Recreation News, May 2015

Recreation The Official Publication for Government Employees Associations & Govemployee.com

May 2015

Volume 33/Number 5

www.recreationnews.com

West Virginia adventures that make you want to get out and play

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Special WV Getaways pull-out section inside I Stay and play in Shenandoah Valley I Delaware spring festivals I Pennsylvania’s Grand Canyon surprises Factory tours in York I Music in the Maryland mountains I Cruise Corner

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2 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

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recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 3

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4 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

publisher’s note I karl teel

Memorial Day evolved from simple remembrances to a federal holiday population of 31 million had suffered losses that needed to be remembered.

While the federal government created military cemeteries for Union soldiers, people in the South established many cemeteries for Confederate soldiers lost in the war.

In Charleston, S.C., there was a widely publicized observance of a Memorial Day-type observance in May 1865. The largely African-American participants celebrated both their soldiers and also freedom from slavery.

Various steps were taken and attempts made using the timing of these events and their meaning to create a nationally recognized holiday which would also promote healing between the North and the South. A century later, in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation naming Waterloo, N.Y., as the birthplace of Memorial Day. However, numerous other cities make a similar claim, including Boalsburg, in Centre County, Pa., which contributed perhaps the highest number of volunteers per capita than any other village in the North. Three local women began decorating the graves of their Civil War soldiers in July 1864, and Memorial Day remains a major tradition in the town.

The name “Memorial Day” can be traced as early as 1882, however, it didn’t come into common use until after World War II and it wasn’t until

How many people truly know what Memorial Day is, how it came about, and what its purpose was?

Many of us recognize the commercial aspects: kicking off the summer season, the threeday weekend, parades, barbecues, and flags.

But it’s so much more than that, and we are in the perfect region to truly appreciate the meaning and importance of it.

Originally, it was called Decoration Day, after the practice of placing flowers — decoration — on the graves of soldiers. Like many traditions, Memorial Day didn’t magically appear, it evolved.

After the Civil War, many families would place flowers on the graves of their loved ones lost in battles, often at a time symbolic of the date of death, end of a battle, or completion of a victory.

Over time, many cities and towns recognized some of these dates and had their own holidays.

Remember, more than 600,000 soldiers died in the Civil War and an enormous chunk of the nation’s

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1967 that it was declared the official name by federal law.

In 1968, Congress passed an act moving four holidays (including Memorial Day) from their traditional dates to Monday dates, creating the three-day weekends we enjoy today. Memorial Day is now always the last Monday in May. It took a few more years before all 50 states adopted the changes.

So, here we are in the Mid-Atlantic area, the forefront of the battleground between the North and South, as well as in the cradle of our government’s headquarters of this reunified nation. What better place to celebrate and immerse ourselves in the rich history. Sure, divisions exist today on many levels in our country and they probably always will. But as Mark Twain once observed, “Travel is fatal to prejudice.” Perhaps some travel in your future will not only be a part of the celebration, but a part of the solution as well. Enjoy!

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recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 5

editor’s note I marvin bond

It’s yours: Why not take back your vacation time this summer?

March and April used to be the time when travel brochures arrived in the mail and by May the annual family vacation was locked up. Whether it was a trip to the beach or a mountain lake, or a journey across the continent, Americans relished their family vacations. Even presidents and cabinet members scheduled a month or more at family retreats through the first half of the 20th century.

Today, despite the ever-growing opportunities for travel, Americans are among the world’s worst vacationers according to the nonprofit organization Take Back Your Time. The U.S. Travel Asso-

ciation says Americans leave an average of seven days of paid vacation on the table each year. A 2014 study by Oxford Economics pegs the cumulative amount of unused time at 400,000 days.

Last year, the U.S. Travel Association launched a publicity campaign to call attention to the issue of unused leave featuring kids asking their parents for “one more day.” This year, the Take Back Your Time coalition launched a “Vacation Commitment” effort at a national meeting of human resources managers.

Recreation News readers have exceptional paid leave benefits. Using those paid leave days is not abandoning your responsibilities or your coworkers. Instead, taking your vacation time is important for renewing yourself, rekindling family ties, and creating those memories that last a lifetime. And, it also improves your performance on the job.

Our pages are full of tools to help you make the most of your time off, including new destinations, hot deals, itineraries to try, and experiences to savor. But those days off you don’t take aren’t doing anyone any good. Take back your vacation time this year.

Travelers’ toolbox ◆ There are a plethora of devices to recharge batteries, but the PowerSkin, specifically designed for iPhone 5 and 6, is a bit different, providing supplementary battery power (150 percent

extra battery life) that attaches to the phone with small suction cups and a built-in connecting wire. (power-sking.com) ◆ Eagle Creek has a series of different small waterproof packing cubes that can store smaller items together, hold shoes, protect clean clothes from dirty ones, and generally organize your suitcase. (eaglecreek.com/pack-it) ◆ The Baltimore-based active wear company Under Armour also markets sunglasses in a wide variety of styles that fit the image of the company and are offered for baseball, running, golf, and many other outdoor activities. (uaeyewear.com) ◆ The number of no-foreign-transaction-fee credit cards is rising and four major card issuers — Capital One, Pentagon Federal Credit Union, HSBC, and Discover — do not charge any foreign transaction fees. Check creditcards.com for a complete list. ◆ SuperShuttle now offers the Airport Mobile Self Check-In app so that you can bypass the line when you arrive at your destination airport and be directed to your van. (supershuttle.com)

Coming next month Outdoor round-up Civil War section Take in Charlottesville Mecklenburg’s anniversary

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6 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

family travel I karen graham

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Pick a better berry at an area farm Strawberries: They are one of the first crops of the season, and for many people they are a favorite. After a long winter, strawberries bring sweet and fresh goodness to the table. They can be eaten so many different ways that it seems you can never have enough.

This strawberry lover has found one farm in Virginia that makes picking strawberries that much more enjoyable. The farm is small enough that you can avoid crowds during the week, but large enough that there are plenty of berries to go around.

Wegmeyer Farms, located just outside Leesburg in Hamilton, is a great place to go for picking strawberries. The farm is located down a dirt road, full of turns, but once you arrive, the views — and picking — are fantastic.

The season usually begins in mid-May and ends in early June. Visitors do not need to pay a fee to pick strawberries, and the fields are easy to access. Small children are allowed to pick, too. Make sure to bring containers to carry the strawberries home.

Also, don’t forget the bug spray. Strawberries are sold by the pound and you pay only for what you have picked.

This year, Wegmeyer Farms has added a new twist to its operation. Workers have planted 35,000 strawberry plants at nearby Oatlands Historic House and Gardens, located on Route 15 in Leesburg. The goal is to blend history with agriculture and encourage visitors to enjoy both in one place.

Owner Harriet Wegmeyer said that her love of

Free in D.C.

Revel in spring at the National Cathedral Flower Mart, May 1–2, featuring plants, exhibits, gardening items, entertainment, and food (cathedral. org). ... Take in the cultural richness of more than 50 embassies during a May 2 open house, part of the month-long Passport D.C. (culturaltourismdc. org). ... Kick up your heels to Latin-inspired dance, music, food, and crafts on May 3 at the National Cinco de Mayo Festival on the National Mall (marumontero.com). ... Observe Memorial Day with a national concert on May 24 on the Capitol’s West Lawn (pbs.org/national-memorial.dayconcert) and a parade on May 25 (americanveteranscenter.org/parade).

- gwen woolf

Sarah Hauser

Find a farm and pick some strawberries. history made this twist a perfect match. When she found out that strawberries were once farmed at Oatlands, she knew it was time to bring the crop back.

Wegmeyer said a Strawberry Festival is planned at Oatlands on May 30. In addition, a strawberry field trip program is being launched.

The idea is to bring history and plant science to life, Wegmeyer said. Children will pick strawberries to take home, learn how they grow, and visit the historic greenhouse and gardens. Wegmeyer Farms is located at 38299 Hughesville Road, Hamilton (wegmeyerfarms.com) When planning to visit any area berry farm, check first to make sure the farm is open and what is being picked. Other strawberry farms where you can pick your own include: ◆ Great Country Farms, Foggy Bottom Road, Bluemont, Va. (greatcountryfarms.com.) ◆ Hollins Farms, 1436 Snowden Road, Delaplane, Va. (hollinsfarms.com)

5 ~ Publisher’s Note 6 ~ Editor’s Note 7 ~ Family Travel 8 ~ Travel Line 10 ~ Tioga’s Grand Canyon 12 ~ Exploring Luzerne County 13 ~ York factory tours 14 ~ Reading’s transportation heritage 16 ~ Cruise Corner 18 ~ Adventures in Taste 20 ~ Musical Cumberland 22 ~ Wilmington’s festival scene 23 ~ Dover Days 24 ~ Seaford’s spring festivals 26 ~ Southern Delaware events 27 ~ 50 years for the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum 29 ~ Virginia’s canoe and cabin capitals 31 ~ Hike and bike in the Shenandoah Valley 34 ~ Culture 35 ~ Waynesboro’s solution 36 ~ A Crooked Road Music Festival 38 ~ Re-live the Battle of New Market 39 ~ Amazing Lynchburg 40 ~ Summertime in Floyd 42 ~ Paddle to Chesapeake 43 ~ Lafayette’s Hermione returns to Yorktown 44 ~ Explore this Virginia Blueway 46 ~ Calendar of Events 50 ~ Adventures in Taste

Special West Virginia Section WV-2 ~ Get out and play WV-4 ~ Three Cs of the northern tier WV-6 ~ Enjoy Tucker, Lewis, and Upshur counties WV-12 ~ Martinsburg’s OddFest WV-16 ~ Tackling the whitewater

◆ Westmoreland Farm, 235 Berry Farm Lane, Colonial Beach, Va. (westmorelandberryfarm. com) ◆ Baugher’s Orchard and Farm, 1015 Baugher Road, Westminster, Md. (baugher.com) ◆ Butler’s Orchard, 22200 Davis Mill Road, Germantown, Md. (butlersorchard.com) ◆ Gorman Produce and Farm, 10151 Gorman Road, Laurel, Md. (gormanproducefarm.com) ◆ Walnut Spring Farm, 3910 Blue Ball Road, Elkton, Md. (walnutspringfarm.com)

FAMILY EVENT

Oatlands Historic House and Gardens debuts its Strawberry Festival on May 30, 10:00am–4:00pm.

There will be children’s games, the Southern Winds Band, kettle corn, barbecue, and pick-your-own strawberries. Take a hayride from the fields to the festival all day. Admission is $20 per family or $10 per person; children under 3 are free. Oatlands is located at 20850 Oatlands Plantation Lane, Leesburg, Va. (oatlands.org.)

- karen graham

recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 7

travel line I carol timblin

Enjoying the sights, from Peru to the Mid-Atlantic races Machu Picchu lay hidden in a dense, overgrown jungle for 350 years until Hiram Bingham discovered the ruin high in the Andes Mountains of Peru in 1911. The Yale history professor and archaeologists spent several years cleaning up the Inca site before it was opened to visitors. Now, the World Heritage Site is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

If you have a bucket list, the Lost City of the Incas is probably on it. But getting there is still a challenge. For Americans, the journey involves up-to-date vaccinations and flying to the capital city of Lima and then to Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incas. (We flew LAN Airlines roundtrip from Miami and between Peruvian cities.)

From Cusco (elevation 11,000 feet) you travel via bus through the beautiful Sacred Valley to Ollantaytambo and then board the charming Inca Rail for an exciting two-hour journey to Machu Picchu Pueblo (elevation 6,500 feet). During the rainy season, some of the rail lines are closed because of mud slides; hence, our rail adventure might have been longer.

From the train station in the village, it’s a short walk to Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel, a lovely resort nestled in the trees overlooking the Urubamba River. The resort is made up of bungalows clustered around the reception areas, dining room, and gift shop. It is one of five resort properties associated with the Inkaterra Asociacion, a nonprofit organization that is devoted to conserving Peru’s biodiversity and cultural resources.

At Inkaterra Machu Picchu the wait staff handed us Pisco Sours (Peruvian welcome cocktails) upon arrival and then escorted us to our rooms. That afternoon, we found the nature preserve on the grounds to be lush and lovely, an ideal habitat for tropical orchids, butterflies, birds, and the resident spectacled bear, just like Paddington in the storybooks. A wonderful dinner and a good night’s

rest prepared us for visit to the Machu Picchu Citadel (elevation 7,970 feet) the next morning following a 25-minute bus ride.

Rain had ruined the plans of photographers who had risen at dawn for the best pictures, but by mid-morning Machu Picchu Citadel was there in its entire splendor in the clouds. We learned from our Inkaterra guide that the sacred site was built around 1450 as a retreat for the Inca ruler Pachacuti, and abandoned a century later. It was never fully completed because of conflict among Inca rulers and the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in 1532.

Sadly, the capture and death of the last Incan ruler, Atahualpa, at the hands of Francisco Pizarro, marked the beginning of the end for the Inca empire. The conquistadors tore down the Inca palaces and temples in Cuzco, leaving the Inca walls as the foundation for the Spanish-style buildings and churches that now dominate the city.

The Palacio del Inka Hotel, where we stayed, was centrally located in the most historic part of the city of 300,000. After a morning walking tour, we flew to Puerto Maldonado in Peru’s Amazon Basin and then traveled by jitney and powered river boat to Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion. We slept under mosquito netting in well-appointed bungalows and gathered in the main lodge for cocktails and meals.

While some members of our group trudged through the mud one morning, we enjoyed looking for wildlife on the lagoon. On the second day, we climbed the 98-foot tower for an adventurous canopy walk involving seven long bridges connected by platforms through the treetops.

Back in Lima, the founders of Inkaterra gave us a beautiful farewell dinner before we took the midnight flight back to Miami. (At the beginning of our tour we had spent a few days at the Westin Lima and enjoyed tours by Condor Travel. Highlights

of our Lima trip were the Mira Flores area overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Larco Museum, offering in-depth exhibits and lectures on the Inca culture in advance of our trip to Machu Picchu.)

Off to the races Spring brings steeplechase and flat track racing to the Mid-Atlantic, including the Winterthur Point-to-Point, May 3 on the grounds of the famous du Pont family mansion. Other steeplechase events take place in Monkton, Md., Butler, Md., Middleburg, Va., The Plains, Va., and Charlottesville, Va. The upcoming 2015 Triple Crown races kick off May 2 with the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The Preakness Stakes, at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, is next, on May 16, followed by the June 6 Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y. The Preakness, now in its 140th year, is the shortest Triple Crown race, just 1-3/16 miles, and is today one of the largest single-day sporting events in the United States.

The Preakness InfieldFest will feature headliners on two stages, the MUG Club, and other attractions, while 13 exciting races will take place on the track throughout the day. The Cadillac Three, a high-energy “country fuzz” trio from Nashville, will headline the Preakness Kickoff Concert Series at Rams Head Live in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on May 9. (preakness.com)

Also in the Mid-Atlantic Last month’s Wildwater River Festival in Webster kicked off West Virginia’s rafting season, which runs through early fall. The Mountain State harbors nearly 2,000 miles of rivers and streams, the most challenging being the New, Cheat, Gauley, and Tygart rivers. The New River, with Class I-V rapids, runs through the 1,000-foot-deep New River Gorge over the course of 14 miles. It travels under the spectacular New River Gorge Carol Timblin

MARYLAND

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Festivalgoers in Lima, Peru, pose as Carol Timblin takes a photo.

8 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

$23 for ages 13-15, $12.50 for ages Bridge, the longest steel arch bridge 6-12). in the Western Hemisphere and an America’s Historic Triangle gives attraction in itself. you seven consecutive days of The Gauley River extends for 30 unlimited visits to five sites — Jamesmiles, with the Upper Gauley offertown Settlement, Historic Jamesing Class III-V rapids that are best towne, Colonial Williamsburg’s suited for experienced rafters, and the Lower Gauley offering exciting, continued on page 50 but less challenging, rapids. With the release of water from the Summerville Dam in es Manor Hotel the fall, the Gauley presThe Dun ents the greatest whitewater challenges in the East at that time of year.

The Cheat River has a variety of rafting experiAfter a Day of ences over the course of its 12-mile run, includFinish with ing Class III-V rapids sought by the most experienced rafters.

The Tygart River is best known for Wells Falls, considered the biggest drop in the Monongahela River Basin. The Presenting an all new, summer long Dunes Manor Hotel experience popular sport is also enfeaturing spooky virtual ghost joyed on several other walks, hilarious comedy dinner rivers around the state, theater, mysterious who-done-it dinner theaters and much more. including the Potomac, Dunes at Dark has something Meadow, Shenandoah, everyone will enjoy!

Big Sandy Creek, and Bluestone rivers. And Scan the QR code For Show Schedules and Gourmet Menus with any smartphone don’t forget the many or tablet to learn Click “Eventsâ€? on dunesmanor.com more! opportunities for boatFor Reservations Call 1-800-523-2888 or Visit dunesmanor.com ing, canoeing, kayaking, The Dunes Manor Hotel ď™ƒ 2800 Baltimore Ave ď™ƒ Ocean City, MD 21842 water skiing, jet skiing, and water tubing that can be found around the Marigot Beach Fontainebleau Hotel S U I T E S state. (wvriversports. com) If you’re planning a trip to Virginia’s Historic Triangle this summer, don’t forget you can save money by purchasing tickets for more than one day or one site, plus the tickets may be packaged with lodging.

The History Is Fun combination ticket provides unlimited admission for seven consecutive days to ay Jamestown Settlement ght St dit i N 3 • re and Yorktown VicMeal C our 0 5 1 tory Center ($21 for •$ any of utlets n i d i l adults, $10.50 for ages a v rage O rival e v e B 6-12 when purchased r Food & r Monday A online). Package variao y a rvation • Sund tions include “Historical it at rese s o p e d 50% Gardens,â€? “Art Escape to Williamsburg,â€? and “History, Shopping and Fun!â€? as a free bonus.

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pennsylvania I darrin youker

Tioga County surprises with plenty of outdoors activities Visitors to Tioga County, Pa., have more than 100,000 acres of forest to enjoy and explore. But that doesn’t mean they need to pack a tent.

Located in the northern tier of Pennsylvania just below the Finger Lakes, and nearly five hours from Washington, D.C., Tioga County has arguably some of the best mix of outdoor recreation in the region.

Tioga State Forest has 165,000 acres open for hiking, bird watching, fishing, and hunting. Two state parks, free to visitors, ring the sides of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, a glacially carved opening in the mountains that offers exceptional hiking and sightseeing.

The Pine Creek Rail Trail runs for 62 miles through the canyon and is accessible for the casual stroll, serious jog, or leg-taxing bike ride. Horses are also welcome on portions of the rail trail. Boaters can use canoes and kayaks to take in the scenery of the canyon from the water. And during the spring melt, guides take visitors on fun and challenging river trips with swift moving water.

At the same time, civilization is a stone’s throw away.

“We offer a world-class outdoor experience,” said Lori Copp, who promotes the county. “We are the place you want to go when you don’t have the chance to go to the National Parks out west. Plus,

you don’t have to pack your tent.”

After a day of fun, visitors can turn to places such as Mansfield or Wellsboro to find a warm place to sleep, a great meal, and some evening entertainment.

Mansfield has a number of college-town amenities, while Wellsboro offers 1950s charm (the streetlights are still lit by natural gas). You can find an honest-to-goodness family-owned department store downtown, and one of the best places for lunch is the Wellsboro Diner, in all its chrome glory. The charming small town also offers motels and other overnight options.

“We have six bed-and-breakfasts in downtown and a few more just outside of town,” Copp said.

There are also cabins available to rent.

You can take in Tioga County’s charms in a more old-fashioned way with an Ole Covered Wagon Tour. These tours take visitors into the canyon for unique vistas along Pine Creek while being gently whisked along in a covered wagon pulled by horses. Rides start on Memorial Day weekend. (olecoveredwagon.com) The Tioga Central Railroad provides themed excursions throughout the summer. On Friday nights, railroad enthusiasts can take in the scenery of Tioga County while enjoying an ice cream sundae. Most Sunday afternoons, visitors are treated

to a ride, complete with a hot lunch and dessert.

Special evening dinner train rides, running from Wellsboro to Tioga, leave at sunset on Saturdays. (tiogacentral.com)

Take in the canyon at your own speed Wellsboro is an excellent jumping-off point for recreation in the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.

The Pine Creek Rail Trail starts just north of Wellsboro, and runs 62 miles south to Jersey Shore. The terrain is mostly flat — only about a 1 percent change in the grade — and runs roughly parallel to Pine Creek, including a 17-mile stretch through the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon.

For the adventurous, and those who love to put in a full day in the saddle, Pine Creek Outfitters offers rentals and shuttle service throughout the length of the trail. (pinecrk.com) “We can rent you the bike, and pick you up when you’re done,” said Jon Dillon, owner of Pine Creek Outfitters.

For those looking for a less strenuous ride, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a full day on the trail without traveling 62 miles. There are several campgrounds along the way, as well as restrooms continued on page 15

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www.ClintonCountyInfo.com 10 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

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recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 11

pennsylvania I stephanie kalina-metzger

Luzerne County is where history, adventure, and fun intersect today Northeastern Pennsylvania’s Luzerne County has upped the ante in an attempt to make exploring its history and adventure sites a bit more enticing, according to Janet Hall, who promotes the area.

Hall says five new hotels have been built in Luzerne County in the past three years. And if you enjoy staying at bed-and-breakfasts, the Frederick Stegmaier Mansion in Wilkes-Barre comes highly recommended on Trip Advisor. “It was also featured in Victorian Homes magazine,” said Hall, adding that 14 pages were dedicated to the opulent B&B.

Families can take advantage of themed itineraries, described at tournepa.com, to help them make the most of their time and enjoy activities that interest them during two-day excursions.

Trails, farms, and ice cream Explore Frances Slocum State Park in Wyoming, where you can rent a boat and spend time on the lake. Hikers can explore 13 miles of trails and mountain bikers can traverse 4 miles of trails available just for them.

Afterward, consider paying a visit to The Lands

at Hillside, a 412-acre educational dairy farm where the kids can enjoy a sample of the premium ice cream made from the cows who roam free on the premises.

Day two can be spent enjoying Rickett’s Glen State Park, located in Benton, where waterfalls provide perfect photo ops and there are 12-1/2 miles of horseback-riding trails. Families can spend hours there swimming, fishing, and boating on Lake Jean.

Paddles and bikes Riding the rapids on the Lehigh River is another great way to start a two-day excursion. Ken Powley, of Whitewater Challengers in White Haven, said the river can adapt to many age levels. “There is a section of the river that is appropriate down to age five. Other trips are for ages nine and older.”

Convenient shuttle busses ferry intrepid adventurers to the launching areas where they pile into a raft and spend between three and four hours on the water. “We ask people to allow between five and six hours for the total experience so they can change clothes, visit the snack bar, and, if they choose, purchase a box lunch,” said Powley, noting that the group pulls over for a 30-minute lunch break.

Back in White Haven, you can spend day two pedaling 26 miles to scenic Jim Thorpe on the Lehigh Gorge. Local outfitters are available for bike rentals.

Waves, water, and boats The Susquehanna River is a great place to take in the scenery, bird watch, fish, or even spot bald eagles. Rent a kayak or a canoe from Susquehanna Kayak and Canoe in Falls, Pa. The calm Susquehanna River is perfect for the inexperienced to “get their feet wet.”

Day two can be spent at Scranton’s Montage Mountain. A favorite with kids, it offers waterslides, wave pools, and other aquatic thrills.

Miners, trains and coal Learn a little more about immigrants who labored in the coal fields at a living history site called Eckley Miners’ Village. Tour the museum, company store, and a miner’s home. Afterward, enjoy lunch at one of many Hazleton restaurants.

Begin day two of your educational journey by traveling 300 feet underground at the Lackawanna coal mine. Ride a coal car down a tunnel while listening to the stories of heroic efforts and methods used to extract coal from the depths of the mines.

After lunch, head to the Steamtown National Historic Site. Visit the museum to learn more about the history and technology of steam railroading, and view a film that follows one man’s career on the railroad.

Luzerne County is perfect for exploring, enjoying outdoor adventures, and learning about the rich history of the area, making the destination both pleasurable and educational (but you can keep that last part a secret from the kids).

For more information Luzerne Co. Tourism: tournepa.com

12 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

pennsylvania I daina savage

Answering ‘How did they make that?’ in York County Ever wonder how stuff gets made? From the soap you shower with to the watch you strap on your wrist, and to the food you consume to your transportation for work, your morning starts with the products manufactured in places such as York, Pa. The York area celebrates its place in American life with the 17th annual Made in America Tour, June 17–20. More than 20 factories and attractions, in addition to six wineries, open their doors to allow visitors to see the inner workings, in many cases, for free.

“

There’s something about the taste of warm-from-the-oven snacks that can’t be captured in a bag.”

You can watch Christina Clarke create a cornucopia of sweetly scented bars, infused with herbs and oils to promote a gorgeous glow, at Sunrise Soap Company. You can spend a few hours with Daniel Nied and his students at the York Time Institute, wondering at the inner workings of clockworks from pocket timepieces to grand tall case clocks. You can inhale the intoxicating aromas of

hand-twisted sourdough snacks warm from the brick oven at Kevin Bidelspach’s Revonah Pretzels. And, you can marvel at what happens every 80 seconds on the factory production line as new Harley-Davidson motorcycles are built.

It’s this human quality that makes these tours so unique. Visitors have an opportunity to meet the makers face-to-face and delight in the stories that shape their creations. It’s the rare, look-over-theshoulder experience that’s the attraction, witnessing the craftsmanship unfold as Mark Bluett shapes a stringed instrument at Bluett Bros.Violins. But, it’s also the delight at seeing raw materials, like tractor-trailer loads of potatoes turned into potato chips. There’s something about the taste of warmfrom-the-oven snacks that can’t be captured in a bag.

Tours lead to more It’s why some tour visitors end up inspired to linger longer, pursuing job opportunities in the Factory Tour Capital of the World. Some of Nied’s students, who range from 17 to 87, got their start after first touring York Time Institute and watching the process. “People come in for the tour and sign up for the school,” says Nied. “Visitors will come in with very expensive clocks and watches and even clockmakers’ tools passed down in their families and want to learn more.”

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The curiosity to learn more is what makes this event so popular, says Brent Burkey, who promotes the area.

Ready to visit? Come in your walking shoes.

It’s safest to wear closed toe shoes with flat heels.

Some factories require them.

Insider tip: Be prepared to don hairnets, earplugs, or safety glasses, as well as to remove your jewelry and leave your cameras behind.

Some sites are wheelchair-friendly, others require you keep your wits about you as you move past working machinery and wiggle through close quarters. Not every site is open to children, so do your research or make provisions. And, not every factory is in production every day, so plan accordingly and make reservations for your must-see stops. That’s especially true if you’d like to be part of the exclusive Harley-Davidson Steel Toe Tour, which comes with a $35 fee.

While many of the factories are open yearround, visiting during the Made in America event ensures greater accessibility as well as the bonus of special package deals at local businesses.

The event also features a Visit and Win promotion, where visitors get a passport stamped at each location, making them eligible for prizes. You can find all the participating factory tours, download a passport, and access an interactive itinerary planner at factorytours.org.

june 17-20, 2015

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recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 13

pennsylvania I vanessa orr

Planes, trains, and autos: The Reading area is worth the drive If you’ve ever played Monopoly, you’ve heard of the Reading Railroad. But what you might not realize is that the Reading, Pa., area has a far more extensive transportation heritage worth exploring.

No doubt, the area is rich in railroad history. At The Reading Railroad Heritage Museum, located in Hamburg, visitors can learn about the impact of the railroad on southeastern Pennsylvania. More than 70 historic Reading locomotives, freight cars, and passenger cars make up one of the largest collections in the United States pertaining to a single railroad, and inside exhibits include displays of what it was like to work on the railroad, which ran from 1833 to 1976.

The Reading Railroad carried anthracite coal to ports in Philadelphia and New York, as well as millions of people in its heyday. “The Reading

Where transportation history comes to life!

85 South Walnut St., Boyertown, PA 19512 610-367-2090 | www.boyertownmuseum.org Follow us!

fired the Industrial Revolution in this area, and really made suburbs possible,” said volunteer Carol Adams. The railroad also provided jobs for many ethnic groups, including Irish, Italian, Welsh, and Polish workers whose sacrifices are honored at the museum.

Riding the rails today Visitors can actually experience what it was like to ride on a railroad car in the 1920s at the Colebrookdale Railroad in Boyertown. Entering the meticulously restored Dawn Treader train car is like stepping back in time, from its Tiffany lamp reproductions to its highly polished wooden floors.

“It took more than 17,000 volunteer hours to restore this train,” said volunteer Frank Kremm. “It is our pride and joy.”

Visitors can ride in this luxurious car, or in an open car that was built in 1910 and gives riders standing outside a 360-degree view. Refreshments are served in the 1924 cafe car, and there’s even a restored caboose. The train travels a 17-mile loop between Boyertown and Pottstown, and travelers will be in good company — Thomas Edison used to ride this route weekly through the “Secret Valley” once frequented by William Penn and George Washington. e L K i n s ,

W e s t

v i r G i n i a

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Mountain Music Trail Picnic Saturday, May 23

Celebrate a musical heritage that extends throughout our mountain region via the Mountain Music Trail. Enjoy great traditional music and a Memorial Day picnic at Spruce. Bring a blanket, rain gear and warm jacket.

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Father’s Day Cookout Sunday, June 21

Give Dad a break and let us do the grillin’! Live traditional music and a cookout at Spruce. Bring a blanket, rain gear and Dad!

Great WV Train Race Sunday, July 19

Watch Steam and Diesel vie for the position of “Most Powerful Mountain Climbing” train in West Virginia! Picnic and live entertainment. Bring a blanket!

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866-697-6028 • Mtn-Rail.com 14 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

Insider tip: If you ride on the Colebrookdale Railroad’s open car, keep your elbows tucked in. The rock passes that you’ll travel through are pretty narrow.

On the road If automobiles are your thing, the Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles is the place to go.

Located less than two blocks from the Colebrookdale Railroad, this museum, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, first started as a collection of road vehicles built in southeastern Pennsylvania, but has since expanded to include wheeled vehicles from all over the state. “Even people who aren’t that into cars really like it,” explained curator Kendra Cook. “There’s something for everyone.”

Antique cars, motorcycles, bicycles, a full-size diner, and even a horse-drawn hearse fill the cavernous building, and range in age from a real Conestoga wagon to a 1956 Adams Convertible.

Displays include a look at the development of the Pennsylvania Turnpike, antique license plates, and filling station giveaways, but the real draw is the chance to see so many beautiful and rare vehicles on display.

Into the sky For travelers who want to go completely offroad, a visit to the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum in Reading provides a chance to take to the skies.

Dedicated to preserving and displaying historical aircraft, this museum offers visitors a chance to see bombers, helicopters, experimental aircraft, and classic airliners, including a WWII P-61 Black Widow, which is currently being restored and is one of only four in the world.

One of the best times to visit is during the muse-

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um’s annual World War II Weekend, which takes place this year June 5–7.

Many of the aircraft are displayed outside on the tarmac, and rides are even available (for a fee) on some of the restored aircraft. The event itself — which features period reenactors from both sides, battle re-creations,

1940s entertainment, a super militia flea market, and an air show — is an exemplary tribute to America’s Greatest Generation.

Tioga County

experience the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon at two state parks abutting the canyon. Colton Point State Park, on the west side of the canyon, is a perfect spot to enjoy lunch and take in vistas of the canyon. The 3-mile Turkey Trail at the park takes hikers from the mountain top park down to the base of Pine Creek.

On the opposite side, Leonard Harrison State Park features hiking trails and a campground open from April through October.

The proximity of so much wilderness, and lack of crowds, makes Tioga County a great place to visit, and live, Dillon said. “It has so many activities, but it doesn’t get real crowded. If you come here on a weekday, you will hardly see any else,” he said. “Everybody loves living here for a reason.”

While you don’t need to pack your tent to enjoy Tioga County’s natural beauty, there are plenty of camping sites available, too.

continued from page 10 and places to grab a bite to eat.

“You can customize your distance,” Dillon said.

Pine Creek Outfitters also offers water lovers the chance to explore the area by boat with guided rafting trips and canoe and kayak rentals.

Spring and fall offer the best times for boating, as water levels fall during the warmer summer weather. Pine Creek Outfitters offers full-day and multi-day excursions for those looking to explore this wilderness area.

During the summer, the outfitter provides guided mountain biking trips on the trails throughout the Tioga State Forest.

Guides can also find excellent places for rock climbing. Pine Creek provides all the equipment needed to make the trip.

“In some of the wild areas in the forest, there are 50-foot boulders you can climb,” Dillon said.

Hikers can find plenty of ways to

For more information Reading Tourism: gogreaterreading.com

For more information Tioga Co. Tourism: visittiogapa.com

AIRBORNE AND SPECIAL OPERATIONS MUSEUM

IT’S HERE THE VERY SEEDS OF AMERICA’S FREEDOM AND PATRIOTISM WERE PLANTED AND WE’VE GOT THE TRAILS TO PROVE IT. The Revolutionary War. The Civil War. Both World Wars. Fayetteville/Cumberland County had a front seat to most of it. There’s more American History here than you could find in hundreds of history books. So, why not grab your car keys and start exploring more than 750 miles of history and heritage using our Cultural Heritage Trails? Whether it’s historical sites, architecture or adventure, our 18 themed driving trails offer something for everyone. And you can find them all at www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com VISITFAYETTEVILLENC.COM

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recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 15

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Cruise from Baltimore or fly to a port? That’s always been a worthy debate for cruise enthusiasts. Here in the Mid-Atlantic, we’re fortunate that still another option exists. Hop on I-95 and in three to four hours, you can be at Cape Liberty in New Jersey aboard a Royal Caribbean ship.

The trip is all major highways until the last few minutes and is well marked.

While there, you can also take in a pre- or post-trip stay in Manhattan. Cruising from the New Yorkmetro area expands your selection of ships and destinations, is priced very competitively, and there’s the added thrill of seeing the Statue of Liberty sending you off and welcoming you back home.

You can cruise out of Cape Liberty, N.J., with two Royal Caribbean ships.

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16 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

new Oasis-class ships, including the DreamWorks Experience. Our favorite is the FlowRider, with a wave generator that allows you to surf. You can also enjoy the ice skating rink, cantilevered whirlpools that project out the side, the kids’ H2O Zone waterpark, and food from Johnny Rockets and Ben & Jerry’s among others. Select from five-night Bermuda, nine-night Canada and New England, nineand 10-night Bermuda and Caribbean, or 12-night Skyscrapers and Rodeos cruises. Prices begin at just $471 per person, plus tax and port fees.

Anthem of the Seas is the second of the Quantum-class ships. It begins its maiden season in Europe this May and comes to Cape Liberty in November. This is the third-largest cruise ship in the world and is packed with amenities and recreational opportunities. In addition to the FlowRider and rock-climbing wall, it also sports a skydiving simulator. There’s even a London Eye-style pod that takes passengers 300 feet above the ship, bumper cars, a robotic bartender, a retractable roof solarium, and huge outdoor theater screen.

Another innovation aboard this ship is the 375 interior rooms that have a monstrously large, ultrahigh-definition screen providing the same view as a balcony room. There seems to be no shortage of “wow� factors. Select from five-night Bermuda, seven-night Bermuda and Boston, seven- and

eight-night Bahamas, nine-night New England and Canada, 10-night Eastern Caribbean, and 12-night Southern or Western Caribbean itineraries. Prices begin at just $689 per person, plus tax and port fees.

Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas continues its sailings from Baltimore. Read more about that opportunity next month.

Whether it’s a summer sailing to the Caribbean or Bermuda, an autumn sailing to Canada and New England for the foliage, or a winter escape to the Bahamas, Royal Caribbean offers a wide range of options at affordable prices. And, they’re all within an afternoon’s drive without the airport’s expenses and hassle. After all, wouldn’t you rather spend that first vacation day motoring aboard one of these grand ships rather than going through the exhausting cattle drive and wait experience at the airport?

Insider Tip: Many hotels and discount airport parking lots offer reduced or free parking for cruisers. Do a little research to find convenient alternative ways to save money.

And, it gets even better. Ask your travel agent about special military discounts available on selected sailings or a discount for the second passenger (up to 50 percent off for double occupancy).

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recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 17

adventures in taste I reed hellman

From Genghis Khan to Brooklyn, sauerkraut has a pungent history Taste and aroma can be powerful memory triggers. Of all things, sauerkraut — a fresh, crunchy, tangy kraut, made with a touch of sweetness and whole spices — returned me to my Uncle Irving’s Brighton Beach deli in mid-century Brooklyn, back when a hot dog with kraut cost a quarter at Nathan’s.

After immigrating to Baltimore, I learned that sauerkraut in the Mid-Atlantic is usually cooked, with some kind of pork and maybe apples or caraway seeds. The flaccid, piquant mass regularly appears around Thanksgiving, and did not initially work well on my palate. In contrast, the fresh juniper caraway kraut produced by HEX Ferments, artisan kraut makers and fermentors, immediately triggered my flavor-driven time travel.

Selling their products from a stall in Baltimore’s Belvedere Market and at regional farmers’ markets, HEX Ferments consider themselves “food alchemists” who use traditional processes and quality ingredients to create “probiotic-rich, nutrient-dense living food” — mostly krauts and fermented herbal teas.

In its simplest form, sauerkraut is shredded cabbage, salt, and water, packed into a container and allowed to ferment. Most sources credit the Northern Chinese with first pickling cabbage in rice wine in about 200 B.C. Workers on the Great Wall received the “proto-kraut” as rations because it

kept so long without refrigeration.

When Genghis Khan’s Mongols breached the wall, they adopted sauerkraut, but replaced the rice wine with salt and water. Easy preparation and long “shelf life” made the cabbage a perfect choice for a highly mobile army. When the Mongols reached the gates of Eastern Europe, they brought along sauerkraut.

By the 16th century, people in present day Germany and Austria were fermenting shredded cabbage in its own juices, creating the “sour cabbage” we know today as sauerkraut. The 17thcentury Dutch adopted it as a staple food on long sea voyages because it kept so well and the high vitamin C content helped sailors ward off scurvy.

Sauerkraut’s first mention in American English came in 1776, associated with German communities, particularly the Amish and Mennonites in Pennsylvania. Further waves of German immigrants landed in New York City, and in the 1860s some began selling sauerkraut with sausages wrapped in milk rolls — the first modern hot dogs — from pushcarts in New York City’s Bowery.

As with many other traditional foods and beverages, sauerkraut is undergoing renovation, partially a result of its reputation as the new “superfood.”

“We’ve got more demand than we can meet,” said Meaghan Carpenter, one of HEX Ferments’ founders. “Fermentation is one of the oldest forms of food preservation. Sauerkraut supports a symbiotic relationship with your microbes.”

HEX Ferments produces a dozen different kinds

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Small Batch Sauerkraut 1 medium head green cabbage (about 3 pounds), shredded 1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt 1 tablespoon caraway seeds 1 teaspoon juniper berries 2-quart wide mouth canning jar Smaller jelly jar that fits inside the mouth of the canning jar Clean stones, marbles, or other weights for the jelly jar Cloth and rubber band or twine for covering the canning jar Thoroughly mix the cabbage with the salt, juniper berries, and caraway seeds. Let stand for 10 minutes. Tightly pack the cabbage mixture into the canning jar. Slip the smaller jelly jar into the mouth of the large jar and weigh it down with the stones or marbles to help keep the cabbage submerged in its liquid. Cover the mouth of the canning jar with the cloth and secure it with a rubber band or twine.

Place in cool area overnight (65 to 70 F). In a day, the cabbage should give up enough liquid to be completely submerged. The smaller jelly jar weighs it down to keep it submerged.

Check the cabbage every other day for two weeks and skim any surface scum, if necessary.

Let it stand for four weeks. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to six months.

Reed Hellman is a professional writer living in Alberton, Md. For more information, visit reedhellmanwordsmith.com or email rhway2go@ yahoo.com.

Change of Commands Meetings

of kraut for a total of about 1,800 pounds each month, along with 350 to 400 gallons of kombucha tea. Defined as “a living tea elixir teeming with probiotics,” HEX Ferments asserts that its kombucha is “… known to facilitate digestion, help with immune system functioning, and aid detoxification.”

Making a variety of sauerkrauts is a relatively easy home kitchen project. HEX Ferments gives workshops and posts the schedule on hexferments.com.

Sandor Katz, a leading proponent of fermentation’s benefits and author of The Art of Fermentation: A Comprehensive Guide to Do-It-Yourself Home Fermentation, writes: “When you make sauerkrauts you are in fact concocting a vessel full of enzymes, lactobacilli, and an alkaline reactive food source. … It’s a powerhouse of nutrition for your stomach, intestines, organs, and entire body.”

All of that, and it reminds me of Uncle Irving’s deli!

Reed Hellman

Meghan Carpenter, food alchemist at HEX, works her magic with the fermented product.

18 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

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

govemployee.com I advertorial

Keeping benefits up-to-date If it’s been a few years since you started working for the federal government, chances are that a marriage, children, new mortgage, or income changes mean you should take another look at your benefits.

Also, FELGI rates go up as we age and we need to have plans to pay our bills if we can’t work.

Fed Benefits Center has been serving federal employees and their families for more than 15 years and takes great pride in providing an unyielding level of ethics and top-rated products.

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To learn more about how the Fed Benefits Center can help you, call 800-440-2468 or email jhollister@ fedbenefitscenter.com.

Here’s how we can help you: ◆ FEGLI Analysis (learn what you are currently paying, what you will be paying, and how benefits change).

Options are available that save you valuable premium dollars and provide coverage for many years to come. ◆ Your stages in life change, and life insurance needs to change as well. Check out Term, Term with Return of Premium, Universal, and Whole Life plans for spouse, kids, parents, and grandparents. ◆ Disability Benefits that replace some or all of your income in the event you are injured or sick. No physical!

Two spring shows to check out Federal civilian and military employees have three things that tourist destinations, attractions, and resorts really want: plenty of time off, high incomes, and good job security.

That’s why you’ll find so many of these representatives at two upcoming travel fairs.

The Marine Corps Community Services Henderson Hall Travel & Leisure Fair is May 9, 11:00am–3:00pm at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall.

Meet representatives of destinations, resorts, and

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attractions with an interest in reaching military and civilian Department of Defense employees and retirees.

Many offer special discounts and offers along with giveaways during the show.

The Henderson Hall Uncorked Wine Festival takes place the same day, so it’s a great way to spend part of your Saturday.

The Food and Drug Administration’s Employee Spring Fair on May 12 is a great way to meet vendors, learn about travel experiences, and collect information

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for those summer trips and long weekend getaways.

The fair takes place at FDA, Building 2 CSU Atrium in Silver Spring, 11:00am–1:30pm.

You’ll find plenty of vendors representing destinations in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond. You’ll also find special discounts and offers, free color brochures, giveaways, and information galore. It’s a fun, and often profitable, way to spend your lunch break, so make plans to take in the Employee Spring Fair with friends and co-workers.

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Recreation .com NEWS Have we missed anything? Don’t think so!

THE RECREATION NEWS MEDIA GROUP www.RecreationNews.com Recreation News • Weekend Update E-mail The Travel Radio Show and Podcast Visit us on Facebook!

E-mail: Publisher@RecreationNews.com 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221 Phone: 410-638-6901 • Fax: 410-638-6902 © 2015, Indiana Printing and Publishing Co., Inc. Recreation News (ISSN 1056-9294) is the official publication of GovEmployee.com and GovEmployee.com, and is published monthly by the Indiana Printing and Publishing Co., Inc. Subscriptions by mail are $15 per year (12 issues). Corporate and bulk employee subscriptions are free. Contact the publisher at the address or telephone number listed above. Items in Recreation News may not be reproduced without the publisher’s written consent.

Publisher - Karl Teel Editor - Marvin Bond Calendar Editor - Jessica Bosse Account Executive - Lynn Talbert Copy Editor - Andrea Ebeling Cover Design - Debbie Palmer Web Support - Ron Yarnick Layout & Art - Beth Wood Accounting - Bev Peterson

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GovEmployee.com 3012 Gold Mine Road, Brookeville, MD 20833 Phone: 301-221-3977 Email RSragner@GovEmployee.com 2015 RECGOV President: Ruth Sragner Advisory Panel: Renee Bolden, Clement Jackson, Karl Teel, Jessica Smith and Ted Tepper Publisher - Recreation News: Karl Teel

GovEmployee.com We are a co-op of more than 40 recreation associations and MWRs working together to better serve our members

recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 19

maryland I staff

Music and more make for a lively Cumberland summer Cumberland, in the mountains of Western Maryland, offers a trifecta of good things to visitors and locals this summer.

Location is the first, with the C&O Canal National Park, Great Allegheny Passage, and surrounding

mountains providing excellent bicycling and superior outdoor recreation. The Narrows, a spectacular natural water gap with towering cliffs, provides the backdrop for the city that’s full of history.

“Lots of people make Cumberland a base camp

for all kinds of great outdoor activities,” said Steve Leyh, who promotes the city’s downtown.

The second leg of the trifecta is affordability.

National magazines and CNN have named Cumberland as one of the 10 most affordable small cities in America.

That’s not only high praise, but also a good reason to check out what’s happening in Cumberland this summer.

Locals are fond of saying that those who choose to live in Cumberland do so not for fame and fortune, but for the superb quality of life. It’s a haven for artists and musicians, as well as outdoor enthusiasts.

Cumberland is known for hosting DelFest, one of the premiere bluegrass festivals in the nation, and other attractions such as the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad and Rocky Gap State Park.

Free music weekends Free music is the third part of the trifecta. In the summertime, Cumberland comes alive with music and festivals. Every Friday night in June, July, and August, pedestrian-only Baltimore Street in the historic city center is the place to be. Up-and-coming national touring artists mix with regional bands to Cumberland’s downtown pedestrian area comes alive with music and other events during the summer.

continued on page 28

Chestertown re-lives its tea party during annual festival Chestertown Tea Party Festival

20 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

The popular “Tory Toss” into the Chester River is part of the fun at the Annual Chestertown Tea Party Festival, May 22–24, in Chestertown on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Colonists and Tories march to the river and board the tall ship Sultana to reenact the actual 18th-century tea party. But the weekend is also full of children’s activities, Colonial craft demonstrations, wine and beer tastings, and walking tours of the historic district.

Entertainment includes music, dance, and theater offerings, ranging from Punch and Judy shows to “Revolutionary Theatre” performances. Sunday afternoon brings a raft race in which teams compete to keep homemade rafts afloat as long as possible. (chestertownteaparty.org)

Visit Leonardtown ...

Southern Maryland's Finest Historic Town!

We've got a great line up!

Boat, bike or paddle an in-town water trail. Dine, shop and sample great local wines.

Leonardtown is conveniently located in the heart of St. Mary's County, just a short drive south of D.C. and Baltimore.

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recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 21

delaware I pam george

Wilmington’s summer season kicks off with a festive start Delaware’s largest city knows how to pull out all the stops Wilmington’s spring and summer events and festivals are not just harbingers of warm weather — many have also garnered national attention.

libations and cuisine at various locations in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.

Chefs, winemakers, brewers, and foodies come together to celebrate stellar cuisine and fine wines at a festival extravaganza that includes brunches, lunches, tastings, and dinners in restaurants and memorable

A matter of good taste The Mid-Atlantic Wine and Food Festival, May 13–17, highlights local

d STAY AND SEE WITH THE BRANDYWINE PASSPORT

The summer season again bring with it the value-laden Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport, which is good for one-time admission to 11 area attractions between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Participating Brandywine Valley attractions include the Brandywine River Museum of Art, Delaware Art Museum, Delaware Museum of Natural History, Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts, Hagley Museum and Library, Longwood Gardens, Mt. Cuba Center, Nemours Mansion and Gardens, Read House and Garden, Rockwood Mansion and Park, and Winterthur Museum, Garden, and Library.

Individual passports are $45. Family passports, good for two adults and up to three children, are $95 — a savings of more than $300. Tickets may be purchased at area attractions or at visitwilmingtonde.com.

SAV E UP

Visit the beautiful Brandywine Valley thiss Memorial Day through Labor Day and save big with the Brandywine Treasure Trail Passport—your single ticket access to 11 top Brandywine Valley attractions.

Passports start at just $45.

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The U.S. Cycling Association has designated this grand prix as one of the country’s top 10 criterium races. The most common form of American racing, the criterium is a multi-lap race that is fast and easy to watch. Time trials start on Friday at the landmark Monkey Hill in Brandywine Park, a steep cobblestone hill that goes by the Brandywine Zoo’s monkey house. Men’s and women’s amateur and professional races are on Saturday.

Both amateurs and professionals

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participate in Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gran Fondo, Medio Fondo, or Governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ride over 62-, 30- or 15-mile courses that meander through the Brandywine Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Chateau Country,â&#x20AC;? so named for the magnificent estates that are sprinkled throughout the rolling hills. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a once-a-year opportunity to bike through Hagley, Winterthur, and Mt. Cuba Center,â&#x20AC;? said Lynn Lewis, who promotes the area, naming three former du Pont sites that draw visitors from all over the world.

The race is complemented by a bike parade, and a street festival features live music, sidewalk sales, and food vendors. (wilmgrandprix.com)

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venues such as wineries, barns, and historic sites. Wilmington is a central hub for these events, which are either in town or a short drive away. (mawff.org)

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Order your Passport and get a F FREE Visitors Guide at: VDYH Copyright C i ht Š 2015 off th the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau.

22 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

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delaware I frances folsom

Dover Days honor First State’s heritage on capital’s green The city of Dover has been the capital of Delaware since 1777. Even though it is a “big city” by Delaware standards, Dover has a delightful small town feel and gladly embraces its more than two centuries of history.

The Dover Days Festival on May 1–3 started in 1933 as a one-day tour of 20 gardens and has grown to 105 events, parades, and fireworks.

This year’s events include: performances and lectures honoring Abraham Lincoln by historian Bob Gleason from the American Historical Theater in Philadelphia; Revolutionary War, Civil War, and WWII encampments; 350 craft and food vendors; and nationally known stunt cyclist Chris Clark doing daredevil stunts.

You can take in performances of 13 The Musical by members of the Premier Center for the Arts. At the History, Heritage, and Hops brewfest, a $5 ticket gets you samples of beverages from eight local breweries and distilleries. And, you can become a part of 21st-century history by painting a portion of the 120-foot long Mural of America, which depicts Americans at work. It is part of the American Mural Project, which is traveling the country to teach people about art.

History on tap The First State Heritage Park on the Green, which has a visitor center and gallery, is a museum without walls. It includes six historic sites,

some of which date to 1777, including the Old State House, Legislative Hall, the John Bell House, the Johnson Victrola Museum, the Biggs Museum of American Art, and the WoodburnHall House. Each has a bit of Delaware history to share.

On the John Dickinson Plantation you’ll find an elegant earlyGeorgian-style house dating to about 1740. Costumed interpreters lead tours of the house, telling about Dickinson the lawyer, politician, and signer of the Constitution.

Located on the Dover Air Force Base, the Air Mobility Command Museum is the place to learn about the history of the Berlin Airlift and other major Air Force activities and planes. Among the planes on display is one that served presidents, vice presidents, first ladies, and foreign leaders from 1975 to 2011.

Insider tip: To get an in-depth comprehensive visit, ask for a tour guide.

the track seasonally, thanks to Monster Racing.

The Delaware Agricultural Museum is a living history village with 19th-century buildings. Exhibits explain the agricultural history of Delaware and the Delmarva Peninsula.

Dining and lodging At Where Pigs Fly, the pulled pork sandwich is so juicy you will need at least six napkins. The Frankfurt Bakery and Deli bakes fresh breads and desserts daily — try the divine lemon bars. Restaurant 55 offers

“black and bleu,” Santa Fe, and teriyaki burgers.

The State Street Inn, in the First State Capitol Historic District, offers charming guest and is within walking distance of downtown and most attractions.

The Hampton Inn and the Best Western Galaxy Inn offer pools, as well as complimentary breakfasts and wireless Internet.

For more information Dover Days: doverdaysfestival.com Kent Co. Tourism: visitdover.com

Other activities The Delaware by Hand shop inside the Biggs Museum of American Art is the place to go for beautifully handcrafted glass works, jewelry, wood carvings, and paintings. This year’s Delaware by Hand exhibit by master craftsmen runs through June 14.

Dover is synonymous with fast cars and the Dover International Speedway satisfies the need for speed with major races, but amateur drivers can drive a race car around

Kent Co. Tourism

Docents lead tours of the historic areas around the Green in Dover, Del.

Discover Mainstreet Charm ... Eat, Drink, Shop & Enjoy Slow down, get comfy and explore historic Downtown Dover, Delaware. Boutiques, awardwinning eateries, museums, theater, lodging and attractions. Everything for a delightful visit!

LOOCKERMAN STREET

STATE STREET

1. Dover Days, May 1-3, 2015 — A nationally acclaimed celebration of the First State’s Capital City chock full of family fun activities, where the present meets the past with over 400 vendors. Fireworks, entertainment, parade, car show and civil war-era baseball tournament too!

411 Legislative Avenue, Dover, DE, 1-800-233-5368, www.doverdaysfestival.com 2. First State Heritage Park, Dover — has a rich, 330-year history dating back to its founding by William Penn. Visit today and hear the stories of the people, places and events that have left their mark on the city.

121 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd North, Dover, DE, 302-739-9194, www.destateparks.com/ heritagepark

www.VisitDover.com 800-233-5368

3. Parke Green Galleries — Artist studios, hear the stories behind the art, paintings done in watercolor, acrylic historical landscapes, American folk art, and great gift options, 327-331 South State Street, Dover, DE, 302-674-1787 4. Schwartz Center for the Arts — enhances the quality of life for the community through creating performance oriented arts activities, educational activities and entertainment, 226 South State Street, Dover, DE, 302-678-3583, www.schwartzcenter.com 5. Governor’s Café — The “Leason House” as denoted on the National Historic Register, the café offers breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, and a full dinner menu, located across from the Governor’s Mansion at

Delaware’s Capital Region ...

144 Kings Highway, Dover, DE, 302-747-7531, www.governorscafe.com 6. Bel Boutique — offering women’s contemporary clothing, accessories and more in an adorable little downtown shop, 28 Loockerman St, Dover, DE, 302-741-2340, www.belboutique.com 7. Forney’s Too — They search all year for unusual and exciting merchandise to make shopping an easy and stress-free occasion for you! 102 W. Loockerman St., Dover, DE, 302-734-2425, www.forneystoo.com 8. Bayard Pharmacy — a family-owned and operated full service pharmacy and retail shop located in the heart of downtown, 202 Loockerman St, Dover, DE, 302-724-4497, www.bayardrx.com

just a heartbeat away for your weekend stay.

Call for your Free Visitors Guide Today!

recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 23

delaware I pam george

Greater Seaford area offers sweets, celebrations, libations Located less than an hour from the Delaware coast, the Greater Seaford area combines the amenities of a waterside town — it’s nestled against the Nanticoke River — with historic charm.

Together, the towns of Blades, Bridgeville, Greenwood, Seaford, and Woodland provide the background for restorative, relaxing getaways.

And, the area becomes even more fun when you build a getaway around three upcoming events: Live for Chocolate on May 1; the Towne and Country Fair at the Governor Ross Mansion and Plantation, May 22–24; and the Bridgeville Beer and Barrel Festival on June 6. The Comfort Suites in Seaford is offering hotel packages during all three of the festivities. Just mention the event to learn about the discount rate.

A sweet treat You can live for chocolate on May 1, 5:00– 8:30pm, in downtown Seaford.

Any diehard chocolate lover will tell you this Seaford Chamber of Commerce

The Bridgeville Beer and Barrel Festival showcases local libations.

confection is good for you — and not just because it’s soulfully satisfying. Cacao, the source of the distinct taste, contains healthy flavonoids. Studies have found that it can reduce the risk of stroke, a heart attack, diabetes, and cancer — which is why it’s the perfect theme to promote women’s health.

The Live for Chocolate event features more than 16 downtown businesses and vendors. There will be food, wine, games — including a scavenger hunt with chocolate treats — and other activities.

It’s the start to a great girls’ weekend, says Lynn Brocato, of the Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce, noting that one of the Comfort Suites’ packages offers a spa experience. However, men are welcome, as evidenced by the “Man Cave,” open during the entire time at Dick’s Barber Shop. (seafordchamber.com/live-for-chocolate)

Saluting Seaford The Seaford Town and Country Fair, May 22–24, primarily takes place at the Governor Ross Mansion and Plantation.

This year, this popular event celebrates the 150th anniversary of Seaford’s founding. The legacy of the town, which has long been of historical importance to Sussex County, is showcased over the three-day event.

Activities begin on May 22 at city hall with an opening ceremony and entertainment, but move to the plantation on Saturday, beginning at 9:00am.

The property is named for William Henry Harrison Ross, the governor of Delaware from 1851 to 1855.

Ross is known for bringing the railroad into southern Delaware. He’s also known for being a slave owner and Confederate sympathizer. When the Civil War broke out, he fled to England.

The fair will feature the Historic and Vintage Car Club of Delaware’s 33rd annual First State Meet, crafts, food, live entertainment, kids activities, and

BRIDGEVILLE BEER & BARREL

Festival 12:00-6:00

WINE FOOD

The June 6 Bridgeville Beer and Barrel Festival takes place at the Heritage Shores Clubhouse in Bridgeville, noon–6:00pm.

Sample popular beers and wines at this rain-orshine event, located in Heritage Shores, a championship golf course and entertainment venue near both Seaford and the beach. Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the gate, and $10 for a designated driver. (seafordchamber.com/bridgeville-beerbarrel-festival)

Exploring the area The Greater Seaford area has plenty to offer, even without the festivals, making it a good “day off the beach” destination. Along with the Governor Ross Mansion and Plantation, history buffs will enjoy the Cook House Museum and Laurel Heritage Museum in Laurel; the Seaford Museum and Cannon-Maston House — one of Sussex County’s oldest homes — in Seaford; the Bethel Museum in Bethel; and the Bridgeville Historical Society Museum. The Delaware History Trail includes the Governor Ross property as well as the Captain John Smith Monument at Phillips Landing in Laurel.

Outdoor enthusiasts can take to the water or the land, thanks to the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, which includes the Seaford and Laurel sections of the Nanticoke River; the Chapel Branch Nature Area in Seaford; the Nanticoke Heritage Byway, which goes from Route 13 to Trap Pond State Park in Laurel; and the Delaware Outdoor Trail.

Seaford Area Tourism: seafordchamber.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 6

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Cheerful libations

For more information

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tours of the mansion and plantation property.

Don’t be surprised if you see attendees with full beards. In honor of the town’s 150th anniversary, there’s a beard challenge and the winner of “Seaford’s Beardliest Gentleman” will be recognized during the fair. (seafordchamber.com/townecountry-fair)

N FU

Come join us in sampling some of your favorite local beers and wines. Rain or shine!

TICKET PRICE: $25 in Advance | $30 at the Gate | $10 Designated Driver Tickets on sale at Eventbrite https://eventbrite.com/event/15835536516/ Hotel Package available at Comfort Suites in Seaford include overnight stay and 2 BBB tickets starting at $184 www.comfortsuitesseafordde.com/promotions OR (302) 628 – 5400

Beaches are just the beginning.

We invite you to explore a place we call home. Experience the warmth of our friends and neighbors. Taste our multitudes of flavors. Get lost around the heart of our community, The Circle. You’ll see what we mean when we say: Georgetown, Delaware. Well Rounded.

Intro to Paddle Board Fishing May 16, 2015 Fenwick Island, DE

Join us for these upcoming events.

Georgetown Farmers’ Market/Concerts in The Park May–September 2015 Historic Georgetown Art Crawl/Farmer & Foodie Festival September 13, 2015

GREATER SEAFORD CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (302) 629-9690

Wings & Wheels—A Fall Festival October 2–3, 2015 Georgetown Christmas Parade December 3, 2015

Visit us at www.georgetowncoc.com or call 302-856-1544.

24 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

delmarvaboardsports.com

L A N D , WAT E R O R A I R .

More reasons to get out there!

If you’re the adventurous type, get ready to get out there. On land, you’re in for outstanding biking, hiking and nature

trails, challenging golf, beautiful state parks and campgrounds. Love water? Come paddle our back bays, rivers and wildlife refuges. Go surfing or skimboarding. Enjoy fishing or boating. Still up in the air? Go skydiving, parasailing or birding.

Or just relax on our pristine 5-star beaches—and do nothing at all. For a full calendar of events, activities and deals go to VisitSouthernDelaware.com/outdoor

Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/VisitSouthDel

Come to the Culinary Coast and take a spring culinary adventure.

TM

Celebrate Rehoboth Beach Restaurant Week, June 7–12, and enjoy delicious samplings from 15 of the Cape Region’s best chefs, plus brews, spirits, wines and sweets.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

• 5–8 pm Rehoboth Beach Convention Center • $50 in advance, $55 at the door • Ticket price benefits your local Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth and includes 2 free drink tickets. (Under 21 y/o not admitted.)

TOP CHEF

Culinary Coast of the

FOR TICKETS online go to www.visitsoutherndelaware.com or call 302-645-7449

Plan your culinary adventure and enjoy farm-fresh food from our partners by visiting: www.localonthemenu.com. Spring is a great time to sample farm-fresh food grown locally and served locally at more than 30 restaurants in southern Delaware.

To learn more about some of the region’s fantastic eateries visit

www.visitsoutherndelaware.com/culinary-coast

Life tastes better here.

TM

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delaware I michelle and karl teel

Upcoming summer means hot times in Southern Delaware Salt water taffy, salty air, the sound of seagulls competing with the sound of laughing children, lapping waves, refreshing breezes, and ocean plunges â&#x20AC;&#x201D; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time for summer in Southern Delaware. Who wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to be there right now?

Here are some events to consider that will help you explore a bit beyond the beach during your spring getaway.

Town and Country Festival, May 21â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24, Governor Ross Plantation, Seaford Featured events include the Historical Vintage Car Club of Delawareâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 32nd Annual First State Meet, crafters, exhibitors, food vendors, demonstrators, music, and tours of the Governor Ross Mansion. (seafordhistoricalsociety.com) Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival, May 23, Milton Join 1,500 other participants at the Milton Memorial Park for a great day for the entire family.

Enjoy food, music, arts and crafts, train rides for kids, boat rides on the Broadkill River, canoe trips on Prime Hook Creek, exhibits, and hikes, as the region celebrates the horseshoe crabs and migrating birds that are a unique part of the areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s nature.

Explore historic Milton and take the shuttle bus to Prime Hook Wildlife refuge. (historicmilton.com) Top Chef of the Culinary Coast, June 11, Rehoboth Beach Each year, more and more foodies are coming to Southern Delaware to enjoy the offerings of the

Culinary Coast. The destinationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s countless restaurants offer farm-to-table treats, creations from world-renowned chefs and James Beard award winners, and flavors for every fancy. There also are â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eating Rehobothâ&#x20AC;? food tours led by former Bad Company bass player Paul Cullen.

At the Top Chef event, foodies converge at the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center to answer the question, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Which chef is best?â&#x20AC;? You can help decide by attending. For $50 in advance or $55 at the door, you get samples from 15 chefs from at least 20 restaurants, as well as two drink tickets to wash that delicious food down, all while enjoying the acoustic music of Cullen. (visitsoutherndelaware. com) Broad Creek Bike and Brew Tour, June 13, Laurel This tour begins at Laurelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic train station, where you can also enjoy the visitor center and heritage museum. Take in historic sites such as the Cook House, Bethel Museum, Historic Bethel, and the old Christ Church, as well as natural treasures including the Nanticoke River Trail, the Chesapeake Watershed, and, of course, the Sussex

Wilmington continued from page 22 Wilmingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church.

The festival runs from 11:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;11:00pm, so it covers the lunch, dinner, and late-night crowds.

Expect ethnic music, dance performances in traditional garb, crafts, and Greek cuisine during the 40th annual version. (holytrinitywilmington.org) The St. Anthonyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Italian Festival, June 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;14 at the St. Anthony of Padua Church, is one of the larg-

County Historic and Scenic Byway.

You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beat the area for cycling, and you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t beat cycling for working up a thirst for the local brews like those produced by Dogfish Head. (broadcreekbikeandbrew.com) Lewes Garden Tour, June 20, Lewes Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s always a good time to visit this gem of a seaport and the garden tour is a must see. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the self-guided tour of the many private gardens, seeing artists at work, taking in a lecture, perusing the vendor offerings, or chowing down at the food tent, this is a great way to spend the day.

Also in Lewes, just a week later, is the MidAtlantic Sea Glass and Coastal Arts Festival, June 27â&#x20AC;&#x201C;28. The festival attracted 5,500 visitors to the Lewes Historic complex last year. The festival has all the entertainment, artisans, and vendors you could imagine, providing a weekend of fun and some great pieces to take home. (leweschamber. com)

For more information Southern Delaware Tourism: visitsoutherndelaware.com est events of its kind on the East Coast.

This year, the festival celebrates the Abruzzo region. The event offers homemade pasta dinners, Italian goods, and desserts in a series of outdoor eateries.

Entertainment includes classical music, opera, live Italian and contemporary music, string bands, strolling musicians, and dancing. Kids always head for the midway attractions, carnival rides, and games of chance. (stanthonysfestival.com)

Cool tunes, hot nights

Jazz takes over downtown Wilmingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rodney Square June 13â&#x20AC;&#x201C;20 during the free DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival.

The open-air event offers traditional jazz performances with a splash .7836= !(*2.( %&8*6;&=7 of fusion, funk, blues, %.0)0.+* 2) 9(- 9(- 36* and rock. Headliners include Leon Jordan Jr., %* '&2) +0*),0.2, 746*=7 32 396 (3 Chuck Loeb, Jeff Lorber, %&8*6 "&<. 0.1.8*) 7*6:.(* "3967 .2 &8* 92* Jason Marsalis, Jeremy (3 "396 Pelt, Tito Puente Jr., and &1) &60= 90= 746*= &2).2, "396 Steve Turre. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will "-*7* 83967 &6* !927*8 69.7* be after-concert par0.1.8*) &2) .:* 97.( 69.7* ties in various places 6*7*6:&8.327 .6*;36/7 69.7* 8- 3+ 90= throughout the city,â&#x20AC;? &6* 6*59.6*) "3 "-* &= &2) &(/ 69.7* Lewis says. *0&;&6* &= .7(3:*6= 69.7* The festival is held 63:.).2, !*6:.(* 631 *0&;&6* !8&8* &6/ "396 rain or shine, and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s *;*7 .7-*61&2>7 .7836= &44*2*) *6* 69.7* %-&6+ *;*= 9))*6 just steps from several 6.:&8* -&68*67 hotels. (clifford 3(/ 32, brownjazzfest.com) *(/ &6&).7* 6.00 "&/* ++ 2= 69.7* &2) 63&)/.00

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information

Wilmington Tourism: visitwilmingtonde.com

west virginia I xxxx

WEST VIRGINIA

DISCOVER

YOUR WILD & WONDERFUL IN WEST VIRGINIA

#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA |

SPECIAL PULL-OUT SECTION

recreationnews.com I may 2015 I west virginia tourism | WV-1

west virginia I staff

From mild to wild: Get out and play in the Mountain State No matter where you look in the United States, you’d be hard pressed to find a greater variety of vacation possibilities than those available in West Virginia. No ocean beaches, it’s true, but plenty of lakes with sandy shores and even a lighthouse. No chain theme parks here, but there are real frontier forts and even a coal mine you can explore. No parched deserts either, but unique natural areas such as the Dolly Sods Wilderness and Cranberry Glades instead.

Whether it’s a family road trip or a romantic retreat, West Virginia can fill the bill, and now’s the time to get out and play in the Mountain State. From mild activities like nature walks, birding, and wildflower pilgrimages to the wilder mountain biking, zip lining, and whitewater rafting, there’s somebody doing it in the Mountain State and you can tag along.

State parks and more West Virginia’s famous state park resorts are convenient and affordable, with Canaan Valley, Blackwater Falls, and Cacapon in the northern tier, Stonewall Resort mid-state, and Pipestem and Hawk’s Nest among those in the south. You can choose comfortable lodge accommodations, cabins, and campsites and enjoy exploring nature on a hike, in a boat, on horseback, or from a golf course. (wvstateparks.com) Spring is the time to marvel at earth’s bounty and a great family trip includes the West Virginia Strawberry Festival in Buckhannon. Later in the year, there’s the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival in Martinsburg or the Pumpkin Festival in Milton.

You can experience the frontier at Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park along the Ohio River or farther north in Fort New Salem and Prickett’s Fort State Park. Living history and demonstrations bring everyday frontier tasks to life. West Virginia is the only state born of the Civil War and is home to many special Civil War sites, such as Carnifax Ferry and Inde-

pendence Hall, which recall the military and political battles that carved out what is now West Virginia.

There are four major scenic excursion train systems to enjoy: The Potomac Eagle Scenic Railroad, Cass Scenic Railroad, Durbin and Greenbrier Valley, and the New River Mystery Train. You can choose from short trips to full excursions and can even ride from one system to another.

On the wild side A world class whitewater experience may be your personal goal and West Virginia can serve up the New, Gauley, Cheat, Potomac, and Shenandoah rivers. But there’s plenty of fun for the family, too, with some trips rated for 6-year-olds. There are plenty of outfitters to get you in the water, whether it’s on a raft, kayak, canoe, or tube. Some outfitters offer complete adventure resort amenities with loads of activities, including zip lining and canopy tours, and a variety of accommodations. continued on page WV-15

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#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | WV-2 | west virginia tourism I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

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west virginia I missy sheehan

Outdoor adventure awaits in the three ‘Cs’ of the northern tier Now that spring is in full swing, it’s time to get out there and play in some of nature’s splendor. And in the northern tier of West Virginia, just a few hours by car from Baltimore or Washington, D.C., three “Cs” provide hiking through lush forests, mountain views, swimming and fishing in pristine lakes and rivers, and even golf.

Enjoy golf and nature activities at Cacapon Golf and nature lovers of all ages appreciate Cacapon Resort State Park near Berkeley Springs (cacaponresort.com), where visitors can take in the panoramic view of four states from the summit of Cacapon Mountain, hike more than 20 miles of trails meandering throughout the 6,000-acre park, lounge on the beach at Cacapon Lake, and play golf on Clarksburg Tourism

Walking along the scenic fitness trail in Clarksburg’s Veterans Memorial Park.

#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | WV-4 | west virginia tourism I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

continued on page WV-6

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WV State Parks

Outdoor adventure continued from page WV-4

Golf is just one of the many outdoor activities visitors enjoy at Cacapon Resort State Park.

#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | WV-6 | west virginia tourism I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

the scenic 18-hole course.

“The golf experience is wonderful at Cacapon because we have a hidden gem: a Robert Trent Jones Sr.-designed golf course,” said Ken McCarthy, head golf pro at Cacapon. “It’s something to brag about.”

Voted the top municipal golf course in West Virginia by Golf Digest in 2009, the course is open year-round and accommodates all levels of play, McCarthy said.

For those who’d prefer walking trails instead of golf fairways, the park’s nature center offers a variety of seasonal activities such as interpretive walks and hikes. “We take a look at your flora, your fauna, and different geological things in the park,” said

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the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Renee Fincham. Other activities include bird walks, night hikes, building campfires, workshops, and crafts.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re up for a real challenge, take on the Cacapon 12-hour Challenge Trail Run on July 11. Now in its third year, the event attracts runners from across the region who are eager to see how many circuits of the scenic 5-mile loop they can complete within 12 hours.

Explore the great outdoors in Clarksburg Clarksburg is the perfect hub for exploring the surrounding regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many outdoor attractions, such as the state-of-the-art Splash Zone water park in the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Veterans Memorial Park and the half dozen state parks nearby that offer activities such as golfing, hiking, fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a nice place for visitors to make their base for the weekend and travel wherever they want during the day,â&#x20AC;? said Kathie Titus, who promotes Clarksburg. (clarksburg visitorswv.com) The rugged natural beauty of nearby Audra State Park, which is about a 45-minute drive from Clarksburg, makes the heavily wooded riverside park a popular destination

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for outdoor enthusiasts. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the best campgrounds in the state,â&#x20AC;? Titus said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are these big trees inside the campgrounds, and you can walk right down to the river to these humongous rocks you can lie on.â&#x20AC;?

Visitors also can enjoy hiking, picnicking, fishing, and swimming in the Middle Fork River, and strolling the boardwalk thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s built along the overhanging edge of Alum Cave. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are tons of walking trails there, too, and all kinds of neat little places to investigate,â&#x20AC;? Titus said. (audrastatepark.com)

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like a camp experience.â&#x20AC;?

Mealtimes are one of the highlights of a stay at Capon Springs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We ring a dinner bell and everyone comes to a set menu and eats family style,â&#x20AC;? Bellingham said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And everything is made from scratch and sourced from our own farms.â&#x20AC;?

Long known for its high-quality spring water, which feeds the resortâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen, guest rooms, swimming pool, and spa, Capon Springs is a place of tranquility and relaxation, but there are plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure as well.

With a regulation nine-hole golf course, ponds for fishing, tennis courts, five different hiking trails, and a calendar chock-full of weekly get-out-and-play activities during the spring, summer, and fall, visitors of all ages are sure to find something to suit their interests.

This year, the resort is introducing disc golf and pickleball, a combination of tennis and badminton, along with reopening the newly expanded Blue Trail for walking, running, and biking. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re also having more star parties,â&#x20AC;? Bellingham said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;When youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at a place in the middle of nowhere, where thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no ambient light, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just a great place from which to see the heavens.â&#x20AC;? (caponsprings.net)

Experience tranquility at Capon Springs If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re seeking a peaceful respite from the hectic pace around the Beltway, a visit to Capon Springs and Farms may be just what the doctor ordered. Situated in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains, the 4,700-acre seasonal family resort strives to remain as unaffected by the outside world as possible while offering guests everything they need for a stress-free getaway. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re kind of old school,â&#x20AC;? said coowner Jonathan Bellingham, one of a dozen or so members of the Austin family who operate the resort. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We offer an all-inclusive family vacation or group retreat â&#x20AC;&#x201D; one price covers everything (including meals).

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#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | recreationnews.com I may 2015 I west virginia tourism | WV-7

west virginia I bonnie williamson

Plenty to do in Tucker, Upshur, and Lewis counties WV Tourism

Trans-Allegheny Asylum

Festivals, works of art from man and nature, fishing, horseback riding, and even ghosts present plenty of opportunities to get out and play for visitors traveling to the three north central West Virginia counties of Tucker, Upshur, and Lewis.

Nature is now closer in Tucker County

Tackle the climb at Coopers Rock State Park.

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum has history and ghosts.

The Monongahela National Forest, Blackwater Falls and Canaan Valley state parks, and the surrounding communities hold many delights for visitors making the 2-1/2-hour drive from the Baltimore-Washington, D.C. area.

Jessica Scowcroft, who promotes the area, said traveling time has been cut by at least 30 minutes thanks to the new U.S. Route 48 four-lane highway.

ArtSpring, a High Mountain Arts Festival, takes place May 22–24, and features events

Plan your next Long Weekend.

• Festival Fridays: May 29 - September 11 • Almost Heaven BBQ Bash: June 19 & 20 • Blast from the Past: July 24 & 25 • WV’s Largest Yard Sale: August 7 & 8

www.VisitUpshur.org

#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | WV-8 | west virginia tourism I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

west virginia I xxxx

throughout the Canaan Valley and historic towns of Davis, Thomas, and Parsons. Local art galleries participate with demonstrations from pottery making to wool spinning. There will be music, wine tasting, and local culinary delights to enjoy, too.

During the Canaan Valley Birding Festival, June 4–7 at the Canaan Valley Resort in Davis, bird lovers can be up close and personal with feathered friends.

The area has more than 125 species of birds to spot. The festival’s schedule includes half-day and all-day walks through Canaan Valley Resort State Park.

You can combine bird watching with wildflower observations during the 54th West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage, May 7–10 at nearby Blackwater Falls State Park. All tours leave from Blackwater Lodge.

The event attracts professional and amateur botanists who also enjoy special evening programs.

WV State Parks

Upshur County fruit and barbecue About a four- to five-hour drive from Baltimore and Washington, Upshur County is the home of Holly River State Park and the town of Buckhannon, host of the West Virginia Strawberry Festival, May 9–17.

“This is one of West Virginia’s oldest and largest festivals. It’s now in its 74th year,” said Laura Meadows, who promotes the area.

Meadows said the festival “bursts with energy,” featuring parades, strawberry exhibits, arts and crafts, a huge carnival, and all things strawberry to eat.

If barbecue is more your style, professional continued on page WV-10

The annual Wildflower Pilgrimage draws a band of enthusiastic participants each year to Blackwater Falls State Park.

Vandalia Gathering Charleston

May 22 - 24, 2015

Appalachian String Band Music Festival Clifftop

July 29 - August 2, 2015 Canaan Valley Tourism

Artisans and painters spread across Tucker County during the annual ArtSpring event.

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#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | recreationnews.com I may 2015 I west virginia tourism | WV-9

Plenty to do

Mountain Trail Rides

continued from page WV-9 competitive barbecue teams from across the country come to Buckhannon, June 19â&#x20AC;&#x201C;20, to compete in the West Virginia State BBQ Championship.

If you need to replace that worn-out quilt on your bed or want a piece of mountain craft history, join the Mountain Quilt Quest, or the West Virginia Quilters Shop Hop, July 22â&#x20AC;&#x201C;25. Quilters scour the state of West

d TAKE IN THE VIEW FROM ATOP A HORSE THIS SUMMER

West Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s scenery is beautiful in all seasons, but the view is especially enjoyable from atop a horse.

Checking out the sights on horseback is another possibility at Mountain Trail Rides, less than five minutes from Canaan Valley Resort State Park. These trails are used only for riding horses, and provide spectacular views of Canaan Valley â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the highest valley east of the Mississippi River. An experienced trail guide will lead your journey and answer any questions you may have along the way.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty for families with gem mining, an adventure cave, and a petting zoo for smaller buckaroos.

You can also ride at Timberline Resort and explore the Farm Discovery Center located at Canaan Valley Resort during the summer. (mountaintrailrides.com)

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Real Adventure Located in the heart of Southern West Virginia, Raleigh County is home to authentic Mountain State adventure. Journey deep below the earth in our exhibition coal mine. Play on our world-class zip-lines and ATV trails. Explore our pristine lakes, rivers and parks. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all here and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all steeped in southern charm and hospitality.

Come Discover whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Real.

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*GV 7WEMTnF 4WKEMnT Welcome to a high-mountain paradise where there are four seasons of adventure and always something new to discover.

And while new highway improvements can make getting here faster, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll still want to take your sweet Tucker time leaving.

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#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | WV-10 | west virginia tourism I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

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Lewis County was home to Stonewall Jackson At about the same distance from Baltimore and Washington, Lewis County puts on the Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mill Jubilee Sept. 4â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6 in Weston. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an old-style heritage festival. There will be plenty of bluegrass music and great food,â&#x20AC;? said Chris Richards, who promotes the area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jacksonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mill is the site where Gen. Stonewall Jackson was raised,â&#x20AC;? said Debbie Garrett, president of the event.

The house no longer is there, but there are cabins and a mill.

All the artisans present must create their own products and thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s homemade ice cream and barbecue to enjoy. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also see Civil War reenactors.

Part of the Mountain Lakes Region, Lewis County boasts the Stonewall Resort State Park with its five-star resort and large lake.

Appalachian Glass in Weston gives visitors the unique opportunity to watch glass blowers in action.

Free demonstrations take place Mondays through Sat-

urdays, 8:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:00 pm.

If a ghostly experience strikes your fancy, paranormal tours of the TransAllegheny Lunatic Asylum, also in Weston, should be on your list.

Paranormal tours are available for a variety of price ranges and require a reservation.

Historical tours of the site are $10 a person and offered every day except Mondays, noonâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;6:00pm, and on Saturdays, 10:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C; 6:00pm.

Once known as the Weston State Hospital, the asylum served as a sanctuary for the mentally ill in the mid-1800s. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a nationally recognized landmark.

As far as ghosts are concerned, the asylumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bethany Cutright said she has heard voices when no one else was around and had chills. â&#x20AC;&#x153;One time I was working on a breaker and when I was finished I said out loud, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;I wonder if that worked.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; I then heard a voice say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nope.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?

For more info Lewis Co. Tourism: mountainlakescvb Tucker Co. Tourism: canaanvalley.org Upshur Co. Tourism: visitbuckhannnon.org

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#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | recreationnews.com I may 2015 I west virginia tourism | WV-11

west virginia I bonnie williamson

West Virginia: Wild, wonderful, and weird?

Martinsburg Tourism

For the Kids, By George Children’s Museum in Martinsburg is one of the many venues hosting activities during ODDFest.

“Wild, Wonderful, and Weird” is not exactly West Virginia’s state slogan, but Laura Gassler, who promotes the Martinsburg area, may think it’s appropriate as Berkeley County hosts the first ODDfest, June 27–28.

An eclectic assortment of events are in store for visitors who make the two- to threehour drive from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., areas to Berkeley County.

“Activities will be taking place all over the county,” Gassler said. “We want people to spend the whole weekend here. The fun part is what one person thinks is weird, someone else may think is wonderful. A bridal show may be wonderful, or someone may think it’s weird. Seeing a full-bodied tattooed person may be weird, or wonderful.”

The idea for ODDfest came after Gassler approached author Jeanne Mozier, of Berkeley Springs, to do a book signing. Mozier’s Way Out in West Virginia, released in 2013,

Come spend the weekend with us and find a whole new world of Weird, Wild and Wonderful in Berkeley County, WV, easily accessible on I-81.

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CAR SHOWS • SURVIVOR SKILLS • WINE TASTING • GHOST TOURS • MOTORCYCLES • BRIDAL SHOW • SECRET TUNNELS • AND MORE! 126 E. Race St. Martinsburg, WV 25401 Call 1-800-4WVA-FUN (800-498-2386) or 304-264-8801, or visit www.TravelWV.com

#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | WV-12 | west virginia tourism I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

is referred to as a guide to the oddities and wonders of the Mountain State.

“I approached different businesses in the area and ODDfest came to be,” Gassler said.

“ODDfest is two solid days of events. There is something for everybody.” And, Mozier will be a part of the action, signing books at the Belle Boyd House, 126 E. Race St. in Martinsburg, the one-time home of a notorious Confederate spy.

Also participating in ODDfest is Mel’s Smells, a candle shop located at 123 N. Queen St., Martinsburg. On June 27 only, 10:00am–4:00pm, Mel’s Smells is running a guessing game, “What’s That Smell?” The participant who guesses all scents correctly will win a prize.

Learn about survival skills and ghosts Survival skills will be taught at the North American Bushcraft School in Hedgesville all weekend. From 9:00–11:30am, visitors will learn about edible, medicinal, useful, and poisonous plants and go on a plant walk. A fire and fiber class will be taught from 1:00–4:30pm.

Attendees will learn how to make fire without a lighter or matches. This class is $5 for adults and free for those 12 and younger.

A ghost walking tour of Martinsburg’s historic downtown district begins at 9:00pm at a cost of $12 per person. The tour is not recommended for children under 13. Participants may even catch a glimpse of Belle Boyd, that infamous Confederate spy.

Visitors will have the opportunity to walk in the field and see thousands of daylilies at Hillbilly Daylilies in Bunker Hill from 9:00am–5:00pm. Taylor’s Farm Market in Inwood will feature West Virginia wine tastings for those 21 and older from 9:00am–5:00pm.

And, the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Public Library, 101 West King St. in Martinsburg, will display weird, wild, and wonderful medical and other artifacts gathered from around the country.

Gassler said there are activities for all ages at ODDfest, with more than 15 businesses taking part.

For children, there is the Wonderment Puppet Theater and For the Kids, By George Children’s Museum, both in Martinsburg.

She also noted that the area’s third geocaching trail, called Mystery Caches of Berkeley County, will be launched during the ODDfest weekend.

“We’ll have our MartinsburgBerkeley County free, comprehensive mobile app, ‘Visit Martinsburg, WV,’ available for iOS and Android, so people can find all of the ODDfest events.

Visitors can pick ‘EAT,’ ‘STAY,’ ‘PLAY,’ or ‘EVENTS’ and find the information they need,” Gassler said.

See for yourself whether the state’s slogan needs to be changed.

For more information Martinsburg Tourism: travelwv.com OddFest: oddfest.com

Martinsburg Tourism

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The B&O Roundhouse is one of several museums open on weekends

Our NEXT Martinsburg Weekend!

NATIoNAl TRAIN DAy AT ThE RouNDhouSE MAY 9 Tours, Train Show, Hobby Vendors, Model Train Displays, Food Vendors, Music and more. FREE! For more information, visit

travelwv.com/events/roundhouseevents/

hERITAgE DAyS MAY 8, 9, 10 Tours of Historic Homes, Entertainment, Kayak Float, Ghost Tours, Art and More!

FREE! For more information, visit

orgsites.com/wv/adam-stephen/_pgg1.php3

CoME gEoCAChE ouR TWo TRAIlS!

WINE & ARTS fESTIvAl

MAY 23 & 24

Enjoy WV Wine, Food, Crafters & Great Music held on the grounds of historic Boydville 601 S Queen St For more

information, visit travelwv.com/ events/wineandarts/

CIvIl WAR BAll @ ThE RouNDhouSE MAY 30 For more information, visit travelwv.com/events/roundhouseevents/

Villages of Berkeley County & Gadgets of Berkeley County

For more information, visit travelwv.com/play/outdooradventures/ The Belle Boyd House was the home of a notorious Confederate spy and hosts ODDFest events in June.

#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA

Download our free App for Android & iOS! Visit Martinsburg, WV Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau 126 East Race Street • Martinsburg, WV 25401 304.264.8801 or 800.4WVA.FUN • TravelWV.com

recreationnews.com I may 2015 I west virginia tourism | WV-13

WV Tourism

Prickettâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fort re-creates life on the early frontier with events and activities throughout the year.

#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | WV-14 | west virginia tourism I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

Mild to wild continued from page WV-2 Mountain bikers regard the state as a world-class destination because of its abundant trails, beautiful scenery, and variety of terrain.

There are miles of mountain biking trails in the 900,000-acre Monongahela National Forest and hundreds of additional miles throughout the state’s rail trail system. Off-roading in ATVs is another source of exhilaration, but imagine doing it on the classic HatfieldMcCoy Trail system.

Invigorating spa treatments and massages can be arranged in places ranging from the premier Greenbrier Resort to many of the individual rental cabins throughout the state.

The weather is warming up. Get out and play!

For more information West Virginia Tourism: wvtourism.com

ACE Adventure Resort

Treasure hunting You can combine that secret geek with a bit of outdoor adventure by tackling one of the state’s geocache trails. Take on a high-tech version of an old-time scavenger hunt that uses Global Positioning System, or GPS, devices. You can find caches hidden in all corners of the state and in several state parks.

If all this activity means you require a little tender loving care and rejuvenation, West Virginia has you covered there, too.

All you need to do is head to one of the state’s luxurious resorts and spas for a perfectly relaxing getaway.

Zipping along in the tree canopy is just one of the adventures waiting for you in West Virginia this spring.

Ways to Taste the Outdoors!

You’ll run out of time long before you run out of things to do here, from wine tasting to breathtaking whitewater!

Our compact downtowns are lined with one-of-a-kind specialty shops, small art galleries, antique havens and friendly neighborhood bistros and spirited pubs. Save the date for year-round friendly festivals; we have your cabin or your luxury room waiting! rock climbing

mountainfest motorcycle rally

mountain biking

800.458.7373 | tourmorgantown.com wine and jazz festival

zip lining

#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | recreationnews.com I may 2015 I west virginia tourism | WV-15

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Get out and play in beautiful inland lakes and rivers If you think of West Virginia as the Mountain State, you’ve got the right name, but only a fraction of the picture when it comes to recreational possibilities.

It’s true, the Appalachian Mountains’ peaks and ridges make for splendid views and energizing hikes. But there are many other possibilities, including world-class whitewater rafting, scuba diving in the East’s clearest lake, rock climbing, and mountain biking on endless trails.

Visitors can also ride historic trains, play foot golf on groomed courses (as well as the traditional game), or explore the New River Gorge by jet boat, airplane, or zip line. All of this lies within a half day’s drive of Washington, D.C. Summersville, known as the “Gateway to Adventure” because of its proximity to the pounding Gauley River and Summersville Lake, is a good place to start.

Its namesake lake offers largemouth and smallmouth bass, walleye, channel catfish,

Summersville Tourism

Summersville Lake is one of the few lakes in the country with its own lighthouse.

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Randolph County, WV offers adventure train excursions, family fun musical theater, civil war and area historical sites, festivals, local artisans and hiking and biking trails, featuring the Appalachian landscape, all in the of West Virginia.

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#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | WV-16 | west virginia tourism I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

crappie, and bluegill for spring anglers.

The 2,800-acre lake is also home to the state’s largest marina and Sarge’s Dive Shop. The last place you might think to go scuba diving is West Virginia, but few U.S. lakes have the extraordinary water clarity found in Summersville Lake, which is actually a dammed section of the Gauley River. In places, underwater visibility exceeds 50 feet.

Sarge’s leverages this clarity by offering a host of dive charters, snorkel trips, gear, and certification.

This inland lake also boasts a lighthouse. Its creation was a major project for local high school and college students, who constructed the 100-foot lighthouse from a wind turbine.

The lighthouse yields 30-mile views of the lake to those who pay a fee to climb its 122 spiraling steps.

Summersville Lake Retreat, owner of the lighthouse, also offers camping, cabins, and boat rentals.

Parks in the south Heading south on Route 20, travelers can stop off at the Summers County village of Hinton, where a whole island and its family-sized cabin can be rented for a true getaway.

Further south, travelers enter the beautiful Bluestone River Gorge, home of Bluestone Lake State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park.

On summer mornings, fog slides out of the gorge like a backward avalanche — first a few wisps, then the whole cloud.

Insider tip: Some visitors make a daily ritual of awaiting this spectacle, coffee in hand, on the balconies of Pipestem Resort State Park’s McKeever Lodge — a grand way to start the day.

The park has three golf courses, one that shares its fairways with the new sport of foot golf that’s popular with the soccer generation.

Hawks Nest State Park on the

E s c a p e , d i s c o v e r & p l a y.

Enjoy the great outdoors in Greater Parkersburg! Make your own history hiking, biking, kayaking, ATV riding, bird-watching or just taking in the relaxing river life.

continued on page WV-19 WV Tourism

Each fall on Bridge Day, the New River Gorge Bridge becomes a launching point.

#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA

Order a FREE Visitors Guide today!

GreaterParkersburg.com | 800.752.4982

recreationnews.com I may 2015 I west virginia tourism | WV-17

ACE Resort

Outfitters and adventure resorts in Southern West Virginia offer a range of rafting experiences from hair-raising to death-defying.

0DUWLQVEXUJ +HULWDJH 'D\V May 8-9-10, 2015 Friday, May 8, 6:30 pm Opening Ceremony at the Adam Stephen Monument 600 Block of South Queen Street

Saturday, May 9, 10 am – 5 pm Pancakes & Sausage Breakfast – 8-10 am Tours of Historic Buildings & Museums Live Entertainment & Food Vendors Art Event & Exhibit Free Trolley Ride Between Sites Ghost Tours (8 pm on Fri & Sat Nights)

Sunday, May 10, 12 pm–5 pm Day of Play & Children’s Games Day Please join us to celebrate our town’s unique heritage and history No charge for admission to historic sites — Donations welcome.

For more information visit our website at www.orgsites.com/wv/adam-stephen

#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | WV-18 | west virginia tourism I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

west virginia I xxxx

Get out and play

Summersville Tourism

continued from page WV-17 lower New River also offers dramatic views from the rim of the New River Gorge as well as golf, nature programs, and hiking. A tramway descends into the gorge, where visitors can take a jet-boat ride upstream to the base of the New River Gorge Bridge, arching 976 feet above. The lodge and restaurant are positioned for magnificent sunsets.

The New and Gauley rivers provide white-water challenges from rollicking Class I and II rapids all the way to roaring Class V waves.

Fayetteville, on the south edge of the New River Gorge, is where rafters, mountain bikers, rock climbers, and fishermen (and women) gather for dining, nightlife, and the Historic Fayette Theater. The town has a history — it changed hands several times during the Civil War and was partially destroyed during fighting. But that’s only part of its identity.

“We’re old and new. Progressive and traditional. Fine and funky. People are friendly and the atmosphere is fun,” says Sally Kiner, who promotes Fayetteville.

For more information Fayetteville Tourism: visitfayettevillewv.com Summersville Lake: summersvillecvb.com West Virginia State Parks: wvstateparks.com

Fall water releases from Summersville Dam create world-class whitewater challenges on the Gauley River.

d MOUNTAIN STATE SCENIC TRAIN RIDES

e iv .L e p a c s E l. e v a r T …

Riverside log cabins on a private access trophy trout stream in Hopeville Canyon. Within the Monongahela National Forest in the heart of the Spruce Knob Seneca Rocks National Recreation Area.

The shriek of an old-fashioned train whistle, deep in the forest of Pocahontas County, W.Va., is no fantasy. Mountain Rail Adventures, offered by the Durbin & Greenbrier Valley Railroad, operates historic steam-driven locomotives and vintage diesel-powered passenger trains that depart the three historic depots of Elkins, Durbin, and Cass.

Locomotives haul passengers up an 11 percent grade (a 2 percent grade is considered steep on conventional railroads) using several switchbacks. The view is stupendous. If the children get antsy, tell them to look for the black bears that show up regularly on several routes.

If training stirs your appetite, consider a meal on the Mountain Explorer.

Its Mother’s Day special includes a fourcourse dinner en route to the High Falls of the Cheat River. Cookouts and picnics on a two-train adventure up Cheat Mountain are on tap for May 23 and June 21.

On June 12, adults can enjoy the fruits of West Virginia vineyards on the High Falls Wine Train. The tour includes wine, lodging, and admission to the wine festival at Stonewall Resort. On June 27, riders share the scary Murder Mystery Dinner Train with witches and warlocks. Can you pick out the baddie or will you be the next victim? (mtn-rail.com)

u Private Outdoor Hot Tub u Fireplace u Destination Weddings u Fly Fishing

www.wvlogcabins.com 800-436-6254

#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | recreationnews.com I may 2015 I west virginia tourism | WV-19

#GoToWV | 800-CALL WVA | WV-20 | west virginia tourism I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

maryland I staff

Chesapeake Maritime Museum celebrates 50 years of history A golden anniversary deserves a party and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, Md., kicks off its yearlong 50th anniversary celebration with a Party on the Point on May 23.

“The museum is a real treasure, not just for Maryland, but for the whole country, because it tells the story of the Chesapeake Bay in terms of the people who have lived and worked here,” said Cassandra Vanhooser, who directs the Talbot County tourism effort. “The name Chesapeake resonates around the world and attracts international visitors here.”

The May 23 event features live music, Rosie’s Tavern, regional foods, family activities, and craft vendors. During the festival, scenic river cruises will be offered on the museum’s 1920 buyboat Winnie Estelle, as well as on a selection of historic boats in the museum’s floating fleet.

The 1888 classic yacht Elf, which is maintained by the Classic Yacht Restoration Guild, will also offer dockside tours.

Entry to the festival is free for museum members and children under 6, or $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students with ID, and $6 for children 6 to 17. Boat rides and food are additional.

The nearby Crab Claw Restaurant joins in with a May 22 evening event and Patriot Cruises will offer special cocktail cruises on May 24, so there is plenty of reason to spend a night or two in delightful St. Michaels.

The festival will also feature the opening of a new exhibition, “A Broad Reach: 50 Years of Collecting,” that puts on view 50 significant objects that came into the museum’s collection over the past 50 years. The exhibit is presented on both floors of the Steamboat Building and runs through Feb. 28, 2016.

From more than 60,000 items, curators selected those objects with the richest stories to tell, from a humble fire axe to a buxom figurehead.

Some are arresting, some transcendent — but all explore the

Party on the Point Celebrating 50 Years on the Bay May 23, 2015 | Navy Point, St. Michaels, MD |cbmm.org

continued on page 51

Escape to in Calvert County, Maryland,

a relaxing waterside community on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay.

Natural beauty and laid-back charm await.

E A S T O N • OX F O R D • S T. M I C H A E L S • T I L G H M A N I S L A N D

Short drive, long memories.

Call today for your free bike map!

410-770-8000 | TourTalbot.org

www.ChooseCalvert.com/Rec recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 27

Cumberland continued from page 20 create one of the best block parties in the mountains.

Tourists and locals gather here to dine al fresco and see new music first.

“This is where you’ll see people before they end up on programs like David Letterman,” Leyh said.

This year’s schedule includes performances by Ben Sollee, The Bumper Jacksons, Black Masala,

ONLY 1 HOuR fROm DC/BALT BeLTwAYs!

Laney Jones & the Spirits, Bushmaster featuring Gary Brown, Flood City Brass, Wesley Spangler, and Cello Fury among a host of others.

But the music rolls on through the weekend. At nearby Canal Place, the crescent lawn hosts some of the hottest musical acts on Saturday nights.

On tap this year are performances by The Suffers, Yarn, Guthrie Brown & the Family Tree, Southern Drawl Band, and The World Famous Glen Miller Orchestra. All of these shows are free of charge and family friendly.

Cumberland’s “Coming Alive” weekend, June 5–7, kicks off the season with a display of Plein

Like Us.

Air art; a quick draw painting event; the CASA Uncorked wine tasting event with food vendors, music, and crafts on the Canal Place Festival Grounds; and music on both Friday and Saturday evenings.

All of this is within a 2-1/2-hour drive of Washington and Baltimore. Interstate 68 makes traveling through the mountains easy.

For more information Canal Place: canalplace.org Downtown Cumberland: downtowncumberland.com Downtown Cumberland

Near Historic Harpers Ferry, WV

www.RiverandTrail.com

•888-491-6615 •

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28 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

Weekend music is free in Cumberland, where you’ll see bands before they hit the late night television circuit.

virginia I fran severn-levy

Spring fun returns to the cabin and canoe capitals of Virginia Spring is returning to the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The dogwoods are blooming, wildlife once again appears along Skyline Drive, and Washington-area residents are heading to nearby Luray and Front Royal, Va., for day trips and weekend getaways.

The town of Luray welcomes the season with festivals and a reopening of seasonal recreation.

Its 11th annual Festival of Spring is set for May 9.

It’s a laid-back, family-oriented party with arts and crafts, “duck” races in the Shenandoah River, dog Frisbee, and lots of kids’ activities and games.

(townofluray.com) Luray boasts that it is the “Cabin Capital of Virginia,” and there are 250 cabins scattered throughout the area. Allstar Lodging manages more than 100 individual cabins and vacation homes, some perfect for family reunions and others ideal for romantic retreats for couples. Brookside Cabins, near the entrance to Shenandoah National Park, offers cabins with luxury touches and a family restaurant.

“We’re also becoming known as a great cycling destination and folks are coming from as far away

Front Royal Outdoors

as Canada to get in shape for the biking season,” said John Robbins, who promotes the Luray area.

There is a multi-event cycling weekend, including the Downtown Luray Criterium, April 24-26; a cycling road race Aug.1; the highly rated Luray Triathlon Aug. 15-16; and the Luray Caverns CX bike race Sept. 12.

On the water This is the area where the North and South Forks of the Shenandoah River join to create the main stem of the river, and Front Royal claims the moniker “Canoe Capital of Virginia.”

For anyone who enjoys paddling or floating, this is a “must-do” destination. The conditions range from gentle tubing to intermediate whitewater.

There are several outfitters who offer equipment rental and guided tours. Front Royal Canoe (frontroyalcanoe.com) has a range of trips including continued on page 30

Mimslyn Inn The

A Shenandoah Valley tradition since 1931.

Offering a elegant blend of quality and comfort featuring a fine selection of guest rooms, suites, fine and casual dining, outdoor pool, and spa treatments.

Spring Specials from $99 The Mimslyn Inn

The Shenandoah River offers mild whitewater, but is calm enough for canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards.

401 West Main Street Luray, VA 22835 800-296-5105 www.mimslyninn.com

recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 29

Cabin and canoe

colors and shadows. The legends and history of the caverns are straight out of Indiana Jones.

Both caverns have a lot of family-friendly activities in addition to the tours. Skyline Caverns, at the north end of Skyline Drive in Front Royal, also offers a miniature train, mirror maze, nature trails, and large picnic area. (skylinecaverns.com) The options at Luray Caverns include a car and carriage museum, a toy museum, museum of Luray Valley history, a ropes course, a gem sluice, and a garden maze.

They also have fast food and bistro-style restaurants. The first wines from the newly established Luray Caverns Vineyard are available to taste on weekends.

Duffers can enjoy the value-laden packages offered at the caverns golf course. (luraycaverns. com)

continued from page 29 stand-up paddleboards and fishing kayaks, as well as lodging packages. Downriver Canoe (downriver.com) has whitewater canoe, kayak, rafting, and float excursions. Shenandoah River Outfitters (shenandoah-river.com) also offers a full range of trip options, plus lodging, including tent campsites.

The subterranean landscape of this part of the Blue Ridge Mountains is as impressive as the surface views.

You can have an underground “outdoor” experience at Skyline Caverns and Luray Caverns. The guided tours lead through a landscape of fantastic rock formations, a mirror-like lake, and mysterious

Wine in Front Royal Just off I-66, in nearby Front Royal, wine is the theme at the 29th annual Virginia Wine and Craft Festival.

The town is the gateway to scenic Skyline Drive and the Shenandoah National Park. The pretty village is always busy with visitors to the park, backpackers, mountain bikers, and history buffs. But the focus is on cabernets, not cannon fire, on May 16. The annual festival welcomes 20 wineries from across the commonwealth.

The crafts fair is very high-end. The town square and park are the center of a seven-block outdoor exhibition center featuring more than 100 vendors from across the East Coast. Jewelry, metal work, handcrafted musical instruments, antiques, continued on page 33

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Roll and stroll through the Shenandoah Valley this spring At the Shenandoah Bicycle Company in downtown Harrisonburg, Va., Scott Wootten blends a smoothie as he talks about his love for the Shenandoah Valley.

“I grew up in the valley — born and bred,” he said. After studying tourism, environment, and development at King’s College in London, he now finds himself back home, part of a growing bicycling community that hosts rides for locals and tourists while working to preserve miles of trails across the city and forests.

As he bikes with his blue heeler, Fflur (Welsh for “flower”), tagging along, he aptly describes the feeling of the forest: “Mountain biking and

hiking in the woods reconnects you to your childhood. You find a freedom you don’t find in other places.”

Harrisonburg — an easy 2-1/2hour drive from Washington, D.C. — features bike-friendly streets and one of the nation’s newest “greenways.” Hop on the completed segment of the Northend Greenway and experience a piece of what will be a 2.5-mile multi-use path that connects people in Harrisonburg with the places they want to go.

Locals organize a variety of trips open to out-of-town cyclists, including a regularly scheduled overnight bike camping trip, the ‘Bikepacking Ride,’ that takes place this year May

30–31 and Aug. 22–23.

Shenandoah Bicycle Company is a good place to find out about regular rides, including the Wednesday night rides, a 22-year Harrisonburg tradition. The rides leave from Harri-

sonburg High School at 5:00pm, and go for a social pace (12 to 15 mph) for 20 to 30 miles. At the shop, you can get your bike tuned or rent one, continued on page 32 Harrisonburg Tourism

Harrisonburg Tourism

The mountains surrounding the Shenandoah Valley hold plenty of opportunities for hiking and biking.

Enjoy an unhurried ride on a country road near Harrisonburg.

recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 31

Shenandoah Valley continued from page 31 as well as find out about other rides and events

that happen nearly every day in the spring and summer.

Two major events on the biking calendar are the June 6–7 “Massanutten HOO-HA!” and the Sept. 13 Valley Century Ride.

Shenandoah Co. Tourism

A cross-country mountain bike race, the “HOOHA!” started in 1989 and has become a staple in the Virginia bike scene, boasting technical trails that are maintained and improved each year by the Shenandoah Valley Bike Coalition.

The annual Shenandoah Valley Century Ride starts in Harrisonburg and includes scenic vistas, small towns, beautiful farms, and quiet roads. All routes are paved and have low traffic volume. Participants ride at their own pace; the event is not a race.

‘Bikes are a freedom’

Hiking the 4.4-mile Big Schloss Trail brings views of both Virginia and West Virginia.

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

FIND YOUR SELFIE

1.800.628.8092 www.DiscoverBath.com

Ingalls Overlook

32 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

Jumping Rocks Photography

Find Someing Remarkae

The County of Bath is an enticing place filled with scenic vistas, local flair and exciting adventures just waiting to be discovered.

Thomas Jenkins, co-owner of the store, said he decided to open a bicycle shop not just to sell bicycles but to create a community-based place that would promote bicycling to people of all ages and experience.

“There are not as many opportunities as there used to be in most communities for kids to ride their bikes. I do a lot of talking to different civic groups and organizations about creating the kind of community in which people ride their bikes everywhere. Bikes are a freedom for kids and parents. When my parents felt I was safe enough to bike ride to soccer practice, that was a step growing up for me.”

For an off-road experience, visit the Bryce Mountain Bike Park in nearby Shenandoah County.

Located at Bryce Resort, the park features seven trails — ranging from beginner to highly technical — that are accessible by lifts. The park includes a learning center where beginners can learn proper riding techniques and advanced riders can upgrade their style and performance. A bike retail and rental area features Trek bicycles, plus all the pads and gear that you will need for a day on the hill. (bryceresort.com) If a self-guided bike tour is more your style, check out Virginia Bicycling Adventures, which offers tours of the Shenandoah Valley and Piedmont region. The outfitter arranges accommodations; totes your luggage; and provides detailed cue sheets, local county road maps and emergency support services.

But the best feature the company provides is a self-guided tour truly tailored to your interests and abilities. Owner Bob Flanagan talks to riders and

customizes nearly every tour he offers. There are scenic routes with easy miles, winery rides, and — for the hardcore — a ride not listed on the website: around 48,000 feet of climbing and 500 miles over a week.

Spring and summer hikes While most hikers in the region have visited Skyline Drive at one time or another, fewer have experienced the view from the Woodstock Tower.

From Woodstock, an easy 2-mile, out-and-back hike offers a panoramic of the Massanuttan Mountain range and George Washington National Forest. You’ll be able to look west at the north fork of the Shenandoah River, and east through Woodstock Gap at the Shenandoah National Park.

For a longer, more challenging outing, a popular day trip is the Big Schloss hike, a 4.4-miler that begins at the Wolf Gap Recreation Area in Hardy County, W.Va. It’s more difficult at the beginning as you ascend a steep incline for the first quarter mile. The reward is a panoramic view from a towering outcrop of white sandstone on Mill Mountain.

If you’d like a bit of an easier hike, with spectacular views of Fort Valley, try the 4-mile Buzzard’s Rock route, in the George Washington National Forest. Start out from the south at the Elizabeth Furnace picnic grounds, or from the Buzzard Rock parking area on Mountain Road/VA 619.

The Story Book Trail is a short, accessible route with a great view of Page Valley. (There are also a number of other trails located in this same vicinity.)

Insider tip: This is just a sampling of many available hikes. Visit shenandoahcountyva.us/tourism/ hiking to find details and maps to starting points for these hikes and many more.

Where to stay

In the center of Harrisonburg, The Stonewall

Jackson Inn Bed & Breakfast is a restored mansion on East Market Street. You’ll enjoy a comfortable bed and a hearty breakfast that will serve as fuel for biking or hiking the rest of the day.

In Edinburg, the Renaissance B&B, an 1850 Victorian home, is close to many hiking opportunities.

The breakfast is delicious.

If you’re looking for a snack to eat later in the day, walk across the street to Laureen’s Bakery for homemade goodies

For more information Harrisonburg Tourism: visitharrisonburgva.com Shenandoah Co. Tourism: shenandoahtravel.org Shenandoah Co. Tourism

d MARVELS ABOUND ABOVE AND UNDER THE GROUND A different kind of 1-mile hike awaits at Shenandoah Caverns, where 17 rooms spread out under an ancient fault with amazing colors and fanciful formations. The caverns are the only ones in Virginia to have an elevator, with no steps to climb along the tour. Other attractions at the caverns, between Mt. Jackson and New Market, include charming holiday window displays and a mammoth exhibition of floats from the Rose Parade and presidential inaugurals.

There’s also The Yellow Barn, which is crammed with interesting exhibits and serves as an entertainment venue, hosting country music jamboree shows in June, August, October, and November. (shenandoahcaverns.com)

Cabin and canoe

The seven bends of the Shenandoah River from the perspective of a hang glider taking off from the Woodstock Tower.

Luray Caverns

continued from page 30 clothing, and hand-painted wineglasses are among the treasures to be found.

Equally well-represented are food vendors.

Aromas from at least a dozen different cuisines tempt visitors from food trucks and stalls, while restaurants offer special menus and a chance to sit for awhile. Live music includes traditional folk, “outlaw” bluegrass, and rhythm and blues. Admission to the festival is $25 in advance, or $30 at the door. (wineandcraftfestival.com ) For a different kind of adventure, you can make friends with the llamas if you visit the Posey Thisisit Llama Farm to the west in Shenandoah County.

The graceful creatures live on 27 acres where they enjoy entertaining visitors. The llamas are as much pets as they are farm animals, and they freely meander into the farmhouse and throughout the grounds. Two herds of rare-breed sheep share the property. The gift shop sells scarves, shawls, and other products made from the hair and wool of the llamas. (poseythisisitllamas.com)

For more information Front Royal Tourism: discoverfrontroyal.com Luray Tourism: luraypage.com

The Luray Caverns course is beautifully kept and provides outstanding mountain views.

recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 33

culture I gwen woolf

Jewelry with a twist: museum showcases old ways, new creations

ENTER TO

WIN

While biking is a popular activity in Harrisonburg, Va., jewelry makes the world go around for other visitors. A downtown company that blends jewelry manufacturing and a museum opened recently in a 1940s ice storage facility at 217 South Liberty St. near Harrisonburg’s farmers market.

You can even try your own hand at making jewelry.

The Museum of American Jewelry Design & Manufacturing specializes in creating vintage jewelry using old-style technologies with modern updates.

Owner Hugo Kohl explains that, unlike antique jewelry, which is more than 100 years old, vintage jewelry represents various past eras, such as Edwardian and Art Deco.

“The museum is definitely a true gem, which we’re thrilled to have in Harrisonburg,” says Brenda Black, who promotes the area.

While Kohl, a goldsmith, has been in the wholesale jewelry business for 30 years, he became interested in the manufacturing side while in Providence, R.I., the nation’s jewelry-making capital. The idea literally fell out in front of him near a building cleanup site when a dump truck headed for the scrapyard spilled some hubs, which are small steel blocks hand-engraved with 3-D designs. Hubs used to be the building blocks of jewelry.

Surmising their importance, Kohl chased down the truck and bought its contents on the spot, thus starting a collection of hubs dating from the early 1800s that grew from 300 to more than 7,000 — the largest collection of its kind in the U.S. Then, he doggedly set about acquiring antique tools, dies, and rolls that became obsolete when commercial

jewelry making changed to a casting process in the 1940s.

Kohl cultivated a prominent figure in the jewelry-manufacturing world, Peter DiCristofaro, of Providence, as his mentor.

“I don’t think there’s a facility that exists in this country that combines jewelry manufacturing with a history museum,” DiCristofaro says. “It’s a truly unique situation.”

He calls Kohl a “revivalist” who fills a niche with this genre because original pieces are getting harder to find.

Watching the process At the Harrisonburg facility, a glass window affords a view into the workshop/museum. It’s not the usual museum with wall displays, but a working plant where you can watch seven artisans at work and see, hear, and smell the machines as they press and shape the metal into jewelry. There are shelves of hubs in a hub vault, old sketches and catalogs of designs, and special dies for things such as baby rattles and tea strainers.

Kohl, who gives tours of the museum — Wednesdays and Saturdays are best — is passionate about preserving this art form, and wants people to understand the importance of making things with their own hands.

“People go their whole lives without picking up a tool,” he says.

Customers can purchase a metal and, guided by artisans, make a piece of jewelry they can take home with pride.

“Your hands are going to be dirty,” Kohl promises.

In the front room, rings, pendants, bracelets, earrings, and other jewelry made on site are avail-

able for sale. With intricate designs or precious stones, they range in price from $56 to $8,000.

Wedding bands are especially popular. Kohl adds innovative touches, reinterprets old styles, and is starting to put his name on the jewelry.

Most people would have a difficult time telling the difference between a newly manufactured vintage piece and an original, according to Kohl, who has a growing national reputation in the jewelry business. From a small Virginia city, Kohl “runs a national wholesale business with customers around the country,” says DiCristofaro. “Now he has an opportunity to become ‘Hugo Kohl, the Brand.’”

Kohl hopes his museum will become a regional tourism draw. “We’re not trying to rock Harrisonburg. We’re trying to rock the world,” he says. (hugokohl.com)

Art of the quilt The Virginia Quilt Museum at 301 S. Main St. in Harrisonburg is celebrating its 20th anniversary at this location. The permanent historic collection has quilts with Virginia connections, and rotating exhibitions feature antique and contemporary quilts.

Upcoming events include a quilt seminar July 24–25, “Civil War Quilts: What the Women Left Behind,” and three new exhibitions, including “Botanicals of the Valley,” July 14–Oct. 3.

The quilts are displayed on three floors of an 1854 house used as a Civil War hospital. You can study the quilts’ varied colors, designs, and stitchery up close and read wall labels that explain each piece.

“Every quilt has a story,” says the museum’s Barbara Roadcap. (vaquiltmuseum.org)

Getaway to the Alleghany Highlands of Virginia

GETAWAY PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Overnight stay at the Red Lantern Inn in Clifton Forge, VA • $25 in dining at Jack Mason’s Tavern • $25 in dining at Michael’s NY Style Pizza • A Humpback Bridge Gift Basket

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Find an answer to your fly fishing dilemma in Waynesboro City’s solution is a variety of activities for non-anglers Fly casters can face a daunting dilemma: What’s the best way to introduce families and significant others to fly fishing? Where can both beginners and experienced anglers find productive water with easy access and a roster of off-the-water activities to augment the experience?

Waynesboro, Va., can provide an ideal solution.

The South River courses right through downtown Waynesboro, offering quality long-rod fishing, while the city and surroundings offer a mélange of other attractions. Straddling a headwater of the South Fork of the Shenandoah River, Waynesboro has literally embraced fly fishing. Along with 4-1/2 miles of trout-friendly, special regulations water, the city hosts the annual Virginia Fly Fishing Festival.

A waterside greenway, unique lodgings, dining, cultural attractions, and proximity to thousands of acres of wildlands in the Shenandoah National Park and George Washington National Forest make the city an exciting and accommodating “basecamp.”

“The South River is a good place for beginners,” said Tommy Lawhorne, local fly fishing guide and owner of the South River Fly Shop.

“It’s open and has plenty of casting lanes. ... We’ve got a year-round fishery that fishes just as well in the middle of January as it does in May.” For a “total immersion” fly fishing experience, accommodations at the Speckled Trout Bed and Breakfast can complete the picture by offering

luxurious rooms, four-poster beds, delicious gourmet breakfasts, and a tasteful fly fishing theme. The Speckled Trout serves as the VIP accommodation for the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival.

Aside from fishing The Waynesboro Solution has another advantage: Hungry anglers can easily walk to any one of a half dozen restaurants in the city’s downtown.

Heritage on Main, closest to the river, is a local favorite, as is Stella, Bella, & Lucy’s.

Also on Main Street, the P. Buckley Moss Gallery celebrates the work of this noted artist while the Shenandoah Valley Art Center brings numerous exhibits, classes, workshops, and performances to the area. Programs and exhibits in its three galleries change monthly.

The Waynesboro Heritage Museum, housed in a renovated Main Street bank building, chronicles the city’s history. The museum is also the beginning of the “Tree Streets Walking Tour” that covers a historic district. With more than 400 homes, the Tree Streets neighborhood has historic houses that date back to 1751.

Get outdoors Art and history can augment a Waynesboro fishing trip, but it is the outdoors that attracts millions of visitors annually. Shenandoah National Park and the famed Skyline Drive meet the Blue Ridge Parkway just outside of the city.

Together, the two scenic drives

offer magnificent vistas from more than 100 overlooks and more than 680 miles of hiking trails.

Waynesboro has achieved a reputation for supporting through-hikers on the Appalachian Trail, even publishing “A Guide for AT Hikers” listing transportation, campsites, and other local facilities available for trail users. Rockfish Gap Outfitters, a full-service outdoors store, stocks a range of quality gear for hiking, camping biking, and paddling.

If camping is not your speed, the Iris Inn, on 12 wooded acres overlooking the Shenandoah Valley, has a variety of rooms, each with a view.

The Inn provides a full breakfast, Wi-Fi, Jacuzzis, and an outdoor hot tub. On the western edge of Waynesboro, the Best Western Plus and other motels also provide a range of accommodations.

The Wildlife Center of Virginia, located just outside of Waynesboro, is one of America’s premier wildlife rehabilitation hospitals and cares for thousands of injured wild animals each year.

“We can operate on everything from a bat to a bear,” said the center’s Randy Huwa. “With 120 species, we’ve got the busiest kitchen in Waynesboro.”

The Waynesboro Solution can be the answer for fly fishermen and their families looking for a getaway that fills everyone’s’ interests. From quality in-town angling to cultural events to history and wildlands, Waynesboro has the answer to most any angler’s dilemma.

For more information: Waynesboro Tourism: visitwaynesboro.net

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music festival I gwen woolf

They’re playing your song this June in Southwest Virginia Some 200 regional artists are expected to participate in the Mountains of Music festival. Some are well known, but others may not be familiar names nor even professional musicians, according to Hinshelwood. He explains that traditional music, passed down through families, “is part of everyday life” in the Crooked Road region. Therefore, some people may have jobs in other fields but will pick up their fiddles and banjos and join in the fun at the festival.

There will be two to four concerts each night in different communities to choose from, and a vari-

ety of styles of old-timey, bluegrass, and gospel music. Venues include arts centers, theaters, colleges, and state parks.

On June 12, the first day, Jesse McReynolds & the Virginia Boys, Wayne Henderson and Jeff Little, Frank Newsome, and Joe Wilson will perform at the Carter Fold in Hiltons, while Roni Stoneman, the Church Sisters, and Stevie Barr & the Mastertones will give a concert at the Rex Theater in Galax.

The new Harvester Performance Center in downtown Rocky Mount will host two concerts: one features Ronnie Reno & the Reno Tradition, The Karl Shiflett & Big Country Show, and Fiddlin’ Billy Hurt; the other concert will have John McCutcheon and Lost & Found.

Other examples of performers and venues include the Bluegrass Kinsmen, New Ballards Branch Bogtrotters, and Fiddlin’ Billy Baker at Heartwood in Abingdon; Nothin’ Fancy and Raisin’ Cain at the Floyd Country Store in Floyd; and the Seldom Scene and Tyler Hughes at the Natural Tunnel State You can celebrate the music of the Crooked Road with the Barter Theatre’s Park in Duffield. production of Keep on the Sunny Side.

Barter Theatre

For nine days in June, more than 30 communities throughout Southwest Virginia will be hopping with musicians performing the traditional music for which the region is famous. But, that’s not all.

The communities along The Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail will also be popping with cultural events, artisan demonstrations, history walks, workshops, community meals, scenic drives, and outdoor adventures.

The Crooked Road’s Mountains of Music Homecoming, June 12–20, will pull it all together in what organizers call “the ultimate road trip.” The goal is for the siren call of the concerts to lure you to explore localities you might never have thought of visiting. Once there, you will be “seeing places in Southwest Virginia and experiencing things those places have to offer,” according to the festival’s Jack Hinshelwood.

In a nutshell, the festival is “a celebration of the communities of the region,” says Hinshelwood.

This is the first-ever region-wide festival sponsored by The Crooked Road and organizers hope it will become an annual event. The entire driving trail spans 19 counties, four cities, 50 towns, and 330 miles. Within that area are nine major venues and more than 60 affiliated venues and festivals that fill the calendar year-round.

Franklin Co. Tourism

The Blue Ridge Institute in Ferrum, Va., preserves the folklife of the mountains, including the music.

36 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

Besides the signature events, you’ll find music at various venues, such as wineries, roadhouses, town parks, and farms. Floyd County is planning a Friday Night Jamboree, bluegrass music at Wildwood Farm, an old-style Floyd Radio Show, a school battle of the bands, and Music at Lunch, among other events.

Check the festival website (mtnsofmusic.com) for concert dates, venues, ticket information, and other events. Some events are ticketed and some are free. To help visitors focus their trip strategy, the region will be divided into eastern, central, and western zones.

outdoor gospel concert and living-history reenactments.

A Fun Festival gets going with music, flat-footing, dancing, games, and contests. And, for auto enthusiasts, there’s the Boones Mill Car Show.

Floyd County has a host of events, including an Artisan Trail tour; bus tours to five historic rock churches and water-powered mills; a farm tour; a daylily and gardening seminar and tour; and a guitar- and fiddle-making studio tour.

Bristol will have a film festival, and a special exhibit on American roots music will be at the Birthplace of Country Music Museum.

Whatever your fancy, you’re sure to find your rhythm somewhere in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

The festival What: The Crooked Road’s Mountains of Music Festival When: June 12–20 Where: The Crooked Road region of Southwest Virginia Info/tickets: 276-492-2049, mtnsofmusic.com, myswva.org

Many things to do The Barter Theatre is Abingdon is hosting two plays featuring music at The Tent on Barter Square: Keep on the Sunny Side — The Songs & Story of the Original Carter Family and Stonewall Country.

The second tells the story of Confederate Gen. Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson through the music of songwriters Robin and Linda Williams.

Seven performances will be given around the region. The theater also will have regular productions available of Mary Poppins and Southern Fried Nuptials.

The list of non-musical events for the festival is extensive.

Franklin County, the eastern gateway to The Crooked Road, is planning a number of events.

Rocky Mount Court Days showcases live music, arts, crafts, home tours, and food vendors.

Antique Farm Days has live bluegrass music, a tractor pull, demonstrations, and displays of early farm machinery.

A Juneteenth celebration at the Booker T. Washington National Monument features an

Rocky Mount, Virginia

June 13 8am-5pm Uptown/Downtown filled with music, arts, tours, children activities, food & craft vendors and a reenactment of a 19th century trial

historicrockymount.com 540-420-6963 or 540-814-0694

150 Spectacular Shows Music of the Crooked Road H Country H Comedy & More Downtown Rocky Mount, Virginia www.harvester-music.com Box Office 540-GUITARS

Visit Confederate General Jubal Anderson Early’s Boyhood Home

Franklin County, Virginia

455 Old Hollow Lane | Hardy, VA 24101 Open House on Sundays 1:00pm until 5:00pm

www.jubalearly.org

For additional information or to arrange a private tour, please contact Robert Barbour at (540)556-7116.

800.676.8203

visitsmithmountainlake.com

Come on in. The water’s fine!

Visitsmithmountainlake.com 540-721-1203

Music and more in Franklin County

The Proof is in Our Hometown Melodies From our Crooked Road heritage music trail to performances by Grammywinning artists at the Harvester Performance Center in downtown Rocky Mount, Franklin County’s music scene speaks for itself.

Plan your trip today! www.VisitFranklinCountyVA.org 540.483.3030 |

recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 37

virginia I gregg clemmer

Witness New Market’s fight on the actual 1864 battleground Dating back to the middle of the Civil War Centennial in the 1960s, battle reenactments have not been permitted on National Park battlefields. Instead, today’s Blue and Gray living-history soldiers mostly rouse their ranks, level their muskets, and charge enemy cannon on private property away from where the real fighting occurred.

Yet, if you want to experience the thrill and ardor as well as the emotion and angst of seeing history where it actually happened, be in New Market, Va., the third weekend in May. There, on the actual battleground, you can witness the South win its last victory in the Shenandoah Valley, fulfilling Confederate Gen. John Breckinridge’s declaration: “I shall advance on him. We can attack and whip them here and I will do it.”

New Market is where 257 cadets from the Virginia Military Institute charged over that Field of Lost Shoes and into military history.

Their historic participation in the battle has inspired two films, and you can see an Emmy Awardwinning version in the battlefield’s visitor center and museum. The VMI connection is so strong, an alumnus bought the Bushong Farm and left it to the institution.

“Every year we take the freshman class of ‘Rats’ to New Market to learn about this part of their heritage so the connection with the modern day corps of cadets is very strong,” said Col. Keith Gibson.

“Every VMI alumnus who has fought in the war on terror has stood on the New Market battlefield and pondered that heritage.”

May reenactment On May 15, the 151st anniversary of the battle, the Virginia Museum of the Civil War will feature the Director’s Battlefield Tour. This two-hour walking interpretation of the battlefield starts at 2:00pm and is limited to the first 50 visitors.

On May 16, witness a tactical reenactment, commencing at 2:30pm, with the full Battle of New Market reenactment beginning at 2:00pm on May 17.

Throughout the weekend, an activities tent will host a variety of lectures and book signings, with Union and Confederate camps, including Sutlers’ Row, open to all.

Be sure to visit the museum’s display of artifacts and dioramas, especially the stained-glass window depicting the war in the Shenandoah Valley by abstract artist Ami Shamir.

In the Virginia Room, follow the path of the war as it burns its way across the Old Dominion.

“

Every VMI alumnus who has fought in the war on terror has stood on the New Market battlefield and pondered that heritage.”

And, don’t miss the opportunity to watch Field of Lost Shoes in the museum’s theater.

If you need a private moment to ponder this historic ground, tread a few yards north of the Bushong Farmhouse, where the land begins to rise up to the position of Gen. Franz Sigel’s Union guns.

Consider the recollection of Cadet John Howard, as he battled across that muddy field: “I saw a cedar tree a yard high or thereabout with a trunk as big as my thumb. Not a very effective defense, but, no matter, anything from a white oak to a wheat straw was better than nothing, and I threw myself down behind it.”

For more information New Market Reenactment: vmi.edu/vmcw Shenandoah Co. Tourism: visitshenandoah.org

151 151 N MARKET! NEW stst Anniversary Reenactment

The nation’s oldest!

Anniversary Reenactment

EW MARKET!

May 2015 May16-17, 16-17, 2015

I-81, Exit 264 in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley The nation’s oldest reenactment — fought on the original ground!

In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley

C L A S S IC AL ALLU RE R IC H M ON D S T Y LE

MAY 3, 2015 – JANUARY 31, 2016 New Market BattlefiNew eld Market Battlefield State Historical Park State Historical Park New Market, Virginia New Market, Virginia 866.515.1865 vmi.edu/vmcw 1.866.515.1864

38 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

An exhibition featuring classically inspired treasures from the Valentine’s Costume and Textile Collection.

1015 E AST CL AY STREE T RICHMOND, VIRGINIA 8 0 4.6 49.0711 THE VALENTINE .ORG

virginia I angela blue

Lynchburg mixes a cosmopolitan atmosphere with an easy pace Several years ago, you might have considered Lynchburg, Va., a fine place to stop on the way to Charlottesville or somewhere else in the southwestern part of the state. Now, thanks to the city’s rising arts and culture scene, unique shopping venues, eclectic dining spots, and a celebration of local foods and libations, this historic city at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains is its own superb destination.

“It’s cosmopolitan and vibrant, but somehow untouched,” notes Krista Boothby, who promotes the city. “It’s got all the amenities of the big city, but you can breathe; you can slow down and enjoy the place.”

Families can start at Amazement Square, The Rightmire Children’s Museum, where kids can explore the endless mazes of Amazement Tower, paint a masterpiece in the Kaleidoscope Gallery, and learn about life on the farm in the Big Red Barn.

Shopping made easy Find local gems at the Heritage Crafters Gallery and Artists Alley on Main Street. This indoor market is filled with art, jewelry, pottery, soaps, candles, woodworking, and local photography, as well as regional edibles.

Just outside the Heritage Crafters Gallery, it’s easy to mix and mingle with the locals on Saturdays, 7:00am–2:00pm, at the Lynchburg Community Market. It’s one of the oldest continuously working farmers’ markets in the country and a great place to pick up local fruits and vegetables, natural meats, honey, cheeses, eggs, flowers, and herbs. (lynchburgva.gov) Continue shopping on Main Street at Gladiola Girls, offering a chic and dynamic selection of clothing styles; Urban Merchant, with its home décor, cookbooks, children’s books, jewelry, and furniture; and several antique stores. Most shops are closed on Sundays, so Saturday is best for exploring the downtown boutiques.

soups (or steaks, pasta, and seafood for dinner). If it’s nice weather, score a seat on the outside patio to get a splendid view of trains passing by. (depotgrille.com) Later on, watch chefs twirling dough for some deliciously creative pizzas at Waterstone Pizza.

Their chewy, fire-roasted crust (which can be made gluten-free upon request) is topped with continued on page 41

Lively dining scene Once you’ve shopped up an appetite, you’ll find that there are many tempting restaurants nearby.

Market at Main serves breakfast all day (as well as lunch and dinner) in a welcoming diner-type atmosphere.

Pull up a swivel stool at the bar and watch the chefs busily prepare bacon, eggs, and pancakes by the stack. (marketatmain.com) For lunch, check out The Depot Grille for a superb selection of salads, sandwiches, wraps, and

Waterstone Pizza offers hand-tossed treats with unusual toppings.

Explore the Depths...

of two world-class attractions!

THE WATERWAY IS CLEAR

THE VIEW IS VAST

THE ROAD IS OPEN

YOU'VE FOUND US AT LAST

m ily Fu n Inte ra cti ve Fa Aw a it! & Exp lo ratio n

Virginia's Animal Attraction Plus Frogs: A Chorus of Colors now through September 7

America's National Maritime Museum New exhibition EXTREME DEEP: Mission to the Abyss opens May 16 - September 7

and Park Attractions located just 5 MINUTES from each other in Newport News, VA. Only 20 minutes from Williamsburg.

ExploreNewportNews.org I64, Exit 258A • (888) 493-7386

recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 39

virginia I su clauson-wicker

Floyd, Virginia: Not just a destination, a state-of-mind A southwestern Virginia destination for music and art, Floyd is the kind of town where art galleries and organic farms vastly outnumber chain stores and stoplights.

On warm weekends, tourists and locals alike pack into Floyd Country Store and various other venues to hear old-time mountain pickers. They can also catch tunes of other types — gospel,

Celtic, jazz, country, and roots music — at various stores, wineries, and outdoor festival sites around this quirky rural county.

“Floyd is as much a state-of-mind as it is a destination,” says tourism director Pat Sharkey. “Our Floyd state-of-mind is all about slowing down, altering one’s mindset. Our visitors come to be rejuvenated in the rich, warm culture of Floyd.”

Floyd began to take on its offbeat flavor in the 1960s, when urban “back-to-the-earthers” moved to the countryside to found collective farms, art studios, and communes, and would eventually start

shops carrying art, clothing, and handmade furniture. Now, a distillery is opening and a craft brewery is slated to tap its first kegs in the fall. Two wineries have popped up along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and bed-and-breakfasts are tucked in among the ridges. Floyd-born Daniel Sowers, owner of On the Water, now outfits and shuttles canoers, kayakers, and fishing parties on the Little River, his favorite Floyd trout creek.

Parkway classics Visitors to Floyd will be richly rewarded for

Su Clauson-Wicker

May 16-17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Republic of Floyd shop gives you a hint of the independent spirit you’ll find in the area.

This Labor Day weekend, stretch your body to its limits, play in the great outdoors all day, fuel up on amazing local foodie creations and then spend the evening jammin’ to great, upbeat, eclectic music.

Use code DC25OFF for $25 discount

www.floydyogajam.net info@floydyogajam.net

Art and music mingle in Floyd 40 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

cruising along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Wildflowers, stone churches, cabins, and stunning views are all guaranteed. Springtime forays along the historic national park roadway yield photo-ready views of rhododendron; multi-hued wildflowers like bluebells, dogtooth violets, anemones, and trillium; and foliage in every shade of green.

Mabry Mill, renowned for its buckwheat pancakes, features old-time music and living history demonstrations on summer weekends. For maps, check at the visitor center at milepost 169.

Wineries along the route Two charming wineries perch on the windy ridge along Floyd’s 40-mile stretch of the parkway. Villa Appalaccia, near milepost 170, has a relaxed southern European feel and award-winning wines from Italian grape varieties such as sangiovese and pinot grigio. Chateau Morrisette, one of Virginia’s oldest and largest wineries, is located between mileposts 171 and 172 on the parkway.

Open for tastings seven days a week, the winery produces 30 varieties of wine, from fruity sweet to dry French blends.

Chateau Morrisette has become an all-around destination with its adjoining restaurant, Sunday afternoon jazz concerts, dog-friendly grounds, and special weekends. Coming up June 5–7, the winery’s Mountain Adventure Weekend features horseback rides, biking, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and clay shooting, as well as game dinners.

Vouchers for a stay at one of the area’s 25 lodging establishments are included in the package.

Festivals and events The beautiful Chantilly Farm Festival north of town hosts the county’s Bluegrass & BBQ Festival,

May 22–23, featuring Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Lonesome River Band, Lost and Found, and other fine groups. The site, which offers camping, hosts an auto show May 29–31 and a Southern gospel festival June 6.

“Bach, Bluegrass, and Barber” is the theme of a classical/mountain music festival May 31 at Floyd’s EcoVillage. The evening concert features David Wiley, conductor of the Roanoke Symphony, and mandolin virtuoso Jeff Midkiff.

In the busy month of June, the Floyd Artisan Trail Tour, June 12–14, featuring some 50 sites, chases the gospel fest on June 6, and is concurrent with the beginning of the Crooked Road Mountains of Music Homecoming, with special events daily. (myswva.org/tcr/mountains-music) After Fourth of July festivities, the festival schedule resumes July 10–12 with the Replenish Christian Music Fest near Willis, Va., and reaches a crescendo with the hugely popular FloydFest, July 22–26. Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, and The Drive-By Truckers join dozens of acclaimed musicians in what’s been called “Woodstock on Quaaludes.” The scope and diversity of this festival are hard to describe — bands combine various types of music including rock, reggae, folk, bluegrass, jazz, and even hip-hop to form unique sounds. (floydfest.com) For a quiet place to recharge, consider the downtown Hotel Floyd or Bella la Vita, a bed-andbreakfast tucked into the trees just outside of town.

A night at the latter benefits the Blue Ridge Parkway Association, and owner Lisal Roberts’ almond cake and French toast casserole benefit you.

Lynchburg

For more information

For more information

Floyd Co. Tourism: visitfloydva.com

Lynchburg Tourism: discoverlynchburg.com

continued from page 39 classic creations or out-of-the-box concoctions like their Spicy Thai. Nothing goes with pizza better than beer, and just upstairs from the restaurant is Jefferson Street Brewery, the region’s only microbrewery. (waterstonepizza.com) To soothe a sweet tooth, stop by Cao Artisan Chocolates and pick from a variety of handcrafted cocoa confections including truffles, chocolate bars, and European sipping chocolate. (caoartisanchocolates.com) And, if you only have time for a quick bite, there are plenty of food trucks nearby with great curb appeal.

Need an excuse to visit this month? The third annual James River Wine and Music Festival is May 30, 11:00am–6:00pm, at Lynchburg City Stadium.

Enjoy samples from 12 Virginia wineries, food and craft vendors, and live music by regional bands. (jamesriverwinefest.com) Whether you’re looking for a memorable excursion for two or an adventuresome vacation for the family, Lynchburg sets the scene for dynamic attractions, a friendly downtown vibe, and plenty of meals to remember. And with its accessibility to several interstates and Amtrak service from D.C., it’s an easy drive or train ride away.

Find more to love about Lynchburg at the Visitors Center on 12th Street and check out next month’s issue of Recreation News for the variety of outdoor adventures and excursions waiting to be discovered here.

e l l i v e h t y W

there’s only one one. visitwytheville.com • 1-877-347-8307

recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 41

virginia I staff

Use a paddle, pedals, or your binoculars for fun in Chesapeake On May 2, hundreds of kayakers and canoeists from across the East Coast will launch their vessels into the Dismal Swamp Canal’s cool, calm waters, which will serve as the pathway for Paddle for the Border, an annual 7.5-mile paddling excursion to the Virginia/North Carolina border.

The event celebrates the canal’s rich history, which dates back to 1763 when George Washington’s land company first surveyed the swamp before commissioning the waterway’s construction. The canal is now part of the Intracoastal Waterway.

The colonel from the Corps of Engineers leads the way, but as paddle blades cut through the canal’s peaceful waters, Mother Nature steals the show. Native strands of the majestic Atlantic white cypress can be seen, as deer, river otters, and the occasional black bear romp in their natural habitat.

June 6 brings cyclists to town for the Chesapeake Criterium, a great opportunity to see top-level bike racing up close (and it’s free to spectators).

There are races in all United States Cycling Federation categories. A free children’s race is held at 12:45pm for those with

Chesapeake Tourism

Paddling is popular in Chesapeake for both organized events and solitary enjoyment.

JUNE 20

their own bikes and helmets. (bikereg.com) Spring and fall are prime times to catch the Atlantic migration and to find the more than 200 species of birds that nest in or near the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge.

The 8-1/2-mile Dismal Swamp Canal Trail is a great place to find glimpses of the Swainson’s warbler and the Wayne’s warbler, two of the most secretive and least-seen birds in North America.

Majestic bald eagles, graceful great egrets and other birds are waiting to be found in the refuge. Individuals and groups can schedule guided birding trips. (757-9863705) Chesapeake is also part of the Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail that offers birding opportunities in other parks in town. There is also a 2-1/2-mile footpath through Bells Mill Park with a beautiful overlook of the southern branch of the Elizabeth River.

Gather your gear and head to Chesapeake.

For more information Chesapeake Tourism: visitchesapeake.com

TH

2015 Kayaks & Canoes Stand Up Paddleboarding

(SUP)

Paddle Into Adventure This Summer.

Celebrate Chesapeake’s maritime heritage and explore the city’s historic waterways during KayaXpedition with kayaking demonstrations and competitive and fun paddle races.

Kayaking and stand up paddleboarding events will be held at Oak Grove Lake Park. KayaXpedition welcomes adventurers of all ages and levels of boating experience – from beginning paddlers to seasoned racers – to kick start summer with paddles in hand!

VISIT WWW.KAYAXPEDITION.COM OR CALL US AT 757.382.6411 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

42 recreation news I may 2015 I recreationnews.com

virginia I sandra julian barker

Lafayetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reconstructed Hermione sails into Yorktown Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss the boat! â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have about 80 to 100 reenactors that camp To be more specific, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss a unique opwithin the British earthworks,â&#x20AC;? said Mac Mcportunity to board an authentic historical replica of Clammy, a ranger with the National Park Service. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It will be an exciting event. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll even have a the 18th-century French sailing ship that reunited Civil War hospital in the Nelson House, which George Washington and the young Marquis de was used by both sides in the war. The camps are Lafayette and took part in the French blockade micro-displays of the period.â&#x20AC;? that trapped the British Army in Yorktown, Va. The Yorktown is a charming riverside community Hermione, dubbed the French Frigate of Freedom, offering not only rich historical experiences, but sailed from Rochefort, France, in mid-April on its also a free public beach, daytime and sunset sails, maiden voyage of 3,819 miles across the Atlantic museums, guided Segway tours, outdoor dining, and will make its first stop in Yorktown on June 5. and shopping. Getting around is easy with free The momentous occasion marks the 235th anparking and a free trolley providing transportaniversary of Lafayetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s arrival on the Hermione in tion throughout the town and over to the battlefield 1780, when he brought French support to George (March through November).

Washington and the continental Army. The arrival â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think what people like best about coming to of Lafayette and his troops helped to turn the tide of the American RevoluYorktown Tourism tion and paved the way for independence.

Three days of festivities, beginning June 5 (9:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;7:00pm), will include free entertainment, programs, activities, and exhibits.

Historic shipbuilding crafts demonstrations, conversations with young volunteer sailors, and guided tours of the 213-foot-long, 177-foottall ship are just a few of the exciting activities scheduled during the historic visit.

Hermione will sail up the coast to 11 additional Lafayetteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reconstructed Hermione arrives in Yorktown in June to kick iconic ports, including off an East Coast tour.

Mount Vernon, Annapolis, and Baltimore, during two months of events. A traveling photography exhibit covering the 17 years of the Hermioneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reconstruction will be free to the public in each port.

continued on page 45

Saturdays 8:00am-12:00pm Merchants Square 402 W Duke of Gloucester St.

757-259-3768

WilliamsburgFarmersMarket.com

Declare your Independence with a Northern Neck Getaway!

Declare your Independence a Northern Neck Getaway!

!with

More to do in Yorktown During Memorial Day weekend, the Yorktown Battlefield leaps forward a hundred years from its Revolutionary War emphasis and focuses on the Civil War. On May 23â&#x20AC;&#x201C;24 (9:00am-5:00pm), visitors will have the opportunity to wander through authentically reenacted Confederate and Union camps and watch demonstrations of cavalry action, complete with troops firing pistols and cannon.

Yorktown, and specifically Riverwalk Landing, for events is the ambiance and the beautiful scenic and peaceful event venue,â&#x20AC;? said Kevin Ritchie, who plans local events for the county. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a remarkable location with the York River as a backdrop and really is unmatched in our area. There is something going on all the time in Yorktown, with a great variety to appeal to a lot of folks.â&#x20AC;?

One of the fun free events held each Thursday night, 6:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9:30pm, during the summer is called Shagging on the Riverwalk. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have a great line up of bands scheduled for this summer,â&#x20AC;? said Ritchie. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The 10th annual concert series offers lively entertainment for both participants and

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Two rivers plus two lakes equals fun on this Virginia Blueway For anyone who loves to be on the water, near the water, or in the water, the Alleghany Highlands Blueway, near Covington, Va., is a dream come true.

The Blueway is unusual in that it is not merely a single river. Strad-

Making memories is in our nature!

dling two counties, Alleghany and Bath, the scenic waterway features two lakes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Douthat and Moomaw â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and two rivers. The Jackson and Cowpasture rivers snake through opposite sides of the counties, coming together to form the James River

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Va. State Parks

Douthat Lake is made for family fun.

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that flows eastward across the Old Dominion.

“These two rivers have two very different feels” says John Mays, owner of Twin Rivers Outfitters.

The company offers canoe and kayaking trips along the Jackson, James, and the Lower Cowpasture.

The Jackson River begins at the Gathright Dam on Lake Moomaw and runs 43 miles through the verdant hills of Southwestern Virginia near the border with West Virginia. “Below the dam,” says

Mays, “the cold, pristine water is ideal for trout.”

Boaters may access the river at any of a dozen boat ramps, including one in Main Street Park in Covington.

The river crawls and twists back and forth through Alleghany County, the many bends reminiscent of the Shenandoah River. Mays notes that there are several areas of fun Class I-II rapids and an excellent section of whitewater near Clifton Forge at the confluence of the James.

Va. State Parks

Va. State Parks

“

The water is so clear that it looks like your boat is floating in the air.”

On the Cowpasture River, “the water is so clear that it looks like your boat is floating in the air,” exclaims Mays. Bald eagles, otter, beaver, and mink are often spotted along the riverbanks, and it is not uncommon to see a black bear.

Insider tip: While this river extends more than 84 miles, the lower 10 miles offer the finest boating.

“And it’s best to run it in the spring when the river is high,” Mays said. Secluded and bordering the George Washington National Forest, this scenic waterway flows through a variety of terrain from forest to tall cliffs to bucolic pastures.

Two lakes complete the picture

There are plenty of trails to hike in Douthat State Park.

Enjoy a waterfall in the park, as well as the lake.

Va. State Parks

Douthat State Park, in Bath County, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 75-year-old park features 50-acre manmade Douthat Lake and 43 miles of trails.

“Formed down in the valley and surround by mountain peaks, the view from anywhere on the lake is spectacular,” says Debbie Coffin, assistant park manager. The family park also boasts a small beach for swimming, boat rentals, playgrounds, a snack bar, gift shop, an amphitheater, campgrounds, picnic areas, and two waterfalls.

The larger of the two cascades, the gorgeous Blue Sucks Falls, is reached via a moderate 3-mile hike.

The path climbs along a ridge line past several breathtaking overlooks of the Allegheny Mountains.

The lake is stocked with brook, rainbow, and brown trout and includes largemouth bass, black crappie, catfish, and chain pickerel. And, if that’s not enough, the park also features mountain biking and equestrian bridle trails, 32 rental cabins, and a restaurant overlooking the lake.

Lake Moomaw, on the western and northernmost section of the Blueway, is a stunning, modern achievement. The 2,530-acre lake was formed by flooding the Kincaid Gorge when the 257-foot-tall Gathright Dam was built in the early 1980s. With 43 miles of tree-lined shoreline, it is large enough for small sailboats to navigate along its 12-mile length. It, too, is ideal for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and camping.

Lake Moomaw also includes two sandy beaches and hosts a 1-mile swimming competition on Aug. 1, the Lake Moomaw Open Water Swim. Sandra Wright, a competitive swimmer and the Blueways special project coordinator, says, “I’ve done a lot of long distance swims. This is definitely the most beautiful place I have ever swam!”

For more information Alleghany Blueway: alleghanyhighlandsblueway.com

Douthat Lake is ready and waiting for family fun this summer.

Yorktown continued from page 43 onlookers.” Bring your dancing shoes and enjoy great music and awesome views on the York River as you shag the night away.

Insider tip: For just-picked produce, freshly caught seafood, and warm-from-the-oven baked

goods, head to Water Street on Saturday mornings, 9:00am–1:00pm, during Yorktown Market Days (May through the end of September). Along with great food, flowers, and artwork, you can enjoy free live entertainment as you shop.

And what could be more patriotic than Fourth of July celebrations in the very town where the last major battle was fought to win our country’s independence? Festivities begin at 9:00am with a

colorful parade marching down Water Street. “It’s a family affair — a really neat event,” said Ritchie.

A free musical performance by the TRADOC brass band at 8:00pm is followed by spectacular fireworks over the York River at 9:00pm.

For more information York Co. Tourism: visityorktown.org Hermione: hermione2015.com

recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 45

SPOTLIGHT ON THE ARTS Through May 9. The festival features an art show, outstanding music performances from leading musicians, quality arts exhibitions, dance, stimulating theater performances, community activities, and events. Fairfax, Va. fairfaxspotlight.org ALL THAT ART May 1, 6:00–9:00pm. The event features live and silent auctions of more than 50 pieces of art with proceeds benefiting the contributing artists and Maryland Hall. Annapolis, Md. 410-2635544, marylandhall.org

May 2015

DOVER DAYS May 1–3. Annual festival on Dover’s historic Green celebrating Delaware heritage with tours, exhibits, living history, and plenty of family friendly activities. Dover, Del. doverdays.com

May 10 Mother’s Day May 25 Memorial Day

SOLOMONS MARITIME FESTIVAL May 2. Antique boats and marine engines, master maritime carvers, crafts and cooking demonstrations, traditional music, and boat rides. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, Md. 410326-2042, calvertmarinemuseum.com

HOLIDAYS

MOTHER’S DAY WEEKEND May 8–10. Enjoy the popular Butterflies LIVE! exhibit, shopping and dining, and historic Bloemendaal House open to the public (11:00am–3:00pm) with free tours by knowledgeable garden guides. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, Va. 804-262-9887, lewisginter.org MOTHER’S DAY PLANT SALE May 9–10. Bedding plants, vegetable starter plants, herbs, flower starter plants, succulents, and cactus. Talmar Gardens and Horticultural Therapy, Carney, Md. talmar.org MOTHER’S DAY AT MOUNT VERNON May 9–10, 8:00am–5:00pm. Enjoy “Lady Washington’s” reminiscences of motherhood and her sage advice to her youngest granddaughter. George Washington’s Mount Vernon, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, Va. 703-7802000, mountvernon.org MEMORIAL DAY FESTIVAL AND PARADE May 22–23. Events include a classic antique car show with live music and disc jockey, a memorial service, huge car show, truck show, motorcycle show, tractor show, dog show, and volunteer firemen’s carnival with food and games. Shenandoah, Va. 540652-8164, townofshenandoah.com MEMORIAL DAY MURPH CHALLENGE May 23, noon. The challenge starts with a 1-mile run, followed by 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, and 300 squats. It ends with another 1-mile run that must be completed in less than 50 minutes. MAC Harbor East, 655 President St., Baltimore, Md. macwellness.com

SPRING OPEN HOUSE May 2. Come out and visit the shops and get ready for spring.

Smicksburg, Pa. 814-257-0192 ATLANTIC COAST KITE FESTIVAL May 2. This popular event features a variety of activities appropriate for all ages and all levels of kite aficionados. On the beach between 16th and 18th streets, Virginia Beach, Va. beachstreetusa.com LADEW GARDEN FESTIVAL May 2. Shop from an exclusive collection of more than 40 unique vendors. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 33 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, Md. 410-557-9570, ladewgardens.com

BLACKSMITH DAYS May 16–17. Explore the future of forging with regional blacksmiths. Carroll County Farm Museum, Westminster, Md. bgcmonline.org NORTHERN VIRGINIA FINE ARTS FESTIVAL May 16–17. Festival jurors have selected artists in 10 categories of fine art and craft to exhibit and sell their works at this event, which is one of the largest independent outdoor art festivals on the East Coast. Reston, Va. northernvirginiafineartsfestival.org

MAYFEST May 17, 10:00am–5:00pm. Features music, crafts and food, antique and vintage cars, children’s activities, and an annual art show and sale. Main Street, Luray, Va. 888-743-3915, downtownluray.com

TOWSONTOWN SPRING FESTIVAL May 2, 10:00am–8:00pm, May 3, 1:00–6:00pm. The event has turned into the largest outdoor festival in Maryland and one of the largest on the East Coast. 400 Washington Ave., Towson, Md. 410-825-1144, towsontownspringfestival.com

NANTICOKE RIVER MARINE PARK FESTIVAL May 17, 10:00am–4:00pm. Vendors, boating displays and demonstrations, children’s activities, food, and music. visitsoutherndelaware.com

WINE AND FOOD FESTIVAL May 2–3. This event brings together world-renowned chefs, artisanal craftsmen, and culinary pioneers with thousands of metro Washington, D.C., foodies. 137 National Plaza, National Harbor, Md. 877-NTL-HBR, nationalharbor.com

THREE RIVERS FESTIVAL May 21–23. Three-day event featuring live entertainment, parade, carnival games, amusement rides, and fireworks, as well as the sixth annual World Championship Pepperoni Roll Eating Contest. Palatine Park in Fairmont, W. Va. wvthreeriversfestival.org

SPRINGFEST May 7–10. Enjoy delicious food, live music, and great rates on accommodations; free admission. Ocean City, Md. ococean.com INTERNATIONAL PAN FEST May 8–9. Fusing together the rhythm of steel bands, ocean breezes, and great international food, the breathtaking oceanfront becomes an “island paradise” for the weekend. Virginia Beach, Va. beachstreetusa.com HERB AND GARDEN FAIRE May 8–9. More than 80 vendors of plants, herbal skin care products, garden art, and jewelry will be spread out over the historic village area of the site. Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum, 2451 Kissel Hill Road, Lancaster, Pa. 717-569-0401, landisvalleymuseum.org ALE AND HISTORY BEER FESTIVAL May 9. This year’s musical performers will be the Elizabeth Lawrence Band and Cazhmiere. And, there will be more than beers to sample and great history and views to enjoy. Belle Grove Plantation, 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, Va. bellegrove.org AFRICAN-AMERICAN CHILDREN’S BOOK FAIR May 9, noon-4:00pm. Enjoy readings, performances, workshops, and search for hard-to-find-titles at the largest showcase of African-American children’s literature in the area.

Reginald F. Lewis Museum, 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. rflewismuseum.org

Everyone gets into the act at the Blackbeard Festival in Hampton, Va., May 29-31.

BBQ AND BREW May 16, 11:30am–5:00pm. Vote on the best barbecue and enjoy cold beer. Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island, Va. visitbedford.com

CHINCO DE MAYO May 2, 5:00–10:0pm. At the Museum of Chincoteague Island’s annual event, the art is all 5-inches square, but the fun is for everyone. Museum of Chincoteague Island, Chincoteague, Va. chincoteaguemuseum.com

MEMORIAL DAY CEREMONY May 26, 10:00am. Annual Memorial Day ceremony salutes those who lost their lives defending freedom. Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, Timonium, Md. dulaneyvalley.com

Hampton Tourism

VIRGINIA WINE AND CRAFT FESTIVAL May 16, 10:00am–6:00pm. Enjoy wine tastings from 20 of the best Virginia wineries. More than 100 artisans and crafters from all over the East Coast display fine handmade jewelry, candles, pottery, art, and wood and iron works. There will be a variety of regional foods. Main and Chester streets, Front Royal, Va. 540635-3185, wineandcraftfestival.com

CHINCOTEAGUE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL May 2, noon–4:00pm. Enjoy fresh local seafood and entertainment. Tom’s Cove Park, 8128 Beebe Road, Chincoteague, Va. 757-336-6161, chincoteaguechamber.com

POINT-TO-POINT May 3. Enjoy a day of elite horse racing. There will be kids’ activities, festive tailgating, and beautiful hospitality tents with elegant luncheons. Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, Del. winterthur.org/ptp

SHENANDOAH APPLE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL Through May 3. A series of more than 30 events includes band competitions, dances, parades, carnival, circus, dinners, luncheons, a 10K race, the coronation of Queen Shenandoah, firefighters’ events, and celebrities. Winchester, Va. thebloom.com

THE PREAKNESS STAKES May 16. The annual Preakness Stakes is the second leg of the Triple Crown. Infield Fest, a daylong party featuring live performances by international superstars, coincides with race day.

Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Md. pimlico.com

VIRGINIA BEER FESTIVAL May 16–17. More than 100 of the finest beers from local, regional, and international breweries will be available. Sample a bounty of brews from around the world, while enjoying live music and the spring air. Town Point Park, 1 Waterside Drive, Norfolk, Va. 757-282-2822, vafest.org

NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT May 24, 8:00–9:30pm. PBS pays tribute to the service and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform. Features a unique blend of uplifting musical performances and dramatic readings. West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, Washington, D.C. pbs.org

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

MAY MART FESTIVAL May 15–16. Features more than 100 vendors and crafters filling two arenas and selling unique items. S&T Bank Arena, 497 East Pike, Indiana, Pa. indianagardenclub.org/may-mart.html

CROMWELL VALLEY ARTS FESTIVAL May 9–10. Showcasing local fine artists, fine crafters, literary art, music, wine, food, and classic cars. Cromwell Valley Park, Sherwood House entrance, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Baltimore, Md. 410-887-2503

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TOWNE AND COUNTRY FESTIVAL May 22–24. Featured events include the Historical Vintage Car Club of Delaware’s 32nd annual First State Meet, crafters, exhibitors, food vendors, demonstrators, music, and tours of the Governor Ross Mansion. Governor Ross Plantation, Seaford, Del. seafordhistoricalsociety.com BLUEGRASS AND BBQ FESTIVAL May 22–23. Featuring Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Lonesome River Band, Lost and Found, and other fine groups in Floyd, Va. chantillyfarm.com/bluegrass-festival TEA PARTY FESTIVAL May 22–24. The festival offers an engaging glimpse into its Colonial past, including a reenactment of the 18thcentury tea party, plus entertainment, children’s activities, crafts, and wine and beer tastings. Chestertown, Md. chestertownteaparty.com ARTSPRING May 22–24. Features events throughout the Canaan Valley and historic towns of Davis, Thomas, and Parsons in West Virginia.

Local art galleries participate with demonstrations from pottery making to wool spinning. Enjoy music, wine tasting, and local culinary delights. canaanresort.com HORSESHOE CRAB AND SHOREBIRD FESTIVAL May 23. Enjoy food, music, arts and crafts, train rides for kids, boat rides on the Broadkill River, canoe trips on Prime Hook Creek, exhibits, and hikes, as the region celebrates horseshoe crabs and migrating birds. Explore historic Milton and take the shuttle bus to Prime Hook Wildlife refuge. Milton Memorial Park, Milton, Del. historicmilton.com WESTSYLVANIA JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL May 23. Festival including many jazz and blues acts throughout the day. Come out and enjoy. Indiana, Pa. westsylvaniajazzandblues.org CRAWFISH BOIL May 23, 5:00–8:00pm. Enjoy 2,000 pounds of crawfish and all the trimmings, plus the authentic Creole sound of Zydeco music. Bower Center for the Arts, 305 N. Bridge St., Bedford, Va. visitbedford.com

PUNGO STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL May 23–24. All the strawberries you can eat offered in more than 50 different ways, plus a pie-eating contest, strawberry bake-off, continuous entertainment, a parade, one of the largest carnivals on the East Coast, and a multimillion dollar military display. Pungo, Va. 757-721-6001, pungostrawberryfestival.info BREW AT THE ZOO May 23–24. Your choice of days featuring unlimited sampling, more than 80 brews, live music and all day zoo admission to experience the new Penguin Coast exhibit. The Maryland Zoo, Druid Hill Park, Baltimore, Md. marylandzoo.org ANNAPOLIS GREEK FESTIVAL May 28–31. Enjoy Greek dance performances, sample Greek cuisine, savor Greek music, and tour the beautiful Greek Orthodox Church. Free admission. Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, 2747 Riva Road, Annapolis, Md. 410-573-2072, annapolisgreekfestival.org BLACKBEARD PIRATE FESTIVAL May 29–31. The celebration features a bounty of food, adult beverages, and live music in addition to pirate antics aplenty.

Rated one of the nations’s top five pirate festivals. Hampton, Va. 757-727-8314, blackbeardfestival.com

NOW SHOWING CRUISIN’ OCEAN CITY May 14–17. This popular car show features 3,400 hot rods, customs, classics, street machines, and muscle cars. Live entertainment, celebrity guests, special attractions, boardwalk parades, and manufacturer vendor midway. Convention Center and Inlet Lot, Ocean City, Md. 410-798-6304, cruisinoceancity.com ANTIQUES SHOW May 23–25, 9:30am–5:00pm. Thirty dealers will offer a selection of fine antiques including furniture, rugs, porcelain, and needlework. Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, Pa. brandywine.org TRUCKING HISTORY ON DISPLAY May 28–30. More than 1,000 antique trucks, with thousands of trucking enthusiasts on hand. York, Pa. 816-891-9900, aths.org

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES BIKE AND WINE OR BIKE AND BREW May 2 and 31, June 13 and 28. Enjoy a 12-mile easy ride following the Little Patuxent River on paved paths. Take a refreshing break before heading back to enjoy a sample of wine or beer, cheese, and French bread on the grass at base camp. Terrapin Adventures, 8600 Foundry St., Savage, Md. 410-925-9574.

CINCO DE MILER 5-MILE RUN May 3, 9:00am–noon. Sponsored by Charm City Run, this 5-mile trail race benefits Midshore Riverkeeper Conservancy. 191 Log Canoe Circle, Stevensville, Md. 410-308-1870, midshoreriverkeeper.org/event/cinco-de-miler WILDFLOWER PILGRIMAGE May 7–10. All tours leave from Blackwater Lodge. The event attracts professional and amateur botanists who also enjoy special evening programs. Blackwater Fall State Park, 1584 Blackwater Lodge Road, Davis, W.Va. 304-259-5216, blackwaterfalls.com COASTAL DELAWARE RUNNING FESTIVAL May 3. This Delaware championship event and Boston Marathon qualifier around Dewey Beach includes full and half marathons and a 9K race. focusmultisports.com DISCOVERING ORIOLES May 16, 9:00–11:00am. Join volunteer Jim Meyers on a walk to discover the nesting spots of the elusive oriole. Then make your own oriole feeder to draw these birds to your yard. Willow Grove Nature Center, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Baltimore, Md. 410-887-2503 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 is free. 410-3949483, mdsailing.com

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 WASHINGTON AREA ROADSKATERS Year-round; check website for dates and times. Skaters leave from the White House, Washington, D.C. meetup.com/washington-area-roadskaters WANDERBIRDS HIKING CLUB Sundays. Various hikes and locations in Virginia. 703-242-0315, wanderbirds.org

MUSIC

Orchestra/Band/Classical/Choral BACH FESTIVAL May 1–2, 8–9. Brimming over with festive brilliance. Lehigh University, Bethlehem, Pa. bach.org BRAHMS REQUIEM May 3, 4:00pm. Towson United Methodist Church, 501 Hampton Lane, Towson, Md. 410-823-6511, towsonumc.org ATTACCA STRING QUARTET May 10, 7:00–8:30pm. Be sure to hear this gifted ensemble in beautiful intimate settings as part of Virginia Arts Festival’s Chamber Concerts. The Parlor on Granby, 765 Granby St., Norfolk, Va. 757-282-2822, vafest.org WOODBRIDGE FLUTE CHOIR May 17, 2:00pm. Free spring concert featuring all types of flutes at the Bull Run Regional Library, Manassas, Va. woodbridgeflutechoir.org

Popular/Other OAK RIDGE BOYS May 16. A concert by the legendary Oak Ridge Boys at Rocky Gap Casino Resort, near Cumberland, Md. rockygapcasino.com HEART TO HEART May 23. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart will appear at the Calvert Marine Museum’s PNC Waterside Pavilion. Solomons, Md. 410-326-2042, calvertmarinemuseum.com BLUEGRASS SATURDAY May 30. Evening of bluegrass music at the Sagebrush RoundUp, home of the Country Music Hall of Fame. Entertainment by Simply Bluegrass and the national Pike Pickers. Fairmont, W. Va.

THE WASHINGTON BALLET Call for performances and times. 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-362-3606, washingtonballet.org

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, 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. 410-848-7272, carrollcountyartscouncil.org 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 MARYLAND HALL FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS 801 Chase St., Annapolis, Md. 410-263-5544, marylandhall.org MONTPELIER ARTS CENTER 9652 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, arts.pgparks.com

Md.

301-953-1993,

NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART National Mall between Third and Seventh streets at Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 202-737-4215, nga.gov

PRO SPORTS

Theater MEMPHIS May 1–2. The show features a Tony-winning score with music by Bon Jovi’s founding member and keyboardist David Bryan and lyrics by Bryan and Joe DiPietro. Warner Theatre, Washington, D.C. 800-745-3000, warnertheatredc.com COMEDIAN JON DORE May 1–3. Enjoy a great performer who bends the conventions of stand-up and keeps audiences on their toes. DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-296-7008, dcimprov.com ROSENCRANTZ AND GUILDENSTERN ARE DEAD May 12–June 21. Tom Stoppard’s Tony Award-winning romp through Shakespeare is a feast of wit and wordplay. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C. 202-544-4600, folger.edu

Dance WHISPERS IN THE WIND May 24–25. Original, historically based drama about life on the frontier. Guests will be guided on a walking path to the cemetery. Pricketts Fort State Park, Fairmont, W. Va. marioncvb.com JUST BE May 8, 8:00pm. Performance by ReVision Dance Company, which includes dancers with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Dance Place, 3225 8th St. NE, Washington, D.C. danceplace.org

CENTER HIKING CLUB Various hikes and locations in the D.C. metropolitan area. 703751-3971, centerhikingclub.org

SPRING CONCERT May 16. There will be 2:00pm and 7:00pm shows. Lansburgh Theatre, 450 7th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-371-9656, danceinstitute.org

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

ADULT DROP-IN DANCE CLASSES The Dance Institute of Washington, 3400 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-371-9656, danceinstitute.org

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

DANCE PROGRAMS Weekends, 7:30–11:30pm. Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md. fridaynightdance.org

BALTIMORE ORIOLES AT HOME Friday, May 1, vs. Rays, 7:05pm Saturday, May 2, vs. Rays, 7:05pm Sunday, May 3, vs. Rays, 1:35pm Monday, May 11, vs. Blue Jays, 7:05pm Tuesday, May 12, vs. Blue Jays, 7:05pm Wednesday, May 13, vs. Blue Jays, 12:35pm Friday, May 15, vs. Angels, 7:05pm Saturday, May 16, vs. Angels, 7:05pm Sunday, May 17, vs. Angels, 1:35pm Tuesday, May 19, vs. Mariners, 7:05pm Wednesday, May 20, vs. Mariners, 7:05pm Thursday, May 21, vs. Mariners, 12:35pm Monday, May 26, vs. Astros, 1:35pm Tuesday, May 26, vs. Astros, 7:05pm Wednesday, May 27, vs. Astros, 4:35pm Friday, May 29, vs. Rays, 7:05pm Saturday, May 30, vs. Rays. 4:05pm Sunday, May 31, vs. Rays, 1:35pm

The Orioles play home games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 333 W. Camden St., Baltimore. Call 888-848-BIRD or visit baltimore.orioles.mlb.com.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS AT HOME Monday, May 4, vs. Marlins, 7:05pm Tuesday, May 5, vs. Marlins, 7:05pm Wednesday, May 6, vs. Marlins, 1:05pm Friday, May 8, vs. Braves, 7:05pm Saturday, May 9, vs. Braves, 4:05pm Sunday, May 10, vs. Braves, 1:35pm Tuesday, May 19, vs. Yankees, 7:05pm Wednesday, May 20, vs. Yankees, 7:05pm Friday, May 22, vs. Phillies, 7:05pm Saturday, May 23, vs. Phillies, 4:05pm Sunday, May 24, vs. Phillies, 1:35pm

The Nationals play home games at Nationals Park, 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C. Call 202-397-SEAT (7328) or visit washington.nationals. mlb.com.

D.C. UNITED AT HOME

Saturday, May 2, vs. Crew SC, 7:00pm Saturday, May 9, vs. Sporting KC, 7:00pm Wednesday, May 13, vs. Orland City, 8:00pm Saturday, May 30, vs. Philadelphia, 7:00pm D.C. United plays home games at RFK Stadium, 2400 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C. Call 202-587-5000 or visit dcunited.com.

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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 OUTSIDE THE WALLS Through May. An interactive exhibition allowing visitors to explore daily life in imperial China. This hands-on exhibition provides a glimpse into the home of a merchant-class family who lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, Va. 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum AMERICAN SCHOOLGIRL EMBROIDERIES Through May. The exhibition features more than 20 samplers and silk embroideries made by American girls who attended schools in Maryland and other East Coast states during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org FROM MATHEMATICS TO SHAKESPEARE Through May 10. The exhibition explores the intersection of art and science that defined a significant component of modern art at the beginning of the 20th century. The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-387-2151, phillipscollection.org CONCEPTUAL FORMS AND MATHEMATICAL MODELS Through May 10. This exhibition features five photographs and three sculptures by the Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-3872151, phillipscollection.org ALEX TOLSTOY: WATERWORK Through May 31. The paintings are done in watercolor with occasional touches of acrylic, ink, and charcoal. Foundry Gallery, 1314 18th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-463-0203, foundrygallery.org

ABOUT DELAWARE BY HAND: MASTERWORKS 2015 Through June 14. Features the submissions of the winners of a juried competition by Delaware By Hand. The Biggs Museum of American Art, 406 Federal St., Dover, Del. 302-674-2111, biggsmuseum.com THE ART OF THE FLOWER Through June 21. The exhibition explores the infusion of new spirit and meaning into the traditional genre of floral still life painting in 19th-century France by Van Gogh, Manet, and Monet, even as the advent of modernism was radically transforming the art world. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, Va. 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum PAINTINGS BY LIZ BRASSER Through June 30. A series of impressive works by Liz Brasser, a local artist who resides in Baltimore County. The Frederick Douglass–Isaac Myers Maritime Museum Park, 1417 Thames St., Baltimore, Md. 410-557-6490 WAR & ART Through July. This photographic exhibition illustrates the Italian people’s struggle to protect their cultural patrimony from the ravages of World War I. The President Woodrow Wilson House, 2340 S St. NW , Washington D.C. 202-387-4062, woodrowwilsonhouse.org HORACE PIPPIN: THE WAY I SEE IT Through July 19. The exhibition looks closely at Pippin as an artist with a remarkable singular vision who stood outside the mainstream art world, upholding his own aesthetic sensibility while also engaging in the larger social issues. Brandywine Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, Pa. brandywine.org OUR TEXTILES, OUR STORIES Through Aug. 21. Featuring more than 100 pieces that span 3,000 years and five continents, this exhibition will showcase The Textile Museum’s world-renowned historic collections and key loans of contemporary art textiles and fashion. 2320 S St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-667-0441, textilemuseum.org POINTED PENS: SELECTED CARTOONS Through Aug. 23. This exhibition features a fascinating collection of more than 30 works created between 1880 and 1945, selected from the museum’s rich collection of American illustration. Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, Pa. brandywine.org DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM Through Aug. 30. An exhibition highlighting the many accomplishments of African-Americans and other minorities whom defied stereotypes, and gravity itself, to pursue their passion and pave the way for future generations of dancers. Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History and Culture, 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. rflewismuseum.org ROUGH STONE TO LIVING MARBLE Through Aug. 30. An exhibition exploring the workshop of 19thcentury sculptor William Henry Rinehart, a Maryland-born artist whose works were among William T. Walters’ earliest acquisitions. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Md. 410-547-9000, thewalters.org ARTISTIC JOURNEY OF YASUO KUNIYOSHI Through Aug. 30. The exhibition traces Kuniyoshi’s career though 66 of his finest paintings and drawings, chosen from leading public and private collections in America and Japan.

The Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F streets NW, Washington, D.C. americanart.si.edu POSEY QUILT, EARLY 19TH CENTURY Through Sept. 7. View an early 19th-century American pieced quilt made of silk dress fabrics from a variety of early American women and Posey family members. Dumbarton House, 2715 Q St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-337-2288, dumbartonhouse.org FRONT ROOM: SARA VANDERBEEK Through September. Featuring sculpture and photography, the installation is inspired by VanDerBeek’s research on the BMA’s collection. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org ON PAPER: SPIN, CRINKLE, PLUCK Through September. This exhibition showcases eight prints and drawings whose images are the result of a specific action or intention rather than a depiction of the action. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-5731700, artbma.org FELIX BRACQUEMOND: IMPRESSIONIST INNOVATOR Through Oct. 4. A selection of more than 80 works on paper and tableware objects, among them Bracquemond’s most imaginative portraits, landscapes, and groundbreaking reinterpretations of the traditions of French art and decorative arts. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, Va. 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum

Bill McAllen

First responders are honored on Fallen Heroes Day at Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens on May 1.

BEARD WARS Through Nov. 30. This photography exhibition faces off portraits of Civil War generals against those of league members.

The Valentine, Richmond, Va. 804-649-0711, thevalentine.org FREE COMMUNITY DAY May 3. National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-783-5000, nmwa.org

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History FALLEN HEROES DAY May 1, 1:00pm. A day set aside to honor and remember first responders who died in the line of duty. Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, Timonium, Md. 410-666-0490, dulaneyvalley.com THOMAS JEFFERSON AND ANDREW JACKSON May 2, 1:30pm and 8:00pm. Enjoy a conversation between Jefferson and Jackson, the only other president to visit Poplar Forest, Thomas Jefferson’s retreat. Poplar Forest, 1542 Bateman Bridge Road, Forest, Va. poplarforest.org REENACTMENT AT ENDVIEW PLANTATION May 2–3. Experience the sights and sounds of the Civil War as hundreds of reenactors converge on Endview to stage battles fought during the Peninsula Campaign. 362 Yorktown Road, Newport News, Va. 757-887-1862, endview.org JAMESTOWN DAY May 9, 9:00am–5:00pm. Family-friendly activities, military and maritime demonstrations, and traditional music and entertainment. The event is held at two sites: Jamestown Settlement, Route 31, south of Williamsburg, Va., and Historic Jamestowne, 1368 Colonial Parkway on Jamestown Island, Va. historicjamestowne.org, historyisfun.org BATTLE OF NEW MARKET REENACTMENT May 15–17. Experience Civil War soldier life as you visit ongoing demonstrations and living history presentations prior to and after the battle each day. Walk in history’s footsteps as you explore the sights and sounds of the Civil War. New Market Battlefield Park, New Market, Va. vmi.edu/newmarket OLD MARYLAND FARM ACTIVITIES Old Maryland Farm, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Md. 301-218-6770, 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 OUTFITTING OUTLANDER May 7. Sara Rivers-Cofield will explore how the costumes and objects from Outlander compare to 18th-century artifacts recovered by archaeologists throughout Maryland. Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, 10515 Mackall Road, Saint Leonard, Md. 410-586-8501, jefpat.org STAINED-GLASS CLASS Ongoing. Mat About You Gallery, 3774 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, Md. 410-313-8860, mataboutyou.com ADULT ART COURSES Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org GALLERY TALKS Thursdays, 1:00pm, and Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00pm. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443573-1700, artbma.org SECOND SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT TALKS Second Sunday of every month, 2:00pm. Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, Md. 410-547-9000, thewalters.org TRADITIONAL ART CLASSES Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S. Center St., Westminster, Md. 410-386-3880, carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org

TOURS MARYLAND HOUSE AND GARDEN PILGRIMAGE May 3–30. The tour includes 44 private homes, gardens, farms, wineries, churches, and historic sites in St. Mary’s, Dorchester, Anne Arundel, and Washington counties and Baltimore City.

410-821-6933, mhgp.org SPECIAL JOINT TOUR May 30, 10:00am–noon. Tour two of Washington’s most celebrated gardens and landscapes, Dumbarton Oaks and Tudor Place, with the directors of gardens and grounds of the two historic sites. tudorplace.org CAPE MAY, N.J. Historic district, moonlight trolley, and Cape May sampler tours.

Cape May, N.J. 800-275-4278, capemaymac.org MARITIME HISTORY WALKING TOURS Second and fourth Saturdays, 10:00am. Fells Point Visitor Center, Baltimore, Md. 410-675-6750, preservationsociety.com

O THER VIRGINIA’S YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS Accepting crew applications for program to be held June 21–July 11 and July 19–Aug. 8. Various state parks in Virginia. 804-887-8933, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/youth-conservation-corps.shtml

SPRING RESTAURANT WEEK Through May 3. Ocean City, Md. Check website for participating restaurants. oceancityrestaurantweek.com DAY OUT WITH THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE May 1–3. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. 410-752-2490, borail.org KINETIC SCULPTURE RACE May 2. From the American Visionary Art Museum comes a race of wacky, imaginative, totally human-powered works of art, designed to travel on land, through mud, and over deep harbor waters. Baltimore, Md. kineticbaltimore.com NATIVE PLANT SALE May 2, 9:00am–3:30pm. Select native plants to encourage beneficial insects, birds, and other wildlife. Robert E. Lee Park, Baltimore, Md. roberteleepark.org LONDON TOWN AND GARDENS SPRING PLANT SALE May 2–3. Master gardeners will be on hand to assist with plant selections. Historic London Town and Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater, Md. 410-222-1919, historiclondontown.org

Like Us.

WILDFLOWER AND NATIVE PLANT SALE May 9–10, 9:30am–4:30pm. Brandywine staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions and provide planting and horticultural information. Brandywine River Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, Pa. brandywine.org

MICA MASTERS BENEFIT ART SALE May 16, noon–4:00pm. The sale is a rare opportunity to visit the studios and facilities of the Maryland Institute College of Art’s graduate programs and speak with the artists directly. Fred Lazarus IV Center, 131 W. North Ave., Baltimore, Md. mica.edu

WILLIAM PACA GARDEN PLANT SALE May 9–10. Choose from among more than 300 varieties of perennials, annuals, vegetables, herbs, trees, and shrubs. William Paca Garden, 1 Martin St., Annapolis, Md. 410-267-7619, annapolis.org

PERENNIAL SWAP May 30, noon–2:00pm. There will be identification resources available and people who love to spend time talking about plants and gardening. Willow Grove Nature Center and Children’s Garden, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Baltimore, Md. 410-887-2503

BOARDWALK CAFE Boardwalk Café opens for live music and outside waterfront dining, seven days a week starting May 11. Chesapeake Beach Resort and Spa, Chesapeake Beach, Md. 410-257-2735, chesapeakebeachresortspa. com

29th Annual

Jul y 3 —5, 2015 Witness These Exciting Battles *

F E S T I V A L

2 0 1 5

Historic Downtown Front Royal

SATURDAY

MAY 16, 2015 10 A.M. - 6 P.M.

$25 in Advance • $30 at Gate • No Pets Please FREE General Admission n

Virginia Wine Tastings from 20 Wineries

n

Arts & Crafts

n

Delicious Food

n

Children’s Station

Sponsored by: Mountain Laurel Montessori School n

Friday, July 3 r d 1:30 p.m. - Military Field Demonstration (Skirmish) 5:30 p.m. - The Push to Seminary Ridge—First Day Action Saturday, July 4 t h 11:00 a.m. - Hell to Pay—Buford Defends the High Ground 4:00 p.m. - A Bloody Harvest—The Wheatfield Sunday, July 5 th 11:00 a.m. - Virginians & Wolverines—East Cavalry Field 2:30 p.m. - Glory or Death—Segment of Pickett's Charge For Tickets & Event Information

Wine Admission

Win Stuff.

All-Day Family Events!

Visit www.GettysburgReenactment.com or Call 1-800-514-3849

Call Early For Advance Tickets! -Limited Seating Available Ticket Prices are Higher at Gate *Schedule subject to change

Live Entertainment

For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at

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Take a Day? Take a Weekend?

You need to escape, but not too far away!

Check out this month’s events in Carroll County!

45TH FLOWER & PLANT MARKET May 1 | 11am–4pm May 2 | 9am–4pm May 3 | 10am–4pm Union Mills Homestead & Grist Mill

CIVIL WAR LIVING HISTORY May 2 | 10am–5pm May 3 | 10am–4pm Carroll County Farm Museum

WESTMINSTER FLOWER & JAZZ FESTIVAL May 9 | 10am–4pm Downtown Main Street

BLACKSMITH DAYS May 16–17 | 12pm–5pm Carroll County Farm Museum

800-272-1933 | www.CarrollCountyTourism.org recreationnews.com I may 2015 I recreation news 49

wine doctor I edward finstein

A taste of Tuscany

Every year in mid-February, journalists from around the world are invited to Tuscany to preview all the latest releases of wines, the majority of which are red. This year found me in the iconic wine region Feb. 14–21.

As one of the most renowned wine regions on the planet, Tuscany produces wines that are fabulous and, needless to say, there were many to be sampled. There were far too many wines to talk specifics, so I’ll focus generally on the most recent vintages released and tasted.

Let’s start with perhaps the most touted of all Tuscan reds, Brunello di Montalcino. Front and center this year was the 2010 vintage. If you’re looking for big, bold, ripe Brunello with great fruit structure and aging potential, this vintage will definitely not disappoint. The wines are packed with juicy, sweet, dark cherry, leather, tar, licorice, and chocolate, and they have a very firm, solid backbone.

The vintage is rated five out of five stars by the consortium, but if I could give it a higher rating I would. Yes, the wines are that good. Across the board, all the wines I tasted from this stellar year were spectacular. Well worth stocking up on.

Next up is Chianti, the well-known red from the region. Throughout the seven sub-regions, the 2013 vintage showed great promise.

This was especially noted in the huge standalone Chianti Classico denomination, where the wines are nicely balanced with round aromatics and flavors.

Essences of cedar, cherry pit, chocolate, and leather are highlights of this vintage and should carry them well into maturity.

The small Vino Nobile de Montepulciano denomination showcased mostly the 2012 vintage and it was a good one. The wines are austere with lots of intense flavors of dried fruits, leather, and spice, as well as good solid structure. These are wines that should age reasonably well and are definitely worth stashing in the cellar for future reference.

Departing from reds

I spent some time in San Gimignano tasting its famous white vernaccia, which is grown around the outskirts of the medieval walled town. Both the 2013 and 2014 vintages were available for tasting.

The 2013 vintage showcased wines decently structured with lots of minerality and floral, fruit, honey, and stone notes. The 2014 vintage was not quite as structured as the 2013, but still the wines are soft, fresh, and crisp. I particularly found those with a little chardonnay included and some delicate oak treatment most interesting.

Eleven other territories and sub-regions of Tuscany presented their wines for tasting, and there were definitely some pleasant surprises. I was particularly impressed with the reds from Bolgheri DOC (“denominazione controllata d’origine,” which refer to government guarantees of wine origins) and the Maremma DOC. Bolgheri, northwest of the capital, is a hotbed for great wines, especially “super Tuscans.” The Maremma region around the province of Grossetto is noted for interesting reds, especially with the addition of international varietals.

While there’s not enough space to go into great detail about specific wines, I hope this overall impression of the regions and their latest vintage releases, which are good ones, will be useful for for your wine buying. You can’t go too far wrong by purchasing, aging, and sipping Tuscan wines.

Quite simply put, they are world-class. The quality of Tuscany’s most recent releases reinforces this grand reputation. Stock up, my friends, and enjoy. © Edward Finstein, “The Wine Doctor,” 2015.

“The Wine Doctor” is Edward Finstein, awardwinning 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.

TRAVEL LINE continued from page 9 Revolutionary City and Art Museums, Yorktown Battlefield, and the Yorktown Victory Center ($89 for adults, $41 for ages 6-15).

Williamsburg Flex covers seven consecutive days of unlimited visits, from spring to mid-fall, to six sites — Jamestown Settlement, Historic Jamestowne, Colonial Williamsburg’s Revolutionary City and Art Museums, Yorktown Battlefield, Yorktown Victory Center, and Busch Gardens ($193.50 for adults, $152.20 for ages 6-15). From mid-May through Labor Day, the Williamsburg Flex ticket includes Water Country USA. (888-593-4682, 757253-4838, or historyisfun.org) Carol Timblin welcomes travel information at ctimblin@gmail.com.

Carol Timblin

Mist and mystery greet visitors to the lost city of Machu Picchu.

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Maritime continued from page 27 Chesapeake and its changing environment and culture during the last 50 years. Some of the objects represent bygone Chesapeake trades and stories that have all but disappeared in recent years. A sailmaker’s workbench, a Chesapeake Bay Ferry captain’s uniform, and a jewel-like logbook featuring illustrations by prominent 19th-century Baltimore artists are among the artifacts.

Snapshots wanted Another part of the anniversary celebration is an effort to collect photographs for a future “Snapshots to Selfies” exhibit. The museum is asking amateur and professional photographers to submit photos of a

summer moment between 1965 and the present that include a person (no landscapes) and that feature the Chesapeake Bay or its tributaries.

Photos may be submitted through Nov. 30.

The museum was established in three houses along St. Michaels’ harbor in 1965 and now occupies more than 18 waterfront acres and 12 exhibition buildings, including the historic 1879 Hooper Strait Lighthouse and Small Boat Shed.

The museum also exhibits and maintains the largest collection of Chesapeake Bay watercraft in the world.

For more information Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum: cbbm.org Talbot Co. Tourism: tourtalbot.org

Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum

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July 25 — Ladies Day Out! Join us for High Tea in a quaint venue and Boutique Shopping.

Lots of fun, games and prizes for ladies only.

Book quickly. This event always sells quickly.

July 19-29, 2016 — Awesome Alaska Cruise/ Tour. Enjoy a three-night pre-cruise tour, via motorcoach and glass domed train, through Denali Park, Talkeetna and the wilderness.

Overnight in park lodges. Then enjoy a 7-night cruise through the inside passage. Ports of call include Ketchikan, Skagway and Juneau.

Informational meeting May 17. Contact us for details and brochure. You don’t want to miss this Spiritual Adventure.

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

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The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum has the largest collection of Bay craft in the world. The museum celebrates 50 years in 2015.

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