of Wonder: Mystery of the Christmas Star.” The “Holiday Magic” laser show brings the spirit of the season to the Newport News area. Daytime shows run through Dec. 21. There are special evening shows Dec. 12 and 19.

The laser light show is paired with music ranging from “Joy to the World” to “Jingle Bell Rock” and is sure to engage visitors of all ages. (thevlm.org)

At the Fenwick Inn our motto is relax, refresh, and recharge.

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ICE! at Gaylord National Resort Gaylord National Resort’s ICE! is in full splendor at the National Harbor. This year’s brand new theme celebrates the 45th anniversary of the television classic Santa Claus Is Comin’ Town.

Upon arrival, guests step into a Christmas town square featuring holiday decorations, items for sale, a hot chocolate stand, Santa’s sleigh, and a new carousel ride. Gaylord’s winter wonderland is made of 5,000 blocks of ice hand-sculpted by 40 artisans from Harbin in China’s Heilongjiang Province and kept at 9 degrees Fahrenheit.

The 15,000-square-foot interactive attraction allows guests to wander about the holiday scenes in oversized winter coats, compliments of the resort. (You get a warm parka to wear, but don’t forget to bring your own hat and gloves.)

During the holidays, the hotel lobby’s 60-foot synthetic Tree of Light, made of “candy” glass, is the focus of a 15-minute show featuring lights and a dancing fountain coordinated with Christmas music (through Jan. 3). Families are invited to Brunch With Santa (Dec. 13–20), plus they can take photos with Santa, enjoy the Gingerbread Decorating Corner sponsored by Peeps, ride on the Potomac Express Train Ride, and participate in an Elf on the Shelf Scavenger Hunt. (christmasonthepotomac.com)

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holiday magic has also come to Hersheypark in Hershey, Pa. The SooperDooperLooper, Laff Trakk, Wildcat, and Cocoa Cruiser coasters take visitors on exhilarating rides, and Rudolph’s Skating Pond is crowded with ice skaters. Santa commands the center spotlight at Santa’s Candy Cottage on Kissing Tower Hill, and he and Mrs. Claus join visitors for breakfast at Hersheypark Place. And, if you want to see Santa with his live reindeer, visit Santa’s Reindeer Stables.

Other enjoyable activities at Hersheypark include A Music Box Christmas: The Littlest Tree at the Music Box Theatre, Christmas Candylane Storytime at The Cookie Workshop, and “Our Friends from the Sea” at the Aquatheatre. Christmas Candylane at Hersheypark continues through Dec. 30, while Hershey Sweet Lights, featuring animated displays and 600 lights on a 2-mile drive near the park, continues through Jan. 1. (hersheypark.com) During the holidays, The Hotel Hersey, a four-diamond property, is offering some enticing packages.

The Christmas in Hershey Package and the Breakfast with Santa Package include deluxe accommodations, one-day admission to Hersheypark Christmas Candyland, admission for one vehicle to Hershey Sweet Lights, seasonal admission to Hershey Gardens, and admission to The Hershey Story Museum Experience.

The Christmas in Hershey Package, offered through Dec. 29, also includes milk and cookies for four on the night of arrival. The Breakfast with Santa Package, offered Fridays and Saturdays through Dec. 20, includes the breakfast buffet with Santa Claus. Packages are priced per room and based on availability. (hersheypa.com)

Add an Oceanfront Stay to your New Year’s Eve Package for just $99 (plus tax)

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Christmas at The Omni Homestead Resort Named by Southern Living as the No. 1 resort for Christmas away from home, The Omni Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va., is the perfect venue for getting into the holiday spirit.

The resort, which dates to 1761, is swathed in twinkling lights and features an ice skating rink and heated outdoor pool and whirlpool. Santa’s Workshop is abuzz with activities, as families shop for gifts and children write letters to Santa and have their pictures taken with the jolly old elf. Guests can also enjoy hayrides through Candy Cane Lane, which features giant gingerbread figures, candy canes, gumdrops, and lollipops.

Nineteenth-century skaters and carolers, animated swans, and reindeer can be found in The

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Omni Homestead’s Victorian Village and Reindeer Lane, while Toyland features huge animated toy soldiers, a jack-in-the-box, rocking horses, gift boxes, and starbursts. Guests gather around the popular fire pit for hot chocolate and s’mores. In addition, special holiday activities are planned for Dec. 24–Jan. 1. (omnihotels.com)

‘Holiday Cheer’ at The Greenbrier The Greenbrier, in White Sulphur Springs, W.Va., continues its “60 Spectacular Days of HoliSpend an afternoon cycling day Cheer” celebration through Jan. 1. along winding country roads Serving guests since 1778, the resort hotel is or exploring scenic, forested lavishly withPark. live greenery, lights, and paths at decorated Tuckahoe State shiny ornaments. Guests enjoy ice skating under the stars, seeing tree lightings every Saturday until Christmas, and touring the grounds via horsedrawn carriage or a trolley pulled by a Jeep. Santa

is on hand for visits and photos Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 19.

Light Out of Darkness, a musical featuring music and scripture, continues in The Greenbrier Chapel through Dec. 25. Featured dining events at the resort include the Holiday Wine Tasting, the Christmas Eve Gingerbread Ball, and the Holiday Mixology Class. Other interesting events during the holidays are the Behind the Scenes Tour of the resort, the Art Alive Canvas Creation Workshop, and the Young Wizards Workshop.

The holiday celebration at The Greenbrier will culminate on New Year’s Eve with four different parties, including one for children and a traditional black-tie party for adults featuring dinner and dancing. (greenbrier.com) Carol Timblin welcomes travel news at ctimblin@ gmail.com.

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RUISE

orner michelle & karl teel

c c RUISE orner c c

A Locaboat Holiday Makes Great Memories Floating through Holland’s canals as captain of your own yacht What does your favorite vacation involve? Relaxation? Adventure? Learning? Time together?

Perhaps it’s a balanced mix of all of these. If so, we have a solution that covers the waterfront: A Locaboat (locaboat.com) holiday spent cruising the canals of Europe and visiting some small villages, as well as marquee cities, along the way.

You get to captain your own canal yacht and choose from many options for your itinerary. You don’t necessarily need to know a lot about boating to do this. They train you on the basics and the boat is built like a virtual floating bumper car, no doubt the product of experience on their part.

Our boat, the Nieuwegein, a 14-meter-long vessel, was equipped with a flying bridge, allowing us to steer from above or below. It’s a perfect solution for any situation and weather. Inside was a surprising amount space, including four staterooms, three full bathrooms, a kitchen equipped with stove and refrigerator, and a living room/dining room/ lounge area that was great for family dining or sitting around playing cards and games or reviewing maps.

The top deck contained an upper dining table and a pilot station, as well as storage for our five bicycles. In the bow, an outdoor seating area and table provided a front-row seat to the views.

Good heat and abundant hot water are all part

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of this self-contained craft. It holds several days’ supply of water for five adults and we could refill at any marina. There is no need to worry about fuel because the large tanks hold a three-week supply. Daily cruising keeps the massive batteries charged.

Mechanically, the craft is quite simple. The lowrevving diesel just putts along at about 6 knots, and, best of all, there are bow thrusters, small motors that nudge the bow of the boat to the left or right, which is vital for tight conditions.

Insider tip: Insist on good training for docking with several practice attempts and really familiarize yourself with procedures for bridges and locks.

It’s also important to always have a navigator with the captain because you can’t drive and review maps at the same time. Set a game plan of where to stay each night to pace out the trip and get the best accommodations. Plan some sites to see in advance, but leave buffers in your schedule for weather.

The boating experience Boating skills and planning aside, what makes this trip so much fun for families and so popular in Europe and the U.K.? To us, it is very similar to camping in an RV except your RV is a canal yacht.

And, the trip is really more like “glamping,” because you don’t need to pack up any gear. Dishes, pots and pans, towels, sheets, glassware, bikes (for a fee), a private room, indoor dining, and outdoor dining (if you choose a yacht with that option) are all part of the package.

This is a vacation which, like camping, allows for great family togetherness. In this age of almost everyone being techno-obsessed (most especially our teens, tweens, and young adults), or at the very least attached to our electronic devices, this is a vacation that gives everyone a chance to unplug and truly get away from it all while experiencing Europe with all of its stunning beauty and culture. This is a vacation that will never be forgotten, while the cost of renting the yacht is quite affordable when one compares it to a vacation to Europe, the U.K., or even Disney World. Those kinds of grand vacations can be quite pricey when you add up hotel lodging, transportation, meals, and visiting attractions.

For instance, a quick look at the Internet shows that a middle-of-the-road vacation for a family of four to Disney World costs approximately $4,000, not including transportation (plane fare and a rental car). That is approximately equal to what you would pay for a week-long high-season canal yacht vacation in France, Italy, or Holland on a yacht that sleeps six to seven people. Grandmother and grandfather can go along, too! You and your family can see the real world for the same amount you would pay to experience Disney World!

Staying in a hotel cannot hold a candle to the ability to cook all of your own meals (if you de-

sire), shower in your own bathroom, and lounge inside or out, all the while cruising by amazing scenery and biking through enchanting little towns. People like to be outside to enjoy the peace of the outdoors, hear the sounds of birds singing, smell the scent of newly mown hay or the perfume of a thousand wildflowers, feel the breeze, and breathe in the fresh air. And, the sights you will see will blow you away.

Multiple windmills from centuries past are just around the corner. Bucolic fields of green dotted with sheep, cows, and goats will steal your heart.

The charm of the little towns or the friendly Dutch lockkeeper, bridgekeeper, or marina owner will fill you full of wonder. The Dutch are very warm, friendly, and helpful, and the smaller towns are incredibly delightful. Pulling the yacht over, tying up to a mooring spot on the side of the canal (every town has several places to do so), and hopping on your bike to pedal through town on the designated bike lanes (everyone bicycles in Holland, including school children) is quite safe and more fun than you can imagine.

A bicycle ride across the little bridge we just passed under and through the winding streets to visit to the unique shops and large gothic churches was great exercise to burn off the calories from the village bakery’s delicious pastries. Picking up extra provisions is easy at the town supermarket, wine store, or souvenir shop. Restaurants and sidewalk cafes are great places to sit, relax, and watch the locals go about their business. We even saw a man walking through town in an old-fashioned pair of wooden clogs.

some windmills and splendid summer homes for the wealthy, but before we knew it we were passing through a series of 13 bridges. We calculated their clearances from the maps and learned that we could clear each (by as little as an inch and a half).

Amsterdam is a fascinating city rich in history, worthy of more than a night’s stay.

We will cover Amsterdam and the other towns we visited, including Gouda, our side trip to Belgium, more about the canal yacht experience, and other available itineraries in next month’s issue.

Interested about finding out more about Locaboat holidays and the canal yachting experience? Check out locaboat.com or email info@ locaboat.com. Bon voyage!

Michelle Teel

Our Dutch itinerary Our itinerary covered southern Holland. Fighting jet lag, we taxied to the Holland Locaboat base (just a 30-minute drive from the airport) with a stop at the grocery store along the way to quickly pick up a few provisions. On arrival, we received our tutorial and were on our way. We did a short distance that first day, passing one lock and a few bridges, then spent the night in Weesp, a sleepy little Dutch town where we could buy some wine and cheese and found a delightful French restaurant. It was a nice introduction to what we would experience in the coming week.

Following a much-needed rest, we were off to Amsterdam. In the beginning, we glided past

Canals, windmills, bicycles, and boats; each is a daily part of a canal boat vacation in Holland.

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We provide support that every young person deserves By stepping in at a critical time in a young person’s life, Alternative House transforms the lives of young people and helps them make positive decisions.

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Join UUSC to protect human rights and promote social justice. For more than 75 years, we have grown through the generosity of thousands who share our vision of a world free from oppression and injustice. UUSC’s innovative approaches and measurable impact — in responding to humanitarian disasters, protecting the environment and bolstering economic justice — are grounded in the belief that all people have inherent power, dignity and rights.

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How do you choose charities to support during the holidays?

Choosing charities to support If you work for the federal government, a good way to screen charities is to focus on those that are part of the federal charity drive, the Combined Federal Campaign. All of these charities must meet 10 accountability standards, such as having an annual audit.

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“Charity Search.” You can get basic information about thousands of charities, including a short description of what they do and the percentage they spend on administration and fundraising.

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But while it has now looked at thousands of charities, this is still a very small percentage of all charities.

Still another source is the Better Business Bureau’s Give Wisely website, Give.org. It has a list of several hundred charities that have met its “Charity Seal” criteria for accountability.

All of this is good information. It helps you know that you’re not giving your money to an organiza-

Effectiveness is also important You should also know that these services that focus on accountability and governance still don’t tell you some of the most important things to know about charities, according to Tina Rosenburg, a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist, formerly with the New York Times.

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culture I gwen woolf

Potters’ Holiday Studio Tour Shaping Up in Shenandoah County Potter Susie Morgan Wilburn’s bright orange house looks like it could be one of the fairy houses she designs. It’s technically a shade of yellow, according to the SherwinWilliams’ paint chart, she says. In any case, the 100-year-old home in Toms Brook, Va., makes a bold statement. Her place isn’t called Laughing Orange Studio for nothing.

“You can see it from Google

Earth,” she claims. “Color makes me happy.”

The enchantment continues as you walk into her backyard studio past a koi pond and a terra cotta container with a miniature fairy garden.

Her pet rabbit, Tang, hops around the studio in welcome. Wilburn’s whimsical plates and bowls, which she terms “fun and functional,” often feature bunnies or tiny frogs — each

figure is different.

Formerly in the printing industry, Wilburn discovered her niche in recent years in the artisan community.

“Finally, I found my people,” she says.

Wilburn’s studio will be one of the stops on the third annual Holiday Studio Tour hosted by five potters in Shenandoah County Dec. 5–6, 11:00am–5:00pm. It’s an opportunity to see the interesting places where the creative process takes place, compare artistic styles, talk with the artists, shop for unique gifts, and revel in the glorious valley scenery.

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Refreshments from local wineries, farmers markets, and restaurants will be available.

The potters are just a few of the members of the O Shenandoah County Artisan Trail, which showcases an amazing array of artisan studios and galleries, agri-artisan farms, restaurants, lodgings, and points of interest. (Pick up a brochure that lists them all; note that some studios are open by appointment only.) The self-guided trail is tied together by Route 11 (or I-81) from Strasburg to New Market. The Shenandoah Trail is part of the Artisans Center of Virginia’s regional trail network.

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Kary Haun, of Woodstock, one of the early proponents of the artisan trail, will be another of the potters welcoming visitors during the Holiday Studio Tour. Behind her large home, its oldest part dating to 1770, is a historic log cabin that houses her studio. Wooden beams, a low ceiling, and a woodstove in the front room gallery provide a comfy atmosphere to look at the displays of Haun’s work on shelves and walls.

Another area serves as her workroom.

Haun, a former high school art teacher, likes customers to have a relationship with her wheel-thrown pieces, which are functional as well continued on page 15

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scarves, photography, paintings, wood art, blown glass, and stained glass.

This is another stop where the building has historic interest. The Jetters built their two-story studio on the back of an 1804 cottage. During the cottage’s renovation, a Civil War sword was found, along with a board with inscriptions on it dating to 1898.

Here are the potters participating in the holiday tour, from north to south on the trail: u Liz Ashe Hollingsworth, Earth Spirits Masks, 105 Crest River Drive, Middletown (earthspiritsmasks.com) u Barbarah Robertson, Barbarah Robertson Pottery, hosted at Pot Town Organics, 181 W. King St., Strasburg (etsy.com/shop/ brobertson pottery) u Susie Wilburn, Laughing Orange Studio, 3397 Hillcrest Drive, Toms Brook (laughingorange.com) u Kary Haun, Kary Haun Studio, 402 N. Main St. (access studio at East North Street), Woodstock (karyhaun.com) u George and Chris Jetter, Chickadees, 9299 N. Congress St., New Market, Sunday only, (chickadeesgallery.com)

continued from page 14 as pretty. She wants her work to be used, not just put behind glass. For example, she hopes her coffee cups will be favorites that people reach for every day, or her weighty platters will be those they always pull out for the green beans. Her work — which also includes three-piece coffee brewers (the pottery enhances the flavor, she believes), wine cups, and bowls — often features delicate geranium motifs and multiple glazes.

Chickadees in New Market, owned by George and Chris Jetter, also will be on the tour. Married for 42 years, the couple had careers in operating group homes for the intellectually disabled. Now they’re delighted to pursue their retirement dream of running an art gallery and potter’s workshop.

“This is nothing but fun,” says George Jetter, as he demonstrates shaping a pot on the wheel in his cheery studio.

Attractively displayed in the gallery are the goblets, bowls, pots, casserole dishes, pitchers, mugs, platters, and other items he has created, along with some items made by his wife. They say they purposely keep the prices low so their work is accessible. They also sell works by other local artists, including quilts,

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Learn more Potters’ Tour: Kary Haun, 540-335-0780 Shenandoah Co. Tourism: visitshenandoah.org

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recreationnews.com I december 2015 I recreation news 15

civil war I fran severn-levy

Carroll County featured in driving and walking tours By and large, the Civil War bypassed Carroll County, Md. While there were Union troops in Westminster protecting the Western Maryland Railroad and Union supply lines, the area saw little military presence until late June 1863.

That’s when more than 10,000 Union troops marched through the streets and camped in the surrounding fields. Meanwhile, Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart’s smaller force of cavalry was recon-

noitering for Gen. Robert E. Lee. The results of those two groups discovering each other may have changed the results at Gettysburg.

Three driving and walking tours visit the sites where soldiers marched, civilians watched, and commanders planned. The driving tours, “Roads to Gettysburg,” nicely describe the importance of each stop, focusing as much on the “people stories” as on the military movements.

n HOLIDAY EVENTS RE-CREATE CIVIL WAR CHRISTMASES Soldiers missed their families, but never so much as during holidays. On Dec. 5–6, the Carroll County Farm Museum stages a Civil War Christmas Encampment.

Reenactors demonstrate how living was rough in the winter and how Civil War soldiers celebrated Christmas.

Also during December, the museum invites visitors to enter the Christmas season inspired by the poem A Visit from Nicholas—– the real

title of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas, written in 1823. Decorations and activities are on the schedule, including teas Dec. 3–6 and 10–13. (carrollcountryfarmmuseum.org) Elsewhere, the Christmas Farmers Market, Dec. 5, 12, and 19 at the Carroll County Agricultural Center, features 75 to 100 vendors selling holiday foods, crafts, gifts, greens, and plants. On Dec. 19, there’s also an indoor holiday flea market. (carrollcountyagcenter.com)

There’s the post office in Uniontown where thousands of letters were mailed June 29–30 by Union soldiers who knew they were heading into battle.

For many of them, it was the last letter they would send home. Union Mills Homestead illustrates the deep divisions the conflict created within families. Two branches of the Shriver family lived continued on page 17 Carroll Co. Farm Museum

The Carroll County Farm Museum stages a Civil War Christmas Encampment Dec. 5–6.

civil war I reed hellman

Following the tides of war around Front Royal, Virginia The War Between the States washed across Front Royal, Va., with tide-like frequency. Each year of the conflict saw Union and Confederate

Where 19 -century culture mingles with the ghosts of the Lincoln assassination story. th

9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton, MD 20735 Phone: 301-868-1121 www.surrattmuseum.org

armies marching — or fighting — through the town strategically located at the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley. Today, the exploits of the iconic Stonewall Jackson, notorious Mosby’s Rangers, seductive Belle Boyd, and the events that raged up and down the valley make Front Royal and its environs a choice destination for amateur historians and Civil War aficionados.

The war first came to Front Royal in March 1862 when Union Col. David Hunter Strother, a much reviled “Virginia Yankee,” occupied the town.

Using prominent Massanutten Mountain as cover, Gen. Stonewall Jackson marched his Confederate troopers more than 60 miles in two torrid summer days to attack the Union forces in one of the few urban battles of the war. Fighting from house to house in the town’s streets, the assault led by the First Maryland CSA Regiment overwhelmed troops of the First Maryland USA, under the command of Col. John R. Kenly. The Battle of Front Royal truly was a battle that pitted brother against brother.

Also during that battle, a young woman named Belle Boyd was staying with her relatives who ran the old hotel. Realizing that Jackson was unaware of his opponent’s weakness, and unable to find a man willing to risk crossing the Union lines, she carried the message herself and helped secure a Southern victory. But, a week later, Union Gen. James Shields’ army of 20,000 retook the town.

In the late spring of 1863, two divisions of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia, led

16 recreation news I december 2015 I recreationnews.com

by the Stonewall Brigade, marched through Front Royal on their way from victory at Chancellorsville to their high-water mark at Gettysburg, Pa. After their defeat, they retreated back through Front Royal and delayed a larger Union force east of the town at the Battle of Manassas Gap, or Wapping Heights, considered the last engagement of the Gettysburg Campaign.

Early autumn 1864 brought another Confederate high water mark of sorts. Col. John S. Mosby’s Rangers caused so much havoc harassing Union pickets and outposts in the Shenandoah Valley that U.S. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant issued an order to “hang them without a trial” should any of Mosby’s men be captured.

In September, when pouncing on a Union supply column, Mosby and his raiders blundered in front of the main Union force. Six rangers and a recruit were captured and executed by Union Gen. George Custer. A monument to their memory stands at the entrance to the Prospect Hill Cemetery.

Following history today To follow the course of history at this northern gateway to the Shenandoah Valley, visit the Front Royal Visitors Center on Main Street. Along with a free map and brochure of the Battle of Front Royal driving tour, the visitors center can help locate the continued on page 38

Carroll Co. continued from page 16 there. One brother supported the Union, with sons fighting for the North. The other brother held Confederate sympathies and saw his young son lead Stuart into Pennsylvania.

You’ll stop at the site of a cotton factory where poorly equipped Confederate soldiers gleefully stripped the machinery of its leather belts to repair their worn boots. The elegant Antrim 1844 Inn in Taneytown witnessed the military procession.

Lookouts for Union Gen. George Meade used the widow’s walk to monitor the action at Gettysburg. At

Trinity Lutheran Church, troops used the steeple to send messages by flag and flare during the battle.

Impact on Gettysburg Given the scope and impact of Gettysburg, it’s probably not surprising that the Battle of Westminster is overlooked. But historians often point out the impact of the skirmish on the larger fight.

Stuart and 6,000 cavalry troopers were gathering information about Union troop movements for Lee. As they roamed the countryside, they busied themselves destroying railroad tracks and capturing Union supply trains. Planning to rendezvous with Lee, they passed through Westminster, thinking they were ahead of

the Union forces. To their surprise, they encountered a small group of Union cavalry from Delaware led by Capt. Charles Corbit and Lt. Caleb Churchman.

The 100 Delaware cavalrymen charged through the streets of Westminster toward Stuart’s 6,000 riders in what’s called Corbit’s Charge.

They were quickly defeated, but the skirmish continued long enough to convince Stuart to bivouac overnight in Westminster instead of continuing to Lee. That delay left Lee in the dark about where to distribute his troops,

and some historians think that forced him to fight at Gettysburg instead of another location.

The Corbit’s Charge walking tour stops at significant sites, including the campus of McDaniel College (which was the campsite of the Delaware cavalry), buildings used as hospitals, a house pockmarked by bullet holes, and the churchyard where one of Stuart’s officers is buried.

You can download Civil War brochures from the Carroll County tourism website. (carrollcountytourism. org/brochures)

tthe american civil war museum

W Take a Day? Take a Weekend?

hether your interest is in the causes for Confederacy, the struggle for Union or the fight for Freedom, you’ll find it at The American Civil War Museum. In Richmond and Appomattox.

You need to escape, but not too far away!

Check out exciting holiday events in Carroll County!

CARROLL COUNTY FARM MUSEUM HOLIDAY HOUSE TOUR December 1-20 Mon.-Sat.: 10am-3pm Sundays: Noon-4pm Westminster

18TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF WREATHS November 28-December 6 10am-7pm Carroll Arts Center Westminster

CARROLL COUNTY FARMERS’ MARKET December 5, 12, & 19 8am-2pm Agriculture Center Westminster

Make a Holiday memory! Visit one of our many Christmas Tree farms. See our website for a complete list of locations to find the best Frasier Fir, Douglas Fir, White Pine, or Scotch Pine this season.

800-272-1933 | www.CarrollCountyTourism.org

One great museum. Three distinct locations.

ACWM.ORG recreationnews.com I december 2015 I recreation news 17

ski resorts I matthew graham

Tucker County offers skiing and great fun off the slopes Every skier and snowboarder in the Mid-Atlantic knows about Canaan and Timberline, West Virginia’s adjacent ski resorts in Tucker County. These two resorts feature an amazing 79 trails — 43 at Canaan and 36 at Timberline. The slopes at Canaan are spacious and relaxing — perfect for the intermediate skier or rider. Timberline offers options for the more advanced skier with more than a dozen expert rated slopes, as well as a 2-mile-long beginner trail that weaves through the woods.

However, there is so much more to Tucker County, and if you only go for downhill snow sports, you are missing half the fun.

Cross-country ski opportunities Enjoy a bit of cardio with crosscountry skiing and take in the amazing views of the mountains and meadows of “the Valley.” Situated between the two ski resorts, the White Grass Touring Center features nearly 30 kilometers of groomed

Canaan Valley Resort

Canaan Valley Resort

Heading downhill on one of Canaan Valley Resort’s 43 trails.

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18 recreation news I december 2015 I recreationnews.com

Ice skating is great family fun at Canaan Valley Resort.

cross-country skiing trails. The charming Nordic center offers rentals and instruction for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and telemark, or free-heel, skiing.

Teleskiing is the original form of downhill skiing that involves deep knee bends to initiate turns. It com-

bines both aspects of cross-country and downhill skiing and even allows participants to climb steep terrain by adding removable “skins” to the bottom of skis to grip the snow.

This gives teleskiers the opportunity to explore more than 10,215 back-country acres in Monongahela

National Forest. In addition, Canaan maintains 30 kilometers of crosscountry trails and Timberline has 15 kilometers of dedicated snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails.

And, there’s more. Blackwater Falls State Park features 10 miles of cross-country trails, a touring cen-

ter with rentals and lessons, and the most amazing sledding hill on the East Coast. The 200-foot-high, 1,400-foot-long sledding hill is wide and unrestricted and includes a conveyor belt (“magic carpet”) lift — no walking back up the hill. continued on page 20

Timberline Resort

Ludovic Moore

Timberline’s 36 trails take advantage of the Canaan Valley’s deep annual snowfall.

Slope-side accommodations await winter sports enthusiasts at Timberline Resort.

Charities

eral hundred charities answer six questions donors often ask, such as “Why should I support your work?”

This site also has links to each charity’s website enabling you to learn much more.

If you work for the federal government, giving through the CFC is a very good way to give, in part because you can choose from thou-

continued from page 13

There are many ways to think about effectiveness. The simplest is cost effectiveness. Rosenburg cites the cause of helping the blind. Most people would agree that a charity that trains guide dogs for the blind is a worthy cause. But it costs $42,000 to train one guide dog. In contrast, eye surgery for people with trachoma in Africa costs as little as $25 per person and is 80 percent effective. The resources it takes to train one guide dog could restore the sight of 1,344 people.

One website that tries hard to measure cost effectiveness is GiveWell.org. But it has only been able to do this for a relative handful of charities. Cost effectiveness can be very hard to measure for charities.

Another way to think about effectiveness is how a charity approaches

the problem it is set up to solve. Hunger is a good example of this. You can support a charity that feeds the hungry. Or, you can support a charity that advocates for policies that it thinks will reduce hunger for many people, such as Food Stamps. The reality is that many good charities fighting hunger understand the need to do both: feed the hungry and advocate for ways to end hunger.

S E R V IN G

W A S H IN G T O N

sands of charities that have all met basic accountability standards. This allows you to focus on the type of charitable work you really want to support.

Whatever you decide, support from individuals is crucial to charities which receive more than 80 percent of their support from individuals.

D C , M A R Y L A N D

A N D

V IR G IN IA

What type of charitable work to support The key is deciding the type of charitable work you want to support and who you want to help — the hungry, abandoned animals, children in Africa or Haiti, people struggling with dreaded diseases, or refugees in Europe to name just a few. The key is learning as much as you can about the charities that work on these causes.

One way to do that is to go to CharityChoices.com, on which sev-

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Tucker County continued from page 19 You’ll also find full snowmaking capacity, sled rentals, a warming hut with snacks and hot chocolate, and, usually, a bonfire. It’s the most fun a family can have together in the winter.

Families will also love ice skating at the Canaan Valley covered ice rink with view of the Allegheny Mountains or Canaan’s 10-lane 1,200-foot-long snow-tubing hill.

For a romantic view of the wintry landscape, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride with Mountain Trail Rides. Nestle under a thick blanket as the sounds of bells ring from the horse’s harness and enjoy the view as the driver points out local landmarks and the sleigh glides over pristine white fields. Horse hooves make rhythmic muffled thumps in the snow as steam rises from the animal’s chest.

A variety of hotels, inns, and cabins are available, both on and off the ski resorts. The town of Davis also features several shops, outfitters, and a favorite skiers’ hangout — Sirianni’s Café, renowned for great pizza, pasta, and old-fashioned subs.

Tucker County is less than a three-hour drive from Washington thanks to continued progress on Corridor H (Route 48).

For more information Tucker Co. Tourism: visitcanaanvalley.org Mountain Trail sleigh rides: mountaintrailrides.com

Tucker Co. Tourism

Skiers can strut their stuff in the Canaan Valley of West Virginia.

www.recreationnews.com 410-638-6901 | fax: 410-638-6902 Mailing Address: 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore MD 21221

All Weekend Long!

Old Time

Christmas

IN THE PETERSBURG AREA

Friday, Dec. 11 • 6-8 p.m. • Welton Park

a FREE FOR EVERYONE! See Els ! Carolers, WVTE Performers, an Emcee playing f & OlaChristmas music, Free Horse & Carriage rides throughout the evening (2 carriages this year!)

Commissioner Helmick will recite “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas” in the pavilion at the first entrance to the park.

FREE HOT COCOA AND COOKIES Compliments of Sheetz and Shop ‘n Save Express.

Country Charm Photography will be there to take your picture with Elsa and Olaf!

Friday & Saturday, Dec. 11 & 12

Snowflake Express train ride with Santa to Welton Park.

6:00 p.m., 7:30 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.

“A Story Book” Christmas Parade

Sat., Dec. 12 • Noon • Win $500!!!

Beginning at PHS to Pierpont Street to Virginia Avenue to South Main Street, ending at the Firehouse. Bring your camera!

Confirm your FREE parade entry by calling 304-257-2722.

Sponsored by the Grant County Chamber of Commerce and

Kirk George

GRANT COUNTY MULCH INC. www.gowv.com or 304-257-2722

20 recreation news I december 2015 I recreationnews.com

A.L.L. CONSTRUCTION

Blackwater Falls

TRUE WINTER TRUE THERAPY

Welcome to a place where winter is a time to celebrate, not hibernate. With a breathtaking natural landscape, great ski resorts and quaint small towns, W

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recreationnews.com I december 2015 I recreation news 21

ski resorts I su clausen-wicker

Massanutten Resort is among Virginia’s top family ski options Virginia is due for snow this winter — a few good storms, some forecasters say. But whether the snow blasts from snow guns or is a gift from Mother Nature, Massanutten and Virginia’s other ski resorts are already geared up for snow, adding instrumentation to keep slopes white, and adding new attractions to enhance the winter experience.

Shenandoah Valley’s Massanutten Resort, near

Harrisonburg, boasts 1,110 feet of vertical drop — the most of any ski resort in Virginia, Maryland, or Pennsylvania — so skiers can get their zoom on.

This year, a powerful PistenBully groomer and new automation have amped up the quality of Massanutten’s snow cover, and a new 13,000-square-foot Snow Sports Learning Center gives kids and adults a good grounding in snow sports.

But, that’s not all. The lodge has expanded, inside and out. A massive new deck includes a trendy new umbrella bar so guests can take in lunch and libations while enjoying the scenery. In the Family Adventure Park, new tubing lanes and a second lift have been added. A new climbing wall features the “Quick Jump” freefall attraction to allow the falling sensation, as well as a gentle landing.

“Although the wall will be available year-round, our winter guests get to enjoy it first,” said Massanutten’s Kenny Hess.

Massanutten offers 14 ski trails: three green easy trails, six blue trails rated more difficult, three challenging black diamond trails, and two terrain park trails featuring rails, jumps, and boxes for all degrees of daring. In fact, the more advanced terrain park draws snow adventurers from all over the Mid-Atlantic, some of whom started on the park’s novice terrain park. The resort opened its skating rink and started skating lessons in November. All resort snow facilities are open 9:00am– 9:00pm during the regular ski season.

Off the slopes

Massanutten Resort

Getting off to a good start at Massanutten can lead to a lifetime of skiing enjoyment.

In addition to instruction packages, Massanutten has a wealth of other activities — from indoor water park thrills to aromatherapy massages to cooking demos to craft classes — for guests of all ages. The spa, open 12 hours a day, is probably best known for its invigorating Kona coffee scrub, although pumpkin and bourbon honey polishes are popular as well.

Massanutten, a private timeshare vacation resort, rents one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom condominiums with whirlpool tubs and fireplaces, as well as hotel rooms near the slopes.

“Massanutten is such a great place to get snowed in,” said Filiz Buckley, of Blacksburg, Va. “It was very peaceful, with amazing scenery. We did long walks, each time followed by a sauna — both invigorating and relaxing.”

AT MASSANUTTEN

It’s All New This Winter!

Outdoor Umbrella Bar. New Snowmaking Equipment. Expanded Ski School & Tubing.

Featuring skiing & snowboarding, snow tubing, ice skating, mega zip line, and nightly entertainment. Season specials include learn to ski packages, weekday specials, and 100% night skiing. Ski Season Passes now on sale at massresort.com/ski.

Winter Lodging Packages available at massresort.com/specials.

Omni Homestead Resort Only 2 hours from Richmond, VA & Washington, DC | 540.289.4954 | McGaheysville, VA | MassResort.com

22 recreation news I december 2015 I recreationnews.com

Driving a snowmobile is just one way to enjoy the winter at The Homestead.

Also in Virginia Virginia’s other ski slopes, Bryce, Wintergreen, and The Homestead, will all be opening within a few weeks. Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre in Lynchburg has become the East’s premier spot for year-round skiing, snowboarding, and tubing.

Consisting of beginner, intermediate, and advanced slopes and a twostory lodge, this perpetual-winter playground is the first of its kind in the U.S.

For more information Massanutten Resort: massresort.com

Massanutten Resort

Tackling the terrain park at Massanutten.

winter escape starting at $89!

Every Day is a Snowday

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recreationnews.com I december 2015 I recreation news 23

B&O’S MAGICAL HOLIDAY EXPRESS Dec. 1–Jan. 3. A holiday spectacular celebration in the B&O Roundhouse devoted to trains of all sizes and shapes, holiday festivities, and winter wonderland of family fun and activities.

901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. 410-752-2490, borail.org YORKTOWN CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS Dec. 4. Evening highlights include a 7:00pm performance by The Fifes and Drums of York Town at the Victory Monument, festive music, the procession of lights through the historic village, and the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. 331 Water St., Yorktown, Va. 757-890-3500, visityorktown.org

December 2015 Hanukkah begins December 6 Christmas Day December 25 Kwanzaa begins December 26 New Year’s Day January 1

HOLIDAYS

THE POLAR EXPRESS TRAIN RIDE Select mid-week dates available through December. The train rides are based on the holiday feature film from Warner Bros. and the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg. Elkins, W.Va. 866-697-6028, mountainrailwv.com HOLIDAY TRAIN GARDEN Through Dec. 23, Wednesdays–Saturdays, 11:00am–3:00pm.

Martinville Train Garden offers trains, planes, and railroad garden memorabilia. Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum, 701 Wilson Point Road, Hanger 5, Middle River, Md. mdairmuseum.org CHRISTMAS VILLAGE IN BALTIMORE Through Dec. 27. Enjoy this combination outdoor and indoor holiday market. Free weekday admission. West Shore Park, 501 Light St., Baltimore, Md. baltimore-christmas.com

A MONROE CHRISTMAS Dec. 4, 6:00–8:00pm. Visit the museum’s annual holiday open house. Enjoy cider and cookies and see exhibits describing the celebration of Christmas in President Monroe’s era. James Monroe Museum, 908 Charles St., Fredericksburg, Va. 540-654-1043, jamesmonroemuseum.umw.edu HOLIDAY AND KWANZAA MARKETPLACE Dec. 4–5. Purchase your holiday and Kwanzaa gifts from the museum shop, specializing in African, African-American, and other multicultural items. Enjoy special performances by master storyteller Dylan Pritchard and the school choir. Hampton University Museum, 130 E. Tyler St., Hampton, Va. 757-727-5508, museum.hamptonu.edu HOLIDAY MADRIGAL DINNERS Dec. 4–6, 11–12, 6:00pm. Welcome the holiday season with feasting, firelight, and beautiful music. Historic St. Mary’s City, Md. hsmcdigshistory.org DICKENS OF A CHRISTMAS Recurring weekly on Fridays, Dec. 4–18, 6:00–10:00pm. This free, family-friendly event happens annually in Downtown Roanoke and includes favorites such as roasted chestnuts, carriage rides, and street performers. Downtown Roanoke Market Square, 213 Market St., Roanoke, Va. visitroanokeva.com/events A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec. 4–23. Now a Baltimore holiday tradition, the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company switches to Dickens for December.

Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, 7 S. Calvert St., Baltimore, Md. chesapeakeshakespeare.com WILLIAMSBURG CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 5, 8:30–10:00am. The parade features more than 100 entries including floats and marching bands. Merchants Square, Williamsburg, Va. 800-368-6511, williamsburgcc.com HOLLYDAZZLE Dec. 5. A holiday event that combines fireworks, special effects, and music. 700 Town Center Dr., Newport News, Va. newport-news.org

YOUR GATEWAY TO THE

s y a d li o H

HOLIDAY MAGIC Dec. 5. Enjoy a special day of holiday fun and exploration of holiday traditions from around the world. Be amazed by magician Joe Allen’s slight of hand. Rose Hill Manor Park and Children’s Museum, 1611 N. Market St., Frederick, Md. 301600-1650, rosehillmuseum.com

CECIL COUNTY CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 5. Christmas parade celebration includes bands, floats, antique vehicles, and Santa. 106 S. Main St., North East, Md. 410287-5801, northeastmd.org COLONIAL CHRISTMAS Dec. 5, 11:00am–3:00pm. Celebrate Christmas the way the first Marylanders did with a walking tour of holiday traditions. Historic St. Mary’s City, Md. hsmcdigshistory.org HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Dec. 6, noon–4:00pm. Treat yourself to a day of holiday fun in the garden featuring the annual gingerbread house contest, trackless train rides, holiday breads and ornaments for sale, and free refreshments. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, Va. 703-642-5173, fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring PETER MAYER CHRISTMAS CONCERT Dec. 7, 7:30pm. Stars and Promise Tour. Barter Theatre, 127 W. Main St., Abingdon, Va. 276-628-3991, bartertheatre.com CHRISTMAS IN ST. MICHAELS Dec. 11–13. A wonderful holiday weekend for the whole family. St. Michaels, Md. 410-745-0745, christmasinstmichaels.org CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE Dec. 11–13, 11:00am–4:00pm. Each of the rooms of the circa 1747 Manor House will be decorated in festive holiday splendor in the theme “The Colors of Christmas.” Ladew Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, Md. 410-557-9570, ext. 216, ladewgardens.com A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec. 12, 1:00 and 4:00pm. Perhaps the best loved holiday story of all time, Theatre IV’s adaptation of Charles Dickens’ classic is particularly suited to children. The Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, Va. 703-790-0123, aldentheatre.org COURT END CHRISTMAS Dec. 13, noon–5:00pm. Ten historic sites open their doors for a day of free admission and holiday festivities. Carriage rides, carolers, living history, live music, children’s crafts, and gift shops. Richmond, Va. 804-649-0711, ext. 301, thevalentine.org/cec JOHN EATON SINGS Dec. 19. Eaton will share the history and harmonies of some favorite seasonal songs from the Great American Songbook at a special “Holiday Spectacular.” The Alden Theatre, 1234 Ingleside Ave., McLean, Va. 703-790-0123, aldentheatre.org KWANZAA CELEBRATION Dec. 26, 1:30–3:00pm. Bring the whole family to learn about Kwanzaa and celebrate this holiday honoring family, community, and culture. Benjamin Banneke Historical Park and Museum, 300 Ocella Ave., Catonsville, Md. 410-887-1081, benjaminbanneker.wordpress.com BALTIMORE’S NEW YEAR’S EVE Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year with friends and family, live music by area bands, and a grand fireworks display over the Inner Harbor. Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Md. 410-752-8632, promotionandarts.org

Winter Lights Festival

Escape to

Seneca Creek State Park Gaithersburg, MD November 27, 2015–December 31, 2015 (closed December 25)

Garden of Lights Brookside Gardens Wheaton, MD November 27, 2015–January 3, 2016 (closed December 24 & 25)

Festival of Lights Washington DC Temple Visitors Center Kensington, MD December 3, 2015–January 1, 2016

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Music Center at Strathmore Bethesda, MD December 21–22, 2015

All events are listed on VisitMontgomery.com

EASTON • OXFORD • ST. MICHAELS • TILGHMAN ISLAND www.VISITMONTGOMERY.com 877.789.6904 Socialize with us @MoCoTourism

24 recreation news I december 2015 I recreationnews.com

Short drive, long memories.

410-770-8000 | TourTalbot.org

D.C. NEW YEAR’S EVE Dec. 31. This spectacular event features 15 themed party areas, five dance floors, an awesome band lineup, a huge DJ lineup, a midnight celebration, and exquisite Gaylord cuisine. Gaylord National Resort, 201 Waterfront St., National Harbor, Md. 703930-1655, gaylordnational.com FIRST NIGHT TALBOT Dec. 31. Enjoy live music, entertainment, puppeteers, dancing, children’s crafts, and a “Crab Drop” countdown. Avalon Theatre, 40 E. Dover St., Easton, Md. 410-822-5089, easternshore.com NEW YEAR’S EVE BALL DROP Dec. 31. Celebrate the New Year in Berlin with a ball drop on Main Street. Carriage rides available. Berlin, Md. 410-629-1722, berlinmd.gov NOON YEAR’S EVE Dec. 31, 11:00am–1:00pm. The whole family can enjoy this daytime space-themed New Year’s celebration at the Virginia Living Museum. 524 J. Clyde Morris Blvd., Newport News, Va. 757-5951900, thevlm.org FIRST NIGHT WILLIAMSBURG Dec. 31, 3:00pm–midnight. Professional entertainers including singers, instrumentalists, magicians, storytellers, puppeteers, jugglers, clowns, and bands. A variety of music is featured and food will be available throughout the various venues. 200 Sadler Drive, Williamsburg, Va. 757-258-5153, firstnightwilliamsburg.org

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

CHRISTMAS AT LONGWOOD GARDENS Through Jan. 10. Extravagantly decorated trees, dancing fountains, and 500,000 lights create a festive holiday. Longwood Gardens, Kennett Square, Pa. longwoodgardens.org WINTERFEST OF LIGHTS Through Jan. 17. Lighting accompanied by a traditional holiday music concert. Welcome Santa when his Clydesdale-drawn carriage comes into town. 108 Bohemia Ave., Chesapeake City, Md. 410-885-5298, chesapeakecity.com ILLUMINATED LONDON TOWN Dec. 4, 11, 18. The gardens will be illuminated with lights.

Firepits will be scattered throughout the site for s’mores, and other activities will make the evenings enjoyable for the entire family. Historic London Town and Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater, Md. 410-222-1919, historiclondontown.org

WANDERBIRDS HIKING CLUB Sundays. Various hikes and locations in Virginia. 703-242-0315, wanderbirds.org

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE Dec. 5, 7:00pm. The Yorktown waterfront is bedazzled with holiday sights and sounds, including a spectacular floating parade of lights, caroling around a roaring beach bonfire, musical performances, and complimentary hot cider. Yorktown, Va. 757890-4970, visityorktown.org

ILLUMINATIONS AT MOUNT VERNON Dec. 18–19, 5:30–9:00pm. Kick off your holiday season with sparking fireworks. An evening of family-friendly fun and fireworks choreographed to holiday music. 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Va. 703-780-2000, mountvernon.org

YORKTOWN MARKET DAYS Dec. 12, 1:00pm. The Fifes and Drums of York Town will lead the parade, and as an added treat, the Polar Express will be chugging along through Riverwalk Landing. Riverwalk Landing, Va. 757-890-3500, visityorktown.org

LUMINARY WINTER LIGHTS Through Dec. 31. Drive-thru display in Seneca Creek State Park with more than 365 animated vignettes. Gaithersburg, Md. gaithersburgmd.gov WINTER FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Through Jan. 1. Celebrate the holiday season with a drive-thru display featuring a million twinkling lights. Watkins Regional Park, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Md. 301-2186700, pgparks.com KOZIAR’S CHRISTMAS VILLAGE Through Jan. 1, 5:30–9:30pm. A fantastic array of Christmas cheer with lights reflecting in the farm’s lake. Koziar’s Christmas Village, near Reading, Pa. koziarschristmasvillage.com ZOOLIGHTS Through Jan. 2. ZooLights includes live music performances, tasty winter treats, and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. nationalzoo.si.edu DRIVE-THRU CHRISTMAS LIGHT SHOW Open nightly through Jan. 3, 6:00–10:00pm. Hundreds of thousands of LED lights dancing to the music on your radio.

Big Butler Fairgrounds, 1127 New Castle Road, Prospect, Pa. shadrackchristmas.com/pittsburgh-pa GARDEN OF LIGHTS Through Jan. 9. Hundreds of wrapped trees, beautifully lit gazebos, cascading fountains, and elaborate displays make this light show truly unique. Brookside Gardens, 1800 Glenallan Ave., Wheaton, Md. 301-962-1400, montgomeryparks.org

QUANTICO ORIENTEERING CLUB Hosts map and compass activities most weekends in the greater Washington, D.C., area. Suitable for all ages and skill levels; free beginner instruction. qocweb.org

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE Dec. 5, 5:30pm. Watch the parade of holiday-decorated boats on the waterfront in Alexandria, Va. visitalexandriava.com

HOLIDAY ARTISAN FAIR Dec. 4–5. Shop local artisans’ wares, including jewelry, glass, and ceramics, in time for the holidays. Center for the Arts, Ocean City, Md. 410-524-9433, ococean.com

SUGARLOAF CRAFTS FESTIVAL Dec. 11–13, 10:00am. Live music, compelling demonstrations by master craftspeople, and children’s entertainment make for a great opportunity to enjoy a day of shopping. Dulles Expo Center, 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center Drive, Chantilly, Va. 800210-9900, sugarloafcrafts.com

POTOMAC APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB Leads weekly hikes and work trips in greater Washington, D.C., area. Contact PATC for more information. 703-242-0965, patc.net

WASHINGTON AREA ROADSKATERS Year-round; check website for dates and times. Skaters leave from White House, Washington, D.C. meetup.com/washington-area-roadskaters

ARTOMATIC Through Dec. 12. The event draws more than 1,000 artists and performers throughout the D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area to showcase their talents in a free exhibition. 8100 Corporate Drive, Hyattsville, Md. artomatic.org.

FESTIVAL OF TRAINS Dec. 5–13. Operating model train layouts in all of the major scales. Hands-on layouts for the kids, too. Kent Narrows Outlet Stores, Chester, Md. 410-490-3510, qacchamber.com

MOUNTAIN CLUB OF MARYLAND Leads weekly day hikes, overnight backpack hikes, bike and canoe trips, cabin, car, and tent camping, and the maintenance of trails. mcomd.org

ANNMARIE GARDEN IN LIGHTS Dec. 4–Jan. 2. One of Southern Maryland’s holiday traditions, Annmarie Garden in Lights will be stepping it up this year with more one-of-a-kind light sculptures. Dowell Road, Dowell, Md. 410-326-4640, annmariegarden.org

LIGHTED BOAT PARADE Dec. 11, 7:00pm. This highly anticipated parade of illuminated powerboats and sailboats will be visible from anywhere along the Hampton River. Downtown Hampton, Va. 757-727-1276, downtownhampton.com

VERAMAR WINTER FEST EVENT Dec. 5, 5:30–8:00pm. Enjoy a tree-lighting ceremony, Christmas music, a free glass of mulled wine, and a cookie. Veramar Vineyard, 905 Quarry Road, Berryville, Va. 540-955-5510, veramar.com

FREESTATE HAPPY WANDERERS Various walking trails and locations in Maryland. 410-437-2164, ava.org/clubs/freestate

NOW SHOWING GREAT SCALE MODEL TRAIN SHOW Dec. 2–3. For one weekend only, the Great Scale Model Train Show and B&O Railroad Museum partner to host this amazing, reduced-admission event. Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. 410-752-2462, borail.org

MUSIC

Orchestra/Band/Classical/Choral MESSIAH CONCERTS Dec. 5–6. Continuing a long-standing tradition, the U.S. Naval Academy Glee Club joins with the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra and soloists from the Metropolitan Opera Company to present selections from Handel’s beloved Messiah.

USNA Chapel, 108 Blake Road, Annapolis, Md. 410-293-8497, usna.edu/music ANGELS AND DEMONS: A CONCERT Dec. 11. An Annapolis Opera concert showcasing the many saints and sinners of the operatic repertoire. Calvary United Methodist Church, Annapolis, Md. 410-267-8135, annapolisopera.org

PRO SPORTS

HEAR THE BEAT HORSE SHOW Dec. 12. Blue Ridge Horse Force sanctioned horse show featuring a variety of hunter, western, gymkhana, and equitation classes. Virginia Horse Center, 487 Maury River Road, Lexington, Va. 540-464-2950, horsecenter.org

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES TACKY SWEATER 5K Dec. 12, 9:00–10:30am. This event has a little something for everyone with a competitive 5K race, 5K walking category, and themed tacky sweater competition. 300 W. Ocean View Ave., Norfolk, Va. 757-373-4174, mettleevents.com

BALTIMORE RAVENS AT HOME Sunday, Dec. 13, vs. Seahawks, 8:30pm Sunday, Dec. 20, vs. Chiefs, 1:00pm Sunday, Dec. 27, vs. Steelers, 8:30pm

The Ravens play home games at M&T Bank Stadium, 1101 Russell St., Baltimore, Md. For more information, call 800-927-2795 or visit baltimoreravens.com.

SURF-N-SANTA 5 MILER Dec. 19, noon–8:00pm. All racers are invited to the post-race party inside the Virginia Beach Convention Center featuring live music, brew from Samuel Adams, and other goodies. 1000 19th St., Virginia Beach, Va. 757-412-1056, wicked10k.com

WASHINGTON REDSKINS AT HOME

THE UGLY SWEATER RUN Dec. 19. Run, walk, or prance your way through a winter wonderland of holiday cheer with giant inflatables, hot cocoa, Samuel Adams, and a few thousand of your closest friends. 201 Key Highway, Baltimore, Md. 720-545-5922, theuglysweaterrun.com

WASHINGTON WIZARDS AT HOME

NEW YEAR’S EVE GLOW RUN Dec. 31, 5:00-7:00pm. All 5K race participants receive more glow paraphernalia than you’ll know what to do with and the course is lined with flashy lights and DJs. 128 W. Bruce St., Harrisonburg, Va. 757-478-0495, vamomentum.com/nye-glow-run-5k.html APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB Leads hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and conservation events in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. amc-dc.org BALTIMORE ANNAPOLIS SAILING CLUB Year-round. Offers day-sailing events and seminars in Baltimore and Annapolis, Md., and Washington, D.C., and sailing excursions on the Chesapeake Bay. Membership free. 410-394-9483, mdsailing.com CENTER HIKING CLUB Various hikes and locations in the D.C. metropolitan area. 703751-3971, centerhikingclub.org

Monday, Dec. 7, vs. Cowboys, 8:30pm Sunday, Dec. 20, vs. Bills, 1:00pm

The Redskins play home games at FedEx Field, 1600 FedEx Way, Landover, Md. For more information, call 301-276-6050 or visit washingtonredskins. com.

Wednesday, Dec. 2, vs. Lakers, 7:00pm Friday, Dec. 4, vs. Suns, 7:00pm Sunday, Dec. 6, vs. Mavericks, 6:00pm Wednesday, Dec. 9, vs. Rockets, 7:00pm Saturday, Dec. 19, vs. Hornets, 7:00pm Monday, Dec. 21, vs. Kings, 7:00pm Wednesday, Dec. 23, vs. Grizzlies, 7:00pm Monday, Dec. 28, vs. Clippers, 7:00pm

The Wizards play home games at Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. Call 202-661-5050 or visit nba.com/wizards.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS AT HOME Tuesday, Dec. 8, vs. Red Wings, 7:30pm Wednesday, Dec. 16, vs. Senators, 7:00pm Friday, Dec. 18, vs. Lightning, 7:00pm Saturday, Dec. 26, vs. Canadiens, 7:00pm Wednesday, Dec. 30, vs. Sabres, 7:00pm

The Capitals play home games at Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. For more information, call 202-397-SEAT or visit washingtoncaps.com.

BALTIMORE BLAST AT HOME Friday, Dec. 4, vs. Sockers, 7:35pm Friday, Dec. 18, vs. Heat, 7:35pm

The Blast plays home games at the Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, Md. Call 410-347-2020 or visit baltimoreblast.com

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HOLIDAY POPS: SONGS OF THE SEASON Dec. 12, 8:00pm. Enjoy the jubilant sounds of cherished Christmas carols, beloved holiday favorites, and popular songs of the season. George Mason University’s Center for the Arts, 4400 University Drive, Fairfax, Va. 888-945-2468, cfa.gmu.edu EVA PERFORMING THE TURNING OF THE YEAR Dec. 18. Blending the sounds of the piano, guitar, percussion, and harmonious vocals, Eva melds worldly sensibilities with time-honored musical traditions. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, Md. 410-326-2042, calvertmarinemuseum.com HANDEL’S MESSIAH Dec. 18–20. Nothing equals hearing this piece live, including its famous “Hallelujah” chorus. Features four extraordinary soloists.

Maryland Hall for Creative Arts, 801 Chase St., Annapolis, Md. 410-263-1906

Popular/Other BRIAN STOKES MITCHELL Dec. 9–13. Mitchell joins Baltimore Symphony Orchestra SuperPops to warm your heart with traditional and contemporary holiday favorites. Joseph Meyerhoff Symphony Hall, 1212 Cathedral St., Baltimore, Md. 410-783-8088, bsomusic.org MARSHALL TUCKER BAND Dec. 16. A blend of rock, rhythm and blues, jazz, country, and gospel. Rams Head on Stage-Annapolis, 33 West St., Annapolis, Md. 410-268-4545, ramsheadonstage.com

Exhibits Resources and Institutions Directory AMERICAN CIVIL WAR CENTER AT HISTORIC TREDEGAR 490 Tredegar St., Richmond, Va. 804-788-6480, tredegar.org AMERICAN UNIVERSITY MUSEUM AT THE KATZEN ARTS CENTER Ward Circle, at Massachusetts and Nebraska avenues, Washington, D.C. 202-885-1300, american.edu/cas/katzen AMERICAN VISIONARY ART MUSEUM 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, Md. 410-244-1900, avam.org THE BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org CARRIAGE HOUSE GALLERY AT EMLEN PHYSICK ESTATE 1048 Washington St., Cape May, N.J. 609-884-5404 or 800-2754278, capemaymac.org CARROLL ARTS CENTER TEVIS GALLERY 91 Main St., Westminster, Md. carrollcountyartscouncil.org

410-848-7272,

HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN Independence Avenue and Seventh Street SW, Washington, D.C. 202-633-1000, hirshhorn.si.edu LADEW TOPIARY GARDENS 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, Md. 410-557-9570, ladewgardens.com

Theater

MARYLAND HALL FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS 801 Chase St., Annapolis, Md. 410-263-5544, marylandhall.org

THE POLAR EXPRESS Through Jan. 3. The aquarium’s 4-D Immersion Theater brings The Polar Express to life, allowing visitors to get close to the sights, smells, and sounds of the action. National Aquarium, 501 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. 410-576-3800, aqua.org

MONTPELIER ARTS CENTER 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Md. 301-953-1993, arts.pgparks.com

MOTOWN: THE MUSICAL Dec. 1–Jan. 3. Tells the story behind the hits, as Diana, Smokey, Berry, and the whole Motown family fight against the odds to create the soundtrack of change in America. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 800-514-3849, thenationaldc.com THE GIFTS OF THE MAGI Dec. 4–Jan. 3. Based on O. Henry’s famous story, this heartwarming holiday musical follows a couple as they struggle to afford gifts for each other. Maryland Ensemble Theatre, Frederick, Md. 301-694-4744, marylandensemble.org FAMILY DAY Dec. 6, activities at noon, performance at 1:00pm. Activities include “make-a-ballet” led by The Washington Ballet’s artistic director Septime Webre. This interactive experience includes discussion and audience participation as children of all ages discover what it takes to create The Nutcracker. 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-274-4518, washingtonballet.org MILITARY APPRECIATION NIGHT Dec. 9, 7:00pm. The Washington Ballet teams with the USO to bring the magic of The Nutcracker to more than 400 servicemen and servicewomen and their families. 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-274-4518, washingtonballet.org WEST SIDE STORY Dec. 10–19. Beautiful and passionate, with shades of violence and heartache, this innovative adaptation of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet still dazzles after more than 50 years. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, Va. 703-820-9771, sigtheatre.org A CHRISTMAS CAROL Dec. 18–20. Ebenezer Scrooge and the Christmas spirits in a traditional retelling of the Dickens classics. Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick, Md. 301-600-2828, weinbergcenter.org

Dance THE NUTCRACKER Dec. 5–6. The Ballet Theatre of Maryland invites you to the most famous holiday party of all time. The Bowie Center for the Performing Arts, Bowie, Md. 301-805-6880, bowiecenter.org THE NUTCRACKER Dec. 11–13. The stunning artistry of Maryland Regional Ballet and the beloved Tchaikovsky score combined. Weinberg Center for the Arts, 20 W. Patrick St., Frederick, Md. 301-600-2828, weinbergcenter.org ADULT DROP-IN DANCE CLASSES The Dance Institute of Washington, 3400 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-371-9656, danceinstitute.org DANCE PROGRAMS Weekends, 7:30–11:30pm. Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md. fridaynightdance.or

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART National Mall between Third and Seventh streets at Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 202-737-4215, nga.gov NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CIVIL WAR MEDICINE 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, Md. 301-695-1864, civilwarmed.org THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION 1600 21st St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-387-2151, phillipscollection.org REGINALD F. LEWIS MUSEUM OF MARYLAND AFRICANAMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. 443-263-1800, africanamericanculture.org SHAKESPEARE GALLERY Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St., Washington, D.C. 202-544-7077, folger.edu SURRATT HOUSE MUSEUM TOURS Surratt House Museum, 9118 Brandywine Road, Clinton, Md., 301-868-1121, surratt.org THE TEXTILE MUSEUM 2320 S St. NW, Washington, textilemuseum.org

D.C.

202-667-0441,

TUDOR PLACE HISTORIC HOUSE AND GARDEN 1644 31st St., Georgetown, Washington, D.C. 202-965-0400, ext.

109, tudorplace.org VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, Va. 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Md. 410-547-9000, thewalters.org

Featured Exhibitions DELAWARE AND THE WAR OF 1812 Ongoing. Designed to raise awareness of the important role that the state played as the front line in the defense of the economically vital Delaware Valley, the exhibit utilizes maps, illustrations, and artifacts from the state’s collections to examine the history of the war within Delaware and its surrounding waters.

Zwaanendael Museum, 102 Kings Highway, Lewes, Del. 302736-7400, history.delaware.gov NELSON MANDELA: MADIBA Through Dec. 5. An exhibit of some of South African photojournalist Benny Gool’s images portrays the inspirational story of one of history’s most respected and compelling leaders. Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Baltimore, Md. 443-263-1800, lewismuseum.org INGENUE TO ICON Through Dec. 31. In this special exhibition, more than 60 dresses and perfectly paired accessories, archival materials, and portraits illustrate the evolution of 20th-century fashion through the lens of one of its most prominent women, Marjorie Merriweather Post. Hillwood Estate Museum and Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-686-5807, hillwoodmuseum.org

26 recreation news I december 2015 I recreationnews.com

THE ROOTS OF AMERICAN LAW IN SHAKESPEARE’S BRITAIN Through Jan. 3. This exhibition offers a close-up look at the rapid increase of lawyers and legal actions in Shakespeare’s Britain. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St., SE, Washington, D.C. 202-544-4600, folger.edu PAUL SIMON: WORDS AND MUSIC Through Jan. 18. The exhibit will feature autobiographical films, videos of select performances, and more than 80 artifacts, chronicling the life, career, and creative inspiration of two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Paul Simon. Jewish Museum of Maryland, 15 Lloyd St., Baltimore, Md. 410-732-6400, jewishmuseummd.org ANDREW WYETH PLANT STUDIES Through Jan. 31. These botanical studies, rarely on public view, demonstrate Andrew Wyeth’s continual sense of discovery in exploring color and form and his abiding passion for nature.

Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, Pa. brandywine.org PEARLS ON A STRING Through Jan. 31. The first international loan exhibition of Islamic art to foreground stories about people, emphasizing the role of human relationships in inspiring artistic creativity. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N Charles St., Baltimore, Md. 410-547-9000, thewalters.org WOMEN IN ART, CRAFT, AND DESIGN Through Feb. 28. The show presents more than 80 objects including furniture, ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and art. National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. nmwa.org BOTANICAL VIRGINIA Through March 5. Hand-colored engravings, plus a 1762 edition of Flora Virginica, document native plants of the 18th century.

Jamestown Settlement, Jamestown, Va. historyisfun.org RODIN Through March 13. Organized by the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Musée Rodin in Paris, this exhibition will feature more than 200 works by the greatest sculptor of the 19th and early 20th centuries, Auguste Rodin. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N Blvd., Richmond, Va. 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum EVOCATIVE DRAWINGS, PRINTS, AND SCULPTURES Through May 15. Works in the exhibition, either drawn from the collection or promised to the gallery, reveal Louise Bourgeois’s intensely personal approach to art-making and explore her grounding in surrealism and ties to existentialism. The National Gallery of Art, National Mall between Third and Seventh streets at Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 202-737-4215, nga.gov JAY PETERZELL: SOME WOMEN Dec. 2–Jan. 3. This series of paintings and drawings is his second solo exhibit in Washington. Foundry Gallery, 2118 Eighth St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-232-0203, foundrygallery.org THE SAINT JOHN’S BIBLE Dec. 4–March 27. This international exhibition features 70 pages of The Saint John’s Bible, the first monumental hand-illuminated bible to be commissioned by a Benedictine monastery in 500 years. The Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal St., Dover, Del. 302-674-2111, biggsmuseum.org MATISSE PRINTS AND DRAWINGS Dec. 9–July 3.Approximately 20 prints and drawings demonstrate the continuing legacy of the BMA’s relationship with the Matisse family. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org ART QUILTS Dec. 15–June 19. These intricate art quilts include examples of works by the foremost proponent of the art quilt, Michael James, whose stunning Metamorphosis plays with color transitions and the transformation of space. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org

History A COLONIAL CHRISTMAS Dec. 1–Jan. 3. Holiday traditions of 17th- and 18th-century Virginia are recalled through special interpretive programs and, Dec. 26–31, musical entertainment of the period. Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center. historyisfun.org ANTIETAM BATTLEFIELD ILLUMINATION Dec. 5. See more than 23,000 candles on the battlefield representing casualties from the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. Antietam National Battlefield, 5831 Dunker Church Road, Sharpsburg, Md. 301-733-7373, nps.gov HISTORY IN YOUR HANDS Dec. 5, 2:30–3:30pm. Conservators will put history into your (gloved) hands in this interactive event. The Mariners’ Museum, 100 Museum Drive, Newport News, Va. 757-596-2222, marinersmuseum.org OLD MARYLAND FARM ACTIVITIES Old Maryland Farm, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Md. 301-218-6770 or 301-699-2544, pgparks.com

MONTPELIER MANSION TOURS Sundays, 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Montpelier Mansion, Route 197 and Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Md. 301-953-1376

Lectures/Workshops/Classes BEAUTIFUL EVERGREENS FOR HOLIDAY CUTTING Dec. 8. Learn about the newest, best, and most unusual varieties of evergreens to brighten your winter home and provide garden interest throughout the year. Cylburn Arboretum, 4915 Greenspring Ave., Baltimore, Md. 410-821-5561 WINTER SOLSTICE: WATCHING THE NIGHT SKY Dec. 13, 1:00–4:00pm. Begin with a presentation from author Martin Schmidt. Find out what tools you can use to enhance your observations of the winter night sky.

Discover what the Winter Solstice is and why it is celebrated. 6908 Belair Road, Baltimore, Md. 410-882-5376, marylandnature.org/nature-connections ADULT ART COURSES Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org GALLERY TALKS Thursdays, 1:00pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00pm. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-5731700, artbma.org SECOND SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT TALKS Second Sunday of every month, 2:00pm. Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, Md. 410-547-9000, thewalters.org STAINED-GLASS CLASS Ongoing. Mat About You Gallery, 3774 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, Md. 410-313-8860, mataboutyou.com TRADITIONAL ART CLASSES Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S. Center St., Westminster, Md. 410-386-3880, carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org

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CARRIAGE RIDES Dec. 5, 19, 2:00–4:00pm. The rides will go around the historic district with the Clydesdales from Delaware’s Winbak Farms.

Chesapeake City, Md. chesapeakecity.com

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CANDLELIGHT HOUSE TOUR Dec. 12, 6:00–9:00pm. Tour many of Chesapeake City’s Historic District homes decorated for the holidays. Luminaries, carolers, carriage rides, and hot mulled cider — it’s an old-fashioned holiday happening. Chesapeake City, Md. 800-757-6030, chesapeakecity.com

MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE Dec. 10–13. Children and adults alike will enjoy watching their favorite Marvel Super Heroes, including Spider-Man, Iron Man, Hulk, Wolverine, and more, during a comic extravaganza that brings both heroes and villains to life. Royal Farms Arena, Baltimore, Md. 410-347-2020, royalfarmsarena.com

CANDLELIGHT TOUR Dec. 12–13, 11:00am–5:00pm. Tickets include admission to homes, tour book, entertainment, and refreshments. Visit homes in Fredericksburg, Va. 540-371-4504, hffi.org

To Submit an Event: Mail to: Calendar, Recreation News, 204 Greenwood Road, Linthicum, MD, 21090, or email to: editor@recreationnews.com.

HISTORIC ALEXANDRIA CANDLELIGHT TOURS Dec. 13, 3:00–6:00pm. At Gadsby’s Tavern, Carlyle House, LeeFendall House, and Lloyd House, enjoy tours highlighting festive traditions, special tastings, seasonal decorations, and period music. Alexandria, Va. 703-746-4242, gadsbystavern.org TOUR OF HISTORIC HOUSES OF WORSHIP Dec. 28. Select houses of worship open their doors to the public to celebrate their heritage and holiday customs. Downtown, Frederick, Md. 301-600-4005, visitfrederick.org CAPE MAY, N.J. Historic district, moonlight trolley, and Cape May sampler tours.

Cape May, N.J. 800-275-4278, capemaymac.org

"Star of Wonder: Mystery of the Christmas Star" "Holiday Magic" lasers

MARITIME HISTORY WALKING TOURS Second and fourth Saturdays, 10:00am. Fells Point Visitor Center, Baltimore, Md. 410-675-6750, preservationsociety.com

O THER FASHIONS FOR EVERGREENS Through Dec. 31. This tree competition features professionally designed trees. Vote for your favorite. Hotel Roanoke, 110 Shenandoah Ave. NE, Roanoke, Va. visitvablueridge.com HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE RIDES Through Dec. 31. Carriage rides are approximately 20 minutes, with rides traveling through the streets of downtown Historic Bethlehem. 505 Main St., Bethlehem, Pa. 800-360-tour, historicbethlehem.org

Daytime Shows through Dec. 31

MADE IN BALTIMORE Tuesday–Sunday Dec. 1–31, 10:00am–4:00pm. Handcrafted jewelry, prints by local artists, history books, fun kids’ games.

Baltimore Museum of Industry, 1415 Key Highway, Baltimore, Md. 410-727-4808, thebmi.org

CONTINUE YOUR FAMILY TRADITION OR START A NEW ONE!

29th

ANNUAL

Winter Festival of Lights

Evening Shows Dec. 12 & 19 Newport News 757- r UIFWMN PSH

Ships,History Great Outdoors AND

THE

in Prince George’s County Friday, November 27, 2015 through Friday, January 1, 2016 5-9:30 pm nightly WATKINS REGIONAL PARK 301 Watkins Park Dr./Rte 193, Upper Marlboro, MD

Over 30 Parks

This SPECTACULAR HOLIDAY DRIVE-through event features more than ONE MILLION TWINKLING LIGHTS and NEW WIZARD OF OZ DISPLAYS! ADMISSION FEES • $5/car or van/carro o camioneta • $10/multi-visit, transferable ticket booklet for cars and vans (3 visits)/$10 libreto con boletos transferibles para 3 visitas por carro o camioneta INFORMATION Información 301-699-2456; TTY 301-699-2544

Virginia Living Museum

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Make a Difference this Season!

Please bring canned goods for donation to local food banks.

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888.493.7386 newport-news.org

This & more!

Plus Williamsburg & Virginia Beach.

recreationnews.com I december 2015 I recreation news 27

ski resorts I kyle kuczma

Loads of fun at Split Rock Resort Ski Jack Frost and Big Boulder, then splash at H2Oooohh!

Split Rock Resort and H2Oooohh!

Indoor Waterpark are conveniently located between the Jack Frost

and Big Boulder ski areas in Lake Harmony, Pa., a favorite destination in the Pocono Mountains. You

can choose from a variety of resort overnight packages that include lift tickets at both areas, passes to the waterpark, or even a romantic après ski escape next to your own fireplace.

Bring the family

Split Rock Resort

After taking to the slopes, relax in the water park at Split Rock Resort.

After skiing, snowboarding, or tubing all day in the cold, change into your bathing suits and enter H2Oooohh!, where it is always 82 degrees.

Prepare to be soaked as you twist, turn, and dip on thrilling slides, including the Viper, Piranha, and Amazon Blast. Ride the breaking waves in Hurricane Cove or surf the endless wave on Komodo Dragon, Pennsylvania’s first indoor flowrider.

Or, watch the little ones have a great time at the Jungle Falls and Leapin’ Lizards play areas. The Rain Forest theme offers fun for all ages.

The Town Center is the resort’s main hotel. It houses a first-run movie theater with a state-of-the-

art sound system, indoor pool, and a sports complex with three tennis courts and full basketball court — all indoors.

The resort’s bowling alley, Split Rock Lanes, offers automated scoring and bumper bowling. It’s an extraordinary experience featuring lights, glowing pins, and a state-of-the-art sound system.

Kids can also enjoy a variety of games at the arcade in a safe and wholesome environment. And, they can redeem gaming tickets for great prizes.

An overnight away with fun for all Choose a room at the historic Lakeside Lodge overlooking Lake Harmony, or splurge on a beautiful Willowbrook Suite, featuring your own fireplace and large air jet tub for relaxing after a day on the slopes. continued on page 38

Spend your day in es snow suits on the slop & your nigh t in ides! bathing suits on our sl

Split Rock offers a little something for everyone in your family.

you pick the package that’s right for you!

-Lift tickets to: Jack Frost or Big Boulder -H2OOOOHH! Indoor Waterpark Check out these other • Arcade & Bowling • Movie Theater great amenities! • Spa Services • Lake View Tavern

SplitRockResort.com/Winter 800.255.7625 28 recreation news I december 2015 I recreationnews.com

ski resorts I staff

Shawnee makes improvements for safe, snowy winter season If your skis or snowboard point toward the Pocono Mountains this winter, you’ll find that Shawnee Mountain made several improvements to its ski and snowboarding facilities since last season.

a total of 125 skiable acres are groomed nightly on Shawnee Mountain along the 3,000-foot Bushkill Terrain Park and the Pocono Plunge Snow Tubing Park.

Snowmaking upgrades

As part of a multi-year program to modernize its ski and snowboard rental shop, Shawnee Mountain has purchased 300 new Elan Exar E-rise skis and 300 new Flow and Rossignol Snowboards. The Shawnee Rental Facility, with its new, more efficient ski and snowboard racking system, is able to outfit more than 4,000 skiers/riders, making it one of the largest rental shops in the country.

Working to enhance the dependability of snow conditions for the 2015-16 winter season, Shawnee Mountain added two new SMI Super PoleCat tower-mounted snow machines on Lower Tomahawk, the very popular expert slope. Electrically powered, the SMI Super PoleCat is a highperformance, big-throw snow machine that is energy-efficient and fully automated.

Mounted on towers high along the edge of the trail, the radio-controlled and oscillating Super PoleCats are expected to quickly provide cover and keep Tomahawk’s steep headwall covered with a dependable deep base of machine-made snow.

New grooming machine A new Pisten Bully 400 Free Groomer joins an already impressive grooming fleet for the 2015-16 season. During the season,

Additional rental equipment

Repaved entrance road Off the slopes, drive-in guests will have a smooth ride thanks to the newly paved and widened parking lot entrance and exit loop. A new two-lane drop off zone makes it easier and safer to unload passengers and equipment.

Learn more Shawnee Mountain: shawneemt.com

Shawnee Mountain

Improved snowmaking and grooming mean a better ride down the slopes at Shawnee Mountain.

recreationnews.com I december 2015 I recreation news 29

ski resorts I jade nicollette

Savor the moment at Liberty, Roundtop, and Whitetail Whether you’re a first-timer or an avid winter sports enthusiast, you’ll have tons of fun hitting the slopes, terrain parks, and tubing runs at nearby Roundtop, Liberty, and Whitetail resorts.

Tucked away in the mountains of Lewisberry, Pa., Roundtop Mountain offers a quiet respite from the fast pace of the city. A short two-hour drive from Washington, the mountain features a vertical drop of 600 feet and a wide array of slopes ranging in degree of difficulty. Welcoming both new and more advanced skiiers, there’s something for ev-

eryone, including an easier area for beginners and more challenging terrain. Cure the winter blues and get ready to explore the trails of this familyfriendly resort.

Eager to hit up a terrain park? Look no further than Liberty Mountain Resort in Fairfield, Pa. Freestyle fanatics can head to the beginner and intermediate area down the west side to take on short-distance rails and low-elevation tabletops.

More advanced riders can experiment with rails, boxes, and medium-range launch platforms for

Ski Roundtop

additional thrills. High-level freestyle riders can venture into Vertigo & Adventure Alley, an expert level space with even more challenging features.

Insider tip: Seasoned riders carve up the immaculate slopes down the backside for a slice of uninterrupted solitude.

If you’re a novice or simply feeling a little green, opt for a lesson with some of the awardwinning instructors on staff. Tailored for beginners, the introductory Learn to Ski and Snowboard Program was awarded the Conversion Cup during the 2010-11 season by the National Ski Areas Association. This industry award recognizes all three resorts for having one of the top programs for introducing skiers and snowboarders to the sports.

A family favorite, the beloved Children’s Learning Center at Liberty is a special program designed for little mountain adventurers of all ages.

New at Ski Liberty

Tackle the tubing runs at the nearby Pennsylvania ski resorts.

Returning riders might not recognize Liberty Mountain, completely revamped with additional slope-side amenities. For the upcoming season, Liberty Mountain will unveil the new Highland Lodge, where guests can indulge in a unique space with sweeping views. Foodies will appreciate the on-mountain dining options, including Eagle and the Owl Public House and Ike’s Chophouse, which offer plenty of options for the après ski scene. With added attractions — Laventine Salon & Spa, restaurants and new hotels — the mountain is guaranteed to be a favorite among those who love slope time and family time. The closest of the three resorts, it’s just a 90-minute drive from the heart of D.C. For additional beautiful mountain views, follow the signs to Whitetail Resort in Mercersburg, Pa. Featuring cozy slope-side condos, gentle trails for kids and reliable dining options, there are tons of family-friendly activities to choose from. Whitetail has trails available for all skill levels, while experienced riders can slide down the far side trails for more challenging terrain. With easy access and

RecreationNews

Wishing all a bubbly New Year!

30 recreation news I december 2015 I recreationnews.com

plenty of amenities, Whitetail Resort makes for a fun-filled day trip less than two hours from Washington and Baltimore.

You can discover an alternative way down the mountain with snow tubing, a fun-filled activity for both kids and the young at heart. Slide down the lanes and head down solo, or link up with a pal for double the fun.

Don’t forget your selfie stick, because now is

the time to enjoy some good old-fashioned wintertime fun.

This season, kids and adults of all ages can head to the mountains for some snow-filled fun. If you simply can’t choose just one, enjoy all three resorts with unlimited access by purchasing a season pass, or enjoy discounted rates with an Advantage Card or Mountain Passport. Outdoor enthusiasts will have plenty of slopes to explore on skis and

Ski Roundtop

You can challenge yourself if you want at Ski Roundtop.

Big Boulder 1 South Lake Drive Lake Harmony, PA 570-443-8425

snowboards, a guaranteed winter adventure to enjoy year after year.

Learn more Liberty Mountain Resort: libertymountainresort.com Roundtop Mountain Resort: skiroundtop.com Whitetail Resort: skiwhitetail.com

Jack Frost 1 Jack Frost Mountain Road Blakeslee, PA 570-443-8425

recreationnews.com I december 2015 I recreation news 31

maryland I daina savage

Garrett County, Maryland’s mountains mean winter fun Those who think winter is the cruelest season have yet to discover Garrett County, Md., where winter is actually celebrated as the “coolest” season.

Once the temperatures dip and the snow starts to fly, outdoor lovers scorn the idea of hibernating and set out to enjoy all the county has to offer, from icicle-glittering frozen waterfall hikes, to heart-pounding turns down the mountain slopes, to snow-sparkling travels through fields and forests.

The once boat-filled landscape of Deep Creek Lake becomes a frozen surface dotted with snow-

mobilers, cross-country skiers, ice fishers, and even the hardy sailors who race their ice boats.

Insider tip: Be sure to check with local outfitters to access ice safety before you venture onto the lake.

In the face of winter’s chill, portions of Maryland’s tallest waterfall turn to glass in Swallow Falls State Park, requiring sure-footed shoes and a sense of wonder. Depending on snow coverage, Garrett County’s Sarah Duck suggests strapping on a pair of cross-country skis or snowshoes. Duck notes that in addition to what’s available at the

Wisp Resort, groomed cross-country skiing trails are available at New Germany State Park and Herrington Manor State Park, as well as the Savage River State Forest. Also, snowshoe tours are available at the Deep Creek Lake State Park, Swallow Falls State Park, Herrington Manor, and the Potomac State Forest.

See the sights from a sleigh or mountain coaster If you’d rather take in the sights from the comfort of a horse-drawn sleigh, Pleasant Valley

Wisp Resort

The slopes at Wisp welcome skiers of all ages.

“The #1 Resort for Families in America” Wisp Resort

Try snowshoeing for a cardio workout.

Each Winter, an amazing transformation takes place at RoundTop Mountain Resort.

With a 600’vertical drop and top elevation of 1355’our 100% snowmaking covered slopes, offer safety, fun, and learning opportunities. The mountain offers Easy to Extremely Difficult slopes. Our courtesy staff is here to answer all your questions and help make your visit to the mountain and area, a great one!

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Providing unrivaled hospitality, endless activities & amenities, and nightly entertainment with a contagious spirit of fun and togetherness.

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32 recreation news I december 2015 I recreationnews.com

Resort Rentals 800.336.7303 www.DeepCreekResort.com Follow us on FaceBook at Deep Creek Resort

For even more savings, Wisp is offering $49 Monday Deal Days beginning in January, which include a day pass, equipment rental, and group lesson. The resort is also offering a Midweek Madness lodging package for $84, which includes a night’s lodging and day pass (per person, double occupancy, subject to availability). Both deals have blackout dates.

New this year is a Rookie Year Pass for $299. Epp says that this deal is designed for first-time skiers and riders. After completing two allinclusive learn-to-ski or snowboard lessons, the first 100 “rookies” will receive a 2015-2016 Off-Peak Season Pass and a set of skis or a snowboard.

After a day on the slopes or in the woods, the glow of a warm fire is most welcome. Many of the region’s restaurants, inns, and hotels boast the crackle of fireplaces to keep even the most sedate snow bunnies cozy.

Whether El Nino or the Polar Vortex rules this winter, there are plenty of ways to “weather the weather” this season in Garrett County.

Wisp Resort

Dream Rides or the new Circle R. Ranch Sleigh Rides create a nostalgic winter adventure.

The chief winter draw of the region remains the state’s only ski resort and its plethora of snowy thrills. Skiing, snowboarding, tubing, mountain coaster riding, and ice skating activities are just some of the reasons that Wisp Resort is the epicenter of winter activities.

The resort’s Lori Epp notes that Wisp is primed for the upcoming season with extensive facility improvements from snowmaking to chairlift seats. The hotel also underwent a facelift, welcoming snow lovers to more modern amenities.

Another great draw is the resort’s collection of yurts from Alaska, which comprise the Sundown Yurt Village. In addition to featuring a cafe, the village is a center for both adult and young beginners with rentals and learning programs.

Some of the best ways to sample all of the resort’s activities are to take advantage of the numerous package deals. The late December Holiday-in-the-Mountains Lodging Package starts at $94 per person and includes a winter adventure combination of two days on the slopes, snow tubing, mountain coaster riding, and ice skating. Some restrictions apply, so check the website for details.

Learn more Garrett Co. Tourism: visitdeepcreek.com Wisp Resort: wispresort.com

A winter ride on the Wisp mountain coaster is exhilarating.

recreationnews.com I december 2015 I recreation news 33

ski trends I matthew graham

Terrain-based learning, adaptive and uphill skiing Exploring the future of winter sports at Mid-Atlantic ski resorts The cool winds of December have arrived. Will it be “snow-mageddon,” or will it be a roller coaster of freezing cold followed by unexpected thaws? Either way, Mid-Atlantic ski resorts are geared up with increased snowmaking capacity, new rental equipment, and new ways to make skiing and snowboarding more exciting and more accessible to everyone.

In the good old days, skiers learned the wedge-shaped snow plow to control speed and turns, while snowboarders struggled to find the correct edge to carve their first turns. Several resorts in the region have adopted a new way for first timers to learn called “terrainbased learning.”

Instead of merely a shallow sloped bunny hill, the snow is formed into a serpentine course of banked curves to guide skiers and snowboarders.

(Think the banked walls of a NASCAR track.) The banked curves slow the skier or snowboarder down and push the skis or snowboard onto the correct edges. Other features include rollers (mini-hills) to learn how to balance, flex, and extend one’s body for better balance while keeping speed in check, and pump tracks, a combination of rollers and banked turns.

Terrain-based learning takes away the fear of going too fast and falling, making skiing and snowboarding fun the very first time out on the snow.

www.recreationnews.com 410-638-6901 | fax: 410-638-6902 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221

Terrain is also the name of the game in parks. A couple of years ago there might be one terrain park at your favorite ski mountain. Now, Ski Liberty has four, Snowshoe has six, and Seven Springs features seven.

The industry recognized that not all snowboarders could handle the rails, tabletops, and big jumps of a one-size-fits-all hill. Thus, there are now beginner parks with very small jumps and features and additional parks with progressively more challenging jumps, rails, and tabletops — hence the term “progression parks.”

With the advent of twin-tipped freestyle skis, more and more skiers are tackling the terrain in the parks, as well as the half pipes that were once the sole domain of snowboarders. Freestyle skiing lessons are available at Massanutten Resort.

The flip side of this equation is that an aging population of skiers is converting to snowboarding with the sole intent of simply cruising down the groomed slopes. With skiers in the half pipe and snowboarders carving relaxed turns down the blue runs, the great divide between these snow sports is a thing of the past.

Adaptive skiing Innovation has also accelerated in the field of adaptive skiing.

The Wounded Warriors Project for

wounded veterans has had a dramatic influence on regional skiing.

Nearly every resort in the Mid-Atlantic offers some form of adaptive skiing program, either directly through the resort or through a partner organization.

Wintergreen Resort and Baltimore Adapted Recreation and Sports lead the way, providing lessons and specialty equipment, such as mono-ski sleds, for disabled skiers, amputees, those wounded in battle, and the vision-impaired. Essentially, anyone who can control their core muscles can be fitted appropriately and taught to ski — really well. Don’t be surprised when the person on the mono-ski sled zips past you on the double-diamond black moguls. Skiing is now truly for everyone.

Finally, skiing is taking a new direction — uphill. The growth of telemark, or free-heel, skiing has led some resorts to allow skiers to “skin” their way uphill on the slopes during certain hours using removable gripping surfaces attached to the bottom of their skis. Uphill skiers explain that practice on groomed slopes is great preparation for tackling ungroomed back country mountains.

There is always someone pushing the limits.

What’s next? Who knows? Maybe uphill, freestyle, terrain-based teleboarding — at night!

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3. You may also email to publisher@recreationnews.com. Provide all information in the form at right and enter “DECEMBER CONTEST” in the subject line. Entries must be received by 12/17/2015.

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Limit one entry per household. Winner will be drawn at random from the pool of all entries received on time with legible information and will be published in next month’s issue and notified by phone, UPS or email, and notified on December, 17, 2015. Winner must respond by December 21, 2015 to claim prize, or prize forfeits to a runner up. Midweek stay limited to availability. Other restrictions may apply.

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recreationnews.com I december 2015 I recreation news 35

adventures in taste I reed hellman

Barbecue competitions are serious business for ‘cue crews I thought I knew barbecue, but, attending the Shenandoah Valley BBQ Fest in Woodstock, Va., convinced me that I haven’t even scratched the surface.

I regularly use my reliable, domestic black “kettle” grill, and I have heard about television programs that feature competitive grillers, but never actually watched one. Consequently, seeing the teams of competition barbecue cookers and crowds of spectators at the Shenandoah County Fairgrounds came as quite a shock. There is a whole lot more going on than just a bunch of guys charbroiling some steaks and burgers.

“I’ve been competing for 14 years,” said retired state trooper Richard Militano, of Yardville, N.J. “I learned by cooking with a pro. … I do about 15 contests each year.”

Militano and his Pig Pen Barbecue rig were one of 37 teams vying for top honors at this Virginia state championship cookoff, officiated by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (kcbs.us), a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and enjoying barbeque. With more than 19,000 members worldwide, KCBS is the largest organization of barbeque and grilling enthusiasts and sanctions more than 450 barbeque contests worldwide. They set the rules, ensure level ground, and help promote barbecue.

For KCBS-sanctioned events, competitors must

use a carbon fuel — wood, wood pellets, and charcoal being most popular — to cook chicken, pork ribs, pork, and beef brisket. Each of the four meats receives separate, double-blind attention from a team of six judges considering appearance, taste, and tenderness. Scores are then tallied to determine the overall winners.

Rigorous oversight Don Muller and his wife, Nancy, of Wappingers Falls, N.Y, serve as KCBS monitors and oversee the judging. They work at approximately 30 contests each year and, prior to Shenandoah Valley, had recently managed competitions in Germany.

“Each contestant receives numbered boxes to turn in their meats,” explained Muller. “They have a 10-minute ‘window’ to turn in their entry.”

Judging is rigorous and the rules are strictly enforced. Chicken can be a Cornish game hen or kosher chicken and can be presented chopped, pulled, sliced, or in pieces, as long as there are six pieces or enough for the six judges. Pork ribs must be on the bone and cut completely through because the judges will not pull them apart.

The pork can be a shoulder, Boston butt, or a picnic, and it must weigh at least 4 pounds and be cooked whole. Beef brisket can be presented chopped, pulled, sliced, or diced, but must not be a corned beef brisket.

Sauces are optional, with chunky sauces permitted as long as the chunks are “no larger than a fine dice, approximately 1/8-inch cubed.” Even garnish receives official attention. Competitors may bed their offerings on green lettuce, parsley, or cilantro, but ruby lettuce or kale will get you bottom-rated.

Dave Pavone, of Kentmoor, Md., started competitive barbecuing in 2009 with his brother. He tows a Jambo J3 pit smoker mobile unit to 14 to 20 contests each year. The Jambo is not a sawn-in-half oil drum; rather, it looks like something that Captain Kirk and the crew might tow behind the Star-

ship Enterprise on intergalactic cookouts.

“Most critical part is how you handle a crisis,” said Pavone. “I am addicted to competition barbecue. … Competing is definitely social.”

Pavone’s wife and young granddaughter travel with him in a family-sized RV, and are obviously competition veterans. As the time nears to turn in his brisket — the contest’s last meat — they are all visibly nervous. Pavone precisely carves six perfect slices of his offering, carefully beds the meat in the nondescript white Styrofoam turn-in box, pulls on his lucky pink knitted pig cap, and begins his procession to the judges’ stand.

All-Purpose Barbecue Rub This recipe comes from How to Grill by Steven Raichlen, the “professor” of the Barbecue University TV show and BBQU.net, and one of America’s foremost barbecue masters. (Used by permission of Workman Publishing.)

1/4 cup coarse salt (kosher or sea) 1/4 cup dark brown sugar 1/4 cup sweet paprika 2 tablespoons freshly ground black pepper Put the salt, brown sugar, paprika, and pepper in a small bowl and stir to mix. (Your fingers actually work better for mixing the rub than a spoon or whisk does.)

Store the rub in an airtight jar away from heat and light; it will keep for at least 6 months.

Makes about 3/4 cup.

For a spicier rub, use hot paprika instead of sweet paprika. You can also substitute granulated sugar, light brown sugar, or Sucanat (powdered evaporated sugar cane juice) for the dark brown sugar.

There isn’t a fish that swims, a bird that flies, or a beast that walks that wouldn’t benefit from a generous sprinkling of this multipurpose rub.

Reed Hellman is a professional writer living in Alberton, Md. Visit reedhellmanwordsmith.com or email rhway2go@yahoo.com.

Reed Hellman

The Jambo J3 could pass for a smoker in a science fiction movie.

36 recreation news I december 2015 I recreationnews.com

wine doctor I ed ard fin tein

Wine prices determined by some factors that might surprise you ‘Tis the season of gift giving and wine surely is high on the list for the oenophiles in your life. Whether shopping for that perfect bottle for yourself or someone else, prices for wine are all over the map. Some wines simply cost more than others.

There are numerous reasons for this.

Let’s start in the vineyard. Certain grapes are harder to grow and require more vineyard management, such as pruning, canopy control, and bacteria/pest prevention. Older vines produce less, but better fruit, and maintaining them is more work and costly than propagating younger vines. Often, some of that fruit from older vines is thinned out further so that the quality of the remaining grapes is enhanced.

When it comes to picking, handharvesting grapes is much more labor intensive than machine harvesting. The extra work involved is passed on to the consumer in the final price of the bottle.

Winemaking techniques can also raise the price of a bottle.

Pressing is one of them. The juice of commercial or low-end wines is achieved by a “hard press” (metal against metal). It extracts maximum juice, but also delivers bitter elements because of the hardness of the process. Better quality wines are

“soft pressed” by the inflation of a rubber bag within a tank that gently seduces the juice out of the grapes without any bitter components. It’s more expensive than hard pressing.

What a winemaker ferments in can add dollars to the final price, too. High-end stainless steel tanks with temperature control are more expensive than tile-lined concrete tanks. Producers sometimes ferment wines in oak barrels that can be extremely pricey, too.

Aging techniques impact price After fermentation, there is the question of aging.

Certain finished wines are kept at the winery and aged for some time until the producer deems them ready for sale. Storing at a winery takes up space and does not result in immediate sales to cover their production costs. Included in the final price of these bottles could be some sort of “rental” fee for the space it took up at the winery.

Barrel aging is another expensive procedure. Type of oak, age of oak, and the amount of time spent in it can all add up. French oak, for example is much more expensive than American oak, costing up to $1,500 for a 226-liter barrel. If a particular wine

Martin Poole

requires new oak, then barrels have to be purchased each year for that wine. A lengthy time spent in barrel takes up space and the barrels have to be maintained and sometimes topped up. All of this adds up in cost.

When bottling wine, there are other points that can increase the cost.

The type of closure is important.

Natural cork still seems to be the best enclosure for wine and is certainly more expensive than polymer versions or screw caps. Even within the realm of natural cork, there are better ones. Corks cut entirely in one piece from a tree as opposed to conglomerate versions are pricier and longer corks rather than shorter ones carry a heftier price tag.

Finally, we have the bottle and the label. Heavier bottles or specific shapes with a deeper “punt” (the indentation in the bottom of the bottle) cost more and artist-designed labels, compared to commercial, cookie-

cutter styles, are expensive.

Beyond this, wines that are small production and limited availability will most definitely cost more. Gold medals obtained in competition and rave reviews from the media can certainly drive the selling price up.

Let’s not even consider markups by your local retailer.

Now, when you’re out shopping for wine, you’ll have a better idea why one wine costs more than another. © Edward Finstein, “The Wine Doctor,” 2015. “The Wine Doctor” is Edward Finstein, award-winning author, TV/radio host, renowned wine journalist, international wine judge, professor of wine, and consultant.

For more information, visit winedoctor.ca, twitter.com/ drwineknow, thewinedoctor. blogspot.com, winedoctor.ca/ docs-grapevine.html, or facebook. com/EdwardDocFinstein?fref=ts.

PICK YOUR DESTINATIONS ... SEND THE FORM ... GET FREE INFO! ❑ American Civil War Museum ❑ B&O Railroad Museum ❑ Beach Getaways ❑ Black Bear Resort ❑ Blue Mountain Ski Area ❑ Boardwalk Plaza Hotel ❑ Cabin Rentals ❑ Caroline County, MD ❑ Carroll County, MD ❑ Chesapeake Beach Hotel & Spa ❑ Civil War Sites ❑ Clarion Hotel, Shepherdstown ❑ Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel ❑ Country Road Cabins ❑ Courtyard Ski Packages ❑ Cruise.com ❑ Cruises ❑ Dandy/Potomac Party Cruises, Inc. ❑ Deep Creek Lake, MD ❑ Delaware Getaways ❑ Dunes Manor Hotel ❑ Eastern Shore of MD ❑ Family Getaways

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❑ Shenandoah River Outfitters ❑ Shepherdstown, WV ❑ Ski Getaways ❑ Ski Roundtop ❑ Southern Maryland ❑ Split Rock Resort ❑ Surratt house Museum ❑ Talbot County, MD ❑ Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations ❑ The Woods, WV ❑ Timberline Resort ❑ Tripper Bus ❑ Tucker County, WV ❑ Virginia Getaways ❑ Virginia Living Museum ❑ Warren County, VA ❑ West Virginia Getaways ❑ Whitetail Ski Resort ❑ Whitewater Rafting ❑ Winter Festival of Lights ❑ Wintergreen Resort ❑ Wisp Resort ❑ Woodloch Pines ❑ Send all the brochures

Enter to WIN one of our GREAT PRIZES!!! Contest details on page 35.

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Check here r to “Go Green” (we’ll send you information by email)

Factors such as bottle style, cork, and closure choice affect the price you pay for wine.

OR MAIL form to: RecNews Reader Info, 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221 OR FAX form to: 410-638-6902 ... OR EMAIL form to: publisher@RecreationNews.com

recreationnews.com I december 2015 I recreation news 37

Front Royal continued from page 16 sites that are so important to understanding the conflict in the valley.

Outside the facility, two Civil War Trails markers give general information about Front Royal during the war. The Virginia Civil War Trails driving tour follows the 1862 action as the Stonewall

Brigade swept aside light federal resistance to win the Battle of Front Royal. The driving tour begins a few miles south of downtown Front Royal on U.S. 340 at Asbury Chapel, and each of 10 stops has an interpretive Civil War Trails marker.

While in town, visit the Belle Boyd Cottage on Chester Street. One of the oldest buildings in Front Royal, this house museum, decorated in Civil War style, focuses on the Confederate spy, women’s role in the war, slavery, and journalists. The War-

ren Rifles Confederate Museum, also on Chester Street, houses a collection of battle flags, arms, uniforms, and items that commemorate Belle Boyd, Stonewall Jackson, Jubal Early, Turner Ashby, and others who fought in Front Royal and the Shenandoah Valley.

For more information: Front Royal Tourism: discoverfrontroyal.com

Front Royal Tourism

Armies from each side in the Civil War swept back and forth across Front Royal.

Civil War Trails markers near the town’s iconic gazebo help tell the tale.

www.recreationnews.com 410-638-6901 | fax: 410-638-6902 Mailing Address: 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore MD 21221

Split Rock Resort continued from page 28

View Tavern. Grab a beer, watch the big game, and enjoy some Moose Grub at Thirsty Moose Saloon.

Dine at the Galleria’s Split Rock Grill or the Lake

Group getaway Even better, gather your friends for a weekend getaway as a group. Call for discounted rates for groups of 10 rooms or more, and a coordinator will help plan details of your event, including dining in one of the resort’s private dining rooms.

Split Rock Resort features holiday packages year-round, as well as a Beer Festival and Wine and Food Festival. For a package that fits your idea of fun, check the resort’s website.

When the weather warms in the spring and summer, enjoy more activities, with outdoor basketball, tennis, and bocce ball courts.

Miniature golf at Split Rock Resort features one of the most challenging courses in the country and guarantees fun for a warm summer night with friends and family.

And, don’t forget to check out the actual Split Rock and see the amazing view from the top deck overlooking the Poconos Mountains.

Whatever your choice of getaway, Split Rock offers packages and room types to fit your needs.

For more information Split Rock Resort: splitrockresort.com

38 recreation news I december 2015 I recreationnews.com

TRIPS & TRAVEL

TRIPS & TRAVEL

TRIPS & TRAVEL

VACATION RENTALS

March 22, 2016 — Samson, the first superhero and the strongest man who every lived. This new show features live animals in a familyfriendly environment. Samson is one of the most captivating stories in the Bible. The package includes transportation, shopping, lunch and show. Limited seating.

BURNER’S MOUNTAIN LODGE

Join Donna T and friends on a 10-day Panama Canal Cruise departing from Ft. Lauderdale Florida. Leaving October 19 and returning October 29, 2016.

Other ports of call include Aruba, Columbia, Panama, Jamaica and Costa Rica.

For more information, call (202) 258-3758.

LAND FOR SALE

VACATION RENTALS

BETHANY BEACH AREA RENTAL

With acu i pa and ďŹ replace on the Shenandoah River in beautiful Luray, VA. Canoe provided.

Visit TheStoneManor.com or call 540-843-4944

Luray, Va. Two bedroom cabin. Fully equipped.

Hot tub, fishing pond, many extras. Reasonable rates. Private. Close to hiking, Shenandoah river, caverns and golf. Call 540-743-3787, visit burnermountain.8m.com, or e-mail: pab_pdb@yahoo.com

GREAT ESCAPES TRAVEL & TOURS Call Barbara 301-567-6464 or e-mail FrankieTVL2@aol.com, for more info. “We Create Rocking Chair Memories�

TRIPS & TRAVEL

VACATION RENTALS

RIVERFRONT CABINS

December 12 — Christmas Extravaganza — Mame, the broadway musical classic, celebrates the antics of a wealthy, fun-loving, eccentric lady who lives life to the fullest. The package includes transportation to the Riverside Dinner Theatre, dinner, with entree choice, show and lots of fun. Come celebrate with us.

2016/2017 — Thinking about your honeymoon, graduation trip, family reunion/vacation, church or group trip. NOW is the time to make plans for fellowship or fundraising trips. Let us know your needs and dates.

We can make it happen. Payment plans are available. CONTACT US NOW. It’s not too early!

VACATION RENTALS

Beautiful nearly new 4 BR, 2BA, single family home with sunroom, porch and patio. Sleeps up to 10. Located 3.5 miles from Bethany Beach in a waterfront Community on the Indian River with Tennis courts, pool, gym and private beach. Home sits on a bass-stocked fishing pond, w/patio and fire pit. Washer, dryer, cable, WiFi, full modern kitchen, gas fireplace, central air, hardwoods and elegant features. $800$1200 weekly, or $150/night, 2 night min.

Call 410-638-6901 or email Publisher@RecreationNews.com for availability and details.

VACATION RENTALS

ALLSTAR LODGING

SHENANDOAH VALLEY’S LARGEST VACATION RENTAL AGENCY 80 unique Cabins & Vacation Rentals.

1-10 bdrms, sleeps 2-20, Swimming pools, Hot tubs, Fireplace, Kitchens, Campfire, Wifi, Free canoe/kayak use, Hiking, Riverfront or wooded areas, depending on property choice.

Dogs Welcome! www.allstarlodging. com 540-843-0606

LAND FOR SALE

Petersburg, WV, 59.61 acres, wooded, $119K; 81.61 acres wooded $162,900, both tracts have good cabin sites, mature trees, excellent views, good hunting, and access to 50 acre stocked fishing lake. Also Lake Access lot with boat slip at Smith Mountain Lake (20,000 acre lake), 31 miles NE of Roanoke VA $59K. 304-257-2385.

LOG CABINS BY THE SHENANDOAH RIVER

Luray, VA Plan your winter getaway now! Hot tub, bonfire and friends. Close to hiking, Luray Caverns and more.

800-622-6632.

ShenandoahRiverCabins.com

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