May 2014 recreation news by Recreation News

Recreation The Travel & leisure BulleTin for Maryland Workers May 2014

volume 32/number 5

www.recreationnews.com

News

Listening to the universe from a West Virginia mountain

Win!

A Getaway Package: Fountainebleau Clarion Resort in Ocean City; Tickets to Cass Scenic RR; and a Baywood Greens Foursome

plus

Summer in West Virginia • Destination Maryland • Largest WWII event in the U.S. • Explore south central Virginia • Take a Tioga Challenge • War of 1812 weekends in Maryland • A Shenandoah Valley spring

ONLINE EMPLOYEE OFFER

99 /mo.

For 2 years (plus taxes, fees, equip charges & RSN fee)

EMPLOYEE DISCOUNT

00 /mo.

Verizon Connections discount

FiOS TV PRIME HD/PREFERRED HD, INTERNET 15/5 Mbps & PHONE

99/mo. for two years plus taxes, fees, equip charges and RSN fee.

WITH NO ANNUAL CONTRACT

2-YEAR PRICE GUARANTEE FiOS INTERNET 15/5 Mbps.

Download, upload, game, and stream on all your devices.

FiOS TV PRIME HD.

Enjoy unbeatable picture quality with 215+ channels, 60+ in HD.

HOME PHONE.

Talk all you want with unlimited nationwide calling.

Verizon Connections

SPECIAL BONUS: Get a $300 Visa® prepaid card* if you sign a 2-year agreement.

Special discounts for Government employees order online today: verizon.com/connections

Verizon Connections Online Employee Offer: Discounts on qualifying bundles available to active qualifying employees of participating organizations. Standard bundle agreements, eligibility restrictions and additional terms apply. Program and amounts are subject to change and may be modified or discontinued at any time. Limit of one Verizon Connections discount per account. *$300 via Verizon Visa Prepaid Card issued by MetaBank,™ member FDIC, pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. Use anywhere Visa debit cards are accepted. Must have service for 60 days with no past-due balance. Card mailed within 90 days of install date. Other card terms and conditions apply. No Annual Contract Offer: Limited-time offer for new FiOS TV and Internet res. custs. subscribing to a FiOS TV Prime HD/Preferred HD, FiOS 15/5 Mbps Internet and Verizon Freedom® Essentials or FiOS® Digital Voice (FDV) bundle online. Promo rate via $45 bill credit for 24 mos.; beg. mo. 25 stand. monthly rates apply. 2-yr. Contract Offer: Limited-time offer for new FiOS TV and Internet res. custs. subscribing to a FiOS TV Prime HD/Preferred HD, FiOS 15/5 Mbps Internet and Verizon Freedom® Essentials or FiOS® Digital Voice (FDV) bundle online. Promo rate via $45 bill credit for 24 mos.; beg. mo. 25 stand. rates apply. 2-yr. agr. req’d. Beginning mo. 2, up to $230 ETF applies. General: Up to $3.48 Regional Sports Network Fee, $4.99 wireless router rental fee, & other fees, taxes, equip. charges & terms may apply. Activation fee waived via bill credit. Subj. to credit approval & may require a deposit. FiOS avail. in select areas. Actual speeds may vary. Backup battery available for FiOS voice services & E911 (but not data or video). ©2014 Verizon. 0000_0414

2 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com



? RE DI T

INSTANT 

HUGE SELECTION OF

NO C ? T I D E CR D E E N ? M E L B O R P NO

CREDIT APPROVAL MILITARY – STATe AND GOVeRNMeNT

ALWAYS APPROVED

FOR CREDIT

FURNITURE, ELECTRONICS, APPLIANCES, TIRES, RIMS, JEWELRY AND MORE!

FURNITURE

USA Discounters has everything you need to furnish your bedroom, dining room and living room!

COMPUTERS

HD TVS

TABLETS

JEWELRY

STARTING AT

TWICE MONTHLY*

32'' to 70''

INSTANT CREDIT APPROVAL! Military – state and governMent eMployees always approved for credit! •suPerior customer service •QuAlitY merchANDise •immeDiAte DeliverY

WHY RENT?

WHEN YOU CAN OWN!

• PAYroll AND AllotmeNt exPerts • Power of AttorNeY AccePteD

GET PRE-APPROVED ONLINE NOW AT USADISCOUNTERS.NET Washington D.C. 1505 Maryland Ave. NE 202-399-1870

Lanham, MD 9361 Annapolis Rd. 301-429-3800

Baltimore, MD Security Square Mall 410-298-9301

Woodbridge, VA 14567 Jefferson Davis Hwy. 703-490-0440

*Payments listed are examples only and are based on zero down payment at 19.99% APR for 24 months with approved credit, taxes and any delivery and installation charges not included. To calculate the total cost of financing simply multiply the payment amount by 48. Other financing rates and terms are available with approved credit and differ depending on the state where purchased. Limited time offer; no substitutions; limited quantities. See store for details.

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 3

OUR NAME SAYS IT ALL.

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES INSURANCE COMPANY, Hempstead, NY office, circa 1955.

When GEICO was founded 76 years ago, our mission was to help government employees save money on insurance. Today, GEICO remains dedicated to the federal workforce.

In fact, tell us you are a federal employee and you could get a special discount. GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES INSURANCE COMPANY

1-800-368-2734 Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states or all GEICO companies. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. ÂŠ 2013 GEICO

4 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

publisher’s note I karl teel

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Taking the train

5 ~ Publisher’s note

Now we are converts and are planning our next trip. As it was, we were late getting out the door. (Isn’t that always the case on vacation?) As Americans, we were in “airplane” mode and panicked we wouldn’t have enough time to park the car, go to the terminal, pick up our tickets, check in, and make it through security in the 15 minutes before our departure time. To our pleasant surprise, we knocked out all of that in literally three minutes. Once we boarded the train, another three minutes had us on our way. The train may be slower than a plane, but, wow, you really save time on the front and back end of the trip. Unlike planes, the seats are wider, more comfortable, and the passenger compartment far less crowded. Like a plane, no smoking is allowed, but smokers can enjoy a few breaks on the way. There is also a bar car where drinks are served and you can even grab a burger, sandwich, or snacks. In our opinion, the things that make a train journey most memorable are seeing America in a way you can’t from a car or a plane and the peacefulness not often found in other travel modes. You travel through countryside and see rivers, lakes, and wildlife, but you also see the small towns that make up so much of our nation. Sometimes you travel smack down the middle of Main Street, like a scene out of an old movie. Between the lounges, the quiet click clack rumble in the background and the interior space complements the bucolic scenery. I never tire of travel and am always delighted by new experiences to share, especially those that

Getting around was different in Europe. It was a part of their fabric. Everybody rode the train to get from one town to another. For a visitor, trains were fast, efficient, inexpensive, and seemed to connect everything without the hassle of renting a car and navigating unfamiliar terrain. That sealed our decision to take the train in Europe as we rocketed from Rome to Florence through the Tuscan countryside. The other reason for taking the train was the whole “when in Rome . . .” decision to live and do as the locals did. Post-WWII, Europe invested heavily in the rail system, while here in America, we were moving full speed ahead with our love affair with the automobile and our highway system. One result was America’s landscape of suburbia, malls, and use of the car for work, school, shopping, and, of course, vacations. Michelle and I recently had a whimsical getaway idea. We wanted to get away from the winter that wouldn’t end and head south. We always wanted to exTHE DESIRE FOR SUCCESS, plore Charleston, S.C., A COMMITMENT TO SAFETY… and we had some corporate credit on Amtrak to use. Why not combine all three and make it a nice, long four-day weekend and train to Charleston? As it turned Washington, D.C. and Baltimore, MD out, Charleston was everything we expected, At Greyhound, you will receive: but the train trip far • Free training (and money while you learn!) exceeded expectations. • Free travel passes We thought it would be • Competitive pay somewhat familiar from • Comprehensive benefits including 401(k) our Europe trips, and in a way it was. But within APPLY ONLINE TODAY the fabric of American culture, it was different. Visit the Driving Careers page at:

6 ~ Editor’s note 8 ~ Travel Line 10 ~ Green Bank scans the sky 12 ~ Explore Charleston

Raised Ink • Flat Foil Full Color Flat Ink Fast Turnaround 1000s Logos in Stock Providing Quality Business Cards Since 1976.

38 ~ West Virginia outdoors 41 ~ Get Tucker’d 44 ~ Cass Scenic Railroad

18 ~ Luray above ground

46 ~ Morgantown runs

22 ~ A different Virginia Beach

47 ~ Martinsburg Heritage Day

24 ~ Revolutionary Williamsburg

52 ~ Tioga challenges runners

26 ~ South central Virginia

54 ~ WWII Weekend in Reading

27 ~ Grand Prix Wilmington

56 ~ Hike Rickett’s Glen

28 ~ Ocean City deals

57 ~ Off-road for fun

29 ~ Bike Frederick County

58 ~ Music Festival & Culture

30 ~ Calvert County’s War of 1812

60 ~ Food

32 ~ St. Mary’s marks War of 1812

59 ~ Style 61 ~ Wine doctor 63 ~ Classified

help me understand our people. I hope our features help you as well. Enjoy!

On our cover The Green Bank radio telescope searches the heavens from its perch in Pocahontas County, W.Va. (Geremia at Wikimedia Commons)

you deserve your

& r r ights

esults

With over 35 years of experience, Farber Legal, LLC is known for its quick results in enforcing the rights of federal employees regarding:

• Internal grievances • Sexual harassment • Internal EEO claims • Whistle-blower statutes • Merit systems Protection Board hearings • Office of Personnel Management hearings • Office of the Special Counsel appeals of civil service irregularities • Security clearances – obtaining and revocation appeals • Employment discrimination involving age, race, disability, sex, and national origin • Performance improvement plans and notices of intent to remove from Federal Service

WWW.GREYHOUND.COM

EO EOE

36 ~ Chestertown’s tea party

16 ~ Family Travel

MOTORCOACH OPERATOR

AAA COLOR CARD CO. (814) 793-2342 aaacolorcard.com

35 ~ Chesapeake Bay lighthouse tour

14 ~ Cruise corner

DRIVE GREYHOUND!

BUSINESS CARDS

34 ~ Maryland’s House & Garden event

Across from Montgomery Mall in the ISN BuIldINg 10411 Motor City Dr. Suite 750 Bethesda, MD 20817

301.529.5437 or

240.395.1377

www.FarberLegal.com 888.529.7671 Fax

Evening & weekend appointments available

Founder, Mindy G. Farber, has an incredibly high success rate in settling federal cases. She is the author of a bestselling book on employment law, and is on the board of the National Center for Labor & Employment law. Farber Legal, LLC represents federal employees at all GS levels.

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 5

editor’s note I marvin bond

Do we want to relax or be active on a getaway? Options for either are abundant in the bountiful Mid-Atlantic region

Perhaps not surprisingly, research showed the folks in Maryland’s Garrett County that visitors think of the state’s westernmost mountain county as a place to relax and unwind just as much as a place for hiking, skiing, and boating. I suspect the same results have landed on the desks of tourism officials in many areas of the Mid-Atlantic.

Perhaps it’s because we live in such a plugged-in world, with its fast pace and a 24-hour news cycle that bombards us with events a world away over which we have no control. Or, perhaps it’s because those of us in the Baby Boomer generation are feeling the effects of our age a bit more. Whatever the reason, the Mid-

Calvert County Nature Parks Explore the Wonders of the Natural World www.calvertparks.org

410.535.5327

Hiking Trails Picnicking

Atlantic offers a cornucopia of opportunities for unwinding at accommodations with mountain views, lakeside quiet, or ocean access. There are ample opportunities to put your feet up or to engage a sense of wonder. Take a peek at the massive Green Bank Telescope in Pocahontas County, W.Va., or enjoy an excursion train ride in the Mountain State. Check out the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon in Tioga County, or watch a movie on the beach at Ocean City, Md. If you have an interest in history, watch reenactments of a real tea party in Chestertown, Md., War of 1812 events in Southern Maryland, Civil War history in Martinsburg, W.Va., and Spotsylvania and New Market, Va., or WWII history in Reading, Pa. But there are plenty of opportunities to be active as well in those areas and others. Take a bike tour of Frederick, Md., or explore the far reaches of False Cape State Park in Virginia Beach. Take on a marathon or 100-mile race in Tioga County, Pa., run with the bulls in Reading, or take on one of Pennsylvania’s best hikes in Ricketts Glen State Park. Outside the region, we explore Charleston, S.C. In the picture, I’m leaning against a model of the Confederate submarine Hunley outside the Charleston Museum. It’s all here in the May issue of Recreation News, so find your plea-

sure and enjoy the trip!

Travelers’ toolbox u The Secret Sweater is a woman’s packable layering piece. It’s an extra layer for under jackets or cardigans or over blouses or dresses for travel. The sweater is cut at the waist, has three-quarter sleeves, and comes in five sizes. (secretsweater.com) u Free Country offers a variety of women’s jackets, including a Misty Packable Windbreaker that isn’t your typical nylon windbreaker. It comes with a hood and a zippered pocket on the back so the whole thing folds up into a pouch for travel. (freecountry.com) u The TravelEase carry-on bag is a full-sized bag that actually counts as a personal item because it fits under the seat and promoters tout that it should mean you never have to check a bag again. It’s also helpful if you simply can’t reach the overhead compartments. Instructions show you how to fit the bag under the seat of every airline that charges for checked bags and even give suggested responses if airline personnel question you. (buycarryonbag.com/ travelease)

Coming next month Destination West Virginia Civil War section Southern Maryland trails Outdoors in Columbia-Montour

Spotsylvania Co. Tourism

Education Programs Interpretive Exhibits

Kings Landing Park Canoe & Kayak Access Group Camping & Facilities

Flag Ponds Nature Park Chesapeake Bay Beach and Fossil Hunting

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary Trails Through a Bald Cypress Swamp

6 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

Troops prepare for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Spotsylvania Courthouse on May 1-4.

GET

MORE PLANS STARTING AS LOW AS

MONTHLY ACCESS With Verizon Edge

MORE NETWORK STRENGTH We’ve doubled our 4G LTE bandwidth in cities coast to coast.

MORE MESSAGING

Unlimited International Messaging included.

Enjoy 3D-style pics and louder speakers.

NEW! HTC One® (M8)

MORE CLOUD STORAGE 25 GB of cloud storage included.

AS A FEDERAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE, YOU’LL RECEIVE: 15% off Eligible Monthly Plan Access Charges* 25% off Eligible Accessories, plus savings on the latest 4G LTE technology. Visit recgov.org or your local Verizon Wireless Retail store. *Discount not applicable on line access charges on MORE Everything Plans. Discount not applicable for state or local government employees. Contact your government sales representative to learn about employee discounts that apply to state and local government employees. Our Surcharges (incl. Fed. Univ. Svc of 16.6% of interstate & int’l telecom charges (varies quarterly), 16¢ Regulatory & 88¢ Administrative/line/mo., & others by area) are in addition to monthly access & taxes (details: 1-888-684-1888); gov’t taxes & our surcharges could add 6%-42% to your bill. IMPORTANT CONSUMER INFORMATION: Subject to Customer and Edge Agmts, & credit approval. Edge Up available after 30 days and 50% of original Edge device paid; see vzw.com. . Up to $350 early termination fee/line & $15/250MB after allowance. Offers & coverage, varying by svc, not available everywhere; see vzw.com. HTC and HTC One are trademarks of HTC Corporation. See vzw.com for details. © 2014 Verizon Wireless. H4260

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 7

travel line I carol timblin

Films, festivals, history, and more await visitors to Wilmington, N.C. Mid-Atlantic and Florida feature tours, Lufthansa debuts premium economy class for flyers Wilmington, N.C., is known for its historic waterfront, beautiful beaches, great inns, fabulous restaurants — and movies. Since Dino De Laurentiis established a movie studio there in 1983

(today EUE/Screen Gems Studios), more than 400 productions have been filmed in Wilmington, including Matlock, Dawson’s Creek, and One Tree Hill. Last year, five movies were made in WilmCarol Timblin

Mike Hartle gives a group the inside scoop on film locations in Wilmington, N.C. Carol Timblin

ington, including The Conjuring, Safe Haven, Iron Man 3, We’re the Millers, and Tammy, plus television shows such as Christmas in Conway, Under the Dome, Revolution, Sleepy Hollow, and Eastbound and Down. The studios are not open to visitors, but the Hollywood Location Walk of Old Wilmington guides visitors to film locations around the city. Film trucks are fairly common in Wilmington these days, but spotting a star usually hinges on luck, though the movie folks do have their favorite hangouts. However, you’re likely to see some stars at the annual Cucalorus Film Festival in November. When you’re not stargazing, you might enjoy some of Wilmington’s renowned festivals. The North Carolina Azalea Festival ushered in spring for the 67th time in April. Three brand new festivals kick off this month — the Wrightsville Beach Waterman Ocean Festival, the Wilmington Wine and Food Festival at the Bellamy Mansion, and the Arts Council of Wilmington’s Designer Showhouse at Cape Fear Country Club. The Wilmington Greek Festival returns May 16-18; the Carolina Beach Street Arts Festival happens on May 17, and the Orange Street Arts Festival is May 24-25. The excitement continues through the summer with the Cape Fear Shakespeare on the Green Festival, weekends in June, and July 4th fireworks celebrations at the Carolina Beach Boardwalk and the Battleship Blast. Three area beaches — Wrightsville, Carolina, and Kure — are nearby, so there’s plenty of fun in the sun and outdoor adventures to experience. Civil War buffs will enjoy Fort Fisher State Historic Site, a Confederate fort which protected Wilmington during the Civil War from 1861 until it was captured by Union forces in 1865. (gowilmingtonandbeaches.com)

Around the Mid-Atlantic Mother’s Day Weekend promises to be a special time in Alexandria, Va. The May 10 DelRay House & Garden Tour, a fundraiser for the Alexandria Scholarship Fund and other projects, will feature homes ranging from a 1940s row house to a green renovation (delraycitizens.org). Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, and Friendship Firehouse Museum will admit mothers free on Mother’s Day, May 11. Mothers will also receive a complimentary family photo at the firehouse museum. (visitalexandriava. com) Two centuries ago the British made raids on residents of Calvert County, Md., burned the courthouse, and engaged in the largest naval battle in the history of Maryland at St. Leonard Creek in the War of 1812. The “Star-Spangled Celebration: Tall Ship Invasion” is planned for June 18-22 at Calvert Marine Museum. It will feature public sails on tall ships Wednesday through Saturday, with free tours of the ships on June 21. The free 1812 Fair and Reenactment will take place at the Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum, June 21-22, with The Henrietta III paddleboat was used in the television show One Tree Hill.

8 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

continued on page 15

MARYLAND C H E S A P E A K E B E A C H R E S O RT & S PA

MARYLAND

'LVFRYHU

MARYLAND

Starting May 21, 2014

Beach Music

VACATION RENTALS

Indoor Private Pools, Hot Tubs, Pet Friendly Less then 3 hours from Baltimore & DC

Wednesday Nights s 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9:45pm

Tribute Bands

Thursday Nights s 7â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9:45pm

Rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; & Reelinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

Friday Nights s 6:45â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10:45pm

Live Music Saturday Nights s 6:30â&#x20AC;&#x201C;10:45pm Sunday Nights s 4â&#x20AC;&#x201C;8pm Holiday Mondays s 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;7pm ALL BANDS SUBJECT TO CHANGE . FOR COMPLETE MUSIC SCHEDULE , CALL OR VISIT

*)9LZVY[:WH JVT )

NEW JERSEY

ONLY 1 HOUR FROM DC/BALT BELTWAYS!

HK]LU[\YL ILH\[` ILOPUK L]LY` ILUK

(8FDA?C; (DvCH L

1HDU +LVWRULF +DUSHUV )HUU\ :9

4HY`SHUK

2H`HR 9LU[HSZ ZHSLZ UV^ H]HPSHISL H[ (JL /HYK^HYL PU +LU[VU -VY TVYL PUMV VU 2H`HRPUN PU *HYVSPUL JHSS

^^^ [V\YJHYVSPUL JVT

VIRGINIA

ZZZ 'HHS&UHHN:LQH)HVW FRP ZZZ 'HHS&UHHN9DFDWLRQV FRP

www.RiverandTrail.com

Ă?888-491-6615 Ă?

VIRGINIA

s #ANOE s +AYAK s 4UBE

.EAR &RONT 2OYAL 6! on the legendary Shenandoah River

800-338-1963 WWW DOWNRIVER COM

Just an hour off the Beltway.

WEST VIRGINIA

LTD Vacation Cabins IN WEST VIRGINIA

WEST VIRGINIA

Bring the Whole Family!

Come Relax!

The Eastern Gateway to West Virginia is a history and outdoor lovers paradise! Now that Spring has finally arrived itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to get outside and discover Historic Shepherdstown in all itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s splendor! DISCOVER the historyâ&#x20AC;Ś of the oldest town in West Virginia! DISCOVER the foodâ&#x20AC;Ś from quaint coffee shops to trendy eateries! DISCOVER the adventureâ&#x20AC;Ś hiking, biking and casino just miles away! Clarion Hotel & Conference Center 233 Lowe Drive Shepherdstown, WV

Reservations 304.876.7000

www.ClarionShepherdstown.com

Enjoy a relaxing cabin stay Government with adventure Employee filled activities Discounts Available

888.712.2246 wvcabins.com :

972

8 5 ,60 &2

to Pet Friendly & Hot Tub

www.LTDvacation.com

1-855-R-CABINS

info@ltdvacation.com

ÂŽ

We have been planning and hosting reunions and gatherings for 20 years. With our full array of accommodations and services, we can help make sure everyone has time to reminisce and enjoy their reunion. t t t t

)PMFT PG (SFBU (PMG 4MFFQZ $SFFL 4QB #FESPPN $PUUBHFT $BUFSJOH "WBJMBCMF

REQUEST OUR FREE REUNION CHECKLIST

888-673-2221 t TheWoods.com Â&#x153;Ă&#x2022;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x152;>Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Ă&#x160; >Â&#x17D;iĂ&#x160;,Â&#x153;>`Ă&#x160;UĂ&#x160; i`}iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x203A;Â&#x2C6;Â?Â?i]Ă&#x160;7iĂ&#x192;Ă&#x152;Ă&#x160;6Â&#x2C6;Ă&#x20AC;}Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;>

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 9

west virginia I su clauson-wicker

Explore outer space or bike among the telescopes at Green Bank In Pocahontas County, W.Va., it doesn’t take long to derail from the frenetic pace of modern society and have a great time on your own terms. The National Radio Quiet Zone around Green Bank Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) immobilizes cell phones, leaving the tweets to the birds and friending to actual live people who smile and wave, even if you’re just passing in your car.

Star Time Time takes on a different dimension at Green Bank NRAO, about four hours southwest of Washington, D.C. A day, a week, a month, 100 years — time in these dimensions seems inconsequential to Green Bank astronomers examining the antics of stars that exploded more than 1,000 years ago. The light from these starbursts doesn’t reach the earth, but their radio waves are detected by Green Bank’s largest telescope, the GBT (Green Bank Telescope or simply “Great Big Telescope”). The structure, looking a bit like a giant metal chrysanthemum, is roughly the size of a football field and weighs 17 million pounds. The telescope cocks sideways toward the heavens, picking up weak whispers from distant galaxies. The fastestspinning pulsar ever observed was discovered here. To make the work of the GBT more accessible to the rest of us, the NRAO built a public Science Center. Here visitors of all ages can position min-

“

The telescope cocks sideways toward the heavens, picking up weak whispers from distant galaxies.”

iature radio telescopes, play within a hall of mirrors, and watch real-time data coming in from the GBT. For a small fee, visitors can board a bus to get up close to the GBT and a half dozen other mega-sized radio telescopes on the sprawling campus. These tours are offered daily on the hour, 8am–6pm, throughout the summer and three times daily, Thursdays through Mondays, the rest of the year. To further orient visitors to the star-filled sky, NRAO hosts monthly star-gazing parties, bimonthly hightech tours of off-limits area, Friday afternoon planetarium shows, and other events. Visitors can even dine in the glass-encased Starlight Café overlooking the telescope field.

Cycling, hiking, and more under the GBT “Otherworldly” is how cyclists describe the scenery at West Virginia’s Space Race Rumpus cycling festival, held annually June 13-16. Biking the meadows and rocky ridges of Pocahontas County is awe-inspiring, yes, but cycling a surreal landscape of giant, flower-shaped telescopes ratchets the experience up a notch.

Taller than the Giza Pyramid, Green Bank Telescope serves as a landmark for all Rumpus rides, and a focus for the scientific side of this weekend of races, rides, skillbuilding, music, local brews, and starry information. Rides range from kiddie races through the telescopes and Greenbrier rail-trail jaunts to motocross and energetic mountain bike races and road rides. The hearthammering climb to the 330-mile Allegheny Trail atop the misnamed Little Mountain is a favorite with mountain bikers. “We have 17 miles of great mountain biking trails, just at the NRAO,” says Sherry McCarty, a supervisor of the Science Center who is coordinating the Rumpus. “We’ve been working on them and improving them over the past year.” Kids’ activities, behind-the-scenes telescope tours, blues music, bonfires, and catered dinners round out the weekend. Camping under the telescopes is gratis. (gb.nrao.edu/ rumpus) NRAO’s biking and hiking trails are always open to adventure enthusiasts and birders, though electrical devices such as digital cameras and

Su Clauson-Wicker

bike computers are forbidden in the radio quiet zone. Bicycles can be rented nearby at Route 66 Outpost in Cass and Appalachian Sport in Marlinton. On July 19, the Green Bank Herb Fair, also on the NRAO campus, offers seminars and hands-on workshops on such topics as herbal cholesterol controls, designing a personal herbal remedy garden, alternatives to pesticides, and creating butterfly-friendly landscaping. A naturopathic doctor and a certified herbalist share their knowledge of herbal remedies.

Arts and crafts galleries

Artists and skilled craftsman drawn to serene Pocahontas County create art in wood, canvas, glass, silver, fabric, iron, and other materials. The Green Bank Cooperative Arts Gallery is a cozy, inviting space for visitors to browse and learn more about their purchases from the gallery’s friendly artisan-clerks. The gallery is filled with cutting boards and calligraphy, stained glass, hand-dyed silk, natural Appalachian brooms, lace, folk dolls, fine art, ceramics, quilts, scented candles, and jewelry. On special weekends, visitors can watch artists working with metal in a portable forge or creating a doll. Occasional art classes are offered. It’s the perfect place to find a special gift or a unique piece to take home. Lodging possibilities abound in Marlinton, on the Greenbrier River. Cass Scenic Railroad State Park rents a small village of former logging company homes to overnight guests, while cabins are available in Green Bank. Mountain Quest Lodge in Frost and Chestnut Ridge Country Inn in nearby Dunmore offer bed and breakfast accommodations in areas so quiet that an hour may pass before you hear the sound of a car passing by. On occasional Saturdays, the old two-room Dunmore schoolhouse fills up with folks out for an evening of traditional music and dancing. And there’s always star gazing in Pocahontas County’s dark, clear skies.

If you go:

An other-worldly landscape of huge radio telescopes greets visitors at the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia’s Pocahontas County.

10 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

Pocahontas Co. Tourism: 800-336-7009, pocahontascountywv.com Green Bank Observatory: 304-456-2150, gb.nrao.edu.

Call for a

FREE

40 Page Visitors Guide

Durbin Rocket

MOUNTAINS

ADVENTURE

Warwickâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fort

The Shops at Leatherbark Ford

Scan me with your phone

800.336.7009 For more info visit: NaturesMtnPlayground.com/mtnevents

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 11

south carolina I jane and marvin bond

Low country getaway includes eco-tour, fine food, and history Carrie Huston smiled over the desk at the Ansonborough Inn where she is general manager and assessed the typical visitor to Charleston, S.C., these days. “[Charleston is] not just for history buffs any more. The food scene and other activities are definitely drawing a younger crowd.” Huston is in a good position to know because the Ansonborough, a remodeled factory building

with lots of nooks and crannies, is just up East Bay Street from many of the city’s well-known restaurants. During our stay in a spacious room, we took advantage of the evening wine and cheese event and carried our continental breakfast to the comfortable rooftop seating area. The interior red brick walls are covered with

original art, and nearly all of it is for sale. Walking down East Bay Street, restaurants like Magnolia’s, the Pearl Oyster Bar, Slightly North of Broad, and High Cotton promised great dining experiences. We chose High Cotton on this trip and enjoyed a great meal and fabulous service. Insider tip: Charleston has a very active dining scene virtually every night, so make a restaurant choice and a reservation early.

Marvin Bond

Taking in the history

The shoreline of South Carolina’s uninhabited Caper’s Island, with its undisturbed driftwood, resembles a gallery of artful sculptures.

doer, not a dreamer!

Despite the dining, the nightlife, and the arts, you can’t avoid the history in Charleston because the city wears its history like a favorite suit. We love touring the historic and colorful homes. Along the sea wall, the Edmonston-Alston House dates to 1825 and has a lot of history to share. A contemporary painting shows the home in 1831. Charles Alston, the home’s second owner, attended the secession convention. An original lithograph of the ordnance of secession appears in the home, even though Alston did not sign the document. That was fortunate for Alston, as it helped him recover the home after the Civil War. The second floor piazza is where Confederate Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter that started the war’s hostilities. Gen. Robert E. Lee was brought to the home when the Mills House, the hotel where he was staying, caught fire during Charleston’s Great Fire of 1861. Charleston’s Museum Mile presents more museums, historic homes, and attractions than you can take in on one trip, but the annual September Museum Mile Weekend is a good time to try because of the combination ticket package and special activities. The Charleston Museum, across from the main visitor center, presents Charleston’s history, silver, furniture, and textiles, along with a great natural history exhibit that includes the skeleton of Marvin Bond

I’m a

I love to live, play, and do. I turn to Recreation News for events, activities, weekend and vacation planning all in one. I average 11+ trips each year and enjoy the better things in life!

To reach this highly targeted, travel-oriented audience, contact us at

Recreation News

recreationnews.com

410.944.4852

The second floor piazza at the Edmonston-Alston House is where Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard watched the bombardment of Fort Sumter.

12 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

a right whale captured in 1880 that is suspended from the ceiling. Out front is a large model of the Confederate submarine Hunley.

Marvin Bond

Charleston’s closest island resort Our time in Charleston over, we headed toward Wild Dunes Resort on the Isle of Palms, stopping along the way at Red’s Ice House on Shem’s Creek. Red’s is a waterfront bar and casual restaurant that serves up a tasty grouper sandwich along with its own brand of local history. Wild Dunes is the closest island resort to Charleston, but its 1,600 acres of condos, home rentals, golf courses, and beach really are a different experience. There’s also a 93-room Boardwalk Inn with a fine dining restaurant. Our two-story condo, right on the ocean, was well-equipped and in a small group surrounding a pool. Island Outfitters arranges a variety of activities including the eco-tour we chose to Caper’s Island, an uninhabited barrier island. On the trip to the island, two naturalists entertained and educated the kids on board by pulling up a crab trap and letting them hold the creatures while they explained how to tell male from female crabs. Once on the island, we were free to tag along with a naturalist or wander by ourselves. We did a bit of both, learning about some of the island’s rice-producing history and taking pictures of the ghostly shapes made by the tree trunks and large pieces of driftwood that floated ashore, piling on top of one another. It was an almost reverent place seen only by transients like us. Jerry and Ann Maloney from Maine were also impressed. “We’ve done a lot of things, but never anything like that. We really enjoyed it,” Jerry said as they joined us on the boat for the return trip. Sullivan’s Island lies between Isle of Palms and Charleston and has its own following as a residential beach town. One popular local restaurant is Poe’s Tavern, a house with seating inside and outside. It serves some of the best burgers you’ll find in a casual and jovial atmosphere. The name Poe’s Tavern recognizes Edgar Alan Poe’s 13-month posting at Ft. Moultrie on the island in 1827-28. A perfect end to a Charleston stay: good food and a bit of history on the side.

Learn more Charleston Tourism: explorecharleston.com Marvin Bond

Our two-story condo at Wild Dunes Resort was right on the beach.

d GETTING THE MOST IN A SHORT VISIT

The perfect place to stop once you arrive in Charleston is the visitor center in the heart of town at 375 Meeting St. It is located in a beautiful historic building that is chock full of shopping, lodging, dining, and entertainment information, as well as exhibits and a gift shop. Best of all are tickets and passes available to many of the city’s tours and attractions. Start out by taking a narrated tour via Gray Line Tours (graylineofcharleston.com) to get a feel for this charming and historic city. We also loved our mule-drawn Palmetto Carriage Works ride, which gave us slower, more intimate way to become acquainted with specific aspects of the city. We enjoyed a spooky Ghosts and Graveyards walking tour, too, but there are also culinary tours as well as a Haunted Pub Crawl. Speaking of the culinary side of Charleston, we just want to tell you the food there is amazing. Charleston has many waterfront attractions, too. To learn more about what’s happening in Charleston this spring, visit springtocharleston.com US Military & Federal Government Employees — Michelle and Karl Teel US Military & Federal Government Employees

FREE DATA FREE DATA FREE DATA FOR LIFE US Military & Federal Government Employees

FOR LIFE FOR LIFE ON ALL TABLETS ON ALL TABLETS ON ALL TABLETS YES, FREE. YES, FOR LIFE. YES, FREE. YES, FOR LIFE. YES, FREE. YES, FOR LIFE.

CHECK OUT OUR CHECK OUT OUR LATEST TABLETS CHECK OUT OUR LATEST TABLETS STARTING $0 DOWN LATEST AT TABLETS STARTING AT $0 DOWN STARTING AT $0 DOWN +24 monthly payments. If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on device becomes due. O.A.C. +24 monthly payments. If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on device becomes due. O.A.C. +24 monthly payments. If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on device becomes due. O.A.C.

With T-Mobile®, it’s easy to get a great deal on tablets. Our most popular tablets start at zero down, and come with MB of®,free 4G LTE data each month as long asmost you own yourtablets tablet and it on down, our network. What’s With 200 T-Mobile it’s easy to get a great deal onfor tablets. Our popular startuse at zero and come ™ discount on every line of your account. So what more, when sign4G upLTE today you’ll receive 15% with 200 MByou of® free data each monthafor as Advantage long as you own your tablet and use it on our network. What’s Withyou T-Mobile it’s to get you’ll a great deal on tablets. Our most™ discount popular tablets start down, and come are waiting on every lineatofzero your account. So what more, when you, for? signeasy up today receive a 15% Advantage withyou 200waiting MB of free are for? 4G LTE data each month for as long as you™own your tablet and use it on our network. What’s more, when you sign up today you’ll receive a 15% Advantage discount on every line of your account. So what ™ are you waiting for?

Available only through Advantage Direct Available only through Advantage Direct™ Call Advantage Direct™ at 1-866-464-8662 Available onlycode through Advantage Direct™ ™ at 1-866-464-8662 and use promo 15327TMOFAV Call Advantage Direct

Have I.D. ready when you call. Question? Contact Alison.King@T-Mobile.com and use promo code ™ at 1-866-464-8662 Call Advantage Direct15327TMOFAV and use promo code 15327TMOFAV

A naturalist with Island Outfitters explains the finer points of handling a crab without getting pinched.

Capable required to achieve 4G LTE speeds. Limited time offer; subject to change. andAlison.King@T-Mobile.com fees additional. all features available on all devices. Advantage Program: Participating locations. Up to 5 lines. Monthly Discount: Discount Capable device required todevice achieve 4G LTE speeds. Limited time offer; subject to Taxes change. Taxes andNotfees additional. Not all features available on all devices. Advantage Program: Participating locations. Up to Have I.D. ready when you call. Question? Contact subject toDiscount change. Not Have availableI.D. in Puerto Rico.when Discount applied recurring charges while customer remains eligible and does not apply to overage, distance,Not roaming, taxes andin fees, or otherRico. charges.Discount Mobile Internet Service: 5 lines. Monthly Discount: ready you call.to Question? Contact Alison.King@T-Mobile.com subject tolong change. available Puerto applied toCredit recurring charges while approval, deposit, and $10 SIM starter kit may be required. If you switch plan options, you may be bound by existing term (including early termination provisions) and/or charged an up to $200 fee. Domestic only, unless otherwise specified. Partial Capable device required to achieve 4G LTE speeds. Limited time offer; subject to change. Taxes and fees additional. Not all features available on all devices. Advantage Program: Participating locations. Up to 5 lines. Monthly Discount: Discount customer remains eligible and does not apply to overage, long distance, roaming, taxes and fees, or other charges. Mobile Internet Service: Credit approval, deposit, and $10 SIM starter kit may be required. megabytes rounded up. Full speeds available up to monthly allotment; then slowed to up to 2G speeds for rest of billing cycle. 200MB Offer: Eligible device req’d. No roaming. 200 MB free data avail. every 30 days for as long as you own and Have I.D. ready you Question? Contact Alison.King@T-Mobile.com subject toyou change. Notwith available in Puerto Rico. Discount applied tonext recurring charges while customer remains eligible and does not apply to an overage, long$200 distance, roaming, taxes and fees, or other charges. Mobile InternetPlan: Service: Credit megabytes rounded use registered device T-Mobile. Usage applied first tocall. passes, to freeearly data, then Mobile Internet allotment. If you have a monthly plan (req’d forto device financing), 200 MB is added to allotment. Equipment Installment Availability If you switch plan options, may be bound bywhen existing term (including termination provisions) and/or charged up fee. Domestic only, unless otherwise specified. Partial approval, deposit, and $10 SIM startertokitcredit may be required.Down If youpayment switch plan options, you may berequired bound by existing term (including early termination provisions) an up to $200 fee. Domestic only, otherwise specified. Partial and amount of EIP financing subject approval. & unfinanced portion atof purchase. Balance paid in monthly installments. Mustand/or remaincharged on req’d. qualifying service in good standing forunless duration of EIP agreement. If you 30 days for as long up. Full speeds available up to monthly allotment; then slowed to up to 2G speeds for rest billing cycle. 200MB Offer: Eligible device No roaming. 200 MB free data avail. every megabytes rounded up. remaining Full speeds available to Limited monthlytime allotment; thenTaxes slowed to late/non-payment upTaxes to 2Gand speeds rest of apply. billing cycle. 200MB Offer: req’d. No&Program: roaming. 200 MB free data avail. every days for as long as youfor own and cancel service, balance on up phone/device becomes due. and fees may shown reflects thedevice down payment monthly payments of our most creditworthy customers; amounts others Capablewireless device required to achieve 4G LTE speeds. offer; subject to change. fees for additional. Not allExample(s) features available onEligible all devices. Advantage Participating locations. Up to 530 lines. Monthly Discount: Discount use registered device T-Mobile. UsageRico. applied firstDevice toapplied passes, toimages freeto data, then Mobile Internet allotment. If you have aMobile plan (req’d forallotment. device financing), 200 MB isbe added to allotment. Equipment Installment Plan: Availability as you own and use will registered device with Usage applied first passes, next toremains free data, then Internet Ifroaming, you have aslowed, monthly plan (req’d forInternet financing), 200 MB is added vary. applicable to single device purchase. and screen simulated. Coverage: Coverage not available inmonthly some areas. Management: Service may suspended, terminated, ordevice restricted for misuse, subject toPricing change. Notwith available inT-Mobile. Puerto Discount tonext recurring charges while customer eligible and does not apply to Network overage, long distance, taxes and fees, or other charges. Mobile Service: Credit and amount of interference EIP and financing subject tokitcredit approval. Down & unfinanced portion required at purchase. Balance paid early inand monthly installments. remaincharged on qualifying service in good standing forunless duration ofadditional EIP agreement. Ifinyou abnormal use, with our network ability toamount provide quality service to other users, or significant roaming. See(including brochures Terms andprovisions) Conditions (including arbitration provision) at www.T-Mobile.com for information. approval, deposit, $10 SIM starter mayorbe required. If youpayment switch plan options, you may be bound by existing term termination and/or an up to $200 fee. Domestic only, otherwise specified. Partial to allotment. Equipment Installment Plan: Availability and of EIP financing subject to credit approval. Down payment &Must unfinanced portion required at purchase. Balance paid monthly installments. cancel wireless service, remaining balance on up phone/device becomes due. Taxes and late/non-payment fees may apply. Example(s) shown reflects thedevice downAG. payment &roaming. monthly payments of our most creditworthy customers; amounts for others LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Advantage is a trademark of T-Mobile USA, Inc. T-Mobile and the magenta color are registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom © 2014 T-Mobile USA, Inc. megabytes rounded up. Full speeds available to monthly allotment; then slowed to up to 2G speeds for rest of billing cycle. 200MB Offer: Eligible req’d. No 200 MB free data avail. every 30 days for as long as you own and Must remain on qualifying service in good standing for duration of EIP agreement. If you cancel wireless service, remaining balance on phone/device becomes due.terminated, Taxes and late/non-payment fees may apply. will Pricingdevice applicable to single device purchase. and screen simulated. Coverage: available some areas. Service mayisbe slowed, suspended, or restricted misuse, use vary. registered with T-Mobile. Usage applied firstDevice to passes, next toimages free data, then Mobile InternetCoverage allotment.not If you have ainmonthly plan Network (req’d for Management: device financing), 200 MB added to allotment. Equipment Installment Plan: for Availability abnormal use, with our network orapproval. ability to provide quality to otherportion users, or significant roaming. Balance See brochures Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at www.T-Mobile.com for information. Example(s) shown reflects the down payment monthly payments ofservice most creditworthy customers; amounts forinstallments. others will applicable to single for device purchase. Device and amount of interference EIP financing subject to&credit Down payment &our unfinanced required at purchase. paid inand monthly Mustvary. remainPricing on qualifying service in good standing duration ofadditional EIP agreement. If you and screen images is awireless trademark of ETSI. Advantage a trademark of T-Mobile USA, Management: Inc. T-Mobile and theService magenta color aremay registered trademarks of Deutsche Telekom © or 2014 USA, cancel service, remaining balance on phone/device becomes due. Taxes and late/non-payment fees apply. Example(s) shown reflects the downAG. payment & T-Mobile monthly payments of our mostabnormal creditworthy use, customers; amounts for others simulated. Coverage:LTE Coverage not available in issome areas. Network may be slowed, suspended, terminated, restricted forInc.misuse, interference with our network or abilvary. Pricing applicable to single purchase.roaming. Device and screen images simulated. Coverage: not available in(including some areas. Network Management: Serviceat may be slowed, suspended, terminated, or restricted for misuse, LTE is a trademark ity to provide quality will service to other users, ordevice significant See brochures and TermsCoverage and Conditions arbitration provision) www.T-Mobile.com for additional information. abnormal use, interference with our network or ability to provide quality service to other users, or significant roaming. See brochures and Terms and Conditions (including arbitration provision) at www.T-Mobile.com for additional information. of ETSI. Advantage isLTEa istrademark T-Mobile Inc. T-Mobile andInc. the magenta of Deutsche Telekom AG. © 2014 a trademark ofof ETSI. AdvantageUSA, is a trademark of T-Mobile USA, T-Mobile and the color magentaare colorregistered are registeredtrademarks trademarks of Deutsche Telekom AG. © 2014 T-Mobile USA, Inc. T-Mobile USA, Inc.

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 13

Smith Island Cruises

c c Nieuw Amsterdam RUISE orner c c RUISE

orner michelle & karl teel

CRUISE PRICE CHECK WISE CRUISE CUSTOMERS CHECK PRICES! One 3 minute call to me can get you the lowest price on your cruise! CALL AND COMPARE! CALL & SPEAK TO ME DIRECTLY!

Irene Eff •1-877-453-1717 SAIL FROM BALTIMORE - NEW YORK - FLORIDA OR ANY OTHER PORT IN THE WORLD!

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK

1-877-453-1717 1-410-357-0717

WWW.CRUISESFROMANYWHERE.COM

We often forget that New York was originally named New Amsterdam, since it was a Dutch col-

ony and a center of trade. Our most recent cruise was aboard Holland America’s Nieuw Amsterdam and we found its name Holland America quite fitting. It is edgy and new, yet reflects its maritime and New World heritage with undertones of quiet charm and powerful security. We loved it. Now in its fourth season, the ship is relatively new and feels that way. At 936 feet in length, the size is moderate by today’s standards. This means it is big enough for the amenities, yet still easy to navigate and remains intimate in feel. The ambience is Holland America all the way: elegant, classy, and artfully decorated with rich woods and crafted metal accents. Keeping with the name, period black and white photos of New York and New York Harbor in its early years Cabanas, lounge chairs, and comfortable seating make for a homey pool capture the imagination deck. and spirit and are every-

Whatever Floats

Your Boat

Everything from Yachts to Paddleboards! Large Inventory of Quality Used Boats

Check us out on-line and learn about Boating and the Bay from our knowledgeable staff. New to boating? We will walk you through the process of how to find the right boat for you AND how to operate it!

Full Service Marina

Everything for your boat including detailing, repairs, slips, storage Family owned and operated since 1965. The Official Boating Center of Recreation News.

Oceanfront accommodations and so much more! Olive Ave. & the Boardwalk, Rehoboth Beach (800)33-BEACH boardwalkplaza.com

14 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

Sue Creek in Balto. County

410-687-2000 baltimoreboatingcenter.com

Opt-in at RecreationNews.com

LIMITED SPACE • RESERVATIONS REQUIRED

410-425-2771 • smithislandcruises.com

lives up to name with modern amenitieS

Weekend Updates

DAY TRIP: Wed. thru Sun. - departing at 10:30 a.m. from Point Lookout State Park - $40 per person OR 2- OR 3-DAY PACKAGES starting at $375 per couple visiting Smith Island, Crisfield and Tangier Island. Package available: Any Wednesday thru Saturday nights. Includes: Cruise, Accommodations in Crisfield, Dinner at Captain Tyler’s Crabhouse and Breakfast.

Don’t miss a single event this spring and summer! Get the

Recreation News Weekend Update

FREE

every week.

Opt-in at RecreationNews.com

where. Indeed, they set the tone for the attitude of the ship. The centrum ranks among the most beautiful weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve seen with its crystal accents. A huge iceberg-like crystal New York skyline chandelier sculpture hangs in the center. Like New York, you feel a confidence that the ship has it all. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no need to flaunt it, but it just canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help that it projects a little attitude.

Elegance in every way The Nieuw Amsterdam exudes elegance in every way. Tasteful art that you want to stop and gaze upon literally exists everywhere aboard the ship. Dining, always an attractive part of cruising, is notched up another level here. For the most discerning of cruisers, several higher-end, themed eateries are available. Tamarind, the upscale Asian restaurant, creates the atmosphere of Bali, Indonesia, and offers cuisine ranging from sushi to Cantonese to favorites from all corners of the Pacific Rim. Canaletto showcases Italian offerings in an elegant traditional setting to satisfy the most finicky Mediterranean taste buds. And, what cruise would be complete without a world-class upscale steakhouse culinary experience? The Pinnacle Grill answers that call decisively. The elegance aboard goes beyond art and food. Even poolside, cabanas with canopies and giant comfortable cushioned wicker lounge furniture, the size of a queen bed, are available for a slight charge. Insider tip: Reserve these cabanas early as they go quickly. A host of other truly high-quality chaise lounges of teak, rattan, or mesh can be found everywhere. The ship, even at full capacity, seems amply spacious, and beyond sufficient in accommodations.

A different attitude Like all Holland America ships, the attitude on the Nieuw Amsterdam is less party-oriented and more a combination of relaxation, exploration, and interaction. Internet classes, such as clear explanation for adapting to Windows 8 or photo retouching and manipulation, are popular and take place in a well-equipped classroom. Cooking and mixology classes abound and are in specially equipped spaces that feel like the most comfortable lecture halls you have ever been in. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great going on a cruise and taking skills back home with you. Our cruises have perfected our designer martini preparations and inspired numerous future dishes in the kitchen as well as our appreciation of restaurant creations. The Nieuw Amsterdam cruise covered the Western Caribbean with the typical offerings of Half Moon Cay (a private island paradise owned by Carnival and Holland America), Grand Cayman Island, Cozumel Mexico, and Key West Florida. While other itineraries are available on different dates, we found this to be a pleasant mix of relaxing beaches, such as Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, and interesting history, such as Mayan ruins in Cozumel. It also offerd the best snorkeling in the region at Chankanaab, the National Park in Cozumel. We also enjoyed the funkiest town in America and home of Jimmy Buffet, Key West, Fla. To take advantage of the ship and its itineraries, contact any one of the tried and true travel agents on these pages. They get prices and perks better than those available on websites and offer personal advice that is priceless.

TRAVEL LINE continued from page 8 battle reenactments, living history, music, dance, vendors, food, and more. A series of events leading up to the weekend will explore Calvert Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history and the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in the War of 1812. (choosecalvert. com/1812) Next door, St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County, Md., puts a lighter face on its celebration with a Raiders and Invaders Weekend, June 6-8, that melds living history, with music, including a retro British Invasion of musical groups. (raidersandinvaders.com) Participation in 17th- and 18th-century gardening activities is encouraged at the Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center this spring. Ask for a free copy of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gardens and Fieldsâ&#x20AC;? and inquire about private tours. The Historical Gardens Vacation Package (historyisfun.org/historicalgardens.htm) includes lodging and unlimited admission for the length of your stay. Jamestown Settlement and Yorktown Victory Center are included with Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and other attractions in several Williamsburg-area best-value ticket options in 2014, featuring unlimited admission for seven consecutive days, free admission for children under 6, and free parking (historyisfun.org or visitwilliamsburg. com) The 25th annual Cape May Music Festival, May 25-June 12, presented by the Mid-Atlantic Center for the Arts & Humanities, offers three weeks of world-class orchestral and chamber music performances, jazz, brass bands, and traditional Irish music. New programs this year are â&#x20AC;&#x153;A Night in New Orleans,â&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jazz at the Estateâ&#x20AC;? at the Emlen Physick Estate, Cape Mayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only Victorian house museum. The third annual George Mesterhazy Tribute Concert features music from the Great American Songbook. In addition, the Atlantic Brass Band and McDermottâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Handy will perform, and the New York Chamber Ensemble will give special programs. The music festival will be followed by the Victorian Family Fair, June 28, at the Emlen Physick Estate. It will feature live music, crafts, collectibles, living history characters, hat making, nature and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities, and kid-friendly tours of the estate. Admission and parking are free. (capemaymac.org)

New tours in Key West For the first time ever, the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, Fla., now offers behind-thescenes tours of the laboratory where the richest single collection of 17th-century maritime and shipwreck antiquities in the Western Hemisphere is studied. The core of its collections are gold, silver, emeralds, weapons, rare navigational instruments, and other objects from the Spanish galleons Nuestra SeĂąora de Atocha and Santa Margarita, which sank off the Florida Keys in 1622. Guided by archeologists and conservators, lab visitors learn

about the painstaking work of recovering and preserving objects from excavations. They also view pieces undergoing conservation, ranging from massive 17th-century cannon to shipsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; fittings, period tools, and small silver coins. A question-and-answer session is included in the tour. (melfishermuseum.org)

Happenings Abroad Ah, Jerusalem, a new English-language musical, begins April 18 and runs through Sept. 4 at the Tower of David Museum, located inside the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. It is based upon the story of an American family who travels to Jerusalem on a spiritual journey, visiting historic sites in Israel dating from King Solomonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to the Crusader and Ottoman periods. (towerofdavid.org.il, goisrael.com) Crystal Cruiseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new luxury cruises will offer eight voyages to and from Dublin this year. Crystal Symphony will visit Gaelic grounds during two seven-day British Isles voyages, the first departing from London on Aug. 17, and the second ending there after an Aug. 24 sailing. Crystal Serenity will also visit Ireland during a 14-day trans-Atlantic voyage, departing Sept. 5 and ending in Boston, Mass. Six ports, including two maiden calls, are planned: Waterford, Dublin, Galway, Cork/ Ringaskiddy, Londonderry, and Belfast. In addition, the Aug. 17 itinerary includes visits to Wales (Holyhead), England (Liverpool), Scotland (Greenock and a maiden call in Oban), and the remote Channel Islands (Guernsey/St. Peter Port). Allinclusive fares start at $3,405 per person if booked by April 30 (crowncruisevacations.com) Lufthansa Airlineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new Premium Economy Class made its debut at the ITB in Berlin, Germany, in early March. The new travel class may be booked, starting in May, and will be available from November, initially on the Boeing 747-8. The new seats will gradually be fitted on the entire longhaul fleet within 12 months. According to board member Jens Bischofs, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our Premium Economy Class will create a completely new travel experience that combines affordability with greater comfort. The seats offer up to 50 percent more room than Economy Class and will position us in a premium segment within the international competitive environment.â&#x20AC;? Additional services for the new class include a baggage allowance of two items, a welcome drink and water bottle, enhanced amenity kit, and meals served on porcelain tableware, plus magazines, touchscreen monitors, and remote controls for inflight entertainment. Lufthansa currently flies to 253 destinations in 103 countries, with hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, Vienna, Brussels, and Zurich. It has 17 North American gateways. Fortune recently voted Lufthansa one of the five most admired airlines in the world. (lufthansa.com) Carol Timblin welcomes travel news at ctimblin@ gmail.com.

& ' $ & & ' $ & $ &' ' $& ' !' " ' " " % * , , * ' , # *#

' &*, ) )& *

, & '

# ' % '

!!! # #%%# %"% recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 15

family travel I karen graham

Making history fun for the kids on a Civil War scavenger hunt Bringing history to life and making it interesting for kids can be challenging. However, the Mosby Heritage Area Association has a solution: a Civil War scavenger hunt. “We have a rich, historic landscape here in Virginia and part of preserving that history is to let people know it exists,” said Richard Gillespie, the association’s education director. “We want people to get out and explore.” The group has set up self-guided scavenger hunts in four different counties in Virginia: Clarke, Fauquier, Loudoun, and Prince William. Each hunt provides a look at historic sites and homes, Civil War battlefields, old churches, cemeteries, and museums. The scavenger hunts can be accessed online at mosbyheritagearea. org, and downloaded with a map.

When visiting different locations, participants answer questions. If you answer them correctly, the group will send you a free t-shirt. Gillespie said he was very selective in organizing the tour locations, which are appropriate for all ages. “We have tried to choose places where you get a tingle down your back because you are as close to history as you can get,” Gillespie said. “We are hoping kids realize history is a neat thing, and we have designed the tours with that in mind, picking historical things that speak to people.” Gillespie points to several locations that are particularly fascinating and informative about the area. On the Clark tour: Make sure to check out Old Chapel at Stop No. 7. It is a 1793 chapel with the oldest cemetery in Virginia. There are a number of legendary people buried

there, including the state’s first attorney general. On the Fauquier tour: Take the downtown Warrenton walking tour. It is “classical Virginian,” according to Gillespie. “Rectortown is another good stop. It was a warehouse where Mosby kept prisoners.” On the Loudoun tour: The Waterford Baptist Church is the site of a Civil War fight, and an Underground Railroad stop. In Lovettsville, visit the German cemetery, which dates back

to the 1770s. “It is the most photogenic cemetery I have seen,” Gillespie said. On the Prince William tour: “Check out the Antioch Church, the Mayfield Fort, and the Brentsville Courthouse and Church, which served at various times as both a one-room school house and a jail,” Gillespie said.

Learn more Mosby Heritage Area Assn.: mosbyheritagearea.org

Richard Gillespie

The Waterford Baptist Church was a stop on the Underground Railroad.

family event

Viva Vienna is a fun, family-friendly community festival that is held every year over Memorial Day weekend, this year on May 24-25. Sponsored by the Rotary Club of Vienna, the three-day event brings thousands of people to town for musical and dance performances, amusement rides, and more than 300 arts, crafts, and food vendors. While at the festival, be sure to check out some of Vienna’s locally owned shops and restaurants, including Pure Pasty, Cocoa Vienna, and Maple Ave. Restaurant. (vivavienna.org.) — karen graham

free in dc

The brick store in Rectorstown was used by Mosby’s Rangers to hold prisoners during the Civil War.

16 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

Enjoy the blooms of spring, May 2-3, at the National Cathedral Flower Mart (cathedral.org) . . . Welcome back the Washington Monument when it reopens on May 12 after being closed for three years to repair earthquake damage (nps.gov/wamo) . . . Salute veterans at the star-studded National Memorial Day Concert on May 25 on the U.S. Capitol’s West Lawn (pbs.org/ memorialdayconcert) and the National Memorial Day Parade on May 26 (nationalmemorialdayparade.com) . . . See famous signatures ranging from George Washington’s to Michael Jackson’s in the National Archives’ exhibition, Making Their Mark, through Jan. 5 (archives.gov). — gwen woolf

Our best-ever pricing for families

Enjoy many benefits of AT&T Mobile Share Value Plans

Save 15% on the monthly service charge for the data allotment of qualified Mobile Share Value Plans with 1GB or higher.

• Unlimited talk and text for phones1 • Unlimited International messaging from the U.S.1 to select countries • Share data on up to 10 devices • No annual service contract option2 • 50GB of free storage for photos, videos and documents with AT&T Locker3

Get your discount.

Qualify at att.com/gov/movn Calculate a rate plan that works best for you at myattrpc.com

1 Unlimited Talk & Text: For phones only. Includes unlimited domestic calls & messaging. Unlimited International Messaging: Includes unlimited messaging from the U.S., Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to more than 190 countries for text messages and 120 countries for picture & video messages. Messaging capabilities vary by country. AT&T may change countries at its discretion. Visit att.com/text2world for details. Messaging: Messaging applies only to AT&T’s Short Messaging Service (SMS) and Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and not to any other messaging services or applications. Messages are for direct communication between phones and must originate from your phone. Messages sent to tablets, laptops, or other connected devices are excluded. Messages sent through applications may incur data charges. Service may be terminated or restricted for tethered messaging or misuse. 2 Available with AT&T Next (where available) or when you purchase your smartphone at full retail price. Also eligible if you are out of contract or if you bring your own device. 3 AT&T Locker: Requires compatible device (Android™ smartphones with OS 2.2+, Android tablets 8” + with 4.0+, iPads® and iPhones® running iOS 6.0+, smartphones with Windows Phone® 8 OS, or a computer with Internet). Service for U.S.-based AT&T subscribers only. Wireless usage may incur data charges. Free storage amounts subject to change or may be discontinued at any time. For full terms, see att.com/wirelesslegal. Coverage and service not available everywhere. Available to consumers and Individual Responsibility Users (IRUs). For full terms and conditions of service applicable to consumers and IRUs, please see a sales representative, or visit att.com/wirelessterms. All prices are billed monthly and are valid for use in the U.S. An activation fee will be charged when converting from a prepaid or session-based plan to a Mobile Share Value Plan or when you activate an additional device on an existing Mobile Share Value Plan. Prices are subject to change. Prices do not include taxes. Other Monthly Charges: In addition to the monthly cost of the rate plan and any selected features, AT&T also imposes the following other charges, on a per line basis: (1) federal and state universal service charges, (2) a Regulatory Cost Recovery Charge of up to$1.25 to help defray its cost incurred in complying with obligations and charges imposed by state and federal telecom regulations, (3) an Administrative Fee on consumer and IRU lines, and (4) other government assessments. These fees are not taxes or government-required charges. Early Termination Fee (ETF): None if cancelled in the first 14 days, thereafter, up to $325 (details at att.com/equipmentETF). ETF applies to equipment purchased with a service commitment. Mobile Share Value Plans: Up to ten devices per plan. Additional monthly charge per device. Tethering and Mobile Hotspot use are permitted with up to five (5) simultaneous devices. Data: If you exceed the amount of data in your plan during your billing period, an additional 300MB, 500MB or 1GB is automatically provided as specified in your rate plan. All data allowances, including overages, must be used in the billing period in which the allowance is provided, or they will be forfeited. 15% Monthly Discount: Service discounts are available to qualified government employees providing proof of current government employment (valid government employee ID card or paystub) and to qualified veterans providing either a Department of Defense Form DD214 indicating an honorable discharge or a valid retired military ID. Eligible individuals must take personal liability for their account. Eligibility for offer ceases when you are no longer qualified. Discounts apply only to the monthly service charge of qualified plans. Discounts are not available with any unlimited voice plans. For Family Talk plans, discount will only apply to the primary line. For Mobile Share (including Mobile Share Value ) plans, discount applies only to the monthly service charge for the data allotment of eligible plans with 1GB or higher, not to the additional monthly device charge(s). Additional plan and other restrictions apply. Discounts may not be combined. Offer subject to change. If you have a question about available discounts and/or your eligibility, contact us at www.att.com/gov/movn. ©2014 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T and the AT&T logo are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property.

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 17

virginia I jane and marvin bond

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s plenty to do above ground in the Luray area Page-Luray Tourism

Wisteria Farm and Vineyard holds a spring planting of the grapes on May 17 followed by an afternoon of music.

Caverns and cabins are what most people know about the Luray, Va., area, but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s much more going on in this Page Valley area that abuts the western slopes of Shenandoah National Park. True, the famous Luray Caverns remain a premier attraction, but even there an expanded group of above-ground offerings bring you face-to-face with local history in the neat Luray Valley Museum, with transportation history in the Car and Carriage Caravan attraction, and with adventure in the Garden Maze. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also true that this is officially Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Cabin Capitalâ&#x20AC;? and you can find everything from rustic to luxurious and from isolated to closer groups. Carlos Ruiz manages Allstar Lodging and can set you up with a cabin or home to meet just about any need for a getaway, vacation, or family reunion. The Castle family operates Brookside Cabins closer to Shenandoah National Park. These more intimate cabins feature lots of amenities alongside a creek and near the familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s restaurant and gift shop. Aside from cabins, the Mimslyn Inn offers distinctive luxury and history as a boutique hotel that includes both fine dining and casual restaurants and offers interesting packages.

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s happening in the area The town of Luray holds its annual Festival of Spring on May 10 along Main Street to kick off the season. The oval track at nearby Shenandoah Speedway is the scene for car events, May 3, 24, and 31, and motocross on May 16-17 that kick off a season full of track activity. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re more into culinary treats than fast cars, the concessionaires at Shenandoah National Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Skyland and Big Meadow lodges offer a variety of vintner dinners and cooking demonstrations beginning in May and lasting through the fall season. You can learn the secrets of dishes from mushroom risotto to vanilla custard with berries from the lodgesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; chefs in the cooking demos. Wisteria Farm & Vineyard, the closest winery to Luray, holds a spring planting of the grapes May 17 and then opens its â&#x20AC;&#x153;Music Under the Arborâ&#x20AC;? series at 2:00pm that day. The Town of Shenandoah is another great place for a small-town festival and the Memorial Day Festival on May 23-24 is a good example. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s even a cruise-in on Friday night. Nearby Massanutten Resort gets into the spring season with its Valley Fest Beer & Wine Festival on May 24. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s live music on the main stage from 11:00am-7:00pm, food, crafts, wine, and microbrews to enjoy with

:KHQ \RXĹ&#x203A;UH UHDG\ WR JHW GMLKA<= ZH KDYH VRPH AFKA<=J DGYLFH IRU \RX 6D G@UD FQD@S GHJHMF AHJHMF @MC GNQRDA@BJ QHCHMF NM NUDQ LHKDR NE SQ@HKR HMBKTCHMF SGD -DFNVRQ 5LYHU 6FHQLF 7UDLO 6D @KRN G@UD O@CCKHMF STAHMF @MC NG XDR VNQKC BK@RR ĆĽRGHMF NM SGD QHUDQR @MC K@JDR NE SGD $OOHJKDQ\ +LJKODQGV %OXHZD\ "@KK NQ KNF NM @MC VDĹ&#x2014;KK RDMC XNT @ EQDD SQ@HK FTHCD @MC AKTDV@X AQNBGTQD ,WĹ&#x203A;V XQLTXHO\ $OOHJKDQ\

ZZZ YLVLWDOOHJKDQ\KLJKODQGV FRP u +HJD TR NM

18 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

Bria Skonberg Quintet Bert Carlson & Friends Phil Wiggins and the Chesapeake Sheiks The Cash Box Kings The Band of Heathens The Delfeayo Marsalis Sextet Garth Newel Music Center Hot Springs, VA www.VaBluesFest.org 877.558.1689 www.DiscoverBath.com

Bria Skonberg

Three great days of music on the side of Warm Springs Mountain in the beautiful County of Bath. Delfeayo Marsalis

about 4,000 fellow revelers. May concludes with a three-day Bluegrass Festival on the VFW grounds in Luray on May 29-31.

Mimslyn Inn

A cycling hub Luray and Page County have emerged as a cycling hub. The rolling hills, legendary Shenandoah River, and scenic byways make the area a natural for breaking out the bikes. Organized racing events dot the calendar as well. The Shenandoah Time Trial on July 26, the Page Valley Road Race on Aug. 2, and the Luray Caverns CX on Nov. 23 have grown in popularity. continued on page 20

The Mimslyn Inn, a boutique hotel, provides a touch of elegance to Luray, Va., visitors.

It’s what makes festivals a little more festive in Lexington, Virginia.

A lot of places do festivals. But Lexington does them a little better. Maybe it’s because we mix in a little of the famous hospitality that made us one of the 20 Small Towns to Visit according to Smithsonian.com. Or maybe it’s the backdrop of a growing food and art scene and a growing list of downtown boutique accommodations. Or the fact that just a few minutes away you can find world-class attractions like the Blue Ridge Parkway, Natural Bridge and Caverns, and Devils Backbone Outpost Brewery. Find out how we transform a festival into a Lextival at www.lexingtonvirginia.com.

For your free travel guide call toll-free, 877-453-9822, or visit lexingtonvirginia.com/outdoors.

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 19

Luray continued from page 19

Like Us and enter to win

Some participants use the cycling events to train for the Luray International Triathlon on Aug. 16 and the Luray Sprint Triathlon on Aug. 17. Massanutten Resort hosts its 26th annual Hoo-Ha! Cross-Country Mountain Bike Race on June 7-8 that also includes a beginner class and kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; race. If your speed is more that of a

Recreation News

horse than a bike, check out riding stables such as Fort Valley Stable, where Bill Schumacher takes full advantage of the forested trails of the region and can even set you up with bunkhouse accommodations.

On the water The Shenandoah River offers ample opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. Shenandoah River Outfitters provides canoe, kayak, raft, and tube rentals from beginner flat water to more advanced

Join the fun in Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shenandoah Valley ART

VACATION RENTALS CABINS â&#x20AC;˘ COTTAGES

1-10 Bedrooms on the Shenandoah River or nestled in the mountains near Luray.

(800) 270-8808 www.FrontRoyalOutdoors.com ON

T VAC ATIO N R E N

Conveniently located near Luray Caverns & Skyline Drive. Only 90 miles from Washington, D.C.

WWW.ALLSTARLODGING.COM

Our llamas love visitors!

7KXQZD 7KDL 5HVWDXUDQW 2Q 6LWH &ORVH WR 6N\OLQH 'ULYH (QWUDQFH :LWKLQ ZDONLQJ GLVWDQFH RI +LVWRULF 'RZQWRZQ )URQW 5R\DO 3HW IULHQGO\

4XDOLW\ ,QQ 6N\OLQH 'ULYH

6 &RPPHUFH $YH )URQW 5R\DO 9LUJLQLD )D[ TXDOLW\LQQIU#JPDLO FRP ZZZ TXDOLW\LQQ IURQWUR\DO FRP

866-780-7827

L T ROYA OUTDOO ON RS FR SK

Downtown Luray at 15 Campbell St. 12-5pm daily â&#x20AC;˘ 540-843-0200 www.warehouseartcenter.net â&#x20AC;˘ lurayart@gmail.com

)RUW 9DOOH\ 5DQFK

0RXQWDLQ +RUVHEDFN 5LGLQJ 5DQFK 3DFNDJHV LQ WKH 6KHQDQGRDK 9DOOH\

â&#x20AC;˘ GREAT VIEWS â&#x20AC;˘ FIREPLACES â&#x20AC;˘ HOT TUBS â&#x20AC;˘ JACUZZIS â&#x20AC;˘ FULLY EQUIPPED KITCHENS â&#x20AC;˘ PET FRIENDLY â&#x20AC;˘ SWIMMING POOLS â&#x20AC;˘ GAME ROOMS

Warehouse Art Gallery

8,000 sq ft â&#x20AC;&#x201C; paintings, pottery jewelry, scarves, stain and blown glass, bone sighs, turned wooden bowls, contemporary sculpture. Available for weddings, parties & events.

ALLSTAR LODGING HHHHH Cabin Rentals

â&#x20AC;˘ Farm tours â&#x20AC;˘ Fiber yarn & other products â&#x20AC;˘ Fiber classes

It's shearing time on the farm! We are now a trail site on the Artisan Center of Virginia!

A working & teaching llama farm

540-436-3517 llamasjh@gmail.com poseythisisitllamas.com Toms Brook, VA

20 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

(540) 743-5698

2978 US Rt. 211 E, Luray, VA 22835

www.brooksidecabins.com Our luxuriously appointed cabins at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains are an ideal romantic retreat for couples or great base for outdoor recreation. We're near the entrance to Shenandoah National Park and close to other attractions. Enjoy our family restaurant!

ZZZ IRUWYDOOH\UDQFK FRP 6 )RUW 9DOOH\ 5G )RUW 9DOOH\ 9$

whitewater. You can take scenic float trips or do some bass fishing. You pack a picnic and sunscreen and the outfitters will take care of the rest. Shenandoah River Outfitters also provides lodging with three sets of log cabins at varying degrees of isolation, plus the Bella Vista Mountain Cottage. For campers, there’s a 25-site wooded campground. North of Luray, Front Royal Outdoors offers river trips, and has an expanded line of rental fishing kayaks to its canoe, kayak, raft, and tube fleet. Also new for the season are stand-up paddleboards. You can choose from a vacation home, cottage, or cabin for lodging, all on a bluff overlooking the South Fork of the Shenandoah River. Downriver Canoe Company in nearby Bentonville also offers canoe, kayak, and raft trips and tube floats, with a variety of suggested routes based on the craft being used. The website provides links to a host of area campgrounds.

New Market Battlefield

Enjoy a stroll Luray is also great for just strolling, with a charming Main Street that features unexpected murals on some buildings, antique stores, interesting restaurants, and outfitters for cycling and other outdoor activities. The Warehouse Art Gallery, near the visitor center, offers a look at the creative side of Luray. The Hawksbill Greenway is another popular place to stroll, and on Saturday mornings the Farmers Market is a convenient place to refuel and stock up. In Luray, there’s plenty to do above ground and below.

Learn more Luray-Page Tourism: luraypage.com

Mimslyn Inn The

A Shenandoah Valley tradition since 1931. Offering a elegant blend of quality and comfort featuring a fine selection of guest rooms, suites, fine and casual dining, outdoor pool, and spa treatments.

Reenactors will gather just over the mountain from Luray on May 16-18 for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of New Market.

150

Anniversary Reenactment

NEW

MARKET!

May 16-18, 2014 The nation’s oldest annual Civil War reenactment

“Amazing Stay! Close to Luray Caverns and Skyline Drive” - Trip Advisor ‘12

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

New Market Battleﬁeld State Historical Park New Market, Virginia

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

$259

Per person, double occupancy, includes tax

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 21

virginia I sandra julian barker

There’s more to Virginia Beach than just ocean and sand Outdoor adventures off the beach include Adventure Park, False Cape State Park If you love the great outdoors, Virginia Beach has some unique, fun options that are sure to spark excitement. Imagine a park where you can climb trees — or an ancient forest and pristine beach where you feel you’ve stepped back in time. Both these unique adventures — and more — await you this summer near the oceanfront of Virginia Beach.

Virginia Aquarium

Try Out the Treetops

Visitors walk under the Red Sea in this exhibit at the Virginia Aquarium in Virginia Beach.

Remember when you climbed trees as a kid? Now you can relive that excitement at The Adventure Park on the grounds of the Virginia Aquarium. The new park is set in five wooded acres on Owl Creek and opens for business on May 31, operating daily throughout the summer. The safe, wellconstructed route consists of 13 trails with 170 platforms connected by cables, wood, rope, and zip lines. It makes climbing trees a cool pastime for beginners and experts alike. In addition to the new park, the new exhibit Washed Ashore opens June 7 and features 14 quirky sculptures made from marine debris. Artist Angela Haseltine Pozzi offers a powerful vision for saving the ocean from pollution with such pieces as a 12-foot-tall seal, 16-foot-long parrot fish, and a 10-foot-tall sea horse — all created from plastic

SEE, SIP, SAVOR

AND DUCK! MAY 16–18, 2014

THREE OUTSTANDING FESTIVALS, TWO SPECTACULAR PERFORMANCES AND ONE OUTRAGEOUSLY LARGE DUCK.

A-MAYzing Value An overnight stay with breakfast for up to 2 adults in a standard guestroom on select dates during May for only $99 midweek and $109 weekends

Norfolk’s everything it’s quacked up to be! In celebration of the grand re-opening of the Chrysler Museum of Art, come see Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman’s Rubber Duck project. It’s a 40-foot rubber duck floating in the waters just outside of the museum’s front door. It’s way too big to miss, just like the big weekend of festival fun in Norfolk May 16 -18. Book your hotel or special event package at visitnorfolktoday.com. 1-800-368-3097

*Select dates exclude Memorial Weekend. For Reservations, please call 757.424.5511 800-926-4466 For reservations,or call 757.424.5511 5641 Indian River Road Virginia Beach, VA 23464 FoundersInn.com

22 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

VIRGINIA BEER FESTIVAL | STOCKLEY GARDENS ARTS FESTIVAL GREEK FESTIVAL | CIRQUE MECHANICS & DANCE THEATRE OF HARLEM PRESENTED BY THE VIRGINIA ARTS FESTIVAL

and other forms of ocean debris. Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center’s expansive complex offers more than 800,000 gallons of aquariums with all sorts of sea creatures from tiny colorful fish to massive sand tiger sharks. There also is an aviary and year-round permanent exhibits that highlight Virginia’s extraordinary marine environment, both past and present. Did you know Egyptian cobras and Komodo dragons once roamed the shores of Virginia? You can see these and other exotic animals up close and personal in the Restless Planet gallery. “We specialize in fun and education,” said the aquarium’s Joan Barnes.

A Trip Back in Time “You can almost feel like it’s the 1600s and you’re a colonist in the new world,” said Staci Martin as she described False Cape State Park. Martin promotes state parks in the eastern part of the Old Dominion. Nestled between Back Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, False Cape may only be 40 minutes from Virginia Beach’s oceanfront, but it’s miles off the beaten path. This 4,321-acre park has 15 miles of trails and nearly six miles of pristine shoreline that extends to the North Carolina border. It also has no public vehicular access. So, how does one get to this en-

chanting, remote wildlife refuge? While you can always hike, bike, or boat into the park (five miles from Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge parking area to False Cape Visitor Center), visitors more often prefer the park’s tram. It runs from Back Bay Visitor Center during weekends, April 4 through Memorial Day, then daily from Memorial Day until Labor Day, at 9:00am only, returning at 1:00pm ($8 adults, $6 children and seniors). Group and special tours are also available. Another popular way to view the park is on the huge beach transporter, the Terra Gator, which operates weekends from Nov. 1 through March 31. Reservations are required for the trip, which departs from Little Island City Park in Virginia Beach at 9:00am and returns at 1:00pm. False Cape Visitor Center, open 9:00am-4:00pm, offers a five-minute slide show, exhibits of a turtle nest and archaeological items, snacks and water, gifts, and bathroom facilities. You can also rent GPS units for geocaching, a popular activity, and borrow such helpful items as binoculars and backpacks. Along the sandy trails you’ll find relics of early watermen who lived and worked in the area and a dramatically different landscape that looks more like the Outer Banks, just

across the North Carolina border. Once visitors begin exploring this wilderness, they feel they’ve stepped into another world. The only sounds come from nature — wind ruffling Spanish moss in live oak trees, animals rustling in the underbrush, birds singing overhead, waves lapping the sandy shore. “It’s probably one of the last wild places in the City of Virginia Beach,” said Martin.

“This is Virginia’s best kept secret,” remarked a visitor. “It’s so worth the effort to go there.”

For more information Virginia Aquarium: virginiaaquarium.com Virginia Beach Tourism: visitvirginiabeach.com Virgnia State Parks: dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks Marvin Bond

Spanish moss drapes trees along a path in False Cape State Park, adding to the mystery of the unusual spot along Virginia’s coast.

Float on to summer at VisitVirginiaBeach.com.

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 23

virginia I cathy swormstedt

Spying tops the visitorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s to-do list in Colonial Williamsburg You can begin enjoying a visit to Williamsburg even before you leave home by becoming a â&#x20AC;&#x153;questorâ&#x20AC;? in RevQuest: The Old Enemy, an interactive alternate reality game for all ages. First, you take a quick virtual video trip to Philadelphia to obtain instructions about your mission from a founding father. Upon arriving in Colonial Williamsburg, you continue the game, which involves mysterious documents and clues hidden within the Revolutionary City. Bill Weldon, creative director of the Revolutionary City project explains: â&#x20AC;&#x153;In RevQuest, the Old Enemy, questors pursue their mission by using documents and codes from the Revolutionary War, and sending and receiving clues with the aid of their â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;special messaging devicesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201D; their cell phones, smart phones, and tablets.â&#x20AC;? You can begin the RevQuest experience online at research.history.org/your-mission/the-oldenemy. Revolutionary City is one part of Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new â&#x20AC;&#x153;Turnâ&#x20AC;? trail established because of the AMC television series Turn about Revolutionary War spies that premiered April 6.

A revolutionary city in conflict

Colonial Williamsburg

George Washington greets visitors to Williamsburg as part of the Revolutionary City program.

See everything in

Orange.

Skydiving. Hiking. Horseback riding. Festivals. UPCOMING EVENTS â&#x20AC;˘ 150th Commemoration of the Battle of Wilderness â&#x20AC;˘ Montpelier Wine Festival â&#x20AC;˘ Fried Chicken Festival â&#x20AC;˘ Trashy Ribs & Blues Festival â&#x20AC;˘ Bull Riding Rodeo & more! 24 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

As you walk the streets of Colonial Williamsburg, you sense the excitement and anxiety the

9LUJLQLD 6WDWH 3DUNV

8QWDQJOH \RXU OLQH EDLW \RXU KRRNV DQG JHW RXWGRRUV 3KRWR FRXUWHV\ RI %LOO &UDEWUHH -U 9LUJLQLD 7RXULVP &RUS

3$5. _ ZZZ YLUJLQLDVWDWHSDUNV JRY

townspeople felt in 1776 as America sought to gain her independence from Great Britain. Witness breaking news as the Declaration of Independence is read to astonished citizens. Join a crowd storming the Capitol to demand the return of stolen gunpowder. Meet famous patriots and watch the militia preparing for battle. And if you’ve become a questor, go undercover to find that all-important ally.

tors a guided tour of the gardens, followed by a visit to a demonstration kitchen where chefs will prepare what they have grown to create flavors influenced by colonial history. “Thomas Jefferson walked among these very gardens where we grow produce today,” says chef Justin Addison of Traditions Restaurant at the Williamsburg Lodge. “The sustainable farming movement goes back to the early days of our country.”

Even spies need to eat

Splish-splash lodging and utter relaxation

Whether you’re a questor or simply a visitor strolling through the Historic Area, you’ll want to take lunch or dinner in a colonial tavern. Several of the traditional Williamsburg dining experiences have been updated this year. At Josiah Chowning’s Tavern, which opened in 1766, visitors can now enjoy full-service dining in the tavern’s comfortable garden shaded by an arbor. The family-friendly menu includes pulled pork barbeque, Brunswick stew, soups, salads, and other contemporary fare. Shields Tavern began its life as a coffeehouse in the early 1700s. Today, to enhance the enjoyment of its “southern comfort” fare, Shields is expanding its list of entertainments to include pig roasts in the garden and 18th-century plays during dinner. Do your tastes run to classic American dining with a European touch? Then make reservations for dinner or Sunday brunch in the Williamsburg Inn’s elegant Regency Room where the cuisine, created by award-winning executive chef Travis Brust, is always exceptional. And there’s added interest this year; the chefs of Colonial Williamsburg are growing a wide variety of vegetables in gardens located within steps of their kitchens. The Taste Studio, a new culinary program, offers visi-

The Woodlands is a favorite Williamsburg hotel destination for families. And this summer, guests will find a new Splash Fun Zone, an outdoor pool expansion with water toys, water cannons, cascading canoes, barrels, water trees, and geysers. Like the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor’s Center, the Woodlands is also a RevQuest headquarters where Colonial Williamsburg

A patriot calls on bystanders to storm the palace in protest as part of the Revolutionary City program.

families can obtain game packets, watch an orientation video, and receive clues to help them solve the spy game. Need to rejuvenate after keeping up with the spies in your family? The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg offers relaxing spa treatments plus indoor and outdoor pools, a complete fitness center, hair care, and nail services. Insider tip: There are a wide variety of special packages available at visitwilliamsburg.com. Additional Colonial Williamsburg hotel and special offers are available at colonialwilliamsburg.com Step out of the Historic Area onto Merchants Square and delve into the goodies at Wythe Candy & Gourmet, a shop guaranteed to tickle your taste buds (especially the sweet ones). On Saturday mornings, the square hosts the Williamsburg Farmers Market, an unexpected find so close at hand.

d POCAHONTAS AND JOHN ROLFE: A MARRIAGE MILESTONE On April 5, the marriage of Pocahontas and colonist John Rolfe was re-enacted at Historic Jamestowne, on the very spot where it was originally performed 400 years ago. If you missed it, you can still celebrate by visiting this fascinating living museum. Commemoration events will occur throughout the year with public programs, lectures, and an ongoing exhibit of 17th-century artifacts. (historicjamestowne.org)

~       ’        ~ earning never felt so good. With the help of our historians, The Spa of Colonial Williamsburg offers you healing therapies that emerged throughout the ages. From 17th-century Native American practices to 21st-century modern therapeutic skin care, each century will leave you rejuvenated. And the best part, no homework. Stay and make some history. Book one of our hotels at 1-855-484-7776 or at colonialwilliamsburg.com. 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.

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.

3/14 9841907

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 25

virginia I sue bland

Exploring the fun side of south central Virginia Drive about 90 minutes south of Richmond and you can be in undiscovered Virginia lake country enjoying parks, forests, and incredible historic venues. Veer off I-95 and make your way to Route 360 for a jaunt into rolling countryside south of Richmond. Locals call this area the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Part of the Civil Warâ&#x20AC;ŚThe End,â&#x20AC;? but thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a lot more than Civil War history to take in. If you want outdoor action, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find friendly folks whoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll take you zip-lining, canoeing, hiking, and biking. Overnighters may choose from campsites and cabins or historic bed and breakfasts, as well as national chain lodgings. One of the great ways to unlock the mysteries of nature in this region is at a Virginia State Park with the novel Trail Quest program that uses secret codes to guide you. Within the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s parks are hundreds of miles of trails running next to lakes, past historic sites, and across the Appomattox River on a bridge more than 100 feet above the water. Holliday Lake, Twin Lakes, and Bear Creek Lake state parks offer campsites, cabins, or lodges. You can fish, paddleboard, paddle a canoe, run a 5K race, hike a wooded trail, or take an archery lesson, to

Va. State Parks

The High Bridge crosses 100 feet above the Appomattox River and is great for biking.

name a few of the countless adventures offered. High Bridge Trail is great for biking and horseback riding, as well as the guided tours of the bridge above the Appomattox River. The parks offer tons of events and educational programming. You can take to the tree tops at central Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s largest aerial adventure park, Sandy River Retreat outside Farmville, Va., with its 23 zip lines, canoe trips, and log cabin rentals.

Soak up some history and fun On your way to some terrific fishing spots and hiking trails, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll discover amazingly well-preserved places that will transport you to the waning days of the Civil War. Almost 25 years ago, Virginia Civil War preservationists succeeded in conserving key places by developing the first Civil War heritage trail, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Retreat.â&#x20AC;? Easy to follow, it includes signs as well as radio commentary at historic stops. About 35 miles southwest of Richmond, in Amelia County, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll discover eight of the sites along the Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Retreat trail. Namozine Church and Amelia Courthouse are among the most significant sites, aside from

The Best Part of the + +

CIVIL WAR 7KH (QG

5SBWFM UIF QBUI PG -FF BOE (SBOU UP UIF 4VSSFOEFS (SPVOET BU "QQPNBUUPY XIFSF BMPOH UIF XBZ TPNF PG UIF CFTU TIPQQJOH BOUJRVJOH EJOJOH MPEHJOH BOE PVUEPPS SFDSFBUJPO BSF XBJUJOH GPS ZPV

'PS .PSF *OGPSNBUJPO 7JTJU XXX #FTU1BSUPGUIF$JWJM8BS PSH )RU D IUHH JLIW EULQJ WKLV DG WR DQ\ 9LVLWRU &HQWHU RU QWHU RUU 6WDWH 3DUN LQ 7KH %HVW 3DUW RI WKH &LYLO :DU UHJLRQ JLRQ RQH SHU IDPLO\

26 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park. The more than two dozen Lee’s Retreat sites scattered across the region offer important clues about what brought Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee and Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant together for their fateful meeting at Appomattox. On May 10, Amelia Day Festival at the Amelia County Courthouse includes musical entertainment, arts and crafts vendors, a car show, and regional food. A gorgeous place to stay in Amelia is Winterham Plantation, a restored mansion built by a cousin of Thomas Jefferson in 1855 and used as a hospital during the Civil War. For breakfast, Winterham even serves Jeffersonian-style sweet potato biscuits with preserves. The gracious accommodations include themed rooms. Antique lovers can pick up some history of their own in Amelia at Jerry’s Now and Then. In Appomattox, take in Antiques and More with its elegant furniture and collectibles or The Appomattox Gallery with its whimsical collection and tea room. Farmville also offers a shop-and-dine antiquing

experience at Poplar Hall where a café serving dishes with names like “Adams” and “Lexington” complements the 9,000 square feet of antiques. Down the street, Prince Edward Antiques mixes its furniture and collectibles with folk to modern art. Head west to Appomattox and discover the Museum of the Confederacy’s Appomattox location with its new exhibit about Civil War veterans. Learn how the psychologically and physically wounded recovered during the decades following the Civil War. This temporary exhibit will be in place through February 2015. The town of Appomattox itself is a study in architectural history, with 50 sites included on a walking tour. Enjoy the creative potters, musicians, and actors whose work enriches town life. For live bluegrass music, check out Baines Books and Coffee, known also for its Thursday open-mic nights. Some of the non-Civil War history of the area is on display at the Carver-Price Legacy Museum, which delves into the African-American experience, and the Hazel Moon Resource Center, which displays

artifacts from her longtime missionary work in Africa.

For more information Best Part of the Civil War Region: bestpartofthecivilwar.org Va. State Parks: dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks

d VIRGINIA STATE PARKS ADVENTURE PACKAGES

Enhance your state park camping or cabin stay with a ranger-led instructional package held on a lake or at an archery range. Aimed at families with children, packages feature three hours of instruction and all equipment needed. Registration is a must; call 800-933-7275.

delaware I staff

Premier Grand Prix cycling event returns to Wilmington The annual Wilmington Grand Prix returns to Wilmington, Del., on May 16-18, bringing bicycles, not race cars, to the city’s streets. The three-day event brings thousands of spectators as well as amateur and professional cyclists to town for Wilmington’s largest outdoor event. Named among the Top 10 criterium bike races in the country by USA Cycling, the Wilmington Grand Prix is an international cycling event that includes a free six-block street festival, a parade, a bucket-list recreational ride through a dozen world-class cultural attractions, sidewalk cafes, and a variety of free family rides and attractions. The weekend kicks off with Friday’s Monkey Hill Time Trial, a 3.2-mile race against the clock in Brandywine Park for both profes-

sional and amateur racers. The time trial is free to watch and is followed by a barbeque and live music. Saturday’s Grand Prix Criterium includes men’s and women’s proam races along a 1-mile course in Downtown Wilmington. A variety of amateur races start at 9:00am and culminate with the Family Fun Ride, Run, or Walk in early afternoon. This is a non-competitive, untimed family ride, run, or walk on the same course that the Grand Prix pro racers ride. While there’s a small charge for adults, it’s free for ages 16 and under. After you complete the course there are six blocks of free family activities from rock walls to live music to course-side cafes. If you brought a bike, it can be stored for free at the bike corral in Willington Square. The women pro cyclers take to the

Grand Prix Course at 2:15pm; the men at 4:00pm. “The Wilmington Grand Prix has become one of the country’s premier bike events,” said Lyn Lewis, who promotes the area. “More than 20,000 people will be on hand to watch riders compete at break neck speeds over a compact 6/10th of a mile course with multiple sprints.” Sunday brings the Governor’s Ride, the shortest of the Gran Fondo courses. The Governor’s Ride begins at 8:00am. Join Gov. Jack Markell and

other celebrity riders on an escorted 15-mile ride through the area’s world-class cultural attractions. The ride starts and finishes at the Delaware Art Museum with a finish line party in the sculpture garden. There are also 62-mile and 31mile versions. All pass through the Brandywine Valley’s terrific scenery and by cultural institutions such as the Hagley Museum and Gardens and Winterthur. For more information and registration, visit wilmgrandprix.com

Wilmington Tourism

Racers compete at breakneck speeds through downtown Wilmington.

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 27

maryland I staff

Ocean City offers free stuff and hotel deals to visitors Ocean City, Md., continues its successful “Free-for-All” promotion with a large collection of free events, hotel deals that are guaranteed to be the lowest rates on the Web, and free meals, attractions, amusements, and golf. The ocisfree.com website is a treasure trove of deals conveniently separated as hotels, dining, family fun, shopping, salons and spas, and night life. You search the “Free Stuff” page for vouchers that interest you, from dining to donuts, then select your dates for hotel options and other deals that may interest you. Insider tip: The site tells you whether hotel pricing is rack (normal) rate or a special deal.

The resort sponsors free movies on the beach, concerts, and other events throughout the season. u Spring movies at Northside park on May 9 and 23 u Movies on the beach at the Carousel on Wednesdays, June 4-Aug. 27 u Concerts on the beach at N. Division Street, Wednesdays in July and August u Movies on the beach at 27th Street, Mondays and Fridays, June 23-Aug. 8 u Movies on the beach at the Princess Royale on Thursdays in July and August There are plenty of other free events to take in. Check the “Free for All” section at ococean.com.

Marigot Beach

The Ocean City Air Show returns to the Maryland beach resort for the seventh time on June 14-15. The show is visible all along the boardwalk, though VIP seating is available. The U.S. Air Force Thunder-

birds headline the show, which will include some of the nation’s top military and civilian performers and parachute teams.

Learn more Ocean City Tourism: ococean.com

Ocean City Tourism

Fontainebleau Hotel

S U I T E S

BY CHOICE HOTELS

Approved

Summer Hot Deal Book by May 1st and Save 15%

Stay two or more nights between May 23 and Sept. 1, 2014 in a Deluxe Oceanview guestroom at the Clarion Resort or in a 1 or 2 bedroom Oceanfront Suite at Marigot Beach. 101st Street & Oceanfront • Ocean City, MD

800.638.2800 • clarionoc.com • marigotbeachsuites.com There are lots of deals to be found to make a stay in Ocean City, Md., even more enjoyable.

*Promotion cannot be combined with any other discounts or specials and is not valid on Group or Golf Package Rates. Minimum length of stay may apply. Based on availability.

OCEANFRONT PLAZA HOTEL Boardwalk at 12th Street

OCEANFRONT Boardwalk at 23rd Street

OCEANFRONT INN Boardwalk at 24th Street

WWW .BOARDWALKHOTELS.COM

800-926-1122

STAY, SPLASH & SAVE SPECIAL

•Central Reservations •Group Rates •Ocean City Golf Groups

OFFICIAL HOTELS OF

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL!

• 1, 2 & 3 Night Accommodations • 1 pass per person to Splash Mountain Water Park • Free breakfasts** • 1 pass per person for mini-golf at Jolly Roger • Starting at $319 based on a family of 4*

*Packages and specials restricted to certain dates. **One breakfast voucher per person, per day

28 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

escape! recreationnews.com

Visit us online for more:

. Travel info . Contests . Hot deals . Calendars . Extended Content . Archives

Like us to enter exclusive contests and share your adventures!

maryland I roland leiser

Frederick’s trails offer bikers a variety of distances and sights A driver in a white van shouts, “The park is just before the bridge!” A friend and I have set out on the Frederick, Md., History Bicycle Loop one Saturday morning to explore the city on bikes. We had paused to review the cue sheet (a navigation aid for directions at various intersections) when the driver guessed correctly that we were momentarily lost. This 10-mile trail begins at the Frederick Visitor Center not far from I-70 and meanders past row houses, Victorian homes, notable buildings, historic sites, and museums. This is primarily a flat loop on public streets and paved paths. While the route includes sites and buildings associated with some of Frederick’s renowned citizens, it runs leisurely by lovely residential areas and through half of the city’s historic district with its shops, restaurants, churches, and museums. The city ride complements Frederick County’s five Heritage Bicycle Tours developed last year. One of the most popular is the North County Bridges Sampler, a rolling 40-mile loop according to folks at the Visitor Center.

The Heart of the Civil War, Transportation Heritage, Catoctin Mountain Challenge, and the Spirits of Burkittsville round out the group. We both had bypassed Frederick endless times on I-270 without exploring its attractions, except for a brief bus tour I took of the Journey Through Hallowed Ground Heritage Corridor some years back.

Back in Frederick The Visitor Center provides maps, educational materials, and cue sheets for the city bike tour’s 21 points of interest. Count on at least a two-hour ride. It took us 3-1/2 hours, what with pauses for traffic lights, stops to view the sights, time to scope out the correct turns, and a coffee and croissant break at the Stone Hearth Bakery. Since I lacked a bike lock, the owners allowed me to bring my wheels inside where they sold scones, muffins, pastries, and tempting whole grain, oatmeal, and other breads. Insider tip: Flat pedals should be used for safety and ease of getting on and off your bikes instead of pedals with clips or toe straps.

We soon head out from the Visitor Center to South Carroll Street lined with quirky two-story brick townhouses with some painted in cheerful colors. The journey proceeds along Clarke Place with its massive Victorian homes that speak to their original owners’ egos and the current owners’ wealth. No two are alike. Other sites include Museum of Frederick County History, the Schifferstadt Architectural Museum, the idyllic campus of Hood College, and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. We knew who wrote The Star Spangled Banner, our national anthem, but not that its author, Francis Scott Key, was a Frederick native. Within Mt. Olivet Cemetery, one of the 21 historic sites, is his burial place; a statue and small park have been erected in his memory. It’s one of the few places the American flag flies 24 hours a day by Congressional mandate.

As the trail continues into the cemetery, we pass a long line of gravestones of Confederate soldiers in a somber reminder of that anguished conflict that raged in the area multiple times during the war. Among the oddities elsewhere in town are narrow passageways with names such as McClellan Alley and Scottish Alley. And on the west side of Market Street is the block-long Lord Nickens Street, named for a civil rights leader. A nearby wall mural depicts a star and a moon, but when I approach a man on the ladder leaning against the wall, I find he is an optical illusion that’s actually part of the art. As we near the last section of the tour through Baker Park, carillon bells begin to ring at noon, a fitting note on which to end our ride.

Learn more Frederick Co. Tourism: 800-999-7613, visitfrederick.org

wispresort.com 301.387.4000 855.990.0250

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

Forecast: 100% chance chance ofof fun fun rapidly rapidly family! effecting your family!

Carroll County offers an experience at every turn

With an almost endless list of outdoor activities, Wisp Resort makes it easy for your family to disconnect from everyday lift and reconnect with each other. Mountain Mission Family Package Starting at $689* This is your family’s mission, if you choose to accept! 2-nights lodging at the Wisp Resort Hotel 2 breakfasts Whitewater Rafting on the World’s only mountaintop re-circulating whitewater course Wisp Adventure Pass (1 trip on the Spider Monkey Adventure or Chipmunk Challenge Course, Scenic Chairlift Ride, Mountain Coaster ride, 9-Holes of Disc Golf, Gem Mining Pay Dirt) *Package price is for family of 4 and we can customize for your family. Valid Mondays thru Thursday, non-holiday from June 2 thru October 9, 2014. Based on availability and advance reservation.

Westminster Flower and Jazz Festival Downtown Westminster May 10 | 10:00am–4:00pm

Hampstead Day Main Street Hampstead May 24 | 8:00am–4:00pm

800-272-1933 | www.CarrollCountyTourism.org

Mountain Coaster

Segway Tours

Canopy Tours

Whitewater Rafting

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 29

maryland I gwen woolf

Calvert County fires up plans for War of 1812 ‘Star-Spangled Celebration’ Calvert Co. Tourism

The Kalmar Nyckel is among the tall ships participating in the War of 1812 events in Calvert County, Md.

Men dressed in uniforms of a past era roll a cannon to the crest of a hill as a crowd forms in anticipation. Suddenly, a loud blast and cloud of gray smoke erupt, causing spectators to jump or gasp, then smile. The thrilling moment at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum jolts the mind back two centuries to the summer of 1814, when the War of 1812 roared into Calvert County in Southern Maryland. The county commemorates the bicentennial of its role in the war in a big way with a “Star-Spangled Celebration,” June 21-22. Events will be centered at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in St. Leonard, Md., a 56-mile drive from Washington. Here, at the critical juncture of the Patuxent River and St. Leonard Creek, the outnumbered, rag-tag Chesapeake Bay Flotilla led by Commodore Joshua Barney, a Marylander, stood up to British ships for two days in June 1814. It was the largest naval engagement in Maryland’s history. The county also suffered much destruction at the hands of the British invaders, including the burning of the courthouse.

UPCOMING

EVENTS

Bethesda Fine arts Festival

25th annual hometown holidays

May 10 & 11 Downtown Bethesda Bethesda.org

May 24-26 Rockville Town Center rockvillemd.gov/events

GaithersBurG Book Festival

Zip line adventure: Go ape!

May 17 | 10am-6pm Gaithersburg City Hall Grounds gaithersburgbookfestival.org

Rockville, Maryland GoApe.com

adventure park at sandy sprinG Sandy Spring, Maryland Sandyspringadventurepark.org

www.VISITMONTGOMERY.com

240.777.2064 30 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

What to expect An annual 1812 Fair and Reenactment last September gave a glimpse of what to expect at the June event. You’re greeted by a field of white tents with living-history interpreters in period costumes giving military, civilian, and African-American perspectives on the war and encouraging questions. The number-one question is “Are you hot in those clothes?” according to Myron Peterson, who portrayed the commander of American forces. The uniforms — blue and white for the American Navy, red and white for Royal Marines — are made of wool. Soon, you’re immersed in seeing troops drill, visiting encampments, and watching activities, including a blacksmith toiling over open coals, women spinning wool, and children making cornhusk dolls. You learn about sword fights in a fencing demonstration. (“The No. 1 rule is — don’t die,” quipped one swashbuckler.) Fiddling, cooking, dancing, and theatrical demonstrations contribute to the lively atmosphere. This year’s event, which takes place 10:00am-

5:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am4:00pm on Sunday, will have even more to see, according to the festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Patricia Samford. There will be additional demonstrations and performers, and plenty of interactive activities, such as 18th-century dance lessons and games of cricket. Vendors will sell food and period gear. Francis Scott Key and Dolley Madison also will make an appearance. Reenactors will provide battle demonstrations with different scenarios on Saturday at 11:00am and 3:00 pm. The grand finale comes at Sundayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2:00pm naval battle reen-

actment, when little boats will be pitted against an â&#x20AC;&#x153;invasionâ&#x20AC;? of four tall ships. Expect some shooting and cannon fire. Insider tip: Admission is free for all weekend activities except Tavern Night on Saturday evening, which will feature live music and libations and is $10 per person.

More 1812 activities While youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re at Jefferson Patterson Park, you can see War of 1812 artifacts and a short film at the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Exhibit Barn, or take a free audio tour of key locations in the 560-acre

Calvert Co. Tourism

property. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll also find a visitors center, walking trails, and a re-created American Indian village. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also an exhibit on the archaeology of the St. Leonard Creek battles at the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory on the grounds. There are free tours of the state-of-the-art facility, which researches and conserves artifacts, on Thursdays and the first Friday of every month. (410-586-8554 or email ed.chaney@maryland.gov) If you admire the graceful sails and masts of the tall ships, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get a chance to see them up close on June 21 between 9:00am and 11:00am. Park at the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons and take free transportation between docking sites of the Kalmar Nyckel, the Pride of Baltimore II, Sultana, and the Dove for â&#x20AC;&#x153;open shipâ&#x20AC;? tours. The ships, which arrive earlier in the week, also are available for public sailings. (calvertmarinemuseum.com) The museum, which interprets the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environmental and cultural history, also has an exhibit, â&#x20AC;&#x153;A River Through Time,â&#x20AC;? about the Patuxentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s role in the war, including artifacts brought to the surface from a U.S. ship scuttled in the St. Leonard Creek battles. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also a fascinating collection of prehistoric fossils, live otters and other sea creatures, and small crafts. The museum

will have free admission on June 21 only. If you plan ahead, special Historic Sunset Cruises leave from the museum dock on selected Saturdays (June 14, July 19, Aug. 9, and Sept. 6). Aboard the Wm. B. Tennison, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hear War of 1812 lore from historians as you ride the waves of the broad Patuxent into the mouth of St. Leonard Creek, where it all happened. (Reservations are required by the Wednesday prior to the cruise date at 410-326-2042, ext. 41. A $50-perperson fee includes a light supper.) Other county venues are getting into the spirit, too. Bayside History Museum in North Beach has a War of 1812 exhibit, including replicas of uniforms. The Annmarie Sculpture Garden and Arts Center in Solomon opens an unusual exhibit on May 23 called â&#x20AC;&#x153;Sailor Made: The Return of the Wooliesâ&#x20AC;? about the hand-stitched ship portraits made by 19th-century British seamen. The garden is a charming place to visit. You can walk on trails through the woods to discover large, dramatic sculptures and small, quirky creations among the leaves.

Learn more Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum: 410-586-8501, jefpat.org Calvert Co. Tourism: 800-331-9771, choosecalvert.com/1812

([WHQG <RXU :HHNHQG 6XPPHU LV WKH SHUIHFW WLPH WR WUHDW \RXUVHOI WR D ORQJ ZHHNHQG War of 1812 reenactors representing the American forces prepare for action at Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum.

Spend the day in 1944 aboard the

World War II Liberty Ship JOHN W. BROWN The six hour day cruise features: continental breakfast, buffet lunch, music of the 40â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, period entertainment & flybys of wartime aircraft (conditions permitting). Tour museum spaces, crew quarters, bridge & much more. View the magnificent 140-ton triple-expansion steam engine as it powers the ship through the water.

2014 Cruises On the Chesapeake Bay May 24, June 14, September 6 & October 4 Special Rates for the May 24 cruise

Tickets are $140 ea Group rates available Order your tickets online at: www.ssjohnwbrown.org For information call: 410-558-0164

1DY\ *DWHZD\ ,QQV 6XLWHV LV UHDG\ IRU \RX 9KVJ 9KVJ IWGUV TQQOU CV NQECVKQPU YQTNFYKFG 0)+5 QHHGTU V V N VK NF KF 0)+5 HH Ĺ? #HHQTFCDNG TCVGU Ĺ? 2TQHGUUKQPCNN[ OCPCIGF EQOHQTVCDNG CEEQOOQFCVKQPU Ĺ? 6JG COGPKVKGU QH EQOOGTEKCN JQVGNU Ĺ? # YGNEQOKPI CVOQURJGTG CPF UVGNNCT EWUVQOGT UGTXKEG 9G 9GNEQOG Ĺ? #EVKXG FWV[ CPF TGVKTGF OKNKVCT[ TGUGTXKUVU CPF &Q& GORNQ[GGU Ĺ? $WUKPGUU 6&; IWGUVU QP QHHKEKCN VTCXGN Ĺ? 5RCEG CXCKNCDNG NGKUWTG VTCXGNGTU Ĺ? 5RQPUQTGF HTKGPFU CPF HCOKNKGU

PQ QTFGTU TGSWKTGF

%TGCVKPI EQOHQTVCDNG IWGUV UGTXKEGU HQT VJQUG YG UGTXG 7RGD\ DQG 7RPRUURZ

6WD\ ZLWK XV PDNH \RXU UHVHUYDWLRQ QRZ %CNN 0#8; $'& QT XKUKV YYY FQFNQFIKPI PGV ;QW ECP CNUQ HKPF WU D[ UECPPKPI VJKU EQFG YKVJ [QWT UOCTVRJQPG

Last day to order tickets is 14 days before the cruise. Conditions and penalties apply to cancellations

Join us for a Family Fun Weekend in Fells Point July 3rd to 6th Tour the ship, Movie, Concert & Variety Show on the Fells Point Pier Project Liberty Ship is a Baltimore based, all volunteer, nonprofit organization

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 31

maryland I reed hellman

‘Raiders & Invaders’ descend on St. Mary’s County, Md.

“

War of 1812 commemoration puts fun first with free admission to historic sites and exhibits In the spring and summer of 1813 and 1814, British ships raided throughout the Chesapeake, from the mouth of the bay, north to Havre de Grace on the Susquehanna River. Up and down the tidal rivers and creeks, the redcoats burned and plundered, almost unopposed. The havoc extended to the nation’s capital and only ended in the east at the Battle of North Point and the starspangled siege of Baltimore’s Fort McHenry. Although Maryland’s St. Mary’s County did not suffer any pitched land battles, the raids were a nearly constant source of anguish and apprehension. Two centuries later, the Southern Maryland county commemorates those years of raiding and invading with a long weekend of music, street theater, food, and

A Raiders & Invaders Passport serves as a mini guide to the weekend and provides free admission to a participating passport site.”

fun. From June 6 through 8, visitors can enjoy serious history blended with more than a dollop of tongue-incheek fun, with street theater, circus acts, and invasion route boat tours — plus a 1960s-style British invasion. Leonardtown will be the focus of many of the “Raiders & Invaders” events. The weekend kicks off with Raiders & Invaders First Friday, which builds on Leonardtown’s established First Friday tradition. Highlights include 1812: Tide of War Concert Project, a collaboration

St. Mary’s Co. Tourism

War of 1812 reenactors will be part of the fun during Raiders & Invaders Weekend in St. Mary’s County.

32 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

between musician Gary Rue and historian Don Shomette to create a blend of music and narrative about the War of 1812 in the Chesapeake. North End Gallery will present War of 1812 Revisited…Through the Artist’s Eyes, featuring work by some of the region’s finest artists. Shops, restaurants, and the Port of Leonardtown Winery will also participate in the celebration.

Music and more in Leonardtown Saturday afternoon in Leonardtown, the fun for the whole family begins at noon and continues into the evening. Enjoy a range of music from sea shanties to rock on two stages. The courthouse steps will serve as a backdrop for storytelling and traditional circus acts by Old Bay Circus. Find street theater, arts activities for the kids, period vendors, and demonstrations by the Calvert Arundel Swordsmen, plus 1812-related exhibits and lectures throughout the upper town. Along Leonardtown’s waterfront, see the Chesapeake Baybuilt work boats and climb aboard for an invasion route excursion. There will be plenty to eat and drink, including a tavern tent in the square serving brews and local wines. Saturday evening in Leonardtown, enjoy the music at a free waterside evening concert at the site of the 1814 British invasion. At 6:00pm, Justin Myles teams with Rusty Williams in an acoustic/percussion duo. A dancer as well as a musician, Myles spent five years on tour with the musical Stomp, and throws in body percussion and tap as the spirit moves him. At 7:00pm, a second British invasion — the British Invasion Tribute — plays the music of The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Donovan, The Troggs, Cream, The Spencer Davis Group, and others. On Sunday, the events spread throughout St. Mary’s County. A Raiders & Invaders Passport serves as a mini guide to the weekend and provides free admission to a participating passport site. The pass-

port also offers you a chance to win $1,000 through the Raiders & Invaders Sweepstakes. Insider tip: You can find information on how to get a passport at raidersandinvaders.com. St. Mary’s County boasts colonial and maritime heritage sites, great outdoor spaces for cycling and paddling, shops, galleries, and wineries. Many will host special Raiders & Invaders Weekend programming. Sottlerley Plantation, overlooking the scenic Patuxent River, is the sole surviving Tidewater plantation in Maryland that is fully interpreted and open to the public. The 100-acre site will present “The Choice,” an interactive tour based on actual events that took place there during the War of 1812. Historic St. Mary’s City, an outdoor museum on the site of Maryland’s first capital, presents living history exhibits developed after decades of research. Historic St. Mary’s City will offer a special 1812 program that is free to the public, no passport needed. The St. Clement’s Island Museum shares the story of Maryland’s founding and traces the route of the first English colonists who landed on St. Clement’s Island on March 25, 1634. The town of Chaptico and its postcard-pretty Christ Church experienced British terror shortly after the invasion of Leonardtown. The church survived; much of the port and town did not. Visitors can tour the church and cemetery, and the burial site of Francis Scott Key’s family The 6-acre Piney Point Lighthouse, Museum and Park includes a picnic area, kayak launch, boardwalk, pier, and sandy beach. Patuxent River Naval Air Museum, the only naval museum dedicated to aviation research, development, testing, and evaluation, holds an outdoor aircraft park displaying 21 naval aircraft. Greenwell Foundation and State Park has nearly 600 acres of parkland, 10 miles of trails, and two miles of waterfront along the Patuxent River. An accessible pier, kayak/ canoe launch sites, beach, and picnic areas make Greenwell an excellent choice for outdoor fun.

Learn more St. Mary’s Co. Tourism: 301-4754200, raidersandinvaders.com

A WEEKEND OF FANTASTIC FAMILY FUN

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

0 1 ( K G

SUNDAY 2 Friday and Saturday in Historic Leonardtown. Sunday, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an entire peninsula of fun. Find it all just a short drive south of D.C. and Baltimore in St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County

FIRST FRIDAY IN LEONARDTOWN +2+, K Art Openings

Rum & Wine Tastings

Merchant Activities

SATURDAY IN LEONARDTOWN

ALSO ON SATURDAY

FREE Admission! Activities Include: Continuous Music on Multiple Stages Period Demonstrators Hands-on Action Historic Boats Invasion Route Excursions 1812 Street Theater Circus Performers Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Entertainment 1812 Exhibits Tavern Tent Food Vendors And donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t missâ&#x20AC;Ś The British Invasion Tribute Concert Saturday Evening!

1812 Living History Event at Sotterley Plantation

' K

SUNDAY IN ST. MARYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S Use the Passport for free admission to historic sites and attractions.

Get your Raiders & Invaders Weekend Passportâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;your ticket to cool fun and cold cash.

Get event details at

W_Z[hiWdZ dlWZ[hi(Yec Get travel details at

_i_j j Whoi Z(Yec recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 33

maryland I staff

Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage on through May 31

Md. Home & Garden Pilgrimage

Ash Point Farm in Kent County is among the properties open as part of this year’s Maryland Home & Garden Pilgrimage.

For more than three-quarters of a century the Maryland House & Garden Pilgrimage has opened some of the state’s most fascinating properties to public tours each spring. The six-week event, which began in Prince George’s County on April 26 with tours of 15 sites that are related to the War of 1812, includes a total of about 50 private homes, gardens, farms, churches, and historic sites across five areas in Maryland. The focus shifts to the Parkton area of Baltimore County on May 4 with sites like the 1810 Wiseburg Inn and the Parkton Stone Arch Bridge, built in 1809, which is the oldest stone arch bridge in the state. Talbot County’s tour on May 10 includes a number of Federal style plantation homes: Wheatlands, built by Perry Benson who repelled the British attack on St. Michaels in 1813, and Lombardy, a Colonial-Revival home with a “Mount Vernon porch.” The May 17 tour in Calvert County

includes one-room schoolhouses and 18th-century homes. The original part of The Cage in St. Leonard was built in the mid1600s. The Middleham Chapel dates to 1748 and is one of the oldest church buildings in the United States. May 31 marks the end of the pilgrimage in Kent County which includes Ash Point Farm and a number of 18th-century homes and a garden in Chestertown. Guests will be offered lunch (at an additional cost) on each of the county tours. Talbot, Prince George’s, Kent, and Baltimore county pilgrims may choose to have a delicious box or buffet luncheon served at an historic church or museum, while Calvert tour-goers can enjoy a gourmet lunch from The Laughing Pickle beneath the shade of a tent overlooking the Patuxent River. Tour details and tickets are available at mghp.org.

www.recreationnews.com 410-638-6901 • fax: 410-638-6902 Mailing Address: Ches Lighthouse April 2011:Layout 1 3/15/2011 PM Page 1 MD 21221 1607 Sailaway Circle,1:28 Baltimore,

BALTIMORE

Lighthouse Tours

We offer Military Discounts !

On the Water aboard M/V Sharp’s Island • Southern Expedition - 14 Lighthouses -

ER HARBO N IN E H T T A D E K C O K WHO’S D

LOO

r a SPECIAL RATE! fo th o bo t e ck ti e th NS! ILITARY ID at HER GREAT ATTRACTIO DON’T MISS OUR OT Show your ACTIVE M 443-615-7878ItorNot! • t ee tr S t gh Li 01 3 /RipleysBelieve ore Ripleys.com/Baltim inment Inc. ©Ripley Enterta

2 Days - Overnight Onancock, VA - Aug. 9 & 10 • Sunset Cruises with 2 Lighthouses • Half Day on the Bay with 5 Lighthouses • Full Day Cruises with 10 Lighthouses • Northern Expedition with 10 lighthouses including Turkey Point and Fishing Battery Lights.

Trips depart from Knapp’s Narrows Marina on Tilghman Island.

For information or to book call 800-690-5080 www.ChesapeakeLights.com

for unlimited access to weekend events, travel deals and contests, go to RecreationNews.com and click “Weekend Update” 34 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

maryland I michelle and karl teel

Take a tour of lighthouses on the Chesapeake Bay Journeys begin at Tilghman Island, Md., and provide great vantage points Why do lighthouses draw our attention and get our minds imagining days gone by? What was it like to be a lighthouse keeper? How were lighthouses built? The Chesapeake Bay certainly has its share of these beacons, and there is no better way to see them than from the water. Perhaps thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no better guide than Capt. Mike Richards as he takes you to see them â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from the best vantage point â&#x20AC;&#x201C; on board the vessel Sharps Island on the Chesapeake Bay. Richards offers a variety of opportunities to enjoy this experience. He has something to fit every calendar and budget. Getting there is half the fun, as you cross the Bay Bridge and head to the quaint waterfront Talbot County towns of Easton, Oxford, and St. Michaels. Then, wander down the peninsula to Tilghman Island with its rich watermanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s history. The Sharps Island departs from the Bay Hundred Restaurant on Tilghman Island. Here are some packages to choose from. Sunset Pursuit â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Begin your weekend with a two-hour voyage to visit the Bloody Point and Thomas Point Lighthouses and catch the sunset as your ship returns to Tilghman Island.

This trip runs Friday evenings through Oct. 1. The price is only $55 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Children 12 and under are half price. Be sure that you bring along a bottle of wine to enjoy the eveningâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s view with. Check by phone or web for departure times (which vary) to ensure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll witness a beautiful sunset. Passage to â&#x20AC;&#x153;5â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Visit five of the most historic and famous of the Chesapeake Bay Lighthouses on this trip. Sharps Island, Bloody Point, Thomas Point, Sandy Point, and Baltimore lighthouses can be seen in detail only by boat. Enjoy some great close-up photo ops and a comprehensive narrative history of every beacon. This trip also passes under the Bay Bridge, an interesting experience in itself. The price is $80 per person, plus tax and gratuity; children 12 and under are half price. Northern Chesapeake Lighthouse Expedition â&#x20AC;&#x201D; This all-day trip visits 10 unique light structures on the Northern Chesapeake Bay. Experience the full spectrum from the pristine Eastern Shore to the heavy industrial area of Sparrows Point. Enjoy lunch at Tolchester Beach around noon and return to Tilghman Island in late afternoon.

Price is $165 per person, plus tax and gratuity; children 12 and under are half price. Southern Chesapeake Lighthouse Expedition â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Passengers on this two-day trip will see 13 mid- and southern-bay lighthouses and structures. Lunch on Day One will be on historic Tangier Island, where you will be able to choose among four restaurants and tour the island museum. You overnight in the quaint town of Onancock, Va., which has a number of fine restaurants and B&Bs. Day twoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s adventure is a sail north through Tangier Sound and a box lunch aboard the Sharps Island. All of the lighthouses on this trip can only be seen by boat and the tour has been described as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Lighthouse Experience on Chesapeake Bayâ&#x20AC;? by seasoned lighthouse visitors. Price is $275 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Meals and accommodations are not included and the cost of a box lunch is $12 per person, or guests can choose from a list of recommended B&Bs and restaurants. For information or reservations, visit chesapeakelights.com, call 800-690-5080, or email info@chesapeakelights.com. Tell Capt. Mike that Recreation News sent you!

Â&#x2C6; 1YPXMGYPXYVEP *IWXMZEP )EWXSR 1E] Â&#x2C6; )EVXL (E] EX 4LMPPMTW ;LEVJ )RZMVSRQIRXEP 'IRXIV 8MPKLQER -WPERH 1E] Â&#x2C6; 8EPFSX ,SYWI ERH +EVHIR 8SYV )EWXSR 1E] Â&#x2C6; 'LIWETIEOI ;IPPRIWW ;IIOIRH 1E]

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 35

maryland I fran severn-levy

Tea parties and mud baths Relive history, reel in a prize rockfish, tour elegant gardens, and roll in mud â&#x20AC;&#x201D; you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t say Kent County on Marylandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Eastern Shore lacks for things to do. The Colonial upstarts who dissed the British in 1774 reappear in Chestertown at the annual Tea Party Festival, May 23-25. Boston may get the publicity, but Marylanders also tossed the East India Companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tea into the water of the Chester River. The festival kicks off with a street party Friday night in the town square. The main event â&#x20AC;&#x201D; reenacting the tea toss â&#x20AC;&#x201D; is Saturday afternoon, but before that, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a parade, music, militia drills, Kent CO. Tourism

dancing, and storytelling from colonial times. The schooner Sultana sails several times a day throughout the weekend, with passengers helping with the sails and other on-board chores. (chestertownteaparty.org) Chestertown and Kent County are filled with elegant and historic mansions and gardens. They open to the public once a year during the House and Garden Pilgrimage on May 31. Colonial townhouses, Victorian classics, and a whimsical â&#x20AC;&#x153;fish campâ&#x20AC;? are on the self-driving tour. Funds raised go toward the renovation of the fountain in the town square in Chestertown. (mhpg.org)

Outdoor fun and challenges

Turn back the clock to revolutionary times at the annual Chestertown Tea Party Festival.

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paddle, peddle, and fish for outdoor lovers all month. Triathletes gather in Rock Hall on Memorial Day weekend for the Rock Hall International Triathlon on May 31 and the Rock Hall Sprint Triathlon on June 1. Upwards of 500 people will participate in each of the events. The International Triathlonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s elements are a 1,500-meter swim, 241/2-mile bike ride, and 10K run. The Sprint is the â&#x20AC;&#x153;easyâ&#x20AC;? event with a 750-meter swim, 15-mile bike ride, and 5K run. Do you want to feel really unfit? More than a dozen participants in the International are over 60; one, a woman, is 73. (setupevents. com) Rock Hall also hosts the annual Maryland Watermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Association Rockfish Tournament on June 6-8. The Pro-Am event is open to recreational an-

glers and licensed fishing guides. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a special division for kids under 14, with trophies for the largest catch. Adults are angling for bigger prizes â&#x20AC;&#x201D; up to $10,000 for the largest rockfish. Boats leave the dock starting at 5:00am. Weigh-in starts at 11:00am. (marylandwatermen. com) An â&#x20AC;&#x153;all-kidsâ&#x20AC;? fishing derby is June 7 at Turnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek Park in Kennedyville. Designed to introduce youngsters to fishing, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a rod-and-reel giveaway to the first 75 to pre-register and prizes for casting and catching in several age divisions. Free bait and free lunch are offered â&#x20AC;&#x201D; thankfully, not in the same bag. (kentparkandrec.org) â&#x20AC;&#x153;Grunge and funâ&#x20AC;? could be the slogan for the Savage Race on May 17 in Kennedyville. Individuals and teams take on 25 obstacles that make Marine Corps training look like an Easter egg hunt at the National Cathedral. Competitors crawl under barbed wire, slog through mud, wriggle around live electric wires (in the mud), haul logs (through mud), run across balance beams (over mud), and jump burning brush. Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a junior version for kids under 12, with 10 obstacles of a much kinder nature on a 1-mile course. (savagerace.com) As if thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not enough, art exhibits, concerts, theater, and classic car cruises are also on the calendar.

Learn more

' R Q Âˇ W 0 L V V W K H ( [ F L W P H Q W

Kent Co. Tourism: kentcounty.com

I R U D : 7KH %DWWOH RI &DXONÂˇV )LHOG %LFHQWHQQLDO Ç¸Č˝ É&#x201E;Č&#x2DC;Č&#x2DC;Č¨Č&#x192;Č¨Ç¸Čľ LÉ&#x153;Ç¸É&#x2018; LÉ&#x2030;Ç¸Č˝Č?ČľČ?Č&#x2021; Ç¸Č˝Č˝Č?É&#x2018; ŇŹŇŠŇŠ ČŁČ?É&#x2022;Ç¸É&#x2030;Č?Ç¸Č°Č? Ç¸ČšÉ&#x2030;Ç¸Č¨Č?Č˝ É¨Č?Č˝É&#x153;

Â´)RU WKH ILUVW WLPH HYHU DQG OLNHO\ WKH RQO\ WLPH $PHULFDQ DQG %ULWLVK UHHQDFWRUV FRPH WRJHWKHU <HDUV WR WKH 'D\ WR 5HOLYH 7KH %DWWOH RI &DXONÂˇV )LHOG Âľ 2Q WKH 2ULJLQDO %DWWOHILHOG

NHQWFRXQW\ FRP

6DYH WKH :HHNHQG 6DWXUGD\ $XJ 6XQGD\ $XJ

6DWXUGD\ $XJXVW EHJLQV DW D P /RFDWLRQ &KHVWHUWRZQ (QFDPSPHQW 3DUDGH 3ULGH RI %DOWLPRUH ,, 6FKRRQHU 6XOWDQD 'UDJRRQV )RUW 0F+HQU\ *XDUG -XQLRU )LIH 'UXP &RUSV DQG PRUH 6XQGD\ $XJXVW D P WR S P /RFDWLRQ &DXONÂˇV )LHOG 5HHQDFWPHQW $PHULFDQ %ULWLVK (QFDPSPHQWV 'HPRQVWUDWLRQV ([KLELWV 0DU\ODQG 1DWLRQDO *XDUGÂˇV WK $UP\ %DQG )RUW 0F+HQU\ *XDUG )LIH 'UXP &RUSV )RRG 9HQGRUV /LYH 0XVLF /LYLQJ +LVWRU\ DQG 0XFK 0RUH &DXONÂˇV )LHOG LV MXVW PLQXWHV IURP &KHVWHUWRZQ RQ 0DU\ODQGÂˇV 8SSHU (DVWHUQ 6KRUH )ROORZ VLJQV RQ 0DU\ODQG 5W

ZZZ Z ZZ N NHQWFRXQW\ FRP HQWFRXQW\ FRP 36 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

recgov.com 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.

Founded to serve those who serve our great nation The Armed Forces Benefit Association (AFBA) was established in 1947 with the support of Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower to ease the strain on military members and their families during wartime. At that time, service members could not purchase life insurance that would pay a death benefit if the member was killed in a war zone. For more than 65 years, AFBA has stood by our country’s armed forces. AFBA provides life insurance in both war and peace to those who serve this great nation, including military, first responders, and government employees. What makes AFBA unique is that, unlike so many other insurance companies, AFBA’s insurance coverage continues to have no war or terrorism exclusions. AFBA also offers other financial benefits and services to its members. AFBA has paid life insurance claims to the families of members who lost their lives in the Korean, Vietnam and Persian Gulf conflicts; the attack on the Pentagon; and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. AFBA continues to keep its rolls open during the War on Terrorism. The as-

sociation has more than 345,000 members insured with $37 billion of insurance in force. Life insurance claims paid exceed $1.2 billion. AFBA is under the leadership of a president-chairman and a board of directors of retired senior flag and noncommissioned officers and business leaders from private industry who continue to honor the mission of its founders.

Protect your loved ones You never know what life is going to throw at you. Whether traveling to work or picking up the kids from school, bad things sometimes happen. Unfortunately, when living and working in this fast-paced world, adults with dependents often lack sufficient coverage to protect their survivors if they die unexpectedly. This is your chance to ensure peace of mind. AFBA offers term life coverage at competitive rates, especially created for groups who currently work or have worked for a government agency. You and your spouse are eligible to enroll for a maximum of $500,000 through age 64, provided you are a United States citizen. Your chil-

dren may also apply for coverage up to $50,000. With AFBA Government Employee Group Level Term life insurance, you get: • Emergency death benefit payment within 24 hours of notice • Coverage on and off duty • No occupation restrictions • No war or terrorism exclusions • $40,000 family survivor college scholarship • Optional spouse and child coverage With a reputation for unparalleled customer service and superior claims handling, AFBA looks forward to serving you. Call toll-free 877-214-AFBA (2322) to learn more.

Getting back to basics: Why a financial plan is important Many of us are familiar with the expression “failing to plan is planning to fail.” As an agent with New York Life, I can assure you that — when it comes to financial goals and objectives — this old adage still rings true. In fact, it may be more relevant than ever. As the last few years have shown, it isn’t easy for most Americans to make financial headway. With pensions in decline, interest rates near historic lows, and household incomes yet to bounce back to pre-recession levels, it takes persistence and sound planning in order to get ahead. Not sure how to begin? That’s okay — it’s easy to become overwhelmed if you think about all your needs at once. Instead, try taking it one step at a time, starting with the basics. Build an emergency fund — No matter where you are in life, it’s important to set aside 8 to 10 months of living expenses. You don’t have to do it all at once, but every dollar you save today is a dollar you won’t have to borrow if something unexpected happens. Protect your home and family — Most of us have people who depend on us to keep a roof over their heads and food on their plates. That’s a big

responsibility, but it’s a responsibility that life insurance can help you meet — even if something tragic takes you away. You can start with an affordable term life plan at first, and then add more coverage as your needs and budget grow. Prepare for major expenses like college — As a parent or grandparent, you naturally want the best for your loved ones. Now’s the time to start a college or wedding fund so they won’t have to go into debt to make their dreams for the future come true.

THE RECREATION NEWS MEDIA GROUP www.RecreationNews.com Recreation News • Weekend Update E-mail The Travel Radio Show and Podcast Visit us on Facebook! E-mail: Publisher@RecreationNews.com 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221 Phone: 410-638-6901 • Fax: 410-638-6902 © 2014, Indiana Printing and Publishing Co., Inc. Recreation News (ISSN 1056-9294) is the official publication of GovEmployee.com and RecGov.org, and is published monthly by the Indiana Printing and Publishing Co., Inc. Subscriptions by mail are $15 per year (12 issues). Corporate and bulk employee subscriptions are free. Contact the publisher at the address or telephone number listed above. Items in Recreation News may not be reproduced without the publisher’s written consent.

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

Accounting - Leanne Weaver Chief Financial Off. - Barb Sullinger Production - Eric Smith Printing - Joe Naman Shipping - Sam Parisee Mailing - Gerrard Wilson Marketing - Debbie Palmer Data Mgt. - Carolyn Grover Social Media - Karen Falk

Get ready for retirement — There are plenty of ways to set aside money for retirement: 401(k)s, IRAs, and fixed deferred annuities* just to name a few. But they all have one thing in common — the sooner you start, the better off you’ll be in the long run. Try to increase your contributions over time — perhaps 1 percent with each raise — or, if you are age 50 or older, look into some of the “catch-up” provisions that may allow you to contribute even more. While the recession forced many of us to take a step back financially, it also helped refocus our attention on the things that really matter. A sound financial plan can help us accomplish many things — but perhaps the most important is making sure we never lose sight of them again. This educational, third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Joel Greenberg, agent, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact Joel at 301-238-4782, 6901 Rockledge Drive, Suite 500, Bethesda, MD 20817. *Issued by New York Life Insurance and Annuity Corporation.

gov

employee

com

discounts•destinations•deals

RecGov.org 3012 Gold Mine Road, Brookeville, MD 20833 Phone: 301-221-3977 Email RSragner@RecGov.org 2014 RECGOV President: Ruth Sragner Advisory Panel: Renee Bolden, Clement Jackson, Karl Teel, Jessica Smith and Ted Tepper Publisher - Recreation News: Karl Teel

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

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 37

west virginia I jane and marvin bond

West Virginia is wild and wonderful for outdoor fun Mountain state activities cover the spectrum from bird watching to hiking to tubing “We call it ‘Wild and Wonderful West Virginia’ for a lot of good reasons,” said Jacqueline Proctor, the state’s deputy tourism commissioner.

“The outdoor recreation opportunities run the gamut from ATV trails to zip lining.” The Mountain State has converted

West Virginia Tourism

ATV adventures in West Virginia include the Hatfield-McCoy Trail system, one of the largest off-road systems in the world.

TASTE SIMPLER TIMES

an astounding 375 miles of train tracks into trails for use by hikers, walkers, cyclists, and horseback riders. Some are even available for cross-country skiing. The rail trails, with their gentle or level grades and wide rights of way, are easily accessible and pass through some of the state’s most beautiful scenery. From 1-1/2-mile rail trails in Wetzel and Marion counties to the 48-mile system of connecting trails stretching from Prickett’s Fort State Park through Marion, Monongalia, and Preston counties to the 77-mile Greenbrier River Trail, there are 30 trails and trail systems scattered across the state. The state tourism website contains links to a convenient section showing the trail locations, surfaces, and road access. It also indicates whether they are used for hiking, biking, horseback riding, or cross-country skiing and

whether they are handicapped accessible. The rail trails are just part of the hiking and backpacking adventures in the Mountain State. The popular Appalachian Trail becomes part of West Virginia in the Eastern Panhandle and the Allegheny Trail winds more than 300 miles from the Mason-Dixon Line to the Appalachian Trail in southern West Virginia. West Virginia state parks offer hiking maps, as well as a robust program of themed guided hikes. Many hikes take advantage of bird migrations for birding walks in several parks and Blackwater Falls State Park hosts its 53rd annual wildflower pilgrimage, May 8-11. Trail runners can find running events ranging from 5K to 50K at the West Virginia Trail Runners website. (wnmtr.org) continued on page 40

HEAD OUT ON A HIKE (OR BIKE)! ver In Marion County, you ne . Among know where you’ll end up , or even wildlife, past flowing falls in the 18th Century.

WWW.WVOUTDOORS.INFO 38 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

1.800.834.7365

Where the pavement ends, reconnecting begins.

FIND YOUR WILD AND WONDERFUL

WVTOURISM.COM | 800-225-5982 recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 39

West Virginia continued from page 38

Wheeling it Road cycling also keeps you close to the scenery while offering a variety of mountain climbs and valley back roads for great touring. Dedicated mountain bikers have found a world class destination in West Virginia, thanks to the large number of trails and a variety of challenging terrain. From the miles of trails in the 900,000-acre Monongahela National Forest in the north to the 77-mile Greenbrier River Trail in the south, the Mountain State offers mountain bikers opportunities galore. Southern West Virginia is also a paradise for ATV enthusiasts. Bring your own or find one of the many outfitters to help you enjoy hundreds of miles of off-road trails. Put the pedal to the metal or take it slow to take in the spectacular views. The award-winning Hatfield-McCoy Trail system is one of the largest off-road vehicle trail systems in the world. Many trails connect to West Virginia’s ATV-friendly towns where visitors can grab a bite to eat and experience true Southern hospitality. Burning Rock Outdoor Adventure Park combines 100 miles of ATV trails with a 1.25-mile MX track, zip line, and rustic cabins, as well as camping.

Cast a line West Virginia’s year-round fishing season, including an open season for trout, opens more than 20,000 miles of streams and more than 100 public lakes to anglers. The state stocks streams and small public lakes with rainbow, brown, brook,

and West Virginia golden rainbow trout. You can also cast for smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, and musky. Aside from shoreline and boat fishing venues, float trips are also available on the South Branch, Cacapon, Greenbrier, and New rivers. You can even purchase your fishing license online. Out-of-state visitors may purchase inexpensive one-day licenses. And don’t forget, all children under age 15 fish for free. (wvdnr.gov)

Find a cache West Virginia, like many other areas, uses geocaching to help visitors explore the state’s history. Currently, a statewide geocache trail is based on significant Civil War sites, especially appropriate since West Virginia was born out of that conflict. The state is divided into five zones, each with 15 caches. “There are caches in places like Harpers Ferry, near the Battle of the Bridge, and the state capital. We call that one the 31st star, recognizing ours as the 31st state,” said Robin Taylor, who administers the program. Participants who register and find 8 of the 15 caches in a zone can get a coin in the shape of that zone. “If you get all five of the zone coins, you have a geocoin in the shape of the entire state,” Taylor said. (civilwargeotrail.wv.gov)

Statewide, about two dozen licensed outfitters lead river trips. In Harpers Ferry, you can work through the elements of a challenge course at an adventure park, then ride the river on a raft or tube with one of the local outfitters. The Shenandoah and Potomac rivers offer easy, playful rapids that are great for families. Not far from Morgantown is the boulder-strewn canyon of the Cheat River with more than 30 technical rapids in the Class III to IV range, while the uncrowded Tygert River boasts Class I to V rapids. Southern West Virginia’s Gauley River is called the “Beast of the East” and ranks as one of the best whitewater runs in the world with more Class IV and V rapids than any other eastern river. The New River drops 240 feet over a 14-mile run with all levels of rapids. Ace Adventure Resort in Southern West Virginia combines river activities, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, and ATV and canopy tours with lots of other activities and lodging and camping for the adventure seeker. Maybe the greatest adventure of all is taking the 1-1/2-mile bridge walk along the 24-inch wide catwalk through the inner workings of the New River Gorge Bridge, the longest steel span in the western hemisphere and the third-highest in the United States. Find your West Virginia adventure at wvtourism.com by clicking on the Adventures link.

Adventure resorts and outfitters

ACE Resort

Dotted along West Virginia’s rivers and mountainsides you’ll find adventure resorts and outfitters that help you fly through the tree canopy, tackle a rope bridge, paddle a canoe or kayak, float in a tube, challenge world class whitewater, and even enter a paintball battle.

Zip lines and outdoor adventure sites dot the mountainsides of West Virginia.

•Zip Line

•Tubing

•Rafting • Camping

•New Aerial Adventure Park • And More!

1-800-836-9911 www.hfadventurecenter.com 40 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

west virginia I bonnie williamson

A feast for all your senses awaits in Tucker County, W.Va. Man-made works of art, as well as Mother Nature’s jewels and birds of all shapes and sizes, will all be on display for visitors to Tucker County in West Virginia’s Canaan Valley this summer. The famous Blackwater Falls area is closer than ever to metropolitan Washington and Baltimore continued on page 42 Tucker Co. Tourism

Don Casavecchia

Snowy owls, normally found in Canada, can be seen at the Canaan Valley Birding Festival.

FUN

your summer of

starts here

A potter demonstrates his craft during ArtSpring this month.

“Life’s a Journey ... Enjoy the Ride!”

DISCOVER A NEW CANAAN! 160 New Lodge Rooms • Renovated Main Lodge New Atrium-Style Lobby • Golf • Sporting Clays Summer Tubing • Scenic Chairlift Rides Hiking Trails • Conference/Banquet Services Onsite Dining • And More!

Get on the Trail ... Where Stress and Traffic Vanish! Year ‘round Guided Horseback Riding Trips, Petting Zoo ... Affordable Family Fun!

Located near Blackwater Falls, Canaan Valley State Park and Timberline Four Seasons Resort in beautiful Canaan Valley 255 Freeland Road, Davis, WV

Upcoming Seasonal Events: May 23-26: ArtSpring/Memorial Day Weekend June 5-8: Canaan Valley Birding Festival June 20-22: WV Days Celebration (Civil War Re-enactments) July 4-6: Windfest / Celebration of the Arts July 25-26: Brew Skies Music Festival Aug 9: Canaan Backyard BBQ/Chili Cook-offs

800.622.4121

Cannan Valley

Black Bear

Resort

• Pet Friendly • Groups Welcome • Outdoor Pool • Tennis Courts • Fishing Pond • Playground • Mini-Golf • Main Lodge w/free WiFi

Affordable family fun anytime of year!

CanaanResort.com

blackbearwv.com 800.553.2327

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 41

& C P C C P 9 C N N G [ ^ % N C E M Y C V G T ) C N N U

*GV &NQUnT 4WKEMnT

*GV 7WEMTnF

:KP $ Reel in some unforgettable family time in this high mountain paradise. The new Highway 48 means you can get here up to an hour faster. Call or click to win a Get Tuckrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Getaway!

^ *GV7WEMGTGF EQO Don Casavecchia

*GVCYC[

Tucker County continued from page 41 because more of U.S. Route 48 has been completed, reducing the driving time from D.C. to about 2-1/2 hours. ArtSpring, described as a High Mountain Arts Festival, highlights visual arts, music, dance, and crafts, with events scheduled throughout Canaan Valley and the historic towns of Davis, Thomas, and Parsons. It runs from May 23 to May 26. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a great way to spend your Memorial Day weekend,â&#x20AC;? said Jessica Scowcroft, who promotes the area. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Communities come together countywide to showcase their art. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an open street fair atmosphere.â&#x20AC;? Eight galleries will be participating. Art demonstrations from pottery making to wool spinning will take place, and there will be music and wine tasting to enjoy, too. Culinary delights from the area will be featured for the first time this year. Visitors will be able to decorate their own cupcakes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There will be a silent auction May 23 from 6:00pm to 8:00p.m.at the Peacock Building on Front Street in Thomas. A portion of the auction money will go to the START program, a program that supports and encourages art in the schools,â&#x20AC;? Scowcroft said.

For the birds

The bobolink is among the targets for birders and photographers during the June 5-8 Canaan Valley Birding Festival.

42 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

If your taste is more toward walks in the woods to appreciate the beauty and peace nature provides, try the Canaan Valley Birding Festival, June 5-8 at the newly renovated Canaan Valley Resort in Davis. Different lodging packages are available

at the resort, along with non-lodging options. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s festival theme is Wetland and Grassland Birds. The area has more than 125 species of birds to try to spot. The festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schedule includes half-day walks through Canaan Valley Resort State Park on Thursday and Sunday, and all-day walks on Friday and Saturday that leave around 5:30a.m. A birding photography stand is a new addition this year. Andrea Dalton, the director of the event, said the festival is unique because of the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s diverse environment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are a small, friendly festival welcoming birders of all abilities. They will hear from volunteer leaders who have a passion for sharing their love of birding and this special area. We have high elevation, grasslands, and wetlands,â&#x20AC;? Dalton said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tropical warblers, who winter in the tropics, come thousands of miles to nest here. The warblers include magnolia, blackburnian, yellow, chestnut-sided, black-throated green, and blackthroated blue. We have snowy owls normally found in Canada.â&#x20AC;? Steve Huy, who has been studying the snowy owls and banding them, will be on hand to talk about them. Snowy owls are suddenly appearing all over the East Coast, in whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s being called the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Snowy Owl Explosion.â&#x20AC;? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d rather be fishing, the streams in Tucker County are the place to find those West Virginia trout this time of year. You can get your fishing license online and out-of-staters can get inexpensive one-day licenses. Canaan Valley Resort also boasts a golf course with great mountain views for those who prefer irons and woods to rods and reels. When you combine the art and birding with

Tucker Co. Tourism

Painters are also part of the ArtSpring scene in Tucker County over the Memorial Day weekend. the hiking, biking, fishing, rafting, zip lining, and golf, you have a summer getaway that can satisfy just about anyone and leave your entire group â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tuckrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d.â&#x20AC;? You can even win a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get Tuckrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Getawayâ&#x20AC;? this summer. To register, call 800-782-2775 or visit gettuckered.com.

For more information ArtSpring: artspringwv.com Birding Festival: canaanresort.com Tucker Co. Tourism: canaanvalley.org

& C P C C P 9 C N N G [ ^ % N C E M Y C V G T ) C N N U

*GV 7WEMTnF 4WKEMnT *GV 7WEMTnF

:KP $ Get off the beaten path and enjoy more miles of trails than road. The new Highway 48 means you can get here up to an hour faster. Call or click to win a Get Tuckrâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d Getaway!

^ *GV7WEMGTGF EQO

*GVCYC[

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 43

west virginia I su clauson-wicker

Train time means a good time at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park Chugging along in an open car behind the antique Shay engine at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park, you may feel you have been switchbacked right into the early 20th century. Spewing volumes of black smoke, the Shay follows Leatherbark Creek up the flank of Back Allegheny Mountain, pistons pulsing, crankshaft rotating, wheels driving, and seven cars moving smoothly along the tracks. “I do this every year,” says passenger Jack Leary, a native West Virginian, who makes a 150mile pilgrimage annually to view the Pocahontas County spring landscape from the seat of a railcar. “It never gets old.” From late May through the end of October, the 162-ton iron beast hauls hundreds of tourists up and down the old logging line, sending an eerie whistle ringing up the hollows. The train inches up the mountain, huffing and spewing an acrid black plume punctuated by bursts of white steam. Even for the Shay’s mighty pistons, moving cars up a grade that sometimes reaches 11 percent is no easy feat. We’re lucky to hit 7 mph.

Scenery, not speed But speed is not what we’re about, not here. Oh, sure, folks over on the next mountain at Snowshoe Mountain Resort are zipping through the forest on Segways, off-road vehicles, and mountain bikes. But even there, vacationers pace their spurts of in-

ENTER TO

WIN! THREE

tense activity with interludes of mountain gazing or meditating upon a melodious warbler song. Pocahontas County is meant to be savored. As the train climbs the mountain, hardwoods start giving way to spruce and the breeze picks up. At the Shay’s speed, visitors notice the hepaticas dotting the forest floor and a fox bounding away from the tracks. The first stop is Whittaker Station, elevation 3,100 feet. The loggers, known as “wood hicks,” camped here in the 1940s in movable shanties while harvesting wood for the paper and flooring industries. The huge steam-powered, Lidgerwood skidder, which dragged logs to the trains, towers over the camp. A red caboose sits awaiting modern-day guests, who can be dropped off here for an overnight, or at a similar caboose at Bald Knob.

Choose your trip

Three trips are available on Cass Scenic Railroad: the two-hour round trip to Whittaker Station, a five-hour round trip to Bald Knob, and, once a month, a five-hour round trip to the ghost town of Spruce (once the highest town east of the Rockies). At least two trips are offered daily, four some weekends, with the Whittaker Station runs departing at 11:00am and 2:00pm, and the Bald Knob train leaving at noon. Between regular runs, the park offers special events — dinner trains on June 21, July 12 and 16, and Aug. 9 and 15, and full moon tours on June 13

Before you go Cass Scenic Railroad State Park: 800-225-5982, cassrailroad.com Pocahontas Co. Tourism: 800-336-7009, pocahontascountywv.com Rail Fan Weekend: msrlha.org

Clarion Resort Fountainebleau Hotel

Overnight directly on the beach in Ocean city, MD!

ExcITIng

DESTInATIOnS...

Tickets on the historic cass Scenic Railroad

CONTEST RULES

and Aug. 10. The whodunit Murder Mystery Train, July 26 and Aug. 23, is a perennial favorite. Mystery evenings include dinner at Whittaker Station as well as crime solving, entertainment, and an optional locomotive shop tour. The penultimate event for train enthusiasts, Rail Fan Weekend, takes place May 16-18. Ticket holders have opportunities for in-depth observation of locomotives, seminars on railroad operations, and history discussions, plus rides behind the Shay, Heiser, and double engines. Cass is the nation’s only surviving lumber company town, a place where every building was owned by the paper company. A museum, model railroad, historical video, and town tours are available at no charge. The 75-mile Greenbrier River Rail Trail enters town from the south. In the 1970s, the West Virginia park system bought most of the town. A few octogenarians remain, along with a general store, an old-fashioned soda fountain, a history museum, and 20 company houses renovated for tourist lodging.

A foursome at the luxurious Baywood greens golf Resort

Tides Resort Getaway Winner Michael Higgins, Havre de Grace, MD

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 “MAY CONTEST” in the subject line. Entries must be received by 5/17/2014. 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 May, 17, 2014. Winner must respond by May, 24, 2014 to claim prize, or prize forfeits to a runner up. Reservations based on availability. Fountainebleau stay is one night for 2 adults, 2 children under 17. Not valid holidays and weekends. Expires Dec 30, 2014. All prizes subject to availability, and restrictions apply.

44 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

• Includes breakfast • Live entertainment • Private beach w/wait service • Free access to Health Spa • Free kids’ activities July & Aug • Outdoor heated pool/hot tub • Indoor heated pool

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.

Be still and listen… ☑ bird songs ☑ spring peepers ☑ babbling brooks ☑ kids fishing ☑ chirping crickets ☑ rustling breezes

Take time.

Visit West Virginia State Parks.

LAAJEBEIB wvstateparks.com Watoga State Park recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 45

west virginia I jane and marvin bond

Morgantown challenges runners with unusual events Morgantown offers all kinds of outdoor challenges from rafting the rapids through the Cheat River Canyon to climbing rocks at Coopers Rock State Park. But the mountains, waterways, and even the streets of Morgantown are attracting runners of all types this spring and summer for a series of unusual running events. First up is the 5K Electro Dash on May 2 in Mylan Park with an 8:30pm start. The post-sunset timing allows the course to come alive with neon lights, glow sticks, and electronic dance music so

you can run, walk, or dance your way 3.1 miles to the finish line. Along the way you pass through light shows, photo booths, lots of neon, and electro lasers. The first lasers strike at the 8:30pm start time, turning the sky into a light show and the streets into a dance floor. To enhance the fun, each runner gets a t-shirt, race number, glow glasses, and a glow bracelet. Wondering what to wear to an Electro Dash? Wear whatever looks good in black light, of course.

Trail running The Ragnar Trail Race organization brings its brand of trail racing to the Morgantown area on June 13-14 with the Ragnar Trail Appalachian race based at Big Bear Lake Camplands. The race is a team relay with four or eight runners on a team who will take an average 22 hours to complete the 120 miles. Each of the three separate loops of trails begins and ends at the Ragnar Village™. Teams will run relay style, rotating through all three loops. Teams have staggered starting times and run through the night, finishing on Saturday between 9:00am and 4:00pm. The village is the heart and soul of the event. Each trail begins and ends in Ragnar Village. It is the start line, the finish line, and the exchange point. After each loop you complete, you can enjoy live music, a bonfire, s’mores, coffee and hot chocolate, and camp games. Hot showers are also available. “This attracts 1,000 to 2,000 people and is one of six Ragnar events like it nationwide, said David Plevich, who promotes the Morgantown area for sporting events.

Try a triathlon

This Weekend Road Trip Could Be The Ride Of Your Life! It’s a rush! Flying through the trees on four zip lines, cross an aerial bridge and tackle the rappel station at Coopers Rock State Forest. Plan your weekend adventure to include Mountain Biking and Hiking on trails that wind through old growth forests; Rock Climbing on some of the east’s toughest course; and Canoeing, Kayaking and River Rafting on crystal clear mountain streams and long, lazy rivers . Call us for outdoor adventure itineraries and accommodations–from cabins to luxury resorts.

800.458.7373 | www.tourmorgantown.com 46 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

The Rev3 Triathlon weekend, Aug. 1-3, is a fun event for both the 5K and triathlon crowd. The weekend starts with a Friday evening Glow Run on the Caperton Trail System when friends and families can walk or run a 5K course with their glow sticks reflecting off the Monongahela River. There’s music, an amazing finish line with smoke and lasers, and post-race entertainment at the Hazel Ruby McQuain amphitheater. The weekend also includes a USARA sanctioned national championship qualifying sprint adventure race and a family adventure race on Saturday. Sunday’s highlights are an Olympic distance triathlon as well as a half rev. The half rev offers a professional race with prize money available for all pros. Sunday’s races feature a rectangular swim in the Monongahela River starting and finishing near the Morgantown Marina. The scenic bike course is one loop for Olympic distance and two loops for the half rev distance. The course follows along the Caperton Trail for the first couple of miles and quickly heads out into the West Virginia and Pennsylvania countryside. The bike route features long rolling hills and very rural scenery. In a unique change, the finish line will actually be inside the Waterfront Place Hotel. “We are really excited for the athletes to see this course! It combines everything we love into one route. Challenging climbs, scenery that will keep you engaged, and some flats to give you a break,” said Rev3’s Charlie Patten. Lace up your running or walking shoes and head to Morgantown. Registration links for the events are available on the tourism website.

Before you go Morgantown Tourism: tourmorgantown.com

west virginia I bonnie williamson

Heritage Day in Martinsburg offers history, ghosts, and more The story of Martinsburg, W.Va., comes alive May 10, with some special added attractions on May 9, during the annual Heritage Day celebrations. A two- to three-hour drive from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., areas takes visitors back in time as they experience the town’s history and culture. “There will be a Civil War tableau at Aspen Hall, a stone house built in the 1700s. We’ll have an old-fashioned trolley people can ride through town. For train lovers, the Bunker Hill Train Club will have a model train set up,” said Laura Gassler, who promotes the area. “We’ll have numerous craft demonstrations, including looms, and games for children. This is a great way to see the progression of growth and development in Martinsburg.” Martinsburg has 23 historical districts and thousands of historical homes, according to Gassler. Other buildings open for tours include the Adam Stephen House, another home built in the late 1700s; the Triple Brick Museum, which was constructed as housing for railroad workers in the mid-1870s and continued on page 62

Martinsburg Tourism

The Triple Brick Museum was originally constructed as housing for railroad workers.

HERiTAGE DAy SATURDAY, MAY 10, 10am-5pm

•

Tours of historic homes and tunnels of Martinsburg • demonstrations • displays • food • history • puppeteer • crafts • games • lectures

for more information visit TravelWV.com PLUS...

We have history

Events all around town !

Geocaching Fishing

Visit the HistoryMobile!

Unique Stores

Easy access to I-81

90 minutes from DC and Baltimore Driving Tours

Walking Tours

(304) 264-8801

& Arts Festival

Wine

U-Pick Farms

SATURDAY, MAY 24 ~ 11am-7pm SUNDAY, MAY 25 ~ 1pm-6pm

Largest Gun Range on the East Coast

21 & over - $20 ~ Ages 13-20 - $10 12 & under FREE

Moto-Cross traCk BIKING

For a Visitor’s Guide

EvEnts

Photography Opportunities

Great LodGinG Arts & Theater

304.264.8801 or 800.4WVA.FUN

9 Bands over 2 Days • WV Wineries Food • Crafts & More! Sit under the 100 year old shade trees and enjoy the wine, food and music on the Boydville Mansion grounds!

601 South Queen Street, Martinsburg, WV 304.264.8801 TravelWV.com for more information

• 126 East Race Street Martinsburg, WV 25401 • TravelWV.com recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 47

SOUTHERN MARYLAND SPRING FESTIVAL May 1-4. Carnival, entertainment, tractor pull, children’s games, hayrides, sand art, face painting, raffles, silent auction, artists and crafters, and food. St. Mary’s County Fairgrounds, 42455 Fairgrounds Rd., Leonardtown, Md. 301-994-0525, southernmdspringfestival.org

May 2014 May 11, Mother’s Day May 26, Memorial Day

HOLIDAYS

FALLEN HEROES DAY May 2, 1:00pm. A day set aside to honor and remember those who died in the line of duty. Dulaney Valley Memorial Gardens, Timonium, Md. 410-666-0490 MOTHER’S DAY AT WILD WOLF May 11, 11:30am-3:00pm. Enjoy Sunday Brunch along with live music. 2461 Rockfish Valley Hwy., Nellysford, Va. wildwolfbeer. com MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH AT BREAUX May 11, 11:00am-3:00pm. Enjoy a three-course brunch at Breaux Vineyards. 36888 Breaux Vineyards Ln., Purcellville, Va. breauxvineyards.com MOTHER’S DAY TOUR May 11, 11:00am-5:00pm. Ride along the beautiful streets of Fredericksburg while enjoying some fun and informative facts about important women of Fredericksburg. All moms are free. Fredericksburg, Va. 540-371-0094, oldetownecarriages.com MEMORIAL DAY PARADE May 26, 2:00-5:00pm. The National Memorial Day Parade celebrates all those who have served in uniform from the American Revolution to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Constitution Ave., Washington, D.C. nationalmemorialdayparade.com

FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

CAPE MAY’S SPRING FESTIVAL Through 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, capemaymac.org

SOLOMONS MARITIME FESTIVAL May 3, 10:00am-5:00pm. Antique boats and motors, master maritime carvers, crafts and cooking demonstrations, traditional music, and boat rides. Also celebrates the grand re-opening of the museum. Calvert Marine Museum, Solomons, Md. 410-3262042, calvertmarinemuseum.com THE MARINERS’ CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL May 3, noon-5:00pm. 15 craft breweries and more than 40 craft beer selections in the unique setting of The Mariners’ Museum’s outdoor courtyards. The event also includes live music, food vendors, and beer talks by brewery representatives. 100 Museum Dr., Newport News, Va. marinersmuseum.org/beerfest

ARTSPRING May 23-26. Eight galleries across Tucker County, W. Va., participate with events scheduled in the towns of Davis, Thomas, and Parsons. artspringwv.com VIVA VIENNA May 24-25. Family-friendly festival with music, dance, and more than 300 arts, crafts, and food vendors. Vienna, Va. vivavienna. org PUNGO STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL May 24-25. All the strawberries you can eat offered in more than 50 different ways. Activities include a pie eating contest, strawberry bake-off, entertainment on three stages, a parade, and carnival. Virginia Beach, Va. pungostrawberryfestival.info CAPE MAY MUSIC FESTIVAL May 25-June 12. Enjoy world-class orchestral and chamber music, jazz, brass band and Irish music, and Bach’s Lunches. Cape May, NJ. 800-275-4278, capemaymac.org

CHINCOTEAGUE SEAFOOD FESTIVAL May 3. The festival provides a venue to sample the best-of-thebest local seafood; live music. Tom’s Cove Park, 8128 Beebe Rd., Chincoteague Island, Va. 757-336-6161, chincoteaguechamber. com

HERNDON FESTIVAL May 29-June 1. The festival features big name entertainment on three stages, a carnival, fireworks, children’s hands-on art area, and arts and crafts show. Downtown Herndon, Va. herndonfestival.net

GARDEN FESTIVAL May 3. This event features an exclusive collection of more than 40 unique vendors from throughout the eastern seaboard. Ladew Topiary Gardens, 3535 Jarrettsville Pk., Monkton, Md. 410-557-9570, ladewgardens.com

BLACKBEARD PIRATE FESTIVAL May 30-June 1. Interact with Blackbeard (personified by firstperson interpreter Ben Cherry) and more than 100 other authentically costumed pirate re-enactors as they run rampant on the streets of Hampton, Va. Downtown Hampton, Va. 757-7271102, blackbeardfestival.com

HAGLEY’S NATUREFEST May 3, 10:00am-4:00pm. NatureFest celebrates the science and beauty of the natural world with fun, hands-on activities for families. Join a nature hike, explore the E.I. du Pont garden, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of the greenhouse. Hagley Museum and Library, Wilmington, Del. 302-658-2400, hagley.org

MARYLAND CRAFT BEER FESTIVAL May 31, noon-6:00pm. Featuring more than 25 Maryland brewing companies pouring 125 unique, fresh, and local craft beers. 44 S Market St., Carroll Creek Park, Frederick, Md. 410-745-8010, mdcraftbeerfestival.com

NATURE FEST May 3, 10:00am-4:00pm. Animals, nature walks, exhibits, archery lessons, campfire and survival shelter activities, conservation projects, silent auction. Catoctin Creek Nature Center, 2929 Sumantown Rd., Middletown, Md. 301-600-2051

STRAWBERRY FESTIVAL May 31, 9:00am-4:00pm. Crafts, flea market, games, hay wagon rides, food, baked goods, strawberries, shortcake, entertainment. 6680 Sykesville Rd., Sykesville, Md. 410-795-9174, melchurch.org

MONTPELIER WINE FESTIVAL May 3-4, 11:00am. James Madison’s Montpelier, 13384 Laundry Rd., Montpelier Station, Va. 540-672-2728, montpelier.org

ARTISAN FAIR AT SEDALIA May 31, 10:00am-5:00pm. Local and regional artisans, artists, and agri-artisans offer demonstrations, fine arts, and crafts for sale. Enjoy music and food. Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Rd., Big Island, Va. sedaliacenter.org

ART ON THE BLOCK May 10, 1:00-5:00pm. Showcasing the talents of more than 60 local artists. Enjoy watching artists while they work, partake in receptions, sign up for special drawings. Historic Occoquan, Va. 703-569-1118 MONACAN POWWOW May 17-18. Native American craftspeople from the United States and Canada offer art and crafts for sales. See drummers and dancers perform. Elon, Va. monacannation.com WINE AND CRAFT FESTIVAL May 17, 10:00am-6:00pm. Virginia wine tastings, arts and crafts, delicious food, and live music. Historic downtown Front Royal, Va. 540-635-3185, wineandcraftfestival.com DELFEST May 22-25. Four fun-filled, bluegrass stompin’ days along the Potomac River. 11490 Moss Ave., Cumberland, Md. 510-5951115, delfest.com CHESTERTOWN TEA PARTY FESTIVAL May 23-25. A weekend of fun, including a reenactment of the 1774 tea dump, a parade, music, militia drills, dancing, and storytelling. Also, sails on the schooner Sultana. Chestertown, Md. chestertownteaparty.org

“In-Land” commemorates the War of 1812 in Fauquier County

NOW SHOWING

STEAM SHOW May 3, 10:00am-2:00pm. Dalmatians and draft horses, an 1899 steam pumper demonstration, and rides in an 1899 horse wagon. Firefighting contests for kids and working steam-engine models. The Fire Museum of Maryland, 1301 York Rd., Lutherville, Md. 410-321-7500, ext. 102 SPRING ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW May 24-25, 10:00am. Featuring vendors displaying garden accessories, jewelry, candles, florals, nautical items, wood crafts, and homemade items. 4001 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, Md. 410726-1283, ococean.com

ADAM THOMPSON 5K RUN/WALK May 3. The race, on a USA Track and Field certified course, honors the memory of Adam Thompson, a first-year Harford Community College student who was killed in an automobile accident in 2011. Harford Community College, 401 Thomas Run Rd., Bel Air, Md. 443-412-2449, harford.edu/adam RIVER TOWNS MARATHON May 3, 7:00am marathon, 9:00am half-marathon. Enjoy a morning of racing through some of the prettiest river valley scenery that central Pennsylvania has to offer, then spend the afternoon in Danville browsing the food, arts, and crafts offered by roughly 200 regional vendors and Mill Street shops. 29 Mill St., Danville, Pa. 570-271-1055, rivertownsrace.com TERRAPIN AND HARE MUD RUN May 5. A fun, high-intensity, obstacle course run through the woods. Savage, Md. terrapinmudrun.com

May 10, 9-3 — Warrenton, Virginia Free fun family day (rain or shine) with living history, vendors, lectures, scavenger hunt, and food tasting competition. Grand opening of new exhibit at Fauquier History Museum.

www.fauquierhistorylive.org 48 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

NATIONAL HARBOR 5K May 11, 8:00am. A 3.1-mile run/walk on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Trail at National Harbor open to everyone age 6 and older. Pre-registration through May 8. National Harbor, Md. pgrc.org WILMINGTON GRAND PRIX May 16-18. Three days of family cycling fun with professional and amateur races, street festival on Saturday, and Gran Fondo rides on Sunday. wilmgrandprix.com

SAVAGE RACE May 17. Individuals and teams take on 25 obstacles in the mud. There’s also a 10-obstacle course for kids 12 and younger. Kennedyville, Md. savagerace.com CHESAPEAKE BAY TOUR DE CURE May 17. This unique combination of family fun, fitness, new challenges, and philanthropy offers a wheeled journey through Talbot County for everyone from the occasional rider to the experienced cyclist. Talbot County Community Center, Easton, Md. diabetes.org/chesapeaketourdecure BALTIMORE ANNAPOLIS SAILING CLUB Year-round. Offers day sailing events and seminars in Baltimore and Annapolis, Md., and Washington, D.C., and sailing excursions on the Chesapeake Bay. Membership free. 410-394-9483, mdsailing.com QUANTICO ORIENTEERING CLUB Hosts map and compass activities most weekends in the greater Washington, D.C., area. Suitable for all ages and skill levels; free beginner instruction. qocweb.org POTOMAC APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB Leads weekly hikes and work trips in greater Washington, D.C., area. Contact PATC for more information. 703-242-0965, patc. net APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB Leads hiking, bicycling, canoeing, and conservation events in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C. amc-dc.org SENIORS EXERCISE FOR A BETTER LIFE Exercise for free Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30-11:15am. Cora B. Wood Senior Center, 3601 Taylor St., Brentwood, Md. 301699-1238, pgparks.com FITNESS CENTER SENIOR CLASSES Prince George’s County Sports and Learning Complex, Landover, Md. 301-583-2626, pgparks.com WASHINGTON AREA ROADSKATERS Year-round; check website for dates and times. Skaters leave from White House, Washington, D.C. meetup.com/washingtonarea-roadskaters CENTER HIKING CLUB Various hikes and locations in DC metropolitan area. 703-7513971, centerhikingclub.org FREESTATE HAPPY WANDERERS Various walking trails and locations in Maryland. 410-437-2164, ava.org/clubs/freestate WANDERBIRDS HIKING CLUB Sundays. Various hikes and locations in Virginia. 703-242-0315, wanderbirds.org SWIMMING AND WATER EXERCISE PROGRAMS Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-8:00am. Glenarden/Theresa Banks Complex Pool, 8615-A McLain Ave., Glenarden, Md. 301772-5515

MUSIC Jazz/Blues/Country RASCAL FLATTS CONCERT May 29. Calvert Marine Museum, 14200 Solomons Island Rd., Solomons, Md. calvertmarinemuseum.ticketforce.com THE STRAY BIRDS May 3, 7:30pm. The Bottling Works, 426 E. Main St., Romney, W. Va. 304-703-1350, hampshirearts.org JAZZ AT THE ESTATE May 31, noon-6:30pm. Enjoy four sets of jazz performances on an outdoor stage, along with food, beer, wine, spirits, and crafts vendors. Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May, NJ. 609-884-5404, capemaymac.org

Popular/Other ELEPHANT REVIVAL May 13, 7:30pm-midnight. The Hamilton Live, 600 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. live.thehamiltondc.com PATUXENT VOICES CONCERT May 16, 7:30pm, All Saints Church, Sunderland, Md.; May 18, 3:00pm, Trinity Church, St. Mary’s City, Md. patuxentvoices.com NATIONAL MEMORIAL DAY CONCERT May 25. Holiday concert with celebrity guests on the West Lawn of the U.S.Capitol. Shown on PBS television. Washington, D.C. pbs.org/memorialdayconcert

LIVING OUT Through May 18. Directed by Abel López, the play will be performed in English with Spanish subtitles. Gala Theatre, 3333 14th St., NW, Washington, D.C. 800-494-8497, galatheatre.org CINDERELLA: THE REMIX Through 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

Films 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 DANCE PROGRAMS Weekends, 7:30-11:30pm. Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md. fridaynightdance.org THE WASHINGTON BALLET Call for performances and times. 3515 Wisconsin Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-362-3606, washingtonballet.org

Exhibits Resources and Institutions Directory AMERICAN CIVIL WAR CENTER AT HISTORIC TREDEGAR 490 Tredegar St., Richmond, Va. 804-788-6480, tredegar.org

Theater THE THREEPENNY OPERA Through June 1. Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill’s cutting and enduring critique of capitalism and corruption. Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave., Arlington, Va. 571-527-1860, signaturetheatre.org SIMULCAST OF THE MAGIC FLUTE May 3, 7:00pm. A free, live broadcast of Mozart’s delightful fairy tale. The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St., NW, Washington, D.C. 800444-1324, center-dc.com BLUE MAN GROUP May 6-11. The theatrical tour features brand new content highlighted by classic Blue Man favorites. The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-628-6161, thenationaldc.org COMEDIAN FRANK CALIENDO May 8-11. Caliendo’s high-energy act is a blend of observations, impressions, characters, and anecdotal stories that build at a frenetic pace. 1140 Connecticut Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-296-7008, dcimprov.com

AMERICAN UNIVERSITY MUSEUM AT THE KATZEN ARTS CENTER Ward Circle, Massachusetts and Nebraska Aves., Washington, D.C. 202-885-1300, american.edu/cas/katzen AMERICAN VISIONARY ART MUSEUM 800 Key Hwy., Baltimore, Md. 410-244-1900, avam.org THE BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org CARRIAGE HOUSE GALLERY AT EMLEN PHYSICK ESTATE 1048 Washington St., Cape May, N.J. 609-884-5404 or 800-2754278, capemaymac.org CARROLL ARTS CENTER TEVIS GALLERY 91 Main St., Westminster, Md. 410-848-7272, carrollcountyartscouncil.org HIRSHHORN MUSEUM AND SCULPTURE GARDEN Independence Ave. and Seventh St., SW, Washington, D.C. 202633-1000, hirshhorn.si.edu LADEW TOPIARY GARDENS 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, Md. 410-557-9570, ladewgardens.com MARYLAND HALL FOR THE CREATIVE ARTS 801 Chase St., Annapolis, Md. 410-263-5544, marylandhall.org

Dulaney Valley Gardens

MONTPELIER ARTS CENTER 9652 Muirkirk Rd., Laurel, Md. 301-953-1993, arts.pgparks.com NATIONAL GALLERY OF ART National Mall between Third and Seventh Sts. at Constitution Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-737-4215, nga.gov NATIONAL MUSEUM OF CIVIL WAR MEDICINE 48 E. Patrick St., Frederick, Md. 301-695-1864, civilwarmed.org THE PHILLIPS COLLECTION 1600 21st St., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-387-2151, phillipscollection.org REGINALD F. LEWIS MUSEUM OF MARYLAND AFRICANAMERICAN HISTORY AND CULTURE 830 E. Pratt St., Baltimore, M.D. 443-263-1800, africanamericanculture.org SHAKESPEARE GALLERY Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St., Washington, D.C. 202-544-7077, folger.edu SURRATT HOUSE MUSEUM TOURS Surratt House Museum, 9118 Brandywine Rd., Clinton, Md., 301868-1121, surratt.org THE TEXTILE MUSEUM 2320 S St., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-667-0441, textilemuseum. org TUDOR PLACE HISTORIC HOUSE AND GARDEN 1644 31st St., Georgetown, Washington, D.C. 202-965-0400, ext. 109, tudorplace.org VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF FINE ARTS 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, Va. 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum

First responders are honored at the Fallen Heroes Memorial at Dulaney Valley Gardens near Baltimore on May 2.

THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Md. 410-547-9000, thewalters.org

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 49

Featured Exhibitions 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. 410-547-9000, thewalters.org ILLUSTRATED CALENDARS Through May 18. This exhibition introduces visitors to the oncethriving, lucrative business of illustrated calendars. Brandywine River Museum, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Rd., Chadds Ford, Pa. 610-3882700, brandywinemuseum.org 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 WHALES: FROM BONE TO BOOK Through May 25. This exhibition traces the path of knowledge from discovery on the beach or sea cliff to museum drawer to scientific publication. Natural History Museum, Eighth and F Sts., NW, Washington, D.C. si.edu/exhibitions 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 PHOTOS, REAL AND IMAGINARY Through June 18. This special three-artist photography collection will highlight the unique views of the three top local Northern Virginia photographers: Don Allen, David Rafalko, and JoAnn Woods. Liberty Tax Art Gallery, 8558-E Lee Hwy., Fairfax, Va. 703-268-5230, libertytax.com

PRO SPORTS

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 BEAUTY IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN CULTURE Through 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

MUSTER ON THE MAURY May 9-11. Witness Civil War formation and weapons instruction, tactical camp drills, and living history demonstrations. Paxton House, Glen Maury Park, 101 Maury River Dr., Buena Vista, Va. 540-261-7321, mustermaury.vpweb.com WAR OF 1812 IN FAUQUIER COUNTY May 10, 9:00am-3:00pm. “In-Land” is a free family day (rain or shine) with living history, vendors, lectures, a scavenger hunt, and food tasting competition. Fauquier History Museum, Warrenton, Va. fauquierhistorylive.org

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

JAMESTOWN DAY May 10, 9:00am-5:00pm. Mark the 407th anniversary of Jamestown’s founding with family friendly tours, military and maritime demonstrations, music, and entertainment. Event includes the ongoing archaeology at the 1607 National Park site as well as the Jamestown Settlement exhibits. Jamestown, Va. historyisfun.org

A REVOLUTIONARY SPIRIT Through Oct. 31. 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

JACKSON FLAG ON DISPLAY May 12-13, 10:00am-5:00pm. This rarely displayed artifact, which was the first recorded use of the Confederacy’s 2nd National Flag design, is one of the most important single flags of the entire Civil War. The Museum of the Confederacy, Richmond, Va. moc.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

BLACKSMITH DAYS May 17-18, 8:00am-5:00pm. Guest blacksmiths demonstrate specialty blacksmithing. Hands-on classes; auction of blacksmith equipment and forged items. Food for sale, farmhouse tours, living history center, and exhibit building. Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S. Center St., Westminster, Md. 410-3863880, carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org

BASEBALL AND BECOMING AN AMERICAN Through Oct. 26. This exhibit 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. 215-9233811, nmajh.org RALPH FASANELLA: LEST WE FORGET May 2-Aug. 3. Brings together 19 of the artist’s most significant paintings and eight sketches on the 100th anniversary of his birth. Smithsonian American Art Museum, Eighth and F Sts., NW, Washington, D.C. americanart.si.edu

History SPOTSLVANIA COURTHOUSE BATTLE May 1-4. Historic interpreters, sutlers, music, special speakers, and vendors. 9019 Old Battlefield Blvd., Spotsylvania, Va. 150spotsylvania.com BATTLE OF THE WILDERNESS May 3-7. Special tours, encampments and activities will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the battle. Orange County, Va. fowb.org THOMAS JEFFERSON AND JAMES MADISON CONVERSATIONS May 3, 2:15 and 8:00pm. Step back in time as Mr. Jefferson hosts Mr. Madison at his Poplar Forest retreat. Advance tickets recommended. poplarforest.org

OLD MARYLAND FARM ACTIVITIES Old Maryland Farm, 301 Watkins Park Dr., Upper Marlboro, Md. 301-218-6770 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 GROUP CAPTAIN ADRIAN FROST AND GUY WALSH May 5, 7:00pm. A program on the Battle of Britain. Lockheed Martin campus, 2323 Eastern Blvd., Middle River, Md. 410-6826122, mdairmuseum.org GALLERY TALK: A MOTHER’S WORK May 7, noon. Explore highlights from special exhibitions and NMWA’s collection with museum staff. National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-783-5000 GEORGE WASHINGTON’S DIAMOND EAGLE May 13, 6:00-7:00pm. Lecture at Anderson House, The Society of the Cincinnati, 2118 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-785-2040, societyofthecincinnati.org THE ART OF SCULPTURE May 17. The workshops will be four hours long and run for four consecutive Saturdays from 1:00-5:00pm. Fairfax Art League Village Gallery, Fairfax, Va. fairfaxartleague.net

Hampton Tourism

BALTIMORE ORIOLES AT HOME Fri., May 9 vs. Astros, 7:05pm Sat., May 10 vs. Astros, 7:05pm Sun., May 11 vs. Astros, 1:35pm Mon., May 12 vs. Tigers, 7:05pm Tue., May 13 vs. Tigers, 7:05pm Wed., May 14 vs. Tigers, 12:35pm Thu., May 22 vs. Indians, 7:05pm Fri., May 23 vs. Indians, 7:05pm Sat., May 24 vs. Indians, TBD Sun., May 25 vs. Indians, 1:35pm

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 Mon., May 5 vs. Dodgers, 7:05pm Tue., May 6 vs. Dodgers, 7:05pm Wed., May 7 vs. Dodgers, 7:05pm Fri., May 16 vs. Mets, 7:05pm Sat., May 17 vs. Mets, 4:05pm Sun., May 18 vs. Mets, 1:35pm Mon., May 19 vs. Reds, 7:05pm Tue., May 20 vs. Reds, 7:05pm Wed., May 21 vs Reds, 7:05pm Mon., May 26 vs. Marlins, 1:35pm Tue., May 27 vs. Marlins, 7:05pm Wed., May 28 vs. Marlins, 7:05pm Fri., May 30 vs. Rangers, 7:05pm Sat., May 31 vs. Rangers, 12:05pm

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., May 17 vs. Montreal, 7:00pm Wed., May 21 vs. Houston, 7:00pm Sat., May 31 vs. Sporting KC, 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.

Take in the fun at the Blackbeard Pirate Festival in Hampton, Va., on May 30-June 1.

50 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

STAINED-GLASS CLASS Ongoing. Mat About You Gallery, 3774 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, Md. 410-313-8860, mataboutyou.com ADULT ART COURSES Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org GALLERY TALKS Thursdays, 1:00pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00pm. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Dr., Baltimore, Md. 443-5731700, artbma.org SECOND SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT TALKS Second Sunday of every month, 2:00pm. Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, Md. 410-547-9000, thewalters.org TRADITIONAL ART CLASSES Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S. Center St., Westminster, Md. 410-386-3880, carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org

TOURS 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

MISSILE SITE N-75 WALKING TOUR May 17 and June 21. The program begins with a short presentation followed by a walking tour of the Nike-Ajax Cold War missile site which contains the original barracks, mess hall, and administration and recreation buildings. 3036 Nike Park Rd., Carrollton, Va. 757-357-0115, historicisleofwight.com

RUNNING OF THE PREAKNESS STAKES May 17, 8:00am. As the Mid-Atlantic’s largest single-day sporting event, the Preakness features not only horse racing but also national bands on multiple stages and other InfieldFEST attractions. Pimlico Race Course, Hayward & Winner Aves., Baltimore, Md. 410-542-9400, preakness.com/tickets

LOUDOUN SPRING FARM TOUR May 17-18, 10:00am-4:00 pm each day. Visit the farms, markets, and wineries of Loudoun County, Va. loudounfarms.org

NATIONAL D-DAY MEMORIAL May 26, 11:00am. A Memorial Day tribute ceremony that includes dedication of new plaques at the memorial. 2 Overlord Cir., Bedford, Va. dday.org

GEORGETOWN GARDEN TREASURES May 17, 10:00am-noon. From roses to hay bales to tea houses, learn how the storied landscapes of Tudor Place and Dumbarton Oaks evolved aesthetically and functionally since the early 1800s and what challenges surround their preservation today. Tudor Place Historic House and Garden, 1644 31st St., NW, Washington, D.C. 202-965-0400, tudorplace.org SECRET GARDEN TOUR May 17, 9:00am-4:00pm. A self-driving tour of eight private gardens. Also, visit a quaint waterfront town with numerous gift, antique shops, restaurants, and more. St. Mary Anne’s Parish House, Women’s Civic League, North East, Md. 410 398-0895

VIRGINIA GARDEN WEEK Through 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 MARYLAND HOUSE AND GARDEN TOUR Saturdays through 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

UPPER MAINSTREAM BIG CANOE RIVER TRIP May 10, 1:00-5:00pm. Enjoy the companionship of others while learning about local history and river features. Shady Nook Access, Pa. 570-524-7692, paddlehappy.com

BLUE RIDGE HOUSE AND GARDEN TOUR May 3, 10:00am-5:00pm. Celebrate Virginia Historic Garden Week and discover the “Hidden Gems of Lexington: Gillette Gardens, Monroe Park, and Woods Creek.” Select locations within Lexington and Rockbridge County, Va. 540-463-3256, vagardenweek.org

MAY DAY FOR MUTTS ADOPTION EVENT May 10, 11:00am-6:00pm. Many different adoption groups/ vendors on site with music; many dogs will be up for adoption. Holly Ridge Manor, 2993 Seaboard Rd., Virginia Beach, Va. 757426-6100, hollyridgemanor.net

TALBOT HOUSE AND GARDEN TOUR May 10, 10:00am-5:00pm. The tour features six historic waterfront properties with glorious present-day gardens in what was known as the Miles River Parish. All Faith Chapel, 26281 Tunis Mills Rd., Easton, Md. 410-310-2386, mhgp.org

WILDFLOWER, NATIVE PLANT, AND SEED SALE May 10-11, 9:30am-4:30pm. Offers a wide variety of regional plants and seeds — many not available in retail garden centers — which are great for all types of gardens, whether sunny, shady, damp, or dry. Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art, Chadds Ford, YEARS Pa. brandywine.org

Weekend Updates

Opt-in at RecreationNews.com

HISTORIC HOUSE TOUR OF FELL’S POINT May 11, 11:00am-5:00pm. The event benefits the Preservation Society and is a self-guided tour through quaint streets and a sampling of homes in this historic maritime community. Tickets can be purchased at The Fell’s Point Visitor Center, 1724 Thames St., Baltimore, Md. 410-675-6750, 2014fellspointhistorichousetour.eventbrite.com

Don’t miss a single event this spring and summer! Get the

Recreation News Weekend Update

FREE

June 6th & 7th, 2014 @ New this year!

O THER OCEAN CITY RESTAURANT WEEK May 4-18. In addition to their regular menus, participating Restaurant Week establishments offer special Restaurant Week fixed price menu options. Check website for participating restaurants in Ocean City, Md. 410-289-6733, oceancityrestaurantweek.com

LEXINGTON/ROCKBRIDGE STUDIO TOUR May 10-11, 10:00am-5:00pm. Visit 15 studios and 36 Shenandoah artists. Go behind the scenes and meet the talented artists of Rockbridge County in their own backyard. Lexington/Rockbridge County, Va. 540-464-9559, lexingtonrockbridgestudiotour.com

Submit an Event for the Recreation Cews Calendar to Calendar, Recreation News, 204 Greenwood Rd., Linthicum, MD, 21090 or e-mail to editor@recreationnews.com

FOSSIL FIELD EXPERIENCE May 17, 9:00am-2:00pm. Explore the fossils of Calvert Cliffs with a trained guide. Solomons, Md. 410-326-2042, ext. 41.

The Races

Fri. night 6:30pm 2ND ANNUAL DOAH CUP RAFT RACE

Late nite music stage hosted by Brokedown Hustlers on Friday night and Jake & the Burtones on Saturday!

Registration begins Friday at 5:30pm

Sat., June 7th 3rd ANNUAL TRAIL RACE 9AM

The Festival Friday 6:30-11pm; Saturday noon-11pm

Hosted by www. LoCoRacing. com. Trail Race start is 9am. The awards ceremony will be held immediately after the race.

Two Days of Music Take the Bob Norr Challenge and register for all 3 Saturday’s races!

15th ANNUAL TIM GAVIN DOWN RIVER RACE 1PM

Registration is 8-11:30am; please visit our website for registration information.

8th ANNUAL POTOMAC RIVER ATTAINMENT RACE OR WHITEWATER RODEO (depends on water level of course!) Immediately after the Tim Gavin Race

Visit our website for more information: www.HFOF.org

July 19, 2014 FridAy CiVil WAr BAll  6:30PM Step back in time at the Victorian era, Civil War dance with art auction throughout the evening. SAturdAy  9AM– 4PM Old Market Day in downtown Chambersburg featuring more than 100 quality art & craft vendors, music & entertainment, and fantastic food. Visit the Civil War encampment with day-long living history portrayals and demonstrations. SAturdAy  6PM– 10PM 1864 The Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg. Preburning activities include: Music, Civil War Walking Tours, Book Signings & Exhibits SundAy  9AM– 4PM Morning Church Service Central Presbyterian Church

The 150th Commemorative Ransoming, Burning & Rebirth of Chambersburg will begin with pre-burning activities highlighted by a conversation with Robert E. Lee portrayed by Al Stone. This is one of Mr. Stone’s final performances in more that 25 years of portraying Robert E. Lee. Join us for this historical event!

So real, you won’t believe it isn’t actually ablaze!

DoDineStayFranklinCountyPA.com/Burning

every week.

Opt-in at RecreationNews.com

866-646-8060 | ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com | Facebook.com/FCVBen

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 51

pennsylvania I jane and marvin bond

Challenge yourself with marathons in Tioga County You can also take it easy with music and views in northern Pennsylvania The natural beauty and “natural” obstacles of Tioga County, Pa., make it an obvious choice for both folks who want to challenge themselves physically and those who’d prefer to just take in the views. Whether you’re a marathoner, mountain biker, or music lover, the summer season in this area just south of Corning, N.Y., offers reasons to lure you north. The Pennsylvania Grand Canyon is the backdrop for both running and viewing, July 26-27, when runners take on a full 26.2-mile marathon along the West Rim. The Pine Creek Marathon starts and ends at Colton Point State Park with some of the best views of the gorge. The Boston Marathon qualifier event features chip timing, tech shirts, and on-course support. Slackers can take on the half-marathon on Saturday. Die-hards can actually run both races and get a bonus custom finisher’s medal. (pagrandcanyonmarathon.com) Only the first 200 applicants can take on the Eastern States 100 at Little Pine State Park on Aug. 16-17. This ultra marathon circumnavigates the beautiful Pine Creek Gorge. (easternstates100. com) Insider tip: Registration is reported to be full, but you can get on a waiting list. August also brings the Call of the Wilds Marathon, a 26.2-mile trail marathon that shares the same course as the beginning stages of the Eastern States 100. The event is designed for athletes not ready to run 100 miles, but who enjoy the mountainous terrain. The marathon, also held Aug. 16-17, is limited to

400 participants. (easternstates100.com) Those who prefer to peddle a bike instead of pound a foot trail can challenge themselves in September. The 22-mile Laurel Classic mountain bike event on Sept. 6 features “lung popping climbs, hairraising descents, creek crossings, single track and more,” creators Twisted Spokes say. It all takes place in Asaph State Forest where beginners will ride 11 miles while Sport and Expert classes take on the whole course, which is all one loop. (twistedspokes.org) The Pine Creek Challenge on Sept. 6-7 is held along Pine Creek, which passes through the Grand Canyon gorge and where you’ll pass at least three bald eagle nesting sites and plenty of river otters, deer, and other wildlife. Participants can choose from 100-mile or 100-kilometer courses. There’s an overall grade of 2 percent and seven aid stations are provided. While there are no mandatory entry requirements, sponsors recommend that participants have previously completed a run of 50 miles or more. (pinecreekchallenge.com) The Step Outdoors Tryathlon on Sept. 20 is a run, paddle, and bike race that is good for those new to the sport. (stepoutdoors.org) Beginning July 26, the Endless Mountain Music Festival comes to north central Pennsylvania’s mountains with performances in Wellsboro, Mansfield, Blossburg, Troy, and Canton, Pa., and Corning and Elmira, N.Y. Both classical masterpieces and contemporary compositions will be featured in 16 concerts taking place in venues across the

Susan Wagaman

The Step Outdoors Tryathlon is a race that’s good for novice individuals or three-person teams.

52 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

region. From Brahms and Tchaikovsky to Copland and Gershwin, the mountains really do come alive with the sound of music. (endlessmountain.net)

Beautiful backdrop All this activity takes place against the backdrop of the Pine Creek Gorge, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, which stretches for 47 miles at depths up to 1,450 feet. The most spectacular views are at overlooks in Leonard Harrison and Colton Point state parks. There are hiking trails that take you past waterfalls as well as the beautiful scenery. You can also hitch a ride on a Conestoga wagon with Ole Covered Wagon Tours to check out the canyon floor. Tioga County is also home to seven lakes including three smaller lakes that offer motorless boating and fishing and four larger lakes that provide a variety of amenities including motorized boating and fishing, camping, swimming, hiking, and biking. The Tioga Central Railroad operates excursion trains Wednesdays through Sundays from Memorial Day into September, and also offers special fall foliage and holiday trains. There are regular sightseeing trips, ice cream express trips, and trips with meals provided. (tiogacentral.com) Whether you’re lacing up your running shoes or just want to bask in the area’s natural beauty, Tioga County is calling this summer.

Before you go Tioga Co. Tourism: visittiogapa.com Jean Cummings

The Pine Creek Challenge offers 100-mile and 100K courses.

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 53

pennsylvania I darrin youker

WWII Weekend brings history to life in Reading, Pa., this June Nation’s largest event saluting ‘The Greatest Generation’ opens June 6 For two days each June, “The Greatest Generation” takes over the Reading Regional Airport. This year’s World War II Weekend is June 6-8 and marks the 24th time the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum has hosted the event, the largest such gathering in the country. Not simply an air show, the event recreates life during the 1940s, from the battlefields to the war effort at home. It also honors the contributions of the men and women whose sacrifices helped win the war. “Nowhere in the world can you see this combination of reenactments, air shows, and military history,” said Russ Strine, president of the museum.

“It is all World War II related. We don’t even allow modern vehicles on the field. All of that makes our event unique.” A highlight of the weekend for many air enthusiasts is the chance to fly in restored vintage aircraft, including a B-17 flying fortress or a P-51 Mustang. At the airport, more than 1,500 re-enactors will

recreate the fierce fighting of the war, including house-to-house combat in a French village. Meanwhile, vintage aircraft will look for air superiority in the skies above Berks County. “Almost every nation involved in the war will be represented during the weekend,” Strine said. While the fighting rages at the airfield and in the Mid Atlantic Air Museum

1st Show Cave in

P Underground tours P Pan for gems P Ice cream parlor & miniature golf (open weekends in May) P Gift and souvenir buildings

963 Crystal Cave Rd. Kutztown, PA 19530 610-683-6765 www.crystalcavepa.com Between Allentown and Reading in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country

America’s #2 Resort for Families TripAdvisor.com 2014

WOODLOCH.COM | 800.WOODLOCH Nestled in the picturesque Pocono Mountains

Hundreds of WWII military and civilian reenactors will bring the 1940s to life, June 6-8.

54 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

skies, actors portraying notable figures of the day, including President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Gen. George Patton, Frank Sinatra, and Abbot and Costello, will give a glimpse into life on the home front. As the evening draws to a close, the museum hangars are cleared out for a dance to the sounds of big band music.

Strine said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It stands on its own as the largest event of its kind.â&#x20AC;? The World War II Weekend, which draws upwards of 30,000 visitors, is the largest event hosted by the Mid-Atlantic Air Museum. The event began in the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s infancy as a way to raise money and notoriety. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At the time, World War II reenacting groups were just getting started,â&#x20AC;? Strine said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was a good marriage.â&#x20AC;? Strineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s father, Gene, founded the museum in the 1980s to rescue and house a P-61 Black Widow that was found in the mountains of New Guinea more than 30 years ago. That aircraft, still under renovation at the museum, has Berks County ties. County native Carl Spatz was responsible for the design of the P-61, which was the first night fighter jet ever built. The elder Strine wanted to com-

Commemorating D-Day The event will also commemorate the 70th anniversary of the D-Day invasion. Veterans of D-Day and other key engagements, such as the Battle of the Bulge and Pearl Harbor, will be on hand to answer questions and tell their stories. A popular military flea market with 280 vendors, including a clothing boutique, will run throughout the weekend. â&#x20AC;&#x153;To do it justice, it takes all day. People make a weekend out of it,â&#x20AC;?

memorate the role the Mid-Atlantic region had in aviation history. Every plane owned by the museum was either built or designed by companies and engineers with regional ties. Insider tip: After a day at the museum, make a short drive into downtown Reading for dinner at Jimmie Kramerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Peanut Bar.

The celebrated tavern serves upscale pub food, but you can still throw the peanut shells on the floor.

Learn more Mid-Atlantic Air Museum: maam.org Reading/Berks Tourism: gogreaterreading.com

d RUN WITH THE BULLS

The World War II Weekend is just one of the events to draw visitors to Berks County in early June. At the nearby Maple Grove Raceway, the fast muscle cars, gas, and steel will be replaced by 1,000-pound bulls. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Great Bull Runâ&#x20AC;? on June 7 is expected to draw thrill seekers from across the region looking to have a taste of the famed running of the bulls in Spain. Maple Grove normally hosts drag racing events, including the NHRA Nationals and Lucas Oil Drag Racing series. But, on June 7, brave souls will have the chance to match wits with rodeo bulls charging down the raceway. Participants station themselves along the track then try to dodge the bulls as they charge past at 35 mph. There are two separate releases of the bulls to test participantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; bravery. The promoters also offer a tradition from another part of Spain, the Tomato Royale, basically a tomato fight held after the run for the more timid at heart. (thegreatbullrun.com)

If you LIKE us Karen A. Thank you so much for the ticketâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my granddaughters had a great time!

Recreation News Two families will win four tickets to Day Out with Thomas!

youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love us! Renee H. I Love..love...love Recreation News!

Mid Atlantic Air Museum

You can take a ride in a vintage warplane during the WWII Weekend in Reading, Pa.

$OO 'D\ )DPLO\ (YHQWV

:LWQHVV 7KHVH ([FLWLQJ %DWWOHV

)ULGD\ -XO\ S P Âł /LYH 0RUWDU )LUH 'HPRQVWUDWLRQ S P Âł -XVW LQ WKH 1LFN RI 7LPHÂ˛0F3KHUVRQ 5LGJH 6DWXUGD\ -XO\ D P Âł )DUQVZRUWKÂśV )DWDO &KDUJH &DYDOU\ %DWWOH S P Âł $ %ORRG\ +DUYHVWÂ˛7KH :KHDWILHOG

6XQGD\ -XO\ D P Âł +HURLF &RXQWHU $WWDFNÂ˛&XVWHU YV 6WXDUW S P Âł +LJK 7LGH DW WKH $QJOHÂ˛3LFNHWWÂśV &KDUJH )RU 7LFNHWV (YHQW ,QIRUPDWLRQ 9LVLW ZZZ *HWW\VEXUJ5HHQDFWPHQW FRP RU &DOO &DOO (DUO\ )RU $GYDQFH 7LFNHWV /LPLWHG 6HDWLQJ $YDLODEOH

7LFNHW 3ULFHV DUH +LJKHU DW *DWH 6FKHGXOH VXEMHFW WR FKDQJH

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 55

pennsylvania I bud cole

Visit one of Pennsylvania’s most scenic state parks Columbia-Montour area has waterfalls, covered bridges Columbia and Montour counties offer fascinating historical sites and exciting activities to suit almost any

taste. Columbia County was created in 1813 while Montour County, founded in 1850, is Pennsylvania’s

Linda Sones

While visiting Columbia and Montour counties, take time to enjoy the only remaining twin covered bridges in the United States.

smallest county. Both have plenty of vacation gems to explore. Both counties are easily accessible from I-80 and are located about 160 miles, or approximately three hours, northwest of Baltimore. Ricketts Glen State Park, a 13,050acre park located in one of the most scenic areas of Pennsylvania, is a high priority location to visit. Ricketts Glen’s 22 named waterfalls tumble through the park’s ancient rockstrewn hillsides. The largest, Ganoga Falls, is 94 feet from top to bottom. Visitors can hike along the 7.2-mile Falls Trail to experience breathtaking views of the majority of the park’s cascading waterfalls. Insider tip: The trails along the falls can be slippery. Hikers using these trails should be in good physical shape, wear sturdy hiking boots, and use caution. The park includes a total of 26 miles of award-winning hiking trails varying from level to very steep and

the park has been recognized for the best hike in Pennsylvania. Harbored within the park is Glens Natural Area, which has been designated a National Natural Landmark. Ricketts Glen provides two major picnic areas and a 600-foot beach open from late May to mid-September. A food concession and boat rental including canoes, kayaks, paddleboats, and rowboats is located next to the beach. Ten modern rental cabins are available yearround. Excellent fishing for largemouth bass, pickerel, panfish, and trout, as well as boating (electric motors only), are available in 245-acre Lake Jean. Email rickettsglensp@pa.gov or call 570-477-5675 for more information.

Explore covered bridges The two-county Columbia/Montour area is home to 24 covered continued on page 61

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 56 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

Start your adventure by visiting

www.ClintonCountyInfo.com

pennsylvania I darrin youker

All-terrain vehicle park makes for an adventurous ride Take a wild ride or enjoy the scenery near Scranton in Luzerne County, Pa. The entrance to the Lost Trails ATV Park is located just two minutes from an exit ramp right off a busy section of I-81. Riders looking to traverse the trails get their tickets inside an expansive ATV shop selling fourwheelers and snowmobiles. But don’t let the urban environment fool you. Once you get through the gates of the Lost Trails park, civilization quickly fades away. Instead, riders are treated to 2,000 acres and 62 miles of trails on a deeply forested mountain outside Scranton, Pa. At one vista in the park, aptly named “Top of the World,” the expanse of the Susquehanna Valley unfolds with the city of Scranton and nearby suburbs spread out on the plains. On the other side, the Pocono Mountains unfold to the horizon line. For fans of riding all-terrain vehicles, Lost Trails, located about four hours from Washington, D.C., offers the chance for a wilderness excursion with city amenities. Scranton, with its restaurants and nightclubs, is a 10-minute car ride from the Lost Trails headquarters. Mohegan Suns at Pocono Downs, with harness racing and a full-service casino, offers adult entertainment after sunset. Several area hotels offer discounts to riders, and the Luzerne County tourism folks are working to expand ATV package deals to join those available for rafting, skiing, and other activities.

off I-81, directly adjacent to North American Warhorse, an ATV retailer. While the surrounding area is nearly built up, this forest tract has stayed a wooded oasis.

Challenge the terrain Riders looking to take their machines to maximum speed would be hard pressed here. Instead, the rocky terrain, mud, dirt, and twisting trails

challenge a rider’s expertise in handling and dexterity. The slower pace also helps to gain a greater appreciation for the surrounding environment. A popular destination in the park is “Top of the World,” which takes riders 2,000 feet up the side of the mountain to a vista devoid of tall trees. continued on page 59

Premier outdoor recreation Luzerne County is becoming a premiere outdoor recreation area. While the area was once better known for coal mining and heavy industry, there’s a resurgence of economic activity in the re-

“

Once you get through the gates of the Lost Trails park, civilization quickly fades away.”

gion centered on adventure tourism and the available natural resources. There are three state parks in Luzerne County, including Ricketts Glen and its abundant waterfalls. The Susquehanna River, a haven for kayakers, bisects the county, and the Lehigh River is known for spring time whitewater. So the Lost Trails fits perfectly into the outdoor fun, said Janet Hall, who promotes the area. “Our major selling point is our outdoor recreation,” Hall said. “Lost Trails fits right into the whole picture.” Lost Trails is the brainchild of Tony Novak, a former custom home builder. ATV riding was a hobby for Novak and his family. But after finding that more and more locations were closed to ATV riding, Novak decided to open a park of his own. For the past three years, Novak has leased land

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 57

music festivals I gwen woolf

National Music Festival presents 35 concerts in June Also view 200 rehearsals for free on Maryland’s Eastern Shore The small town of Chesterton on Maryland’s Upper Eastern Shore will be alive with the sounds of music, June 1-14, when the National Music Festival at Washington College tunes up. Founded in 2010, the festival has been called “boot camp for the Beethoven crowd.” Young musicians from some 30 states and 16 countries get two-week scholarships for intensive training under the tutelage of world-class musician/mentors. The apprentices are mostly college and graduate level musicians “on the cusp of their professional careers,” according to festival organizers. Festival spectators are invited to attend more than 35 concerts and 200 free open rehearsals to hear everything from a large symphony orchestra with chorus to small chamber ensembles. Mostly

classical music will be played, but there also will be jazz, crossover, and other types of music. Advance tickets are suggested, as some concerts sell out. This year’s repertoire highlights include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, Nielsen’s Symphony No. 5, Verdi’s Requiem, Tchaikovsky’s Symphony No. 1, and Strauss’s An Alpine Symphony. The festival is a division of OuterArts Inc., a nonprofit organization. Performances and rehearsals will be held at Washington College and other venues in Chestertown and Kent County. The private liberal arts college was founded in 1782 with the aid of its namesake, George Washington. Chestertown, the county seat of Kent County, is 68 miles from Baltimore and 75 miles from Wash-

ington and sits on the banks of the Chester River. You can walk red brick sidewalks lined with art galleries and studios, antiques stores, specialty shops, and restaurants and peek into walled gardens behind historic homes.

THE FESTIVAL What: National Music Festival at Washington College When: June 1-14, various times Where: Various venues in Chesterton and Kent County, Md. Tickets: All-access festival pass, $200; singleconcert tickets, $10 or $15; some free concerts; free rehearsals Info: 410-778-2064, nationalmusic.us

culture I gwen woolf

May festivals in Washington region showcase arts and films You don’t always have to go to a gallery or museum to see works of art. You also can enjoy them in the fresh air of springtime with two major arts festivals this month in the Washington, D.C., region. The Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival returns for its 23rd year, May 16-18, in Reston, Va., a 25mile drive from Washington. More than 200 artists from across the country will set up on the streets of Reston Town Center to sell their works. You’ll see a variety of one-of-a-kind fine art and crafts, including painting, sculpture, printmaking, photography, ceramics, glass, jewelry, fiber, furniture, wood, leather, metal, and mixed media. The show is juried and highly competitive to enter, according to Maurisa Turner Potts, who promotes the festival. Some 900 to 1,000 artists apply every year, but only a limited number are chosen. Selections are based on quality, originality, and craftsmanship. Potts says the event draws 30,000 patrons over three days and has been ranked among the top 25 arts festivals nationally by artinsider.com. “It’s given me so many opportunities,” says Reston artist Dana Ann Scheurer, referring both to the festival and its sponsor, the nonprofit Greater Reston Arts Center. “It gets better and better every year.” Scheurer enjoys interacting with the public. “I try to share what I do and how I do it,” she says about her artworks. “Mine always have a story.” Weekend hours, which have been extended this year, are 10:00am to 8:00pm on Saturday and 10:00am to 5:00pm on Sunday. There will be artist demonstrations, street musicians, children’s activities, and food vendors. A $5 donation per adult is suggested for admission; children 18 and under are free.

Art in Bethesda, Md. If you’re looking for a place to take Mom for Mother’s Day weekend, you might consider the Bethesda Fine Arts Festival. The outdoor show will be held May 10 from 10:00am to 6:00pm and May 11 from 10:00am to 5:00pm in downtown Bethesda’s Woodmont Triangle along Norfolk, Auburn, and Del Ray avenues. Some 130 juried artists from across the United States and Canada will display and sell their fine art and crafts. Among the specialties will be fiber, ceramics, furniture, glass, jewelry, mixed media, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and wood. In addition, there will be live bands and food vendors. Now in its 11th year, the two-day event attracts about 20,000 patrons, according to the festival’s Catriona Fraser. The event is sponsored by the Bethesda Urban Partnership. Admission is free and free parking will be available in the public parking garage on Auburn Avenue.

Film festivals shine If your interest runs to movies, you’ll have a choice of film festivals this month. The 16th annual Maryland Film Festival is May 7-11 in Baltimore, Md., with more than 100 films from around the world on tap. Dramas, comedies, romance, horror — you name it, they festival likely will have it. Besides feature films, there are also shorts and documentaries. “There’s such an amazing variety of films, we feel very, very confident there’s something for everyone,” says the festival’s Jed Dietz. Most of the films are making their premieres at the festival and the filmmakers — perhaps the

58 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

director or an actor or cinematographer — will be present after the screenings to answer audience questions. Unlike most festivals, this one doesn’t have a competition component, says Dietz, “which changes the whole atmosphere.” Opening night is devoted to a shorts program, which is unique for general festivals, and a festival highlight is the screening of a silent film classic with a newly commissioned score and its composer in attendance. Screenings take place at a number of theaters within walking distance of each other in Baltimore’s Station North Arts District. Tickets are $10 per movie, but an all-access pass can be purchased. Leading up to Memorial Day, the GI Film Festival is May19-25 in Washington, D.C. Known as “Sundance for the Troops,” the festival offers a variety of film genres focusing on the stories of veterans from all the services and major conflicts, as well as postwar issues such as post-traumatic stress. The films are by both new and established filmmakers. In addition to screenings, the festival includes presentations by filmmakers and panel discussions. Actors Ricky Schroder and Gary Sinise will be among the celebrities in attendance. Tickets for the eighth annual festival, ranging from $12 a movie to $50 for a film premiere and reception, are available on the festival website. Military discounts are available.

Learn more Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival: northernvirginiafineartsfestival.org Bethesda Fine Arts Festival: bethesda.org Maryland Film Festival: mdfilmfest.org GI Film Festival: gifilmfestival.com

style I wendy hellman

Mobile boutique for plus-size women hits D.C.

! & 9 +! & &9 9 + +& 9+& 9 & +

3,975893%48297(.89439 8819#3,591856327.91531854#9$)0.89/58-04356964319/.70*6"9 7649#87594)8589$85897 58/35-92,*(8593%918563269%0.02'9%35915348/40329,2-8594)89(72 5,14/#9.7$69(8/7,6894)8#9/3,.-2 4917# /58-0491,5/)7686 9*8-0/7.98 182686 99)3*89*354'7'86 972-934)8593,46472-02'9-8(46"

Who doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t love a new fashion idea? Well, Donna Hundley, of Washington, D.C., came up with one â&#x20AC;&#x201D; a shop on wheels catering to plussize fashionistas. Hundley, herself a plus-size woman, got fed up with shopping for clothing. She had always been a stylish dresser, but after yet another bad shopping experience, she came up with a plan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I got so frustrated finding only shapeless clothing in my size, that I decided Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d have to do something about it. At that time, plus-size women had to buy their clothing online to find items that showed their curves. We couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t touch the fabric or try it on,â&#x20AC;? she said. Her plan began to take shape with a dynamic twist. Her new fashion idea was to bring fabulous clothing and accessories to people in a mobile boutique on wheels. Hence, Curvy Chix Chariot was born. Hundley based her plan on the popularity of mobile food trucks. With much experience in retail, people and project management, and marketing, Hundley already had a working knowledge of how a business should be run. And, she knew she could meet the needs of plussize women. Hundley works with local and

global designers who provide her with trendy plus-size clothing, jewelry, handbags, and other accessories. She then loads these stylish items in her truck, knowing these curvehugging items will flatter plus-size women. Yes, there is a dressing room on the truck, and Hundley even drives the truck. Word of mouth and social media helps spreads the information about when and where the mobile boutique is open, and Hundley has acquired a number of satisfied customers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s about time,â&#x20AC;? said shopper Tina Hastings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was tired of going into stores that sold plus-size clothes that I would see again and again on women. Curvy Chix Chariot had clothes by designers I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t familiar with but absolutely loved.â&#x20AC;? You can set up your own visit to this unique boutique. Call and tell Hundley what you want and sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll locate a parking space where itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s convenient to meet you and your friends. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll then provide you with a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Curvy Diva Divine Party.â&#x20AC;? When Hundley has a planned event, she posts the time and date on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. (curvychixchariot.com)

Luzerne County

to ride is difficult. For the novice, Lost Trails offers guided 1-Â˝ hour tours of the park on either a four-wheeler or side-by-side ATV. Costs vary by vehicle type. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We get a lot of people who take the tour, and then turn right around and buy an ATV,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is a perfect family activity.â&#x20AC;? Insider tip: Looking to make a weekend out of your ATV trip? Consider the Woodlands Inn in nearby Wilkes-Barre. The hotel has nightlife and dining all under one roof. No need to call a cab.

r Alleghany Highlands of VA r Allstar Lodging r Baltimore Boating Center r Bath County, VA r Beach Getaways r Berkeley County, WV r Best Part of the Civil War r Black Bear Resort r Boardwalk Hotels Ocean City r Boardwalk Plaza Hotel r Boating r Brookside Cabins r Buena Vista, VA r Cabin Rentals r Canaan Valley Resort r Cape May, NJ r Caroline County, MD r Carroll County, MD r Chesapeake Bay Cruises r Chesapeake Bay Lighthouse Tours r Chesapeake Beach Hotel & Spa r Clarion Hotel Shepherdstown r Clarion Resort Fontainebleau Hotel r Clinton County, PA r Colonial Williamsburg r Columbia-Montour, PA

For more information

Enter to WIN one of our GREAT PRIZES!!! Contest details on page 44

continued from page 57 Portions of the trail system follow the path of a former gravity railroad which once carried coal over the mountain. Relics from the railroad still remain, including an 800-foot tunnel hewn into the side of the mountain. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That makes it more than just an ATV park,â&#x20AC;? Novak said during a recent tour. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You can also see history here.â&#x20AC;? Lost Trails promotes itself as a family-destination, although the park is also a popular destination for a guysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; weekend, Novak said. Many of the riders come from more built-up areas, like Maryland or New Jersey, where finding a place

Luzerne Co. Tourism: 888-905-2872, tournepa.com Lost Trails: 570-730-8131, ridelosttrails.com

www.recreationnews.com 410-638-6901 â&#x20AC;˘ fax: 410-638-6902 Mailing Address: 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221

" " " " "

7(.79 617 3.9 9!17206)96187 02'9647%%

9 7667/),684469+ 8"9& 76)02'4329 9 *70. 9 !++ + + " 9 8(9!048 9$$$"7**85*72'3.-(85'"/3*

*+)(*+)+ * +(* * +) *' + *+ * !+!* ! *+ *+ (+ )' ( ! +(* * + ' *(+ *+ )' ( ! + *

PICK YOUR DESTINATIONS ... SEND THE FORM ... GET FREE INFO! r Country Road Cabins r Cruises r Cruising from Baltimore r Crystal Cave Park r Delaware Getaways r Downriver Canoe r Eastern Shore of MD r Family Getaways r Flag Ponds Nature Park r Fort Valley Stable r Franklin County, PA r Front Royal Canoe Company r Front Royal, VA r Golf r Harpers Ferry Adventure Center r Harpers Ferry, WV r Hershey Harrisburg Wine Country r Historic Getaways r Jamestown Yorktown, VA r Kent County, MD r Lewis County, WV r Lexington. VA r Loudoun County, VA r LTD Vacations r Luray Caverns Golf r Luray, VA r Luzerne County, PA r Marion County, WV r Martinsburg, WV

r Maryland Getaways r Mid Atlantic Air Museum r Mimslyn Inn r Montgomery County, MD r Morgantown, WV r Mountain Getaways r Mountain Trail Rides r Navy Gateway Inns and Suites - Dahlgren r Norfolk, VA r Ocean City, MD r Orange County, VA r Outdoor r Page County, VA r Pennsylvania Getaways r Pocahontas County, WV r Posey Thisisit Llama Farm r Project Liberty Ship r Quality Inn Skyline r Rehoboth Beach, DE r Ripleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum r River & Trail Outfitters r Romantic Getaways r Seneca Caverns r Shenandoah Caverns r Shenandoah River Outfitters r Shenandoah Valley r Shepherdstown, WV r Smith Island Cruises

r Southern Fauquier Historical Society Inc r Southern MD r St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s County, MD r Talbot County, MD r Taylor-Made Deep Creek Vacations r The Founders Inn in Virginia Beach r The Woods r Tioga County, PA r Tripper Bus r Tucker County, WV r Tyler Cruises r Virginia Beach r Virginia Getaways r Virginia State Parks r VMI Museum r Warehouse Art Gallery r Warren County, VA r Waterfront Catering in DC r West Virginia Getaways r West Virginia Parks and Rec. r Whitewater Rafting r Williamsburg, VA r Wilmington, DE r Wine Festivals r Wisp Resort r Woodloch Pines r Send all the brochures

Your Name: _______________________________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________________________ City: _______________________________________State: __________ Zip: _________________ Email:_____________________________________________________________________________

Check here r to â&#x20AC;&#x153;Go Greenâ&#x20AC;? (weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll send you information by email)

OR MAIL form to: RecNews Reader Info, 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221 OR FAX form to: 410-638-6922 ... OR EMAIL form to: publisher@RecreationNews.com

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 59

adventures in taste I reed hellman

Caribbean food blends myriad influences and tastes to please I find it odd that I keep returning to the Caribbean. I am not a warm weather person, and tiny, Caribbean-sized islands give me claustrophobia. However, while I do not like the climate, I love the food. For me, the Caribbean is a gustatory exploration. I go for grouper, dorado, fresh ceviche, and ropa vieha, callaloo, ackee, and fruits that I rarely see even in specialty supermarkets. Wash it all down with a Red Stripe or Kubuli, or tamarind or rum. I’ve even attempted iguana, sea cucumbers, and coal-black squid ink sauce. Caribbean food blends so many influences so successfully. West African fruits and vegetables mix with Indian curries, South American produce, Indonesian ristafels, West Indies spices, and native barbecues. I have learned that seafood, seasonings, and local produce are the three pillars of Caribbean cuisine. Fresh seafood is nearly ubiquitous. I am sure that good beef is available in the Caribbean, but with the plethora of immediately fresh fish and shellfish, why bother? I did have an excellent ostrich steak on Curacao, but I still prefer the local grouper. Many Caribbean dishes use a “heat and sweet” palate of seasonings. With Scotch bonnet peppers supplying much of the heat, combined with man-

goes, plantains, or other fruits, the contrast in flavors can be startling. Adding in spices drawn from African, Asian, and local cultures further broadens the range of tastes.

Local by necessity “Locavore” is not a new concept in the Caribbean. Living on islands, the locals have focused their menus on commodities readily available in their limited geography. As an example, ackee, a fruit originating in West Africa, has become the national fruit of Jamaica. Serving it with saltfish, usually cod, has become a Jamaican tradition. In Antigua, it’s fungi (FOONji), cornmeal cooked in boiling salt water and olive oil, then swirled into a paste. On St. Kitts, it’s pink peas, rice, and plantains spiced with Mrs.Greaux’s Hot Sauce. As my first Caribbean culinary experience, lunch at Bi Bi Bips in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, was not a bad choice. The open-air dining patio, overhanging an ocean lagoon and coral reefs, had a view that was as delicious as the food: shrimp fried in a beer batter and deviled jerk chicken. The jerk seasoning was piquant enough to tingle my lips but not overwhelm me with heat. That meal might have kindled my bias for Jamaican food. However, the best Caribbean meal I have had was at Galley Bay, a five-star resort near Turners Beach on Antigua. Set against a stupendous ocean view, executive chef Andrew Baxter created a pure white grouper filet wrapped around a lobster Reed Hellman

Naval District Washington

Catering & Conference Center Waterfront Dining & Meeting Space Wedding Receptions

Hails & Farewells

,&7 :$6 675 +, ',

21 *7 1

Banquets

1$ 9$

Family Reunions

Retirements Change of Commands Meetings Conferences Elegant Rooms for 30 - 600 people Free Parking

&DWHULQJ &RQIHUHQFH &HQWHU

Federal Employees: You are eligible to enjoy the finest affordable waterfront catering and conference facilities in the D.C. area.

Affordable Menus Naval District Washington Catering & Conference Center Washington Navy Yard, Building 211 Washington, DC (202) 433-3041

Ostrich steak is a popular dish on Curacao.

60 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

mousse, with a creamy curry sauce and just a hint of local hot sauce. Cuban food, however, has become my current favorite. That island’s cuisine can trace it roots to Spanish, French, African, Arabic, Chinese, and Portuguese cultures. Most dishes are sauteed or slow-cooked over a low flame with very little deep frying or heavy or creamy sauces. Instead, olive oil and garlic marinades are frequently used. Meats and poultry are usually marinated in citrus juices, such as lime or sour orange, and then roasted over low heat until the meat is tender and literally falling off the bone Most Cuban cooking relies on a few basic spices, such as garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. Sofrito, a mix of onion, green pepper, garlic, oregano, and ground pepper quick-fried in olive oil, serves as a basic flavoring when cooking black beans, stews, many meat dishes, and tomatobased sauces. I will continue visiting the Caribbean, shopping the markets and dining beyond the tourist streets. For this month’s recipe, I have selected my favorite jerk chicken preparation. A Caribbean standard, it is relatively easy to prepare and you can tailor the seasonings to your taste.

Jerk Chicken 3 whole chickens cut in halves 6 cloves of garlic finely chopped 2 teaspoon ground Jamaican pimento 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1/2 teaspoon mace 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon sugar 2 teaspoon thyme 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 1/2 cups escallion 2 onions 2 Scotch bonnet peppers 2 tablespoons cooking oil Cut three chickens in halves. Rinse chicken in lime water, drain and season with the garlic. Blend pimento, nutmeg, mace, salt, sugar, thyme, black pepper, escallion, onions and Scotch bonnet peppers together in a blender or food processor. To grind pimento, heat grains in a frying pan in a tablespoon of oil until crisp and then blend. Pour mixture onto seasoned chicken and leave to marinate for about two hours or overnight. Light barbecue grill, make sure coals are white before putting on meat. Put on chicken halves skin side down and keep turning to prevent the chicken from getting too dark. Allow to cook slowly. Chop into smaller pieces. Can be served with additional jerk sauce. Reed Hellman is a professional writer living in Alberton, Md. Visit his website at reedhellman wordsmith.com, or email your questions and comments to rhway2go@yahoo.com.

wine doctor I edward finstein

Wine scoring systems demystified to help the average consumer

If you’re a wine consumer, then surely you’re familiar with wine scores. Whether the scores by wine critics are displayed on bottles, on shelftalkers in retail stores, or in wine columns of newspapers and magazines, they’re simply marketing tools meant to help promote and sell wine. If you ask producers whether they’re helpful in doing so, I believe most would say yes. However, understanding some things about wine scores might be enlightening. Wine scores are obtained two ways: through journalists’ reviews (at press events or privately supplied) or in wine competitions. These reviews/ scores then appear in many outlets as mentioned earlier. The consumer can decide to buy wine according to how a particular wine critic has reviewed/scored it. Generally, the higher the score, the better the wine. Before I describe some of the scoring methods utilized, let me comment on what most critics are looking for in a wine. It must be well structured with good balance, have decent complexity, be food friendly, and, depending on the wine, varietal, or style, possess some aging potential.

Scoring systems Many scoring systems exist, but there are two common ones. The 100-point scale is the most popular. All of us can relate pretty easily to this system, as it reflects

Columbia-Montour continued from page 56 bridges dating to the 19th century and one built in the early 20th century. It is the third largest concentration of covered bridges in Pennsylvania, which is no small distinction because Pennsylvania has the most covered bridges in the nation with 197. A total of 14,000 authentic covered bridges once spanned waterways across the United States. Fewer than 900 remain. Many of these bridges are still open to traffic. A covered bridge tour brochure, with maps and historical information, is divided into two separate tours designed to guide visitors from bridge to bridge. Columbia County has the only remaining twin covered bridge in the United States. The twin

on our school days when all grades were calculated out of 100, then translated into As, Bs, Cs, etc. An issue with this scoring system, however, is that there is way too much variance because of the vast spread and range of numbers. In other words, how much better is a wine scoring 91 than one scoring 88, for instance? Probably not much, but certainly enough to make a difference to the consumer. Another popular system is the 20-point scale. A little less variance in range here helps narrow down the field, so the differential in wine quality between scores is substantially greater. Simpler, yet more drastic, is the five-star system. Here a wine is awarded one to five stars for quality (“5” being the highest score). Occasionally a plus (+) or minus (-) will be added to a star to indicate it’s slightly better or not quite as good as its rating. This system really reduces wine to its basic quality and is perhaps less forgiving than a system whose range of scores is substantially higher. The difference in quality between stars usually is much higher because there is little room for minor variations. There are two other important things to understand about wine scores. The first is that a score is the opinion of one person. Unless many critics all agree and end up scoring a wine around the same or it is scored equally well in competition by a panel of critics, it’s just one person’s opinion. So unless you have a similar

palate to that person or have similar tastes, that may not be a wine you might enjoy. The second point is that a wine score is a reflection of a wine at one particular point in time, a mere snapshot of it at a specific moment. It could change over time, environment, glassware you taste it out of, and from bottle to bottle. So, even if you picked up a bottle that somebody gave a great review and score to, it might not show as well because of many variables. Sadly, there are even some wines produced to cater to specific palates of very influential wine critics. By doing so, they’re almost guaranteed a great score and ultimate sales to follow. Although wine scores are important, and perhaps one of the few ways average consumers have to gauge their wine purchases, they’re not absolute. Hopefully, this will be helpful.

bridges have been converted into a park, with picnic tables and benches located inside the bridges. “This was a great find. A twin bridge!” said Neil Thomas who lives near Harrisburg, Pa. “This is my first trip to take covered bridge photos in this area.” Did you know? Covered bridges were not built to protect travelers. They were covered with roofs to protect the wooden bridge surfaces from the weather, thus providing a longer life to the bridge construction. One of the most popular family-owned lodging facilities in the area is the Inn at Turkey Hill. The original 1839 family homestead is now a bed and breakfast accommodation. Andrew Pruden fulfilled his grandfather’s dream of turning the farmhouse into an inn. Pruden visited his grandparents at the Bloomsburg, Pa.-area farm while he was growing

up in Gaithersburg, Md. The inn has fine dining inside, as well as a 3-year-old adjacent brew pub built from much of the original farm’s bank barn.

© Edward Finstein, “The Wine Doctor” 2014. “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 Editor’s note: Finstein’s new, award-winning, comical wine mystery novel, Pinot Envy, is now available online and at bookstores.

Learn more Columbia-Montour Tourism: itourcolumbiamontour.com Inn at Turkey Hill: innatturkeyhill.com

Historic Downtown Front Royal

Saturday May 17, 2014 10am - 6pm

Enter to

WIN

Ocean City Getaway Baywood Greens Golf Foursome Cass Scenic Railroad Passes

paGE 44

Wine Admission

$25 in Advance | $30 at the Gate | No Pets Please n

Virginia Wine Tastings from 20 Wineries

Delicious Food

Live Entertainment

Arts & Crafts

For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at

540.635.3185 • info@frontroyalchamber.com www.wineandcraftfestival.com | www.facebook.com/vawineandcraft

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 61

Martinsburg continued from page 47 features artifacts and local history items; Boydville, an 1812 mansion; and the famous B&O Roundhouse Center, which has the cast iron frame roundhouse. Because of its importance to the railroad, Martinsburg changed hands more than 30 times during the Civil War. Visitors can participate in other activities, including exhibits, tours, speakers, demonstrations, vendors, and entertainment throughout the day. Downtown shops and restaurants will be open.

HistoryMobile recalls Civil War connection On May 9, the Virginia HistoryMobile pulls into the Roundhouse Center thanks to the cooperation of Virginia’s Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission. “Since 2014 is also the 150th anniversary of the second battle of Martinsburg, I felt we had a chance to have it come here [to West Virginia]. It’s definitely an appropriate time,” said Gassler. Gassler said Martinsburg remained loyal to the Union during the Civil War. The B&O Railroad Company had been in Martinsburg since the 1840s, so the town’s leaders felt the Union offered the best protection for the railroad’s interests and the local economy it supported. The strategic position of the railroad made Martinsburg the site of two battles. The first was fought June 14, 1863, and was part of the Gettysburg Campaign. The second battle occurred on July 25, 1864, as part of the

Confederate summer campaign in the Shenandoah Valley. While that was a Confederate victory, the town would change hands at least a halfdozen more times during the war. The HistoryMobile will be open from 10:00am-4:00pm, May 9-10, and admission is free. It’s divided into four sections: Battlefront, Homefront, Journey to Freedom, and Loss-GainLegacy. The stories of real people whose lives were shaped by the historic events of the 1860s are presented. It invites visitors to imagine, “What would you do?” If you’d like to experience historic events in a slightly different way, ghost tours will take place May 9 and 10 for a minimal fee. “There’s one story about King’s Daughters Hospital. A woman supposedly jumped from the secondstory window. People who pass by see shadows at the window,” said Mark Jordan, who also works for the tourism agency. The agency recently moved into the Belle Boyd Museum, the home of the famous Civil War Confederate spy Belle Boyd and part of the ghost tour. “Belle killed a Union soldier and there were slave quarters here in the basement. We’ve actually heard footsteps. The third level of the house is for storage, and the rooms are pitch black. I don’t like to go up there,” said Jordan. Several cemeteries are also part of the tour. Jordan said eerie stories abound in them. “You’d have to experience those for yourself,” Jordan said.

For more information Martinsburg Tourism: 304-264-8801, travelwv.com

Memorial Day 100 PER

WINDOW!

TRADE IN

No Payments and 0% Interest for 1 Year!

Lowest Price Guarantee! FREE Estimates! Lifetime Warranty! One Day Expert Install! g

Huge Selection! Double Hung, Picture, Bay, Bow & More! White & Wood Grain! Extremely Energy-Efficient with Patented Heat Mirror Technology Enhanced Security, Outstanding UV Protection and Outside Noise Reduction

1-866-746-6760

A TRUSTED NAME SINCE 1945

LongGovOffers.com Licensed Bonded Insured g

MHIC 51346

VA 2705048183A

DC 67006785

Improve your home. Improve your life.

Isn’t it time you got a LONG?

OFFER ENDS 5/15/14.VALID INITIAL VISIT ONLY. MOST INSTALLED IN ONE DAY.

Why risk cleaning another gutter?

Martinsburg Tourism

PROBLEM – Traditional gutters clog with leaves and debris, damaging your roof, foundation, fascia and landscaping.

RISK – Cleaning out gutters is dangerous — falls are the number one cause of accidental death and injury around the household.

SOLUTION – LeafGuard will never clog, or we will clean them out for you for free, forever — guaranteed.

Get the GUTTER GUARANTEED not to CLOG and PROTECT Your HOME!

888-341-7492

60 OFF

INSTALLATION* The Adam Stephen House is another of Martinsburg’s homes dating to the late 1700s.

62 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com

military & Federal Workers discount:

65 OFF INSTALLATION %

*With coupon. Not valid with any other offer, or previous job. Present coupon at time of estimate. Exp. 11/31/14 VA #2705-116122A/MD #121787

TRIPS & TRAVEL

Bahamas/Florida Cruise from Baltimore â&#x20AC;&#x201D; August 22-29, 2014. This is a great vacation for families, couples or singles. Ship board amenities include all meals, spa, swimming, casino, nightly entertainment, rest and relaxation. Optional shore excursions In ports include Holy Land Experience, Universal Studios, Duty Free Shopping, Casino, Private Island Beach Party and more. Call for brochure. Deposits DUE NOW. Australia â&#x20AC;&#x201D; October 29-Nov. 11, 2014. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll return to the land Downunder and visit Sidney, Melbourne, Ayers Rock, the Great Barrier Reef and learn about Aboriginal history and culture. Plan to join us on this amazing adventure to the island/country/continent of Australia. An optional trip to Fiji is also offered. LAST CALL, CONTACT US NOW. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for a vacation, honeymoon or girl friends get-away for this summer or fall, contact us soon. We can plan an awesome trip for you in the states or abroad. Hot spots include Vegas, New Orleans, Punta Cana, Mexico or Europe. Clients are also booking Italy, Tahiti, Hawaii and Alaska cruises. GREAT ESCAPES TRAVEL & TOURS Call Barbara 301-567-6464 for info. and brochure or email: FrankieTVL2@AOL.com We Create Rocking Chair Memories.

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE BY OWNER NEAR PETERSBURG, WV. 59.51 acres, wooded, $119,000. 81.61 acres, wooded $162,900. Both tracts have good views, mature timber, good cabin sites, excellent hunting, and access to 50 acre stocked lake. Call 304-257-2385 or visit steveharmanproperties.com

Essence Travel is a full service Travel Agency. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see anything you like? Let us create a unique itinerary for your next vacation, destination wedding, cruise or weekend getaway! Scheduled Trips: June 7-Day Trip Shopping in the Big Apple NY (Aqueduct Flea Market, Canal & Broadway) $65pp July 19-Linganore Reggae Wine & Food Festival Aug 10 &11 Overnight Atlantic City w/concert (After 7, Howard Hewett, Intruders, Ray Goodman n Brown, Harold Melvin & Blue Notes) October 11 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Sight and Sound Play â&#x20AC;&#x153;Moses.â&#x20AC;? Check website for details. For additional information visit us on the web www.EssenceEntertains.com or call 703-861-0982

Get Outside! Stay Clean!

-,,+*)('&%$#%"!, ! % ! ' !% % + &% %$!, +(&

+, %&' !&% ) % % )%

!! !, & % ((%

!! & %) % ) ! "+((% ) + %+, %*(+,% ) % + + '),

+,,+*)('& )

TrekrÂŽ Self-cleaning Washcloths â&#x20AC;˘ Perfect for military use $4 â&#x20AC;˘ Stays odor free

ScrubrÂŽ Odor-free Dishcloths â&#x20AC;˘ Less bacteria than sponges â&#x20AC;˘ Easy to rinse clean $2

Get Yours Now! www.lunatecgear.com 858.653.0401

VACATION RENTALS VACATION RENTALS VACATION RENTALS

BURNERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MOUNTAIN LODGE

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

OCEANâ&#x20AC;&#x2C6;CITY, MARYLAND SHORELINE PROPERTIES Call now for reservations, rental brochure or sales. 800-492-5832 â&#x20AC;˘ shorepro.com

LOG CABINS BY THE SHENANDOAH RIVER

Luray, VA Plan your spring getaway now! Hot tub, bonfire and friends. Close to hiking, Luray Caverns and more. 800-622-6632. ShenandoahRiverCabins.com

ROCKVILLE Call For Our Amazing Specials!

Brand New Luxury Apartments! *Call for current pricing and specials! Unique 1,2, & 3 bedroom designs with contemporary ďŹ nishes Non smoking community â&#x20AC;˘ modern chef-inspired kitchen with rich granite countertops, â&#x20AC;˘ washer/dryer and generously appointed baths â&#x20AC;˘ beautifully waterscaped pool and spa, â&#x20AC;˘ extravagant executive business center â&#x20AC;˘high endurance ďŹ tness and aerobic facility. â&#x20AC;˘ ultimate resident lounge with billiards â&#x20AC;˘ grand poolside grilling station

The Residences at Rollins Ridge 3PMMJOT "WFOVF t 3PDLWJMMF .%

301-881-9436

*3BEFW!ESBJNBODPNQBOJFT DPN

LUXURY APARTMENTS IN THE HEART OF ROCKVILLE 6)1793 ;';+:1299/ ; ;+:1299/ :5:06;59-6;)8763 9/:;&76(;+:1299/,37 :1;1:83 "91:246:;*270:1;)8763;4 4754+5: 43$;-92;1:6475:1;78-92/46798 455;-92;3*:07453

The Enclave oďŹ&#x20AC;ers a fashionable address that is in close proximity to great shopping and abundant restaurants. Less than two miles VRE's Rippon Station and just blocks from I-95, Potomac Town Center and Potomac Mills

15200 Leicestershire Street Woodbridge VA 22191

703.580.0500

www.enclaveatpotomacclub-apts.com

.; &9;+590$3;-29/;":629 .;!:364)24863;481;3(9**78 &76(78;3:09813 .; 817 71)455#;09862955:1;(:46 481;472;09817679878 .; 2:4$-436;+423;&76(;/91:28 $760(:8;4**57480:3 .; )55,37 :;&43(:2;481;12#:2

.; 9862955:1;400:33 09 :2:1 *42$78 .; :6;-27:815#; )81:2;' ;5+3% .; 768:33;0:86:2 .; 98 :87:86;98,376:;3(9*, *78 .; (926,6:2/;5:43:3;4 4754+5: .;&&&%2955783271 :%09/

4$:; , ;8926(;69;"98, 6293:;!1% ; 436;: 76%; 95, 59&;"986293:;!1%;69;4 5:-6;98;!90$ 755:; 7$:% )28;5:-6;9869;!955783; :% 481;&: 55;+:;7//:1746:5# 98;#9)2;5:-6% "98, 27; , ; 46;' ,

)8;+#;4**9786/:86;985#

* Check with oďŹ&#x192;ce for details.

recreationnews.com I may 2014 I recreation news 63

Sign up for our new Framily plan — and pick up a FREE tablet. Introducing the Sprint Framily Plan, a new way to buy wireless that gives you the ability to control what you pay. SM

7i b_jjb[ Wi (+%ce$ f[h b_d[* Kf je '& \h_[dZi" \Wc_bo" Yemeha[hi WdZ ej^[hi Kdb_c_j[Z jWba" j[nj WdZ '=8 e\ ZWjW f[h b_d[" m^_b[ ed j^[ Ifh_dj d[jmeha J^[ ceh[ f[efb[ oek WZZ" j^[ bem[h oekh hWj[ I[fWhWj[ X_bbi

*After $30 group discount (7-10 lines) applied w/i two invoices. Other monthly charges apply.**

IL discount for employees of the Federal Government

Plus, get

?B Z_iYekdj ed i[b[Yj ZWjW Xko kfi

Your free Samsung Galaxy Tab® 3 is waiting for you. 7bb oek ^Wl[ je Ze _i `e_d j^[ Ifh_dj <hWc_bo FbWd WdZ fkhY^Wi[ W jWXb[j ZWjW fbWd$ J^_i eź[h _i edbo WlW_bWXb[ m^_b[ ikffb_[i bWij" ie ^khho _d$ Req. qualifying data plan and new 2-yr agmt/activation. Other monthly charges apply.** Discount does not apply to tablet data plan. Offer ends 7/10/14.

9Wbb0 .,,#,)/#.)+* Ifh_dj$Yec%\[Z L_i_j W beYWb Ifh_dj Ijeh[0 ifh_dj$Yec%ijeh[beYWjeh

**Monthly charges exclude taxes and Sprint Surcharges [incl. USF charge of up to 16.6% (varies quarterly), up to $2.50 Admin. and .40 Reg. /line/mo.) and fees by area (approx. 5-20%)]. Surcharges are not taxes. See sprint.com/taxesandfees. Activ. Fee: $36/line. Credit approval req. Early Termination Fee (sprint.com/etf): After 14 days, up to $350/line.Framily Plan: Offer ends 7/10/14. Month-to-month term. Includes unlimited domestic Long Distance calling and texting and 1GB/mo./line on-network data allowance. Add'l data: 1.5¢/MB. 3rd party content/downloads are an add'l charge. Int'l svcs are not included. Pricing may vary for existing customers. Max of 10 phone lines per group. Excludes existing accounts and discounted phones. Group members must agree to share their names, last 4 of phone numbers, Framily ID, group status, and that they are subscribed to Framily plan with group. To withdraw consent, member must enroll in a different service plan. Withdrawal does not affect ability to subscribe to other plans. Sharing Framily ID allows others to join group. All group members may invite others to join. Separate bills are per account. Framily Plan Discounts: Awarded $5-$30/mo./line off $55 base rate plan depending on number of members in the group. Discounts not prorated. Groups cannot merge. Usage Limitations: Other plans may receive prioritized bandwidth availability. Streaming video speeds may be limited to 1 Mbps. Sprint may terminate service if off-network roaming usage in a month exceeds: (1) 800 min. or a majority of min.; or (2) 100 MB or a majority of KB. Prohibited network use rules apply–see sprint.com/termsandconditions. Tablet Offer: Offer ends 07/10/2014. While supplies last. Taxes and svc charges excluded. No cash back. May not be combinable with other tablet offers. Requires activation at point of sale. $299.99 (original price) - $299.99 instant savings = $0.00. Requires activation of a line of service on a Framily plan during the same transaction. 3 GB Buy Up: Includes 3GB/mo. on-network data allowance. Add'l on-network data usage 1.5¢/MB. Does not combine or stack with other data. Unlimited Data and Annual Upgrade Buy Up: Req. min 12 consecutive payments, new Installment Agreement, acct. in good standing, and give back of current eligible device in good and functional condition. After upgrade, remainng unbilled installment payments are waived. IL Discount: Available for eligible company or org. employees (ongoing verification). Discounts subject to change according to the company’s agreement with Sprint and are available upon request for monthly data buy-up svc charges for Framily plans. Other Terms: Offers and coverage not available everywhere or for all devices. The Nationwide Sprint Network reaches over 278 million people. The Sprint 3G network reaches over 277 million people. Sprint 4G LTE network reaches over 200 million people. You can view the Sprint privacy policy at sprint.com/privacy. May not be combinable with other offers. Restrictions apply. © 2014 Sprint. All rights reserved. Sprint and the logo are trademarks of Sprint. Android, Google, the Google logo and Google Play N145281 are trademarks of Google Inc. LTE is a trademark of ETSI. Other marks are the property of their respective owners. MV1234567

64 recreation news I may 2014 I recreationnews.com