Recreation THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF RECGOV.ORG & GOVEMPLOYEE.COM April 2014
Volume 32/Number 4
www.recreationnews.com
News
Staunton: Music, Shakespeare, and history too! WIN!
A Golf Getaway for Two to the Tides Inn, a Chesapeake Bay Resort
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‘Tell Your Virginia Story’ pull-out section • Destination Pennsylvania Two North Carolina rides • Spring in Southern Delaware • Raystown Lake and Huntingdon County • Explore three Woodrow Wilson connections
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April festival designed to spark interest in science, technology Where in the world can you find Bill Nye the Science Guy, more than 3,000 science exhibits, and hundreds of interactive activities? It’s the free USA Science & Engineering Festival, the largest STEM education event of its kind in the country, being held April 26-27 at the Washington Convention Center. The festival was founded to ignite the next generation’s interest in careers in science and engineering as a way to address the shortage of science and tech talent. There’s a ticketed “X-STEM” symposium with speakers on April 24 and a sneak peek event on April 25 for military families, school groups, and homeschoolers who pre-register. The 250,000 attendees at the free festival will have access to hands-on science and engineering activities presented by more than 1,000 leading STEM organizations, more than twice as many as at the last event. The festi-
val is one of the few events that takes over the entire convention center. “Science is amazing…that’s our message to kids and adults attending the festival. Staying competitive as a nation means we have to encourage more kids to think about careers in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). What better way to capture their imaginations than gathering the rock stars of science in one place and providing activities they can really do?” explained Larry Bock, the festival’s co-founder.
Appealing to all ages There will be all kinds of exhibits to appeal to all ages, from flight simulators, virtual reality environments, and surgical robots to making virus structures with marshmallows and toothpicks. The expo is not a science fair static poster session but rather a dynamic hands-on, interactive, fun, and entertaining set of activities, dis-
Science & Engineering Festival
Festival attendees can meet Ben Franklin, one of America’s earliest scientists.
plays, and demonstrations. As you walk among the booths, you’ll find thousands of different activities and experiments, along with many scientists and engineers to talk to. Most hands-on activities take about 15 minutes to complete. The STEM Career Pavilion has more than 50 colleges and universities in the College Fair and more than 20 companies showcasing STEM internships, mentorships, and after school programs. There are also more than 100 shows on three different stages. You can see science magicians, shout and dance with the science cheerleaders, tap your feet to science songs, learn about amphibians, and meet Bill Nye the Science Guy. Other participating celebrities include Discovery Channel’s Mike Rowe, illusionist Apollo Robbins, Grammy Award-winners “They Might Be Giants,” and cast and crew from hit TV shows such as The Big Bang Theory, House, and Breaking Bad. Other celebrities include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and well known Xtreme sports athletes. Insider tip: On the festival website, you can view a summary of all the exhibits and stage shows, then build and print your own schedule. You can’t see it all in one day, so it helps to have a plan. The festival floor plan is organized by pavilion to help guests navigate the event. Among the topics covered: natural sciences, earth sciences, astronomy/space exploration, engineering, health and medicine, energy, social sciences, math/comScience & Engineering Festival
All ages can explore the mystery and magic of science, engineering, technology, and math at the Washington Convention Center on April 26-27.
puter sciences, and high technology. There’s even a Kids Pavilion for children under seven. The Book Fair also returns to the Science & Engineering Festival, this year hosted by Anderson’s Bookshops. “We started the Book Fair at the 2012 event and are bringing it back because it was so popular,” Bock said. Out-of-this-world authors of books for every age level will talk about their books and adventures during the fair, beginning at 9:30am on April 26. You can get your books autographed, too. The Book Fair, which is free to attend, will also feature leading STEM books, toys, games, and kits.
Learn more Science Spark: usasciencefestival.org
d X-STEM SYMPOSIUM
The X-STEM Symposium on April 24 at the Washington Convention Center is a unique opportunity for students interested in STEM to get up close and personal with science and technology role models in a conference-style setting. X-STEM attendees can attend talks and workshops from 52 STEM mentors and industry leaders. Geared towards middle and high-school students, X-STEM features interactive presentations and workshops by an exclusive group of visionaries who aim to empower and inspire kids about STEM careers. Throughout the day, top STEM role models and industry leaders will ignite students’ curiosity through storytelling and live demonstrations. Sessions will cover a wide array of subject areas including space exploration, storm chasing, oceanography, the science of social networks, the physics of superheroes, and mathematical puzzles, among others. “X-STEM is the perfect start for the festival as we work to spark kids’ interest in STEM careers. Opening students’ minds to all the possibilities that science creates is critical to ensuring our nation’s progress,” said Larry Bock, festival co-founder. X-STEM runs 9:00am-5:00pm and costs $15 per person for students and educators and $25 for others. Registration is restricted to approximately 3,000 attendees who register at usasciencefestival.org.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Estonian BEER glass serves as reminder of MY heritage
3 ~ Sparking interest in science 5 ~ Publisher’s note 6 ~ Editor’s note 7 ~ Believe in Ripley’s 8 ~ Travel line
by a dusty forgotten glass. Why was it there? The There it sat, in a dust-covered box in the corner answer is both easy and complex. of the garage, in a space shared with many other Having lost everything in World War II, my fasimilar boxes. Some held treasure, some held ther hung on to possessions with vigor. Why risk junk. Sometimes it was difficult to tell which catbreaking the glass by using it? egory an item fell into. While this is understandable, it made me realize As I was hauling many of these boxes out to take how many items are literally useless until they are them to their final resting place in a landfill, all part used. of cleaning out my late father’s belongings, I saw I travel extensively and typically pick up meit — a 16-ounce beer glass with handle and a logo mentos. Sometimes a nice piece of art, other times from “Esto 76.” a coffee mug, a tee shirt, or perhaps a Christmas To almost everyone else, the glass had no tree ornament. meaning. “What the heck was ‘Esto 76’ anyway?” Each of these triggers memories of that particuyou may ask. My guess is fewer than 1 percent of lar trip or destination. They serve a valuable and our population would know the answer. enjoyable function. Sure, one day the mug may It was the summer of 1976, and America was in break or the tee shirt might wear out, but they full tilt celebration of its bicentennial. Lost somewould have served a purpose. where in the background was a much smaller celebration. Smaller, but, to some, an even more When I traveled to Estonia, with the cousin I important one. met in 1976, it helped me to understand the world Estonians, a proud people from a nation so I live in, where I came from, and how things fit tosmall and remote many never heard of it, lost their gether. home and freedom in World War II. Many fled to I use that “Esto 76” glass all the time. It hasn’t broken yet. avoid death in Siberian concentration camps or a And it reminds me of life of desperation. my father, my trip, and But no matter where they fled, the Estonian people held onto their culture, language, and heritage my travels. and periodically would converge on a single locaOn our cover tion from all corners of the earth to celebrate their Staunton, Va.’s heritage together as a people. vibrant downtown is In 1976, the location happened to be in Baltithe scene of many more, my family’s home. activities and site of Relatives from California, Argentina, and whodiverse architecture. knows-where-else, came to visit for the occasion. (Staunton Tourism) I remember hearing conversations in a dialogue I didn’t understand, seeing fascinating relatives America’s #2 Resort for Families from all over the world, TripAdvisor.com 2013 and meeting a few cousins. I would eventually travel to Estonia with one of those cousins 35 years later after the country’s liberation from the Soviet Union. The dusty glass reminded me of all of these things. A rush of thoughts and emotions flushed over me, all triggered
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editor’s note I marvin bond
Bumping along toward spring
There’s still a frozen crust of snow in the yard as I write these words and we’re having temperatures that bounce from below freezing one day to above 50 degrees the next. Mother Nature is teasing us as we bump along toward spring. April gets us moving with more outdoor activities and opportunities to get out and about. For this issue of Recreation News we’ve searched out ideal springtime day trips and getaways that give you good alternatives should the weather shift. Looking north to Pennsylvania, spring is a great time for a visit to Lancaster. Whether you’re an arts fan, a history buff, or a family looking to entertain the youngsters, you’ll find ideas in our Lancaster story. Dinosaurs, butterflies, reptiles, and an arts trail are on the docket in the Columbia-Montour region. Outdoor fun and a huge antique event in Gettysburg prove there’s more to the town than
just a famous Civil War battlefield. Check out the “Tell Your Virginia Story” pullout section in this issue. You can follow the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail®, learn what you don’t know about Arlington National Cemetery, and hit a mountain biking park, artists’ studio open houses, and lots of other activities in the Shenandoah Valley. We’ll even show you what’s new besides the name at Mountain Lake Lodge, the classic Virginia resort where much of Dirty Dancing was filmed. This year continues the sesquicentennial of the Civil War and the bicentennial of the War of 1812, but it also marks the 100th anniversary of the beginning of World War I. We visit three area locations connected to President Woodrow Wilson, who worked so hard for peace, and his wife Edith, who apparently ran the country following Wilson’s massive stroke. Come along as we venture farther south, taking you on two rides through North Carolina. Enjoy the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway and then find plenty of reasons to get off I-95 as it crosses the Tar Heel state. There’s more inside, so keep turning the pages and then take the ideas for a test drive!
Travelers’ toolbox u It won’t be long before you’ll want to keep
your drinks cold instead of hot and Koolio takes the concept of the insulated cover to the next level. The plastic holder accommodates cans or bottles as well as a gel pack that you keep in the freezer until you use it. The set comes with an extra gel pack so you can keep the drinks cold. (koolio.com) u Maryland has joined the states offering “511” traffic information services. By dialing 511 or checking md511.org, you can get updated information on traffic problems and weather-related conditions by region of the state. A tab on the website also offers links to information about transit operations and airports. Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and New Jersey also offer the service. u Kudos to Chincoteague, Va., recently named number two choice in the “Best Islands in the United States” category by TripAdvisor travelers. (chincoteaguechamber.com)
Coming next month Scanning the skies in West Virginia Biking Frederick’s heritage trails War of 1812 in Southern Maryland Historic Triangle Luzerne County, Pa.
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Believe it or not in Baltimore Ripley’s Odditorium delivers more than expected, provides great learning experience Admittedly, this was an assignment we walked into with preconceived notions. After all, what comes to your mind when someone mentions Ripley’s Believe It or Not! museum? Most of us have two thoughts — we’ve never been there before, and we think it’s likely to be hokey. After our visit, both of those opinions changed. In June 2012, Baltimore became home to the 33rd Ripley’s museum. Other worldwide locations range from U.S. sites such as St. Augustine, Fla., where the first museum opened, and Atlantic City, N.J., to London and Copenhagen in Europe. The Ripley’s family of attractions can be found in 80 locations and 11 countries. Each is unique, and rotating inventory keeps things fresh. A warehouse in Orlando, Fla., is packed with tens of thousands of artifacts that can be used all over the world.
him to travel the world, eventually visiting 201 counties. During these travels, he gathered countless relics, discovered innumerable oddities to tell the world about, and fueled his curiosity even more. There seems to be no limit to how interesting Ripley was. The cartoon character Elmer Fudd was based on him, and, according to Ripley’s, he also became the first person inducted into the Cartoon Hall of Fame. In 1929, Ripley discovered that Congress never actually ratified The Star Spangled Banner as our national anthem, and when he noted in his first nationally syndicated column that America was a nation without an anthem, an angry public wrote to their congressmen. Rep. Charles Linthicum of Maryland then sponsored the legislation that designated the song to be our official national anthem.
Museum is a learning experience
Understanding Robert Ripley To first understand the attractions, you must first understand the man behind them. Born in Santa Rosa, Calif., Robert Ripley started his career as a newspaper sports writer. He moved to New York and created a sports cartoon that became highly popular and eventually it morphed into his “Believe It or Not!” cartoon. He became the highest paid person in the newspaper business. His fixation on the curiosities and oddities in the world amassed him a fortune, allowing
Believe it or not — pardon the pun — Ripley’s is an interesting place to visit for individuals, dates, couples, families, birthday parties, and team-building ventures. We were surprised at how hands-on and interactive the museum is and by the learning experience we found. Everything in the collection of unusual art and artifacts is real, unless otherwise noted as a replica on the display card. Some items are a mixture of man and nature. For example, Ripley’s
has the world’s largest collection of shrunken heads. In and of itself, the shrunken heads may appear a bit in the P.T. Barnum style of entertainment, however, when you watch the video, it describes the science and methodology of how, where, and why they were created. In short, the experience is closer to National Geographic than the circus. Other items that blend man and nature were the “mermaids” of circus side show fame. They were actually a taxidermy project merging monkey and fish. See a real one and read the story. Or, what about a twoheaded calf? Sounds odd and made up, but we found out this is a fairly common occurrence in nature and they are, in fact, real. To stimulate more of your senses, check out the 4-D theater. The two available movies make you see, feel, and hear what it’s like to be participating in the action. You can fly down a snow-covered slope as it is actually snowing, feeling the cool wet snow, the breeze, and the vibrations under foot as the scenery flies by. Or, you can find out what it would
be like to rocket through a futuristic world as a world class skate boarder with jet power. The 10,000-square-foot facility is packed with a wide variety of weird, unusual, and interesting items. There are enormous portraits of the Clintons made entirely of hamburger grease. A knitted item presents stripes or two different profiles, depending on what angle it is viewed from. There are numerous optical illusions. Or, check out the display on Johnny Eck, Baltimore’s own halfman. Eck was born with a spinal defect that caused everything below the waist to be so small it appeared his body ended just below the waist. The exhibit shows not just the natural oddity, but how he overcame numerous obstacles to become a success. Ready to visit the “Odditorium”? Check out the website’s discount tickets and specials. Be prepared to be amazed!
For more information Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium: 443-615-7878, ripleys.com
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travel line I carol timblin
Spring blooms beckon visitors Spring has come to northern Mississippi and local residents in Oxford, Greenwood, Jackson, Columbus, and other towns are opening their homes and gardens to visitors. Columbus, which celebrates its annual Spring Pilgrimage and Decoration Day in April, was the first town in the country to hold such an event following the Civil War. Whether you visit this part of the state to see the flowers, learn about blues, sample the barbecue, or follow the remarkable literary trail that has spawned so many Pulitzer Prize winners, you will enjoy the genuine southern hospitality, a trademark of the area. We began our tour in Jackson, the state capital, with a stop for some unique southern food prepared by chef Matthew Kadjan at the Parlor Market restaurant. Next was the 1903 capitol building, a shining example of Beaux-Arts architecture, which has spawned many interesting stories. Best-selling author John Grisham served in the legislature here from 1983 until 1990. Writer Eudora Welty, who won a Pulitzer Prize for The Optimist’s Daughter, skated through the capitol on her way to the library when she was a child. The Eudora Welty House and Museum, where the consummate southern lady lived, wrote fiction, and pursued photography, is nearby. Before retiring to the Historic Fairview Inn, we checked out chef Derek Emerson’s regional cuisine at the famous Walker’s Drive In. In Greenwood, we took a tour based on the movie The Help, which included film sites such as Baptist Town; places where the stars hung out, including the Alluvian, with its hotel and restaurant, Giardina’s; and TurnRow Books, where author of The Help, Kathryn Stockett, signed autographs during the filming. Greenwood is on the Mississippi Blues Tour and boasts several historic markers, including one on radio station WGRM, where B.B. King sang before becoming famous in Memphis, Tenn. A number of sites are devoted to legendary blues musician Robert Johnson, who recorded 29 songs in his short 27 years and changed the course of music
history. His final resting place is the Little Zion M.B. Church Cemetery outside of Greenwood. One of the most well known spots in Clarksdale is the “Crossroads,” where Highways 61 and 49 meet, and where legend has it that Johnson sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his outstanding musical talent. The Delta Blues Museum and actor Morgan Freeman’s Ground Zero Blues Club, also located in Clarksdale, are worth seeing. Literary giant William C. Faulkner created his Yoknapatawpha County characters at Rowan Oak, his Greek Revival home in Oxford, now under the care of the University of Mississippi. You can take a guided tour of the house and see pictures and memorabilia relating to Faulkner’s works, from The Sound and the Fury to As I Lay Dying. The author received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1950 and a Pulitzer Prize in 1963, a year after his death. Any Faulkner title you might want can be found at the legendary Square Books in the heart of town. Another interesting stop near Oxford is the Taylor Grocery & Restaurant, famous for its variety of catfish dishes and other southern delicacies, as well as live blues music. Our last stop was Columbus, where we visited the boyhood home of Tennessee Williams. The renovated 1875 Victorian home serves as a museum to the writer, who won Pulitzer Prizes for the plays A Streetcar Named Desire and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. (visitmississippi.org)
Gardens in the Mid-Atlantic and beyond amaze you Gardens are abloom this month in the MidAtlantic and beyond. Virginia’s Historic Garden Week, April 26-May 3, is considered “America’s Largest Open House” and features 31 separate tours throughout the state over eight consecutive days (online ticket orders and advance statewide passes, vagardenweek.org/tickets.cfm). “Since 1929, Historic Garden Week has raised millions of dollars for the restoration of public gardens across Virginia,” notes Historic Garden
Week state chairman Alice Martin. “In addition to the amazing interiors and gardens on display, Garden Club of Virginia volunteers will create more than 2,000 spectacular floral arrangements to decorate rooms open to the public. Most of the flowers will come from their very own gardens.” Featured on the official program is the Anne Spencer garden in Lynchburg. Spencer was an internationally acclaimed black poet during the Harlem Renaissance, whose work was inspired by her garden. The Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage, held annually since 1930, starts in Prince George’s County on April 26. It continues in Baltimore County on May 4, Talbot County on May 10, and Calvert County on May 17, before ending in Kent County on May 31. (mhgp.org) “Biltmore Blooms” continues through May 23 at Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., where the gardens bear the imprint of Frederick Law Olmsted, America’s foremost landscape architect. Guests may stroll 2.5 miles of paths in manicured gardens, walk along the French Broad River, explore forested paths, or frolic in open meadows on the estate. Special activities during the spring festival include live music in the conservatory and classical music near the Winter Garden each day; music on the bandstand in Antler Hill Village, Saturday through Thursday; a grape stomp at the winery, Saturday and Sunday; garden seminars each day; and Q&A sessions at the Walled Garden on Saturday and Sunday. While visiting Antler Hill Village, take time to see “Biltmore Legacy: The Vanderbilts at Home and Abroad,” an inside look at the famous family. (biltmore.com) During the same trip you can also visit the Asheville Botanical Gardens, featuring more than 600 species of plants that are native to the Southern Appalachian Mountains. The gardens peak during April and May, with trilliums, spring-beauties, crested dwarf irises, continued on page 16
Carol Timblin
The Columbus, Miss., boyhood home of Pulitzer Prize-winner Tennessee Williams is now a museum dedicated to the playwright’s legacy.
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recreationnews.com I april 2014 I recreation news 9
north carolina I reed hellman
Riding along the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway It seems improbable — taking a road trip 30 miles out into the Atlantic Ocean. North Carolina’s newly designated Outer Banks National Scenic Byway connects 21 traditional seaside communities known for their deep-rooted heritage in fishing, boat building, decoy carving, and maritime activities. From the northern coastal villages of Corolla, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devil Hills, and Nags Head to the Down East region, the Crystal Coast, and Beaufort, more than 100 miles to the south, visitors can enjoy wild ocean beaches, towering lighthouses, windswept dunes, and beautiful expanses of Pamlico Sound. The Outer Banks themselves seem improbable:
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An arch of narrow emergent sandbars, holding relatively still long enough for civilization to lace it together with paved roads, bridges, and ferries. Everything about the Outer Banks is dynamic, and nature still sets the rhythm. With Pamlico Sound on one side and the rolling, grey Atlantic often within sight on the other, the byway — the old Route 12 — is the “Main Street,� the front yard for Rodanthe, Waves, Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, Atlantic, and Harkers Island. Corolla marks the road’s northern end and one of the Outer Banks’ tonier communities. Upscale rental homes line miles of white sand beaches. Vacationers enjoy shops and restaurants, fishing adventures, water sports, and climbing the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Take a tour to see the wild horses, drive a four-wheel drive vehicle on the beach, or stay in the remodeled Inn at Corolla Light.
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The actual byway begins with the Cape Hatteras National Seashore at Whalebone Junction, south of Nags Head. The strip malls and housing developments abruptly give way to sand dunes, scrub brush, and marshlands. The horizontally striped Bodie Island Lighthouse soon rises above
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the marshes and rewards hardy visitors with a panoramic view from the top. Continuing south across the Oregon Inlet Bridge, the ocean draws intimately close, just beyond the roadside dunes. The Pea Island Wildlife Refuge’s carefully managed birding habitat and wild ocean beach present an opportunity to focus on the Outer Banks’ natural heritage. The Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station in Rodanthe, the first town south of the refuge, preserves another part of the island’s heritage. The country’s largest, most complete oceanside U.S. Life Saving Service complex presents an intimate snapshot of the precursors to the modern Coast Guard, who patrolled this country’s coasts from 1871 until 1915. “Much of the history of the Life Saving Service has been swept aside,� said station curator James Charlet. “These guys were risking their lives, pulling people from the water, saving 178,000 souls in peril.� In contrast to the spartan, turn-of-the-century appointments at the life saving station, Watermen’s Retreat, in Waves, can set a benchmark for contemporary accommodations. Bayfront apartments are fully equipped with kitchens and offer imme-
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on the tucked-away shores of Currituck’s Outer Banks, NC. Now is a great time to escape to a place where wild Spanish mustangs roam secluded beaches, and find out why Fodor’s named Currituck’s Corolla one of the “Best Family Beaches on the East Coast.�
Call 877-287-7488 for a free visitor’s guide!
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www.TuckedAwayOBX.com
diate access to Pamlico Sound’s sailboarding and other aquatic sports. Along with a restaurant, bar, marina, and sporting goods shop, Watermen’s Retreat also sponsors sailboarding classes.
Fishing and arts
present creations by local and regional artists and craftspeople. Hatteras Village is also home to the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum. The well-curated exhibits chronicle the region’s maritime history, fishing industry, and even relics from Blackbeard’s pirate ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge. The nearby Breakwater Inn, with its crow’s nest view of the busy harbor, shines as a basecamp for exploring the village. North Carolina boasts one of this nation’s largest state ferry systems, and for many people, riding the ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke is a vacation delight. The village of Ocracoke, at the southern end of the island, holds onto many of its traditions, yet offers modern amenities.
For a somewhat more conventional marine adventure, captain Scott Caldwell of Coastal Inshore Charters prowls the sound and inlets and heads out into the ocean, taking sport anglers into the path of some big, big fish. “We catch a variety of species,” explained Caldwell. “There’s not a whole lot of places where you have such diversity.” In addition to Caldwell, Hatteras is also home to a flotilla of head boats and charter boats led by the Albatross Fleet and Ernie Foster. Foster’s family started charter fishing and ushered in tourism on the Outer Banks. Take a wild ride in one of our three monster trucks or our Their three locallybuilt charter boats, all one–of-a-kind open-air vehicles through named Albatross, inCorolla’s beaches and dunes. corporate features of You can even working boats, enabling take a self-driven Foster’s father to go tour in a Jeep commercial fishing in Wrangler. the off season. Along with fishing, Ask about our military discounts! the Outer Banks continues to develop as an It’s an adventure you’ll never forget! arts destination. Shops 252-453-8602 such as Indian Town Corollawildhorsetours.com Gallery in Frisco, Family beachjeepsofcorolla.com Jewels in Hatteras, and Seecorollawildhorses.com Handscapes in Beaufort
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For more information Outer Banks Tourism: outerbanks.org Ocracoke Tourism: ocracokevillage.com Crystal Coast Tourism: crystalcoastnc.org
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recreationnews.com I april 2014 I recreation news 11
north carolina I jane and marvin bond
Lots of reasons to pull off of I-95 when passing through N.C. Whether you’re heading south toward Florida or returning home from points south, you’ll be traversing I-95 through North Carolina. The stretch of interstate is about halfway between New York and the Sunshine State and offers convenient places to rest and re-fuel, but also provides an amazing mix of reasons to get off the highway and explore interesting places near the interchanges. Heading south, Roanoke Rapids in Halifax County is the first major exit and a great place to sample some genuine eastern North Carolina barbeque. Ralph’s has been serving up the ‘cue for 60 years from a location just a few blocks from the interstate, according to Lori Medlin, who promotes the area. Riverside Mill, a repurposed cotton mill on the Roanoke River, is now chock-full of crafters, antiques, an art gallery, and even a Home Shopping Network outlet. (visithalifax.com)
Preserving the past
Lumberton Tourism
The Lumber River, a blackwater river that was voted one of North Carolina’s top ten natural wonders, flows by downtown Lumberton.
Golf Festivals
WILSON
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12 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
800-497-7398
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Wilson offers opportunities to stroll in botanical gardens, a rose garden, and a park to which the huge, colorful whirligig folk art pieces of the late Vollis Simpson are being added as they are restored. The city’s boulevards still hold many of the large houses of the tobacco barons. “We were losing many of these historical treasures,” said Perry Morrison who volunteers with Preservation of Wilson. The organization has struck on a possible solution by marketing older homes and buildings to artistic or creative individuals who are looking for a slower pace, affordable prices, and a sense of history. “We’re seeing a blending of cultures as creative folks from Belgium and Italy move here along with others from New York, Savannah, and Atlanta,” said Kathy Bethune, the organization’s director. Among the folks living and working in Wilson now is Jerome De Perlinghi, whose photographic subjects include the likes of Halle Berry, Johnny Depp, and Liam Neeson. Burk Uzzle, whose pictures of Woodstock, Martin Luther King Jr.’s funeral, and other events graced the cover of Life magazine also works from a renovated Wilson building. A local favorite that’s also a part of Wilson’s heritage is Dick’s Hot Dog restaurant, which started as a hot dog stand at the local ball field in 1921 and is now operated as a full service restaurant by the fourth generation descendants of founder Socrates Dick Gilarmis. (wilson-nc.com)
Combining shopping and history It’s hard to miss the major shopping venues at Smithfield, N.C. The billboards along I-95 remind you about JR’s, which seems to carry everything, and the Carolina Premium Outlets. Both are visible from the highway. If you venture a bit farther, you’ll find the Ava Gardner Museum, which memorializes the career of the area native and film star from the Golden Era of Hollywood. About 15 miles from the interstate is the Bentonville Battlefield, site of the last major Confederate offensive of the Civil War in March 1865. (johnstoncounty.org)
Airborne! As you pass through the Dunn area of eastern Harnett County you’re getting deeper into “military country.” At Averasboro, you can see where the Confederate army made its first deliberate tactical assault designed to counter Sherman’s march north from Atlanta. The action set up the battle at Bentonville. For more modern military history, the story of Gen. William C. Lee, the “Father of the Airborne,” is told at the three-story home he bought with his wife in 1935. Galleries tell his story and relate his involvement in the birth of America’s airborne forces. Link Wray, father of the power chord and a key influencer of rock ‘n’ roll artists, is honored each May with a music festival in his hometown of Dunn. This year’s festival is May 3. Just one-half mile from I-95, Sherry’s Bakery offers up plenty of sweets, but also “some of the best chicken salad you’ll ever taste,” according to Sharon Stevens, who promotes the area. The bakery includes a dining room serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. And don’t forget dessert! (visitdunn. com)
Babe Ruth to Special Ops Fayetteville, the home of Fort Bragg, boasts the Airborne & Special Operations Museum about three minutes from the interstate. “The museum really tells the whole story of the Airborne and Special Operations forces,” said Melody Foote, who promotes the area. Around the corner from the museum, baseball fans stop at a historical marker recalling the legendary Babe Ruth’s first major league home run.
When You Stop Here, You're Halfway There! We are at the heart of it all.
On March 7, 1914, Ruth was in Fayetteville for spring training with the Baltimore Orioles. He smacked the ball 135 yards in an intra-squad game at the fairgrounds that foreshadowed a spectacular career. The old fairgrounds are gone, but the marker remains to recall the little-known piece of baseball history. The 78-acre Cape Fear Botanical Gardens showcases more than 2,000 varieties of ornamental plants and includes specialty daylily, camelia, and hosta gardens that are ideal for a relaxing change of scene from the highway. (visitfayettevillenc. com)
A natural wonder The interchanges at Lumberton are the last major North Carolina interchanges on I-95. Downtown Lumberton sits on the Lumber River, a black water river voted one of the top ten natural wonders of North Carolina. Stretch your legs on the 1.5-mile River Walk or even explore a bit in a kayak or canoe. As Lumberton proclaims itself to be the actual mid-point of the New York to Florida route, you’d expect plenty of accommodations. There are, indeed, 1,600 hotel rooms scattered across the four interchanges. “We’re really known for our major events,” said Sarah Barbee, who promotes the area. The Great Getaway Week, April 5-12, combines great cars, art, and outdoor activities with a “Great Gatsby” theme this year. The finale in downtown Lumberton on April 12 will include a display of rare and vintage automobiles, tractors, and fire engines.
Fayetteville Tourism
Baseball fans get off the interstate at Fayetteville to remember Babe Ruth’s first professional home run. Two events celebrate the rich Native American heritage of the area. The River People Music and Culture Festival, April 26-27, is a concert and artist showcase for Native American dancers, musicians, storytellers, and artisans. And, May 2-4, the “Dance of the Spring Moon” annual Lumbee Spring Pow Wow offers traditional food, arts, crafts, music, and dance. Lumberton also led the way and became a North Carolina certified retirement community. “We’re a small town with lots of amenities for seniors like good health care and plenty of activities,” Barbee said. “It’s a great place to visit or settle down.” (lumberton-nc.com)
Visit www.lumberton-nc.com to request a coupon for $10 off your stay at participating hotels. Nestled along the North Carolina I-95 corridor at Exits 17-22, stop here to dine, shop and spend the night. Lumberton is THE FIRST Certified Retirement Community in NC offering all the assets that attract retirees and travelers. Spend the night and wake up to history, culture, great golf and fun. Hike and bike on the Riverwalk near Historic Downtown as you enjoy the beauty of the Lumber River, listed as a National Wild and Scenic River and voted one of North Carolina’s Top Ten Natural Wonders.
Exits 17-22 New York 626
Richmond 240
74
★
Charleston 166
Orlando 501
Miami 710
Visit www.lumberton-nc.com or call 800-359-6971 to learn more about Lumberton. “Brake” here and you will want to stay.
recreationnews.com I april 2014 I recreation news 13
west virginia I martha steger
Celebrated author’s birthplace a highlight of Pocahontas Co. Nearby Droop Mountain Battlefield offers history lesson for Civil War buffs Signed books on my shelf speak volumes about my visit to the Pearl S. Buck Birthplace, situated a quarter-mile north of Hillsboro, W.Va. The concern the dying author demonstrated for her foundation’s on-going financial support left an indelible impression on me. One of only two American women to win the Nobel Prize for Literature (1938) and the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction (1932), Buck made a point of signing thousands of copies of her books before her death in 1973 that continue to be sold in the gift shop. Like many other Pearl Buck fans — such as Peggy Owens of Indianapolis, Ind., who grew up in
the area and visits Buck’s birthplace whenever she can — I had felt an emotional pull to visit the 1875 farmhouse serving as a museum with original family furniture and other personal belongings. I was drawn in by the huge Concord grapevine growing between the home’s double porches — enough vine to produce several dozen jars of grape jelly for sale at the annual Little Levels Heritage Fair, June 27-29, with the Buck birthday celebration held on the 28th. The house reflects the lives of Buck’s missionary parents, the Sydenstrickers, as well as her own life, which opened up China to many English-
speaking readers through her more than 70 books. She grew up in China and lived there with her husband, John Buck. Visitors enter the house through the parlor, where I took note of her parents’ Bible, a table built by her grandfather, and Chinese memorabilia, such as the “welcome back” banner presented to her father, Absalom, after a visit to the U.S. The library and Buck’s grandfather’s room are of special interest to families. In the library, visitors can play the organ played by her grandfather every morning and can see the child’s desk and pictures of the family’s children. The rope-springs bed and the chamber pots in the grandfather’s room always capture attention, but it’s the workbench built into the bay window that, with its antique tools, helps tell the story of the men in her grandfather’s family from Holland who built the Dutch city-style home. All four upstairs rooms are furnished as bedrooms. Off the corner of the porch, above the house’s entrance, is the birthing room, where Buck was born when her mother returned from China for her birth. A christening picture of baby Pearl leads biographers to think she was christened before her mother took her to China between three and six months of age. A third bedroom displays dolls and doll buggies contemporary to the period, and a Bible in the fourth room is the one Buck’s father translated into Chinese, reading from back to front.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park Timothy Luce
Reading glasses and a Bible reflect author Pearl S. Buck’s presence in the home.
Timothy Luce
The log lookout tower sits where Confederate artillery was stationed during the battle.
14 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
Buck’s maternal grandparents lived for a while at the base of Droop Mountain. Travelers shouldn’t miss Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, four miles south of the little town of Hillsboro and site of West Virginia’s last significant Civil War battle on Nov. 6, 1863. Confederates gave up trying to reclaim what had been Virginia’s western counties after this battle. Take a family-friendly hike on 3-1⁄2 miles of easy, quiet trails lined with huge oaks and maples, along with Civil War trenches, graves, interpretive signs, and monuments. The small Civil War museum, refurbished from an early forest division cabin, includes items such as a drum found by local boys the day after the battle, a Sharp’s carbine found rusted with a gold wedding band nearby, and tooth-marked bullets found near buildings used as hospitals after the battle. Peer over the valley from the park’s six-sided, log lookout tower, located on the summit of the mountain where Confederate artillery stationed itself during the battle. Probe Civil War ghost tales in person. In recent years, the sound of galloping horses and a headless Confederate specter have been reported on more than one occasion, in addition to the figure of what appears to be a sleeping Confederate soldier lying against a tree. continued on page 16
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recreationnews.com I april 2014 I recreation news 15
Pocahontas
TRAVEL LINE
continued from page 14
continued from page 8
Pocahontas County Historical Society Museum
green and gold, wild geraniums, and foamflowers in bloom. The gardens are open year-round, and no admission is charged. (ashevillebotanicalgardens.org)
In Marlinton, 12 miles north of Hillsboro, the Pocahontas County Historical Society Museum engages visitors with artifacts and mementos, beginning with an extensive collection of artifacts of native Americans who lived there prior to European settlement. When the museum opened on June 5, 1963, during West Virginia’s centennial, Pearl Buck was among the notables at the dedication. The museum is not only a patchwork quilt of the county’s history, but also of the Price family, who lived in the 1904 house after the turn of the 20th century. Denise Kendrick McNeel, secretary of the museum’s board, said visitors particularly enjoy listening to the huge 1880 Swiss music box and melodia, as well as the 1915 Edison gramophone. The 1690 Welsh Bible belonged to one of her husband’s ancestors, Martha Davis McNeel, who was among the county’s early settlers. Children love to explore the 1830s log cabin that is on-site. The grounds are the final resting place for the home’s family members as well as for Confederate soldiers once encamped along the Greenbrier River. The Annual Great Greenbrier River Race, this year on April 26, is one of the area’s premier events.
Before you go Pearl S. Buck Birthplace: pearlsbuckbirthplace.com Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park: droopmountainbattlefield.com Pocahontas Co. Historical Museum: pocahontashistorical.org Pocahontas Co. Tourism: pocahontas.org
Travel Abroad Elisabeth von Trapp, granddaughter of Maria and Baron von Trapp, will share the “sounds of music” with Uniworld Boutique River Cruise guests on selected itineraries and departures from June to September this year. Guests sailing on Uniworld’s “Enchanting Danube” cruise will join von Trapp in Salzburg, Austria, at the Mirabellgarten as she performs highlights from The Sound of Music, as well as other arrangements of Gregorian chants, 12th-century mystic Hildegard von Bingen tunes, early American hymns, and her own original compositions. Guests will also participate in a sing-along of “Do-Re-Mi” at the famed garden where the original 1964 scene was filmed. Guests sailing on “European Serenade,” “Danube Discovery,” and “Grand European River Voyage” cruises will be treated to “The Sounds of von Trapp” with an exclusive onboard performance. (uniworld.com) You can save $500 on your next St. Croix vacation by visiting the Find Your Bliss travel promotion at USVI.com/usvibliss. Book five or more consecutive nights online at participating properties for stays through May 15 and insert the booking confirmation
number to redeem $250 in resort credit and $250 certificates upon check-in. Travelers booking accommodations with Hotels.com through April may purchase discounted international roaming-free mobile Internet, voice, and text services from HolidayPhone. The 40- percent discount voucher can be purchased once a booking is made. There’s still time to celebrate the Panama Canal’s centennial this year by sailing with AdventureSmith Explorations. On a variety of itineraries guests will learn the history of the remarkable construction which began in1881 and was finally completed in 1914. They will also get to enjoy a range of activities, from hiking to snorkeling. Ships can accommodate from 24 to 72 passengers, with rates starting at $2,295 per person (double). (adventuresmithexplorations. com)
Babe Ruth’s First Home Run Fayetteville, N.C., recently celebrated Babe Ruth’s first home run as a professional baseball player with the dedication of a highway marker and vintage baseball games. The home run took place at the Cape Fear Fairgrounds on March 17, 1914, during the Baltimore Orioles’ spring training. Ruth was “credited with hitting the longest hit ever seen by Fayetteville fans,” according to Baltimore Sun reporter Jesse A. Linthicum. Carol Timblin welcomes travel news at ctimblin@gmail.com.
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1. Fill out coupon at right legibly and completely. CONGRATULATIONS! 2. Mail to RecNews Contest Dept., 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221 OR enter online at RecreationNews.com OR fax this form to 410-638-6902. 3. You may also email to publisher@recreationnews.com. Provide all information in the form at right and enter “APRIL CONTEST” in the subject line. Entries must be received by 4/17/2014. 4. If the winner does not respond within seven days another winner will be selected. Limit one entry per household. Certain restrictions apply. Winner will be drawn at random from the pool of all entries received on time with legible information and will be published in next month’s issue and notified by phone, UPS or email, and notified on April, 17, 2014. Winner must respond by April, 24, 2014 to claim prize, or prize forfeits to a runner up. Reservations based on availability. Not available during holidays and special events. Subject to availability, and restrictions apply.
16 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
Name _______________________________________________________ Address Line 1 __________________________________________________ Address Line 2 __________________________________________________ City ________________________________ State _____ Zip Code _________ Phone ____________________ Email_______________________________ NOTE: Phone and email are required for notification purposes only. From the information in this issue of Recreation News, what is your favorite destination? We’ll mail you information on this spot at no charge, or check here___ to “go green” and have information emailed.
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west virginia I bill smith
Learn how to ‘Get Tuckr’d’ Win a getaway to West Virginia’s beautiful Canaan Valley
Tucker Co. Tourism
Miles of trails draw mountain bikers to Tucker County, where nature provides the challenges.
18 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
The formidable array of attractions in the Canaan Valley area of West Virginia keeps growing and getting better. Now, reaching Tucker County and the famous Blackwater Falls area is even easier with the further completion of U.S. Route 48. What used to be a testy 3-1/2 hour trek from Washington, D.C., much on two-lane mountain roads, is now a scenic 2-1/2 hour drive on a modern divided highway. The destination remains more than worth the trip. Picture a brand new, 160-room lodge at Canaan Valley Resort State Park. Toss in a new sporting clay shooting facility. Then, add a 1,000-foot-long zip line at Timberline Four Season Resort, and you’ll come up with reasons not to leave. With more than 50 percent of the county being National Forest, Federal Wilderness, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Refuge, and state park land, you’ll be hard pressed to even find a stoplight. Insider tip: There’s actually only one stoplight!
The quaint mountain towns of Davis and Thomas boast repurposed buildings from the turn of the last century where cool shops, eclectic restaurants, galleries, and coffee spots find their homes. Parsons is the home of the Allegheny Highlands Rail-Trail, where your family can cruise one of the most diverse trails in the Mountain State. It follows the Blackfork River though the county seat past one of the largest charcoal production facilities in the world and into a national forest. There are hundreds of miles of hiking and biking trails to discover throughout the county. Take a horseback ride with Mountain Trail Rides for a different view of the scenery. There’s a petting zoo and adventure cave for the kids, too. Springtime brings great trout fishing opportunities to this high mountain paradise, where the clean waters teem with rainbow, brook, brown, and the famous West Virginia Golden trout. Local festivals celebrate the emergence of a small leek called a “ramp,� an annual delicacy that grows only on certain mountainsides in the area. The championship 18-hole golf course at Canaan Valley Resort State Park is groomed and ready for play and there is another test for the golfers in the family in Parsons at the Holly Meadows Golf Course. With all the hiking, biking, golf, fishing, shopping, rafting, and zip lining in this pristine mountain destination, you won’t have to look very far to find an activity that will leave you “Tuckr’d.� You can even win a “Get Tuckr’d Getaway.� To register call 800-782-2775 or visit gettuckered.com.
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Tucker Co. Tourism: 800-782-2775, canaanvalley.org
Decompress on a well-marked state park trail or trek through the backcountry in one of the Federal Wilderness Areas.
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recreationnews.com I april 2014 I recreation news 19
music festivals I gwen woolf
Rocking and rolling at West Virginia Three Rivers Festival Concerts, shows, food all available at family-friendly event If you like your rock ’n’ roll with a pepperoni roll, you’re gonna love the West Virginia Three Rivers Festival in Fairmont, W.Va. The May 22-24 festival is celebrating its 35th year and has events for the whole family. “We try to find a little bit of something for everybody,” says the festival’s Emily Bickerstaff. The entertainment includes a rollicking show on Friday night by Rick K. and the AllNighters, featuring classic pop hits from the 1960s to 1990s. An internationally recognized show band, the group has appeared at the NBA Finals, NFL games, and NASCAR races, among other venues. Local bands playing a variety of music also will appear at the event, which will be held in downtown Fairmont at Palatine Park. Fairmont is in Marion County in northern West Virginia, about 225 miles from Washington. The park is next to the Monongahela River, which, with the Tygart and West Fork rivers, makes up the three rivers in the festival name. With an amphitheater and rolling hills of grass, the park offers space for concert-goers to bring
blankets and lawn chairs to sit and enjoy the music. Festival admission is free. Organizers decided to cut down on the number of bands this year in favor of more diversified entertainment. For example, the North American Strongman preliminaries competition will feature such events as pulling trucks and lifting weights, tree trunks, and boulders. “It’s almost like a train wreck — you want to look away, but you can’t,” jokes Bickerstaff. In addition, extreme illusionist and escape artist Josh Knotts & Lea — known as the “Houdini of West Virginia,” will wow the crowd on Saturday, designated as Kids’ Day. Those pepperoni rolls that Marion County is known for come into play with a pepperoni roll world record competition for “major-league eaters.” Last year’s winner consumed 30 and a half rolls in 10 minutes. There also will be a professional pepperoni roll bake-off, with local bakeries vying for a traveling trophy.
If this makes you hungry, there will be plenty of food available from vendors on the grounds. Several beauty pageants with contestants of all ages lead up to the festival. There also will be a 5K run, an antique car show, and a carnival. Festivities get under way on Thursday with the grand feature parade downtown at 6:00pm. A grand fireworks display concludes the festival on Saturday night. The festival is always held Memorial Day weekend to entice folks who might already be coming to the area for a reunion. Last year, some 20,000 people attended the three-day festival, says Bickerstaff.
Festival at a glance What: West Virginia Three Rivers Festival Where: Palatine Park, Fairmont, W.Va. Admission: Free Info: 304-366-5084, wvthreeriversfestival.org Area info: marioncvb.com
CHOCOLATE FEST and
Book Faire
APRIL 25 & 26 • Cupcake Contest, • Chocolate Factory Tours, • Willie Wonka playing at the Apollo Theatre, • Chocolate Martinis, • Chocolate & Wine tastings, • Book signing by WV authors, • Mustang Car show
We have history Unique Stores
Geocaching Fishing
for more information visit mainstreetmartinsburg.com
Easy access to I-81
90 minutes from DC and Baltimore Driving Tours
HERITAGE DAY
U-PICK FARMS
Tours of historic homes and tunnels of Martinsburg • demonstrations • displays • food • history • puppeteer • crafts • games • lectures
Walking Tours
Largest Gun Range on the East Coast
MOTO-CROSS TRACK BIKING
For a Visitor’s Guide
EVENTS
Photography Opportunities
GREAT LODGING Arts & Theater
304.264.8801 or 800.4WVA.FUN 20 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
SATURDAY, MAY 10, 10am-5pm
for more information visit TravelWV.com PLUS...
Events all around town ! Visit the HistoryMobile!
(304) 264-8801
• 126 East Race Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 • TravelWV.com
LOVE Itʼs at the heart of every Virginia vacation.
Virginia.org
Photo courtesy of Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation
A Recreation News Special Pull-Out Section
From Virginia’s history to its beaches, mountains, and towns.
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Franklin County: Moonshine, music, and milkshakes
Be
Visitors to Franklin County, Va., have lots of interesting places and activities to choose from — the Crooked Road music trail, trophy bass fishing on Smith Mountain Lake, and educator Booker T. Washington’s birthplace, to name a few. But — especially after the 2012 prohibition-era movie Lawless — the area may be best known as “The Moonshine Capital of The World.”
Franklin County History Museum in downtown Rocky Mount has the story of illegal corn whiskey covered; you can’t get past the parking lot without seeing a workable model of a moonshine still. Two reproduction stills are on display inside, as well as a wealth of history. In April, the museum goes all out with its Moonshine Express Tours. Visitors board a vintage bus bound
for at least 20 locations where the untaxed liquor business is revealed. Costumed interpreters hop on board to give their take on the moonshine dealings: cops, prosecutors, a woman from the local temperance union, and a few outlaws themselves. In all, more than 40 actors, historical interpreters, and some retired professionals tell the story of the county’s infamous industry. “These are real people we’re talking about, people who lived and breathed here,” said the museum’s Linda Stanley. Insider tip: Ask Stanley nicely and she’ll hand over the moonshine recipe. But she won’t let you use the still. The Moonshine Express tours take place on April 6 and 13 and advance reservations are highly recommended. (540-483-1890)
and much more!
River rambling
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The Pigg River Ramble, May 1719, is a fun-filled river recreational event with something for everyone
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who floats a boat. The festival is packed with paddle adventures, floats, and competitive racing. Festivities kick off with a fun and familyfriendly night float on the Blackwater River. The main ramble on Saturday features an 8-mile canoe and kayak race, as well as a fun float on the rippling Pigg River. The race ends with a barbecue party at Rocky Mount’s Waid Park, where primitive camping is available. The festival winds down Sunday with a leisurely 3-mile float and breakfast on the Blackwater River. (Registration, 540-489-3825)
Old-time farming Southwest Virginia Antique Farm Days, June 13-15, is about old-fashioned farming, yes, but it includes plenty more. You’ll find heaping helpings of food, music, and demonstrations of everything from quilting and container gardening to cornmeal grinding and blacksmithing. Watch those biceps bulge at the chainsaw and cross-cut competitions or try
Discover Our Natural Charm Nestled along the rolling foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Franklin County boasts an array of things to see and do, from outdoors to cultural experiences. Explore the many scenic corners of our community where every side road opens up new vistas.
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your own hand in the cornhole tournament. There’s even a lawnmower pulling contest. Located at the Franklin County Recreation Park south of Rocky Mount, the festival gives spectators the now-rare opportunity to see antique diesel engines at work threshing, baling, rock-crushing, and pulling. You can even see an unusual parade of antique tractors.
Su Clauson-Wicker
Juneteenth at Booker T. Washington’s Birthplace Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy will host its annual Juneteenth Gospel Music Celebration on June 21, 11:00am5:00pm. “This is a celebration of freedom,” said Ranger Betsy Haynes. Juneteenth commemorates the release of four million people of African descent from the bonds of slavery at the end of the Civil War. History comes to life as the moment of freedom arrives for Booker T. Washington’s enslaved family on the Burroughs plantation. The day is celebrated with a reenactment, music, and a children’s village.
Alpacas, ice cream, and music In Rocky Mount, a newly renovated, yet historic farm-store setting — the Harvester Performance Center — will open on April 11 with Clay Cook and Levi Lowrey, a duo associated with the Zac Brown Band. The 475seat Harvester benefits from its location at the eastern gateway to Virginia’s Crooked Road Heritage Music Trail. But its line-up draws from country, rock, beach music, and other genres. Scheduled performances include A workable model of a moonshine still stands outside the Franklin County History Museum in Rocky Mount, Va. the Indigo Girls, Carolina Chocolate Drops, Eddie From Ohio, Spirit Family Reunion, The Embers, Suzy Bogguss, and The Mavericks. Franklin County’s perennial favorite points of interest for spring visitors include Smith Mountain Lake Community Park, Smith Mountain Lake AlCareerGuard® paca Farm store, the ArtiProfessional san Center gallery shop, and Homestead Creamery. Liability Homestead processes Insurance: creamy fresh milk within • Choice of hours of milking its cows $1,000,000 or and sells it at the farm $2,000,000 store right next door. liability coverage Fresh ice cream, sandfor lawsuits. wiches, milkshakes, local meats, jellies, sauces, • Up to $200,000 Downtown Moneta, VA under the and baked goods are also for legal big tops at Hwy 122 & VA Rt. 608 available. Small groups representation can arrange tours of the for agency creamery and farms. If investigations (No coolers allowed.) you’ve never petted a and, disciplinary Children 6 and under free cow, you should make proceedings, including friends with the friendly internal agency appeals calves in the free petting procedures, the Merit zoo behind the shop. The Systems Protection Board or fresh ice cream or a milkeven the U.S. District Court. shake are a great way to end a day exploring all For more that Franklin County has Scan our QR code with information, visit to offer. your smart career-guard.com phone to Learn more or call visit our Franklin Co. Tourism: 1-800-221-3083 website: visitfranklincountyva.org
Your
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virginia I theresa gawlas medoff
Hop aboard for a spectacular weekend in the Roanoke Valley Train aficionados already know — or should — that Roanoke, Va., once the crossroads of the Norfolk & Western Railway, has numerous first-class draws to feed their fascination with the days when railroad was still the primary method for moving
If these mountains could speak, they’d be speechless, too.
It’s easy to find peaceful moments in Virginia’s Blue Ridge even though it’s the largest metropolitan area in western Virginia. Here you can enjoy great dining, shopping and culture and discover our railroad heritage. Then slip away on a scenic, quiet byway including the famous Blue Ridge Parkway. That’s the magic of Virginia’s Blue Ridge.
visitvablueridge.com | 800.635.5535
people and cargo across the country. But those less familiar with this southwestern Virginia city might not realize that Roanoke has plenty of other attractions to make for a pleasant long weekend — or even longer.
Make your home base at the historic Hotel Roanoke. An elegant brick castle of a hotel built in 1882 to support the railway business, the 331-room lodging boasts Florentine marble floors, frescoes, and vaulted ceilings, and all the modern amenities. Roanoke Tourism Take the elevated pedestrian walkway to downtown Roanoke’s bustling square area with its mix of independent restaurants, boutiques, and galleries perfect for whiling away a pleasant afternoon and evening. The Visitor Center, located in the old passenger train station, houses the O. Winston Link Museum, which showcases a treasure trove of auditory and photographic works that comprise industrial photographer Link’s paean to the last of the commercially run Head up Mills Mountain to the Roanoke Star for a spectacular view steam locomotives and of the Roanoke Valley. the land and people they affected. The museum celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, and as part of that celebration will be exhibiting a never-before-seen collection of photographer Ian Ruhter’s massivescale images made to document the 150th anniversary of the Yosemite Grant Act, which set the precedent for our country’s first national park. Take a short stroll along the Railwalk to the Virginia Museum of Virginia Tourism Corp. Transportation, which exhibits historic railThe Virginia Museum of Transportation has exhibits ranging from road engines as well as full-size trains to railroad china. artifacts and interactive exhibits about all manner of transport — from railroad to autos to aviation.
More than railroading
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Roanoke isn’t just about transportation, though. The city is home to the Taubman Museum of Art, which is as beautiful from the outside as continued on page 28
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Mountain Lake Lodge surprises Activities both traditional and new make a special getaway It’s just a few miles past Blacksburg and Virginia Tech, but the road switchbacks up the mountain to about 4,000 feet before you turn in to a scene that is startlingly familiar even if you’ve never been to Mountain Lake Lodge. That’s because of the property’s role in the cinematic spotlight as the setting for much of the 1987 Patrick Swayze-Jennifer Grey classic, Dirty Dancing. Mountain Lake Lodge is a classic, too, in the best sense of the word. After generations of family ownership, the resort recently got new owners, a new name, and renovations that updated accommodations and facilities. Equally important are new adventure activities and a new chef who may be familiar to visitors from the Chesapeake Bay region. “There was 100 years of history here before Dirty Dancing,” general manager Heidi Stone told us. “The history and quaintness you feel when you get here make it seem like you’ve stepped into an unhurried time.”
Mountain Lake Lodge
Choice of accommodations The main stone lodge has new public spaces, bar and restaurant, and sleeping rooms. Around continued on page 29
The tree top canopy tour offers lots of challenges and tons of fun.
A perfect getaway for families and couples. s the view · Take in 00-acre of our 2,6 rom a f preserve air or a h rocking c nopy tour ca tree top trails or r u o le k · Tac t out on a o b a e tak the lake -torm · Enjoy fa ing in our table din op setting t mountain sburg, Va. k near Blac Find out about our specials and plan your getaway today!
115 Hotel Circle, Pembroke, Va. 540-626-7121 www.MtnLakeLodge.com recreationnews.com I april 2014 I recreation news 25
virginia I matthew graham
Ride on at Shenandoah County’s Bryce Resort mountain bike park Also head to the Valley for Artisan Trail, Civil War reenactment
Bryce Resort
Mountain bikers have new trails to tackle at Bryce Resort’s mountain bike park.
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Hang on tight! The trail drops away in a sharp switchback as you steer the handlebars to the left and the rear tire of your mountain bike fishtails out to the right. It’s too late to brake — you pedal hard to accelerate out of the curve and down the narrow forested trail while tall tree trunks whiz by on either side mere inches away. The terrain rises and falls and the bike leaps into the air over these natural jumps. Ahead, the single track path becomes even steeper in what feels like an endless series of hairpin turns. A long turn is banked like a NASCAR track, allowing you to keep your speed. Then it’s up and off an inclined wooden ramp for some serious airtime. The bike lands hard after the jump. There’s no time to think as the switchbacks and natural obstacles keep coming. Finally, you emerge from the woods on an open grass-covered hill. A single line of dirt cuts through the grass. There are still two more wooden jumps — the step up and the whaletail. The decking boards create a mere rattle in the bike’s suspension as you cruise up and over both of these features with ease as you see the base of the chair lift ahead. The ride has lasted less than three minutes. You load the bike on to the lift and it’s time to do it again and again
at the Mountain Bike Park at Bryce Resort. Bryce, located in Bayse, Va., has become the premier destination for downhill mountain biking. Only two hours from Washington, D.C., in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, the park features seven trails, some up to two miles long. With convenient quad-chair lift service, there is no need to ride back up the hill. Even if you have never ridden single track trails, everyone here can have fun on a mountain bike. The progressive park includes a learning center and beginner, intermediate, and expert trails. At the riding school you’ll gain experience in correct biking posture and how to handle varying terrain. Even seasoned mountain bikers can learn a few new tricks from the experienced teachers at Bryce. The “Find Your Bearings” package (with a rental, day pass, and two hour lesson) is perfect for novice riders. After a few runs down the beginner Sundowner trail, you’ll be yearning to try out the many obstacles on the other trails, including rock gardens, drop-offs, and lots and lots of jumps. The park was designed by Gravity Logic, of Whistler, Canada. The biking center includes a fleet of expertly tuned Trek rental bikes. The full-service bike shop also offers repair services, such as for that occa-
sional flat tire you might get from having too much fun and riding too hard. Insider tip: If you bring your own bike, remember, only mountain bikes are allowed. Hybrids, BMX and, of course, skinny tire road bikes are forbidden. Full-face helmets are recommended, but not required. Full-face helmets and Go Pro video cameras are also available for rent.
Bryce Resort
Less hair-raising If flying across obstacles on a mountain bike isn’t on your agenda, The O Shenandoah County Artisan Trail, with its variety of artisans, wineries, and other sites, is another great reason to visit the area. The trail’s Open Door Tour, April 2627, brings you face to face with artisans, crafters, winemakers, and points of interest throughout the county. Cannons will roar and sabres will rattle the weekend of May 15-17 during the annual reenactment of the Battle of New Market, one of the few reenactments that takes place on the original battlefield. This year’s event is special, as it marks the 150th anniversary of the battle famously known for including cadets from the Virginia Military Institute. Just north of New Market are the Shenandoah Caverns family of attractions that include the mile-long caverns tour, the famous parade floats at American Celebration on Parade, and the Yellow Barn’s agritainment. Stop at the nearby Route 11 Potato Chips and munch a few freshly cooked chips while you watch the process.
Don’t miss the gorgeous mountain views while zipping through the tree canopy at Bryce Resort.
Challenge our downhill Mountain Biking Park, tackle our zipline, enjoy a round of golf, or experience the only grass skiing and mountain boarding resort in North America!
For more information Bryce Resort: bryceresort.com Shenandoah Co. Tourism: shenandoahtravel.org
BryceResort.com 540-856-2121 Mount Jackson, VA
Historic Downtown Front Royal
Saturday May 17, 2014 10am - 6pm
Wine Admission
$25 in Advance | $30 at the Gate | No Pets Please n
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Virginia Wine Tastings from 20 Wineries
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Live Entertainment
Arts & Crafts
For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at
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FESTIVAL SPONSORS
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Roanoke continued from page 24 it is interesting on the inside. Its permanent collection includes such unexpected draws as the exquisitely designed jewels that are Judith Leiber’s handbags and American artworks by the likes of John Singer Sargent and Thomas Cowperthwaite Eakins. Right in the middle of Roanoke’s walkable downtown is its prized Center in the Square, which reopened in May 2013 after a $30 million renovation. The multi-level facility is home to a collection of arts groups and the Science Museum of Western Virginia, the History Museum of Western Virginia, and the Harrison Museum of African-American Culture. Bring the kids to the interactive science museum, which has exhibits on the human body, a model of the water system from the James River to the Chesapeake Bay (including a touch tank), and a butterfly garden filled with tropical plants and several hundred butterflies.
The history museum’s new permanent exhibit “Crossroads of History” treats the region’s cultural heritage from prehistoric times to today with artifacts, audio-video components and interactive games. The Mill Mountain Theatre in the Center in the Square offers professional productions. “Swing!” will be on stage May 7-18. Roanoke’s Historic City Market, in the pedestrian-only zone, is one of the oldest continually operated markets in Virginia. The lively outdoor market that surrounds the building attracts farmers, craftspeople, and other merchants year round. A trip to Roanoke would not be complete without a drive to the top of Mill Mountain and its scenic overlook for a sweeping view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The top of the mountain is also the location of the Roanoke Star, an 88-foot star of neon lights that has been shining brightly over the valley every night since its erection in November 1949.
Learn more Roanoke Valley Tourism: visitroanokeva.com
d BOTETOURT, BEDFORD SIDE TRIPS ARE ENJOYABLE AND WORTH THE TIME Both history and wine lovers can enjoy a side trip to neighboring Botetourt County, where a stroll through the county seat of Fincastle (pop. 350) reveals architecture dating to the late 1770s. The county historic museum provides more on the history of the town from which Lewis and Clark departed for their exploration of the lands of the Louisiana Purchase. (visitbotetourt.com) A drive through the local Blue Ridge countryside is especially enjoyable when punctuated with stops at the three wineries on the Wine Trail of Botetourt County. The wineries include Virginia Mountain Vineyards, set on 100 acres just outside Fincastle; serene Blue Ridge Vineyards, on 300 acres of pasture, woodlands and valley; and the first of the three wineries to open, Fincastle Vineyard and Winery. (botetourtwinetrail.com)
Insider tip: If Fincastle charms you, spend the night at Santillane, a bed and breakfast that offers a 10 percent discount if you mention Recreation News. (santillane.com) Bedford County borders Smith Mountain Lake, but offers more than fishing and water sports. The National D-Day Memorial in the town of Bedford is preparing to observe the 70th anniversary of the June 6, 1944 landings in France. Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest is an octagonal home he used as a retreat from the more public Monticello. There’s also a lively arts scene in the area. (visitbedford.com) The annual Rockin’ Brews and BBQ event in Moneta takes place April 26 and includes live music, children’s activities and regional barbeque vendors. (visitsmithmountainlake. com)
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Join the fun in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley
Mountain Lake Lodge continued from page 25 the lake that faces the lodge are historic rustic cabins, some dating back to 1912 and originally built by private families as retreats on the property. These feature fireplaces and lake views. Rooms in the Chestnut Lodge include small living areas, fireplaces, and private balconies. On Blueberry Ridge is a “village” of nine mountain homes with fully equipped kitchens, covered patios, fireplaces, and fabulous views. The homes, with one to four bedrooms, are ideal for family vacations, reunions, or couple’s getaways and linked to the main lodge area by road or walking path. Our one-bedroom home perched on the side of the mountain offered spectacular views, a large jetted tub, and separate shower, and was an idyllic retreat on our snowy mid-December visit. Rob and Diana Muser from Pittsburgh stumbled on the resort on their way back from North Carolina. “We stayed an extra day in a lodge room where there aren’t televisions, but that keeps you around the fireplace meeting people and having a good time,” Diana said.
Activities new and old Mountain Lake Lodge combines a mountain ex-
perience with a rare mountaintop lake (the highest elevation lake east of the Mississippi River), all on a 2,600-acre preserve with 22 miles of trails for hiking and biking. Adventure tourism arrived at the resort in 2013 with a tree top adventure course of rope bridges, ladders, and zip lines. This year, for the first time in a decade, guests will be able to take row boats and kayaks out onto the lake. There’s also a new disc golf course. Family nature activities include birding and geology with a trained naturalist and astronomy activities followed by a bonfire and s’mores. You can test your land navigation skills with orienteering or your GPS skills on the geocache trail. During the winter, guests take advantage of the snow for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, and tubing. Mountain Lake Outfitters can guide you to adventures with recommendations, trail maps, and mountain bike rentals. The Conservancy Office next door can tell you about the habitat improvement programs that are ongoing. Nearby, the Appalachian Trail waits for hardy hikers and the New River provides fishing and other water adventures.
Unexpected culinary delights The Stoney Creek Tavern is as an intimate bar in the main stone lodge that also serves food and a selection of local microbrews. A combination of guests and locals gather in the
tavern and spill into the main lobby around the huge fireplace. The main restaurant, Harvest, is the domain of executive chef Michael Rork, who has deep connections to the Chesapeake Bay area. He’s served presidents and potentates but may best be remembered as the first executive chef at Baltimore’s Harbor Court Hotel and later as the proprietor/chef at a popular restaurant in St. Michaels, Md. We were surprised to see Maryland crab cakes on the menu and rarely try them outside the state, but took a chance when we learned Rork’s background. The crab cakes proved to be a great choice, as was everything else we selected from the menu during our stay. Both the tavern and restaurant have beautiful views from enclosed porches.
The movie connection Near the main stone lodge, an exhibit details the property’s role in filming Dirty Dancing with artifacts, photographs, and updates on the stars of the film. The popular Dirty Dancing weekends continue several times a year and include a special dinner and showing of the film, dance lessons, live music and dancing, and a movie scene tour. The next Dirty Dancing weekends begin May 30 and June 20.
For more information Mountain Lake Lodge: mtnlakelodge.com
More Green. Less Fee. A golfer’s dream. Unlimited play on our green and lush 6,400 yard Shenandoah Valley course nestled amid Virginia’s equally beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Package includes meals and lodging, greens fees and cart for 18 holes daily and extra round for cart fees only! For more details check out www.luraycaverns.com or call (540) 743-6551.
3 Day / 2 Night Packages from
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virginia I jane and marvin bond
Staunton surprises in every way with world-class entertainment and culture Staunton Tourism
The Staunton Music Festival brings world class musicians to the city each summer for performance, lectures, and workshops in historic venues.
Some of the things you learn about Staunton are that it is pronounced “STAN-ton,” that it has an amazing architectural variety, and that it has world-class entertainment and cultural institutions. It’s all wrapped up in a fun town that is equally at home with its connections to Shakespeare and to the Statler Brothers. Any way you approach Staunton’s downtown area, you’re struck by the diversity of the skyline and the street level architecture. The architecture still stands because Staunton, unlike many towns in the Shenandoah Valley, was spared 150 years ago this spring when Union Gen. David Hunter made his way through the Valley laying waste to everything that could help the Confederate cause. The Shenandoah Valley was the breadbasket of the Confederacy and Staunton was an all-important railroad link to the eastern part of Virginia. Today, you can catch an Amtrak train to Staunton or head down I-81 to enjoy a great getaway. Staunton’s downtown features a walkable area of more than 100 shops, galleries, and restaurants and the town spreads out into six National Historic
2014 spring SeaSon
THINK YOU’VE SEEN IT ALL?
April 9 - June 15
Henry IV, Part 1 The Merry Wives of Windsor Othello
www.frontiermuseum.org
blAckfriArs plAyhouse 2 1.877.Much.Ado | www.AmericanShakespeareCenter.com Tickets start at $24
Patrick Earl as Prince Hal and Rick Blunt as Falstaff in Henry IV, Part 1.
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Districts with an ever-growing number of wine bars, coffee houses, vineyard tasting rooms, and small batch breweries. The diverse food scene includes Cranberry’s Grocery & Eatery, which offers organic and natural foods, an espresso and juice bar, and a menu that includes selections from yeast and malt waffles to wraps and sandwiches.
Celebrating glass art Sunspots Studios is a glassblowing and artisan center in the Wharf District that is a fascinating place to watch demonstrations or even create your own ornament. Sunspots hosts the Virginia Hot Glass Festival on April 26-27. The free event brings glass artisans from throughout the region to create beautiful works. continued on page 32 Sunspots Studios
Staunton has a flair for the dramatic! WHERE
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Josh Ries creates a fire-breathing dragon to the delight of folks attending the Virginia Hot Glass Festival.
EASE INTO
A SHENANDOAH STATE OF MIND.
Imagine 19th century charm together with 21st century amenities. Then imagine yourself here. Our beautifully restored hotel celebrates a place in American history. Located in the heart of downtown historic Staunton, our charming hotel offers an ideal location to savor and explore the Shenandoah Valley. We’re also a great place to stay, dine, or host an event. It’ll go straight to your head.
www.stonewalljacksonhotel.com 1.866.880.0024
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Staunton continued from page 31
Staunton Tourism
Barren Ridge Vineyards’ Meritage was selected one of Virginia’s top 12 wines in the 2014 Governor’s Cup Competition
At the festival, kids can make drawings that the artisans will turn into glass art. Josh Ries from Art of Fire will create a fire-breathing dragon, layering glass to form a winged dinosaur and using a bit of wax as fuel for the flame. Several visitors will be selected to help blow an ornament. Members of the Virginia Stone Carvers Guild will be demonstrating their craft across the street from Sunspots. To help create a festive atmosphere, the folks from Barren Ridge Vineyards will pour tastings and sell wine by the glass at the festival. The vineyard and winery, located in nearby Fishersville, is actually a repurposed apple orchard. John and Shelby Higgs cleared his family’s land and planted it with grapevines. They converted the 1890s apple barn into a winery, preserving the original structure and wooden beams. The vineyards’ Meritage was selected as one of the 12 best wines in Virginia at the recent Governor’s Cup competition.
Musically speaking
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You can find live music in venues throughout town, but spring brings the Staunton Jams on May 17-18, when downtown becomes a family friendly stage for musical acts. The Staunton Music Festival runs Aug. 15-24, bringing 30 concerts, lectures, and workshops to historic venues in town. More than 60 of the world’s finest chamber musicians perform free concerts at noon and ticketed concerts each evening. Staunton is also home to the Heifetz International Music Institute for advanced students of violin, viola, and cello, who perform from June through August. For many years, Staunton was also home base for country music greats the Statler Brothers, who retired from touring in 2002.
Surprising Staunton Staunton is full of surprises, perhaps the most unusual being the American Shakespeare Center which presents plays by the Bard and others in the world’s only re-creation of Shakespeare’s original indoor theatre. The 300-seat Blackfriars Playhouse allows the plays to be performed in their original staging conditions. The audience shares the same light as the actors, and some even sit
The County of Bath is an enticing place filled with scenic vistas, local flair and exciting adventures just waiting to be discovered.
1.800.628.8092 www.DiscoverBath.com
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on the stage and become part of the action. The American Shakespeare Center marks the playwright’s 450th birthday on April 20 with a family friendly celebration. Spring plays include Othello, The Merry Wives of Windsor, and Henry IV. It’s usually possible to see two different plays over a weekend. Insider tip: The Stonewall Jackson Hotel, next door to the theater, offers special Shakespeare packages that include overnight accommodations, breakfast for two, two tickets to a performance, and overnight parking. Another Staunton surprise is the Frontier Culture Museum which tells the story of the early settlers who migrated to America and found their way to what was once the western frontier. The outdoor museum tells the story through examples of traditional rural buildings from England, Germany, Ireland, and West Africa, representing the countries from which so many of the early settler came, and buildings representing the early American frontier itself. The museum either moved the buildings you see from their original countries or reproduced them. You’ll find yourself in a 1600s English manor home, 18th-century farms in Ireland and Germany, and a West African Village from the 1700s. There’s also a Native American encampment, a frontier settlement from the 1740s, and several American farms and structures from the 1820s to 1850s. Living history brings the structures to life and special events like Wool Days, April 16-19, enhance the experience. The museum shears sheep using traditional hand shears during Wool Days and visitors get to try their hand at weaving at the Irish farm, carding and spinning on the 1820 American farm, sorting and scouring wool on the English farm, or processing flax on the German farm. The museum is also the site for the Shenandoah Valley Wine & Jazz Festival on June 28 and the Blues and Brews Festival on Aug. 9. It’s also surprising that, despite all the U.S. presidents from Virginia, there is only one presidential library in the state. The Woodrow Wilson Birthplace and Museum is also Wilson’s presidential library. The facility includes the home where he was born and a museum, in addition to the official library. A fun exhibit is the museum is the 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine that Wilson liked so much his friends purchased it for him when he left the White House. The limo still travels around Staunton regularly.
Find out more Staunton Tourism: visitstaunton.com Editor’s note: Read more about Woodrow Wilson’s connections to Virginia and Washington, D.C., on page 44.
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Wine, ecclesiastical Gothic architecture, and fried chicken It’s garden tour and wine festival time in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains Spring is perhaps the most sublime time to visit the foothills of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains in Orange County, a little more than an hour’s drive from Washington. Orange County hosts Historic Garden Week in April and a wine festival in May. The Dolley Madison Garden Club has lots in store
for the April 26 Historic Garden Week tour of Gordonsville, a town that recently celebrated its bicentennial and that has a thriving shopping and restaurant district and lovingly restored properties. At the heart of the Garden Week tour is Christ Episcopal Church. It was built in the Gothic style in 1875 as a single aisle and transept structure, reminiscent of Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg. Charles Gillette designed gardens here, and many Orange County residents gave established boxwood to create the original garden. To provide more access for people who could not use the original steps, the garden was redesigned. Christ Episcopal Church will host artists and musicians in the morning, including a brass quartet which will move to Main Street in the afternoon. The Rev. Mary Beth Wells, who trained in Europe to paint icons, will display her works in the nave of the church. A silkscreen artist, Fred Nichols, will also show his works at the church and there will be a flower arranging demonstration.
‘Secret’ recipe
Visitors start the spring with the Montpelier Wine Festival on the grounds of James and Dolley Madison’s home.
Boxed lunches, featuring fried chicken made with a “secret” recipe, will be served on the grounds of the historic Exchange Hotel, 11:00am2:00pm. Gordonsville is the self-proclaimed fried chicken capital of the world. It earned fame from “Fried Chicken Ladies” who served Civil War-era troops through train windows when they stopped for supplies. Boxed lunches at the Exchange Hotel are $12 per person. A Civil War Medical Museum in the hotel recalls its history as a major Civil War hospital where later freed slaves were treated and educated. Local lore says that part of one of the houses on the Gordonsville Garden tour was a button factory
during the Civil War. The building has been artistically transformed indoors by its residents. The owners have created raised gardens in their small city plot. Another house on the Gordonsville tour is Thistle Hill, a white clapboard residence built in 1878. Its first owners and their descendants helped to envision the town we see today. Another tour site, at 405 Church St., was built in 1880 on Diamond Hill. Small space gardening is all part of the plan at this former Methodist parsonage.
Wine festival The Montpelier Wine Festival, held on the grounds of James and Dolley Madison’s Montpelier estate, is a reason to return to Orange County in May. This year, the festival is May 3-4. Two dozen wineries will be pouring at the event and there will be a variety of food vendors offering festival fare. Live music enhances the background of the historic presidential estate and artisans and crafters from throughout the Mid-Atlantic will be offering their wares. Children’s entertainment includes a free barrel train, face painting, and a kite-flying contest. The advance ticket price of $15 is good until May 1 and admits you for tastings from each winery. It also includes a commemorative wine glass, and a chance to win a door prize. Family entertainment is planned throughout the day. Parking donations are suggested.
For more information Historic Garden Week: virginiagardenweek.org Montpelier Wine Festival: montpelierwinefestival.com Orange Co. Tourism: visitorangevirginia.com
Celebrate Historic Garden Week in
Orange.
Saturday, April 26, 2014 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Gordonsville tour includes three private homes and gardens as well as special events and amazing cuisine. Tickets available at www.vagardenweek.org.
recreationnews.com I april 2014 I recreation news 33
virgina I jane and marvin bond
Home of history and outdoor fun Virginia’s Northern Neck offers slower pace, but plenty of action In the American timeline, settlements and plantations on Virginia’s Northern Neck come close after Jamestown. The area, almost surrounded and pierced by waterways, remained unchanged in many ways for centuries. It was a place where land and water provided sustenance and time moved in concert with the seasons and the flow of the rivers and creeks. As the colonies moved toward independent nationhood, the region birthed leaders who nurtured the process and molded the result. Names like Washington, Madison, Monroe, and Lee are recorded on birth records and etched on tombstones. Here, you can visit the birthplace of George Washington on Pope’s Creek, a National Park Service site where five generations of Washingtons lived and where George Washington’s father, grandfather, and great-grandfather are buried. James Madison and James Monroe were also born in the Northern Neck. You get a feeling for the pride the area has for its role when you visit the Westmoreland County Museum in Montross where a Presidential Garden includes marble busts of Washington, Madison, and Monroe created by Atillo Picciarilli, who also sculpted the Lincoln Memorial. The museum was actually created to house the portrait of William Pitt, who supported the colonies in the English Parliament, that was painted by Charles Willson Peale in 1768. Stratford Hall, home of the Lee family, nurtured generations of leaders including Francis Lightfoot Lee and Richard Henry Lee, the only two brothers to sign the Declaration of Independence. Richard served as president under the Articles of Confederation in 1784-85. Robert E. Lee and Fitzhugh Lee later served in the Confederate Army.
The Great House at Stratford Hall dates to the 1730s and the expansive grounds include gardens, nature trails lined with wild flowers, and rare, 150-foot-tall cliffs along the Potomac River that yield impressive fossils. Francis Lee built Menokin when he married in 1769 and, while the structure is a ruin, it is being preserved because a remarkable number of colonial architectural elements remain. The visitor center includes interesting exhibits about the site, which is a learning center for heritage and natural resource conservation. May 1 is the annual Menokin Music Festival Pick Nick, 2:00-6:30pm, with three bands. Bring your
picnic food and chairs or blankets for a unique experience. Alcohol and other beverages are available onsite. Farther down the Northern Neck, near Irvington, the Tides Inn is a storied resort that offers golf, a spa, wine and food getaways, and sailing on Carters Creek and the Rappahannock River. The Tides Inn even offers a four-day sailing school for beginners and shorter sailing classes to refresh your skills. Take in the history or cuddle up for a romantic retreat at this classic destination. continued on page 36
National Park Service
The birthplace of George Washington is outlined at the National Park Service site in Virginia’s Northern Neck.
Westmoreland County Virginia More Beaches, More Parks, More Wine, More History
Ranked among the “Top Hotels in the South” by Conde Nast Traveler
Located on a private peninsula on Virginia’s Northern Neck, the Tides Inn is perfect for families, couples, groups, and special events. Enjoy delicious regionally-inspired regional cuisine, onsite activities, Journey spa® and the widely recognized Golden Eagle Golf Course. Members of the military use code MIL when booking for special savings. 480 King Carter Drive • Irvington, VA 22480 TidesInn.com 804-438-5000 or 800-843-3746
34 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
www.visitwestmorelandva.org
www.colonialbeachva.net
Explore and Experience Westmoreland County, Virginia
For more info call 804.493.8440
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Fredericksburg rolls out new activities this spring With all its history and tradition you might think nothing changes in Fredericksburg, Va., but you’d be wrong. New activities rolling out this spring include a PedalFred tour that you take in a 16-seat, mostly pedal-powered vehicle. Also new are culinary tours that highlight the local chef-owned restaurants, wineries, and breweries. The Children’s Museum of Richmond is opening a 12,000-square-foot satellite location in Fredericksburg with exhibits that encourage learning, creativity, and fun. Special programs and reenactments will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the battles of the Wilderness and Spotsylvania Courthouse during May. Fredericksburg remains a fascinating combination of colonial attractions from the days of George Washington and James Monroe, Civil War history galore, and plenty more to keep you busy. There are local breweries, wineries, and a distillery to enjoy as well. The vacation package section at visitfred.com is a great resource for combining what interests you with accommodations.
Learn more
The President Requests the Pleasure of Your Company . . . Revolutionary War Hero; Ambassador; Congressman; Senator; Secretary of State; Secretary of War; Governor of Virginia; President of the United States; Author of the Monroe Doctrine. At the James Monroe Museum, explore the life and legacy of one of our nation’s most popular and respected public servants. The Fredericksburg area also offers excellent dining, shopping, and lodging, all within 50 miles of Richmond, VA and Washington, DC.
James Monroe908 Museum Charles Street Fredericksburg, VA 540-654-1043
www.jamesmonroemuseum.org
Fredericksburg Area Tourism visitfred.com
recreationnews.com I april 2014 I recreation news 35
Northern Neck continued from page 34
Three state parks The Northern Neck is home to three state parks that offer varying options for enjoying the area’s natural beauty. Belle Isle State Park in Lancaster is a great place for those who love history and natural beauty. The park has unusual overnight accommodations, including the fivebedroom Bel Air House and guest house, as well as camping. The park has seven miles of frontage on the
Rappahannock River. Westmoreland State Park, with its horseshoe-shaped cliffs on the Potomac River, offers water sports and camping near the great attractions of the Northern Neck. Campsites and cabins are available and a Discovery Center is open on summer weekends. Caledon State Park in King George County is a great place to watch for wildlife, including one of the East Coast’s largest concentrations of bald eagles. Tours of the eagle habitat are offered seasonally. Colonial Beach, along the Potomac
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River, actually offers the second longest beach in Virginia and a waterfront with eclectic architecture, a boardwalk, boating, biking, and fishing. It’s also one of the few communities where golf carts are permitted on the streets. Insider tip: You can rent a cart and get into the spirit of things yourself. Just outside town, River Terra Retreat is a bed and breakfast on the river with packages that appeal to wine lovers, history lovers, and antique lovers, as well as anglers. Kristine Guido describes herself as “the Guest Whisperer� and guarantees you’ll enjoy your stay.
Take a break on the wine trail The Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail includes one of Virginia’s oldest wineries and others deeply connected to the history of the region, from the Native Americans who first roamed the land to Colonial and Civil War events. Each of the nine wineries has a copy of First in Wine, the story of those connections.
Learn more Northern Neck Tourism: northernneck.org Virginia Tourism Corp.
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The annual Menokin Music Festival takes place in the shadow of the preserved colonial home ruin.
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Arlington National Cemetery marks 150th anniversary There are more than 4,000 reasons to re-visit the national shrine The precise military cadence and the ritual changing of the guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is what most people know about Arlington National Cemetery, which marks its 150th anniversary this year. On May 13, 1864, Army Pvt. William Henry Christman of Pennsylvania was buried close to what is now called the northeast gate in Section 27. Today, there are more than 4,000 soldiers, sailors, airmen, civilians, leaders, and heroes buried on these hallowed grounds, a national shrine that reflects the history of our nation. The tomb has been guarded by handpicked guards from the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, also known as “The Old Guard,� 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in all kinds of weather, since 1937. Prior to that, civilians, National Park Service employees, and military volunteers kept watch.
The Gettysburg connection Most people also know that John F. Kennedy is buried at a site in the cemetery featuring an eternal flame that represents lasting peace. However, most people don’t know that First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy may have gotten the idea from a battlefield visit to Gettysburg in March 1963. The presidential tour included a stop at The Wheatfield, where Kennedy’s ancestor had fought, and ended with a visit at the Eternal Light Peace Memorial. The first lady noted to her husband that the lighted flame atop the monument would make a wonderful memorial. He agreed.
Civilians and heroes What most people may not know is that more than honored military are buried here. Arlington is also hallowed ground for a host of civilian citizens — some famous, some heroic, some still unknown. There are memorials to American loss of life at home, abroad, and in space, including both the Challenger and Columbia space shuttle disasters, as well as a memorial to the 270 people who lost their lives in the terrorist bombing of Pan Am Flight 103. The Lockerbie Cairn, built with 270 blocks of red Scottish sandstone, stands as a remembrance of the passengers and crew who perished in 1988. The mast of the USS Maine recalls the warship that was sunk in Havana Harbor in 1898 and the loss of 75 percent of its crew. On September 11, 2002, in section 64, the fivesided Pentagon Group Burial Marker was dedicated to the 184 victims who lost their lives when terrorists crashed a plane into the Pentagon a year earlier. Unidentified remains from the Pentagon tragedy are buried beneath it. Most who visit head for a specific site or take one of the guided tours, but it is worthwhile to wander a bit. One of the most visited sites is the grave of Audie Murphy, which is near the Tomb of the Unknowns. Murphy, a highly decorated World
Chincoteague Chamber of Commerce
War II soldier, played himself in a film about his heroics and continued to have a career as an actor. The graves of boxer Joe Louis and actor Lee Marvin lie next to each other, along with others whose fame came after their military service and many whose military actions earned them wide acclaim. Supreme Court justices Thurgood Marshall, Warren Burger, and Potter Stewart also rest here. But Arlington is most of all the final resting place of thousands who served their country, many sacrificing their lives in the process, and others who returned to civilian life and lived out their lives guaranteed the freedoms they fought to preserve. Here, all are equally important.
For more information Arlington National Cemetery: arlingtoncemetery.mil
d ARLINGTON TURNS 150
Starting in May, Arlington National Cemetery is hosting a series of events to commemorate the 150th anniversary. Special wreath-laying ceremonies and guided tours are scheduled on specific days in May and June. The tours will have themes dedicated to different wars, monuments, and Medal of Honor winners, whose headstones bear gold lettering. Arlington House, the familial home of Robert E. Lee’s wife, was confiscated by the Union along with the property that makes up the national cemetery. A six-year restoration now presents the home as it was in 1861.
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recreationnews.com I april 2014 I recreation news 37
virginia I sandra julian barker
The Founders Inn and Spa at Virginia Beach surrounds you with Old World charm From the moment I checked into The Founders Inn and Spa, located in Virginia Beach, Va., its Old World charm won me over and I felt right at home. I walked across the lobby into an elegant sitting room, sat down on the comfy sofa and relaxed beside a glowing gas fireplace.
It was the beginning of a wonderful weekend getaway. The inn offers southern hospitality with a professional, sophisticated touch. My husband and I enjoyed the homemade chocolate chip cookies before playing checkers at the game table in the
sitting room. Later, we sat in rocking chairs on the covered portico overlooking the English garden and spotted the resident swan, Abigail, gliding across the lake. Watching the sunset over the water completed the picture.
In the mood for action?
Founders Inn
Enjoy a couples’ massage at the inn’s Flowering Almond Spa.
For guests who prefer a bit more action, the 26acre resort offers tennis courts, basketball hoops, a volleyball pit, playground, indoor swimming pool, lawn games, a full-service workout room, and an outdoor pool with a 25-foot enclosed circular slide, zero entry, and splash zone for kids. The inn is also near the Virginia Beach oceanfront. A 20-minute shuttle ride puts guests in the center of action at the boardwalk and wide sandy beach during the summer. The inn’s Joan Prescott believes people will be surprised to find this beautiful, unique property so near the beach. With first-class, upscale accommodations, beautiful spacious grounds, numerous fun activities, and free parking, guests can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Explore the nation’s beginnings at Jamestown where America’s first permanent English colony site is preserved at Historic Jamestowne, and Jamestown Settlement living-history museum provides a glimpse of 1607 life.
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and scents of this meticulously restored 18th-century colonial capital city, Colonial Williamsburg, where patriots ignited the cause for freedom and laid the groundwork for creation of this great nation.
Easter Holiday A 2 night stay with breakfast and our delicious brunch on Easter Sunday.
Lots of fun for all the family with live music and children’s activities including the largest Easter egg hunt in Virginia Beach. From $146.95 per adult sharing. For reservations, call 757.424.5511 5641 Indian River Road Virginia Beach, VA 23464 FoundersInn.com
38 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
At Yorktown, discover the lives of people who witnessed the Revolution at Yorktown Victory Center living-history museum, and walk the ground where America’s independence was won in 1781 at Yorktown Battlefield.
Award-winning dining Executive chef Scott Simpson is a culinary expert who has cooked in kitchens all over the world. He brims with enthusiasm when he talks about the local foods and new grilling techniques they use at the hotel’s Swan Terrace Grill. “We really showcase products from Virginia — all locally sourced,” he said. The restaurant has resumed its seasonal “Tuesdays on the Terrace” evenings which Simpson describes as a “high-end backyard barbecue.” The buffet features not only smoked meats, but fresh seafood and a jazz band for entertainment. “Mouthwatering Monday” happens the first Monday of each month. Sixty guests enjoy an evening watching their six courses being prepared by the restaurant’s highly-trained chefs. Each course is paired with select wines which are included in the meal’s set price. Afternoon tea continues the Old World ambiance each Saturday afternoon, 3:00-4:30pm. Guests enjoy the finest specialty teas served with tiered dishes of sweets and savories while serenaded by harp and piano music. A full breakfast and lunch buffet, as well as menu items, are served daily. Dinner is served Tuesday through Saturday.
With 25,000 square feet of state-of-the-art flexible meeting and conference space, The Founders Inn also has just the right room for any event, from weddings to military training.
Nearby things to see and do Norfolk, with its delightful downtown only nine miles away, offers harbor cruises, tours of the USS Wisconsin battleship, theaters, the MacArthur Memorial, the Chrysler Museum of Art, and indoor
shopping at MacArthur Mall. Virginia Beach offers not only the oceanfront and all its fun activities, but the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, a climb up the Cape Henry Lighthouse, and a number of great golf courses. What more could we ask from a wonderful weekend getaway? Now, when can we go back?
Learn more Founders Inn: foundersinn.com
Founders Inn
The Flowering Almond Spa This beautiful, peaceful retreat is a five-star rated delight. As soon as I stepped into the spa, soft music and fragrance surrounded me with a sense of calm. I felt totally pampered during my hour-long pedicure and then relaxed in the elegant conservatory. Massage rooms, both singles and couples, are also available.
Beautiful grounds and classic architecture are hallmarks of the Founders Inn.
Float on to summer at VisitVirginiaBeach.com.
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virginia I sue bland
Where civil rights in education grabbed the national spotlight The American Civil War and civil rights are forever entwined, and Virginia’s central-southern heartland conveys this like no other place in America. Eleven counties and the City of Petersburg now tell both stories through the Virginia’s Retreat partnership. Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee fought his last battles in the land between Petersburg and Appomattox in the early spring of 1865. In 1951, in the same area, a group of teenagers walked out of their tar paper school, tired of old books, overcrowding, and leaky classrooms. Their protest became part of the Supreme Court’s Brown v. Board of Education ruling striking
down the separate but equal doctrine in 1954. Even after emancipation, African-Americans, like Native Americans and women, were denied educational opportunities provided to white males. Young women were offered no public education beyond the seventh grade, and were denied the foundation allowing them to become teachers or nurses. African-American children were denied even the most basic facilities and materials, and came by education only through the efforts of individuals committed to making a difference. It’s against south-central Virginia’s beautiful farmland that the Civil Rights in Education Heri-
Experience the Sunrise Side of the Blue Ridge. From our mountains to the mighty James River. Wear yourself out at our wineries, breweries and eateries, then hit the sack in a cozy cabin or bed & breakfast.
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tage Trail® unwinds with more than 50 sites that tell the story of struggles for equal education by African-Americans, Native Americans, and women since emancipation. The Robert Russa Moton Museum, on Griffin Boulevard in Farmville, is the place where Barbara Johns, niece of the Rev. Vernon Johns, led the student revolt for better accommodations. More than 70 percent of plaintiffs in Brown v Board of Education were from the Moton school. Moton Museum director Lacy Ward Jr. said the museum has become “a modern civil rights museum on par with others in the South.” Where leaky Moton school classrooms once were, 21st century galleries now stand. Virginia’s Heartland Regional Visitor Center in Farmville is one of several visitor centers in the Virginia’s Retreat region where you can learn more about the trail’s sites and experiences. Insider tip: Stop in the visitor center in Farmville and learn more about the struggle for civil rights in education from tourism coordinator Shirley Johnson Ragland, who had to leave home and family when the local public school system was closed for five years.
Native Americans and women Like a lot of places in early America, Virginia denied women, Native Americans, and AfricanAmericans the same level of public education white males received. In 1714, British Royal Gov. Alexander Spotswood funded what’s thought to be the first Indian school in America. Fort Christanna, in Brunswick County, commemorates its 300th anniversary this summer. A monument and a historical park now mark the spot where Spotswood’ government erected a wooden schoolhouse and the fort. By 1718, the British cut funds and the school closed. Virginia’s Retreat
nelson county VIRGINIA
Nelson County Visitors Center nelsoncounty.com 434.263.7015 40 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
A one-room school for African-American children in Dinwiddie County, Va.
Descendants of the school’s students comprise branches of the Saponi Confederation which Spotswood called “The Saponi Nation.” They participate in events held annually at Fort Christanna. From April 26-May 3, the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail® celebrates Garden Week at the McCallum More Museum and Gardens, in Chase City. The attraction features a rose, herb, and wildflower garden and three others. Visitors can see an exhibit here describing the Presbyterian-led Thyne Institute, a school to educate “freedmen,” or African-Americans, that began in 1876. Thyne students have donated personal items for display. Changing art gallery exhibits and two more permanent galleries round out the experience. The museum’s Joseph Epps says visitors can also see the nearby elementary school that replaced Thyne Institute and a monument to its legacy. Further north, the Blackstone Female Institute in Nottoway County, later a college, is now the Virginia Conference and Retreat Center. An exhibit describes the “finishing school” for women who were denied the chance to graduate from a public high school. Into the mid-1900s, people still attended oneroom schoolhouses like the one in Buckingham County near the birthplace of Carter G. Woodson, founder of Black History Month. Charles White, publisher of The Informant, a local AfricanAmerican newspaper, says his wife attended the one-room school on Lee Wayside. White helped purchase land and erect a plaque on the actual site of Woodson’s birth.
Fifty years after the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act, America struggles with issues of equality. White says, “We have a lot of roads and monuments to early founders and the Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail® is another way to tell an important American story.”
For more information Civil Rights in Education Heritage Trail: civilrightsineducation.org Virginia’s Retreat: varetreat.com
Virginia’s Retreat
Annual events at Fort Christanna, in Brunswick County, help remember the first Indian school in America, established 300 years ago in 1714.
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Amelia | Appomattox | Buckingham | Brunswick | Charlotte | Dinwiddie | Halifax | Lunenburg | Mecklenburg | Nottoway | Prince Edward | City of Petersburg
recreationnews.com I april 2014 I recreation news 41
virginia I su clauson-wicker
Celebrate the new and the old Lexington and Rockbridge County provide art, history, and recreation If you visit Lee Chapel on the Washington & Lee University campus while school is in session, you may notice cadets from neighboring Virginia Military Institute saluting the building as they pass. In this tradition-steeped town, cadets still honor Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s memory. But Lexington and surrounding Rockbridge County celebrate the new as well — new works at the Lex Rock artists’ studio tour, new culinary creations from restaurants featured on the tour, and the new season at Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista. Although church services weren’t mandatory for Washington & Lee students when Lee was president, religion was important to him. Lee Chapel, built during his presidency in 1867-68, looks much as it did in Lee’s time. The hand-carved speaker’s stand and rosewood furniture are arranged on the platform exactly as he liked them.
Downstairs, Lee’s office is preserved just as he left it on Sept. 28, 1870, when he walked up the hill to dinner and attempted to say a blessing for which no words would come. He succumbed to a stroke and was buried under Lee Chapel. His wife, parents, and children later joined him there. Lee’s famous horse, Traveller, is buried just outside the basement door, feet from his master. Visitors frequently leave apples and pennies here, rumored to bring good luck during exams. A museum is also located in the chapel basement, where memorabilia from the Lee and Washington families are displayed. Lee’s wife, Mary, was the great-granddaughter of Martha Washington, and her father was raised as the adopted son of George and Martha Washington. But the chapel isn’t the only museum on campus. The Reeves Center houses the stunning paintings of Louise Hereschoff as well as one of our nation’s largest collections of Chinese porcelain. Five hundred years of history are represented in the entire ceramics collection, which has ties to both Washington and Lee.
“We call the Reeves Center our ‘hidden treasure’ because so few people know of it,” Lucy Wilkins, chapel manager. “It’s open on weekdays only.”
More history to see The VMI Museum, on the lower level of the institute’s chapel, installed a new permanent exhibit last year that amplifies much of VMI’s history but is of interest to those with no relation to the school as well. The museum also has a world class exhibit of 19th-century antique firearms including many that are one-of-a-kind or the only known surviving examples of a specific type. Also open for the season is the Stonewall Jackson House near the Lexington Visitor Center, the only home Jackson ever owned and where he lived while teaching at VMI. The town of Lexington is full of little-known history and a carriage ride with Lexington Carriage Company is a great way to get the scoop on the people and places that contributed to our national story. Shana Layman’s anecdotes are both entertaining and perceptive and lead to an appreciation
Martha Olson
Hummingbird Inn ...
❁ 5 guest rooms ❁ Jacuzzi tubs ❁ Variety of Outdoor Activities
❁ Acre of grounds ❁ Pet Friendly ❁ Cozy-Comfy & Relaxing
We invite you to visit for a special occasion, outdoor recreation or just a weekend getaway! 30 Wood Lane / Goshen, VA 540.997.9065 / 800.397.3214
“Brush Mountain” is a work by Martha Olson using recycled magazines to create a new image.
Southern Virginia University and the City of Buena Vista present the
Lee Chapel & Museum WAshINGToN AND Lee uNIVeRsITY
SOUTHERN VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
leechapel.wlu.edu
• Daily 11am-5pm April through Oct. • June-Aug. 10am-6pm • Explore 19th Century Lexington at the pace and rhythm of hoofbeats. • Tours begin across from Lexington Visitor Center
(540) 458-8768 MuseuM shop
(540) 458-8095
Lexington, Virginia Historial Tours www.lexcarriage.com | (540) 463-5647 www.facebook.com/lexcarriage
Lexington County. Natural. History. 42 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
Second Annual 5K April 26, 2014, 6:00 pm
Registration $20 (includes tee shirt)
learn mOre & sign up svu.edu/knight-run
C ome C hang e Your V ie w
See how two great American families contributed to this renowned university. Visit Robert E. Lee’s office and final resting place at the institution he served after the Civil War.
scan to visit our website
for the character of the town.
Lex Rock Studio Tour rocks Lexington is a lively art town, and the area’s accomplished artists invite visitors into their studios Mother’s Day weekend for a viewing of new works and a taste of fine food prepared by Lexington restaurants. This year’s Lexington Rockbridge Studio Tour, May 10-11, features 13 private studios and a total of 36 artists. Maps and signs lead visitors along the selfguided loop tour through Lexington and the nearby hills. Painters, photographers, potters, glass workers, sculptors, and assemblage and mixed media artists will be welcoming visitors into their working spaces for behind-thescenes looks at the creative process. The studios are expressions of art in themselves — a remodeled 200-year-old log cabin, a converted warehouse, retrofitted home spaces, and an 1883 country inn/art school. “The Lexington area attracts artists,” says Susan Harb, a found-art sculptor whose tree-house studio is on the tour. She organized the event in 2012, and attendance has grown annually. Martha Olson, a featured guest artist, creates an unusual art form by recycling glossy magazines, dissolving the ink, and creating vivid new images and colors. Olson’s love of the outdoors seeps into all her creations, whimsically named for landscape features and even arthropods. “I sort of stumbled upon this technique,” Olson says. “I’m probably the only person doing it.” The tour is free and art is for sale, with prices ranging from $20 to $20,000. Checks and cash are accepted.
Parking it Glen Maury Park in Buena Vista, just east of Lexington, consists of 315 acres of scenic, rolling land, including an 18-hole championship golf course, Vista Links. If camping is your thing, reserve a spot at the 250-site campground (52 sites with water and electric hook-ups) near Maury River. The park also features an Olympic-size pool, tennis courts, playgrounds, pavilions, roller skating rink, trails, ball fields, the well-maintained River Walk, and river fishing for smallmouth bass. The park’s calendar is full of special events including a Saturday Easter egg hunt, Easter sunrise service, and a May 1-3 bluegrass jam. The May 9-11 Muster on the Maury Civil War living history event includes demonstrations and reenactors.
Su Clauson-Wicker
Natural Bridge remains open While the Natural Bridge, one of the world’s natural wonders, has been sold and will eventually become a state park, the attraction remains open and the Natural Bridge Hotel re-opened in March. The huge gift shop will be adding “Virginia Made” products and crafts to its offerings. The traditional Easter Sunrise Service at the bridge will be April 20 at 7:00am.
Learn more Lexington-Rockbridge Tourism: legingtonvirginia.com Glen Maury Park: glenmaurypark.com Natural Bridge: naturalbridgeva.com
Robert E. Lee had the chapel built while he was president of what is now Washington & Lee University. He and his family are buried there.
You’re
living history!
PICTURE YOURSELF discovering the past! Where to start in Lexington? Walk in the footsteps of Lee and Jackson, two of America’s greatest generals and explore the George C. Marshall Museum. From the grounds of VMI and Lee Chapel to the shopping in downtown Lexington and endless outdoor recreation, there are so many ways to embrace our American story. Visit Lexington, Buena Vista and Rockbridge County for memories of historic proportions. To plan your living history vacation, visit www.lexingtonvirginia.com/history.
For your free travel guide call toll-free: 877-453-9822 or visit lexing tonvirginia.com.
recreationnews.com I april 2014 I recreation news 43
virginia I martha steger
Three Woodrow Wilson Museums provide a road trip to history Presidential life and first ladies celebrated during World War I centennial Heritage-minded travelers need to visit several sites related to a U. S. president: one home cannot tell the entire story of a man’s life and loves — and the loves play a significant role in the narrative of a president’s life. I learned the story of the life and loves of Woodrow Wilson when visiting the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace Museum in Wytheville, Va., the Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library and Museum in Staunton, Va., and the President Woodrow Wilson House in Washington, D.C. Edith Bolling Wilson Museum
Andrew Phillips, curator of the Woodrow Wilson Birthplace, said, “Sometimes we joke here that Virginia really had eight and a half presidents, counting Edith.” Edith Bolling Wilson, redefined the role of first lady when she became Wilson’s second wife. She took on many routine duties and details of the executive branch of government during the last 17 months of her husband’s presidency following his massive stroke. (The 25th Amendment to the Constitution, spelling out procedures for when a president becomes disabled, did not exist.)
From Wytheville to the White House
The Edith Bolling Wilson Museum occupies the combination storefront and living quarters where she was born in Wytheville, Va.
Her birthplace in Wytheville — 150 miles southwest of Wilson’s birthplace in Staunton — tells how Edith’s early life prepared her for the challenges of becoming first lady at a time of national crisis. The seventh of 11 children (and a descendant of Virginia’s famous Indian maiden, Pocahontas), her family lost its plantation in Bedford County after the Civil War. Her grandfather, a doctor, purchased commercial space on Wytheville’s Main Street and the family moved in to live above it. “People expect a cute, little house with a white picket fence around it,” said Farron Smith, who, with her husband, Bill, owns and operates the house museum. “Among the many things they learn is that Edith’s father, Judge Bolling, was supporting his mother, his mother-in-law, an aunt, and 11 children, who all lived here.” Today, everything downstairs in the exhibition space — from china cabinets to game tables to the Bolling cradle — was owned by the Bolling family. The upstairs — the Bolling flat where Edith was born — is in substantially the same condition it was when the Bollings left in 1899 and the space became a boarding house. “We’ve opened the upstairs as a pre-renovation tour, and people say they get the feeling that the Bollings just left,” Smith said. “We’re convenient to all three Wytheville exits from the interstate.” The girl who grew into a beautiful woman got her spirited convictions here. Laura Laing, a recent Baltimore visitor, said, “I was surprised to see a photo of Mrs. Wilson driving the first electric car in Washington, D.C. She was clearly a woman ahead of her time!” Edith’s sense of practicality, according to Smith, also transferred to her role as first lady when the United States entered World War I. “It made good sense to use sheep to graze the White House lawn, especially when most of the gardeners enlisted — and the sheared wool from the White House sheep was used in the war effort.” Guides at all three homes say Woodrow Wilson was a man who always needed a woman in his life. Both the Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace and the Woodrow Wilson Library and Museum own original love letters signed “Tiger” to his first wife, Ellen Axton, and to Edith, whom he married a little more than a year after Ellen’s death.
44 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
The letters’ passion give a glimpse of the man beneath the professorial image associated with Wilson as president of Princeton University and governor of New Jersey before running for president.
Wilson’s public and private lives end in nation’s capital He and Edith retired not far from the White House — in the capital’s Embassy Row area — when Wilson’s second term ended in 1921, making him the only president to stay in Washington permanently following his presidency. Originally built as a residence for a corporate executive, the house’s remarkable features include a marble entryway and grand staircase, Palladian window, dumb waiter and butler’s pantry, and solarium overlooking the formal garden. Memorable artifacts include the framed mosaic given to him on his trip to Italy in 1919 by Pope Benedict XV, and a wall-sized Gobelin tapestry given by the people of France following World War I. From this house Wilson gave the first nationwide, remote radio broadcast on the fifth anniversary of Armistice Day in 1923. The home remains much the same as the Wilsons left it (he died in 1924 and she in 1961). Special events and free gallery exhibitions such as Images of the Great War, opening April 3, are breathing new life into the home, which is owned by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Insider tip: The Washington Hilton near Dupont Circle is about half-mile from the Woodrow Wilson House and offers a number of special packages and a military discount.
Presidential Library and Museum fits pieces of puzzle together Thomas Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace in Staunton chronicles the strong ties to his native Virginia. Love brought the president back to marry Virginian Edith Bolling Galt following her first husband’s death. They spent their honeymoon at The Homestead Resort in Hot Springs, Va. Last year the Presidential Library and Museum began behind-the-scenes tours Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, which include the third floor not open to the public on regular tours; and private tours of The Manse and the Pierce-Arrow limousine that took him from the New York dock back to the capital after he negotiated the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. Especially poignant is the World War I trench experience at the museum, which brings the horror of the war Wilson tried to avoid into perspective.
Learn more Edith Bolling Wilson Birthplace: edithbollingwilson.org Woodrow Wilson Birthplace: woodrowwilson.org Woodrow Wilson House: woodrowwilsonhouse.org
delaware I michelle and karl teel
Celebrating spring in Southern Delaware Spring is here, summer is coming, and there have never been more reasons to visit Southern Delaware and tantalize all of your senses. Sure, the feeling of an ocean breeze, the taste of salty ocean air, and the sounds of surf and seagulls has attracted visitors for years, but Southern Delaware offers much more to visitors who are discovering the arts, birding, culinary treats, and paddle adventures. The 2014 Mid-Atlantic Wine and Food Festival is a great way to start the season. Events span the region from the Brandywine Valley in the north to the southern part of the state. From May 14-18, private homes of distinction, stately hotels, intimate and award-winning restaurants, elegant barns, dramatic public spaces, and historic properties will serve as the venues for the culinary journey. Lewes, Rehoboth Beach, and the surrounding area will host talent flown in from six continents. At least 10 events take place in Sussex County during the festival. Our picks during the festival include the Sunday Jazz Brunch, Winemakers Lunch and Dinner, 1,000 Point Wine Tasting, and the
Barefoot and Black Tie Dinner. Ready to find out more about the Food and Wine Festival? Do your research online at mawff.org or visit visitsoutherndelaware.com and click on the Culinary Coast logo for information on the culinary offerings. Insider tip: Southern Delaware is a consistent culinary hit. We’ve covered culinary opportunities such as the “Eating Rehoboth” tours hosted by “The Rehoboth Foodie” and Paul Cullen (former bass player for Bad Company turned gourmet chef and wine connoisseur). As you sample food and drink from Rehoboth’s finest restaurants, you will meet owners and chefs. Following your research during the Mid-Atlantic Food and Wine Festival, you can use what you discovered to plan a culinary visit during Rehoboth Restaurant Week on June 1-6. During the promotion you can enjoy a wide variety of meals at fixed, discounted prices. Whether it’s The Buttery in
Summer Farmers’ Market ‘Wings & Wheels’ Fall Festival Unique Accommodations • Fine Dining Museums • Live Theater • Parades Historic Walking Tour • Wine and Ale Trail Home of the ‘Return Day’ Ceremony
302-856-1544 www.georgetowncoc.com
Experience Georgetown. Life ... West of the Beaches
continued on page 46
Visit historic Lewes Delaware
TM
Great shopping, dining and fun events April 10-12 – Lewes Tulip Festival April 18 – Great Delaware Kite Festival May 2-4 – Spring Sidewalk Sales May 3 – British Motorcar Show May 4 – Blessing of the Fleet June 21 – Lewes Garden Tour
Call toll free for more information — 877-465-3937 LewesChamber.com
REHOBOTH ART LEAGUE
explore
learn
visit
Events supported in part by
rehobothartleague.org The Rehoboth Art League is funded, in part, by a grant from the Delaware Division of the Arts, a state agency dedicated to nurturing and supporting the arts in Delaware, in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.
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recreationnews.com I april 2014 I recreation news 45
Southern Delaware continued from page 45 Historic Lewes, The Brick Hotel in Historic Georgetown, Port in Dewey Beach, or Nage or Victoria’s in Rehoboth, there is something for every discerning palette in every corner of the Sussex County. (visitsoutherndelaware.com, 800-357-1818) Stay a few extra days and be part of the ultimate Southern Delaware chef “throwdown� as you get to sample many delicious dishes and vote for your favorite during the Top Chef of the Culinary Coast competition on June 12. All proceeds from ticket sales benefit Meals on Wheels Lewes/Rehoboth’s Meal Sharing Program.
Southern Delaware’s visual and performing arts scene is a perfect complement to the culinary arts in the area. Clear Space Theater is in a facility that provides both. Gaze at the offerings in the gallery then choose which performance you wish to see. The spring line up includes Camelot, Xanadu, Avenue Q, and The Full Monty! (clearspacetheatre. org) Another fantastic resource is The Rehoboth Art League which is showcasing more than two dozen events and exhibits this spring to help round out your vacation. The Art in the Evening events and the monthly Salons are favorites, as well as the exhibits, of course. (rehobothartleague.org.) The Freeman Stage presents live music and performances in a great Southern Delaware venue.
cypress swamp, has fantastic nature tours. Naturalist-led canoe outings are regularly offered through several of the state parks. There are also more than seven miles of canoe trails running through the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. You can also enjoy the water with the popular pastime of paddle boarding. Among the first to jump into this arena were the folks at Delmarva Board Sports. Whether you are independent and just seek rentals, or someone with zero experience seeking instruction, or if you want to purchase a board, these folks have years of experience, great packages, and tons of knowledge. You can’t beat the tranquility of a sunset while aboard a paddle board. (delmarvaboardsportadventures.com) Migratory birds and waterfowl draw birding Nature beyond the beach enthusiasts to Southern Delaware year-round. The Southern Delaware’s natural attractions go far sheer number of birds you can see is staggering, beyond the beach. The area’s numerous ponds, perhaps because just about every type of eco-sysrivers, and bays are perfect for canoeing, kayaktem can be found: brackish water, fresh water riving, and exploring. Trap Pond, home of the bald ers and ponds, salt water, and marshes. Southern Delaware takes advantage of these resources with an infrastructure of parks, public lands, and programs for all levels of interest. One of our favorite side trips was with the folks at the Cape Water Taxi as we took an eco-tour aboard one of their craft to learn about osprey banding and the delicate environment where they live during the summer months. Baywood Greens public golf club combines a beautiful natural environment with a man-made course. While veteran golfers tout the layout of the course and its challenges as a virtue, others exclaim over how the course integrates itself with New oceanfront saltwater pool! gardens galore, offering something of beauty on New Sandcrab beach bar on the boardwalk! every hole in every season. Comfortable overnight rooms and suites! Tens of thousands of bulbs and perennials and Complimentary Wi-Fi and Parking! countless annuals accent the numerous fountains, ponds, waterfalls, and water features that are every bit as much artistic backdrop as they are “hazards.� Initially, the layout and design of the course was a creation of renowned architect Bill Love (locals will know him from Ault, Clark and Associates). The final design was completed by land sculpture extraordinaire Larry Dewitt in conjunc101 N. Boardwalk tion with owner/developer Robert Tunnell. See Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 dozens of pictures of the natural beauty as well as other details at baywoodgreens.com. 800.422.0600 t XXX "UMBOUJD4BOET)PUFM DPN Need a place to stay? The Boardwalk Plaza Hotel offers Victorian charm to its guests. From the furnishings to the caged bird in the lobby, to the fantastic oceanfront restaurant, Victoria’s, A SCENIC PARADISE FOR THE BEST GOLF IN SO. DELAWARE the Boardwalk Plaza provides an elegant and 32267 CLUBHOUSE WAY LONG NECK, DE 19966 32267 CLUBHOUSE WAY LONG NECK, DE 19966 relaxing stay. Another 302-947-9800 BAYWOODGREENS.COM 302-947-9800 BAYWOODGREENS.COM winner is the Atlantic Baywood Greens was just honored with the No. 1 Sands. Just feet from ranking by Golf Digest’s Best in State ranking Baywood Greens was just honored with the No. 1 ranking by Golf Digest's Best for in 2011-2012. An “Exclusively Public� An 18-hole the white sands of one State ranking for 2011-2012. "Exclusively Public" 18-hole championship championship course, Baywood Greensgolfers offers the most scenic and spectacular golf course, Baywood Greens offers of the cleanest beaches golfers the most scenic and spectacular golf on the on the Delmarva Peninsula. in America, the AtlanDelmarva Peninsula. tic Sands Hotel is the Described as the of the North, Described asAugusta the “Augusta of theatNorth,� at Baywood Greens you will experience Baywood Greens you will experience the perfect place for enjoythe meticulously manicured woodside and waterside nines with eight timbered meticulously manicured woodside and waterside ing not only the beach, bridges andtimbered 27 acresbridges of man-made ponds, nines with eight and 27 acres of two tunnels and over 200,000 flowers, but the boutiques and plants, shrubs and trees. “Last year I played Aviara in California and at the time I man made ponds, two tunnels and over 200,000 thought it was the and prettiest I had nightlife of the treasured flowers, plants, shrubs trees. course “Last year I ever played, but this is better,� said a played Aviara California and at the time thought at Baywood Greens. golfer frominMinnesota recently whoI played resort town of Rehoboth it was the prettiest course I had ever played, Beach. butBaywood this is better,� said aalso golfer from Minnesota Greens features a spectacular clubhouse, extensive practice Come see for yourself recently who played at Baywood Greens. facility, restaurant, new homes in a beautiful community and acres of pristine the beauty and charms Baywood alsoand features a spectacular woods,Greens gardens lakes. clubhouse, extensive practice facility, restaurant, of Southern Delaware. new homes in a beautiful community and acres of After a winter like Head Golf Professional: Anthony Hollerback, PGA pristine woods, gardens and lakes. we have had, a visit Head Golf Professional: Anthony Hollerback, PGA there is the perfect way Par 72: 5 sets of tees from 6,983 to 3,539 yards Par 72: 5 sets of tees from 6,983 to 3,539 yards to get out and enjoy the Slope ratings from 135-100 spring! Slope ratings from 135-100
Best at the Beach!
IW^Ua_W ebd[`Y in our front yard.
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Call (800)33-BEACH www.boardwalkplaza.com 2 Olive Ave. & Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach DE
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46 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
MILTON HORSESHOE CRAB FESTIVAL
Saturday, May 24, 10am–4pm. 11th Annual Horseshoe Crab and Shorebird Festival in the Milton Memorial Park and Prime Hook National Wildlife Reserve. For more information, call the Milton Chamber of Commerce at 302.684.1101 or visit www.historicmilton.com/events.
REHOBOTH DOWNTOWN RESTAURANT WEEK
Sunday, June 1–Friday, June 6. Restaurants feature prix fixe menus that make your culinary adventure both affordable and tempting. Please call 302.227.2772 or visit www.downtownrehoboth.com for more information.
Come enjoy a Spring Fling for less ka-ching! Why wait till summer to enjoy Southern Delaware? Beat the crowds. Come stroll our 5-star beaches. Shop tax-free. Go birding. Tour our small towns and scenic trails by bike. Savor scrumptious fare among our Culinary Coast™ of restaurants. Then stay overnight at lowerthan-summer rates, and start all over again! For a full spring calendar of events and getaway deals go to www.visitsoutherndelaware.com/spring
What’s your favorite spring thing to do in Southern Delaware? Tell us at www.twitter.com/VisitSouthDel You could win a weekend for two!
DELMARVA BOARD SPORTS
Delmarva’s original paddleboarding adventure company offering tax-free sales, family-friendly excursions that include basic instruction, paddleboard yoga and fitness classes, rentals and delivery services. Rehoboth Beach and Fenwick Island • 302.260.9008 • www.delmarvaboardsportadventures.com
MIDATLANTIC WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL™
May 14–18, 2014 46 events + 90 chefs + 20 winemakers from 6 continents 10 events in Southern Delaware • One unforgettable weekend www.mawff.org
recreationnews.com I april 2014 I recreation news 47
EASTER DECOY AND ART FESTIVAL April 18-19. Local and national carvers and artists exhibit and sell their one-of-a-kind crafts. Chincoteague, Va. chincoteaguechamber.com EGGSTRAVAGANZA April 18-19. Join the Easter Bunny and children of all ages for an egg hunt, egg roll, egg decorating, games from the past, and gamboling in the 5½-acre gardens. Tudor Place and Gardens, 1644 31st St., Georgetown, Washington, D.C. 202-965-0400, tudorplace.org EASTER EGG HUNT April 19, 10:00am-noon. Fun for the entire family. Kids can search for candy-filled eggs, make a spring bonnet/hat, and dye eggs. Sherwood Farm, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Rd., Baltimore, Md. cromwellvalleypark.org
April 14 Passover begins April 20 Easter
HOLIDAYS
EASTER ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIR April 18-19. Large arts and crafts show with wearable art, lawn décor. Children’s activities, visits with the Easter Bunny, and Easter egg hunts. Ocean City Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, Md. 410213-8090
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS
SUGARLOAF CRAFTS FESTIVAL April 4-6. Handcrafted art from artists around the nation, as well as ongoing demonstrations from master craftspeople, gourmet food, interactive children’s entertainment, and live music. Montgomery County Fairgrounds, Gaithersburg, Md. sugarloafcrafts.com ANNAPOLIS BOOK FESTIVAL April 5, 10:00am-4:00pm. Nationally renowned authors will discuss their books and the craft of writing; Also, children’s activities, live music, a huge used book sale, and a coffee shop. The Key School, 534 Hillsmere Dr., Annapolis, Md. 410-263-9231, keyschool.org/annapolisbookfestival
SPRING ARTS AND CRAFTS FAIRE April 5-6. Products that you can expect to see showcased are handcrafted baskets, ceramics, fine art, gourmet food, jewelry, music, paintings, and photography. 2371 Carl D. Silver Pkwy., Fredericksburg, Va. fredericksburgartsandcraftsfaire.com SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY OPEN HOUSE April 6, noon-4:00pm. Enjoy jugglers and jesters, music and theater performances, birthday cake, and a tour of the Folger’s reading rooms on the one day a year they are open to the public. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 East Capitol St., SE, Washington, D.C. folger.edu BETHESDA LITERARY FESTIVAL April 11-13. Literary guests, journalists, poets, essay contests, and kids’ book parties. 7700 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, Md. 301-215-6660, bethesda.org PRIVATEER FESTIVAL April 11-13. A craft, food, and merchants’ market; an 1814 Living History Pier featuring the Maryland Boys Choir singing renditions of The Star Spangled Banner and sea shanties; hands-on activities for young and old offered by Fort McHenry; and a children’s activity and entertainment pier. Baltimore, Md. fellspointmainstreet.org GUIDED CABIN TOURS AND AFRICAN RHYTHMS April 12, noon-5:00pm. Join the fun at Oakley Cabin for an African dance workshop, crafts, and games for children. Explore an archaeology dig with Montgomery Parks’ archaeologists. Oakley Cabin African American Museum and Park, 3610 Brookeville Rd., Olney, Md. 301-650-4373 LEWES TULIP FESTIVAL April 10-12. Activities, exhibits and contests will be offered to the public during the weekend. Photography exhibit, contest, and workshop; Plein Air Artists; and trolley tours. Lewes, Del. lewesinbloom.org/tulip-festival MY LADY’S MANOR STEEPLECHASE April 12. Spend a day in the countryside enjoying equestrian sport, live bluegrass music, food, and vendors. Ladew Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pk., Monkton, Md. 410-557-9570, ladewgardens.com EAGLE FESTIVAL April 19, 10:00am-4:00pm. Music, hayrides, canoe tours, and guided hikes. Mason Neck State Park, High Point Rd., Lorton, Va. 703-339-2385, virginiastateparks.gov INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL April 19, 10:00am-5:00pm. A parade of more than 35 nations, three stages of cultural entertainment, and a “Passport to Adventure” program. Mill Point Park, Hampton, Va. hampton.gov/parks/icf DELMARVA BIRDING WEEKEND April 24-27. Guided and self-guided tours around the region during the spring migration of shorebirds, waterfowl, and nesting birds. 104 West Market St., Snow Hill, Md. delmarvabirding.org SALISBURY FESTIVAL April 25-26. Live entertainment, classic car show, carnival, games, block party, food, shopping, children’s activities, arts and crafts show, and craft beer tasting. Downtown Salisbury, Md. 410-749-0144, salisburyfestival.com SUGARLOAF CRAFTS FESTIVAL April 25-27. Handcrafted art from artists around the nation, as well as ongoing demonstrations from master craftspeople, gourmet food, interactive children’s entertainment, and live music. Maryland State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Md. sugarloafcrafts.com
This Weekend Road Trip Could Be The Ride Of Your Life! • Start on land with mountain biking, zip lines and adventure hiking over trails that wind through old growth forests. • Continue your adventure in our crystal clear mountain streams and long, lazy rivers – ideal for canoeing, kayaking and river rafting. • In the evening, wind down with local bands in our compact, action-packed downtown!
CAPE MAY’S SPRING FESTIVAL April 25-May 4. Chocolate Championship Tour and Tasting, private homes tours, ghost tours, murder mystery dinners, food and wine events, and living history programs. Cape May, N.J. 800-275-4278 or capemaymac.org
cool crafts Meet 250 Juried Artisans in Person r Designer Crafts
Call us for outdoor adventure itineraries and accommodations– from cabins to luxury resorts.
r Home Furnishings r Affordable Art r Specialty Foods r Family Fun
ƒ APR. 4, 5, 6, 2014
Montgomery County Fairgrounds Gaithersburg, MD • EXIT 11 OFF I-270
/MOREgantown
800.458.7373 | www.tourmorgantown.com
Admission $8 online, $10 at the door - good all 3 days Children under 12 and parking are FREE Fri. & Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5
r by Ede
Walker
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CRAFTS AND ANTIQUES SHOW April 26. The Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May, N.J. 800-275-4278, capemaymac.org VIRGINIA HOT GLASS FESTIVAL April 26-27. Watch as glass artists from across the region demonstrate various hot glass techniques, including traditional glassblowing, flame working, and bead making. Sunspots, 202 South Lewis St., Staunton, Va. 540-885-0678, sunspots.com WINEFEST April 26-27. Wine aficionados and novices alike can experience the historic waterfront town of St. Michaels, Md., with more than 300 international, domestic, and Maryland wines. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michaels, Md. cbmm.org DAY OUT WITH THOMAS April 26-28. Take a 25-minute train ride behind Thomas the Tank Engine, meet Sir Topham Hatt, and enjoy a full day of live entertainment and activities. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 West Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. 410752-2490, borail.org BANDS ON THE BAY April 27, 1:00-6:00pm. Live music, dancing, silent and live auctions, and delicious food and drinks. Herrington on the Bay, 7151 Lake Shore Dr., Rose Haven, Md. 240-375-6106, bandsonthebay.org
NOW SHOWING BAY BRIDGE BOAT SHOW April 11-13. The event will feature several hundred boats (new and brokerage) and introduce dozens of adult and kid friendly activities. Bay Bridge Marina, Stevensville, Md. 410-268-8828, usboat.com PEEPS SHOW April 11-21. A wonderfully wacky display of marshmallow masterpieces. Buy vote chips for your favorites. Enjoy Peeps treats and souvenirs. Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster, Md. 410-848-7272, carrollcountyartscouncil.org GREAT SCALE MODEL TRAIN SHOW April 12-13, Sat. 9:00am-4:00pm, Sun. 10:00am-4:00pm. Look, browse, buy, and enjoy model trains. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Rd., Timonium, Md. 410-730-1036, gsmts.com GAS AND STEAM ENGINE SHOW April 12-13, 10:00am. Join The Friends of the Agricultural History Farm Park to see and learn about gas engines and tractors, antique cars and trucks, and steam engines. Live country music, hay wagon rides, and kiddie tractor pull. Agricultural History Farm Park, 18400 Muncaster Rd., Derwood, Md. 301-253-2673, FriendsoftheFarmPark.org SPRING SAILBOAT SHOW April 25-27. Ego Alley and surrounding docks are filled with nearly 80 new and brokerage sailboats at the annual Annapolis show. City Dock, Annapolis, Md. 410-268-8828, usboat.com CAR SHOW AND OPEN HOUSE April 26, 11:00am-3:00pm. 4001 E. Baker Ave., Abingdon, Md. bushriveryachtclub.org
RACE FOR THE BIRDS April 5. The race will include two professionally timed races — one 4.9 miles long and another 7.7 miles long. All proceeds will be used to support Potomac Valley Audubon’s programs for children. National Conservation Training Center, Shepherdstown, W.Va. 304-876-8471, raceforthebirds.org ANNUAL WALK, RUN, AND ROLL April 19. This is a fun event for the whole family and for every fitness level. 18751 Hogaboom Ln., St. Mary’s City, Md. 443-336-7588, baycss. org OCEAN TO BAY BIKE TOUR April 26. All routes start and end in Bethany Beach. All routes feature a “Show & Go� start. Choose from a 5-, 30-, or 50-mile or Metric Century route. Completion of the ride is optional. Bethany Beach, Del. bethanyfenwickdecoc.wliinc24.com ROAR FOR AUTISM April 27. A fun-filled day with a meaningful purpose, featuring a 25-mile bike ride, a newly designed 5K course, low-mileage fun walk, and a family festival. Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Rd., Cockeysville, Md. 443-923-7300, roarforautism.org
MUSIC Orchestra/Band/Classical/Choral VIRGINIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA April 6, 8:00-10:30pm. In the final concert of the VSO Classics Series, Michael Ludwig joins the Virginia Symphony for Sibelius’s Violin Concerto. 201 Market St., Virginia Beach, Va. 757-892-6366, virginiasymphony.org VIRGINIA OPERA: CARMEN April 11-13. Thrilling audiences for well over a century, this classic story follows Don JosÊ and his ill-fated obsession with the alluring gypsy, Carmen. George Mason University’s Center for the Arts, 4400 University Dr., Fairfax, Va. 888-945-2468, cfa.gmu.edu
Jazz/Blues/Country BERKS JAZZ FEST Through April 6. A major East Coast jazz festival with major stars in intimate venues in and around Reading, Pa. Advance tickets and information: berksjazzfest.com TRIBUTE TO ELLA FITZGERALD April 25, 8:00pm.  The orchestra recreates big-band jazz as its composers and arrangers intended it to be played, stripping away intervening changes and alterations. One Avenue of the Arts, Newport News, Va. 757-594-8752
Theater THE MEMO April 2-27. Company president Mr. Gross receives a memorandum but can’t read it because it’s written in Ptedype, the newly invented language to which all correspondence must adhere. If he can’t figure out what it says, he’ll lose his job and certainly his mind. Single Carrot Theatre, 2600 N. Howard St., Baltimore, Md. 443-844-9253, singlecarrot.com HAL HOLBROOK IN MARK TWAIN TONIGHT April 4-5. Holbrook brings the beloved author to life with irreverent humor and astonishing authenticity. National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-628-6161, thenationaldc.org CINDERELLA: THE REMIX April 9-May 25. The final production of The Hip-Hop Children’s Trilogy teaches an extraordinary lesson in girl power. 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, Md. 301-280-1660, imaginationstage.org VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO April 24-27. With more than 850 performers, the Tattoo is more than just a performance, it’s an experience and part of the Virginia Arts Festival. 215 East Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, Va. 877-741-2787, vafest.org
Films DC INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL April 17-27. Screening more than 80 features, documentaries, comedies, shorts, award winners, and discoveries, the District’s premiere film festival will highlight audience favorite series, Trust No One: Espionage and Thrillers, The Lighter Side, and Justice Matters. Check website for films and locations. Multiple venues in the DC area. 202-234-FILM, filmfestdc. org BLACK BOX: CAMILLE HENROT Through June 15. The first museum in the United States to present French artist Camille Henrot’s Grosse Fatigue, an energetic and poetic 13-minute video on the creation of the world. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org
Dance BRAZILIAN DANCE April 5, 8:00pm. An ensemble of street performers working to foster the human experience through dance. Edgewood Arts Center, 3415 8th St., NE, Washington, D.C. 202-269-1608, danceplace.org DANCE PROGRAMS Weekends, 7:30-11:30pm. Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md. fridaynightdance.org
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THE WASHINGTON BALLET Call for performances and times. 3515 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-362-3606, washingtonballet.org
Exhibits Featured Exhibitions WORKT BY HAND Through April 27. An exhibition that explores the presentation, contextualization, and interpretation of historical quilts. The National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 202783-5000, nmwa.org DEADLY MEDICINE Through April 30. Includes reproductions of photographs and documents, films, and survivor testimony, and traces how the persecution of groups deemed biologically inferior led to the near annihilation of European Jewry in the 20th century. UMB’s Health Sciences and Human Services Library, 601 West Lombard St., Baltimore, Md. 410-706-8853, hshsl.umaryland.edu/gallery BOOK BINDINGS FROM THE GILDED AGE Through May 18. This focus show of approximately 20 rarely seen examples from the Walters’ rare book collection will explore techniques and materials that were employed to showcase the book binder’s craft. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Md. 410-5479000, thewalters.org THE BUSINESS OF ILLUSTRATED CALENDARS Through May 18. This exhibition introduces visitors to the once-thriving, lucrative business of illustrated calendars. Brandywine River Museum, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, Pa. 610-388-2700, brandywinemuseum.org
PRO SPORTS WASHINGTON WIZARDS AT HOME Wed., April 2 vs. Boston, 7:00pm Sat., April 5 vs. Chicago, 7:00pm Wed., April 9 vs. Charlotte, 7:00pm Sat., April 12 vs. Milwaukee, 7:00pm Mon., April 14 vs. Miami, 7:00pm
The Wizards play home games at Verizon Center, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004. Call 202-661-5050 or visit nba.com/wizards.
WASHINGTON CAPITALS AT HOME Tue., April 1 vs. Stars, 7:00pm Fri., April 11 vs. Blackhawks, 7:00pm Sat., April 12 vs. Lightning, 7:00pm Sun., April 13 vs. Lightning, 3:00pm
The Capitals play home games at Verizon Center, 601 F Street NW, Washington, DC 20004. Call 202-397-SEAT or visit washingtoncaps.com.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES AT HOME Wed., April 2 vs. Red Sox, 7:05pm Thu., April 3 vs Red Sox, 7:05pm Fri., April 11 vs. Blue Jays, 7:05pm Sat., April 12 vs Blue Jays, 7:05pm Sun., April 13 vs. Blue Jays, 1:35pm Mon., April 14 vs. Rays, 7:05pm Tue., April 15 vs. Rays 7:05pm Wed., April 16 vs. Rays, 12:35pm Fri., April 25 vs. Royals, 7:05pm Sat., April 26 vs. Royals, 7:05pm Sun., April 27 vs. Royals, 1:35pm Tue., April 29 vs. Pirates, 7:05pm Wed., April 30 vs. Pirates, 7:05pm
The Orioles play home games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 333 West Camden Street, Baltimore, MD 21201. Call 888-848-BIRD or visit baltimore. orioles.mlb.com.
WASHINGTON NATIONALS AT HOME Fri., April 4 vs. Braves, 1:05pm Sat., April 5 vs. Braves, 7:05pm Sun., April 6 vs. Braves, 1:35pm Tue., April 8 vs. Marlins, 7:05pm Wed., April 9 vs. Marlins, 78:05pm Thu., April 10 vs. Marlins, 4:05pm Thu., April 17 vs. Cardinals, 7:05pm Fri., April 18 vs. Cardinals, 7:05pm Sat., April 19 vs. Cardinals, 1:05pm Sun., April 20 vs. Cardinals, 1:35pm Mon., April 21 vs. Angels, 7:05pm Tue., April 22 vs. Angels, 7:05pm Wed., April 23 vs. Angels, 7:05pm Thu., April 24 vs. Padres, 7:05pm Fri., April 25 vs. Padres, 7:05pm Sat., April 26 vs. Padres, 1:05pm Sun., April 27 vs. Padres, 1:35pm
The Nationals play home games at Nationals Park, 1500 South Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. Call 202-397-SEAT (7328) or visit washington. nationals.mlb.com.
DC UNITED AT HOME
Sat., April 5 vs. New England, 7:00pm Sun., April 13 vs. New York, 7:00pm Sat., April 26 vs. FC Dallas, 7:00pm DC United plays home games at RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol Street SE, Washington, DC 20003. Call 202-587-5000 or visit dcunited.com.
ALEXANDER GARDENER’S ANTIETAM PHOTOGRAPHS Through May 18. The exhibit recreates and explores the original photographs of dead soldiers captured by Alexander Gardner after the Battle of Antietam in 1862. The Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office, 437 7th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 301-378-9128, civilwarmed.org GARRY WINOGRAND Through June 8. Revealing the full breadth of his art for the first time, Garry Winogrand brings together some 190 of the artist’s most iconic images — many never before exhibited or reproduced. The National Gallery of Art, National Mall between Third and Seventh Sts. at Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-737-4215, nga.gov GRAVITY’S EDGE Through June 15. Spanning the period 1959-1978 and featuring works by canonical East Coast Color Field painters. The Hirshorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Independence Ave. and Seventh St., SW, Washington, D.C. 202-633-1000, hirshhorn.si.edu FRONT ROOM: STERLING RUBY Through June 15. An exhibition of provocative soft sculptures by acclaimed artist Sterling Ruby. The Baltimore Museum or Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org MODERN GERMAN PRINTS AND DRAWINGS Through June 29. The exhibition explores themes of human life and passion, the place of man in nature, and the urbanization of society. The National Gallery of Art, National Mall between Third and Seventh Sts. at Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-737-4215, nga.gov ARCHITECTURAL BOOKS Through Aug. 17. Some books survey a variety of architectural works, while others focus on a specific building. National Gallery of Art, National Mall between Third and Seventh Sts. at Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C .202-737-4215, nga.gov A REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT Through Oct. More than 30 vivid paintings, drawings, prints, watercolors, and sculpture present an overview of the revolutionary art movement that flourished in Germany. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org RYAN MCGINNESS: STUDIO VISIT Through Oct. 19. The exhibit will explore this contemporary artist’s creative process for his 2009 painting “Art History Is Not Linear.� The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, Va. 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum BASEBALL AND BECOMING AN AMERICAN Through Oct. 26. Features more than 130 original objects, including game-worn uniforms, game-used objects, correspondence, newspaper accounts, board games, awards, baseball cards, signed baseballs, Jewish ritual objects, and ballpark giveaways. National Museum of American Jewish History, 101 South Independence Mall E., Philadelphia, Pa. 215-923-3811, nmajh.org JUDY GILBERT LEVEY April 2-27. Levey’s bold transformations present impressions of landscapes and still lifes in Maine, Montana, and Maryland. Foundry Gallery, 1314 18th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 202 463-0203, foundrygallery.org IMAGES OF THE GREAT WAR April 3, 6:00-8:00pm. The European Offensives, 1914-1916: World War I Prints and Drawings from the Anne S.K. Brown Military Collection. The President Woodrow Wilson House, 2340 S St., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-387-4062, woodrowwilsonhouse.org SHADES OF BLUE April 26-27. Early American, Elegant, Art Deco, & Depression-Era: Glassware, China, Kitchenware, Pottery, Books & Linens. Glass identification performed by Club members. Duval High School, Greenbelt Road at Good Luck Road, Lanham, Md. 301-565-2361 BEAUTY IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE April 26-July 27. The exhibition explores contemporary understandings of beauty by framing the notion of aesthetics, race, class, and gender within art, popular culture, and political contexts. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, Va. 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum
History BELL AND HISTORY DAY April 5, 11:00am-4:00pm. Members of the Blue and Gray Hospital Association will display and interpret an expansive collection of Civil War-era medical accoutrements, both original and reproduction, while in period dress. The National Museum of Civil War Medicine, 48 East Patrick St., Frederick, Md. civilwarmed.org FREE WALKING TOURS AT FORT HUGER April 5, May 3, June 7, July 5, Aug. 2, Sept. 6, Oct. 4, and Nov. 1. Learn the significance of this gateway to the Confederate capital. Led by local historian Albert Burckard, this tour will last approximately one hour. Rushmere, Va. 757-357-0115, historicisleofwight.com. CIVIL WAR EMANCIPATION DAY April 6, 10:00am-5:00pm. The Museum of the Confederacy will feature living history, children’s crafts, and free admission for Civil War and Emancipation Day. All over the city of Richmond, Va., including the MOC. civilwar.emancipationday.net
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VISIT WITH MR. AND MRS. MADISON April 6. James Madison Museum, 129 Caroline St., Orange, Va. 540-6721776, thejamesmadisonmuseum.org OLD MARYLAND FARM ACTIVITIES Old Maryland Farm, 301 Watkins Park Dr., Upper Marlboro, Md. 301-2186770 or 301-699-2544, pgparks.com MONTPELIER MANSION TOURS Sundays, 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Montpelier Mansion, Rt. 197 and Muirkirk Rd., Laurel, Md. 301-953-1376
Lectures/Workshops/Classes NEWEST TRENDS IN FLY FISHING April 2, 7:30pm. Davidsonville Family Recreation Center, Queen Anne Bridge Rd., Davidsonville, Md. 301-249-6399 TRAIL DAY April 5, 10:00am-noon. Help clear trails and prevent erosion to keep trails in tip top condition. Sherwood Farm, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Rd., Baltimore Md. cromwellvalleypark.org A NIGHT WITH NATURE April 11, 7:00-9:00pm. Presentation by Eric Kelly, Permaculture Defined: Ecological Architecture. Sherwood House at Cromwell Valley Park, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Rd., Parkville, Md. 410-887-2503, cromwellvalleypark. org
TOURS OPEN STUDIO TOUR April 12-13. Participating Susquehanna River Arts artists welcome visitors to their studios and workshops. Columbia & Montour counties, Pa. itourcolumbiamontour.com CAPE MAY, NJ 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 VOICES OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD April 4, 7:00-9:00pm. Free guided tours are offered every Saturday, April 5–November 1, starting at 10:00am. Woodlawn Manor Cultural Park, 16501 Norwood Rd., Sandy Spring, Md. parkpass.org (Course #275649) NATIONAL CATHEDRAL AND BISHOP’S GARDEN April 9. Trip departs Green Spring Gardens at noon and returns at 5:00pm. Includes motor coach, driver tip, admissions, and English Tea. Get away to the National Cathedral for a guided tour of the cathedral building and an English tea in celebration of the cherry blossoms. 703642-5173, fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring CIVIL WAR SAMPLER GUIDED BUS TOUR April 12, 1:00-5:00pm. Includes Church Hill, Shockoe Bottom, Court End, the canal area, Hollywood Cemetery, Monument Avenue and the battlefields at Gaines’ Mill and Cold Harbor. 1015 E. Clay St., Richmond, Va. 804-649-0711, richmondhistorycenter.com TUDOR PLACE AND THE CIVIL WAR April 12 and second Saturdays through Oct., 10:30am house tour and 1:00pm walking tour. Civil War meant hard times for Tudor Place, as the founders’ widowed daughter turned it into a boarding house. See how they used the house. After a cafe break, tour sites where the turmoil of war and slavery left its mark on Georgetown. Tudor Place, 1644 31st St., Georgetown, Washington, D.C. 202-965-0400, tudorplace.org SPRING BLOSSOM GARDEN TOUR April 19, 10:00-11:30am. Master gardener docents lead you through the gardens, highlighting cherry trees and other early spring bloomers. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd., Alexandria, Va. 703-6425173, fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/greenspring MISSILE SITE N-75 WALKING TOUR April 19, May 17, June 21. The program begins with a short presentation followed by a walking tour of this site which contains the original barracks, mess hall, and administration and recreation buildings of one of the few remaining Cold War missile defense sites. 3036 Nike Park Rd., Carrollton, Va. 757-357-0115, historicisleofwight.com MARYLAND HOUSE AND GARDEN TOUR Saturdays, April 26-May 31. The multi-county spring tour gives visitors an inside look at extraordinary historic and contemporary sites while supporting a worthy cause. 410-821-6933, mhgp.org HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK TOUR April 26, 10:00am-5:00pm. Gordonsville, Va. 804-644-7776, vagardenweek.org VIRGINIA GARDEN WEEK April 26-May 3. Virginia’s annual open house offers tours of homes and gardens throughout the Old Dominion; most not usually open to the public. vagardenweek.org
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orner michelle & karl teel
Enjoy good company On this October ‘Tune your Palette’ cruise
Autumn on the Mediterranean, fine wine, culinary delights — what a combination! How do you enjoy them all at once? Join Bonnie and Paul Cullen on a “Tune Your Palate� Mediterranean cruise aboard Oceana Cruise Line’s Marina, departing Oct. 28. Paul is the former bass player for the group Bad Company, but we can tell you firsthand, Paul and Bonnie are definitely good company. He’s also had experience in the wine business, so you’ll be educated as well as entertained. Themed cruises are the rage these days, and for good reason. On any cruise, you’re likely to see some great sights, dine well, enjoy stimulating entertainment, and relax. It seems you are just in the zone to absorb good things. Here’s why this one is special. The cruise combines the charm of the Mediterranean with great food and wine and knowledge that will stay with you forever. The Cullens lead you in the exploration of the culture of each location through onboard events, optional excursions, and wines selected by Paul using his sommelier skills. Sit back and enjoy Paul’s private cooking presentations, which use ingredients selected fresh on the optional walking tour of the Spanish food market. Experience the “Bon Appetit Culinary Class� hosted by Paul and a talented team of assistants. It’s a total sensory immersion for those who enjoy good food, wine, music, and sightseeing. Share notes and camaraderie with your fellow travelers in the ship’s Toscana restaurant for a private “Tune Your Palate� dinner, or enjoy an evening with Wine Spectator’s tasting dinner at La Reserve, another of the ship’s restaurants. While the setting is intimate as far as cruise ships go, with just 1,100 guests, it’s also casual — you don’t need a tie. Instead, dress for a truly relaxing vacation as you explore the very best of Italy, Monaco,
France, and Spain on this cruise!
Let the adventure begin
The adventure starts with a pre-departure “bon voyage� social in Rehoboth Beach, Del., as an informative ice breaker. On board the ship, you will enjoy the exclusive dinners and culinary class mentioned above, as well as food and wine explorations on shore and luxury cruise accommodations for seven nights. Rates are as low as $1,986, plus taxes and airfare, based on cabin type.
Ports of call Where will this Mediterranean culinary adventure take you? The itinerary provides outstanding stops in Italy, Monaco, France, Spain, and Portugal. Day 1 – Rome (Civitavecchia). Consider arriving early for the optional two-night stay. Rome includes the magnificent monuments and piazzas, the ancient Roman Forum, the Coliseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, Michelangelo’s Pietà , the Vatican, and the Sistine Chapel. Day 2 – Florence. Enjoy this jewel of the Tuscany region with its Renaissance architecture, the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s dome, Michelangelo’s David, the bridge over the Arno, and the Uffizi Gallery. Or, enjoy a side trip through the Tuscan countryside to Siena and San Gimignano and their medieval towers. Souvenir hunters will find leather goods, lingerie, gold jewelry, Florentine mosaic, lace, marbled paper items, antiques, and fine art. Day 3 - Monte Carlo. Drive along the famous Grand Corniche with its stunning views of Monaco and the Old City, then stroll through the marvelous pink Grimaldi Palace — and don’t forget the casino. Explore the wonderful old villages along the Côte d’Azur from Nice to medieval Eze or Cannes, Grasse, and lovely St. Paul de Vence. Day 4 - Provence (Marseille). See the sights and
enjoy the views of historic old Marseille and visit the charming fishing port of Cassis. Or, venture into the celebrated Provençal countryside with its fields of lavender and sunflowers. Explore lovely Aix or stroll through Avignon and its Papal Palace and the hilltop village of Les Baux. Day 5 - Barcelona. Visit the magnificent Gothic cathedral and the amazing La Sagrada Familia, Antoni GaudĂ’s unfinished masterpiece. Enjoy the Montjuic Gardens, the charming squares of the old Gothic Quarter and the Ramblas, or visit beautiful Montserrat and its monastery in a breathtaking setting high in the mountains. Day 6 – Cartagena. This Spanish walled city has always been a strategic naval port. Take in a hilltop view from ConcepciĂłn Castle, which served as a fortress for the Carthaginians, Romans, and others who once occupied the city. Day 7 - Cruising the Strait of Gibraltar. Day 8 - Lisbon. Visit the Portugese capital’s ornate Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery and stroll the narrow, winding streets of the charming Alfama district. Enjoy marvelous old Sintra, a royal country retreat, and Cascais, a beautiful seaside resort. Explore medieval Obidos or make a pilgrimage to Fatima, where the Virgin Mary appeared repeatedly to three shepherd children in 1917. The cruise departure date is Oct. 28. You’ll want to book sooner rather than later to take advantage of options and excursions that may sell out. You’ll also need to plan your flights and decide on spending some extra time before or after the cruise in Europe, which also gives a buffer zone to cure jet lag or lower the risk of missing your flight home. To find out more and get help on air and cruise reservations, call 302-703-6154, email groups@accentontravel.us, or visit paulcullenguitar.com/#!the-cruise/csuk.
Bay Bridge Marina - Stevensville, Maryland
City Dock - Annapolis, Maryland
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Over 200 new & brokerage powerboats on display Free seminars & children’s interactive activities Paddleboard & Surfboard Simulators Demo Boat Rides Kayaks, canoes, rowing shells & inflatibles
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Over 100 new & brokerage boats on display Catamarans, mono hulls & inflatables Sailing equipment, electronics & accessories Over 100 maritime exhibitors on land Cruisers University: learn all about cruising
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pennsylvania I judy hazel
Jump aboard a scooter to visit Amish sites during springtime in Lancaster County, Pa. Amusement park, plays, hip downtown all available in Dutch Country “Springtime brings out an energy and color palette to Lancaster County countryside activities along with the hip, historical downtown area events,” says Joel Cliff, who promotes the area. From scooter rides over covered bridges to amusement parks to art events to Amish attractions, there’s something for all ages. Whether it’s a day trip or weekend getaway, there’s more than enough to do. Adults can jump aboard a Honda scooter for a fun tour of the area’s covered bridges, offered daily, April thru October, by Strasburg Scooters. “This was a bucket list activity for me,” one recent rider said. “Riding a scooter, then combining the history of the area.” Friday afternoons are devoted to specialty tours, including the “Jel-
lies, Jams and More” to find tasty condiments; “Bridges, Barrels, and Bands” for wine tasting, dinner, and live entertainment; and “Bridges and Beer,” which ends at The Lancaster Brewing Company for a beer-pairing dinner. “For the beer and wine tours, we load participants into a van after the scooter tour and take them to the winery or brewery to be sure it’s a safe experience,” said the Strasburg Scooters’ Marc Crusemire, who noted one of his favorite options is the Amish Mystery Tour. “Guests don’t know where they’ll be going, but it is always an authentic Amish experience.”
Family experiences Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum is a 100-acre living history
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preserve of Pennsylvania Dutch German heritage and showcases the largest collection of Pennsylvania Dutch artifacts in an authentic farm village setting. The current special exhibit is Chairs! Chairs! Chairs! — Handcrafted Traditions from Rural Pennsylvania, 1750-1875. Take the opportunity to meander through Kitchen Kettle Village, with its 42 shops, two restaurants, and 17 overnight rooms. The Canning Shop has locals cooking right before your eyes, carrying on the tradition that started it all. According to Kitchen Kettle Village’s Lisa Horn, the abundance of “locally made items [for sale] allows guests to take home a cherished memory of their visit to Lancaster County.” The aromas of jellies and jam, cookies and pies, and salsa and pickles delight the senses. The annual Rhubarb Festival, May 16-17, features lots of rhubarb treats, but also includes the world’s only rhubarb race-car derby and a Rhubarb Whoopie Pie Filling Contest. The Amish Farm and House offers tours of an Amish homestead as well as bus tours of the Amish countryside. Said to be the first Amish attraction in the nation, the focal point is an
1805 house reflecting the Old Order Amish lifestyle and 15-acre farm with resident artisans in season.
The play’s the thing The spectacular Biblical adventure, Moses, is playing at the Sight and Sound Theatre through January 2015, and chronicles the journey of faith and freedom in the life of Moses. From the parting of the Red Sea to the Burning Bush to the Ten Commandments, this play is extraordinarily performed and visually captivating for all ages. The Rainbow Dinner Theatre specializes in comedies and offers Anybody for Murder? through May 24, followed by Always a Bridesmaid, May 31-Aug.9. The musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers entertains at The Dutch Apple Dinner Theatre through May 11. For a fantasy experience, Shrek, the Musical plays May 15-June 21.
Family entertainment Get out and get physical with a visit to Dutch Wonderland. Opened in 1963, this amusement park with its 30 fun-filled rides provides a day of family fun. Ride the Astroliner, Crazy Plane, or The Twister. New for 2014,
walk the Prehistoric Path or do the Dino Dig. The park opens for weekends, April 26-May 25. Experience an old mode of transportation riding the Strasburg Rail Road heritage railroad excursion train. A steam locomotive leads a 45-minute roundtrip journey covering 4-½ miles. The train operates daily spring, summer, and fall. The “Day Out with Thomasâ€? events in June, September, and November are especially popular. You can actually hop off the train ride at Cherry Crest Adventure Farm. This working “agri-tainmentâ€? venue is open 85 days a year, offering more than 50 farm-themed activities. From the Pedal Kart Tracts to Baby Chicks Hatchery, Cherry Crest Farm offers fun, family, and farming as its focus. It’s open Saturdays, May 25 through June, then Tuesdays through Saturdays until Labor Day.
art and craft street festival with food trucks, roving musicians, and kids’ activities, in addition to the artists and craftsmen.
For more information Lancaster Co. Tourism: padutchcountry.com
Lodging A stay at the AmishView Inn & Suites offers views of rolling farmlands, cows grazing in the fields, and horse-drawn buggies trotting. An additional 40 king rooms are opening this month with 10-foot-tall windows for enhanced views and upgraded amenities like claw foot tubs for added luxury. “Most of our guests like a getaway entertainment package which provides accommodations and some meals and they add other onsite experiences like the Amish Experience theater or buggy rides when they get here,� said the inn’s Bill Moshos. The kids’ area of the Eden Resort & Suites gets good feedback from guests for its wading pools, sprinkle area, and small sporting areas. The resort offers 285 contemporary rooms and suites, two highly rated restaurants, a cocktail lounge, and heated indoor pools, all with easy access to other Lancaster attractions. New for 2014 are 16 newly designed suites for short and long term stays. Lancaster County is tough to beat for family fun!
Art about town The Lancaster Spring Art Walk, May 4-5, celebrates the eclectic mix of independent galleries in downtown Lancaster. You can walk from one participating gallery to another, enjoying meetthe-artist events, seminars, workshops, and kid’s activities. The Pennsylvania Guild of Craftsmen, located in Lancaster, offers exhibitions and major shows. The Makers Fest, 11:00am-7:00pm on June 8, is a fine
shop. play. relish. stay.
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Enjoy a guided scooter tour through the covered bridges of Lancaster County.
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Virtual Tours. Area Events. Reservations.
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Events in State College, Pa., offer something for everyone Like most of the East Coast, the State College, Pa., area has spent winter buried under repeated bursts of snow. But spring is coming, and with it are events that cater to a wide variety of interests. In its fifth year, the Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic is a stage bicycle race — think of the Tour de France, but on mountain trails and state parks rather than roadways. Traditionally, the Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic has been a seven-day race, with one stage contested each day, but this year for the first time, a three-day/ three-stage option is being offered for those who want to participate in the event but can’t stay for the whole week. Stages include 42 miles through Coopers Gap, 29 miles in R.B. Winter State Park, and newly included trails on Tussey Mountain. What sets the Trans-Sylvania Mountain Bike Epic apart from other similar bike races is the summer camp experience. Participants are encouraged to stay at Seven Mountains Boy Scout Camp, just off of Route 322 and less than 20 miles from State College. There are a limited number cabins and lodges available, but there is plenty of space for tents. Insider tip: After each day’s race stage is complete, there are social events for racers and families, including visits to a local winery and microbrewery and “Wheelie Wednesday,” with its relaxing but fun activities. If camping isn’t
your style, however, State College’s hotels are a 20-minute drive away. Anyone can come watch the race stages, but participation is geared toward experienced mountain bikers. This year’s race days are May 25-31. The three-day race, TS3, will be held May 25-27, over the Memorial Day holiday. (outdoorexperience.org)
Ready for some football? When James Franklin was hired as Penn State’s new football coach in January, he raised the bar for enthusiasm about football season (a hard thing to do at Penn State, where they love their Nittany Lions). Franklin has seemingly been everywhere in State College, but April 12 will be the first the fans get to see him on the Beaver Stadium sidelines during the annual Blue-White spring football scrimmage. The game begins at 1:30pm and is free to the public; no tickets necessary. Although fans cannot bring bags, purses, umbrellas, or strollers into the stadium, they will have the opportunity to sit anywhere. Many families use BlueWhite as the perfect opportunity to bring young children to the stadium to experience a game-day atmosphere. Other events surrounding Blue-White weekend are an autograph session, Friday carnival, fireworks, and the annual Paterno Family Beaver
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Stadium Run/Family Fun Walk, where participants finish the race by crossing Beaver Stadium’s 50yard line. Proceeds from the Beaver Stadium Run benefit the Special Olympics.
Books for bargain hunters There is also a State College spring event especially for bookworms and bargain hunters. The annual AAUW Used Book Sale will be held in Penn State’s Ag Arena (across the street from Beaver Stadium on the Penn State campus), May 10-13. As in past years, there will be more than 250,000 used books donated by the community for sale, with the price of most books set at a couple of dollars. This year’s book sale has an unusually high number of coffee-table style art books and high-quality rare books. Book sale volunteers said that this year will be a bonanza for those searching for children’s books, both in quantity and in quality. Insider tip: No matter when you visit, make time for a stop at the Penn State Creamery for delicious fresh ice cream. Spring’s the ideal time for Penn State alumni to visit the Central Pennsylvania region, but anyone can join the fun.
Before you go Central Pennsylvania Tourism: visitpennstate.org
pennsylvania I jane and marvin bond
Gettysburg preps for spring with outdoor activities and events The Civil War battlefield is an obvious choice for getting outdoors in the Gettysburg area. After all, you can take a tour on horseback as well as walk it or even hop on an iconic double decker bus operated by Gettysburg Battlefield Tours. But there’s more waiting just outside town in Michaux State Forest, the Appalachian Trail, and Caledonia, Codorus, and Pine Grove Furnace state parks. The Appalachian Trail provides an adventure for hikers as it crosses Michaux State Forest, but the three state parks offer another 33 miles of trails as well as lakes for swimming, boating, and fishing. History buffs will find living history most weekends beginning in April at the Battlefield Visitor Center and at the American Civil War Wax Museum on Steinwher Ave.
More than history But there’s more than history to enjoy, including the Saturday farmers market on the square beginning this month and the huge Apple Blossom Festival, May 3-4 at South Mountain Fairgrounds, about 10 miles northwest of town. Adams County orchards produce about seven million bushels of apples per year, giving them every reason to celebrate the
spring blooms. The festival, 9:00am-5:00pm each day, includes live entertainment, free orchard bus tours, wine tastings, and arts and craft vendors. Downtown, on streets radiating from the central square, the Gettysburg Outdoor Antique Show takes over May 17, 7:00am4:00pm. About 120 dealers set up shop outdoors offering all things antique for the buyers converging on Gettysburg looking for bargains. Gettysburg Fest, June 11-15, brings music, visual arts, and culinary events to venues in town for visitors and locals alike. Accommodations in the Gettysburg area include campgrounds such as Gettysburg Campground, with 260 sites accommodating everything from tents to any size RV, as well as rustic cabins and full-facility cottages. The Gettysburg Lodges provide a retreat-like atmosphere with stand-alone upscale cabins, while the historic Gettysburg Hotel on Lincoln Square offers renovated rooms and amenities as well as a restaurant and special packages to enhance your Gettysburg experience.
Before you go Gettysburg tourism: gettysburg.travel
Destination Gettysburg
Caledonia State Park offers 10 miles of trails, swimming, and picnic facilities on its 1,125 acres.
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Boat, bike, or run to Raystown Lake and Huntingdon County 7 Points Marina
Houseboating is an ideal way to enjoy the undeveloped nature at Raystown Lake.
Unlike many of the lakes in the Mid-Atlantic region, you won’t find McMansions or a plethora of dockside restaurants lining the shores of Pennsylvania’s Raystown Lake. What you will find at the state’s largest lake is 118 miles of shoreline that reflect nature’s beauty and encircle 8,300 acres of water that attracts boaters, anglers, and water sports enthusiasts. The lake is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which operates several campgrounds along its shores. Eight launch ramps provide access for boaters and the lake has no size or horsepower restrictions. With an average depth of 80 feet, the lake provides safe boating. There are two developed areas along the lake. Lake Raystown Resort and Lodge offers a marina, lodge, campgrounds, cabins, a water park, restaurant, and the Proud Mary tour boat. Seven Points Marina, Penn-
sylvania’s largest, provides a marina, house boat rentals, a restaurant, and the Princess tour boat. Visitors can rent an eightperson pontoon boat for skiing or just enjoying the view. If fishing is on the agenda, the marina offers 16-foot Starcraft fishing boats as well. For a leisurely two-hour lake cruise, the Princess tour boat offers Dam & Eagle tours which depart at 1:30pm on Saturdays and Sundays, May 10-Oct. 12, and daily, June 16-Aug. 22. “The two-hour tour actually takes you to the breast of the dam where the eagles nest,” said the marina’s Pam Prosser. See how the dam operates, look for the American bald eagles that live in the area, and enjoy the scenery. Bring your binoculars for two hours of sightseeing. There’s a special four-hour fireworks cruise on Sunday, June 29, at 7:00pm and a new four-hour Sturgeon Moon cruise that casts
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Huntingdon County
off at 6:00pm on Aug. 10. The dinner cruise under the stars and the August full moon is based on the tradition that North American fishing tribes caught sturgeon during August’s full moon, which sometimes appears reddish.
Enjoy a house boat vacation To seriously enjoy Raystown Lake, however, consider renting a house boat from Seven Points Marina. There are 19 to choose from with options that can accommodate four to ten people. Many have hot tubs and water slides that make them great for family celebrations or romantic getaways. The undeveloped nature of Raystown Lake means there are plenty of no-wake zone areas that are perfect for overnighting after a day of cruising the lake. If you have a valid boater education certificate your check-in and orientation process will be shorter, but the marina can issue a temporary Pennsylvania certificate after a bit of instruction. The marina takes care of docking the boat for you — the hardest part of driving the boat — so you can concentrate on enjoying being a captain on the open water. Floor plans, options, costs, and a FAQ section at 7pointsmarina.com help with the decision-making process.
More to do Off the lake, Huntingdon County offers plenty of spring activity, including the unusual Mayfest in downtown Huntingdon on April 26, 9:00am-5:00pm. Stroll through history with a different historical theme in each block. Mayfest presents living history programs with period-correct dancing, music, reenactors, and demonstrations. There are plenty of children’s activities, food, and craft vendors, along with free music on every block, carriage
rides, a quilt show and sale, and an arts show and sale. The free Central Pennsylvania Native Plant Festival, which takes place on May 3, 10:00am-3:00pm, celebrates the arrival of spring, the return of wildflowers, and the beginning of another gardening season. It all takes place at the Shavers Creek Environmental Center, where you can enjoy a hike, talk to plant experts, or join the scheduled educational walks and programs. DirtFest 2014, May 16-18, is a weekend long mountain bike festival featuring clinics on sustainable trail building, entry level mountain biking, and sustainable trail maintenance. There are organized events such as a women’s skills series, kids’ mountain bike rides, a unicycle course, and an epic all-day group ride that departs on a houseboat shuttle. More information is available from Rothrock Outfitters. The event celebrates the Allegrippas Trails, designed by mountain bikers and built by the International Mountain Bicycling Association. The Allegrippis Trails at Raystown Lake is a premier single-track mountain biking trail system of 24 trails built for mountain biking, hiking, trail running, snowshoeing, and crosscountry skiing. The trails are arranged as stacked loops, giving you the opportunity to plan a route as short or as long as you like. There are nearly endless combinations, so even riders who come back time after time have the opportunity to use a new route each time. Although the trails are rated “easiest,” “moderate,” and “most difficult,” they can all be safely traversed by users of all skill levels, but bikers should expect their normal pace to be slowed as the difficulty increases. The ratings are provided to give all
users a good idea of what challenges to expect.
Back to the water The annual Juniata River Sojourn, June 13-16, takes place on the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River and includes daily watershed awareness seminars. Single day or multi-day options are available and rental boats are available. To register, or for boat
rental information, contact Rothrock Outfitters. Spring is prime time in the Raystown Lake region.
Learn more Huntingdon Co. Tourism: raystown.org Rothrock Outfitters: rothrockoutfitters.com Seven Points Marina: 7pointsmarina.com
Spring into
HISTORY Saturday April 26, 2014
Travel. Explore. Learn Travel the trails of Franklin County, frontier forts, secret hiding places of the Underground Railroad, Civil War sites, and hallowed grounds. Explore fire museums, discover the history of industry and learn the stories of a young nation.
Download the 2014 Brochure at:
DoDineStayFranklinCountyPA.com/spring
For other great events visit:
ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com |Facebook.com/FCVBen | 866.646.8060
Ed Stoddard
Live demonstrations of period crafts are on every block during Huntingdon’s MayFest.
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Columbia-Montour touts fine art and dinosaurs this month You can hike, bike, kayak, and go horseback riding in Pennsylvania’s Columbia and Montour counties, but this month fine art, dinosaurs, and butterflies take center stage in the area. The annual Open Studio Tour is April 12-13 and brings visitors into the workplaces of a host of creative artists. Participating Susquehanna River Arts artists welcome visitors into their studios and workshops to tour the studios, discuss the works with the artists who created them, and maybe even purchase a piece to take home. A suggested route at itourcolumbiamontour.com covers 63 miles and is detailed on a customized Google map. The tour hours are 11:00am-5:00pm on Saturday and noon5:00pm on Sunday. There are 11 artists working in acrylic paint, fabric art, mixed media, pen and ink, pottery, ceramics, stained glass, and other art forms. Insider Tip: An Open Studio Tour overnight package is available at the Budget Host-Patriot Inn in Bloomsburg that includes a king room for two adults and a “goody” bag for the drive.
Onto the dinosaurs and butterflies Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland, located in Allen-
wood, in nearby Union County, celebrates its 50th year in 2014, and continues to evolve as an attraction that is both educational and entertaining for families. There is way more than just dinosaurs here, though the “Dinosaurs Come to Life” exhibit that reopens April 19 is a big part of the fun. This Jurassic-era experience includes a recreated paleontologist dig site complete with a fossil dig. The exhibit features many dinosaur species, including Giganotosaurus, Dilophosaurus, Dimetrodon, and Triceratops — just hope they don’t take a personal interest in you! More seriously, the 6,500-square-foot exhibit gallery provides comfortable viewing of nearly 40 species of reptiles and amphibians — including two American alligators, Rocky and Adrian — in recreated naturalistic habitats. Interpretive graphics reveal each animal’s natural history, and interactive exhibits let you test your Reptile IQ, experiment with lizard adaptations, and learn to speak Croc Talk. Crocodilians are the most vocal reptiles and can communicate as many as 20 different messages. In addition to daily shows, there are also
shorter, more intimate opportunities to interact with the keepers and animals. “The crocs don’t eat much in colder weather, so spring is a wake-up time when the keepers can really put on an interesting show on feeding days,” said the attraction’s Kalin Driscoll. In the Island Giants exhibit, see the Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards, in a realistic tropical habitat, shared with two Aldabra tortoises. For sheer beauty, you can’t beat the butterfly exhibit. Experience hundreds of butterflies in flight as you walk through the native butterfly greenhouse. Almost everyone appreciates the beauty of butterflies, but how much do you really know about them? You’ll learn that butterflies can’t hear — like snakes, they sense vibrations through the surfaces they touch. And, they taste with their feet. The butterflies are on view April 19-Oct. 31. But there’s plenty of time for the hiking, biking, kayaking, and horseback riding, too.
Learn more Columbia-Montour Tourism: itourcolumbiamontour.com Reptiland: reptiland.com
COLUMBIA & MONTOUR COUNTIES
OUTDOOR RECREATION GUIDE
•Hiking, Biking & Mountain Bike Trails •Equestrian Trails •Birding Locations •Boat Ramps & Access Points •Kayak/Canoe Guides •Open Hunting & Fishing Areas •Golf Courses •Plus Much More!
Clinton
County, PA
1-888-388-6991 • tourism@KCnet.org
Download or request your FREE guide today! 1-800-847-4810 • iTourColumbiaMontour.com 58 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
Start your adventure by visiting
www.ClintonCountyInfo.com
recgov.org I advertorial RecGov.org member companies: To have your event or company featured on this page, contact publisher@recreationnews.com or Karl Teel at 410-638-6901.
Clean your gutters safely this spring with these tips or choose a better option to save yourself time and danger Even if you don’t want to hear it, you know the horrible task of cleaning out the gutters is high on the priority list this spring. Gutters usually get neglected, but keeping your gutters clean and clear is one of the most important things you can do to keep your home intact and looking good. To guarantee proper operation and flow of water away from the home, gutters have to be cleaned on a regular basis or fitted with a gutter protection system. If you plan on cleaning your gutters, the two most basic items required are a ladder and a good pair of work gloves. The only precaution before starting would be safe use of the ladder, as the potential for danger is a real possibility. Here are some tips for properly using a ladder: • Make sure your ladder is on a clean, dry, and flat surface • If your ladder doesn’t fold out, lean it against a hard surface. Don’t lean the ladder on your gutters, as they’ll
buckle under the weight of a climbing person • Always face your home when climbing and make sure your gutters are safely within your reach when cleaning The most basic way to clean your gutters is by using your two hands to clear and clean the gutter. Use caution if you decide to carry a garbage bag for debris disposal while on the ladder. This cleaning method requires your full attention to keep from falling. The safest way to clear gutter debris is to simply drop muck and leaves to the ground after each hand scoop. This will make a mess of the area below and may not be appropriate for every job, but it cuts down on the risk of falling from the ladder. Another gutter cleaning technique involves the use of a high pressure spray system. This might be the quickest way to clean the gutters, as you literally pressure clean the gutters clear of leaves, grit and debris. Hopefully, these tips will help when cleaning your
gutters, but the number one priority is to maintain your home safely. You can easily avoid becoming a statistic by making safety the first priority when working on a ladder.
Better option The best option might be installing gutter guards to avoid the inconvenience and health hazards of cleaning gutters. A professionally-installed gutter guard system completely protects your gutters from clogging while allowing water to flow properly away from your home. If you’re worried about the damage clogged gutters can cause or the dangers associated with cleaning your own gutters, let LeafFilter™ help protect your home. The LeafFilter™ gutter guard design features a surgical-grade, stainless steel micromesh gutter protection system that is completely sealed shut, which allows nothing but water to flow into your gutters — guaranteed.
Select family-owned Noahs’ for property management Noahs’ Preferred Properties Management Company was founded in 1980 to serve the community as a completely independent, professional, full-service, leasing and property management company for residential and investment/commercial property. Noahs’ is a real estate company that does not sell and is not affiliated or owned by a sales brokerage. The office is fully staffed and operates daily with licensed property managers, licensed leasing executives, repair managers, and administrative staff with an average of nine years with the firm. Noahs’ provides state-of-the-art rent collection, reporting, and electronic payments. Noahs’ team also effectively provides premises inspections, site visits, estimates, and reliable repairs, as well as emergency responses. Tenants recognize the marked company vehicles and enjoy a relationship with familiar and trusted personnel. The Noahs family continues a hands-on approach to oversee all operations and hold many professional designations. Noahs’ staff treats the property they manage as their own to protect and serve the clients and the income-producing capability of the property. The emphasis is on limiting vacancy, careful and thorough screening and selection of a tenant, comprehensive lease negotiation, lease supervision, and maintaining the physical integrity of the premises. The company website (noahsproperties. com/generic4.html) shows the many ways the company markets its listings. Even more important is the serious emphasis placed on the screening process. Executives don’t take anything on “face value” and dig beneath the surface by doing the following: • Applicant credit checks
• Two-prong verification of income and employment references; written and verbal • Verification of current and past landlords, rent payment history, pet history, complaint and security deposit history • Proof of identity, such as a driver’s license • Criminal background checks, including sex offender search • Confirmation of identification materials and local references • Comparison of application information with public records available • Screening for previous Failure to Pay Rent complaints on file The application requirements, procedures, and policies are clearly stated on the company website. From the company’s inception, the make-up of the firm was designed to support targeted leasing and management supervision. This led to a specialist in every area for one-stop shopping for the client. Because the company is a “Rental Realtor” and chooses not to offer sales inhouse, clients have the option of working with their preferred selling professional, or with one of Noahs’ open and ever increasing network of selling brokers to best meet the client’s specific needs. Whether you are relocating down the street or around the world, you will have professional, knowledgeable, and experienced representation for your leasing and property management needs. Noahs’ will work to minimize expense, risk, and time, in order to achieve the best return for your investment. Because the company is family-owned and operated, the individuals you work with today will be the same people who will be here to assist you tomorrow. “Rentals is their sole, full-time business!”
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adventures in taste I reed hellman
Key to successful heritage cooking is a good hot fire
Why do we eat the things that we eat? For me, physically “going back in time” has proven a continuing source of answers. South of Wilmington, Del., the village of Odessa quietly straddles the site of what used to be Cantwell’s Bridge, a Colonial-era Delaware River port. More than 35 historic 18th- and 19th- century properties remain, many owned by Winterthur Museum. The oldest structure, the Collins Sharp House, was built in 1700. It was an incredible experience to use a hearth that has seen 15 generations of cooks turning out food for families and friends. I plugged into that unbroken string, touching the generations that had gone before in a celebration of the ordinary, the mundane, the substance, and the coarse fabric of daily life. The key to all live fire cooking is having a sufficient quantity of good wood. Colonial homes required a huge amount of dry, seasoned fuel for cooking and simply to keep warm. Tidewater
settlers were blessed with extensive hardwood forests, enabling them to enjoy baked and roasted foods that were rarely served in less timber-rich regions. The rule of thumb for live-fire cooking is to get as much wood as you think you will need and then double that amount. I recently enjoyed an opportunity to cook at Historic London Town in Edgewater, Md. The Lord Mayor’s Tenement, a circa-1725, two-story dwelling, presents the next chronological step after the Collins Sharp House in our country’s culinary growth. Although the hearth and cooking equipment in the Lord Mayor’s Tenement was little improved from the Collins Sharp House, the menu was a large step forward. Commerce from around the known world brought an increasing spectrum of spices to the Chesapeake port towns. Though still cooking on coals raked out onto the hearth, cooks used a wider range of utensils, including reflector ovens that could neatly brown a pork roast or deli-
cate game hens. Historic London Town benefits from the services of the London Town Hearth Cooking Guild, a group of dedicated volunteers who staff two period-correct kitchens. Guild creator and organizer, Kimberly Walters, and guild member Gema Gonzalez served as my guides. “We were all helping each other to get it all done,” wrote Walters. “What I have found when hearth cooking is that it is a continual process. So, even if something is cooking and you are waiting for it, there is always something to do in between, from cleaning to getting the next dish started.” While cooking on vintage equipment can be very challenging, the research for menus appropriate to the era, location, demographic, and time of year can be even more difficult. But, for heritage cooks, these abstractions quickly become visceral when the logs on the andirons burn down to coals and the window to the past flies open.
wine doctor I edward finstein
Aperitif wines are great way to greet dinner guests anytime When having a dinner party and serving several wines, a different one with each course, there
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is generally an order in which wines should be served. Rule of thumb is light-bodied to full-bodied, white to red, dry to sweet, unoaked to oaky, and lower alcohol to higher alcohol. Crossing over these boundaries can put your palate off. It is with this in mind that I’ll address aperitif wines. So what exactly is an aperitif wine? It’s one usually served before a meal, often as guests arrive. It can accompany appetizers or not. The key here is to get the gastronomic juices flowing and give one an appetite. They’re meant to kick start the palate. And, in keeping with our proper order of tasting, an apertif should preferably be a dry, unoaked, light-bodied, white with lower alcohol. Those with lively, zesty acidity are the best because they cause salivation, making the taster want for more — either another sip or something to eat. They also allow you to move into bigger, oakier selections as the meal progresses. Numerous grape varieties fill the bill admirably. Sauvignon Blanc from almost anywhere in the world is a great example. Although some versions see oak, I’m referring to the unoaked style here. Full of gooseberry, herbs, minerality, and green tree fruit, the unoaked style’s crisp, clean character really excites the palate. Riesling, especially the drier versions, from most locales, is another winner. Petrol, white peach, pear, and lively acidity make for a great starter. Very popular today is Pinot Grigio (not the Alsatian model of Pinot Gris). With its fruity, floral freshness, it works well. Pinot Blanc from France is also a good choice as its fruity, crisp nature adds pizzazz. Italy offers numerous great starter wines. Malvasia and Trebbiano provide floral, fruity freshness that do admirable jobs and Verdicchio delivers floral, bitter almond crispness in a superb first sipper. Certain wine styles are also perfect. Muscadet from France’s Loire Valley is a gem, especially those bottled “sur lie” (left on the dead yeast or lees for awhile). Light, minerally, and crisp, the “sur lie” bottlings often have added carbonic sprits on the tip of the tongue making the wine seem even fresher. One of my all-time favorites is Vinho Verde from Portugal. Steely minerality,
60 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
green fruit, and bracing acidity excite the palate beyond belief, preparing it for anything to follow. Soave from Italy is perfecto, and even unoaked white Bordeaux is a grand choice. All of these selections are wonderful with oily, fried or salty dishes, as well. Their vibrant, crisp acidity is just the thing to cut through those foods’ coating action.
Sparkling varieties No list of aperitif wines would be complete without bubbly. The dancing effervescence on the palate, usually accompanied by good acidity, always gets the gastronomic juices flowing. For this purpose, it is best to stick with those that are dry. In bubbly terms, this means bottles labeled as “Extra Brut,” “Brut Zero,” “Brut Nature,” or “Brut.” Excellent choices are found from around the world. The best are created in the “Champagne Method” similar to the originals produced in Champagne, France. This means the second fermentation, to create the bubbles, took place in the same bottle. Your second choice could be those created in the “Charmat Method,” where the second fermentation took place in a large tank. The final thing to keep in mind when choosing bubbly as an aperitif wine is to choose a “non-vintage” (no year on the label). Most of these are aged the least amount of time so they tend to be fresher and livelier than a “vintage-dated” versions, making them better starter wines. Bubbly also works well with oily, fried, or salty dishes. Selecting any of the aforementioned vinos as aperitif wines will have your guests pontificating about your wine and food savvy. Enjoy! “The Wine Doctor” is Edward Finstein, awardwinning author, TV/radio host, renowned wine journalist, international wine judge, professor of wine and consultant. Website: winedoctor.ca. Twitter: twitter.com/drwineknow. Blogspot: thewinedoctor. blogspot.com. Doc’s Grapevine: winedoctor.ca/ docs-grapevine.html. Facebook: facebook.com/ EdwardDocFinstein?fref=ts.
maryland I reed hellman
Garrett County boasts most state parks in Maryland Maryland’s Garrett County, at the state’s westernmost edge, has more state parks than any other Maryland subdivision, making it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Garrett’s roster of state parks includes Big Run, Casselman River Bridge, Deep Creek Lake, Herrington Manor, New Germany, Swallow Falls, and Youghiogheny River. Big Run State Park, at the mouth of the Savage River Reservoir, serves as a basecamp for enjoying fishing, boating, hiking, or hunting opportunities in Savage River State Forest. The park’s proximity to the northern end of the Savage River Reservoir makes it a popular spot for fishing and non-motorized boating. Fishermen can find walleye, largemouth bass, crappie, yellow perch, bluegill, catfish, suckers, and trout. Big Run has 29 primitive campsites available year-round, but limited park amenities. Casselman River Bridge State Park is a 4-acre parcel east of Grantsville that encompasses a 19th-century stone arch bridge. When it was built in 1813 the bridge was the longest single span bridge of its kind in the country. Today, it stands as a tribute to Maryland’s history and the people who designed and built the National Road, America’s first public works project. Picnicking is available and the Casselman River is a popular spot for fly-fishing.
Deep Creek Lake State Park and the Deep Creek Lake Natural Resources Management Area center around Maryland’s largest manmade lake, constructed as a hydroelectric project in the 1920s by the Youghiogheny Hydroelectric Company. The park on the 3,900-acre lake has a mile of accessible shoreline and offers a range of waterrelated activities. Fishing is generally good on the lake with stocked trout, walleye, bass, and yellow perch being the most abundant. Herrington Manor State Park, located within Garrett State Forest, encompasses 365 acres and a 53-acre lake. The park offers swimming, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, hiking, tennis, volleyball, and 20 furnished log cabins. The cabins, available for rental year round, are equipped with electricity, bathrooms with shower, kitchens with refrigerator and dishes, and fireplaces with inserts. In the winter, Herrington Manor has cross country skiing on the park trails. New Germany State Park is one of Garrett’s least used parks. Its diverse forests have 10 miles of multi-use trails and a 13-acre lake suitable for fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating. The park has a snack bar/boat rental concession and a Nature Center dedicated to environmental continued on page 62
Reed Hellman
Garrett County waterways offer anglers a great experience. wispresort.com 301.387.4000
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Garrett County continued from page 61 education. Eleven full service rental cabins are available year-round, and New Germany in the winter is ideal for cross country skiing and snow shoeing. Located just north of Oakland, Swallow Falls State Park contains some of Maryland’s most breathtaking scenery.
The Youghiogheny River flows along the park’s borders, and Muddy Creek Falls creates a 53-foot cascade, the state’s highest. Considered one of Maryland’s top five parks for hiking, Swallow Falls also offers 65 wooded campsites and three camper cabins. The Youghiogheny Scenic and Wild River begins in southern Garrett County and flows northward through rugged mountain scenery to eventually merge with the Monongahela River. Most of the river corridor in Maryland lies within
private property and is not accessible. Public access points include Swallow Falls State Park for hiking; Sang Run Road, from Friendsville south along the Kendall Trail; and the Hoyes Run area for catch-and-release fly fishing.
For more information Garrett Co. Tourism: visitdeepcreek.com Maryland State Parks: dnr.state.md.us/publiclands
culture I gwen woolf
Gallery focuses on 100 ‘cool’ icons who changed America Exhibit features six galleries of evocative photos Who do you think is “cool”? Who would your grandfather pick? Washington’s National Portrait Gallery hopes its new exhibit, American Cool, will spark some conversations between the generations. Curators spent five years coming up with a list of 100 cool people whose images are showcased in this exhibit, then added a “B-list” of names of those who didn’t quite make the cut. For example, Fred Astaire was rated cool; Ginger Rogers, not so much. What? The decision on whom to include wasn’t subjective, although curators Joel Dinerstein and Frank Goodyear III admitted that any two curators might have made different choices. The really “cool” people have transformed American culture with their original artistic vision and signature. The exhibit’s six galleries are divided into decades, with individuals ranging from the “granddaddies of cool” — Walt Whitman and Frederick Douglass — to current rapper Jay-Z. Along the way, you’ll encounter musicians, actors, sports figures, artists, comedians, writers, and political activists. John Wayne and Gary Cooper? Yep, they’re cool. Some of the others are Paul Newman, Bob Dylan, Frank Sinatra, Willie Nelson, Miles Davis,
Dizzy Gillespie, Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, Marlon Brando, James Dean, Muhammad Ali, and Ernest Hemingway. Both Humphrey Bogart and Laurel Bacall are cool. Some of the cool ladies are Billie Holiday, Greta Garbo, Mae West, Bonnie Raitt, Madonna, and Barbara Stanwyck. Sorry, Clark Gable and George Clooney didn’t make the top 100 cool list — which could spark one of those conversations between the generations. The exhibition continues through Sept. 7.
Worldwide cinema FilmFest DC, the Washington International Film Festival, takes place April 17-27. Films from more than 30 countries will be shown in various locations. The 11-day festival, which has been running for nearly 30 years, will present more than 80 new feature films, documentaries, short films, and special events, including discussions by directors and stars.
Saving artistic treasures The recent movie, The Monuments Men, describes the work to rescue artistic masterpieces looted by the Nazis in World War II. Some of those real-life heroes worked for the National Gallery of Art in Washington. The Archives of American Art, which has space at the National Portrait Gallery, has an exhibition through April 20 called Monument Men: On the Frontline to Save Europe’s Art, 1942-1946, with original photographs and military records about the mission. The film makes you think about the importance of art and how it plays a key role in defining who we are as a culture. It also stars George Clooney, who may not be on American Cool’s A-list, as noted earlier in this column, but certainly is a visual treat.
Learn more National Portrait Gallery: 202-633-1000, npg.si.edu FilmFest DC: 202-207-3662, filmfestdc.org
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Indulge your inner child at the International Pillow Fight Day on April 5 at 3:00pm on the National Mall (pillowfightday.com) . . . Celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday with jugglers, jesters, and Renaissance music and dance at an open house on April 6, from noon to 4:00pm at the Folger Shakespeare Library (folger. edu) . . . Enjoy marching bands, singers, dancers, floats, and balloons during the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade on April 12, from 10:00am to noon along Constitution Avenue (nationalcherryblossomfestival.org). — gwen woolf
62 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com
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Mix business and Framily. Now you can have something else in common with your coworkers. Share the savings without the hassle of sharing a bill. As extra encouragement, receive a $100 service credit if you switch to Sprint. The Sprint Framily Plan – plans for as low as $25/mo. SM
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64 recreation news I april 2014 I recreationnews.com