Mid-Atlantic Travel & Recreation

Mid-Atlantic Travel-Recreation.com

Delaware Maryland Virginia West Virginia Washington DC

2013

Wild Horses of Assateague Island ing only in designated parking areas. The “Life of the Forest” and “Life of the Marsh” trails are good places to look, especially during spring, fall and winter seasons. Do not feed or pet the horses. Horses that learn to come up to the road can be hit and killed by cars.

Virginia’s horses are privately owned by the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Department and are fenced in large enclosures. Look for the horses in the marshes along Beach Road and from the observation platform on the Woodland Trail.

Many visitors first learn about the Assateague horses from Marguerite Henry’s famous book Misty of Chincoteague. Written in 1947, this classic children’s tale tells the story of a young horse called “Misty” and the children who loved her. While the story is fiction, the characters (including the horses) were real. The story takes place during a traditional Chincoteague festival called “Pony Penning.” On the last Wednesday of July, the Virginia herd of horses is rounded up and swum from Assateague Island to nearby Chincoteage Island. On the following day most of (photo courtesy National Park Service) the young foals are auctioned off. Proceeds from The wild horses of Assateague Island are descendents the sale benefit the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire of domesticated animals brought to the island over 300 Department, which is responsible for the care and years ago. Horses tough enough to survive the scorching management of the Virginia herd. Virginia’s priheat, abundant insects, stormy weather and poor quality vately owned horses are kept separated from Maryfood found on this windswept barrier island have formed land’s wild horses by a fence that runs across the a unique wild horse society. Enjoy their beauty from a Maryland/Virginia state line. Maryland’s horses are distance, and you can help make sure these extraordinary not rounded up or sold at auction. wild horses will continue to thrive on Assateague Island.

Assateague’s horses are beautiful, tough, and Were the horses shipwreck survivors . . . wild. They have learned to survive in a harsh enviLocal folklore describes the Assateague horses as surronment. Feeding and/or petting them is detrimenvivors of a shipwreck off the Virginia coast. While this tal to both visitors and horses. dramatic tale of struggle and survival is popular, there are • Horses can get sick from human food. no records yet that confirm it.

• Horses that learn to come up to the road to beg for . . . or settlers’ horses? food are often hit and killed by cars.

During the 17th century free-roaming horses, cows, • Visitors are kicked, bitten and knocked down evsheep and pigs caused expensive crop damage to local ery year as a direct result of getting too close to the farms. Farmers were required to pay taxes on all mainwild horses. land livestock and fence them in. Like people in the 21st • Treating wild horses like tame animals takes century, these resourceful coastal residents looked for away the wildness that makes them special. (photo courtesy Virginia Tourism ways to avoid paying this tax. They turned to nearby AsProtect your family by respecting theirs. Give the Corporation www.virginia.org) sateague Island with its abundance of food, shelter and a horses the space they need to be wild. natural “corral” made of water to solve their problem. It is likely that modern Become a Foster Parent! Through the Assateague Island Foster Horse Assateague horses are descendents of those hardy animals turned loose on Program you can “adopt” a member of Maryland’s herd. These funds help the island to graze tax-free. support the management of the horses and the environment they depend on Assateague’s horses are uniquely adapted to survive on a barrier island. to survive.

How do they do it? What do they eat? The horses spend most of their time There are few places in the United States where you can view wild horses. grazing on abundant but nutrient-poor saltmarsh cordgrass, saltmeadow hay Due to their complex social structure the Assateague horses display a wide and beach grass. The horses’ short stature is a result of hundreds of years of range of unique behaviors. Take advantage of the opportunity to view these adaptation to this low quality diet. Genetically they are considered horses, horses in a natural habitat. To learn more, visit www.nps.gov/asis/natureeven though they are now pony size. The Assateague horses drink over twice science/horses.htm the amount of water that domesticated horses will due to their salty food “My treasures do not click together or glitter. They gleam in the sun supply. All that drinking combined with a high salt diet contributes to their and neigh in the night.” bloated appearance.

- Bedouin proverb Where do they live throughout the year? Spring brings cool, rainy weather Pony Penning (photo courtesy US Coast Guard) and fresh plant growth to the island. Many of the horses live in the marshes close to their best food sources. Foals are usually born in late spring and live with their mothers in a family group called a “band.”

Each band is usually made up of 2 -10 mares, their offspring and a stallion. Hot, humid, and full of insects, summer brings a new set of challenges. The horses escape the mosquitoes and flies of the marsh by spending more time on the beach and in the surf, letting the refreshing ocean breezes carry away airborne pests. Cooler fall weather and fewer insects allow the bands to move from the beaches back to the marshes and their abundant grasses. The horses prefer to browse in shrub thickets during the damp, chilly, winter season. Their thick, furry coats will protect them from ferocious winter winds and the occasional snowstorm.

Maryland’s horses are owned and managed by the National Park Service. They are freeroaming wildlife and could be anywhere in the park. During the summer months many bands can be found on the beach. You can often see the horses and other wildlife by driving slowly along park roads. Protect island habitat by park-

Mid-Atlantic

Mid-Atlantic Travel & Recreation Directory is published annually and distributed through chambers of commerce, tourist information centers, select hotels, restaurants, advertisers, mail requests and web site requests.

For advertising rates, contact: Mid-Atlantic Travel & Recreation Directory P.O. Box 6707, Boise, ID 83707 (800) 525-1166 or (208) 377-0226 fax (208) 321-0141 info@travel-recreation.com We have made every attempt to ensure the information contained herein is accurate. However, the information may have changed since publication of this directory. Always verify information prior to travel. Maps are provided for general reference only; please consult an official highway map or other detailed map for accurate distances and geographic features.

We are interested in receiving notices of Mid-Atlantic community events and photographs so we may include them in the next directory. There is no charge for listing events.

We encourage reader contributions in the form of letters, articles, photographs, information and suggestions.

Editorial opinions, articles, stories, illustrations and advertisements are not necessarily the opinions of the publishers or the staff. Liability for errors or omission that compromise the overall impact of an advertisement is limited to a correct insertion in the next publication at no charge.

Copyright Š 2012 / 2013

by Rite-Way Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.

Administrative Director

Mary Wheeler

Graphic Design / Layout

Heather Hugues Liza Morgan

Webmaster

Heather Hugues

Office Manager

Kay Clover

Cover Photo: Chancellorsville Battlefield (courtesy Rob Shenk) Blackwater Falls (photo courtesy Tucker County CVB)

DelawareTravelRecreation.com •

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DELAWARE

DelawareTravelRecreation.com MarylandTravelRecreation.com VirginiaTravelRecreation.com WashingtonDCTravelRecreation.com WestVirginiaTravelRecreation.com

CHOICE HOTELS I N T E R N A T I O N A L Delaware & Maryland Locations Annapolis – QUALITY INN

Grasonville – SLEEP INN

Features: Free Weekday Newspaper • Free High-Speed Internet Access • Free Local Calls • Free Continental Breakfast. www.choicehotels.com

Features: This Grasonville Hotel Offers Many Amenities And Features, Including Free Continental Breakfast • Free Coffee And Tea • Free Weekday Newspaper • Free Local Calls. Each Evening, Guests Are Treated To A Free Scoop Of Hand-Dipped Ice Cream. Guests Will Also Enjoy Relaxing In The Seasonal Outdoor Pool. www.choicehotels.com

1542 Whitehall Rd. • Annapolis, MD 21401 (410) 974-4440 • Fax (410) 757-6419

Baltimore – COMFORT INN AIRPORT

6921 Baltimore - Annapolis Blvd. • Baltimore, MD 21225 (410) 789-9100 • Fax (410) 355-2854

Features: Free Hot Breakfast Buffet • Free Coffee • Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access • Free Weekday Newspaper • Free Local Calls. www.choicehotels.com • www.bwilodging.com

Chambersburg, PA – COMFORT INN

3301 Black Gap Rd. • Chambersburg, PA 17202 (717) 263-6655

Features: Free Hot Breakfast • Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access • Indoor Pool • Free Newspapers • Free Coffee • Cable TV • Iron/Ironing Board • Handicap Rooms • Non-Smoking Available • Pet Friendly with Fee. www.choicehotels.com

Dover – COMFORT INN & SUITES

1654 N. Dupont Hwy. • Dover, DE 19901 (302) 736-1204

Features: Free Hot Breakfast • Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access • Seasonal Outdoor Pool • Free Newspapers • Free Coffee • Cable TV with HBO • Microwaves & Refrigerators in all Rooms • Hair Dryers & Iron/Ironing Boards • Sofa Sleepers • Some Rooms Include Whirlpool Bath • Handicap Rooms • 100% Non-Smoking. www.comfortsuites.com

Gaithersburg – COMFORT INN AT SHADY GROVE 16216 Frederick Rd. • Gaithersburg, MD 20877-3502 1-888-605-9100 • (301) 330-0023 • Fax (301) 258-1950

Features: Free Full Breakfast Buffet • Free Coffee • Free High-Speed Internet Access • Free Local Calls And Free Shuttle To Shady Grove Metro Station. www.comfortinn.com/hotel/MD413

Georgetown – COMFORT INN & SUITES 20530 DuPont Blvd. • Georgetown, DE 19947 (302) 854-9400 • Fax (302) 855-9121

Features: Deluxe Continental Breakfast • Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access • Seasonal Outdoor Pool • Free Local Calls • Free Newspapers • Exercise Room • Free Coffee • Cable TV with HBO • Microwaves & Refrigerators in all Rooms • Many Rooms Include Sofa Sleepers & Whirlpool Bath • Handicap Rooms • Smoking & Non-Smoking Rooms • Hair Dryers & Iron/Ironing Boards • Pet Friendly with Fee • Truck Parking Available on Site • Meeting Room Available. www.choicehotels.com

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• Delaware

101 VFW Avenue • Grasonville, MD 21638 (410) 827-5555 • Fax (410) 827-8801

New Castle, PA – COMFORT INN

1740 New Butler Rd. • New Castle, PA 16101 (724) 658-7700

Features: Free Hot Breakfast • Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access • Free Newspapers • Free Coffee • Cable TV • Iron/Ironing Board • Some Rooms with Refrigerator & Microwave • Whirlpool Suites Available • Exercise Room • Handicap Rooms • Non-Smoking Available • Pet Friendly with Fee. www.choicehotels.com

New Castle, DE – QUALITY INN & SUITES SKYWAYS 147 N Dupont Hwy. • New Castle, DE 19720 (302) 328-6666 • Fax (302) 322-3791

Features: Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access • Free Local Calls • Free Weekday Newspaper • Free Coffee • Hair Dryers • Iron & Ironing Boards • Cable TV w/ HBO & Cinemax • Business Center • Fax & Copy Services • Meeting Rooms • Two-Room Suites Available • Seasonal Pool • Handicap Accessible • Pet Friendly Hotel. www.qualtiyinn.com

Newark – ECONO LODGE

100 McIntosh Plaza • Newark, DE 19713 (302) 453-9100

Features: Hotel Amenities Include High-Speed Internet Access • Free Continental Breakfast • Free Weekday Newspaper • Cable TV & HBO • Iron & Ironing Board • Hair Dryers • Coffee Makers • Exercise Room • Free Local Calls • Suites Include Microwaves & Refrigerators • Non-Smoking & Handicap Accessible Rooms Are Available • Bus, Truck & Van Parking On Site. www.choicehotels.com

Solomons – COMFORT INN

255 Lore Rd. • Solomons, MD 20688 (410) 326-6303

Features: Free Hot Breakfast • Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access • Free Newspapers • Free Coffee • Cable TV • Iron/Ironing Board • In Room Microwave & Refrigerator • Whirlpool Rooms Available • Waterfront View Rooms Available • Seasonal Outdoor Pool & Hot Tub • Handicap Rooms • Non-Smoking Available. www.choicehotels.com

1-800-4-CHOICE www.choicehotels.com

Contents Delaware

Welcome Amish Country New Castle County Brandywine Valley Middletown Old New Castle Wilmington (Newark) Kent County Bethany / Fenwick Dover Sussex County Georgetown Laurel Lewes Rehoboth Beach / Dewey Beach Seaford State Parks & Recreation Areas

Maryland

Welcome The Civil War in Maryland Allegany County Annapolis / Anne Arundel County Baltimore Calvert County (Solomons) Caroline County (Denton) Cecil County Carroll County (Westminster) Charles County (La Plata) Dorchester County (Cambridge) Frederick County Garrett County Harford County Howard County Kent County (Rock Hall) Prince George’s County (Clinton) Queen Anne’s County (Chester, Grasonville) Kent Island Kent Narrows Somerset County (Crisfield) St. Mary’s County (Dameron, Ridge) Talbot County (St. Michaels, Tilghman Island) Washington County (Hagerstown, Rohrersville) Wicomico County Delmar Salisbury Worcester County Ocean City State Parks & Recreation Areas

Washington DC

Welcome 36 Gaithersburg 37

14 16 17 17 18 18 19 19 19 20 21 21 21 22 22 23 24 25 25 25 26 26 27 28 29 29 29 30 30 31

4 6 7 7 7 7 8 8 8 8 9 9 9 10 10 11 11 12

| Inside Front Cover | Inside Back Cover | 66

Virginia

Welcome Shenandoah Valley (Churchville, Clifton Forge) Bath County Botetourt County Hampton Harrisonburg Frederick County / Winchester, (White Post) Page County / Luray Roanoke County (Salem) Shenandoah County Warren County / Front Royal Alexandria Charlottesville Chesapeake Chincoteague Island Culpeper County / Culpeper Essex County / Tappahannock Franklin County / Smith Mountain Lake James City County / Williamsburg Mathews County Montgomery County (Blacksburg / Christiansburg) Newport News Norfolk Northampton County / Eastville Portsmouth Prince William County / Manassas Richmond Region, (Ashland) Surry County / Virginia Beach York County / Yorktown State Parks & Recreation Areas

West Virginia

Welcome West Virginia State Parks Berkeley County / Martinsburg Cabell County / Huntington Fayette County / New River Gorge Grant County Greenbrier Valley (Lewisburg) Hardy County Harrison County / Bridgeport Jefferson County / (Charles Town, Harpers Ferry, Shenandoah Junction, Shepherdstown, Winchester) Kanawha County / Charleston, (Cross Lanes) Lewis County Marion County (Fairmont) Marshall County (Moundsville) Mercer County (Princeton)

67 69 70 70 72 72 73 74 74

75 79 79 80 80 81

Mingo County / Tug Valley Monongalia County / Morgantown Nicholas County / Richwood, Summersville Ohio County / Wheeling, (Glen Dale) Pendleton County / Seneca Rocks, Seneca Caverns Raleigh County / Beaver, Beckley Randolph County Helvetia Summers County / Three Rivers Tucker County / Canaan Valley / Blackwater Falls, (St. George) Wetzel County (Proctor) Wood County / Parkersburg State Parks & Recreation Areas 150th Anniversary of the Civil War A River Runs Through It

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DelawareTravelRecreation.com •

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DELAWARE

Wild Horses of Assateague Island Washington DC Monuments Travel Safety Tips

Welcome to Delaware State Facts Nickname: First State (Dec. 7, 1787, Delaware was the first of the 12 U.S. states to ratify the new U.S. Constitution) State Motto: “Liberty and Independence” Area: 1,954 sq. miles Population: 897,934 Capital: Dover Highest Point: Ebright Road 442 feet above sea level State Fossil: Belemnitella americana (a mollusk) State Tree: American Holly State Flower: Peach Blossom State Bird: Blue Hen State Fish: Weakfish (Sea Trout) State Insect: Ladybug State Drink: Milk Major Industries: Business, Agriculture & Tourism

Ladybug (courtesy Jon Sullivan, Wikimedia)

State Flag (courtesy Wikimedia)

Rehoboth Beach (photo courtesy Jeffrey, Flickr)

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• Delaware

State Quarter (courtesy US Gov’t)

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DELAWARE

0

Centreville

Greenville

Claymont Brandywine

Wilmington

Newark Brookside

New Castle

Middletown

New Castle

N

Smyrna

Kent

W

Delaware’s tourism industry remains vibrant with unlimited opportunities for businesses to start-up or expand. Delaware is ideally positioned within the Mid-Atlantic region with close proximity to Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Philadelphia and within a day’s drive of 40% of the U.S. population.

More than 8.1 million visitors travel to our destination state annually, relaxing at our award-winning beaches, visiting our renowned arts and cultural amenities and historical attractions, pursuing our numerous outdoor adventures, and enjoying our premier accommodations and restaurants. Delaware has no sales tax, making shopping in Delaware attractive to both retailers and consumers. Rehoboth Beach was selected among the Top 5 Boardwalks in the U.S. by The Travel Channel, and Dewey Beach is now the East Coast Skimboarding Capital. The town of Smyrna was chosen as a top adventure town in National Geographic Adventure’s issue as one of the “50 Best Places to Live & Play.”

Major sports and special events also choose Delaware, including NASCAR racing at Dover International Speedway, U.S. Team Handball, and minor league baseball and ice hockey. The state also features challenging signature golf courses, preserved wildlife areas, and ideal sportsmen and fishing venues.

In addition, the Wilmington Riverfront offers space for conventions and seminars, as well as nearby sports and gaming facilities and luxury hotels and spas.

Our nationally-recognized colleges and universities now offer majors in hospitality and tourism, providing a variety of businesses a robust workforce in hospitality, marketing, business management, and tourism-related areas. Delaware’s probusiness climate adds to an ideal location in which to start-up or expand a tourismrelated business.

For more information, please visit our tourism website at www.visitdelaware.com

Dover Wyoming

Felton

Harrington

Milford

Slaughter Beach

Lewes

Georgetown

Sussex

Seaford

Rehoboth Beach Dewey Beach Long Neck

Bethany Beach

Delmar

20 Miles

Fenwick Island

DelawareTravelRecreation.com •

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Amish Country Delaware is home to a large Amish community, mainly centered in Kent County. Taking the time to learn about this unique culture group will greatly enhance your visit. The Amish often drive their buggies into town to sell farm produce and hand-made goods. They also erect roadside stands to sell excess produce, a wonderful way to get food on the road!

Always remember when visiting Amish country, they do not encourage tourism to their farms and avoid anything other than casual contact with strangers. Please respect their privacy; the Amish will avoid having their picture taken for Amish Men (photo courtesy Delaware Tourism Office) religious reasons. Also, flash cameras may startle a horse pulling a buggy. Though they generally keep to their simple lifestyle, many Amish do maintain cooperative friendships with their “English” neighbors and will gladly offer assistance to outsiders when needed.

A quiet lifestyle free of “clutter” and distraction is the goal of the Amish. They wear plain clothing to symbolize a simple life not pursuing the latest trend. A slower pace allows parents to spend more time with their children and family is of great importance. Contentment with the life they were given is vital, and too many conveniences are seen as leading away from service to God toward trivial pursuits.

Hard work providing for the family is part of the Amish doctrine. Children learn to perform chores as soon as they can follow simple instructions. Social activities are very important, and any free time is spent working in groups to build close ties in the community. Farming is the ideal occupation for an Amish man. This allows him to stay close to his family while directly providing for their needs. As the community grows, however, land is becoming more difficult to acquire. Many Amish have turned to selling hand-crafted furniture, home-grown produce, or offering services to the outside world.

It is easy to assume that the Amish never change, but that is not the case. Every new idea or technology is examined to determine how it would affect the Amish lifestyle and purpose. With the guidance of the Bible, history, and the advice of ministers, the community often decides to keep things “the way we’ve always done it.” The Amish way of life has successfully lasted almost five centuries and most likely will continue as it always has.

When asked about his lifestyle, one Amish writer quoted in Small Farm Journal (Summer 1993): “If you admire our faith – strengthen yours. If you admire our sense of commitment – deepen yours. If you admire our community spirit – build your own. If you admire the simple life – cut back. If you admire deep character and enduring values – live them yourself.”

As you observe this unique and simple culture during your visit, remember the diversity that makes up our nation. Try some tasty home-grown produce or buy a beautiful quilt to remind you of your stay and the advantages of the simple life!

To read more about the Amish culture, visit www.amish-heartland.com www.amishcountry.org or www.amish.net 6

• Delaware

Attractions DELAWARE

New Castle County Brandywine Valley

Located along the Brandywine River in northern Delaware.

The beautiful green Brandywine Valley has been home to several prominent Americans and the location of many historic events. Here the Battle of Brandywine was fought and lost to the English during the American Revolution. William Penn brought his fellow Quakers to the valley and their influence is still felt today in this peaceful area. Howard Pyle established his School of American Illustration here, and the DuPonts built their company, mansions, and gardens along the Brandywine.

The Algonquin Indians originally lived in the Brandywine area. As the Swedish, Finnish, and Dutch settlers gradually acquired the land through treaties, the natives moved north and west. These European settlers were Swedish and Finnish soldiers who landed near the mouth of the Brandywine River in 1638 aboard the Kalmar Nyckel and the Fogel Grip.

A fully functional, ornately carved reproduction of the Kalmar Nyckel, complete with seven working cannons, can be toured.

The Revolutionary War comes to life in the Brandywine Battlefield Park. Walk the rolling, wooded hills to see displays of the Brandywine Battle. Visitors can also tour the headquarters of Washington and Lafayette.

Visit Brandywine Valley for an escape from the city life to quiet country relaxation. Explore the wineries along the Brandywine Valley Wine Trail and have a peaceful picnic under the trees. The central location of this valley makes it a great hub for vacationers. Philadelphia and Lancaster are only a short drive away, and New York City, Baltimore, and Washington DC are within a two hour drive.

To discover more about the Brandywine Valley, visit the Brandywine Conference and Visitor’s Bureau at www.brandywinecvb.org

Middletown

Founded by Will Kirkwood in 1972, the Middletown Area Chamber of Commerce supports and promotes business and economic development in the Southern New Castle County Region. Southern New Castle County, a semi-rural and major growth area of Delaware, is located in the southeastern tier of New Castle County, and is bordered on the south by the states of Maryland and Pennsylvania and on the north by New Jersey. It is comprised of one school district, the Appoquinimink School District, which is a Governor’s Blue Ribbon & award winning District.

The Chamber territory encompasses the towns of Middletown, Odessa, Townsend and Smyrna. From eclectic town shops to the Everett Theatre and Gibby Center for the Arts, to restaurants and sports events, the Middletown area has a variety of things to see and do!

Several signature events are hosted in the town of Middletown each year: the first week of March offers the MACC B2B Expo, the third week-

Heron (courtesy pheαnix, Flickr) end of May offer the Meats n’ Sweets State BBQ Championship, the 3rd Saturday in August offers the annual Peach Festival, the first weekend in October hosts RocktoberFest and the first Saturday in December features Christmas in Odessa. The MOT area is a great place to live, work and raise a family. There is truly something for everyone.

To learn more, please visit www.middletownareachamber.com

Old New Castle

A 50-minute drive north of Dover, via US 13, Route 1, or Route 9.

The Dutch founded New Castle, originally named Fort Casimir, in 1651. Because of its strategic location on the Delaware River, the fort’s ownership was hotly contested between the Dutch, Swedish, and British settlers. William Penn took possession of the area in 1682, but Delaware desired its independence, and was granted its own legislature in 1704.

New Castle then became the colonial capitol, and also was briefly the state capitol. Today, New Castle is a thriving historic community where people continue to live and work.

Travel back in time in historic Old New Castle. Here, the streets are paved in cobblestone and herringbone patterned sidewalks meander through town. The charm and beauty of this community offer a respite from busy city life. Not just a re-enactment of the past, New Castle is a living town surrounded by history. Many historic buildings are available for tours. These wonderful examples of federal and colonial architecture are sure to please architects and history buffs alike. A colonial commons, churches, specialty shops, historic restaurants and taverns, and a riverside park add to the atmosphere of this town. Feel a chill at a ghost tour, relax in the town green, or walk the waterfront path in Battery Park. New Castle has activities and attractions for the whole family, so learn about our colonial history while having fun in Delaware!

For more about New Castle and other historic Delaware locations, visit the Delaware Tourism Office at www.visitdelaware.com or call (866) 284-7483.

New Castle

147 N. Dupont Hwy. New Castle, DE 19720

Skyways

Phone: (302) 328-6666 Fax (302) 322-3791 www.qualityinn.com

DelawareTravelRecreation.com •

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Wilmington

Delaware Park Horse Racing (courtesy Greater Wilmington CVB)

Wilmington & Western Railroad –

Delaware’s Operating Railroad Museum

Climb Aboard the Wilmington & Western Railroad! Be transported back to a golden era when steam passenger trains rolled through the land and steam whistles echoed off the hills. Season runs from March thru December.

Greater Wilmington, Delaware is easy to access, easy to navigate and easy to enjoy! Midway between Washington, DC and New York City on Interstate-95, the area is ideally situated for getaways, meetings, conferences, reunions and weddings.

Dubbed America’s Loire Valley by Southern Living magazine, the area is steeped in history and beauty. Discover world class museums and mansions filled with incredible collections of antiques, artwork and sculptures. Visit the Delaware Art Museum, see works by three generations of Wyeth family members on display inside the Brandywine River Museum, or enjoy cutting edge exhibits at the Delaware Center for the Contemporary Arts located in Wilmington’s revitalized Riverfront. Take a ride through the beautiful countryside on the Wilmington & Western Railroad, one of the country’s oldest operating steam engines; or board the Kalmar Nyckel, a seaworthy recreation of the Tall Ship that carried the Swedes to Wilmington in 1638, for a day sail. Walk down cobblestone paths in quaint towns like Historic New Castle and Odessa which retain their 17th- 18th- and 19th-century character. Explore a moated Civil War Fort. There’s plenty to do and see including the new DuPont Environmental Education Center in the Russell W. Peterson Urban Wildlife Refuge which offers daily nature walks.

Take advantage of excellent public golf courses, tubing, kayaking, hiking, thoroughbred horse racing or treat yourself to a tax-free shopping spree. Test your luck in casinos which now feature live table games. Simply sit back and relax in excellent hotels, restaurants and family owned and operated wineries. It’s all here for you to experience and enjoy.

Newark

100 McIntosh Plaza Newark, DE 19713

Greenbank Station is located at 2201 Newport Gap Pike, Rt. 41N. • Wilmington, DE 19808

(302) 453-9100

For additional information call:

(302) 998-1930

or visit our Web Site: www.wwrr.com

www.choicehotels.com

• Free Continental Breakfast • Free Weekday Newspaper • Free High-Speed Internet Access

Kent County Bethany / Fenwick

The Delaware beaches are a very popular destination for many vacationers from May through September. The coastline spans 25 miles and offers pristine, clean and award-winning beaches that boast something for everyone. From Fenwick Island to North Bethany Beach many travel to this area called the “Quiet Resorts” for that relaxing getaway from the normal hustle and bustle. With the bay just steps away, many visit this area to take part in the abundant outdoor activities that this area is well known for. On any given day you will see runners and cyclists take advantage of our flat and friendly terrain. Kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, sunbathing, wind surfing, hiking, swimming, bird watching and other eco-friendly activities are plentiful at the state parks and beyond.

In addition to the wonderful outdoor activities, many also travel to the Delaware coast for tax-free shopping, beautiful boardwalks and one-of-a-kind restaurants that you just can’t find anywhere but here. Whether you are traveling North or South on Coastal Highway, a must stop is at the BethanyFenwick Area Chamber of Commerce’s Information Center located just south of the Fenwick Island State Park. The Information Center is home to everything and anything that you will need during your visit to help plan an event, looking for something fun to do, or find relocation information.

Stop by Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. One of the Tourism Coordinators will assist you with any of your needs. www.bethany-fenwick.org (photo courtesy Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce)

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• Delaware

Dover

Dover

Sussex County

Georgetown Welcomes You

Georgetown is a community with small town charm, historic appeal, cultural diversity, and great opportunity - just west of Delaware’s award winning beaches.

The Circle is the town’s center, and is dominated by a spectacular fountain, landmark buildings, and other stately reminders of Georgetown’s earlier days. Many historic sites have been restored and preserved including The Brick Hotel on the Circle, now a luxury accommodation, and the original Old Courthouse.

Georgetown has a diverse business landscape with affordable real estate, and a leadership committed to sustained and responsible growth, which make it an ideal destination for your commercial and residential needs. And, whether your vacation plans bring you to the area for tournament play at the Sports at the Beach Complex, or to discover the

Georgetown

20530 DuPont Blvd. • Georgetown, DE 19947

(302) 854-9400

Fax: (302) 855-9121 www.choicehotels.com

Deluxe Continental Breakfast • Seasonal Outdoor Pool • Free High-Speed Wireless Internet Access • Free Newspapers • Free Local Calls & Free Coffee

“Treasures of the Sea” museum and exhibit at nearby Delaware Technical College or the historic treasures at the Nutter Marvel Carriage Museum, visitors will appreciate the availability of family style and fine dining in Georgetown, comfortable hotel and unique bed & breakfast accommodations, as well as the offerings of fabulous off-season events such as the Wings & Wheels - A Georgetown Festival and the Chamber’s Annual Christmas “Balloon” Parade.

Considering its grand history, status as the County seat, accommodating “near beach” location, and visitor opportunity, the greater Georgetown area offers the right ingredients for a short or long term repast, and the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce gives a warm welcome to all its business, residential and tourism friends.

For more information, contact the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce at (302) 856-1544 or visit www.georgetowncoc.com

Greater Georgetown Chamber of Commerce

140 Layton Ave. • P.O. Box 1 Georgetown, DE 19947 (302) 856-1544 www.georgetowncoc.com DelawareTravelRecreation.com •

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DELAWARE

Visiting Delaware’s Capital Region: Greater Dover/Kent County Escape to the County of Kent, in Delaware’s Capital Region and discover its wonders. Pastoral landscapes and an Amish community, quaint towns rich with history, miles of coastal landscapes along the Delaware Bay and thousands of acres in our wildlife refuge and state, county and municipal parks beckon visitors to visit and relax.

Enjoy cultural festivals and shop tax-free... experience Main Street USA in the charming towns of Milford, Smyrna, Harrington, Camden or Dover.

Try your hand at head boat fishing off North Bowers Beach. Experience the thrill of a NASCAR race or hop in an authentic race car and zoom around Dover’s Monster Mile. For glitz, visit our casinos and try your luck at table games, slots, sports betting or harness racing.

Historically, Dover’s Green is the place where this nation started. In 1787, patriots ratified the U.S NASCAR in Dover (photo courtesy Getty Images) Constitution in the Golden Fleece Tavern making Delaware the First State. Costumed interpreters weave tales of bygone days on walking tours in the well preserved historic district of the Capital’s First State Heritage Park. Visit 20+ historic sites and museums, which reveal colorful tales of Delaware’s history. A must see just south of Dover Air Force Base is the Air Mobility Command Museum at Dover Air Force Base, a salute to our nation’s military airlift history with free flight simulators and two dozen restored planes on display.

Centrally located on the Delmarva Peninsula (Delmarva is short for Delaware, Maryland and Virginia) Kent County is a fabulous spot to plan weddings, meetings, reunions or conventions. You will find nearly 3,000 hotel rooms from economy to luxury, and enough meeting space to accommodate small or large events, which makes the area very appealing for those wanting a warm atmosphere away from major cities.

Our staff (800-233-5368) and our website (www.visitdover.com) are chock full of information and support. Let us know if you need help with: • Getaway ideas (romantic, girlfriend, reunions, etc.)

• Gaming opportunities (table, slots, sports betting, horse racing) • Outdoor recreation (kayaking, hiking, birding, etc.)

1654 N. Dupont Hwy. • Dover, DE 19901 • Touring the Amish countryside (302) 736-1204 • Attending festivals, arts and cultural events www.comfortsuites.com • Planning a meeting, conference or reunion • Planning itineraries and lodging for groups • Selecting a wedding venue • Free Hot Breakfast • Free WiFi • Seasonal • Exploring Delaware’s museums and historic sites Pool • Cable TV w/ HBO • 100% Smoke Free • Tax-free shopping, dining and entertainment

Broad Creek (photo courtesy Laurel Chamber of Commerce)

Laurel

History – Laurel’s uniqueness merits placement on the National Register of Historic Places, the largest such district in Delaware. The Nanticoke Indians once roamed our dense pine forests, fished and trapped along our streams, and as far as the town itself, Laurel had its beginnings as a shipping port by the mid 18th century. Walk along creek side paths and tree lined streets, take in the architectural styles with homes from simple early Federal-period homes to opulent Victorian residences.

For a detailed account of the homes in Laurel’s Historic District, ask for a copy of the Laurel Historical District Residential Walking Tour.

Museums – Old Christ Church (unaltered from America’s pre-revolutionary past), Laurel Historical Society Museum, and Laurel Heritage Museum. Nearby Bethel Historical Society maintains a museum focusing on the village of Bethel’s maritime past.

The Outdoors – Laurel boasts some of the best fishing, hiking and cycling trails, kayaking, bird watching, and wilderness canoeing in Delaware – don’t miss Trap Pond State Park, Trussom Pond (Delaware’s most photographed and painted natural wonders) James Branch, Broad Creek launch and fishing pier, as well as Phillips Landing along the Nanticoke River.

A visit would not be complete without a stop at one of our family owned restaurants, farmer markets, antique or gift stores including our indoor / outdoor flea markets. To start planning a visit, contact the Laurel Chamber of Commerce today at www.laurelchamber.com

Welcome to Historic Lewes

By Betsy Reamer, executive director Lewes Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Bureau Known as the “First Town in the First State, Lewes is proud of its historic and nautical heritage. When you visit Lewes you’ll see why the Dutch seamen who landed here in 1631 established the first settlement.

Lewes offers something for everyone – a view of history, the tranquility of its parks and beaches, fishing on the bay or the ocean, a leisurely walking tour offering a myriad of architectural styles, shopping in the quaint and unique retail stores, eating in the numerous fine dining establishments or simply enjoying the relaxing quality of life that Lewes residents and visitors revere.

Anyone who hasn’t been to Lewes before should begin their expedition at the Lewes Chamber of Commerce’s Visitors Center located in the Fisher-Martin House, a charming gambrel-roofed house dating back to 1730. After picking up information and brochures to enhance your visit to Lewes, a short walk across the adjacent park brings you to the doorstep of another popular place to visit in Lewes – the Zwaanendael Museum –

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• Delaware

a very distinctive looking building, built in 1931by the State of Delaware and modeled after the City Hall building in Hoorn, the Netherlands. The museum is open year-round.

Lewes is ideally situated for anyone who loves the water because it’s located where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean (Cape Henlopen) – providing both bay and ocean beaches for swimming. The Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, which winds past the commercial district, allows for easy access to either the bay or the ocean for anglers. Docking facilities for pleasure boats are conveniently located within walking distance of the nearby restaurants, shops and lodging facilities. Commercial “head boats,” charter boats and a nearby boat launching ramp are also available. Delaware’s Tall Ship, the Kalmar Nyckel, visits Lewes in the summer at the Cape May Lewes Ferry Terminal for public tours and sails.

One of the few remaining lightships, the Overfalls, built in 1938, sits in its new berth in Canalfront Park, Lewes’ newest park. Two of the many lighthouses that have guided mariners on the Delaware Bay for over 250 years can be seen from the Lewes Beach parking lot and are open for tours in the summer and early fall.

For those who prefer to get in touch with Delaware’s abundant natural resources, one of Lewes’ greatest assets is its proximity to Cape Henlopen State Park. The park area encompasses more than 5,000 acres of natural beauty including spectacular bay and ocean vistas, a unique saltwater lagoon (Gordons Pond), and the Great Dune which rises 80 feet above sea level. There is a two-mile blacktop trail for walkers, runners, cyclists, and skaters.

In addition to the recreational opportunities for visitors and residents, Lewes has many homes and buildings of historical and architectural.

Within a half-mile of the commercial district on Second Street, you can see numerous restored homes dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries. One 17th century home is documented to be the oldest standing building in Lewes as well as in Delaware. The Lewes Historical Society established and maintains a complex of historic homes moved from their original locations and restored. The buildings are open to the public for tours beginning in late spring through early fall. The Society also administers two other sites of historical interest – the Cannonball House Maritime Museum and the Ryves Holt House, c.1665, the oldest house in Delaware known to be standing on its present site.

There is so much to do in Lewes that one day will not suffice. We hope you’ll come back again to experience all that it has to offer.

Rehoboth Beach & Dewey Beach

Fully Renovated 2011

Rehoboth Beach

we love having you here.®

• Complimentary Breakfast • Baggage Storage • Meeting Rooms • Fitness Room • Pool

302-645-8003

www.rehobothbeach.hamptoninn.com

Ready for something a little different? We are close to miniature golf, hiking, swimming, boating and even a stable that offers horseback rides on the beach.

37291 Lighthouse Rd. W. Fenwick Island, DE 19975

Treasure Beach RV Park

18826 Coastal Highway Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971

(302) 436-8001

www.treasurebeachrvpark.com Camping@TreasureBeachRVPark.com Fenwick Island - Selbyville, Delaware By the Atlantic Ocean, over 1,000 campsites, many located on the bay and waterfront. Convenient to Bethany Beach DE, Assateague Island, and the family resort of Ocean City MD

(866) 313-GOLF • (302) 684-3000 www.rookerygolf.com (courtesy Rehoboth Beach – Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce)

Seaford

Located on the banks of the Nanticoke River in Sussex County.

Incorporated in 1865, Seaford is rich in history and natural beauty. Learn about the Nanticoke Indians who lived in the Seaford area long before Capt. John Smith explored and mapped the Nanticoke River. History can be found all around Seaford. Travel back in time to the Civil War era at the Governor Ross Plantation. Cross the Nanticoke River on the Woodland Ferry, one of the last cable-run ferries on the East Coast.

Some of the East Coast’s best freshwater fishing can be found in the ponds and lakes around Seaford. The Nanticoke River, which runs past Seaford to the Chesapeake Bay, offers fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and recreational boating. The Nanticoke Wildlife Preserve and the Barnes Woods are on the Woodland Road just minutes from Seaford and offer nature trails for hikers and nature lovers. Amateur photographers are on the lookout for geese, rails, snipe, coot and many species of duck during the autumn migration.

Outdoor recreation abounds in Seaford. The Nanticoke River features parks, boat ramps, piers, a riverwalk, and nature trails. Enjoy the water with fishing, boating, canoeing, and swimming. Also available are public swimming pools, tennis courts, bowling lanes, golf courses, volleyball courts, softball fields and bicycling trails. Organized recreational and educational programs are offered for all ages.

Recapture your hometown memories in the history, beautiful scenery, and the relaxed pace of Seaford. For more information about Seaford and the surrounding area, contact the Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce at (302) 629-9690 or visit online www.seafordchamber.com

DelawareTravelRecreation.com •

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DELAWARE

Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach offer some of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the mid-Atlantic. Our mile-long boardwalk is ready for you – so bring your sandals and flip flops. Beautiful homes, awesome hotels, great stores, wonderful rides for the young ones and some of the finest restaurants in Delaware are waiting for you . . . and shopping is TAX-FREE. Plan on exploring, soaking up the sunshine, and riding some waves. There are 30 miles of unspoiled Delaware coastline and many parks to enjoy with the family. Rehoboth has a quaint small town feel. You can walk almost everywhere. All the fun, relaxation or excitement that everyone wants when on vacation.

Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach are an easy drive from many areas. The beaches are located within a two to four hour drive of Washington DC, Baltimore, Northern Virginia, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

Dewey Beach, located between the Atlantic Ocean and Rehoboth Bay, offers beach sports and activities as well as great restaurants, majestic sunsets, live music, dancing, and nightlife that is world famous for adults of all ages. During the summer, the family can catch a movie or bonfire on the beach. Our Gateway (Highway One), offers more great restaurants, bars, shops, rides, attractions, and the famous outlets.

The Rehoboth Beach – Dewey Beach Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center is located at 501 Rehoboth Avenue in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Phone (800) 441-1329 or visit www.beach-fun.com

Area Chambers of Commerce & Visitors Centers Bethany / Fenwick Area Chamber • (302) 539-2100 or (800) 962-SURF • www.bethany-fenwick.org Brandywine Conference & Visitor’s Bureau • (800) 343-3983 • www.brandywinecvb.org Central Delaware Chamber (Dover) • (302) 734-7513 • www.cdcc.net Delaware Tourism Office • (866) 284-7483 • www.visitdelaware.com Georgetown Chamber • (302) 856-1544 • www.georgetowncoc.com Greater Delmar Chamber • (302) 846-3336 • www.delmar-chamberofcommerce.com Greater Seaford Chamber • (302) 629-9690 • (800) 416-GSCC • www.seafordchamber.com Greater Wilmington CVB • (302) 295-2210 or (800) 489-6664 • www.VisitWilmingtonDE.com Kent County & Greater Dover CVB • (302) 734-1736 or (800) 233-5368 • www.visitdover.com Laurel Chamber • www.laurelchamber.com Lewes Chamber • (302) 645-8073 or (877) 465-3937 • www.leweschamber.com Middletown Chamber • (302) 378-7545 • www.middletownareachamber.com New Castle County Chamber • (302) 737-4343 • www.ncccc.com Rehoboth Beach Chamber • (302) 227-2233 or (800) 441-1329 • www.beach-fun.com Southern Delaware Tourism • (302) 856-1818 or (800) 357-1818 • www.visitsoutherndelaware.com Sussex County • (302) 855-7700 • www.sussexcountyde.gov

State Parks & Recreation Areas Bellevue State Park.............................................. (302) 761-6963 Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge............... (302) 653-9345 Brandywine Creek State Park.............................. (302) 577-3534 Cape Henlopen State Park................................... (302) 645-8983 Captain John Smith Chesapeake Trail............. www.nps.gov/cajo Delaware Ntl. Estuarine Research Reserve......... (302) 739-3436 Delaware Seashore State Park............................ (302) 227-2800 Fenwick Island State Park.................................... (302) 539-9060 Fort Delaware State Park..................................... (302) 834-7941

Fort DuPont State Park........................................(302) 834-7941 Fox Point State Park............................................(302) 761-6963 Holts Landing State Park......................................(302) 227-2800 Killens Pond State Park........................................(302) 284-4526 Lums Pond State Park.........................................(302) 368-6989 Port Penn Interpretive Center...............................(302) 836-2533 Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge...................(302) 684-8419 Trap Pond State Park...........................................(302) 875-5153 White Clay Creek State Park................................(302) 368-6900 (courtesy Bethany-Fenwick Area Chamber of Commerce)

Maypole Dancing on The Green (courtesy Kent County Tourism)

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• Delaware

Calendar of Events

For a Full List of Events and Event Details, Contact Area Chambers of Commerce/Visitor’s Bureaus.

september

Beach Boardwalk Arts Festival Triathlon at Sea Colony delaware city – Canal Fest dover – Amish Country Bike Tour NASCAR Race Weekend harrington Harrington Heritage Day kent county Amish Country Bike Tour milford Riverwalk “Freedom” Festival new castle Art on the Green in Battery Park Newark Delaware Saengerbund Oktoberfest Newark Film Festival Taste of Newark rehoboth beach Nanticoke Indian Powwow @ Millsboro Rehoboth Main Street Aquathlon seaford – Woodland Ferry Festival wilmington Brandywine Festival of the Arts Harvest Festival The Hagley Car Show WilmFilm Festival Wine & Dinosaurs Festival winterthur – GardenFair

october

Bridgeville Apple-Scrapple Festival delmar – Oktoberfest felton – Delaware Wine & Beer Festival Fenwick island Fall Surf-fishing Tournament greenville – Harvest Moon Festival hartly – Delmarva Folk Festival lewes – Boast the Coast! Celebration Coast Day middletown – RocktoberFest milton – Waterfowl Festival new castle From Kitchen to Garden Tours Hauntings in History Tours newark – Taste of Newark rehoboth beach Autumn Jazz Festival Sea Witch Halloween & Fiddlers Festival smyrna – Autumn in Duck Creek wilmington – Chrysanthemum Festival Delaware Auto Show Fringe Festival Hagley Craft Fair Vendemmia da Vinci Wine Festival wyoming – Fall Amish Auction

november

dover Chocolate Festival Wine & Music Festival new castle Holiday Exhibit @ Amstel & Dutch Houses Netherland America Heritage Day rehoboth beach Independent Film Festival Punkin Chunkin Seashore Marathon & 1/2 Marathon winterthur Delaware Antiques Show

december

dover – Home for the Holidays lewes – Christmas in Lewes middletown – Christmas in Odessa milton John Milton Memorial Celebration of Poets & Poetry new castle Holiday Exhibit @ Amstel & Dutch Houses rehoboth beach Hometown Christmas Parade selbyville – Christmas Parade wilmington Sankta Lucia Celebration

january

bethany / fenwick Exercise like the Eskimos milford – Ghost Tours wilmington – Orchid Extravaganza

february

dover – Quilt Show wilmington – Mid-Atlantic Food & Wine Fest Orchid Extravaganza

march

dover – St. Patrick’s Day Parade middletown – MACC B2B Expo wilmington – Orchid Extravaganza Wilmington Winter Bluegrass Festival

april

bethany / fenwick Ocean to Bay Bike Tour delmarva – Birding Weekend harrington Harness Racing & Simulcast lewes – Great Delaware Kite Festival Tulip Festival milford – Bug & Bud Festival newark – Ag Day Wine & Dine Downtown smyrna – Botany Walk at Finis Woods wilmington Wildflower Celebration Day

MAY

delaware city – Antique Truck Show dover – Dover Days Festival NASCAR Race Weekend lewes – British Motorcar Show middletown Meats n’ Sweets State BBQ Championship milton Horseshoe Crab & Shorebird Festival new castle – A Day in Old New Castle seaford – Civil War Comes to Seaford selbyville – Run For The Arts 5K smyrna – Salt Marsh Boat Ride Migratory Bird Festival wilmington – Garden Day Running Festival Wilmington Grand Prix winterthur Point-to-Point Country Horse Races wyoming – Strawberry Festival

june

bethany beach Seaside Craft Show Delaware city Escape from Fort Delaware Triathlon delmarva – Chicken Festival

dewey beach Rides & Rods and all that Hoopla Antique & Classic Car Show dover African American Festival georgetown – Summer Festival harrington – Kids Fest houston June Jam Outdoor Concert lewes Chautauqua Tent Show Lewes Garden Tour Mid-Atlantic Sea Glass & Coastal Arts Festival St. Peter’s Arts & Artisans Show milton Lower Sussex Bassmasters Youth Fishing Tournament new castle Separation Day - Parade, Fireworks, Vendors, Re-enactments, Concert & More Newark – Wine & Jazz Festival smyrna – Salt Marsh Boat Ride wilmington – Bonsai Show DuPont Clifford Brown Jazz Festival Greek Festival St. Anthony of Padua Italian Festival

DELAWARE

arden Arden Fair

bethany / Fenwick

july

bethany beach 4th of July Parade Beach & Bay Cottage Tour claymont Delaware Shakespeare Festival delaware city Days of Blue & Grey delmar – Lobster Fest dover – 4th of July in Dover First State National Car Show georgetown Civil War Living History Weekend harrington – Delaware State Fair lewes – Antique Show & Sale Incomparable Lewes Doo-Dah Parade Old Fashioned 4th of July Summer Craft Fair middletown Delaware Doublecross & Metric Century Newark – Food & Brew Fest ocean view Beach & Bay Cottage Tour rehoboth beach – Art Walk Farmers Market (Every Tuesday) Rehoboth Beach Fireworks Show! seaford – Nanticoke Riverfest Wilmington Big Bang Barbeque Peoples’ Festival

august

delmar – Day at the (Horse) Races harrington – Heritage Days lewes – Antique Show middletown – Peach Festival milton Broadkill River Canoe & Kayak Race new castle New Castle Antiques Show rehoboth beach – Sandcastle Contest seaford Eastern Shore AFRAM Festival wilmington Riverfront Blues Festival wyoming Wyoming Peach Festival

DelawareTravelRecreation.com •

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Welcome to Maryland State Facts Nickname: State Motto:

“Old Line State” “Fatti Maschii, Parole Femine” Manly Deeds, Womanly Words Area: 12,407 sq. miles Population: approx. 5,699,478 Capital: Annapolis Highest Point: Backbone Mountain 3,360 feet above sea level State Dinosaur: Astrodon johnstoni A plant-eating dinosaur known only from its fossilized teeth, found in 1858 by Philip Tyson.

State Tree: White Oak State Flower: Black-Eyed Susan State Dog: Chesapeake Bay Retriever State Bird: Baltimore Oriole State Crustacean: Maryland Blue Crab State Fish: Rockfish (Striped Bass) State Insect: Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly State Boat: Skipjack State Sport: Jousting Baltimore Oriole (courtesy Wikimedia)

State Flag (courtesy Wikimedia)

Kitefest, Ocean City (photo courtesy ocmdhotels, Flickr)

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• Maryland

State Quarter (courtesy US Gov’t)

MarylandTravelRecreation.com •

15

N

MARYLAND

W

EASTERN SHORE They say that “Maryland is for crabs,” and nowhere is that proven more true – or false – than on the Eastern Shore. It’s true in terms of the quality and quantity of the beloved blue crab, whose succulent meat is the key ingredient in many a feast. But it’s entirely false if you’re referring to the attitude of the people you’ll encounter along your journey; there’s a level of hospitality here that makes it easy to understand why Maryland is considered a Southern state. Spend a day on the bay, sailing from point to point and discovering this region’s history, or drive from one waterfront village to the next in search of the perfect crab cake.

SOUTHERN MARYLAND This is where it all began way back in 1634, when 140 Europeans arrived to settle the colony that would be named Maryland.

The state’s original capital, now called Historic St. Mary’s City, is preserved as a living history museum. You’ll be hard-pressed to find better bass fishing anywhere on the East Coast, and the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers are a hit with boaters, too. If you prefer to just sit back and take it easy, you’ll find a number of tiny waterside resorts that beckon to travelers eager to abandon their cares.

CENTRAL MARYLAND As home to both Maryland’s capital, Annapolis, and to its most populated city, Baltimore, this region boasts an unbeatable combination of fun and culture. You can go out to a ball game, attend the symphony, shop ‘til you drop and visit historic sites all in the same day – and still have time left to enjoy a great meal at one of the region’s famous restaurants. Within minutes’ drive of the big-city hustle and bustle, you’ll find serene pastures that are home to Maryland’s Thoroughbred horses, old mills and farms, and waterside villages that are havens for boaters and history buffs alike.

CAPITAL REGION Maryland is a generous state; so generous, in fact, that in 1791 we donated the land that became Washington, DC. We have benefited greatly from that action, and today the three Maryland counties that border the nation’s capital are a capital idea to explore.

WESTERN MARYLAND If there’s a touch of Indiana Jones in you, this is the perfect place for your next adventure. Western Maryland is where you’ll find picturesque mountains that are perfect for hiking and white water rapids just waiting to be tackled by daring paddlers. Deep Creek Lake welcomes boaters and water skiers in warm weather and Wisp, Maryland’s ski resort, welcomes skiers and tubers in the winter months. If you prefer to step back in time rather than taking a walk on the wild side, explore such sites as the C&O Canal and Antietam National Battlefield.

For more information, please visit www. visitmaryland.org

The Civil War in Maryland The Civil War played an important part in Maryland’s history. The state was divided in its loyalties between the Federal and Confederate causes, though the state lay south of the Mason Dixon line. This boundary is most commonly associated with the division between the northern and southern states during the 1800s and the Civil War-era. The line was originally delineated in the mid-1700s to settle a property dispute. Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon, the two surveyors who mapped the line, will always be known for their famous boundary which runs along the northern border of Maryland.

For those interested in following in the footsteps of the soldiers, driving and walking tours are available to many historic sites. A driving (photo courtesy the Tourism Council of Frederick County) tour retraces the route of the armies to the Antietam battlefield, with many stops explaining cavalry and infantry actions along the way. This tour begins with Robert E. Lee crossing the Potomac River at White’s Ford, passes through Frederick, moving on to South Mountain.

Stops along the tour include museums, ferry crossings, sign displays, and historic buildings. The Loundoun Museum in Virginia is the gateway to the tour. Signs describe the crossing at White’s Ford, now a modern ferry.

Sugarloaf Mountain was used for signaling during the campaign. After withstanding Confederate attempts to destroy it, the Monocacy Aqueduct still stands. The Landon House hosted a Confederate ball that was interrupted by reports of Union cavalry nearby. A visitor’s center at the Monocacy National Battlefield explains the battle, Confederate camps, and the famous “lost order” outlining Lee’s plans after the infantry left. Used as a lookout station, the Washington Monument is a prominent site along the way. Crampton’s Gap in Gathland State Park is the site of Correspondent’s Arch, a memorial for journalists during the Civil War. The Antietam National Battlefield includes a visitor’s center and a museum. Plan to spend about a day here to see all the site has to offer. Watch the “Antietam Visit” or “Antietam Documentary” films shown throughout the day. To learn more about the historic events, park rangers offer battlefield talks and tours. A self-guided 8 1/2 mile auto tour with informative stops and hikes on several trails are also available. Stop by the Pry House Field Hospital Museum to learn about medical help available to the soldiers.

Several Civil War battlefield sites are worth visiting in Maryland. Hancock Museum offers information about the Battle of Hancock and sites around the town. For a review of the Battle of Boonesborough and other local battles, visit the Boonesborough Museum of History. Other battlefield sites include Stone Mountain, Folck’s Mill, Williamsport, and Monocacy.

Before the Civil War, many enslaved African Americans fled to freedom in the North from Maryland as well as other Southern states using the Underground Railroad. With great danger to all involved, those enslaved escaped to freedom via a secret network of roads, waterways, trails, and hiding places. They were helped along the way by anti-slavery activists, mainly free blacks, but also a few whites and Native Americans.

Follow the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad byway to bring to life the stories of the Underground Railroad and fugitive slaves, or self-liberators such as Dorchester County’s Harriet Tubman and Samuel Green who escaped north in the 1850s. From Dorchester County, you will follow the route north through Caroline County where many Maryland abolitionists supported the cause of freedom.

To learn more about the Civil War in Maryland, visit www.maryland.com

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• Maryland

Attractions Allegany County

MARYLAND

Located in western Maryland.

Mountain Maryland is a place where you can enjoy a mix of outdoor adventure, American heritage and small town celebrations. Street festivals, heritage celebrations, performing arts, visual arts and historic attractions await here on America’s First Frontier.

Allegany County offers a location that boasts stunning mountain scenery, unlimited recreational opportunities for everyone. Rappell down a mountainside, canoe in a stream, or cross-country ski. This county offers tours, shopping where the shopkeepers greet you with a smile, and a calendar full of festivals and events keep people of all ages entertained and coming back for more.

For more information, please visit the Allegany County Department of Tourism at www.mdmountainside.com or call (800) 425-2067.

Western Maryland Scenic Railroad

Travel back through time aboard the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad with our 1916 Baldwin 2–8–0, Mountain Thunder, or our restored diesel engine, you’ll climb through the spectacular mountain scenery of the Allegheny. A narrator will be aboard to provide you with information about the scenery, history, and culture along your route.

Downtown Annapolis (courtesy Donna Pool)

Contact Us: trainmaster@wmsr.com • 1-800-TRAIN-50 www.wmsr.com

Anne Arundel County

Located on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Ready to get away to it all? Then hop in your car or boat and head to Annapolis and Anne Arundel County, Maryland. From the moment your feet hit the brick-lined streets of Annapolis’ Historic District or the wind catches your sails at City Dock, you will feel miles away and centuries removed from the day-to-day world of quotas and deadlines.

Don your docksiders and captain a boat or unwind on a cruise. Head for your favorite restaurant and relax over fresh from the Bay seafood. Rediscover life’s simple pleasures with a visit to the villages of South County. Drink in the beauty at one of our many art galleries. Satisfy the shopper in you at our one-of-a-kind antiques, crafts, and specialty shops. Our Colonial history will embrace you every step of the way.

Headed to the U.S. Naval Academy? A new visitors entrance at Gate One on King George Street makes accessing The Yard all the easier. If you stop by the Naval Academy Chapel, notice the new organ console that took more than 1,000 hours to build. A gift of the Academy’s 1951 graduating class, the console is considered to be the largest of its kind in the world.

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County’s robust tour and charter industry includes everything from 40-minute cruises around the Annapolis Harbor, to Day on the Bay journeys to the Eastern Shore. The last screwpile lighthouse left in its original location is 1.5 miles offshore in the Chesapeake Bay at the mouth of the South River.

Southern Anne Arundel County is intrinsically linked to the water.

Maritime villages including Deale, Galesville, Mayo, and Shady Side invite you to escape to a simpler time.

1542 Whitehall Road No day in Annapolis and Arundel County is complete without a visit to the largest ongoing archaeological dig in Maryland at Historic London Annapolis, MD 21401 Town and Gardens.

Forever evolving, the shopping experience in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County is an attraction in itself. Ranked among the top three shopping attractions in the nation by U.S. Family Travel Guide, Arunwww.choicehotels.com del Mills Mall is a 1.3 million square foot shopper-tainment complex that boasts more than 225 stores.

Amidst four centuries of architecture, Annapolis is a thriving, upbeat, contemporary city featuring dozens of restaurants offering worldwide cuisine in elegant to down-to-earth settings.

Annapolis and Anne Arundel County are still at the top of the list Bed and Breakfast when it comes to Maryland steamed crabs. Restaurants serving up na170 Duke of Gloucester Street ture’s bounty dot the more than 400 miles of shoreline that weave their Annapolis, MD 21401 way throughout Anne Arundel County.

To learn more, contact the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County (800) 557-2068 • (410) 263-5618 Conference & Visitors Bureau at (888) 302-2852 or (410) 280-0445 or info@GeorgianHouse.com • www.GeorgianHouse.com visit our website at www.visitannapolis.org

Annapolis

(410) 974-4440 Fax: (410) 757-6419

Georgian House -1747-

MarylandTravelRecreation.com •

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Baltimore Inner Harbor (photo courtesy Mr. T in DC, Flickr)

Baltimore

Located in central Maryland.

Baltimore is rich in history, culture and family fun, with a touch of hometown hospitality. With the Inner Harbor at its heart, its diverse neighborhoods are its soul. The centerpiece of downtown Baltimore is the world-famous Inner Harbor. It is surrounded by fun-filled attractions and museums, a wide variety of restaurants, shopping and first-class hotels.

In just a few city blocks, you can explore exotic jellyfish and sharks at the National Aquarium, discover dinosaurs at the Maryland Science Center, submerge yourself in the courageous journey of African Americans at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, tour historic ships or wander through the pop culture icons of your past at Geppi’s Entertainment Museum. Other attractions not to be missed are Oriole Park, Sports Legends at Camden Yards and the Port Discovery Children’s Museum.

Baltimore also boasts an abundance of historic sites and museums including the Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House, the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park and the B&O Railroad Museum.

For art lovers, there’s the Baltimore Museum of Art, The Walters Art Museum, the American Visionary Art Museum, and the Contemporary Museum. Feel like catching a show, check out CENTERSTAGE, the newly renovated Hippodrome, the Everyman Theater or Toby’s Dinner Theater.

Calvert County

Charm of the Chesapeake Bay. With lighthouses, trails, museums, festivals, shops and galleries, there’s always something to see, do and enjoy here on the western shore of the Chesapeake Bay. Discover amazing adventure and unspoiled beauty in Southern Maryland’s Calvert County.

Enjoy Calvert County’s incredible outdoor beauty and explore the American Chestnut Land Trust, fifteen miles of serene public hiking trails

Solomons 255 Lore Rd. • Solomons, MD 20688

(410) 326-6303

www.choicehotels.com • Free Hot Breakfast • Free WiFi • Waterfront View Available • Seasonal Pool

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• Maryland

For downtime with friends, enjoy a meal, go shopping or stroll through historic neighborhoods, such as Hampden, Mount Vernon, Federal Hill and Fell’s Point. The best part about Baltimore is that taking in all the sights could not be easier. Everything is just two feet away in this walkable city. Don’t feel like exploring on foot? Hop on a water taxi and effortlessly explore Baltimore from the water, or jump on the new fast, free and green Charm City Circulator to explore our charming neighborhoods.

No matter where your curiosity leads you, experiencing Baltimore could not be more convenient. We are honored to share our city with you and look forward to welcoming you to Baltimore!

To learn more about Baltimore and the surrounding area, visit www. baltimore.org

Baltimore

6921 Baltimore - Annapolis Blvd.

Baltimore, MD 21225

(410) 789-9105 Fax (410) 355-2854

www.choicehotels.com • bwilodging.com

in two locations. Guided canoe trips are offered each year from spring through fall.

Battle Creek Cypress Swamp Sanctuary is a 100-acre ecological sanctuary that includes the northernmost naturally occurring stand of bald cypress trees in America and contains an elevated boardwalk.

At Calvert Cliffs State Park, you can hike through 1,460 acres of wooded state park to the majestic Calvert Cliffs on the Chesapeake Bay. For the art lover, the Annmarie Garden (in association with the Smithsonian Institution) offers a 30-acre public sculpture park which features a paved path through the woods past permanent and loaned works of outdoor sculpture.

Satisfy the adventurer in you at the Arthur Storer Planetarium. This unique facility allows visitors of all ages to explore the cosmos.

Tour history at the oldest continuously working lighthouse in Maryland, Cove Point Lighthouse. Also see Drum Point Lighthouse, constructed in 1883. This screwpile, cottage-type light is one of only three remaining from 45 that once served the Chesapeake Bay at the beginning of the 20th Century.

To learn more about the abundant history and natural habitats of Calvert County, please visit www.ecalvert.com

Caroline County

Cecil County

Located in the northeastern corner of Maryland.

As the sun peeks over the horizon each morning, the only sound you may hear is the chugging of a tugboat starting its journey, or the honking of geese as they soar by in formation overhead.

From a cliff 100 feet above the waves, visitors can stand next to Turkey Point Lighthouse and see the beauty of five sparkling rivers spill into Chesapeake Bay. A drive through Cecil County can take you past exquisite manor homes, 18th Century churches, and covered bridges.

Watch for roadside markers touting the history of our homeland, and marking inns where folks like Lafayette and George Washington hung their hats. Travel the roads once traveled by our forefathers, and learn about Head of Elk, where the largest British landing of the Revolutionary War took place. To find out more about Cecil County, call Cecil County Tourism at (800) CECIL-95 or visit www.seececil.org

Carroll County

Westminster is known for art and has many galleries and art related businesses. A large number of artists live in Westminster and the surrounding Carroll County.

Carroll County is a part of the Baltimore-Washington Metropolitan Area. While predominantly rural, the county has become increasingly suburban in recent years.

Our standard amenities are anything but.

A magnificently restored art deco movie theatre featuring art exhibits, concerts, films, plays and more.

• Complimentary Breakfast • Coffee/Tea Maker • Cable Satellite TV w/ HBO® & ESPN • Free Wi-Fi

Best Western Denton Inn

521 Fleetwood Rd., Denton, MD 21629 410.479.8400 | 1.800.780.7234

www.bestwesternmaryland.com/hotels/best-western-denton-inn Each Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated. ©2012 Best Western International, Inc. All rights reserved.

www.CarrollCountyArtsCouncil.org

91 W. Main St. Westminster, MD (410) 848-7272

Hang Gliding (courtesy ebachetti, Flickr)

MarylandTravelRecreation.com •

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MARYLAND

Located on the Chesapeake Peninsula between the Choptank River and the historic Mason-Dixon Line, Caroline County is the perfect destination for heritage enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers. Here you’ll find a rural and relaxing lifestyle where you can ease all the way back to the 1700’s, retrace Underground Railroad pathways, and revisit captivating stories of the Civil War. Enjoy Caroline’s wealth of unique heritage experiences, including the Museum of Rural Life, the Choptank River Heritage Center and Steamboat Wharf, and the Greensboro Museum to name a few. For those seeking an adventure in the great outdoors, Caroline County offers a 400-acre native garden and nature preserve, eleven miles of pristine waterways, gently curving countryside that is perfect for cyclists, two state parks, hang gliding, Alpaca and Clydesdale farms, hunting lodges and more. Caroline County is the perfect place to take a Sunday drive through picturesque farm land or visit one of the quaint towns along the way, including Denton, Federalsburg, Greensboro, Hillsboro, Preston or Ridgely.

Those looking to extend their stay can choose between a charming waterfront Inn, a hotel, or multiple campgrounds that offer tent and RV sites as well as cabins. Be sure to experience the delectable dining opportunities that Caroline County has to offer, including a traditional Irish Pub, fine dining featuring classic Chesapeake fare, and al fresco dining in historic downtown Denton.

For more information, please visit www.tourcaroline.com

Southern Maryland Blue Crabs (photo courtesy Radio Rover, Flickr)

Charles County

Located just 20 miles south of our nation’s capital and less than an hour from historic Annapolis, Charles County has a wide variety of activities, lodging, dining, and shopping. The gateway to historic Southern Maryland, Charles County has all the conveniences you need, while maintaining its rural, agricultural and maritime heritage.

When it comes to food, Charles County has enough variety for anyone’s taste. Enjoy the flavors that Southern Maryland is famous for – hot steamed crabs, broiled fish, stuffed ham and barbecue chicken and ribs.

From upscale and waterfront dining, nationally known restaurants, and ethnic cuisine, to casual barbecue, rib, and crab shacks, take your pick!

With over 300 miles of shoreline, much of it undeveloped, Charles County is known for its natural resources. Birdwatchers will find a wide selection of birds here, including swan, turkey, loon, gannet, heron, bald eagle, hawk, gull, dove, owl, hummingbird, flycatcher, and jay. Kayakers and canoeists will enjoy exploring our rivers and creeks, with guidance from our new Water Trail Adventures in Charles County brochure, printed on water resistant paper. The free water trails guide, available at visitor centers and from our tourism office, also covers the Mattawoman Creek, Friendship Farm Park, and the Port Tobacco River.

Smallwood State Park on the Potomac River is the epicenter for world-class largemouth bass fishing. The park hosts tournaments almost every weekend in season, but there’s still plenty of room to drop a hook from a boat or a pier and see what you can catch. The Smallwood Retreat House is located within Smallwood State Park, also. Open occasionally throughout the year, the house is named for General William Smallwood, a hero of the American Revolution who went on to become Governor of Maryland.

Another Charles County-Potomac River highlight lies within the confines of a mile-long natural embayment known as Mallows Bay, one of the largest “ship graveyards” in North America. Vessels dating from the

La Plata

6860 Crain Highway La Plata, MD 20646

(301) 392-0065

www.hiexpress.com

High-Speed Internet Access • Indoor Pool • Business Center

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• Maryland

Revolutionary War to World War I and later were brought to this area when they were no longer in maritime use. Over time, as the vessels deteriorated, they became “mini-ecosystems.” The Bay has been accessible only by water, but Charles County is developing public access by land to this unique resource.

Enjoy minor league baseball with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, or take in a special event or concert, at the new family-friendly Regency Furniture Stadium, near Waldorf, MD. Situated in a rural area with plenty of parking, the stadium features family theme nights, fireworks, a children’s play area, bumper boats, concession stands, lawn and skybox seating, and offers nifty packages for group tours.

We offer small town charm and history, too. In August of 1814 – during the War of 1812 – British forces came up the Patuxent River and invaded the small port town of Benedict, the easternmost tip of Charles County. They then marched on to Washington DC, where they set fire to the Washington Navy Yard and the White House. Cobb Island, at the southern tip of Charles County, retains much of its small town and maritime charm, as well as restaurants and marinas.

The oldest incorporated community in Maryland – Port Tobacco – remains one of its smallest. Rich in history, Port Tobacco was one of colonial Maryland’s designated tobacco ports. You can visit the Port Tobacco Courthouse, and there are ongoing archeological investigations with new trails and interpretive signage in the works.

Not far from Port Tobacco Courthouse is the National Park Serviceoperated Thomas Stone National Historic Site. Thomas Stone was a well-respected lawyer and politician, best remembered as one of the four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence. The site is open year-round and offers a visitor center, nature walks, cemetery, and house tour. Port Tobacco and the Thomas Stone House are key sites on the state-designated Religious Freedom scenic byway, as is nearby St. Ignatius Catholic Church. Founded in 1641 by Reverend Andrew White, S.J., the Church is the nation’s oldest active parish with a continual pastorate and boasts a magnificent view of the confluence of the Port Tobacco and Potomac Rivers.

Another famous – or perhaps infamous – historic site is the Dr. Samuel Mudd House in Waldorf. Here, Dr. Mudd set the broken leg of John Wilkes Booth, President Abraham Lincoln’s assassin, before Booth fled across the river to Virginia. Open seasonally to the public, the Dr. Mudd House and out buildings can be visited in Waldorf. Pick up a copy of the Maryland Civil War Trails brochure “John Wilkes Booth: Escape of an Assassin” for more on Booth’s ill-fated escape and the Civil War in our region. To learn more about Charles County, visit www.thenations backyard.com

Dorchester County

Operating out of the historic Bucktown Village Store, site of the 1st known act of defiance in the life of Harriet Tubman, conductor on the Underground Railroad!

Frederick County

Located in north central Maryland.

Frederick County is rich in history and culture. During the Civil War, Frederick was fiercely contested ground with numerous skirmishes and exhaustive troop movements accompanying the nearby battles of Antietam, Gettysburg, South Mountain and Monocacy. Two of Maryland’s Civil War Trails (The Antietam and Gettysburg Campaign) pass through the county.

The historic sites and museums of Frederick County provide visitors with a living reminder of our grand past. Visit period gardens and taste herbs that would have been growing in the 1800’s, explore the historic district with a certified tour guide on the weekend walking tour, or relax in the shade of the period sitting garden.

From the C&O Canal, to the Blue Ridge Mountains, to the untamed beauty of the Potomac and Monocacy Rivers, this area offers a wide range of recreational opportunities.

Frederick is earning a reputation as an arts city. Art galleries, local specialty shops, restaurants and some museums open their doors late the first Saturday of every month for the First Saturday event. An eclectic dose of restaurants offers options for any pallet from vegetarian to Indian and Spanish or hearty home-style fare.

Known as the “Antiques Capital of Maryland,” New Market is home to numerous shops and an old-fashioned General Store. Situated along the National Road, the first federally funded highway, the charming town retains its character as an 18th century pike town. Nearby Frederick boasts over 200 antique shops, many within easy walking distance.

Brunswick, Middletown, Emmitsburg, Thurmont and Mount Airy also feature unique specialty shopping.

The foothills of the Catoctin Mountains are truly spectacular as the leaves change color. Leaf peekers are rewarded for their efforts with healthy doses of vibrant colors in early to mid-October.

To learn more, please visit our website www.fredericktourism.org

• Kayaks • Bikes • SUP Boards • Motor Boats • Jet Skis • Charter Boat for Sunset Cruises, Fishing & Private Charters • Self Guided and Guided Tours for 1 Person to Large Groups • Certified UGRR Tours

4303 Bucktown Rd. • Cambridge, MD 21613

www.blackwaterpaddleandpedal.com

(410) 901-9255

Carroll Creek Linear Park, Frederick (phot o courtesy Adam Fagen)

Garrett County

Maryland’s western-most county.

Home to Deep Creek Lake, come to Garrett County to view mountains, rivers and lakes. A four season vacation area, visitors enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, golfing, biking, hiking, camping at the Cumberland Gap and whitewater kayaking and rafting. Towns to visit include Accident, Bittinger, Bloomington, Friendsville, Grantsville, Kitzmiller, McHenry, Oakland, and Swanton.

For more information go to www.visitdeepcreek.com

MarylandTravelRecreation.com •

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MARYLAND

Located on the southeastern shore of the Chesapeake.

Quaint towns are scattered throughout Dorchester County, from the northern agricultural areas to the waterfront villages on three islands encompassed by the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The waterfront villages on Elliott, Hooper and Taylor’s Island reflect a simpler way of life.

If you’re a history buff, you’ve come to the right place. Imagine the life of slaves and challenges Harriet Tubman overcame in the pursuit of her, and over 300 other’s freedom. Watch the process as turn of the century machinery and coopers manufacture pine logs into barrels, keg and planters or the chitty-chitty-bang-bang of the last operational mother of pearl button machinery in the United States. Enjoy a cruise as you learn about the life of the watermen, the history of a seaport community and tour a crab processing plant. Meander along the Wildlife Drive at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and a stop in their Visitor Center and gift shop is a “must-do”.

Boasting 1,700 miles of shoreline, the Heart of Chesapeake Country has sought to preserve the natural resources that have been enjoyed by generations in Dorchester County beginning with our Native Americans over 13,000 years ago. Bird watching, hiking, cycling, golf, hunting, water sports, sailing, and many other outdoor activities await you.

The arts have long been an important part of Dorchester County heritage. Today you can visit the Arts and Entertainment District, stop at a studio and chat in person with the craftsman, or take in a gallery exhibit in Downtown Cambridge.

To learn more about Dorchester County, please visit us at www.tourdorchester.org or www.tourchesapeakecountry.com

Harford County

Located just 25 miles from Baltimore on I-95 along the shores of the scenic Chesapeake Bay. The Harford County area offers visitors picturesque beauty, bustling urban centers, historic harbor towns, and a variety of world-class cultural and sports amenities.

Historic Havre de Grace, located on the banks of the Susquehanna River, is a charming waterfront community rich with history and maritime heritage. Dubbed the “Duckiest Town on the Chesapeake” by Southern Living Magazine, Havre de Grace offers families an authentic Chesapeake Bay experience with an eclectic mix of restaurants, unique bed and breakfast inns, specialty boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops.

Havre de Grace offers a wide variety of museums and sight-seeing options. Festivals, art shows, and numerous marine activities and tournaments take place throughout the year.

Five miles west of Havre de Grace is Aberdeen, “An All American City,” that attracts thousands of visitors annually. The diverse municipality, offers tourists world-class amenities with hometown charm. Be sure to catch an IronBirds baseball game at Ripken Stadium, a miniature replica of Camden Yards built by hometown hero, Cal Ripken, Jr. In October, the stadium hosts international youth baseball stars, and their fans, to compete in the Ripken World Series.

Bel Air, located in the “Heart of Harford,” is the County Seat, presenting visitors big-city convenience in a small town package. Picturesque parks, rambling Victorians, cordial pubs, and charming boutiques welcome visitors off the tree-lined Main Street. Trendy stores, a newly renovated mall, and upscale restaurant chains fuse with evening farmer’s markets and local craftsman to offer a wide variety of cuisine, gifts, and experiences. Popular annual events include the Chocolate Festival, the Farm Fair, and the Maryland State BBQ. Northern Harford County is characterized by scenic picturesque landscapes adorned with sprawling horse farms, rambling hills, and expansive wood-scapes. The immense natural area bordered by southern Pennsylvania and the Susquehanna River has been largely preserved for agriculture. Each season tourists bring their families to hike in Rock State Park, take a lively farm-tour, and pick the fruits of the season. Outdoor festivals and events take place each season, and include the Fiore Wine and Jazz Festival, the Darlington Apple Festival, town fairs, polo matches, fox hunts and steeple chase races.

Western Harford County, bordered by Baltimore County, is one of the fastest growing regions in the area. Sophisticated boutiques and fine dining support several renowned attractions.

For more information, please visit the Harford County Office of Tourism at www.harfordmd.com or call (888) 544-GO95 or (410) 638-3327.

22 22 •• Maryland Maryland

Howard County

Located in central Maryland, just west of Baltimore.

Escape to centuries ago and stroll along cobblestone streets in charming historic mill towns. Take a walk in the wonderful, wooded river valley and along lovely lakes. Visit our magnificent mansions and gorgeous gardens. Power shop in the Mall in Columbia that boasts a multitude of trendy shops, theme restaurants and state-of-the-art movie theatre all next door to Merriweather Post Pavilion. Pick your own produce at picturesque and kid-friendly farms. Enjoy a round of golf or relax at one of our area spas. You’ll discover why we say…Howard County, Maryland, So Much. So Close.

Ellicott City founded in 1772 by three Quaker brothers, is in the midst of a renaissance and becoming a must see destination while in the midAtlantic. Ellicott City’s three block historic district along main street is lined with over fifty shopping and dining destinations.

Merriweather was designed by the world renowned architect Frank Gehry, who is best known for defying architectural conventions. Conveniently located in the Baltimore/Washington corridor off Route 29 in Columbia, Maryland, Merriweather is nestled within the 40 preserved acres known as Symphony Woods. The natural, outdoor concert setting is one that simply can’t be matched.

Ideal for nature viewing, our woodland & wetland ecosystems are home to wonderful wildlife. Enjoy nature viewing along well-worn trails in the wooded river valley of the Patapsco Valley State Park and see scenic waterfalls, wildflowers & wildlife! Howard County has 40 ponds and lakes, natural open space areas, 7,000+ acre park system all interlaced by more than 100 miles of pathways for walking, biking and jogging.

If you are one of the 10,000 survivors of “Ye Haunted History of Olde Ellicott City” Ghost Tours you’ll know that charming Ellicott City, is perhaps the most actively haunted town in America.

Of the 45 Civil War bugle signs in Maryland, Howard County has nine detailing the significance of the sites.

For more information about Howard County, visit the Howard County Tourism Council at www.visithowardcounty.com or call (410) 313-1900.

Standing atop the King & Queen’s Seat of Rocks State Park (photo courtesy Laura Brond)

esy Larry Wilder)

tasy Weekend (court

Crab Lunch (courtesy ceiling, Flickr)

Pirates & Wenches Fan

Flickr)

ceiling, Flickr) Rock Hall Kayak (courtesy

Kent County

Situated on a scenic peninsula where the Chester and Sassafras Rivers meander into the Bay. Our enchanting coastline varies from historic waterfront towns dotted with marinas of all sizes to stretches of low, rolling farmlands broken only by the tidewater tributaries of the Chesapeake. This land, where fresh and salt water meet, is a veritable haven for fishing and boating enthusiasts, cyclists, birders and nature lovers. It is also an immense refuge for a variety of plant and animal life.

Visitors eager to explore the tidal shore can discover numerous aquatic birds and other water-loving creatures who make their homes along the reeds and rushes. These estuarine habitats offer nearly ideal spawning and nursery conditions for many fish species.

The popular Candlelight Walking Tour, sponsored each September by the Kent County Historical Society, offers a leisurely peek into many spectacular homes. Historic house tours are also featured in October and December; most garden tours are sponsored in spring and summer.

History comes to life through the annual Chestertown Tea Party, reenacted each Memorial Day weekend. This festival celebrates events of May 23, 1774 when, on the heels of the news that the Port of Boston had been closed by the British, local residents boarded the Brigantine Geddes, which had dropped anchor in the Chester, and angrily consigned its shipment of tea to the depths of the river.

Nature lovers will want to head straight to Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. This unspoiled island features much of the habitat diversity characteristic of the Chesapeake region, from pine forests to meadows to tidal wetlands. A raised observation platform affords

panoramic views of wetland-fringed shoal waters teeming with ducks, geese, tundra swans and other migrating waterfowl. At sunrise and sunset, a low boardwalk provides undetected viewing of deer grazing tender marsh grass, red fox rambling along pond banks, and osprey carrying fish to hungry nestlings.

Other recreational opportunities within the County include hiking, horseback riding and cycling along flat, winding roads leading past dozens of charming B&Bs that stud the countryside. Several excellent sporting clay ranges are also a popular attraction.

Betterton beach is ideal for swimming and family picnics, while quiet coves tucked along the peninsula offer good opportunities for fishing, canoeing or kayaking. Travelers and tourists also visit to gear up for sailing, windsurfing and water-skiing.

For more information about Kent County, contact the Kent County Tourism Department at (410) 778-0416 or visit our website www.kent county.com

Welcome to Bay Country • Reservations Recommended • Swimming Pool • Cable Tv • Wi-Fi • In-Room Coffee & Refrigerators

(410) 639-2291

www.marinersmotel.com

5681 South Hawthorne Avenue Rock Hall, Maryland 21661

MarylandTravelRecreation.com •

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MARYLAND

Rock Hall Docks (courtesy ceiling,

Prince George’s County

Located east of Washington, DC. Along with historic landmarks, natural wonders and thrilling sports action, this land just east of Washington, DC, offers several out-of-this-world attractions such as aerospace. The past takes flight at the world’s oldest continually operating airfield.

A bit more down to earth – but pushing the limits of their own – are the roller coasters and water rides at local parks. For more fast-paced fun, follow the harness racing or keep your eye on baseball’s Bowie Baysox, a minor-league affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. Fans have also been known to break the sound barrier while rallying the Landover-based Washington Redskins football squad at FedEx Field in Landover.

At Fort Washington, step up on the ramparts for a monumental view of the nation’s capital (built on land donated by Maryland), and then stroll through the fort’s tunnels and gun rooms for a closer look at 19th-century military life. Seventeenth-century agricultural life is re-created right on the banks of the beautiful Potomac River, an officially designated American Heritage waterway.

Dorsey Chapel is a circa - 1900 African / American “meeting house” you’ll want to visit in Glenn Dale. In addition, tour plantation and manor homes – they all have their own unique stories…but none so somber as those told at the Surratt House Museum. Here, inside a Confederate sympathizer’s modest dwelling and tavern, Presidential assassin John Wilkes Booth caught his breath while fleeing capture. The tavern keeper, Mary Surratt, was hanged for her involvement.

Natural highlights in Prince George’s County include the Canada geese nesting grounds of the Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and the 13,000-acre Patuxent Research Refuge, with its interactive National Wildlife Visitor Center. You’ll also want to see Cedarville State Forest, Greenbelt National Park and Rosaryville State Park, featuring a combined 6,000 acres of prime hiking, biking and picnicking territory for your pleasure.

To learn more, visit www.visitprincegeorges.com Surratt House (courtesy F. Delventhal)

A Page in American History Historic Surratt House Museum Where 19th-century culture mingles with the ghosts of the Lincoln assassination story.

9118 Brandywine Road Clinton, MD 20735 (301) 868-1121 • www.surratt.org

Ask about our popular John Wilkes Booth Escape Route Tours.

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• Maryland

Surratt House

WE INVITE YOU TO SOLVE A 147-YEAR-OLD MYSTERY… Do you enjoy history? What about a murder mystery? A visit to historic Surratt House Museum in Clinton, Maryland, will entice you to learn more about both topics.

Built in 1852 as a middle-class home for the family of John and Mary Surratt, it included a tavern, public dining room, and “hotel” for gentlemen travelers. In 1854, it became a U.S. post office, with Mr. Surratt serving as the first postmaster for the town of Surrattsville, and was also designated as the official polling place for the Ninth Election District of Prince George’s County, Maryland.

During the Civil War, Confederate agents along the espionage line that ran from Richmond to Washington used it as a safe house. It was in the fall of 1864 that John Wilkes Booth was introduced to the widow Surratt and her son, a Confederate courier. The family became entangled in a plot to capture President Abraham Lincoln and spirit him to Richmond as a hostage. That plot would turn to assassination on April 14, 1865.

Mary Surratt would be arrested, tried, and convicted for her role in the conspiracy – earning her the dubious distinction of being the first woman to be executed by the federal government. Her guilt or innocence continues to be hotly debated by historians.

Costumed guides today relate both the social and cultural history of the Civil War era as well as the details of the assassination as visitors tour the ten-room, fully furnished home. An adjacent visitors’ center holds permanent exhibits and a museum shop. The complex includes the James O. Hall Research Center, open by appointment for those who wish to study the era and the history of the assassination.

ake Bay Bridge (courtesy Thomas Guignard)

Kent Island (photo courtesy spike55151, Flickr)

Queen Anne’s County

Discover Queen Anne’s County, gateway to the Eastern Shore. Enjoy the picturesque towns, tranquil atmosphere and abundance of activities unique to the region. Take pleasure in delicious waterfront dining, relaxing strolls on the beautiful sandy beaches or long winding trails.

History buffs are sure to enjoy the many historical sites in the area.

From old homes and churches to railway stations and historic courthouses, everyone is sure to be intrigued by these well-preserved locations some with grist mills and other historic buildings still in working order.

For those who love to be active, there are a variety of recreational activities available in Queen Anne’s County. Hunting and sport shooting are plentiful with several hunting preserves with sporting clay ranges located throughout the region. When the weather gets warm, the best place to be is on the water! Rent a kayak, take a boat trip, or spend the day fishing on one of the many charter boats that coast along the Bay and its tributaries.

Nature lovers will be pleased with all the activities available to them throughout the county. There are many beautiful parks located in the area, one of which – the Terrapin Park Nature Area – looks out to the Chesapeake Bay and provides a picturesque view of the Bay Bridge.

Matapeake Clubhouse and Beach is the county’s first swimming beach complete with sandy shoreline and specially designated dog beach area. For those interested in hiking or biking, there are two extensive trails, the 6.5 mile Cross Island Trail and the six mile Kent Island South Trail. Both of these well marked paths provide excellent views of water and woodlands.

Visit for the day, or stay in one of our top notch hotels or quaint bed and breakfasts. Queen Anne’s County is one of the Eastern Shores’ best-kept secrets.

For more information visit www.discoverqueenannes.com

Kent Island

Kent Island, the first English settlement in Maryland was predated only by colonies at Jamestown and Plymouth Rock. In August 1631, William Claiborne landed here and established an outpost for trading. His founding is acknowledged now only by a historic marker, but the island has evolved into a base of commercial enterprises and residential population for the county. Embraced by the Chester River on the north and the Eastern Bay on the south the Kent Narrows channel divides it from the mainland.

Kent Narrows

Kent Narrows was, for generations, a bustling center of commercial seafood processing, with as many as twelve packing houses operating at once, and hundreds of watermen bringing the catch to the docks. Today, the tradition continues and fresh seafood is featured on the menu at unique dining establishments in the area. Marine businesses, dock bars, and events also make “The Narrows” a popular destination for pleasure boaters and tourists.

Grasonville

101 VFW Avenue • Grasonville, MD 21638

(410) 827-5555 Fax

(410) 827-8801

www.choicehotels.com

MarylandTravelRecreation.com •

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MARYLAND

Sandy Point State Park & Chesape

Somerset County

Located at the head of the Chesapeake Bay in the Tangier Sound.

Rich in Eastern Shore folk lore and history, Somerset County was established in 1666 by Cecil Calvert. Somerset County is the perfect place to enjoy fishing and crabbing or just a day boating on the water. Sail to some of the secluded islands including the islands of Deal, Smith, South Marsh Wildlife Management Area and Jane’s Island State Park. While on Deal Island visit the historic St. John’s Methodist Church. This is the church where the parson of the islands (Joshua Thomas) preached.

Annual events include the Skipjack Races every year on Labor Day Weekend. Smith Island is a step back in time. Visit the fishing villages of the Chesapeake Bay as they existed a century ago. No vehicles are allowed on Smith Island. Cruises can be taken to the Island. Other towns to visit include Crisfield, Manokin, Marion Station, Princess Anne, Tylerton, Upper Fairmont, Wenona and Westover.

For more information, visit www.visitsomerset.com

Port of Crisfield Walking Tour ~ 10 a.m.

Museum • Gift Shop • Regional Books

3 Ninth Street • Crisfield, MD 21817 (410) 968-2501 www.crisfieldheritagefoundation.org

Tangier Island Cruises

Cruise aboard the Steven Thomas and step back in time. Discover the history & charm of Tangier Island as you walk the paths visited by John Smith in 1608 and settled by John Crockett in 1686, and where the population of about 500 still speak with an Elizabethan accent and enjoy a unique way of life.

1001 West Main Street Crisfield, Maryland 21817 410-968-2338

The Crisfield Heritage Foundation is committed to preserve the heritage of Crisfield & its environs, to educate the public concerning this heritage, and to provide local information thus serving as the central hub around which tourism in the Crisfield area revolves.

tangierislandcruises@verizon.net www.tangierislandcruises.com

St. Mary’s County

Located on the southwestern Chesapeake Bay shore.

For over 375 years, from the time when 140 hardy adventurers first stepped ashore, St. Mary’s County has been welcoming travelers.

Shaped by the Chesapeake Bay and its mighty tributaries, the Patuxent and Potomac Rivers, the verdant peninsula has fostered a traditional lifestyle anchored in the natural bounty of the Tidewater. Today, Maryland’s oldest county blends a vibrant economy – it’s the state’s fastest growing region in terms of technology-related jobs – with its rural past, giving the area a unique character as well as a high quality of life. History and nature, traditional lifeways and fast-paced recreation, great seafood and cozy cottages and inns await our modern day travelers.

A state park with mainland museum, St. Clement’s Island marks the first landing of British colonists in Maryland. Travel back in time at Historic St. Mary’s City, the state’s colonial capital, where you’ll enjoy a welcome from the crew of the Maryland Dove. Stop in for a visit with the mistress of Godiah Spray Tobacco Plantation or explore the Woodland Indian Hamlet. Travel one century and a few miles up the peninsula to Sotterley Plantation. Enjoy the panoramic riverfront setting, investigate the rambling Tidewater manor house, and hear stories of slave life at the slave cabin. Stand watch where Union Soldiers stood at Point Lookout at the confluence of the Potomac River and the Chesapeake Bay. Climb to the top of the Potomac’s Piney Point Lighthouse, then march forward into the future at Patuxent River Naval Air Museum and learn about our nation’s quest for aviation excellence.

Shop and dine around the square of Leonardtown, Maryland’s oldest incorporated town, then breeze out to Budd’s Creek, home of three exciting motorsports venues. Slow things down a bit with a drive along the county’s scenic byways and catch a glimpse of Amish buggies on the way to market, or visit the county’s numerous churches such as St. Francis Xavier, the oldest Catholic Church in continuous use in Englishspeaking America.

Recreational and nature enthusiasts will enjoy kayaking the county’s quiet creeks and tributaries or cruising the bay aboard the Chesapeake Bay Field Lab’s Dee of St. Mary’s, an authentic hand-built Skipjack.

Head out for open water with one of our experienced charter captains for a day of fishing or find safe harbor at the full service marinas nestled along the Potomac, Patuxent, and St. Mary’s Rivers. Top off any visit by sampling the Bay’s bounty at one of St. Mary’s finest—and friendliest waterfront eateries or at one of the many festivals held throughout the year that celebrate the food and culture of this special place where time meets tide.

To learn more about St. Mary’s County, visit us online at www.visit stmarysmd.com

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• Maryland

Fish The Bay Charters

Southern Maryland Saltwater Fishing & Tours

www.mdcharterfishing.com langley@olg.com

(301) 872-4041 (301) 904-0935

Fish with us aboard the Chesapeake Charm. Bait, ice, tackle and license provided.

50126 Dove Cove Road Dameron, MD 20628

www.seaside-view.com P.O. Box 209 • 48593 Seaside View Rd. Ridge, MD 20680

301-872-4141

Campground • RV Sites • Full Hook-Ups & Tent Sites Nightly, Monthly & Seasonal Prices • Marina & Boat Ramp Restaurant / Bar & Banquet Room on Premises

301-872-4111 • 301-872-0404

MARYLAND

talbot county

Located in central Eastern Shore.

Explore Talbot County, the “Hamptons of the Chesapeake Bay.” With picturesque hamlets and towns: Oxford, Tilghman Island, St. Michaels, Easton, and Wye Mill, Talbot County offers a year-round destination rich in history, arts, and recreational opportunities.

The uniqueness of the county lies in the individuality and proximity of its towns. In just minutes, your drive places you in a completely different environment with its own natural beauty, history, and traditions.

From the marshes and waterways surrounding the waterman’s villages to small towns with metropolitan amenities, nationally-acclaimed museums and restaurants, upscale boutiques and speciality shops, and art galleries, Talbot County is sure to provide varied experiences and treasured memories.

Festivities never end in Talbot County. Everything from Maryland blue crabs, oysters, and rockfish to the rich historical legacy, the arts, wildlife and agriculture are celebrated. You can enjoy live theater and concerts, or just take a stroll along the charming streets and admire the myriad architectural styles. The 602 miles of shoreline, five beautiful rivers, and the Eastern and Chesapeake Bays provide the perfect setting for sailing, yachting, cruising, sport fishing, water-skiing and eco-tours. Come and see the Chesapeake Bay’s famous log canoes and Skipjacks.

Whether you are just passing through, looking for a vacation destination, planning a meeting, conference or romantic wedding, Talbot County has what you are looking for. For further information call (410) 770-8000 or visit us online at www.tourtalbot.org

Relax ~ Restore ~ Revive ~ Romance Weddings • Retreats 4417 Black Walnut Point Road Tilghman Island, MD 21671 410-886-2452 www.blackwalnutpointinn.com

Fishing on Tilghman Island (photo courtesy Janice Waltzer)

Wades Point Inn on the Bay

We invite you to enjoy a treasure of exceptional natural beauty and timeless peace. A true “Jewel of the Chesapeake Bay,” this is a place where the stress of the world washes away.

Minutes from Historic St. Michaels

www.wadespoint.com (410) 745-2500 • (888) 923-3466 St. Michaels, MD 21663

Chesapeake Bay Charters www.skipjack.org • 410-829-3976

Sail aboard the oldest working skipjack on the Chesapeake Bay, built in 1886. Enjoy nautical tales and ecology stories from 5thgeneration and world-renowned Capt. Wade H. Murphy, Jr.

Rebecca T. Ruark

• Private charters 2 to 49 passengers • Two hour sails year-round • Reservations welcome

MarylandTravelRecreation.com •

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orial Arch, Civil War Correspondents Mem Gathland State Park Flickr) (courtesy LostBob Photos,

Antietam National Battlefield (photo courtesy J. Stephen Conn)

Washington County

Located in north central Maryland.

It’s no coincidence that remarkable things happen in Hagerstown and Washington County, Maryland. Our Civil War sites attract history buffs from across the nation. We have scores of national, state, and local parks. Hiking, biking, white-water rafting, and more! You might not know that we have great golf, upscale and outlet shopping, restaurants, museums, theaters and superb hotels.

For those interested in the past, visit our many museums featuring wonderful architecture and glimpses of times gone by.

For hiking and biking, there are many trails in Washington County.

The Appalachian Trail, extending from Maine to Georgia, has 40 miles of trail in Maryland. The majority of the trail follows along the ridge crest of South Mountain, at Washington County’s eastern border. The Appalachian Trail joins the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath at the Potomac River. The Western Maryland Rail Trail is a paved trail about 23 miles long. Beginning about ½ mile west of historic Fort Frederick State Park in Washington County, the trail follows the former Western Maryland Railway line through Hancock, Maryland, and onto Woodmont Natural Resources Management Area and the Sideling Hill Wildlife Management Area ending at the Pearre terminus.

To learn more, please visit the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at www.marylandmemories.com Twenty acres of beautiful woodland, backed up to the Appalachian Trail provide an ideal setting for camping & hiking to “Get away from it all.”

Located less than one mile from Gathland State Park!

20716 Townsend Rd. • Rohrersville, MD 21779 (301) 432-5585 • www.thetreehousecamp.com

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Gathland State Park

Gathland State Park was once the mountain home of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War journalist. In the late 1800’s, Gathland featured a unique collection of buildings and structures designed and constructed

by Townsend. Two of the structures, the Main Hall and Lodge, were partially restored in the 1950’s. A large stone monument dedicated to the memory of Civil War correspondents is the outstanding attraction of this day-use park. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail traverses the park and passes the monument base.

Features: War Correspondent’s Arch The War Correspondents Arch is a National historic monument.

Constructed in 1896, the monument stands fifty feet high and forty feet broad. The monument is administered and maintained by the National Park Service.

South Mountain State Battlefield Gathland State Park is located in Crampton’s Gap, which witnessed a portion of the Battle of South Mountain, the first major battle of the Civil War fought in Maryland.

Museum Two buildings from Townsend’s estate survive, and now serve as Gathland State Park’s museum. The museum features many artifacts from Townsend’s life, career and estate, as well as artifacts from the Battle of South Mountain. The museum is open on the weekends during the spring, summer and fall, but the grounds are accessible year-round.

Hiking The Appalachian National Scenic Trail passes through Gathland State Park. Visitors are welcome to hike the A.T. from Maine to Georgia or for just a few miles. Those planning an overnight backpack outing can park at Gathland State Park for a few days. The Appalachian Trail is a footpath only. Mountain bikers can use the trails at Greenbrier State Park.

Pavilion The Gathland Pavilion can accommodate up to 100 picnickers. It can be rented by calling the reservation service at 1-888-432-CAMP. This information is provided as a public service of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. www.dnr.maryland.gov

Wicomico County

As you stroll through the shore’s most beautiful attraction, you will be thrilled by the beauty of art inspired by nature and created by master sculptors.

While here browse our exceptional Museum Store, take a walk on the nature trail and enjoy your lunch under the pavilion or on the observation deck.

909 S. Schumaker Drive Salisbury, MD 21804 410-742-4988 www.wardmuseum.org

MARYLAND

Located perfectly between the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay, Wicomico County, Maryland offers you the chance to experience outdoor adventures, Eastern Shore culture and history - all while enjoying great festivals, delicious Eastern Shore Food and a variety of outdoor adventures.

Wicomico County offers a perfect blend of metropolitan and small town charm. Salisbury and its neighboring towns and communities offer a great way to explore Maryland’s Eastern shore. Visitors can investigate the roots of Eastern Shore forefathers, delve into the world of woodcarving or simply experience Eastern Shore hospitality while strolling along the streets of our quaint towns.

Outdoor enthusiasts can discover the hidden treasures of our beautiful waterways, lush wooded areas and magnificent marshes all teaming with birds and other wildlife. They offer the perfect backdrop for your next outdoor adventure. Bird watching, leisurely or challenging bike riding, fishing or kayaking are just a few of the ways to experience some of our greatest treasures.

If you are looking for musical or theatrical experiences, check out the many free events hosted by Salisbury University or the big name entertainment and shows at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center or bring the family to cheer on our minor league baseball team, the Delmarva Shorebirds.

Wicomico County’s rich heritage offers many avenues of exploration. The area that would become Wicomico County has a long history that is deeply rooted in the Eastern Shore culture of today. John Smith, in his exploration of the Chesapeake Bay touched land in present-day Wicomico in 1608. Modern day explorers can delve into Wicomico’s history with a tour of Pemberton Hall – the only original 18th century house open to the public on the Lower Eastern Shore.

We invite you to come Discover Delmarva’s Hidden Treasures!

We look forward to welcoming you so you can make your own Maryland memories.

Where Art and Nature Create a Symphony of Beauty The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art

(courtesy The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art)

Delmar

Delmar’s history begins in 1859, when the Delaware Railroad was extended to the southern boundary of Delaware. Elijah Freeney and Winder Hastings, large estate owners, granted right-of-way to the railroad and donated land for a terminal. Mr. Freeney laid out the small town and built the first house and the first store. The town grew and the rail line continued south. Many railroad employees settled here on both sides of the state line. In the late 1880’s, many homes and businesses were established, thus leading to Delmar, Maryland becoming incorporated in 1888.

A fire in the town in 1892, and again in 1901, devastated the area.

Following the second fire, many buildings were rebuilt of brick and plans were begun for a water distribution system.

Delmar has continued to jointly provide services to citizens and to work to overcome the effects of the line that divides them. A Centennial celebration was held in 1959, honoring the railroad heritage and the citizens who helped the community to prosper. As the railroad became less influential, Delmar felt a period of limited growth and it became primarily a residential community. In recent years, public facility and infrastructure improvements have been undertaken to assist with the progressive foresight that officials and townspeople share.

Salisbury

By 1732 the town of Salisbury, Wicomico County’s current county seat, was established on paper at the head of the Wicomico River – the navigable waterway that leads to the Chesapeake Bay. During the Civil War, Salisbury braved several tough years as Union troops occupied the town. At this same time, the town was ravaged by fire and almost destroyed. Despite these difficulties and a second disastrous fire in 1886, Salisbury emerged as the county’s major town and the county as a whole continued to grow. A stroll through the Historic Newtown District allows visitors a peak at Salisbury’s past, as many of the Grand Victorian homes built in the 19th century still remain.

Today Salisbury is the Eastern Shore’s largest municipality, and the region’s hub for entertainment and shopping. In the heart of Salisbury’s downtown, Main Street boasts specialty boutiques and unique stores as well as art and antique collections.

MarylandTravelRecreation.com •

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Worcester County

Located in southern Eastern Shore, just south of Delaware.

To the east lie sparkling Atlantic beaches...to the west, more than 13,000 acres of State forest. North to south, the deep and timeless Pocomoke River travels the length of the county. One of the nation’s most unique scenic rivers, its “black waters” wind among bald cypress trees at their northernmost range. You’ll glimpse an eagle if you’re lucky! The recreational opportunities are as various as the landscape.

Fishermen enjoy the Assateague surf and offshore canyons...the back bays - Assawoman, Sinepuxent and Chincoteague, all great for crabbing, too..the river, intimate creeks and freshwater ponds.

Hikers, bikers and sightseers choose special trails and walking tours, rambling through wild pony country along the Assateague National Seashore and inland among the towering loblollies of the Pocomoke Forest.

For sportsmen, game abounds in woods and marsh - deer, duck, geese, quail, wild turkey and rabbit, to mention a few.

Throughout the county, camping, swimming, boating, golfing, birdwatching and tennis await your pleasure. Come wander the native pathways. Share nature’s presence, relax, refresh yourself-here in Worcester County.

Greenways serve as natural corridors that connect parks, forest and other natural areas for the benefit of people and nature. They provide habitat and passageways for wildlife, buffers for fragile waterways and outdoor recreation areas for people. Worcester County nature trails are part of a regional greenway system. These trails are easily accessible, not generally difficult nor exceptionally long. They are “hikerfriendly” for all ages.

Amateur, novice and expert fishermen will find the tidal Pocomoke uniquely challenging. Yellow and white perch, eel, gar, sunfish, pickerel, catfish, crappie, bluegill herring, spot croakers, bluefish and largemouth bass will tease and taunt the best rod ’n reelers. Certain areas of the river banks have been designated as “Free Fishing Areas” where no Chesapeake Bay Sport Fishing License is required.

The white sand beaches of Assateague, a windswept barrier island, are a major reason for visitors to flock to this beach. This 37-mile-long paradise straddles the Maryland-Virginia border and derives its name from the Native American word that translates to “A Running Stream

Between.” The island is perhaps most famous for the wild horses that continue to roam the beaches since the late 17th century. The horses are descendants of domesticated horses brought to the island that reverted to a wild state. Before exploring Assateague, please take time to get to know the island by visiting the Barrier Island Visitor Center just west of the Verrazano Bridge.

Pocomoke River State Park is located along the banks of the wild and scenic Pocomoke River. This park provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the wonders of a cypress swamp and the tranquility of one of the state’s premier tidal rivers. The park’s combination of swamp and upland offers a great variety of plant and animal life such as river otters, beaver and bald eagles, and over 50 species of fish.

Golfing is a year-round sport in Worcester County and continues to grow in numbers. With over a dozen courses, golfers have a wide variety to choose from.

Worcester County invites you to explore a world of wonderfully diverse museums. Make sure to request a free Beach and Beyond Passport for discounts on admissions to select museums.

For more information about Worcester County contact Worcester County Tourism at (410) 632-3110 or (800) 852-0335, or visit www. visitworcester.org

Ocean City

Maryland’s largest ocean front resort town. A comfortable drive from Annapolis, Baltimore and Washington DC. While here you’ll enjoy plenty of fun in the sun at one of Ocean City’s ocean front resorts and hotels and be lulled to sleep by the sound of the surf. The area boasts some of the best seafood restaurants in the state including the infamous Phillip’s Crab House. Stroll along the board walk or take one of the trams and take in the beauty and aromas of local favorites like salt water taffy, fudge, kettle corn, funnel cakes and don’t miss the board walk fries. Browse at one of the many gift shops or visit the museums.

There’s always something to see and do in Ocean City whether you’re young or old from amusement rides to outlet shopping. Recreational activities include water sports, miniature golf and golf, skating and skate boarding, cruising, fishing and bird watching.

For more information please go to www.ococean.com Ocean City (photo courtesy David Clow)

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State Parks & Recreation Areas

western shore Bowen WMA........................................................ (301) 743-5161 Calvert Cliffs State Park....................................... (301) 743-7613 Cedarville State Forest......................................... (301) 888-1410 Chapel Point State Park....................................... (301) 743-7613 Cheltenham WMA................................................ (301) 743-5161 Chicamuxen WMA................................................ (301) 743-5161 Greenwell State Park........................................... (301) 373-9775 Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and Visitor’s Center..... (301) 888-1410 Myrtle Grove WMA............................................... (301) 743-5161 Point Lookout State Park...................................... (301) 872-5688 Purse State Park.................................................. (301) 743-7613 Rosaryville State Park.......................................... (301) 856-9656 Sandy Point State Park........................................ (410) 974-2149 Smallwood State Park.......................................... (301) 743-7613 St. Clement’s Island State Park............................ (301) 872-5688 St. Mary’s River State Park.................................. (301) 872-5688 central maryland Avondale WMA..................................................... (410) 356-9272 Bainbridge CWMA................................................ (410) 356-9272 Bethel MHA.......................................................... (410) 356-9272 Cherrington CWMA.............................................. (410) 356-9272 Court House Point MHA....................................... (410) 356-9272 Dierssen WMA...................................................... (410) 356-9272 Earleville WMA..................................................... (410) 356-9272 Elk Forest MHA.................................................... (410) 356-9272 Elk Neck State Forest........................................... (410) 287-5675 Elk Neck State Park............................................. (410) 287-5333 Fair Hill NRMA...................................................... (410) 398-1246 Farver CWMA....................................................... (410) 356-9272 Grove Neck MHA.................................................. (410) 356-9272

Gunpowder Falls State Park................................(410) 592-2897 Gwynnbrook WMA................................................(410) 356-9272 Hahn CWMA.........................................................(410) 356-9272 Hanover CWMA....................................................(410) 356-9272 Hart-Miller Island State Park................................(410) 592-2897 Hugg-Thomas WMA............................................ (410) 356-9272 Liberty Reservoir CWMA......................................(410) 356-9272 Mckee-Beshers WMA...........................................(410) 356-9272 Maring CWMA......................................................(410) 356-9272 Monocacy River NRMA........................................(301) 924-2127 Morgan Run N.E.A...............................................(410) 461-5005 North Point State Park..........................................(410) 592-2897 Patapsco Valley State Park..................................(410) 461-5005 Patuxent River State Park....................................(301) 924-2127 Prettyboy Reservoir CWMA..................................(410) 356-9272 Raincliffe CWMA...................................................(410) 356-9272 Rocks State Park..................................................(410) 557-7994 Sawmill CWMA.....................................................(410) 356-9272 Schaeffer Farm MHA............................................(410) 356-9272 Seneca Creek State Park.....................................(301) 924-2127 Slacks WMA.........................................................(410) 356-9272 Soldier’s Delight N.E.A.........................................(410) 461-5005 Speigel CWMA.....................................................(410) 356-9272 Stemmers Run MHA.............................................(410) 356-9272 Strider WMA.........................................................(410) 356-9272 Stoney Demonstration Forest.............................. (410) 356-9272 Susquehanna State Park.....................................(410) 734-9035 Welch Point MHA..................................................(410) 356-9272 Woodbrook CWMA...............................................(410) 356-9272 western maryland Belle Grove WMA.................................................(301) 478-2525 Big Run State Park...............................................(301) 895-5453 Billmeyer Grove WMA..........................................(301) 478-2525 Casselman River Bridge State Park.....................(301) 895-5453 Cunningham Falls State Park...............................(301) 271-7574 Dans Mountain State Park...................................(301) 722-1480 Dans Mountain WMA............................................(301) 478-2525 Deep Creek Lake State Park and NRMA............. (301) 387-5563 Fort Frederick State Park.....................................(301) 842-2155 Frederick City Watershed CWMA.........................(301) 842-2702 Gambrill State Park............................................. (301) 271-7574 Garrett State Forest..............................................(301) 334-2038 Gathland State Park.............................................(301) 791-4767 Green Ridge State Forest....................................(301) 478-3124 Greenbrier State Park..........................................(301) 791-4767 Heaters Island WMA.............................................(301) 842-2702 Herrington Manor State Park................................(301) 334-9180 Indian Springs WMA.............................................(301) 842-2702 Mt. Nebo WMA.....................................................(301) 334-4255 New Germany State Park.....................................(301) 895-5453 Potomac State Forest...........................................(301) 334-2038 Rocky Gap State Park..........................................(301) 722-1480 Savage River State Forest...................................(301) 895-5759 Sideling Hill WMA.................................................(301) 842-2702 South Mountain State Park..................................(301) 791-4767 Swallow Falls State Park......................................(301) 387-6938 Warrior Mountain WMA........................................(301) 478-2525 Washington Monument State Park.......................(301) 791-4767 Western Maryland Rail Trail.................................(301) 842-2155 Youghiogheny Scenic & Wild River......................(301) 387-5563 For more information about Maryland’s State Parks and Public Lands, visit www.dnr.state.md.us MarylandTravelRecreation.com •

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MARYLAND

eastern shore Assateague State Park......................................... (410) 641-2120 Cedar Island WMA............................................... (410) 543-8223 Choptank River Fishing Pier................................. (410) 820-1668 Deal Island WMA.................................................. (410) 543-8223 E.A. Vaughn WMA................................................ (410) 543-8223 Ellis Bay WMA...................................................... (410) 376-3236 Fairmount WMA.................................................... (410) 543-8223 Fishing Bay WMA................................................. (410) 376-3236 Idylwild WMA........................................................ (410) 376-3236 Isle of Wight WMA................................................ (410) 543-8223 Janes Island State Park....................................... (410) 968-1565 Johnson WMA...................................................... (410) 543-8223 LeCompte WMA................................................... (410) 376-3236 Linkwood WMA..................................................... (410) 376-3236 Martinak State Park.............................................. (410) 820-1668 Maryland Marine Properties WMA........................ (410) 543-8223 Millington WMA..................................................... (410) 928-3650 Nanticoke WMA.................................................... (410) 376-3236 Pocomoke River State Park................................. (410) 632-2566 Pocomoke River WMA......................................... (410) 543-8223 Pocomoke Sound WMA....................................... (410) 543-8223 Pocomoke State Forest........................................ (410) 632-3732 Sinepuxent Bay WMA........................................... (410) 543-8223 Somers Cove Marina............................................ (410) 968-0925 South Marsh Island WMA..................................... (410) 543-8223 Taylor’s Island WMA............................................. (410) 376-3236 Tuckahoe State Park............................................ (410) 820-1668 Wellington WMA................................................... (410) 543-8223 Wye Island Natural Resource Mgmt Area............ (410) 827-7577 Wye Oak State Park............................................. (410) 820-1668

Area Chambers of Commerce & Visitors Centers Allegany County Dept. of Tourism • (800) 425-2067 • www.mdmountainside.com Annapolis & Anne Arundel County CVB • (410) 280-0445 • (888) 302-2852 • www.visitannapolis.org Baltimore Area Convention & Visitors Assn. • (877) Baltimore • www.baltimore.org Calvert County Tourism • (800) 331-9771 • www.ecalvert.com Caroline County Office of Tourism • (410) 479-0655 • www.tourcaroline.com Carroll County Visitor Center • (410) 848-1388 • (800) 272-1933 • www.carrollcountytourism.org Cecil County Tourism Office • (800) 232-4595 • www.seececil.org Charles County Office of Tourism • (301) 645-0558 • (800) 766-3386 • www.thenationsbackyard.com Dorchester County Tourism • (410) 228-1000 • (800) 522-TOUR • www.tourdorchester.org Frederick County Tourism Council • (301) 600-2888 • (800) 999-3613 • www.fredericktourism.org Garrett County Chamber • (301) 387-4386 • www.visitdeepcreek.com Harford County Office of Tourism • (410) 638-3327 • (888) 544-4695 • www.harfordmd.com Howard County Tourism • (410) 313-1900 • (800) 288-8747 • www.visithowardcounty.com Kent County Tourism • (410) 778-0416 • www.kentcounty.com Montgomery County Tourism • (240) 777-2060 • (877) 789-6904 • www.visitmontgomery.com Pocomoke City Chamber of Commerce • (410) 957-1919 • www.pocomoke.com Prince George’s County CVB • (301) 925-8300 • www.visitprincegeorges.com Queen Anne’s County Tourism • (410) 604-2100 • www.discoverqueenannes.com St. Mary’s County Tourism • (301) 475-4200 x1404 • (800) 327-9023 • www.visitstmarysmd.com Somerset County Tourism • (410) 651-2968 • (800) 521-9189 • www.visitsomerset.com Talbot County Visitor’s Center • (410) 770-8000 • www.tourtalbot.org Washington County / Hagerstown CVB • (301) 791-3246 • (888) 257-2600 • www.marylandmemories.com Wicomico County CVB • (800) 332-8687 • www.wicomicotourism.org Worcester County Tourism • (410) 632-3110 • (800) 852-0335 • www.visitworcester.org

Wild Horses on Assateague Island (courtesy Ben Beard)

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Calendar of Events

For a Full List of Events and Event Details, Contact Area Chambers of Commerce/Visitor’s Bureaus.

september

annapolis – Anne Arundel County Fair Maryland Renaissence Festival

Maryland Seafood Festival

october

annapolis – Halloween Happening @ Anne Arundel County Fairgrounds Maryland Renaissence Festival Scottish Festival & Highland Games US Powerboat Show US Sailboat Show West Annapolis Oktoberfest baltimore Columbus Day Parade Fells Point Fun Festival Free Fall Baltimore Maryland LatinoFest Maryland Oktoberfest Maryland Russian Festival Under Armour’s Baltimore Running Festival ZooBooo! brunswick – Railroad Days cambridge – Beckwith Apple Festival Crabtoberfest Schooner Rendezvous centreville – Artisan’s Festival Halloween Cruise In & Car Show chesapeake Beach – Fall Family Fun Day Haunted Waterpark chestertown Schooner Sultana Downrigging Tea Time Tour Wildlife Art Exhibition & Sale Colton’s point – Blessing of the Fleet crisfield – Waterman’s Festival cumberland – Arts Walk Downtown Confederate Forces Weekend Halloween Parade Pumpkin Decorating Contest The Ghost Train Upper Potomac Kennel Club Dog Show denton – Martinak’s Annual Fall Fest frederick Arts & Humanities Month Celebration Farm Museum Fall Festival In The Street & Into The Night Light the Creek Manor Ghost Tours Oktoberfest at Schifferstadt Spirit Tours Summers Farm Fall Festival WWII Demonstrations gaithersburg – Housing Fair National Character Counts! Week Activities Oktoberfest at the Kentlands havre de grace All Maryland Reptile Show Bull & Oyster Roast Spirit Walk of Angel Hill Cemetary hollywood Ghosts of Sotterley Tour Riverside WineFest at Sotterley la plata – Fall Festival & Taste of La Plata laurel – Patuxent Wildlife Festival leonardtown St. Mary’s County Oyster Festival lineboro – Bedlam in the Boro manchester – Maizefest marion – Native American Indian Heritage Festival & Powwow mechanicsville Summerseat Annual Quilt Auction Mt. Airy – Fall Festival Gaver Pumpkin Patch-Fall Fun Festival The Great Pumpkin Patch myersville – Trolley Festival north beach – Haunted Boardwalk

ocean City – Chesapeake Celtic Festival Endless Summer Cruisin’ Fiberfest Halloween Spook-out Party Harbor Day at the Docks - A Waterfront Heritage Festival Oktoberfest Winefest on the Beach prince frederick – Calvert County Fair princess anne – Olde Princess Anne Days / 1812 Heritage Festival Ridgely Haunted Hayride at Adkins Arboretum rock hall – Oyster & Seafood Festival scotland – Spirits of Point Lookout shady side West River Heritage Day & Oyster Festival solomons – Calvert Artists’ Guild Fall PRAD Art Show Halloween In The Garden Patuxent River Appreciation Days St. brunswick – Railroad Days St. leonard American Indian Lifeways Festival St. mary’s city – Civil War Comes to St. Mary’s St. michaels Mid Atlantic Small Craft Festival stevensville – Octoberfest sykesville Apple Butter Market Festival Fall Festival Fall Fishing Tournament taneytown – Apple Butter Festival thurmont – Catoctin Colorfest Tilghman island – Tilghman Day westminster – Chili Cook Off Fall Arts and Craft Show Fall Harvest Days Halloween Extravaganza Koi America Shrimp Feast Shrimp Feed and Bull Roast Wee-cycle Mart and Moms’ Fest Westminster Coin and Currency Show

MARYLAND

baltimore – Annual Defenders Day Celebration Baltimore Book Festival Baltimore Grand Prix barstow – Calvert County Fair cambridge – Heritage Skipjack Races Native Amerian Festival centreville – Corsica Watershed Awareness Day @ Bloomsfield Farm chestertown – Art in the Park Public Sail on the Schooner Sultana crisfield – Hard Crab Derby & Fair (Labor Day Weekend) crownsville – Anne Arundel County Fair cumberland – A Taste of Fall Fest Battle Anniversary Weekend at Antietam Canalfest/Railfest Canal-Apple Days Dr. Generosity’s National Pike Tent & Medicine Show Iron Rail Days Western Maryland Street Rod Roundup Will’s Creek Survey Exhibition deale – Bluegrass Festival & Car Show Pro-Am Fishing Tournament frederick – Around the World in 15 Blocks Artist Market Battle of the Beast Rodeo Fashion Week Golden Gears Club Car Show Great Frederick Fair Oktoberfest Spirit Tours Summers Farm Fall Festival gaithersburg – “Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne” Street Festival Labor Day Parade galena – Remembrance Day glenn dale – Roman Legion Re-enactment havre de grace – Children’s Arts Festival Duck Fair la plata – Chili Cook-Off largo – Bluebirds Blues Festival leonardtown – A Taste of St. Mary’s Fall Follies on the Square St. Mary’s County Fair mechanicsville IHRA President’s Cup Nationals middletown – Heritage Festival South Mountain’s Living History Weekend mt. airy – Gaver Pumpkin Patch-Fall Fun Festival ocean City – Art & Craft Festival Berlin Fiddlers Convention Delmarva Bike Week Delmarva Needle Art Show & Competition Sand Castle Home Tour Sunfest oxford – Ferry Boat Race port tobacco – Autumn Wine Tasting prince frederick – Calvert County Fair scotland – Lighthouse Challenge solomons – Artsfest Lighthouse Challenge St. leonard – Autumnfest/Quilt Show Tavern Night The War of 1812 Re-enactment St. mary’s city – RiverFest Woodland Indian Discovery Day sykesville – Apple Butter Market Festival Apple Festival Crab and Shrimp Feast Ridgely – Jousting Tournament Tuckahoe Outlaw Days Upper Marlboro – Bill Pickett Rodeo Capital Challenge Horse Show Prince George’s County Fair

westminster – Fallfest Knights of Columbus Craft Fair and Flea Market Maryland Microbrewery Festival Maryland Wine Festival® Steam Show Days

november

annapolis – Annapolis by Candlelight Colonial Dog Show Maritime Republic of Eastport’s Tug of War baltimore Hampden’s Miracle on 34th Street Kennedy Krieger’s Festival of Trees Maryland’s Irish Festival Thanksgiving Parade chesapeake Beach Brightest Beacon on the Bay Thanksgiving Day Buffet cumberland – Festival of Trees Festival of Trees Children’s Day Tree Lighting Ceremony easton – Waterfowl Festival frederick – Festival of Greens Spirit Tours gaithersburg – Veterans Day Observance galena – Christmas Bazaar havre de grace – All Maryland Reptile Show Guided Nature & Historical Walk of the North Park Trail kent island – Annual Harvest Brewfest laurel – Holiday Craft Fair leonardtown – Christmas on the Square Veteran’s Day Parade mechanicsville – Amish Quilt Auction ocean City Black Friday 550 Rockfish Tournament Christmas Craft Expo Fallfest of Fine Arts Holiday Shopper’s Fair Winterfest of Lights

MarylandTravelRecreation.com •

33

Calendar of Events

For a Full List of Events and Event Details, Contact Area Chambers of Commerce/Visitor’s Bureaus. preston – Community Club Bazaar

prince frederick Fall Guided Hike at Double Oak Farm

Ridgely – Adkins Fall Family Festival

St. mary’s city Hearth and Home in Early Maryland St. leonard – Turkey Dinner sykesville – Holly Mart World War II Era Dinner Dance taneytown – Holiday of Trees Waldorf – Holiday Lights westminster Carrollton Hounds Fall Hunter Pace Classic “Christmas in Shipley” Bazaar Christmas in the Valley Mistletoe Mart Santa’s Christmas Craft Show The Great Westminster Train Show Tree Lighting Ceremony and Holiday Parade

december

annapolis – Candlelight Stroll Eastport Yacht Club Lights Parade Midnight Madness Holiday Shopping baltimore Baltimore Parade of Lighted Boats Baltimore’s New Year’s Eve Spectacular Night of 1,000 ELVISes Washington Monument Lighting Ceremony blackwater nwr – Christmas Open House cambridge Cambridge-Dorchester Christmas Parade Old-Fashioned Christmas centreville – Christmas Parade chesapeake Beach – Breakfast with Santa chestertown – Holiday House Tour colton’s point – Christmas Doll & Train Exhibit crisfield – Christmas in Crisfield cumberland – Festival of Trees Memorial Illumination denton – Holiday Parade frederick – Candlelight House Tour Children’s Weekend Festival of Lights Holiday Art Competition Kris Kringle Procession Scents & Sweets Competition gaithersburg Drive-Through Winter Lights Festival Jingle Jubilee Tree Lighting & Family Celebration galena – Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony havre de grace All Maryland Reptile Show Candlelight Tour Christmas Boutique Historic Church Tour hollywood – A Family Plantation Christmas Holiday Candlelight Tours la plata Olde Tyme Holiday Gathering & Tree Lighting new windsor – Christmas Craft Show north beach – BBG Holiday Parade Christmas on the Beach ocean City – Christmas Parade Victorian Christmas Victorian Christmas Celebration Winterfest of Lights port republic Greens Sale & Beach Hayride prince frederick – Christmas Parade princess anne – Christmas Candlelight Tour rock hall – Boat Parade & Santa’s Arrival solomons – Christmas Walk Garden In Lights St. leonard – Christmas Concert sykesville – Christmas Open House Holiday Homes Tour taneytown – Christmas Tree Lighting Holiday of Trees

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• Maryland

Upper Marlboro – Festival of Lights Waldorf – Holiday Lights westminster – Christmas Madness Festival of Wreaths Mayberry Mill Arts, Crafts and Gifts Show St. John Christmas Bazaar Village Holiday Bazaar with Pancake Breakfast Westminster Ringers’ Handbell Concert

january

annapolis – Historic Annapolis Antiques Show baltimore – Babe Ruth’s Birthday Baltimore Boat Show Baltimore Winter Restaurant Walk Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday Celebration Parade gaithersburg Martin Luther King, Jr. Tribute & Celebration galena – Ham & Oyster Dinners north beach – Polar Beach Swim ocean City – Nautical & Wildlife Art Festival North American Craft Show

february

baltimore American Craft Council Baltimore Fine Art Show International Auto Show cumberland – Tri-State Photography Exhibition galena – Ham & Oyster Dinners

march

annapolis – Annual Sock Burning Maryland Day baltimore – Antique Bottle Show and Sale St. Patrick’s Parade & Shamrock 5K Run bel air – Chocolate Festival blackwater nwr – Eagle Festival Colton’s Point – Maryland Day cumberland – Tri-State Photography Exhibition galena – Ham & Oyster Dinners gaithersburg – St. Patrick’s Day Parade havre de grace Bull, Shrimp and Oyster Roast solomons – Calvert Artists Guild Spring Art Show Taste of Solomons St. mary’s city – Maryland Day

april

annapolis Boatyard Bar & Grill Spring Fishing Tournament baltimore – Bunny BonanZoo Festival Transmodern Age Festival cambridge – Flower Fair cumberland Allegany County Student Art Showcase edgewater – Daffodil Show frederick – Art in the Park Children’s Festival gaithersburg – Bark in the Park Dog Festival havre de grace – Bull & Oyster Roast kent island – Bay Bridge Boat Show leonardtown – Earth Day on the Square new windsor – Spring Craft Show & Flea Market oxford – Oxford Day princess anne – Delmarva Birding Weekend salisbury – Pork in the Park BBQ Festival St. michaels – Bay Day vienna – Nanticoke River Shad Festival

may

annapolis – Chesapeake Bay Blues Festival Maryland Maritime Heritage Festival baltimore – Brew at the Zoo Kinetic Sculpture Race The Preakness Stakes chesapeake Beach Breezy Point Beach “Blast-Off” Rod ‘N Reel Pro-Am Tournament Spring Family Fun Day

chestertown – Tea Party Re-enactment crisfield – Soft Shell Spring Fair (Last Sunday) frederick – Celtic Festival Colonial Days Living History Event Family Expo Greek Festival Mayfest Pangaea Frederick Festival gaithersburg – Book Festival galena – Dogwood Festival glen echo – Washington Folk Festival havre de grace – Decoy & Wildlife Art Festival kent island – Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival leonardtown – Spring Fling Classic Car Show manchester – Spring Fest middletown – Kids Parade & Ice Cream Social Mt. Airy – Mayfest new windsor – International Fair Trade Festival Strawberry Festival ocean City – Cruisin’ Ocean City Springfest piney point – Piney Point Waterfront Celebration prince frederick ACLT Family Day Celebration Master Gardener Plant Sale Ridgely – Strawberry Festival solomons – Calvert Artists’ Guild Show Solomons Maritime Festival St. leonard – Strawberry Festival St. michaels – Maritime Model Expo sykesville – Flower and Artisans Festival Herb Festival Messiah Lutheran Church’s Strawberry Festival South Carroll Spring Fling taneytown – Taste of Carroll Tilghman island Bay Hundred Ladies Rockfish Tournament Union Bridge – Depot Day Waldorf – Blue Crabs Baseball Fireworks westminster Civil War Living History Re-enactment Flower & Jazz Festival & 5K Benefit Run/Walk Mayberry Mill Arts, Crafts and Gifts Show Memorial Day Parade and Service St. John Parish Carnival Spring Muster and Antique Fire Equipment Show Turbo Turtle Splash wye mills – May Fair

june

annapolis – Great Chesapeake Bay Swim Wednesday Night Sailboat Races baltimore Baltimore Pride Festival & Parade Capital Jazz Fest Great Grapes - Wine, Arts & Food Festival Greek Folk Festival Honfest blackwater nwr – Youth Fishing Derby brunswick – Bike Rodeo Potomac River Family Festival & Great River Race centreville – Delmarva Chicken Festival chesapeake city – Canal Day havre de grace – Celtic Festival leonardtown – St. Mary’s Crab Festival Lexington Park – Junteenth Celebration manchester – Summer Saturday Family Fun Day mechanicsville – Wine in the Garden Mt. Airy – Lions Club Carnival new windsor – Fire Company Carnival north beach – North Beach Art Show ocean City – Art’s Alive Beachfest oxford – Cardboard Boat Race pocomoke city – Cypress Festival prince frederick Parkers Creek Celebration at Double Oak Farm Springtime in Calvert Community Arts Fair rock hall – Rockfish Tournament

Calendar of Events

For a Full List of Events and Event Details, Contact Area Chambers of Commerce/Visitor’s Bureaus. solomons

Tobacco Trail Antique & Classic Car Show St. leonard – African American Community Day

Children’s Day on the Farm

july

annapolis – John Paul Jones Day Wednesday Night Sailboat Races baltimore – Artscape Maryland German Festival cambridge – Powerboat Regatta Taste of Cambridge chesapeake Beach – Fireworks Celebration clements – National Lawn Mower Races Colton’s point Potomac Jazz & Seafood Festival St. Clement’s Island History & Heritage Day crisfield – Crab & Clam Bake (3rd Wednesday) Fireworks cumberland Allegany County Fair & Agricultural Expo frederick Battle of the Monocacy Living History Event Civil War Encampment Spirit Tours gaithersburg Independence Day Concert & Fireworks galena – Bull Roast havre de grace Independence Celebration Carnival Mari*Fest

august

annapolis – Annapolis Art Walk Maryland Renaissance Festival Rotary Crab Fest Wednesday Night Sailboat Races baltimore Maryland State Fair brunswick – First Friday Beach Party cambridge – Peach Festival Seafood Fest-I-Val centreville – Queen Anne’s County Fair chestertown Public Sail on the Schooner Sultana crownsville – Demolition Derby Maryland Renaissance Festival cumberland – Annual Gun Bonanza Artillery Firing Demonstration Cumberland Firefighter’s Sportsmen’s Bash Firelock Match and Tactical Exercise French and Indian War Muster deal island Skipjack Races & Festival (Labor Day Weekend)

denton – Caroline/Dorchester County Fair Caroline Summerfest Wheat Threshing Steam & Gas Engine Show frederick – Battle of the Beast Rodeo Militia & Fire Company Days Olde Time Ice Cream Social Rose Hill Day - Antique Car Show & Ice Cream Social Spirit Tours gaithersburg Montgomery County Agricultural Fair galena – Bicycle Tour of Kent County Hampstead – Fire Company Carnival havre de grace All Maryland Reptile Show Art Show Seafood Festival kent island – Peach Festival Thunder on the Narrows Hydroplanes leonardtown – Beach Party on the Square Lil Margaret’s Bluegrass & Old Time Country Music Festival lineboro – Motorcycle Rally manchester Summer Saturday Family Fun Day north beach – Bayfest ocean City – Antiques-by-the-Sea Beach Patrol Competition Custom Car & Bike Show Family Beach Olympics Greek Party-Sunset Park Kids Crab Round-Up White Marlin Open Worcester County Fair port republic Calvert County Jousting Tournament rock hall – Pirates & Wenches Weekend solomons – Chalk-a-Thon USO Re-enactment of WWII St. leonard – Peach Festival St. mary’s city Governor’s Cup Yacht Race stevensville – Kent Fort Farm’s Peach Festival sykesville – Apple Butter Market Festival taneytown – Car Show Waldorf – Blue Crabs Baseball Fireworks westminster – Dutch Picnic Festival Eat a Peach Challenge Bike Ride Old-Fashioned Corn Roast Festival Peach Festival

Tolliver Falls, Swallow Falls State Park (photo courtesy Daniel Ashton)

MarylandTravelRecreation.com •

35

MARYLAND

St. mary’s city – Mid-Summer Faire St. michaels – Antique & Classic Boat Festival sykesville – Apple Butter Market Festival Governor’s Youth Fishing Derby Liberty Street Rods Car Show taneytown – Country Cruiz’n Fire Company Carnival Gas Engine Tractor Show and Pull Tilghman island – Summer Seafood Festival Waldorf – American Indian Powwow Blue Crabs Baseball Fireworks westminster – Art in the Park Carol Sparra Memorial Early Bird Tournament Carroll County Bike Fest and Bike Show Corbit’s Charge Commemoration: Battle of Westminster Fiddler’s Convention Spring Muster and Antique Fire Equipment Show Strawberry Festival

manchester Summer Saturday Family Fun Day north beach – Free Summer Concert ocean City Concert & Fireworks Uptown & Downtown princess anne – Ice Cream Social rock hall – July 4th Parade Kent County Waterman’s Day solomons – Calvert Artists’ Guild Outdoor Show Fireworks Celebration Screwpile Lighthouse Challenge Regatta Sharkfest! stevensville Kent Island Fireman’s Carnival sykesville – Apple Butter Market Festival Family Fun Day Festival Winfield Fire Company Carnival taneytown – Harney Fire Company Carnival tolchester – Kent County 4-H Fair Waldorf – Blue Crabs Baseball Fireworks westminster – Bull Roast Carroll County 4-H/FFA Fair Civil War Encampment and Living History Crab Fest Ice Cream Sundae Social July 4th Celebration Concert/Fireworks Surf and Turf & Summertime Fun Festival

Welcome to Memorial Map of the National Mall

36

• Washington DC

White House Garden Tour (photo courtesy Adam Fagen)

Attractions DC Chamber of Commerce Visitor information Center

Make the DC Chamber of Commerce Visitor Information Center your first stop when you arrive to tour Washington, DC! Located at 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW in the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, just two blocks from the National Mall and one block from the White House Visitor Center. Take the Metro and get off at the Federal Triangle stop – just walk out the station and into the Reagan Building on the street level, and you’re there!

Services Include: • Friendly staff to answer your questions.

• Free tourist maps, city guides, restaurant and hotel information.

• Four interactive touch screen kiosks that provide tourist information and directions to tourist sights of interest.

• A 15 minute film on the sights and sounds of Washington, DC. The Fall and Winter hours of the Visitor Center are Mon. through Fri., 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Summer hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed on Sunday.

Visitor information staff are waiting to take your calls: (866) 324-7386, (202) 289-8317 or (202) 289-8319.

Visit us online at www.DCChamber.org

The Money Exchange Experts

People’s Foreign Exchange, Corp.

Cited in many world publications as the best foreign exchange address

Gaithersburg

Foreign Exchange, Corp.

www.peoplesfx.com

• Most Of The World Currencies Bought & Sold • Our Signature Program Guarantees The Most Competitive Rates Of Exchange New York City

One Grand Central Place (212) 883-0550 Open Everyday

washington dc

1100 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W. (202) 589-0770 Open Monday thru Saturday

Peoples foreign exchange

Everyone is looking to save money on airfare. How about foreign currency exchange?

An unsavy traveler would simply say: I am going to wait until I get to my destination. Or I will do it on my way through the airport.

There is no easy way around. Only your broker would provide you with a fair service but prior to departure. Enlist “Peoples” as your provider of choice. For further information, please call us toll free (800) 448-9262 or visit online at www.peoplesfx.com

Maryland State Fair, Gaithersburg (courtesy

Gary McCabe)

Gaithersburg Comfort Inn At Shady Grove 16216 Frederick Rd. Gaithersburg, MD 20877-3502

1-888-605-9100 • (301) 330-0023 Fax (301) 258-1950 www.comfortinn.com/hotel/MD413

WashingtonDCTravelRecreation.com •

37

WASHINGTON DC

A Unique Sense of Place In the midst of the vibrant Washington DC metropolitan area you’ll find Gaithersburg, Maryland, an historic enclave of 60,000 residents in what was once an area of farms, granaries and mills.

Today, with an array of housing, dining, shopping, transportation, educational and recreational amenities, Gaithersburg residents enjoy the best of both worlds – the familiarity and comfort of a small town community surrounded by the exciting urban atmosphere of our nation’s capital.

With one of the highest educated labor pools in the country, Gaithersburg is in a unique position to attract industry leaders. Here you’ll find Hughes Network Systems, IBM, Lockheed Martin, MedImmune, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and many other leading information technology and biotechnology companies.

Gaithersburg plays host to a variety of cultural events reflective of its diversity, with community celebrations taking place throughout the year.

In May you’ll find the Gaithersburg Book Festival, in September it’s time for Celebrate Gaithersburg in Olde Towne. October brings the lively Oktoberfest in the Kentlands celebration, while in December you can ring in the holidays with the spectacular drive-through Gaithersburg Winter Lights Festival.

With so much going for it, it’s no wonder that this City is nationally recognized. In 2010 Gaithersburg came in at #25 on CNN / Money Magazine’s national list of “Best Places to Live.” And in 2008 and again 2009, BusinessWeek ranked Gaithersburg #1 in Maryland on its annual list of “Best Places to Raise Your Kids.”

Founding families and new residents from around the globe continue to work together with businesses, service organizations and government officials to proudly maintain this unique sense of place. It is a place that’s easy to call “home.”

For more information, visit www.gaithersburgmd.gov or call us at (301) 258-6300.

Washington Monument (photo courtesy Ed Yourdon)

TEN TIPS FOR TOURING THE NATION’S CAPITAL

1. Pace yourself. If you just have two or three days on your visit, don’t try to see everything at once. Instead, make out your “must-see” list and plan your route around town using Metro or the DC Circulator.

You can also discover the nation’s capital on foot by planning visits to the neighborhoods.

2. Plan ahead. Some of the city’s most famous attractions require some advance planning. If you’re interested in touring the White House, contact your Congressional representative. Tours of the White House are available to groups of ten or more but must be arranged in advance through a member of Congress. You can book online in advance to tour the Capitol Visitor Center. And you can beat the lines at the Washington Monument, Holocaust Museum and Spy Museum by reserving your tickets in advance.

3. Log on. Want to know what’s going on in the city during your visit?

Head straight to www.washington.org for a complete and searchable calendar of events.

4. Score a deal. Travelers generally find the best hotel rates on weekends and in late summer and winter. Visit www.washington.org for special promotions and to create your own custom vacation package or by pre-purchasing tour and attraction tickets. You can even make dinner reservations.

5. Use public transportation. On-street parking is very limited, so leave your car at the hotel. Take advantage of Metro, one of the world’s most convenient, safe and clean subway systems. Refer to the station map or the city map for station locations. One-day unlimited ride passes and weekly passes are available. The DC Circulator bus connects Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Union Station, the Capitol Riverfront, Adams

Morgan, U Street and more. It also operates a seasonal loop around the National Mall.

6. Washington, DC is all about “FREE”dom. Many of the city’s attractions and experiences are free, including monuments, memorials and entrance to many museums. Museums and galleries frequently offer free tours and curators’ talks. There are also many free music and street festivals that take place throughout the year. For a list of 100 free and affordable experiences to enjoy in DC, visit www.washington.org 7. There’s more than one Smithsonian museum. The Smithsonian institution is the world’s largest museum and research complex with 16 museums and galleries, plus the National Zoo. Make your first stop the Visitor Information Center at the Smithsonian Castle to map your course.

Pick one or two museums per visit and save the others for future visits to the city.

8. The National Mall isn’t for shopping! The National Mall serves as “America’s Common” spanning 2.25 miles from the U.S. Capitol building to the Lincoln Memorial. Home to many monuments, memorials and museums, the National Mall is where people exercise their democratic rights and reflect on American history.

9. Tour at “off-peak” hours. Be sure to check for special early hours or late hours at select museums (often seasonal). Washington, DC’s beautiful memorials and monuments are open 24 hours – visit them at dawn or at night when they are lighted for a truly inspiring experience.

10. Got a question? How do I tour the White House? When is the National Cherry Blossom Festival? Answers to common visitor inquiries can be found at www.washington.org. Click on “Browse DC” and then “Frequently Asked Questions.” Still searching? Call 1-800-422-8644 or send an email to info@destinationdc.com so that we can assist you.

Windows Cafe & Market 101 Rhode Island Ave. N.W. Washington, DC 20001

(202) 462-6585

Coffee, Cakes, Pastries, Muffins, Juices, Sandwiches, Smoothies, Free Wireless Internet! www.windowscafedc.com

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• Washington DC

www.tourmobile.com 1000 Ohio Drive, SW • Washington, DC 20024 • (202) 554–5100 • Free All-Day Reboarding • Knowledgeable Narrators • Safe Drivers • Economical • Group Rates • Continuous Year-Round Service

Dragon Boat Festival, Potomac River (courtesy M.V. Jantzen)

Potomac Heritage

A WASHINGTON, DC HISTORY LESSON

Officially founded on July 16, 1790, Washington, DC is unique among American cities because it was established by the Constitution of the United States to serve as the nation’s capital. From the beginning it has been embroiled in political maneuvering, sectional conflicts, issues of race, national identity, compromise and, of course, power.

George Washington, the first president and namesake of the city, chose the site and appointed three commissioners to help prepare for the arrival of the new government in 1800. In 1800 the federal government consisted of 131 employees. Pierre Charles L’Enfant designed the city as a bold new capital with sweeping boulevards and ceremonial spaces reminiscent of Paris of his native France. Benjamin Banneker, a self-taught African-American mathematical genius, provided the astronomical calculations for surveying and laying out the city. The full development of Washington as a monumental city, however, did not come until a hundred years later when the McMillan Commission updated its plan to establish the National Mall and monuments that most visitors to Washington now know.

During the War of 1812, British forces invaded the city and burned down public and government buildings, including the White House, in response to American forces invading York, now known as Toronto. However, the British left residential areas untouched and respectfully spared the home of the Commandant of the Marines, located on Marine Barracks. The home is now the oldest government building in continuous use in the nation’s capital. The Patent Office and the Post Office were also spared because of Dr. William Thornton, Superintendent of Patents, pleading with British officers that the knowledge lost therein would be a disservice to mankind.

Washington, DC, was envisioned by its founders as a commercial center as well as the seat of government. The location on the Potomac River was chosen, in part, because it already included two existing port towns of Georgetown, Maryland and Alexandria, Virginia which served as regional shipping centers for tobacco and wheat. When Alexandria returned to Virginia in 1846, residents argued that inclusion within the Federal District of Columbia hurt business and the city of Washington

would never need that much room to grow.

But after the Civil War, Washington did grow, eventually absorbing Georgetown and the surrounding farms and rural areas beyond L’Enfant’s original plans for the city.

DC is also a cosmopolitan city. While it has always had foreign delegations from the countries of the world it also boasts an increasingly diverse ethnic population. A growing Latino population represents every Central and South American country with a particularly large community of Salvadorans. A large Ethiopian population has resulted from the political turmoil there. New ethnic groups have brought new restaurants, as well as new residents. While DC lost residents to surrounding suburbs in the 1990s, new housing and urban revitalization are attracting people back to the city for a renaissance of housing, offices, entertainment and nightlife.

As the capital of the world’s most powerful democracy, it is ironic that residents of Washington lack full self government and that limited self government was only restored in 1974 after nearly 100 years with an appointed commissioner system. Representation in Congress is limited to a non-voting delegate to the House of Representatives and a shadow Senator. 1964 was the first Presidential election in which Washington residents were able to vote.

After more than two centuries as the nation’s capital, Washington is brimming with a unique history of its own. It has developed as a complex and layered city with multiple personalities. As home to the federal government, it has attracted a diverse mix of government workers, Congress members from every state, foreign emissaries, lobbyists, petitioners and protestors. While elected and appointed officials come and go giving the city its reputation as a transient community, many of the city’s residents have called Washington home for multiple generations. Their stories give Washington its distinctive character as both a national and local city.

Hampton Inn Hagerstown you’ll be on track to a great vacation… welcome to the Hampton Inn Hagerstown.

1716 Dual Hwy. Hagerstown, MD 21740

On the HouseTM Hot Breakfast • FREE High-Speed Internet Access Fitness Room • Outdoor Pool

(301) 739-6100 • Fax: (301) 791-7885 www.HamptonInn.com

Washington, DC

Comfort Inn Gunston Corner 8180 Silverbrook Rd. Lorton, VA 22079

(703) 643-3100 Fax: (703) 643-3175 www.cigunston.com

WashingtonDCTravelRecreation.com •

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WASHINGTON DC

Traveling the Potomac Heritage Trails network is a terrific way to learn about America, from its earliest days to today. The Trail experience captures America’s heritage from the first settlements along the Tidewater Potomac, upriver and over mountains toward the West. Discover Colonial heritage, the Civil War, our nation’s capital, working lands and waters, the industrial heritage of the Allegheny Mountains and beyond.

The trails of the PHT Network tell stories about how Americans have made a living from the land and water. From Aquia sandstone to menhaden fleets, from timber to shellfish, the bounty of the Tidewater has provided sustenance to the Capital Region. The Piedmont was once the breadbasket of America and a place of water-powered industrial innovation. The Alleghenies and Pittsburgh at the Forks of the Ohio were a center for coal, timber and manufacturing.

The trails of the PHT are also part of America’s heritage: the railroads of the Allegheny Mountains are now followed by the Great Allegheny Passage; the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal is now one of America’s mostvisited national parks; and the shipping lanes of the Tidewater Potomac are now teeming with pleasure craft. ~ article courtesy NPS

Major Annual Events in the Washington DC Area • National Cherry Blossom Festival – Occurs around the Tidal Basin, near the National Mall – Cultural performances, food, and music come together to make this annual festival one of the city’s largest and most celebrated events that honors the gift of these beautiful blooms from the Japanese. (March - April).

• Memorial Day Weekend – Marks the beginning of a busy summer season and the Washington, DC region celebrates with family friendly events and special services. PBS sponsors a free concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol.

Other events include the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Rally, speaker program and musical tribute at the Reflecting pool across from the Lincoln Memorial and the National Day Parade.

• Safeway’s Annual National Capital Barbecue Battle (June). (301) 860-0630 or www.BBODC.com • Fourth of July Concert, Parade & Fireworks – Events include a Capitol Fourth Concert on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capital, Independence Day Parade on Constitution Avenue & Fireworks at dark, usually around 9:15 p.m. Rain Date: July 5th. The fireworks are launched from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and light up the sky over the Washington Monument. Spectacular views of the fireworks can also be seen from the Marine Corps War Memorial (Iwo Jima) in Arlington, Virginia near the Rosslyn Metro station and areas along the Virginia side of the Potomac River that can be reached from George Washington Memorial Parkway. Parking is available at the Gravely Point parking lot, which is about a quarter mile from the 14th Street Bridge.

Cherry Blossom Festival (photo courtesy P. Sachin Nayak)

) (courtesy Donnie Gladfelter

40

• Washington DC

Welcome to Virginia State Facts

Nickname: State Motto:

“Old Dominion” “Sic Semper Tyrannis” (Thus Always to Tyrants) Area: 42,769 square miles Population: approx. 8,096,604 Capital: Richmond Highest Point: Mt. Rogers 5,729 ft. above sea level State Fossil: Chesapecten jeffersonius Fossil shell named for Thomas Jefferson and Chesapeake Bay State Tree: American Dogwood State Flower: American Dogwood State Bird: Cardinal State Dog: American Foxhound State Insect: Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly Cardinal (courtesy US Fish & Wildlife Service)

VIRGINIA State Flag (courtesy Wikimedia)

State Quarter (courtesy US Gov’t)

Assateague Lighthouse (photo courtesy Heather L. Hugues)

VirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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• Virginia

Virginia Beach

Chesapeake

Suffolk Greensville

Southampton Brunswick Mecklenburg

Lunenburg

Nottoway Prince Edward

Charlotte

Pittsylvania

Patrick

Henry Carroll Galax

Max Meadows Floyd

Abingdon

Washington

Smyth Russell

Tazewell

Lee

Scott

Wise

N

W

Dickenson

Buchanan

Grayson

Fries

Wythe

Bland

Pulaski

Blacksburg

Montgomery

Franklin

Christiansburg

Roanoke

Bedford

Campbell

Halifax

Smith Mountain Lake

Appomattox

Salem

Roanoke

Giles

Chesapeake

Poquoson

Dinwiddie

Prince George

Chesterfield Amelia

CumberlandPowhatan Buckingham Craig

Botetourt

Amherst

Nelson Alleghany

Clifton Forge

Lynchburg

Goochland

Fluvanna

Louisa Rockbridge

Bath

Augusta

Chippokes Surry Hampton Fort Monroe Newport News Norfolk Carrollton Isle of Wight Virginia Beach Sussex Portsmouth

Eastville Cape Charles Williamsburg Yorktown York

Mathews

New Kent

Charles City

Henrico

James City

Gloucester

Lancaster Middlesex

Richmond

King and Queen

King William

Ashland Hanover

Caroline

Charlottesville

Spotsylvania Greene

Staunton Albemarle

Highland

Northampton

Accomack

Northumberland

Richmond

Essex

Westmoreland

Fredricksburg King George Orange

Culpeper

Madison

Shenandoah

Culpeper

Stafford

Prince William

Rappahannock

Luray

Page

Shenandoah

Rockingham

Fairfax Arlington Fairfax Alexandria Manassas

Loudoun

Winchester Clarke Boyce Belle Grove Middletown Strasburg Front Royal Warren Woodstock Fauquier

Frederick

Do you have a passion for living? Do you want to fill your senses to the brim while taking in all the best experiences that life offers? Good! Bring your craving for life’s zestiest offerings and feed your life force in Virginia.

So what is it that really lights your lantern? Sun, sand, surf and salt spray? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Virginia’s beautiful Atlantic beaches can be big and bustling or remote, peaceful and tranquil.

Virginia Beach is America’s longest commercial beach.

Its famous board walk is lined with fabulous hotels, and there are 40 blocks of great shopping and dining options. Or try the beach at Assateague Island National Seashore, a haven for folks who really want to get away from it all.

Perhaps you consider yourself a “foodie.” You like life well-seasoned and served up in generous helpings.

Hold on to your knife, fork and corkscrew, because Virginia is going to dazzle you with great cuisine and fabulous wineries.

From urban chic to backroad hideaways, you’ll find unforgettable dining experiences in every nook and cranny of Virginia. Some of America’s top emerging chefs have set up shop here and have a table waiting for you. Upscale or downscale, haute cuisine to hot barbecue, you’ll be eager for second helpings.

With more than 130 wineries in operation Virginia’s vineyards pop the cork on fine wine and good times.

Virginia’s agreeable climate and rolling landscape are ideal for grape growing and wineries have been popping up in clusters. Virginia wines are acquiring a solid reputation, winning awards and national and international competitions. Even better, the wineries themselves are fun places for enjoying the good life. Almost all the Virginia wineries offer regular winery tours and tastings and some have onsite restaurants and even overnight accommodations. Keep an eye out for special weekend events with live music.

Virginia’s scenic roadways lead to some of the coolest small towns you can imagine. Romantic Bed & Breakfast inns, quiet streets, grassy parks and friendly people combine with great shopping, dining and exploring to form a come-back-again experience.

In Virginia’s small towns you can find four-star dining, Shakespeare theatre, hangouts of the rich and famous or just plain downhome hospitality.

You might be the type who relaxes by launching yourself headlong into the great outdoors. Afoot or afloat, Virginia is perfect for outdoor recreation enthusiasts. Try the Virginia Creeper Trail where you pedal a mountain bike more than 30 miles from end to end through breathtaking scenery. It’s just one of Virginia’s wonderful “rail-trails” that can be enjoyed on foot, on a bike or on horseback. The best in hiking can be found along the Appalachian Trail or on footpaths throughout Virginia’s award-winning State Park system. And if paddling is your thing you can canoe or kayak through white water or winding rivers – or along the Chesapeake shore and Atlantic salt marshes.

Virginia is here to help you nurture your passion to your heart’s content. For more information visit www.Virginia.org or call (800) 932-5827.

Chincoteague Parksley Onancock

Virginia

Shenandoah Valley

A view of Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park from Stoney Man (photo courtesy Shenandoah Valley Travel Association)

An Historic Inn in the Shenandoah Valley

• Historic Country B & B • Kids Welcome • Weddings • Catering 2487 Hankey Mountain Hwy. (Rt. 250) Churchville, VA 24421 (540) 337-8660 www.thebuckhorninn.com

The Buckhorne Country Store & Campground www.buckhorne.com • (877) 301-3817 • mrayallen@yahoo.com Full Hook-Ups 30 / 50 Amps • Wi-Fi / Cable TV All Sites 3 Pull-Thru Spaces • 3 Cabin Rentals

Peaceful Mountain Camping in Clifton Forge 3508 Douthat Road

Bath County

Find Something Remarkable. Visit the County of Bath, in the Allegheny Highlands of the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia.

Famous for its mineral springs, outdoor recreation and cultural arts, the County of Bath is a captivating four-season destination, nestled in the scenic Allegheny Highlands of Virginia. Rooted in history, this picturesque mountain region continues to entice visitors with its breathtaking beauty.

But timeless beauty and tradition aren’t all that the County of Bath has to offer. Whether you are interested in visiting the world renowned Homestead Resort and Spa for a relaxing vacation, attending a concert at the Garth Newel Music Center or renting a boat for weekend long fishing trip, the County of Bath has something for you.

You can plan an intimate weekend getaway, a fun filled family vacation, a large corporate retreat, or escape to nature, we have something for everyone. From quaint inns to our luxurious resort the County of Bath offers warm and inviting accommodations for all guests. You can even pitch a tent and sleep under clear, starlit skies. The County of Bath is an enticing place filled with scenic vistas, local flair and exciting adventures just waiting to be discovered. Come visit and see for yourself!

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VIRGINIA

The Shenandoah Valley is a part of a large settlement region stretching from parts of West Virginia to Virginia bounded by impressive mountains and lush valleys. In West Virginia, Martinsburg is known as the gateway of the Shenandoah Valley and in Virginia, the Shenandoah Valley lies between the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east, and the Allegheny Mountains to the west, within an hour drive from our nation’s capital, Washington, DC. You can visit Skyline Drive in Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge Parkway, two national Byways offering miles of recreation and beautiful vistas. Find inspiring history in Shenandoah Valley Battlefields National Historic District, retelling the stories that shaped the American Civil War. Well known attractions in the Shenandoah Valley include Luray Caverns, Grand Caverns, Shenandoah Caverns, and our very own natural wonder, the Natural Bridge.

Beyond the scenery and legendary history, the Valley offers year-round outdoor recreation and a celebration for every season. Visitors love our charming downtowns, tasting everyday local flavor, picking their own at a local farm and enjoying the fruits of our labor along the Shenandoah Valley Wine Trail. You are invited to find love in the Shenandoah Valley. For more information or to get a visitor guide visit www.visitshenandoah.org

Botetourt County

The beautiful region of Roanoke Valley stretches from the Shenandoah Valley to the New River District in the Western portion of Virginia. Entering the region from the North, you will find yourself in Botetourt County, one of Virginia’s most scenic and historically significant counties. Botetourt County is filled with rolling hills, miles of hiking trails including the Appalachian Trail, scenic rivers and streams, historic towns and beautiful countryside all within majestic mountain backdrops. Bordering the Blue Ridge Parkway, Botetourt is home to the Headwaters of the mighty James River.

The combination of rivers, mountains, scenic countryside and historic towns creates a vacation experience that is second to none.

On The Wine Trail of Botetourt County three farm wineries welcome visitors for tours, tastings, and hospitality with a variety of special events taking place on many weekends throughout the season. www.botetourtwinetrail.com The outdoor adventurer can enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the James River made more accessible than ever through the Upper James River Water Trail. Get back to nature and enjoy the sights and sounds of 45 miles of the river, including 14 pristine miles designated as a Virginia Scenic River. www.upperjamesriverwatertrail.com The timeless wonder of Botetourt County awaits, Start Exploring!

Botetourt County Office of Tourism – www.visitbotetourt.com • (540) 473-1167 • travel@botetourt.org

Hampton

Get Centered Few cities claim the history and heritage that await you here in www.coliseumcentral.com Hampton. Our nearly 400-year-old settlement can be enjoyed through (757) 826-6351 an array of exciting attractions. There is never a shortage of fun in Hampton Roads’ center attraction!

There are more than 100 area attractions within minutes of Hamp• More than 700 businesses, ton. Space-race artifacts, Chesapeake Bay cruises, giant ships, Civil unique & national favorites War sites, and African-American heritage landmarks are just a few of the • Home of Peninsula Town Center • Dine in more than 70 establishments treasures Hampton visitors can enjoy. You will find Hampton’s award• Home of Hampton Roads Convention winning attractions to be top-notch!

Center & Hampton Coliseum We think you’ll find our citizens to be warm and hospitable. Our natu• RVs & Buses Welcome ral resources will beckon you to enjoy them to the fullest extent, whether you prefer water play at Buckroe Beach, paddling Hampton’s water trails, birding at Grand View Nature Preserve, or casting a line to catch the “big one” in the Chesapeake Bay. The surrounding area attractions include Colonial Williamsburg, the Virginia Beach oceanfront, Busch Gardens Williamsburg, the world’s largest naval installation Norfolk Naval Base, water sports on the Chesapeake Bay, and lots of others! Our region is rich in colonial, Civil War, African American and aviation history!

New restaurants, new shops, new adventures . . . all await you here in Hampton. Hampton, Virginia -- “In the Center of it all!”

For more information, visit the Hampton Convention & Visitors Bureau online at www.visithampton.com

Harbor Front, Hampton (courtesy Hampton Convention & Visitors Bureau)

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(photos courtesy Harrisonburg Tourism and Visitor Services)

Harrisonburg

www.vaquiltmuseum.org 540-433-3818 301 South Main Street Harrisonburg, VA 22801

Over 250 quilts dating from the early nineteenth century to the twenty-first century on display representing the many styles found throughout quilting history.

Each quilt is an important part of our quilting heritage and each has a story to tell. Tours Available.

Valley. Try the local flavor where “Farm to Table” dining is the norm!

Farmers and chefs work hand in hand to provide the best of the Valley.

Enjoy the perfect weather from the patios and rooftops of downtown.

Local favorites include: Clementine Café, Dave’s Downtown Taverna, Union Station Bar & Grill, Local Chop & Grill House and the newly opened Capital Ale House featuring close to 100 ales and lagers on tap.

A new Civil War driving tour has been made available through the Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center. Make Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign your personal history getaway with thirty trail sites within a 20 mile radius. Begin in “historic downtown” and take the journey of a lifetime in an afternoon. Civil War trail sites include the first two battles fought in the Shenandoah Valley-Cross Keys & Port Republic. See where General Turner Ashby lost his life, where a hospital housed wounded soldiers, and where General Nathanial Banks led the Union in the Burning of the Shenandoah Valley. Harrisonburg-Rockingham County, “The Breadbasket of the Confederacy”, is yours for exploring.

Plan Your Adventure in Harrisonburg!

4979 South Valley Pike Harrisonburg, VA 22801 www.thevillageinn.travel (540) 434-7355 Reservations: (800) 736-7355 Enjoy the peaceful Shenandoah Valley combined with modern luxuries.

• Cable Tv w/ Hbo • Free High-Speed Internet Access • Landscaped Pool & Hot Tub • Playground • Restaurant • Whirlpool Bath Available • Smoke-Free

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VIRGINIA

Harrisonburg is located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley and is easily accessible from Richmond and Washington, D.C. The town offers a wealth of outdoor recreation, cultural attractions, civil war history and a thriving downtown.

Downtown Harrisonburg is exquisitely unique from most main streets lining Virginia. There are clothing boutiques, stores committed to selling Virginia made items, wine shops, consignment stores, music shops, national chains and everything in between – window shopping at its best! Don’t forget the Farmers Market – open year-round! Family fun can also be found downtown: Explore More Discovery Museum, Virginia Quilt Museum, Harrisonburg Fire Department Museum and Hardesty-Higgins House Visitor Center, which is home to the Valley Turnpike Museum and Civil War Orientation Center. Stop by OASIS Art Gallery to view their collection of fine arts and crafts. Take a stroll around the Edith J. Carrier Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, or take in a show at the Court Square Theater.

Harrisonburg is known as the dining destination of the Shenandoah

Apple Picking at Marker Millard Orchard, Winchester (photo courtesy @heylovedc, Flickr)

Winchester / Frederick County

Located at the top of Virginia, Winchester / Frederick County is 70 miles NW of Washington, DC, 130 miles SW of Baltimore, and only minutes from the famous Skyline Drive. With 50 lodging options, over 200 restaurants, and dozens of attractions, Winchester / Frederick County is a choice destination for travelers who appreciate friendly, relaxing towns with city amenities and the rural countryside.

Shop ‘til you drop at premiere shopping and dining destinations such as the Old Town Mall or Creekside, visit our parks for recreational activities or relaxation, enjoy professional and quality theatre presentations, play a round of golf, ride a horse, or relax with a glass of wine.

As the oldest city west of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Winchester / Frederick County’s fascinating history is told through its many muse• Over 3,000 Civil War Artifacts ums. During the Civil War, the town changed hands between Confeder• Soldier’s Graffiti • Gift Shop ate and Union forces 72 times – more than any other community in the country! Experience that stirring time in our nation’s history!

Hours: Tour the newly opened Patsy Cline Historic House, and see how the Mon. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. country music icon lived! Festivals, fairs, farm markets, and First Fridays Sun. 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

– a celebration of arts – await your enjoyment.

20 N. Loudoun Street For more information or to request an official visitors guide, call Winchester, VA 22601 the Winchester / Frederick County Convention & Visitors Bureau, (540) 542-1145 (877) 871-1326, or www.VisitWinchesterVA.com Make the Winchester / Frederick County Visitors Center, 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Road, www.CivilWarMuseum.org your first stop for maps, directions, brochures, souvenirs, and more.

Old Court House Civil War Museum

cover th un!

Dis Mon.-Sat.e F9-5 • Sun. 1-5 54 South Loudoun Street Winchester, VA (540) 722-2020 www.discoverymuseum.net

Rock Harbor Golf Course www.rockharborgolf.com

866-273-1934 • 540-722-7111 Winchester, VA

167 N. Loudoun St. • Winchester, VA 22601 Step into the Prehistoric Past!

3848 Stonewall Jackson Hwy. White Post, VA 22663

(540) 869-2222 www.dinosaurland.com

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540-723-9719 www.murphybeverage.com

Mon. - Thurs. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Fri. - Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Sun. Noon - 5:00 p.m.

All the Wine, the Lowest Prices & None of the Attitude

Page County Luray

The best vacations involve both a change of scenery and respite from the daily grind. The perfect combination is Luray and Page County, Virginia, just 90 minutes from metro D.C., and home to Shenandoah National Park, Skyline Drive, Luray Caverns and the legendary Shenandoah River.

The Mimslyn Inn offers gourmet dining, beautifully-appointed rooms, an on-site spa, and swimming pool. Go rustic at Rivers Bend Guest Ranch or Fort Valley Stable. Enjoy a horseback ride on either property.

Challenge yourself with a massive water park and zip line at Massanutten Resort, a four-season ski, golf and recreation complex.

Relax in Shenandoah National Park. SNP boasts two charming lodges and gourmet dining, hiking trails, scenic waterfalls and overlooks and access to the Appalachian Trail and Skyline Drive.

Enjoy a pontoon ride, tubing and canoeing on the Shenandoah River; the three charming towns of Shenandoah, Stanley and Luray, and hiking and biking on miles of trails.

Plan a stay in conjunction with local events. A full calendar makes Page County attractive any time. Visit www.LurayPage.com

Choose from 100+ Unique Shenandoah Valley Vacation Cabin Rentals (photos courtesy Allstar Lodging)

VIRGINIA

AllStar Lodging

Choose from over 100 unique Cabins or Cottages. Private locations sleep from 2 - 22+ guests with 1 - 10 bedrooms and up to 12 baths. Areas for social gatherings, meetings or weddings are also available.

Perfect for a Honeymoon, Romantic Getaway, or Family Vacation or Retreat. Amenities include Private bedrooms with twin - king size beds.

Kitchens, Fireplace, Living room, TV/VCR/DVD/Phone, Decks, Porches, Hot tubs and Jacuzzi’s located in secluded wooded areas or along the legendary Shenandoah River.

Most are near Luray, local attractions include Luray Caverns and Garden Maze, George Washington and Shenandoah National Forests, Skyline Drive, Shenandoah River State Park, Lake Arrowhead and much more. Enjoy nearby activities including fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding, golf, canoeing, kayaking, tubing, antique shopping, wildlife observation, restaurants, summer swimming and winter skiing. Escape the hectic city life. Relax and enjoy each other’s company with beautiful views, and the peaceful surroundings that nature has to offer.

Let us arrange your fun-filled vacation by adding local attractions like ATV, canoe, kayak, tube or jet ski rentals, fishing and horseback riding.

Other pre-arranged concierge services include private chef, in/out cabin massage, romantic flowers, candles & rose petal trails, truffles and chocolate covered strawberries.

For more information about Allstar Lodging, please call toll free (866) 780-7827 or go online at: www.allstarlodging.com

Conveniently located near Luray Caverns & Skyline Drive Fireplaces, Hot Tubs, Jacuzzis, Canoes, Fully Equipped Kitchens 1-10 bedrooms on the Shenandoah River or nestled in the mountains near Luray for 1 to 22+ guests Pet friendly Only 90 mi. from Washington, DC 120 mi. from Richmond Guest Services Available: ATV / Jet Ski Rentals, Canoe / Kayak / Tube Rentals, Horseback Riding / River Float Fishing with Tackle & Bait / River Cruise / Pontoon Boats, Floral / Candle Arrangements / Specialty Chocolates, Hors D’oeuvres / Personal Chef, Massage / Gift Baskets

www.allstarlodging.com

540.843.0606

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Enjoy a stay at Brookside Cabins near the entrance to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive Enjoy canoeing on the Shenandoah River, hiking the many trails in the Shenandoah National Park, as well as touring our magnificent Luray Caverns.

2978 U.S. Hwy. 211 E. • Luray, VA 22835

1-800-299-2655 • 540-743-5698 www.brooksidecabins.com Brookside Cabins

Our well-appointed and luxurious cabins feature fireplaces, Jacuzzis, and private back decks.

• Brookside Restaurant • Family & Couple Cabins • Gift Shop

Located at one of the most scenic entrances to the Shenandoah Valley, is Brookside. For more than eighty years, we have been welcoming guests from around the world.

Luray is less than 2 hours and a tank of gas away from the Washington D.C. area. Come explore our area.

Enjoy canoeing on the Shenandoah River, hiking the many trails in the Shenandoah National Park, as well as touring our magnificent Luray Caverns. There is plenty to do for a weekend getaway or a family vacation. We’ll give you lots of suggestions and help you plan your trip to Brookside.

Brookside Restaurant is Luray’s favorite family restaurant. Homestyle cooking is famous for miles around. The breads and desserts are baked onsite everyday. The cuisine is Pure American. The service is

down home and friendly. Brookside is plain old great food; at a great price; served in a family environment.

The Brookside Cabins are quiet, elegant, and a total retreat from today’s hectic life. You have to specially ask for a television set and movies. We hide them.

We have cabins for families and cabins strictly for two! We are famous for fireplaces and Jacuzzis comfortably set in well-appointed and luxurious cabins. Still one of our best luxuries is the private back decks.

Yes, you guessed it, Brookside!

The Gift Shop is great fun; with a mix of country products,wines, and art. You will enjoy the selection, the helpful service, and the unbeatable prices.

Find out more online at www.brooksidecabins.com or give us a call at 1-800-299-2655.

Lake Arrowhead (photo courtesy Luray-Page Chamber of Commerce)

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(photos courtesy www.visitroanokeva.com)

Roanoke County

Greenhill Inn

(540) 389-3612 3 - 1/2” WIDE x 1 - 3/4” TALL Fax: (540) 389-5239 www.thegreenhillinn.com

Shenandoah County

In the northern Shenandoah Valley, Shenandoah County is set against a backdrop of the beautiful Allegheny & Blue Ridge Mountains.

Our small towns are like a string of pearls along the Old Valley Pike, Route 11. These friendly towns, each one with its own historic flavor, are great places to stop for a look at small town life, beautiful architecture, unique shops and eateries.

History buffs will be fascinated with our many museums. Sample the local wines, enjoy world-class golfing, or explore mysterious caverns.

The challenge of snow skiing in the wintertime or grass skiing in the summertime, and hiking are a sampling of the many outdoor activities.

Browse through the wonderful antique shops and unique gift shops. The music lover will enjoy the summer season of the Shenandoah Valley Music Festival. Come visit and let us show you our natural beauty, great hotels, and friendly hospitality! For more information, contact Shenandoah County Tourism at (540) 459-6227 or (888) 367-3960. You can also visit our website www.shenandoahtravel.org

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VIRGINIA

1/12th page ad

2746 W. Main St. • Salem, VA 24153

Nestled in the sun-ripened Blue Ridge Mountains and at the southern tip of the Shenandoah Valley, the Roanoke Valley boasts natural beauty, rich railroad heritage, adventurous outdoor activities, a blossoming arts community, abundant farmer’s markets and much more.

Take an afternoon drive on the picturesque Blue Ridge Parkway, one of America’s favorite drives, or enjoy the Roanoke Valley on foot with a hike along the Appalachian Trail. If you’re more of an urban-dweller, head to downtown Roanoke for a leisurely stroll along the city’s Historic Farmer’s Market lined with one-of-a kind shops and eateries.

See our unique railroad heritage come to life through railroad photography at the O. Winston Link Museum or climb aboard a rail car for a hands-on experience at the Virginia Museum of Transportation.

We offer a vibrant mix of food, music and fun at a variety of celebrations throughout the year, including the Strawberry Festival, Salem Fair, Fall Festivals and an array of wine festivals.

For more information, visit our website or mobile website at www. visitroanokeva.com call (800) 635-5535 or stop by the Roanoke Valley Visitor Information Center in downtown Roanoke. (101 Shenandoah Ave., NE Roanoke, VA 24016)

Warren County Front Royal

Front Royal is located in Warren County 70 miles west of Washington, D.C., near the junction of I-66 and I-81. The North and South Forks of the Shenandoah River join here to form the main stem of the Shenandoah River.

We invite you to come out and experience our small town charm. While here you can explore historical sites, hike through the Blue Ridge Mountains along the Appalachian Trail and paddle the tranquil waters of the Shenandoah. Search for the perfect gift on Main Street in historic downtown, then take a break for a taste of Virginia wine and enjoy a meal at one of our delightful restaurants.

The origin of the name “Front Royal” remains uncertain. There are currently two versions as to its source of origin. One being that, in early decades of European settlement, the area was referred to in French as “le front royal,” meaning the British frontier.

However, the more colorful and legendary origin has it that during colonial days, a giant oak tree - the “Royal” Tree of England - stood in the public square where Chester and Main Streets now join. It was there that the local militia, composed of raw recruits slow to learn military commands and maneuvers, were drilled. On one occasion, the sorely tired drill sergeant became so exasperated by the clumsy efforts of his troops and their failure to follow his command that he hit upon a phrase that all could understand and shouted, “front the Royal Oak!” Among the spectators was a Mr. Forsythe who had been a professional soldier. He was so amused by the officer’s coined order that he and his friends found much sport in telling the story, repeating “front the Royal Oak” until Front Royal was the resulting derivation.

Whether you are a resident or guest, stop by the Front Royal-Warren County Visitor’s Center located in the old train station at 414 East Main Street in historical downtown Front Royal. Call (540) 635-5788 or (800) 338-2576 for more information, or visit our website www.frontroyalva.com

Quality Inn Skyline Drive

Quality Inn Skyline Drive is nestled within the picturesque setting of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. Shopping, dining and entertainment are all within a short walk.

Take a stroll down Main Street in nearby Historic Downtown featuring Civil War Memorabilia and explore the rich history of Warren County.

You will also find local restaurants, arts and crafts and antique shops along Main Street. Close by is the entrance to the beautiful Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive. The Park features panoramic views of the Shenandoah Valley, hiking trails and picnic areas. You can go horseback riding, play a round of golf, go canoeing down the Shenandoah

Downtown Front Royal (courtesy Jason Riedy)

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River, or tour one of our many local wineries.

Quality Inn Skyline Drive is the place to stay in Front Royal, VA. We are equipped for both short and long term stays (on site guest laundry) with ample free parking for small and large vehicles (cars, buses, and trailers). Enjoy a free hot deluxe breakfast every morning, stay fit with our exercise room, keep in touch using the business center located in our lobby and relax by our outdoor pool. All of our rooms are furnished with 32" flat screen HD TVs, fridge, microwave, iron, ironing board, coffeemaker, complimentary safe and free WIFI. Pets under 50 lbs are welcome!

(540) 635-3161 or 1-800-4-CHOICE. www.qualityinn-frontroyal.com

Royal Horseshoe Farm

Royal Horseshoe Farm has a 270 year history, including the oldest house in Warren County, visits by George Washington, ownership by John Marshall (Chief Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court 1801-1835) and action during the Civil War. Scenic Trail Rides are offered year-round. Our trails pass through the Shenandoah Valley’s history rich meadows, woods, and hills. You can ride across Manassas Run, pass the old cannon emplacements that used to guard Morgan’s Ford, visit the old barns that used to hold US Cavalry ponies, and see the house where George Washington stayed when he was a young man surveying for Lord Fairfax.

One or more trail guides lead each ride. Riding experiences range from gentle pastures, to wide sloping trails, crossing small or medium sized streams, and even some trails that are narrow, windy, wooded and steep. Summer rides are cool (90% in the shade)! Specific rides are tailored to the skill of the riders and the conditions of the trails. We can accomodate large groups!

Trail Rides by reservation only - please call Royal Horseshoe Farm at (540) 636-6375 to set up yours today! Learn more by visiting us online at www.royalhorseshoe.com

~Year-Round Scenic Trail Rides ~Horse Camps ~Lessons ~Parties ~Boarding Ride gentle pastures, wide sloping trails, crossing streams, and even narrow, windy, wooded and steep trails. Summer rides are cool (90% in the shade)!

Royal Horseshoe Farm

509 Morgan Ford Rd. • Front Royal, VA 22630

(540) 636-6375 • www.royalhorseshoe.com

Hampton Inn Front Royal

9800 Winchester Rd. Front Royal, VA 22630

540-635-1882

www.HamptonInn.com • Free Hot Breakfast • FREE WiFi • Fitness Room • Indoor Pool • Suite Shop Manassas Run (photo courtesy Royal Horseshoe Farm)

VIRGINIA

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Attractions Taylor) urtesy Kristen er’s Market (co rm Fa ia dr an Alex

Old Town Alexandria (photo courtesy Kevin Harber)

Alexandria

Alexandria’s Original Ghost & Graveyard Tour www.alexcolonialtours.com

To reserve tickets please call 703-519-1749 or email tours@alexcolonialtours.com Spring: March 16 to June 10 Friday & Saturday 7:30 and 9:00 p.m., Sunday 7:30 p.m.

Summer: June 13 to September 30 Wednesday - Sunday 7:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7:30 and 9:00 p.m.

Fall: October 1 to 31 Friday & Saturday 7:30 and 9:00 p.m.

November 2 to 24 Friday & Saturday 7:30 and 9:00 p.m., Sunday 7:30 p.m.

Alexandria Mount Vernon 7212 Richmond Hwy. • Alexandria, VA 22306 (703) 765-9000 • Fax (703) 765-2325

www.alexandriaqualityinn.com

• Free Continental Breakfast • Free DSL & WiFi • Free Local Calls • HBO • Free Parking • Pet Friendly • Coin-Op Laundry, & Many More Amenities.

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Along the Potomac River, within eyesight of Washington, D.C., awaits Alexandria, Virginia, one of America’s oldest and most picturesque historic destinations. Alexandria draws savvy travelers now with the 18thcentury charm that appealed to George Washington. Visitors find fresh visions of the Founding Fathers at more than 20 historic sites, yet these storied sites enhance modern delights. Alexandria’s unique combination of historic ambience and contemporary flair are reflected in its earlyAmerican architecture, variety of hotels, chic boutiques, award-winning restaurants and historic attractions – all just minutes from Washington, D.C., Historic Mount Vernon and National Harbor. More than three million visitors come to Alexandria annually.

From the time of George Washington and the early days of this country, an entrepreneurial spirit has flourished in Alexandria. Old Town’s mile-long King Street is lined with chic boutiques and celebrity chefowned eateries, adding sizzle to its timeless charm. 77% of Old Town storefronts and restaurants are independently owned and often the owner him or herself interacts with patrons.

Art galleries and antique shops are found throughout the city, with nearly 20 in Old Town alone. Performing arts venues flourish as well.

The city also has the only professional symphony orchestra in Northern Virginia as well as MetroStage, a small professional theater that specializes in new works, and a vibrant community theater nearly 80 years old.

Learn more at www.visitalexandriava.com

Our standard amenities are anything but.

• Complimentary Hot Breakfast • Fitness Center • High Speed Internet • Newly Renovated

www.hotelalexandriavirginia.com

Best Western Mount Vernon - Fort Belvoir

8751 Richmond Hwy., Alexandria, VA 22309 | www.bestwestern.com 703.360.1300 | 703.799.7713 | 1.800.Western Each Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated. ©2012 Best Western International, Inc. All rights reserved.

Charlottesville

Charlottesville has a large series of attractions and venues for its relatively small size. Visitors come to the area for wine and beer tours, ballooning, hiking, and world-class entertainment that perform at one of the area’s four larger venues.

The Charlottesville area was the home of Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and James Monroe. Monticello, Jefferson’s plantation manor, is located just a few miles from downtown. The home of James Monroe, Ash Lawn-Highland, is down the road from Monticello. About 25 miles northeast of Charlottesville lies the home of James and Dolley Madison, Montpelier. During the summer, the Ash Lawn-Highland Opera Festival is held at the downtown Paramount Theater with a performance at Ash Lawn-Highland. The nearby Shenandoah National Park offers recreational activities and beautiful scenery, with rolling mountains and many hiking trails. Skyline Drive and the Blue Ridge Parkway junction is only 22 miles west of downtown Charlottesville.

P.O. Box 6909 Charlottesville, VA 22906

(800) 277-0844 Prospect Hill Plantation Inn & Restaurant is one of the most distinctive bed and breakfast inns in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Just up the road from historic Monticello, this inn offers the finest in Virginia dining and lodging.

o o www.prospecthill.com • info@prospecthill.com

Chincoteague Island

Nestled in the southeast corner of the commonwealth, Chesapeake is a “Gateway to Fun.” Come explore the Chesapeake’s bevy of attractions, special events, golf, historical sites, winding waterways and lively parks. And, while you’re here, let Chesapeake be your home base for adventures to the shores of neighboring Virginia Beach, trips back in time at Colonial Williamsburg or to stroll the Outer Banks of North Carolina.

Chesapeake boasts a selection of unique recreational activities to entice outdoor enthusiasts, including the 763-acre Northwest River Park. The park offers canoeing, fishing, birding, hiking and a popular Ropes & Initiatives course for group teambuilding. The park hosts themed nature hikes throughout the year, is a favorite among campers and also offers seasonal specialty programming from stargazing to owl calling and fine arts to fly-fishing. Chesapeake City Park is a 75-acre open space featuring the award-winning Fun Forest children’s playground, and hosts the American Indian Festival and the Chesapeake Jubilee each year.

Water is an integral part of the Hampton Roads landscape, and Chesapeake is no exception. The Great Dismal Swamp Canal, first envisioned by George Washington, is the oldest operating artificial waterway in the country. The Dismal Swamp Trail parallels the historic waterway and welcomes bikers, walkers, runners and equestrians on a spectacular journey through both lush landscape and rich history.

Savvy shoppers also won’t want to miss a cruise through the city’s Antique Alley. The half-mile stretch of road is home to nearly a dozen antique and collectible shops and hosts auctions and flea markets year-round.

No matter what time of year you choose to visit, Chesapeake’s accessible location, bevy of special events and variety of activities are sure to please – just come see for yourself.

(courtesy Glenn Brunette)

VIRGINIA

Chincoteague’s Accomack County welcome is one of America’s earliest records of southern hospitality. Captain John Smith wrote in June of 1608 that he had a pleasant encounter with the Accomack Indian chief known as the Werewowance. Smith recounted that the chief helped his 14-man crew find their way around local islands and inlets and described the chief as “proper and civil.” Like our native predecessors, we welcome visitors to discover Chincoteague and all its natural bounty.

Chincoteague is as authentic as a small town gets. It’s a place where people can relax and enjoy the restorative benefits of the beach, the ocean and its teeming wildlife.

Visitors come for the beach and the wild ponies, and when they’re ready to get out of the sun, they enjoy Chincoteague’s atmosphere of small independently-owned stores, restaurants and art galleries. The federal government has contributed to the preservation of this small town life by managing more than 14,000 acres of oceanfront land and inland marshland. Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge includes artfully designed access points that bring visitors in tune with this productive ecological haven. The Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge and Assateague Island National Seashore help to maintain unique forms of wildlife for the enjoyment of residents and visitors. Birders and wildlife lovers can hook up with fascinating tours of the area’s marshland and surrounding waters. Hunting and fishing are vital parts of wildlife management in the refuge.

Chesapeake

6151 Maddox Boulevard Chincoteague Island, VA 23336

(757) 336-6562 • (800) 699-6562 • All Rooms Include Refrigerators, Microwaves, Hair Dryers, Iron/Ironing Board & Coffee Makers • Free Wireless Internet • Complimentary Continental Breakfast Easter-Labor Day Award Winning Property 4 Years in a Row

bestvalueinnva.com • info@bestvalueinnva.com VirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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Bull Run Hunt (photo courtesy Jason Sewell)

Culpeper County Culpeper

There’s so much to see and do in historic Culpeper, Virginia. At the Museum of Culpeper History, visitors can revisit Culpeper’s Native American, Revolutionary War, and Civil War history. The Graffiti House in Brandy Station, used as a hospital during the Civil War, features a unique collection of over 200 pieces of charcoal graffiti left behind by recuperating soldiers. Three significant Civil War battlefields – Brandy Station, Cedar Mountain and Kelly’s Ford – can be toured on your own through walking trails and interpretive markers or with a guide familiar with the local history.

Today, contemporary additions to Culpeper’s historical landscape include the National Audio Visual Conservation Center of the Library of Congress, which houses the nation’s audio-visual heritage collections of moving images and recorded sounds.

The arts are flourishing in Culpeper. Several businesses incorporate gallery space and offer local artwork for sale. In addition, several arts organizations produce various works of art throughout the year – from plays and productions, to live music and film. So enjoy the local arts during your next visit, and take home some wonderful memories!

Culpeper County is in the heart of Virginia wine country and home to many fine producers. Visitors can take a Wine and Moonshine tour and experience award-winning wineries and one of Virginia’s only legal moonshine distilleries. Culpeper is located within three hours of all of the main attractions in the state of Virginia, and makes an excellent hub for exploring beautiful scenery such as the Shenandoah Valley and the Skyline Drive, and other attractions nearby.

Culpeper, VA 22701

800-29-VISIT (298-4748) www.fountainhall.com

Within walking distance to historic downtown.

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No matter what your sport, Culpeper has what you’re looking for.

Throughout the county, you’ll find beautiful parks, farmland and wide open spaces where you can hike, bike, or relax and enjoy a picnic.

Anglers, cyclists, paddlers, hikers, and riders enjoy amazing outdoor opportunities at every turn. The range of scenic drives and hiking/biking circuits is unlimited in all directions. Golfers can enjoy a round on several courses throughout the county, and all are just a short drive from downtown with a unique and challenging experience for all levels of play.

If all this activity has you beat, catch a movie at Culpeper’s state-ofthe-art, 4-play theater. Whatever you choose to do, be sure and pamper yourself when you’re done with a decadent spa treatment at one of Culpeper’s luxurious new day-spas.

For more information, contact the Culpeper Department of Tourism at (540) 727-0611 or visit us online at www.visitculpeperva.com

Essex County Tappahannock

Tappahannock is the oldest town in Essex County, Virginia. Located on the Rappahannock River, Tappahannock is the county seat. Its name comes from the Algonquian language word lappihanne (also noted as toppehannock), meaning “Town on the rise and fall of water” or “where the tide ebbs and flows.”

In 1608 John Smith landed in Tapphannock but was driven back by the local Native American tribe. The town is older than Richmond, Fredricksburg, and Williamsburg and was established as a port for the surrounding counties.

Commemorating 150th Anniversary of the Civil War Now Through April 2015 803 South Main Street P.O. Box 951 Culpeper, VA 22701 (540) 829-1749 www.culpepermuseum.com Artifacts, Photos, & Memorabilia Mon. - Sat. 10-5 • Sun. 1-5

Franklin County Smith Mountain Lake

Smith Mountain Lake in Central Virginia is an amazing region covering three counties, Bedford, Franklin and Pittsylvania. People from all walks of life, nearby and from far away have found Smith Mountain Lake to be the ideal place for a short get-away or to ‘set their anchor’ for a lifetime. With a clear glistening lake covering 500 miles of shoreline, four breathtaking seasons of color in a moderate climate, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains and central to the metropolitan areas of Roanoke, Lynchburg and Martinsville, what’s not to love? Smith Mountain Lake provides the perfect setting for every interest and lifestyle, be it wall-to-wall activities or just plain quiet and relaxing.

Visitors to the area have so many options, they often return time and again to experience every adventure. A warm welcome and genuine hospitality are just part of the ambiance of visiting Smith Mountain Lake.

A diverse selection of dining options provides the ideal setting. Choose from a casual lakeside burger and fries to an elegant candlelight dinner and there is a world of options in between. Recreational opportunities come in all forms, shapes and sizes. With five golf courses, three miniature golf courses, hiking, biking, sailing, kayaking, wake boarding, incredible fishing and all the other options, choosing between activities

is the only dilemma.

Those who relish history gravitate to the area with the multitude of historical sites including the U.S. D-Day Memorial, Booker T. Washington National Monument and much more. Civil War re-enactments are just some of the unique, interactive historical events offered. Art lovers appreciate the beauty and quality of shops and galleries throughout the area. Shoppers have an array of options with quaint gift shops, antiques, fashion, craft shops and great bargain outlets to choose from. Some folks are satisfied simply sitting back and enjoying the glorious lake and mountain scenery this fabulous place has to offer.

With the population at Smith Mountain Lake estimated at surpassing 25,000 and growing, it’s due in large part to the many vacationers who have decided to relocate permanently. The surroundings, its central location and a small town atmosphere make Smith Mountain Lake an excellent place to raise a family, start a business, or retire. See for yourself! View a video clip of Smith Mountain Lake and order a FREE Visitor Guide at: www.visitsmithmountainlake.com or call (800) 676-8203.

Central Virginia’s Ultimate Year-Round Destination: 500 shoreline miles – 50 Special Events, 23 Historical Attractions, 11 Marinas, 5 Golf Courses, 2 National Monuments; Fish. Boat. Hike. Dine.

Shop. Stay anytime.

Call 540-721-1203 for a FREE visitor’s guide or go to: www.visitsmithmountainlake.com

(photos courtesy Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce)

VIRGINIA

VirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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James City County Williamsburg

No where does 400+ years of American heritage come to life more vividly than in the Williamsburg area of Virginia. Visitors can explore America’s 1607 colonial beginnings at Jamestown, then experience life on the eve of the American Revolution at Colonial Williamsburg, Virginia’s reconstructed 18th-century capital. From 1699 through the Revolution, this diverse city served as a powerful center of commerce, culture, and politics. Authentically restored, Colonial Williamsburg and its historical interpreters, tradespeople, interactive programs and Revolutionary City street theater put you in the center of our nation’s struggle toward democracy and independence. A short drive away is Yorktown, where the decisive battle of the Revolutionary War was won.

The charm of Old World Europe blends with the excitement of 21st century technology, thrill rides and family entertainment at nearby Busch Gardens Williamsburg, voted the world’s most beautiful theme park for 20 consecutive years.

The Historic Triangle of Williamsburg/Jamestown/Yorktown also offers some of the nation’s most scenic parks, byways, nature trails and waterways for enjoying a wide range of outdoor activities, including boating, canoeing, and kayaking; birding and fishing; cycling and trail biking; horseback riding; walking and hiking. The area is also home to more than 14 award-winning golf courses, several of which are surrounded by Audubon sanctuaries.

A favorite shopping spot, the area offers everything from antiques, artisans and quality reproductions to great contemporary bargains. Wil-

liamsburg Premium Outlets and Williamsburg Outlet Mall provide savings of up to 70% at more than 160 designer- and brand-name outlet shops.

The Williamsburg Pottery Factory is a 100+ acre bonanza with factory outlets, unique baskets, pottery, housewares, custom framing, gardening items, Virginia and international foodstuffs and wines of every variety.

For more information, visit the Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance at www.explorewilliamsburg.com

Mathews County

Lose yourself on our back roads and you always end up at the water’s edge. Imagine a morning stroll along a solitary beach accompanied only by a skirting band of Sandpipers, or an evening kayak amid golden colored marshes.

Mathews is Virginia’s second smallest county, with over two hundred miles of Chesapeake Bay shoreline and over twenty public water access points. Rich in centuries of maritime tradition, quiet country roads lead past stately historic homes to the river’s edge and a life of boating, fishing, sailing and relaxation. This is Mathews County. Water adventures are the norm and art is abundant and spending the night is simply a great experience.

Visit us for a weekend and you’ll be tempted to stay for a lifetime. A short drive from Washington DC or Richmond, yet a world away!

For more information, contact the Mathews County Visitor and Information Center at (804) 725-4BAY or visit www.visitmathews. com online.

Colonial Williamsburg Reenactor (courtesy Patrick Q, Flickr)

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Smart Road Bridge (photo courtesy VA Dept. of Transportation)

Montgomery County

BLACKSBURG / CHRISTIANSBURG AREA

Coasting down the first big hill, the wind rushes past your face as you gain speed. In the process you are reminded why you loved riding your bike so much as a child.

After an exhilarating walk through pristine woods past picturesque streams, you are awed by the sight of a magnificent waterfall that cascades down, forming a deep blue pool that beckons you to jump in. If you find either one of these scenarios appealing, then you’ve come to the right place. Montgomery County is, indeed, a recreational paradise.

For the biking enthusiast, the Huckleberry Trail is more than twelve

miles of paved biking, walking, jogging and skating paths that run between Christiansburg and Blacksburg. The trail gets heavy use year-round, and is full of sights such as old railway trestles, rock cliffs, and a heritage park. Nearby is the New River Trail, which is 57 miles of the rails to trails system that turns former railroad routes into recreational paths. The trail is used for biking, hiking, walking and horseback riding and traverses the beautiful New River – the oldest river in the United States. The New River is used by campers, canoeists and fishermen year-round, and is nationally recognized for its outstanding fishing and clean clear water.

If you are looking for a more secluded hiking spot, the Appalachian Trail encompasses more than four hundred miles of footpaths through the state of Virginia with three miles traversing Montgomery County.

The trail winds through fourteen states in the eastern United States and offers backcountry camping with shelters, hiking, bridges, incomparable vistas and dazzling natural scenery. If you prefer to drive to see long winding vistas, then the Blue Ridge Parkway is just the ticket.

Conceived in the 1930’s as a 470 mile link between the Shenandoah National Park and the Smoky Mountains National Park, the parkway offers historical sights, a winery, resorts, bed and breakfasts, as well as extensive hiking and camping choices.

During the summer months you can jump right into nearby Claytor Lake. The lake is twenty-one miles long with more than 100 miles of shoreline. Surrounded by beautiful woodlands and forested mountains this man-made wonder has been in existence for more than 64 years.

Nearby hiking trails allow visitors to mingle with and observe the local wildlife, birds and fauna while the lake is a fishing, boating, swimming and hiking heaven for the water devotee.

The area’s first rate accommodations include historic bed and breakfast inns offering luxurious Victorian décor, hospitality and ambiance, modern luxury lodgings, rustic cabins and notable resorts. The area’s most recognizable resort is Mountain Lake. Nearby is a beautiful fourmile hike to The Cascades Waterfall. This natural wonder is 68 feet high, and provides a spectacular hike among lush flora and fauna, complete with well-marked footpaths and picnic areas.

In the same general vicinity off route 460 West, is Pandapas Pond Recreation Area. A one-mile hiking trail and mountain biking route for the more adventurous cyclist surrounds the eight-acre man made pond.

Whether it is hiking, biking, swimming, rafting, boating, sight seeing or any outdoor enthusiast’s favorite pastime the slice of heaven on earth that is the Blacksburg and Christiansburg, Virginia area offers it with a majestic background, unforgettable scenic splendor and welcoming hospitality.

For more info, please call the Blacksburg & Christiansburg Visitors Center at (540) 552-2636.

VirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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VIRGINIA

Located in Southwestern Virginia, in the Blue Ridge Highlands.

Montgomery County is the vacation destination of nature enthusiasts, history buffs, photographers and bird and wildlife lovers in addition to families, singles and retirees. It has been providing visitors with the perfect spot to work, relax, or enjoy a myriad of recreational possibilities for over 200 years.

Montgomery County’s unique location adjacent to the wild, natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains, provides guests with a wide range of possibilities for outdoor adventures. Our two nationally recognized universities supply the area with an incredible variety of cultural and educational options and the historic richness of the region melds past with present for exciting exploration.

All the promising choices, year-round scenic splendor and the mild climate with four distinct seasons makes it the perfect place for yearround recreation.

Known for our natural beauty and peaceful rural setting, man and wildlife coexist in what has been described as a little slice of heaven here on earth. At any turn in the road you might find a whitetail deer curiously staring at you, a groundhog contemplating your passage, a deep red cardinal serenading your passage, or even a black bear as startled by your presence as you are by its. Tourist-watching apparently is a favorite pastime of the wildlife in this relatively uncommercialized area.

Don’t try to cover Blacksburg / Christiansburg in a byway tour of just a day – there’s just too much to experience. And beware of an overload of the senses: the sound of songbirds, the sweet scent of honeysuckle, the feel of warm daytime sun and cool evening breezes and the sight of mountains that touch the sun, moon and stars co-mingled with historic sights, museums, amazing cuisine, cultural experiences and exhilarating recreation will leave you breathless. Go ahead - pamper yourself - visit us!

For more information please phone 1-877-ForGuide or visit our website at www.montgomerycc.org

Norfolk

Huntington Beach (courtesy Tony Alter)

Newport News

Since 1930, The Mariners’ Museum in Newport News has celebrated the spirit of seafaring adventure with an international collection of handcrafted ship models, scrimshaw, figureheads, paintings, working steam engines and vintage small craft. The new USS Monitor Center is home to the priceless artifacts recovered from the historic ship and a worldwide resource for exhibitions, conservation, research, and education related to the Monitor and the larger story of the naval history of the Civil War. The Monitor Center is a collaboration between the Museum and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

In 1987, The Mariners’ Museum was designated by NOAA as the custodian of the artifacts and archives of the Civil War ironclad. The Mariners’ Museum is uniquely qualified to conserve the historic vessel and tell the story of her epic battle in nearby Hampton Roads.

The Mariners’ Museum additionally features the museum film Mariner.

Visitors are encouraged to stroll through the 550-acre Mariners’ Museum Park and explore the five-mile Noland Trail, complete with 14 bridges and several scenic overlooks.

A fascinating age of military history unfolds in the galleries of the War Memorial Museum of Virginia, where more than 50,000 artifacts document America’s wars from 1775 to the present. The museum also houses one of the nation’s largest collections of military posters.

The Newsome House and Cultural Center, a restored 1899 Victorian landmark, was once the home of Joseph Thomas Newsome, a respected Newport News business leader. For years, his elegant Queen Anne residence served as the hub of the local black community from which Newsome led the fight for social justice within the commonwealth. Today, visitors can learn more of this fascinating history by touring the museum and cultural center.

The Virginia Living Museum is a spectacular combination of native wildlife park, science museum, aquarium, botanical preserve and planetarium - all in one beautiful setting. Carefully protected natural environments for living animals and plants create an exciting opportunity for visitors to explore plant and animal life native to America’s eastern Coastal Plains Region.

Newport News I-64 Exit 255A 11845 Jefferson Avenue

Newport News, VA 23606-1934

(757) 599-3237 Fax: (757) 599-0434 www.choicehotels.com

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Long known for its spectacular seaport and celebrated waterfront, Norfolk also offers a host of exciting attractions that are diverse and dry. The city of Norfolk is alive with hundreds of activities and destinations for vacationers looking to explore further than the fabulous Norfolk waterfront.

Norfolk offers more than 80 unique, chef-owned restaurants that are bursting with individuality and flavor. Likewise, the late night excitement makes this the region’s mecca for nightlife. The city celebrates all night long with live entertainment and hot spots like the hip Ghent district and along Granby Street, which offer live music and dancing.

Norfolk is a picturesque place to stay and play while exploring the great outdoors. Visit one of the East Coast’s largest collections of roses, azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons or see the animals at the zoo.

St. Paul’s Episcopal Church is the pride of Norfolk as the oldest building and only structure to survive the British destruction of the city on New Year’s Day, 1776. A cannonball fired into the church still remains lodged in the wall today. Built in 1739, the church has never been out of commission and features Tiffany stained glass windows and a tree-lined cemetery with 17th, 18th and 19th century tombstones.

Visitors can explore the church and attend daily services.

Norfolk is one of America’s great walking cities and is best enjoyed when experienced on foot. The city is also easily accessible by ferry/ water taxi, the city’s complimentary electric bus service, F.R.E.D. (free ride every day), light rail system “The Tide”, sailing or motor coach, however most visitors tend to stroll through the city streets exploring the ins and outs of Norfolk at their own pace. Not to be missed: Windows on History is a series of display windows depicting four centuries of historic people, places and events. The Cannonball Trail is a walkit-yourself tour through downtown historic Norfolk which connects the historic sites through storytelling. Visitors listen to stories about each site in order to form their own interpretation of Norfolk’s rich and multifaceted history.

Norfolk is a town rich with military history and tradition. An American fort since 1794, Historic Fort Norfolk has been called the bestpreserved War of 1812 location in America. During the Civil War it changed hands twice. The four-acre bastion of history still keeps watch over one of the world’s busiest harbors. The Fort now offers Civil War and War of 1812 re-enactments on special occasions to entertain crowds of visitors.

The Armed Forces Memorial is tucked into the southeastern corner of Town Point Park and is situated on the Elizabeth River, connected to the park by two bridges.

Norfolk is part of the Virginia Civil War Trails program, which links Civil War sites throughout the Commonwealth. Visitors can trace Norfolk’s Civil War heritage by taking the Civil War Trail around the city. Sites include Fort Norfolk, the historic Freemason District and the Black Civil War Memorial – the South’s only commemoration of black Union troops.

Spectators and golfers have their pick of courses in Norfolk.

The Norfolk Admirals are a professional American Hockey League team that provides hours of thrills and excitement for local and visiting fans. Norfolk Scope houses the team when they hit the ice to take on professional hockey teams from across the country.

The Norfolk Tides is the AAA affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. The award-winning Harbor Park, home of the Norfolk Tides, provides a great view of the action from any seat. More than 70 former Tides now play for the major leagues.

For more information about Norfolk, please contact VisitNorfolk at (757) 664-6620 or toll free (800) 368-3097. Visit our website at www. visitnorfolktoday.com

Portsmouth Ferry (photo courtesy Mark Brennan)

Northampton County Eastville Virginia – A Touch of History

Portsmouth is a quaint historic seaport city located on the world’s largest and deepest natural harbor. It is a great place to stop and rest along the Inter-coastal Waterway at Mile Marker Zero. Here boaters have easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay. Anyone can amble along the famous seawall, and catch a pedestrian ferry to Norfolk across the Elizabeth River.

Olde Towne Portsmouth is a history lovers dream come true. In a single square mile, the Olde Towne Historic District chronicles 300 years of history in one of the largest collections of antique homes in the South.

Highlights of the city include: The Children’s Museum of Virginia, Courthouse Art Gallery, Naval Shipyard Museum, Lighthship Museum, The luxurious restored 1945 Art Deco-style Commodore Theater which shows first run movies while serving light dinners. NTELOS Pavilion which is comparable in size and sound quality to Wolf Trap in NOVA. The business district is full of beautiful, unique restaurants and antique venues. There are many tours to enjoy which include the historic Ghost walk in October, the Candlelight Home tour in December, the Virginia Garden tour in April, Olde Towne Lantern tour, and the self-guided Path of History. Portsmouth is a 20-minute drive from Virginia Beach, and less than hour from The Historic Triangle of Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown.

For more information, please contact the Visitor Information Center at (757) 393-5111 or (800) 767-8782. Website www.visitportsva.com

The Patriot Inn Bed & Breakfast Portsmouth, Virginia

Take a step back in time to a 1784 Colonial home offering all the luxuries of today!

(757) 391 0157

Fax: (757) 391-9290

weisspatriot@aol.com www.bbonline.com/va/patriot 201 North St. Portsmouth, VA 23704 VirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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VIRGINIA

The charming historic town of Eastville is located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, approximately 15 miles north of the southern-most tip of the Delmarva Peninsula. Access to “city life” is gained by traveling across the 17 mile Chesapeake Bay Bridge, which connects the eastern shore to Virginia Beach, Virginia. The total population of this town is a little over 200.

Eastville is the county seat of Northampton County and has been for over three hundred years. The fame of this little town is that it holds the oldest continuous court records in the nation, dating from 1632. Early court records were kept in clerk homes and have survived to this day.

They are preserved in the newly built courthouse and can be viewed by visitors. Visitors are also able to partake of a “self-guided” tour of the Courthouse Green’s 1700 buildings, the 1731 Courthouse, 1770 Clerk’s Office and the 1770. (Weekdays only) Court was first held at this site in 1677 when the community was known as “the Hornes”, referring to its location between two branches of bayside creek. “The Hornes” later became Peachburg Town and then Eastville. The first courthouse on this site was in use by 1690.

Another courthouse, a two story frame building with a floor of hard packed earth and a raised wood platform for the judges, was built in 1715. The building now known as the old Courthouse was built in 1731, of brick, laid in Flemish bond. The three-building old Courthouse complex has been designated as a Virginia Historic Site.

In Eastville you will find historic homes, art galleries, a bed and breakfast, and the historic Eastville Inn. The town is very photogenic with peaceful streets lined with old oak trees, Crape Myrtles, and a keen sense of pride in its history.

Located in the heart of historic Eastville is the 285 year old Inn and is the only restaurant located in the town. Chef Charles Thain offers a succulent menu filled with his seafood specialties and Chesapeake Bay favorites.

Stay the night at the Windrush Holiday Bed & Breakfast. Windrush offers visitors two options for lodging and accommodations and a wide variety of outdoor activities. There is something there for every member of the family.

A visit to Eastville is truly a step back in time. To learn more, call the Northampton County Chamber at (757) 678-0010.

Portsmouth

Prince William County Manassas

Located only 30 miles from the U.S. capital.

Prince William County / Manassas, Virginia holds its own unforgettable role in American history. In July 1861, Union and Confederate forces faced off for the first, major battle of the Civil War. Today, visitors can journey through hallowed ground at Manassas National Battlefield Park and explore interpretive exhibits at the Manassas Museum tracing the region’s history from colonial days to the recent past.

From yesterday’s battlefields, to today’s frontlines, Prince William County is home to the new National Museum of the Marine Corps.

Boasting stunning architecture and interactive displays, the museum attracted more than 600,000 visitors from around the world in just its first year!

Travelers also come to Prince William County to perfect their swings.

This is home to the links where the legends play: Prince William County is the four-time host of the Presidents Cup. For those who may not always aim for the hole-in-one, there are nine championship, daily fee golf courses with an array of terrain and amazing views.

Prince William County also is known as the Outdoors Capital of the Capital Region. From the depths of the Potomac River to the heights of the Bull Run Mountains, Prince William County offers national, state and local parks and sanctuaries and wetlands. Visitors seeking to escape city streets for quiet retreats, may hike, bike, fish, picnic, canoe, bird watch and horseback ride.

Families also may bridge the generation gap at three water parks, indoor and outdoor ice skating rinks and Potomac Nationals minor league baseball games. Racing fans may get into the fast lane at the NOVA BMX track or with NASCAR at Old Dominion Speedway!

Shopping is the top activity on vacation, and Potomac Mills Mall is the most visited tourist attraction in Prince William County and one of the largest value outlet malls on the East Coast! Bargains, and treasures, also are found on our antique corridors, and in Historic Manassas and Historic Occoquan. Our destination also offers family-friendly festivals year-round, while the world’s hottest entertainment acts take center stage at Nissan Pavilion.

To make their stays complete, visitors may rest easily at more than three dozen hotels and a charming bed and breakfast, and eat memorably at hundreds of restaurants. They also may indulge their senses at the Winery at LaGrange.

Discover why History Loves Company in Prince William County / Manassas, Virginia, accessible from Dulles International Airport and Reagan Washington National Airport, off I-95 and I-66 and Amtrak rail lines. For a visitors guide, golf guide, calendar of events and pocket map, please log on to www.visitpwc.com or call (800) 432-1792. To make your hotel reservation right now, please log on to www.visitpwc.com

Richmond Region …Easy to Love

Located in east central Virginia.

Residents and visitors to the Historic Richmond Region continue to call it easy to love. Home to museums, breathtaking architecture and a vibrant arts community, the Region entertains and enlightens. Historic buildings and world-class museums nestle next to new structures designed to harmonize with the past even as they define the future. Richmond – fun, affordable and accessible – offers the benefits of a big city and the warmth of a small town. There are trendy areas and endless pockets of discovery – all in a historic setting that reminds us of who we

Quality Inn & Suites Ashland 810 England Street • I-95 & SR 54 Ashland, VA 23005

(804) 798-4231 • Fax (804) 798-9074 www.choicehotels.com/hotel/va337

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are as Americans.

Located on the James River fall line, Richmond was founded in 1607

by Captains Christopher Newport and John Smith of Jamestown fame.

Patrick Henry lit the fires of revolution when he delivered his “…give me liberty or give me death…” speech at St. John’s Church in 1775. You can still visit St. John’s, and during the summer enjoy the re-enactments of Henry’s famous speech.

Richmond replaced Williamsburg as capital of the Commonwealth of Virginia in 1780. The State Capitol was designed by Thomas Jefferson and is one of the most visited sites in the city.

Visitors to the Richmond Region find the traditions of history and culture alive today. Historic homes and neighborhoods, Civil War and Revolutionary War sites and museums, gardens and nature centers, science & art museums, sports teams and the James River offer a myriad of activities throughout the Region. Combined with excellent shopping and excellent dining, these attractions are enough to create several funfilled weekends.

The Richmond Region is rich in historic homes and famous folk.

Henricus Historical Park recreates the New World’s second successful English settlement, the 1611 Citie of Henricus. The John Marshall House, Edgar Allan Poe Museum, Maggie Walker National Historic Site, Meadow Farm and Scotchtown all interpret the lives of distinguished people. The Virginia Historical Society and Museum covers Virginia’s history from Native America to the present day. If Civil War is an interest, be sure to visit the National Park Service’s Civil War Visitor Center at Tredegar Iron Works. The rangers can direct you to surrounding battlefields as well as familiarize you with the impact the war had on Richmond.

Once known as the Harlem of the South, the Jackson Ward neighborhood is home to a museum, the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site and a statue of Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, a tap dancer famously popular in the 1930s. Every fall the neighborhood is hopping at the annual Second Street Festival with people, food, jazz, gospel music and a market.

The hands of time are turned back to the 1920s-40s when the street was the heart of the Region’s African American community.

Richmond can also boast a splendid natural resource in the James River – one of the only urban settings for class III and class IV white water rapids as well as fishing and canoeing. For a more tranquil experience try bird watching at Dutch Gap Conservatory, or cycling on Belle Isle. You may choose to spend time strolling along the historic Canal Walk conceived by George Washington. It winds 1.25 miles along the James River and takes you through historical moments in Richmond’s history. The restored canal offers boat rides and tours.

Sports fans have plenty to choose from year-round. From Richmond RiverDogs hockey in the winter to Richmond Braves baseball in the summer, sports in Richmond run the gamut. There’s the Richmond Kickers professional soccer team and perhaps the most popular—NASCAR. Richmond International Raceway is the only track in the nation to hold both its NASCAR Sprint Cup races at night.

Richmond is also a great place to have a meal. There are more than 400 restaurants to choose from. Around the Region you can forgo the usual and experience a variety of ethnic cuisines and world-wide influences. You could spend a weekend just sampling food!

The Region is very easy to love if you are a beer fan. Several microbreweries serve excellent beer along with delicious food.

Nightlife and performing arts are vibrant throughout the Region.

Around every corner of the Historic Richmond Region there is a pocket of discovery like Hollywood Cemetery – where two U.S. presidents are buried along with many Confederate notables. Or Carytown, one of Richmond’s earliest shopping areas, now home to a wide range of eclectic shops and eateries.

For more information, call (888) RICHMOND for a free Visitors Guide or go online to www.visitrichmondva.com

Road to Revolution Heritage Trail

Your family will enjoy exploring the life and times of Patrick Henry, the Voice of the American Revolution, at the wonderful historic sites in Virginia located on the Road to Revolution Heritage Trail. Your path will take you to the historic Richmond Region, beautiful Hanover County, to the campus of Hampden-Sydney College, and to Red Hill, located in Charlotte County.

The trail can be explored in segments or as a whole. Visit the website, www.roadtorevolution.com for maps and information.

Surry County Virginia Beach

and the Francis Land House (late 1700s). All homes are open to the public for tours and host special interpretative programs throughout the year.

One of southeastern Virginia’s leading art institutions, CACV’s mission is to teach visitors about contemporary art through regularly scheduled changing exhibits, studio art classes, and special events.

With more than 18,000 acres of state parks and national wildlife refuges, certain areas in Virginia Beach remain almost identical to what the first English settlers viewed when they set foot on North American soil. First Landing State Park, the most visited state park in Virginia, contains 2,700 acres of protected salt marsh habitat, bay and dune maritime forests and freshwater ponds. A registered Natural Landmark, it fronts the Chesapeake Bay. Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge, an 8,500-acre plot is made up of barrier islands, dunes, freshwater marshes, maritime forests, ponds and ocean beaches. Sharing a border is the 4,321-acre False Cape State Park, featuring six miles of unspoiled beaches in an ocean-to-freshwater bay habitat. Both Back Bay and False Cape are home to wild horses, feral pigs, loggerhead turtles, American bald eagles and a large variety of migratory birds and endangered species. Additionally, the 2,907-acre North Landing River Natural Area Preserve, owned and operated by the Nature Conservancy, is one of the largest and most significant nature preserves in the state.

To learn more about Virginia Beach, please visit us online at www. vbfun.com

Virginia Beach EconoLodge Oceanfront 2109 Atlantic Ave.

Virginia Beach, VA 23451

(757) 428-2403 • (800) 999-3630

Fax: (757) 422-2530 www.econolodge.com/hotel-virginia_beach-virginia-VA051 VirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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VIRGINIA

Get up at dawn and watch the sun splash its golden colors over the early morning sky. Or stay up late and entice your date for a romantic stroll along the moonlit beach. You define your dream vacation – that’s the mystique of Virginia Beach. If you care for suggestions – well, we’ve got plenty of them! In Virginia Beach, the Aquarium and museums are intriguing, while the attractions are as appealing as the sunny beaches.

Virginia Beach beckons you to “live the life!”

Climb into the past with a visit to the original Cape Henry Lighthouse.

Dating to 1791, it’s the oldest government-built lighthouse in America.

Once you reach the summit, enjoy a panoramic view of the Atlantic Ocean and the Chesapeake Bay – the same view once seen by ship watchers more than 200 years ago. Located on the Fort Story military base, the original Cape Henry Lighthouse is open to the public. Across the road, you’ll find the new Cape Henry Lighthouse. Built in 1881, it’s the tallest iron-encased lighthouse in the country, and is operated by the U.S. Coast Guard.

Embark on a fantastic swashbuckling pirate adventure or step back in time at a museum.

Stroll up the Boardwalk to discover another treasure - the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum on Atlantic Avenue. Located in the historically registered DeWitt cottage built in 1895, the Atlantic Wildfowl Heritage Museum displays art and artifacts documenting migratory wildfowl that pass through Eastern Virginia. Exhibits of wildfowl and shorebird carvings trace the evolution of this unique American art form.

Enjoy on-site wood-carving demonstrations, decoys dating from historic times to present day and a collection of exhibits covering the history of Virginia Beach.

For a peek into the lives of Virginia Beach’s earliest residents, visitors may enter a number of historic homes located throughout the city: the Adam Thoroughgood House (circa 1680) stands on land that was part of the original land grant. Other historic homes still standing in Virginia Beach were constructed later in the colonial period such as the Lynnhaven House (1725), the Ferry Plantation House (1740)

Virginia Beach Boardwalk (photo courtesy Tony Alter)

York County Yorktown

In Historic Yorktown, you can relive the pivotal battle of the Revolutionary War when the mighty British Army surrendered to the allied French and American forces led by General George Washington. Visit Yorktown Victory Center, which captures the true life drama of the American Revolution through galleries telling the stories of men and women who lived through the war. At Yorktown Battlefield and Visitor Center, tour Washington’s Headquarters, stand under his tent, and walk among the earthworks where Continental Army soldiers fought. Stop at the 18th century home of Thomas Nelson Jr., a signer of the Declaration of Independence. Listen to the sounds of The Fife and Drums of York Town. Ride the free Yorktown Trolley.

Newport News / At the Watermen’s Museum, learn about the men and women who make their living on the York River. Enjoy the river at the scenic beach.

Yorktown Take time to browse in antique shops, art galleries, and specialty shops 200 Cybernetics Way at Riverwalk Landing and up the hill in the village. Enjoy dining at unique Yorktown, VA 23693 restaurants, many with a view of the York River. Plan to stay overnight or longer at a hotel, bed and breakfast inn, or guest cottage overlooking (757) 874-8884 the water or up the hill in the village.

Free High-Speed Internet Come back for special events including beach music, swing and • Kitchens in Room • Pullout other performances at Riverwalk Landing, Market Days, 4th of July festivities, Yorktown Day on Oct. 19, and a wide variety of special holiSofa • Non-Smoking day events. Yorktown is a year-round destination for history, shopping, www.marriott.com outdoor recreation, fine dining and special events. Come for a day, a weekend or longer.

y kroo2u, Flickr) Yorktown Reenactor (courtes

Yorktown Beach (photo courtesy Patrick Donovan)

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• Virginia

Schooner Alliance Day Sails

Set Sail for Adventure aboard the 105' Schooner Alliance! You will return to the by-gone days of old sailing ships when you step aboard the Alliance. Our knowledgeable crew will harmonize past with present as you sail past the Battlefield where our country won its independence and view the Victory Monument along the banks of the York River. You may see dolphins or osprey, working watermen, or perhaps cruise past a naval warship or submarine! You can lend a hand at setting sail, enjoy a beverage or snack from our ships galley, or just listen to the sound of the wind as we glide along under a cloud of canvas. Our sails are set the traditional way with block and tackle, and a little elbow grease.

Four centuries ago Captain John Smith explored these waters around Yorktown aboard a small sailing vessel while trading with the Powhatan Indians. Join him in spirit when you set sail aboard the three-masted Schooner Alliance. Two-hour cruises depart daily from Riverwalk Landing Pier, Yorktown. Call 800-979-3370 to purchase tickets or visit www.sailyorktown.com

Schooner Serenity Pirate Cruises

PP

Join the Alliance and step back into history aboard Yorktown’s 105’ Tall Ship. Lend a hand at setting sail or look for dolphins and osprey as you sail past the Battlefield where our country won its independence.

For those who love history, yearn for romance or have dreamed of a true sailing adventure, Your Ship Has Just Come In! Alliance sails 3 times daily from Riverwalk Landing Pier in historic Yorktown from April to November.

VIRGINIA

Bring the kids to Captain Mayhem’s School of Piracy aboard the Schooner Serenity! They will set the sails, steer the ship, get tattooed and fire the cannon! Pirate Cruises depart from Riverwalk Landing Pier in Yorktown on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday May to September. 11:30 a.m. departures.

Call 800-979-3370 to purchase tickets or visit www.sailyorktown.com Serenity is also available for Private Charters for groups of up to 26.

Bring the kids to Captain Mayhem’s School of Piracy aboard the Pirate Ship Serenity for a swashbuckling good time! Watch them raise the sails, steer the schooner, get tattooed and fire the cannon!

Pirate Cruises depart from Riverwalk Landing Pier May to September. Advance reservations required. Serenity is also available for Private Charters.

Yorktown Sailing Charters LLC • Riverwalk Landing Pier, Yorktown www.sailyorktown.com • info@sailyorktown.com • 757-639-1233 VirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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Area Chambers of Commerce & Visitors Centers Abingdon • (276) 628-3167 • www.abingdon.com Arlington Convention & Visitors Services • (800) 296-7996 • www.stayarlington.com Blacksburg & Christiansburg Visitors Center • (540) 552-2636 Blue Ridge Travel Association • (800) 446-9670 • www.virginiablueridge.org Botetourt County • (540) 473-1167 • www.visitbotetourt.com Chesapeake Bay Gateways Center • (410) 260-2488 • www.baygateways.net Chesapeake Conventions & Tourism • (757) 502-4898 • (888) 889-5551 • www.visitchesapeake.com Chincoteague Chamber • (757) 336-6161 • www.chincoteaguechamber.com Culpeper • (540) 727-0611 • www.visitculpeperva.com Eastern Shore of Virginia Tourism • (757) 787-8268 • www.esvatourism.org Fairfax County Visitors Center • (800) 732-9500 • www.visitfairfax.org Fairfax Museum & Visitors Center • (703) 385-8414 • (800) 545-7930 • www.fairfaxva.gov Greater Williamsburg Chamber & Tourism Alliance • (800) 368-6511 • www.explorewilliamsburg.com Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau • (757) 727-1102 • (800) 800-2202 • www.visithampton.com Heart of Appalachia • (276) 762-0011 • www.heartofappalachia.com Loudoun CVB • (800) 752-6118 • www.visitloudoun.org Luray / Page County Visitor Info Center • (540) 743-3915 • (888) 743-3915 • www.luraypage.com Mathews County • (804) 725-4BAY • www.visitmathews.com Montgomery County • (877) ForGuide • www.montva.com Nelson County CVB • (800) 282-8223 • www.nelsoncounty.com Northampton County • (757) 678-0070 Northern Neck Tourism Council • (804) 333-1919 • (800) 393-6180 • www.northernneck.org Prince William County / Manassas CVB • (703) 396-7130 • (800) 432-1792 • www.visitpwc.com Pulaski County CC & Visitors Center • (540) 980-7705 • www.pulaskicounty.org Richmond Metropolitan CVB • (888) RICHMOND • (804) 783-7450 • www.visitrichmondva.com Roanoke Valley CVB • (540) 342-6025 • (800) 635-5535 • www.visitroanokeva.com Shenandoah County Tourism • (540) 459-6227 • www.shenandoahtravel.org Smith Mountain Lake Regional Chamber • (540) 721-1203 • www.visitsmithmountainlake.com Town of Front Royal • (540) 635-5788 • www.frontroyalva.com Winchester / Frederick County CVB • (540) 542-1326 • (877) 871-1326 • visitwinchesterva.com Wytheville / Wythe & Bland Regional VC • (276) 223-3355 • (877) 347-8307 • www.visitwytheville.com Virginia Beach CVB • (800) VA-BEACH • www.vbfun.com Virginia Tourism Corporation • (800) 847-4882 • www.virginia.org VisitNorfolk • (757) 664-6620 • (800) 368-3097 • www.visitnorfolktoday.com

State Parks & Recreation Areas western Breaks Interstate Park.......................................................(276) 865-4413 Buffalo Mountain Natural Area Preserve...........................(276) 676-5673 Claytor Lake State Park....................................................(540) 643-2500 Douthat State Park............................................................(540) 862-8100 Grayson Highlands State Park..........................................(276) 579-7092 Goshen Pass Natural Area Preserve................................(540) 265-5234 Hungry Mother State Park.................................................(276) 781-7400 Natural Tunnel State Park.................................................(276) 940-2674 New River Trail State Park................................................(276) 236-8889 Pinnacle Natural Area Preserve........................................(276) 676-5673 Poor Mountain Natural Area Preserve...............................(540) 265-5234 Shot Tower Historical State Park.......................................(276) 699-1791 Southwest Virginia Museum State Park............................(276) 523-1322 Wilderness Road State Park.............................................(276) 445-3065 Central / northern Bear Creek Lake State Park..............................................(804) 492-4410 Bull Run Mountains Natural Area Preserve.......................(540) 265-5234 Fairy Stone State Park......................................................(276) 930-2424 Holliday Lake State Park...................................................(434) 248-6308 James River State Park.....................................................(434) 933-4355 Lake Anna State Park........................................................(540) 854-5503 Leesylvania State Park......................................................(703) 730-8205 Occoneechee State Park..................................................(434) 374-2210 Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park.................................(804) 561-7491

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• Virginia

Shenandoah River State Park...........................................(540) 622-6840 Sky Meadows State Park..................................................(540) 592-3556 Smith Mountain Lake State Park.......................................(540) 297-6066 Staunton River Battlefield State Park................................(434) 454-4312 Staunton River State Park.................................................(434) 572-4623 Twin Lakes State Park.......................................................(434) 392-3435 Eastern Belle Isle State Park..........................................................(804) 462-5030 Bethel Beach Natural Area Preserve.................................(804) 225-2303 Bush Mill Stream Natural Area Preserve...........................(804) 225-2303 Caledon Natural Area........................................................(540) 663-3861 Chippokes Plantation State Park.......................................(757) 294-3728 Chub Sandhill Natural Area Preserve................................(757) 925-2318 Cumberland Marsh Natural Area Preserve.......................(804) 225-2303 Dameron Marsh Natural Area Preserve............................(804) 225-2303 False Cape State Park......................................................(757) 426-7128 First Landing State Park....................................................(757) 412-2300 Hickory Hollow Natural Area Preserve..............................(804) 225-2303 Hughlett Point Natural Area Preserve...............................(804) 225-2303 Kiptopeke State Park.........................................................(757) 331-2267 Mason Neck State Park.....................................................(703) 339-2385 New Point Comfort Natural Area Preserve........................(804) 225-2303 Westmoreland State Park..................................................(804) 493-8821 York River State Park........................................................(757) 566-3036 For more information, visit www.dcr.virginia.gov or call 1-800-933-PARK

Calendar of Events

For a Full List of Events and Event Details, Contact Area Chambers of Commerce/Visitor’s Bureaus.

september

abingdon – Washington County Fair chesapeake – Civil War Days

Summer Art Show

Symphony Under the Stars christiansburg Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival Wilderness Trail Festival front royal – Third Thursday ArtWalk manassas – Old World Festival newport news – Military Vehicle Show Revolutionary War Re-Enactment Siege of Yorktown middletown – Clam and Oyster Bake norfolk – Acoustic Music Festival Antique Classic Car and Boat Show Books in the Park Mid Atlantic Black Film Festival Mid-Autumn Moon Festival Town Point Boat Show onancock – Harborfest richmond – NASCAR Weekend St. Benedict Oktoberfest State Fair of Virginia Street Festival of the Arts Virginia Garden Festival Smith Mountain Lake – Wine Festival virginia beach – American Music Festival Blues at the Beach Festa Italiana Neptune Fall Wine Festival Neptune Festival Boardwalk Weekend Rock ‘N’ Roll 1/2 Marathon Sandman Triathlon williamsburg – Arts Month winchester – Apple Harvest Festival Blue Grass & Barbecue Civil War Weekend Fall Fun Festival Marker-Miller Orchard Friday Fish Fry Celebration Kitchen Kapers Tour Tri-State Antique Truck Show

october

november

abingdon – Mistletoe Market chesapeake Indian River Christmas Craft Show Veterans Day Salute chincoteague Assateague Island Waterfowl Week Deborah Waterfowl Show/Auction Holiday Craft Shopping Extravaganza newport news – 100 Miles of Lights norfolk Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Gardens Grand Illumination Parade richmond Capital of the Confederacy Civil War Show Craft and Design Show Craftsmen’s Christmas Classic Arts & Crafts Festival GardenFest of Lights Sun Trust Richmond Marathon & NTELOS 8K Virginia Christmas Show Smith Mountain Lake – Fall Chili & Craft Festival urbanna – Oyster Festival virginia beach – Cape Henry Duathlon Holiday Lights at the Beach williamsburg Foods & Feasts of Colonial Virginia Virginia Thanksgiving Festival @ Berkeley Plantation

december

chesapeake – Battle of Great Bridge chincoteague Old-Fashioned Christmas Parade manassas – Santa Visits Ben Lomond millwood Twilight Tours @ Historic Long Branch House newport news – 100 Miles of Lights Antebellum Holidays Hollydazzle Newsome House Holiday Splendor Pearl Harbor Day Ceremony norfolk Garden of Lights at Norfolk Botanical Gardens onancock – Christmas Home Tour portsmouth – Candlelight Home Tour richmond An Old-Fashioned Christmas at Maymont Bizarre Bazaar’s Christmas Collection Holiday Glitter: Monument Avenue After Dark virginia beach – Holiday Lights at the Beach Holiday Parade at the Beach williamsburg – A Colonial Christmas Christmas Decorations in Historic Area Grand Illumination in Colonial Williamsburg Williamsburg Community Christmas Parade winchester – Preservation of Historic Winchester Holiday House Tours

january

chincoteague – Polar Pony Plunge fort shenandoah – Annual Snowball Skirmish newport news – Bird Walks richmond – Capital City Kwanzaa Festival Virginia Boat Show

february

chesapeake – Valentine’s Day Wine Tasting chincoteague – Death By Chocolate newport news – Bird Walks richmond – Maymont Flower and Garden Show Valentine’s Day Dance williamsburg Civil War Programs @ Colonial Williamsburg

march

chesapeake – Chesapeake Poetry Festival newport news – Bird Walks richmond – Chesapeake Bay Day Craftsmen’s Classic Arts and Crafts Festival

april

cape charles – Blessing of the Fleet Low Country Shrimp Boil chesapeake – Chesapeake Art Show Chesapeake Senior Games Great Dismal Swamp Stomp Half Marathon chincoteague – Daffodil Festival Eastern Shore House and Garden Tour Spring Craft Show portsmouth – Virginia Garden Tour richmond – Historic Garden Week in Virginia Running of the Strawberry Hill Races Ukrop’s Monument Avenue 10K Run/Walk Smith Mountain Lake Rockin’ Brews & BBQs virginia beach Cruisin’ Virginia Beach Car Show Gospelfest Virginia Beer Festival warren county – Redbud Festival williamsburg – Garden Month winchester – Carl Frye Memorial Open Tourney Historic Garden Week

may

cape charles – Black Drum World Championship Fishing Tournament chesapeake – Arts Festival BBQ Cook-Off Chesapeake Jubilee Shrimp Feast chincoteague – Blessing Of The Fleet International Migratory Bird Celebration Seafood Festival fort shenandoah Spring Nationals Skirmish Competition front royal – Wine & Craft Festival norfolk – AFR’AM Fest Greek Festival Stockley Gardens Spring Arts Festival Virginia Beer Festival Virginia Wine Festival reedville – Blessing of the Fleet richmond – Arts in the Park Hanover County Heritage Day Henrico Open NASCAR Weekend Rose Society Show urbanna – Art on the Half Shell virginia beach – Atlantic Coast Kite Festival Caribbean Music Festival Monsters on the Beach Pungo Strawberry Festival Virginia Wine Festival World Music Drum Festival williamsburg – Jamestown Day Pedal the Parkway winchester Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival

VirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

VIRGINIA

belle grove – Living History Weekend blacksburg – Halloween Carnival boyce – Blandy Farm Arbor Fest chesapeake – Bark in the Park DockDogs® Club Series Competition Ghost Train Great American Food Fest chincoteague Chili & Chowder Cookoff Oyster Festival chippokes forestry museum Harvest Festival christiansburg Sinkland Farms Pumpkin Festival fort shenandoah Fall Nationals Skirmish Competition Halloween Skirmish front royal Autumn Conservation Festival @ Smithsonian’s National Zoo Festival of Leaves Third Thursday ArtWalk kiptopeake – Harvest Festival manassas – Fall Jubilee Haunted Ben Lomond middletown – Apple Harvest Festival Battle of Cedar Creek Re-Enactment millwood – Hot Air Balloon and Wine Festival at Historic Longbranch newport news – Fall Festival of Folklife Oyster Point Oyster Roast norfolk – Ocean View Art Show Town Point Virginia Wine Festival Virginia Childrens Festival portsmouth Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race Historic Ghostwalk

richmond – Blood Lake Haunted House Folk Festival Highland Games and Celtic Festival Oktoberfest Second Street Festival virginia beach – Beach Blast Coin Show Columbus Day Soccer Tournament Gun & Knife Show Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show Oktober Brewfest Wild Wheels Weekend williamsburg – An Occasion for the Arts Prelude to Victory Re-Enactments @ Colonial Williamsburg Yorktown Victory Celebration winchester Harvest Festival at Marker-Miller Orchard International Children’s Festival Market Day: A Festival of Olden Times & Tankards Pumpkin Festival

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Calendar of Events

For a Full List of Events and Event Details, Contact Area Chambers of Commerce/Visitor’s Bureaus.

june

blacksburg – Junteenth chesapeake – American Indian Festival

Juneteenth Festival

chincoteague – Bluegrass Concert hampton – Blackbeard Festival manassas – Heritage Railway Festival Wine and Jazz Festival middletown – Down in the Valley Re-Enactment Jazz Festival portsmouth – Cock Island Race reedville – Bluefish Derby richmond – Ashland Strawberry Faire Batteau River Festival Indy Racing League Weekend Juneteenth, an Emancipation Commemoration virginia beach – Blackbeard Pirate Festival Boardwalk Art Show & Festival Latin Fest

july

abingdon – Fourth in the Park blacksburg – Independence Day Celebration chesapeake – Open Horseshoe Tournament chincoteague Chincoteague Island Blueberry Festival Old-Fashioned Fireworks Display Pony Swim & Auction Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival chippokes – Pork, Peanut & Pine Festival

front royal – Third Thursday ArtWalk Volunteer Fire Department Carnival fort shenandoah Annual Veteran’s Skirmish manassas Anniversary of the Battle of First Manassas Celebrate America Friday Night Movies SummerSounds Concerts middletown – 4th of July Parade newport news 4th of July Stars in the Sky norfolk Bayou Boogaloo & Cajun Food Festival Great American 4th of July Picnic & Fireworks Harborfest Norfolk Jazz Festival richmond – 4th of July Extravaganza Dogwood Dell Festival Hanover Tomato Festival Musical Mondays at Maymont virginia beach – Chalk the Walk ARTsplosion Family Fest Mid-Atlantic Hermit Crab Challenge Stars & Stripes Explosion williamsburg Boom’n July @ Busch Gardens Colonial Williamsburg Historic Area Fireworks winchester – Frederick County Fair Jim Barnett Park Fireworks Display

august

abingdon – Abingdon Spirit Tour (Saturdays) Virginia Highlands Festival blacksburg – Gobblerfest Steppin’ Out chesapeake – Criterium Bicycle Race front royal – Third Thursday ArtWalk Warren County Fair hampton – Hampton Cup Regatta manassas African-American Heritage Festival Anniversary of the Battle of Second Manassas Prince William County Fair middletown Fruit Market Peach & Millinery Festival norfolk – Latino Music Festival portsmouth – Seawall Art Show richmond – Carytown Watermelon Festival Chesterfield County Fair Down Home Family Reunion Virginia Food Festival virginia beach – Antique Show East Coast Surfing Championships FunkFest Neptune Soccer Classic Sun Cup Soccer Tournament williamsburg Merchants Square Summer Breeze Concert Series winchester – Peach Festival

Traveling Safety Tips

• Whether you’re going 50 miles or 5,000 miles, always leave an itinerary with someone you know well and trust.

• If you are traveling by car or RV, always service / inspect your vehicle or have it inspected by a qualified mechanic. Don’t get stuck needing repairs or maintenance while on the road. At a minimum this inspection should include:

• Engine fluids • Overall running and operational condition • Transmission and drive train operation and fluid levels

• Tire tread, wear, and air pressure, Don’t forget the spare • Lights and signals • Horn • Windshield wipers

• Glass and mirrors • Take a list of any medications you are taking, and your physicians contact information.

• Don’t forget allergy medications, and if you wear medical bracelets or necklaces, put them on.

• Cell phone and charger.

• Phone number list or phone book.

• Always have a roadside emergency kit in your vehicle when traveling. At a minimum this should include:

• Flashlight • Basic tools • Jumper cables • High-visibility vest • Tire chains in the winter

• Reflective triangles or flares (Flares can be dangerous, and cause fires) • Gloves • Blanket • Always carry a First Aid Kit. • Carry a 2 ½ lb. or larger fire extinguisher (ABC Classification) and know how to use it.

• Your clothing should be appropriate for the weather conditions. If you’re traveling in adverse weather conditions, be prepared for the worst case scenario.

• Have a detailed map.

• Travel with your lights on.

• Always wear your safety restraints, and make sure your passengers do as well.

If you should breakdown • Get off the road, as far as the road’s edge and safety permits.

• Turn on your four-way flashers.

• It’s usually safest to remain in your vehicle. If you must get out, stay back, away from the shoulder of the road and the traffic.

• Wear your high-visibility vest when changing tires, and have a flashlight on to make you more visible at night.

• Put out the reflective triangle.

Have a safe trip! ~ Safejary www.worksafetyservices.com

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• Virginia

Welcome to West Virginia State Facts Nickname: “Mountain State” State Motto: “Montani semper liberi” Mountaineers are always free Area: 24,231 square miles Population: approx. 1,855,364 Capital: Charleston Highest Point: Spruce Knob 4,863 feet above sea level State Tree: Sugar Maple State Flower: Rhododendron State Animal: Black Bear State Bird: Cardinal State Insect: Monarch Butterfly State Fish: Brook Trout

Black Bear (courtesy Wikimedia)

State Flag (courtesy Wikimedia)

WEST VIRGINIA

State Quarter (courtesy US Gov’t)

(photo courtesy Greenbrier County CVB)

WestVirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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• West Virginia

Huntington

Mingo

Wayne

Lincoln

Cabell Nicholas

Clay

Braxton

Gilmer

Bluefield

Mercer

Bluestone River

Summers

Beckley

New River

Summersville Lake

Summersville

Fayette Raleigh

McDowell

Wyoming

Logan

Boone

Kanawha

Wetzel

Pocahontas

Upshur

Monroe

Greenbrier

Webster

Sutton Lake

Lewis

Barbour

Randolph

Tucker

Preston

Morgantown

Fairmont

Monongalia Marion

Taylor Harrison Doddridge Clarksburg

Ritchie Calhoun

Wirt

Pleasants

Roane

Cross Lanes Charleston

Jackson

Wood

Kanawha River

Putnam

Mason

Vienna

Parkersburg

Tyler

Ohio

Marshall

Moundsville

Wheeling

Brooke

Weirton

Hancock

Pendleton

Grant

Hardy

N

Hampshire

Morgan

Martinsburg

Potomac River

Jefferson

Berkeley

West Virginia W

Attractions

Cass Scenic Railroad (photo courtesy West Virginia State Parks)

West Virginia State Parks

Woods. Wildlife. Streams. And Amazing State Parks.

Mountains of deciduous trees with buds erupting from winter snows into blooms and greenry. Summer breeze and shade. An explosion of color in fall. Streams, rivers and lakes are always close regardless of where you visit in West Virginia. State parks and state forests in West Virginia are as diverse as the four-seasons.

A Working Railroad.

Cass Scenic Railroad is a West Virginia State Park. Located in Pocahontas County, the locomotives run daily trips from Memorial Day Weekend through the last Sunday in October. A trip to the third highest point in WV, Bald Knob, runs every day except Monday. Evening events featuring barbeque, bluegrass, and other themed evenings include a train ride to Whittaker Station. There are twenty original company houses to rent.

The town includes a company store, a museum, and a history showcase about the logging train era and its community. Cass houses and works the world’s foremost roster of Shay locomotives. The Cass Scenic Railroad operating schedule, history, events and ticket info is online at www. cassrailroad.com Discover More.

Discover over 49 state parks and forests in West Virginia. Ten parks have lodges open year-round. Lodges feature full-service restaurants, many with cabins and campgrounds. Five championship golf courses with daily play and package options. Two rail trails, Greenbrier River Trail and North Bend Rail Trail invite hikers, bikers and horseback riding. Campgrounds are operated at 28 areas. Cabins are available at 19 areas. Unique state parks include Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, an island and an incredible mansion located in the Ohio River, accessible by the Island Belle sternwheeler. Beartown. Droop Mountain and Carnifex Ferry Battlefields and so many more to visit.

State Parks Are Affordable Fun. State operated parks in West Virginia do not impose entrance fees. Find yourself at a West Virginia State Park for year-round travel fun – www. wvstateparks.com

WEST VIRGINIA

WestVirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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Round Barn (courtesy Berkeley County)

Berkeley County Martinsburg

Located just over an hours’ drive from Washington, DC and Baltimore, MD, Berkeley County is the perfect place to get away. Whether you’re looking for great shopping, recreation, live entertainment, fairs and festivals, or a whole lot of history, Berkeley County offers something for everyone.

Unique shops and stores can be found throughout the county, including antique stores, arts and crafts shops, and farmers markets. Those who prefer the outdoors will enjoy the Sleepy Creek Wildlife Management Area, with 28,000 acres for hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. Golf enthusiasts will love The Woods Resort, featuring two golf courses, and Stonebridge Golf Club.

Our thriving arts community is host to live theatre, exhibits, and events throughout the year. A cultural landmark since 1913, the Apollo Civic Theatre produces five main stage plays and it hosts a number of community events each year. Wonderment Puppet Theater, the only year-round puppet show in the state, features unique productions that entertain children and parents alike. Organizations like ArtBerkeley, the Berkeley Arts Council, The Arts Centre, and Heritage Craft Center support and promote the arts community by hosting events and workshops.

We are also host to several signature tourism events, including Pickin’ in the Panhandle: The WV State BBQ & Bluegrass Festival, the Martinsburg Air Show, and the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival. Just looking for a relaxing trip through history? Take a walking or driving tour through historic properties and areas, many of which date back to preCivil War. The Washington Heritage Trail, a136-mile National Scenic Byway, follows the footsteps of our nation’s first president throughout the Eastern Panhandle.

To learn what else Berkeley County has to offer, including dining and lodging options, visit www.TravelWV.com or call 1-800-4WVA-FUN.

Cabell County Huntington

Huntington sits on the mid-section of the scenic and historic Ohio River at the point where West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky meet. Our city is home to some 56,000 citizens and serves a Tri-State population of 365,000.

Huntington is the turn-of-the-century railroad kingdom named for its founder, Collis P. Huntington. He was the builder, owner and operator of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway, beginning in the 1860’s. In 1884, he became the first man in the United States to ride his own railroad car from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific over tracks he either owned or controlled.

Our picturesque city is a year-round destination for beautiful scenery. Those who come in the Spring can enjoy the abundance of colorful blooming dogwood trees that are trademarks of the residential areas. By mid-summer the Rose Garden of Ritter Park is in full bloom and ready for weddings and garden parties. Winter in Huntington provides a beautiful blanket of white snow, and outdoor fun for children and adults! Fall foliage in Huntington presents a gorgeous hillside of orange and yellow trees and a brisk mountain air that will inspire your senses.

The downtown area provides more for your pleasure in the way of shopping and entertainment, including a town square to stroll through that offers a nostalgic nod to Huntington’s railroad beginnings. Year-round, a variety of festivals and special events to enjoy take place around the downtown area, Pullman Square, Civic Arena and historic Keith-Albee Theater.

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• West Virginia

Engine Number 10 at Heritage Station (cour

tesy Carlie Hensley)

Museum of Radio & Technology A Treasure in the Mountains

Nestled into the mountains of West Virginia is a little known treasure.

The Museum of Radio & Technology, known locally as The Radio Museum, has been quietly building and collecting a world class display of the history of electronic communications. It all started many years ago back in the late 1980s. A group of local radio collectors thought it would be a great idea to put together a museum. An opportunity came up to purchase an old elementary school that had been closed years earlier. The building was purchased in 1991 and the Museum was born.

The museum has over 10,000 square feet of display area divided into 12 areas.

The collection consists of many and varied artifacts. The first room you enter is a recreation of a 1920s radio sales and repair shop. In this room you will see items from the birth of radio, including a working

Spark Gap Transmitter which was used to send Morse code to wireless receivers. Many manufacturers are represented including Atwater Kent, Zenith, Philco, RCA and many others. There are a total of 12 areas setup as displays for your enjoyment.

Displays include: Radio Training Classroom, Heathkit Display, Amateur Radio Display, Working Amateur Radio Station Call Sign “WV8MRT”, 1940-1950 Radio Showroom, 1950-60 HiFi Room, Broadcast Station and Transmitter, Vacuum Tube Display, Military Radio, Evolution of the Computer, CB Radio Display, Test Equipment Display, Full Research Library and The West Virginia Broadcasting Hall of Fame.

The Museum is a not for profit 509a2 foundation. All donations are tax deductable. So if you are in the area please stop by and have a look.

Visitors are always welcome.

Please check out our website for more information about the museum. www.mrtwv.org 1920 Radio Shop (courtesy Museum of Radio & Technology)

WEST VIRGINIA

WestVirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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Fayette County New RiVer Gorge

Make the most of your visits to the New River Gorge. From Gauley Bridge to Thurmond, our region offers an inviting mix of things to do and places to go and, everywhere, great people to meet. You’ll find yourself making great memories and friends you want to see again and again.

We have America’s Best Whitewater Rafting featured on the New and the Gauley Rivers. There are several rafting companies waiting to plan your trip!

While you are in the area make sure to hit the town of Ansted. Here you can ride the Hawks Nest Tram down to “Miss M. Rocks” from the Hawks Nest Marina to see the New River Gorge Bridge, towering 876 feet above you. While in Ansted, stop at the Chimney Corner Country Store, Mystery Hole, or 5 Brats Bakery.

If history is your thing, be sure to visit the Historic Train Station at Thurmond, or the historic town of Mt. Hope and Fayetteville. If Civil War history is part of your attraction visit three featured sites in Ansted, one in Gauley Bridge and two in Fayetteville. There are several Heritage Festivals that will give you a new appreciation for our home and our lifestyle.

Just looking for a little peace and quiet? You can find it in the New River Gorge with beautiful scenery and hiking trails. Take a day and follow a meandering trail in search of waterfalls and scenic overlooks.

Our visitor center is conveniently located off the Oyler Avenue exit of Rt. 19. Stop by when you are in the area and we will be glad to help you with all your vacation information. For more information on New River Gorge call (800) 927-0263 or visit www.NewRiverGorgeCVB.com

Grant County

Whether you seek thrilling outdoor adventure or simply wish to relax in the tranquility of a country setting, you’ll find an abundance of recreational opportunities in Grant County, West Virginia where warm hospitality and a friendly, welcoming environment await.

From spectacular mountain vistas and exceptional trout fishing to the many unique local shops and galleries offering West Virginia-made giftware and crafts, there are activities to suit every visitor from the outdoor enthusiast, to the avid shopper, and everyone in between.

Accommodations range from luxurious log cabins with private hot tubs, to riverside cottages, to quaint country bed and breakfasts, allowing those looking for a romantic getaway, as well as families looking for a memorable vacation spot, to find exactly what they want. Grant County is also host to several nationally recognized attractions including Dolly Sods Wilderness Area, Smoke Hole Caverns, and the North Fork Mountain Trail.

The area is rich in history with a variety of historical structures and sites of importance including Fort Mulligan, one of the few remaining Civil War earthen forts. Annual events popular among visitors to the region include elegant Dinner Trains, the Spring Mountain Festival in late April, and the Christmas Festival of Lights holiday light display in Welton Park.

For more information, visit www.grantcountywva.com today!

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Dolly Sods Wilderness Area (courtesy Grant County CVB)

is Inn)

(courtesy Historic General Lew

(courtesy Greenbrier County CVB)

Greenbrier Valley

Located among the Alleghany Mountains, the Greenbrier Valley is home to the communities of Alderson, Lewisburg, Rainelle, Ronceverte and White Sulphur Springs. Within these 1,000 square miles, you can find something to pique most everyone’s interests.

America’s Resort, The Greenbrier, is a National Historic Landmark, representing more than two centuries of history with classic architecture, exquisite interior design, carefully sculpted landscape and impeccable service. The resort offers more than fifty recreational activities, including The Bunker, The Greenbrier Spa and The Greenbrier Casino Club. This White Sulphur Springs landmark is also home to The Greenbrier Classic, a PGA TOUR, FedExCup Series Event.

Lewisburg, the county seat, was named America’s Coolest Small Town by Budget Travel magazine in 2011. The town boasts an amazing arts scene, including Greenbrier Valley Theatre, West Virginia’s Official Professional Theatre, and Carnegie Hall, one of only four in operation in the world. You can also find a surprising collection of art galleries, awardwinning restaurants, fashionable boutiques and nationally recognized events like the Lewisburg Chocolate Festival.

The Greenbrier Valley offers an abundance of outdoor recreation op800-628-4454 • 304-645-2600 • www.GeneralLewisInn.com portunities for all ages and skill levels. From biking along the 78-mile 301 East Washington St. • Lewisburg, WV 24901 Greenbrier River Trail and hiking in the Greenbrier State Forest to floating down the Greenbrier River and exploring an underground adventure in Our Historic Country Inn & Restaurant is located on the site of an Lost World Caverns or Organ Cave.

1862 Civil War Battlefield. Civil War & Revolutionary history The region is also home to two unique beverage producers. Watts lives around every corner of our historically preserved town.

Roost is a farm winery that grows grapes locally and makes wines onsite.

Smooth Ambler Spirits, a small batch artisan distillery, produces vodka, gin, bourbon and whiskey using local and regional ingredients. Both facilities are open to the public for tastings and tours.

For complete details about the area, log onto www.greenbrierwv.com or call 800-833-2068 for a complimentary Visitors Guide.

Historic

General Lewis Inn and Restaurant

Historic General Lewis Inn

WEST VIRGINIA

Welcome to the Historic General Lewis Inn of Lewisburg, West Virginia. We are located in the historic district within walking distance to all shopping and entertainment.

The Historic General Lewis Inn hosts 25 cozy rooms with flatscreens, wireless internet, and a full service restaurant all surrounded with a beautiful garden environment. Perfect for the mini-vacation, weekend getaway, or the business stay-over.

“A Country Inn for all reasons and all seasons”, we are pleased to provide the perfect wedding site or other special occasion location! Touring Coaches are also welcome.

Ample parking, front and on both wings. For a more comprehensive view and information visit us at www.generallewisinn.com or call (800) 628-4454.

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Hardy County

Create an album of memories with travels and adventures Hardy County from paddling down the trough, to hiking through our forests, to sharing a romantic weekend at a bed and breakfast.

You can take a tour of 10 Civil War markers and top it off with a delightful serving of arts and crafts at the Lost River Artisans Cooperative.

West Virginia is the only state born out of the Civil War and Hardy County, which borders three Virginia counties was right on the divide. As a result, our county is home to many fascinating sites of interest, including battlefields, historic homes, cemeteries and parks.

You can tour some of our homes during our county’s signature event: Heritage Weekend, which is held annually during the last full weekend in September. As part of the event, you can experience natural history and beauty with a ride through The Trough on the Potomac Eagle. There are only two ways through The Trough – canoe or train – and the ride is gorgeous in early fall. Eagles are sighted on 90% of Trough excursions.

Lovers of local crafts and Appalachian art will delight in the discovery of the Lost River Artisans Cooperative. Stay at one of Lost River’s signature bed and breakfasts for the Co-Op’s Fiber Festival over Memorial Day. At the Fiber Festival you can see how sheep are sheared and their wool turned to thread.

Camping enthusiasts can visit Lost River State Park or Trout Pond in the George Washington National Forest. The serene beauty of the hills and valleys is a wonderful starting location for outdoor family adventures like canoeing, rock climbing, fishing and geocaching.

Whether you desire a porch swing or a full tilt climb, plan to Visit Hardy, where our County is Your Country. (www.VisitHardy.com)

View Big Schloss (photo courtesy Hardy County CVB)

Harrison County Bridgeport

The town of Bridgeport had its beginning in pre-Revolutionary War times and was chartered in 1816.

When the town was incorporated in 1887, it established the office of mayor and town council. The city currently employs a City Manager.

Bridgeport is home to Meadowbrook Mall, a 100-store regional shopping complex serving North-Central West Virginia.

Bridgeport

112 Tolley Street I-79 & US Route 50 East Bridgeport, WV 26330 (304) 842-7371 • www.daysinn.com

visithardy.com

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Free Daybreak Breakfast • Free High-Speed Internet Pool • Meeting Space • Truck / Bus Parking

Jefferson County

Jefferson County, WV is the state’s most visited county. We have Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races, Harper Ferry National Historical Park, some of the best recreational activities in the DC/Baltimore Metro area, and we are just 90 minutes from both DC and Baltimore.

Our vast history covers the Washington family with 14 homes here, African American history, Revolutionary War and Civil War history and more.

We have activities that will take your breath away or places you can just lay back and do nothing in style. Our accommodations are first rate and our dining experiences are excellent.

Discover It All in Jefferson County, West Virginia Wild and Wonderful. For more information call 866-HELLO-WV or visit our website at www.wveasterngateway.com

Rafting on the Shenandoah River at Harpe

rs Ferry (courtesy Jefferson County CVB)

Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA

115 W. German St. Shepherdstown, WV

• Bicycle Rentals • Canoe & Kayak Rentals • Shuttle Service • Sales • Service www.ThePedalPaddle.com • 304-876-3000 WestVirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

75

WEST VIRGINIA

Welcome to the premier campground for families to create their own adventure in historic Harpers Ferry in West Virginia! Located just an hour outside of Washington, DC where West Virginia, Maryland, and Virginia meet, we are here to fulfill your expectations of a family camping adventure!

Whether you’re eight, eighty or anywhere in between you’re gonna love all the stuff we’ve got in store for you as we celebrate our 15th Anniversary! Our Themed weekends, fantastic planned activities and special events will keep you having fun and on the run all season long!

We are the perfect base camp for Washington DC sightseeing, touring major Civil War battlefields, or watching an exciting horse race in Charles Town. Or, spend your camping vacation enjoying the scenic wonders while biking the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal, hiking the Appalachian Trail or rafting on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. The Harpers Ferry KOA is open year-round and offers the following accommodations: • Water/Electric and Deluxe Full hookup RV Sites • Tent sites and Deluxe Tent sites next to a Civil War trench (limit to 2

tents and/or 6 people) • KOA 1 and 2 Room Kamping Kabins (sleeps up to 5 or 6 ) • Studio Lodges (sleep up to 4) • Kamping Lodges (sleep up to 6) • Bunkhouse that sleeps up to 20 people Located just off WV Rt. 340, in a wooded setting near Harpers Ferry National Park, the Harpers Ferry KOA campground offers a variety of activities for the adventurous vacationer and Civil War enthusiasts.

A few of the features for our campers to enjoy include: • Jr. Olympic heated Swimming Pool and Wading Pool • Civil War Living History Museum • Theme Weekends • Indoor Movie Theatre • Indoor and Outdoor Basketball Courts • Convention Hall • Picnic Pavilion • Free Wi-Fi Service • Giant Jumping Pillow • 18-Hole Mini Golf Course • NEWLY Renovated Playground • Kamp K9 Dog Park Come and learn about Washington DC, the civil war battlefields, and enjoy all the activities at Harpers Ferry KOA Campground. It’s a camping vacation you’ll always remember. www.harpersferrykoa.com

866-HELLO-WV www.discoveritallwv.com Charles Town: 304-728-9559 Martinsburg: 304-262-6100

Why settle for anything less than the best?

Dine In • Carry Out • Delivery Pizza • Calzones • Wings • Subs • Salads & More 300 North Queen St. • Martinsburg, WV 25401 72 Somerset Blvd. • Charles Town, WV 25414

www.anthonyspizzawv.com

Inspired by the art of crafting home-grown, natural fruit cordials, you’ll feel right at home in our historic 1840s log cabin distillery.

History, Hooch and Hospitality! www.bestlimoncello.com 304-725-3036 16357 Charles Town Rd. Charles Town, WV 25414

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Area Attractions

• Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races • Harpers Ferry National Historical Park • Washington Heritage Trail Scenic Byway • C&O Canal

Area Activities

• Zip Line and Canopy Tours • Rafting, Kayaking and Canoeing • Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding

Formerly Known As

www.hfadventurecenter.com Come play where adventures abound!

• Tubing • Rafting • Zip Line • Camping • Canoeing • Kayaking • Team Building • Fishing • Events • & More!

800-836-9911

10987 Harpers Ferry Rd. • Purcellville, VA 20132 Lunch & Dinner - Full Bar Specializing in Fresh Seafood Established in 1985 Party Platters - Catering

www.anvilrestaurant.com 304-535-2582 1290 W. Washington St. Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

In the Heart of Old Town

304-728-0195

109 W. Washington St. Charles Town, WV 25414 Seasonal Hours: Mon. & Tues. 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wed. - Sat. 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Breakfast and Lunch 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Happy Hour Menu 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Dinner 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Burrito & Taco Bar 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. everyday!

www.jumpinjava.net • www.facebook.com/jumpinjava

The Robinson House

“Your Home Away From Home” Immerse yourself in history!

Rent a turn-of-the-century brick Victorian home fully equipped with all necessities.

Minimum two night stay.

• Mountain State Beers On Tap • Sandwiches • Salads • Burgers • Reubens • Fish & Chips

(304) 535 2322

www.privatequinnspub.com

The Best Ice Cream in Harpers Ferry!

173 Potomac St. 304-535-6654 www.ScoopsIceCream.us

WestVirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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WEST VIRGINIA

Charles Town - Ranson, WV (304) 582-9191 • www.victorianpropertieswv.com

Featuring a laid back atmosphere, pub cuisine, local beers, live music, and a friendly staff, Quinn’s has what it takes to make your day away a memorable experience.

Harpers Ferry

25 Union Street Harpers Ferry, WV 25425

(304) 535-6391

www.econolodge.com • Free Hot Breakfast • Free WiFi • In-Room Micro/Fridge • Cable TV w/ HBO

Celebrate Shepherdstown’s founding in 1762.

Share in our year-long celebration!

Remember Celebrate Imagine

304-876-2398 shepherdstown250.com

Full-Service Fly Shop Fishing Guide Service

Fish the Potomac & Shenandoah Rivers!

Guide & Lodging Packages Available

133 W. German St. Shepherdstown, WV 25443

(304) 876-8030 www.kellyswhitefly.net

Hunt in a Natural Setting with Experienced Guides www.HuntTwinRidge.com Mark Minnick • 301-834-7632 1281 Luther Jones Road Shenandoah Junction, WV 25442

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Save on Patagon ia Outdoor Gear & Clothing In Stor e& Online!

A Timeless Tradition Selling The Finest Time Tested Merchandise Toll House Turn 205 E. Washington St. Shepherdstown, WV www.ohurley.com 304-876-6907

Kanawha County

u) (courtesy Charleston Convention & Visitors Burea

Charleston

The breathtaking mountains of West Virginia, the beautiful Kanawha River and our stunning State Capitol bring tourists to Charleston, West Virginia. Charleston offers a unique setting – all the firstclass facilities of a cosmopolitan city with the comfort of West Virginia tradition and hospitality.

Two of the city’s most popular attractions are the West Virginia State Museum and the state Capitol. The newly remodeled museum is a collection of West Virginia history and is open free to the public. The historic state Capitol is another free attraction that offers guided tours throughout the year.

Charleston is home to an arts and sciences center, baseball stadium, unique boutiques and shops, bookstores, coffee houses, restaurants and so much more.

Charleston is also the gateway to Wild and Wonderful West Virginia activities such as skiing, world-class zip-line canopy tours, white-water rafting, ATV trails, golfing, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking and so much more within a short distance.

Visit Charleston, West Virginia and you really can understand what John Denver meant by “Almost Heaven.”

Charleston

2772 Pennsylvania Ave. • Charleston, WV 25302

Cross Lanes

15 Goff Crossing Dr. • Cross Lanes, WV 25313

(304) 345-5111

(304) 776-7711

• Free Continental Breakfast • Free High-Speed Internet

• Free Continental Breakfast • Free High-Speed Internet

www.choicehotels.com/hotel/wv412 Stonewall Jackson Lake (cou rtesy StonewallCountry.com)

www.choicehotels.com/hotel/wv058

Lewis County Stonewallcountry.com

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WEST VIRGINIA

Visit Lewis County, WV as this is where heros were born, legends were raised and memories are made. Once the hand blown glass capital of the world, you can witness this industry first hand at Appalachian Glass while watching them demonstrate glass blowing. Then enjoy our two museums West Virginia Museum of American Glass and the Mountaineer Military Museum representing our history of the area. You must not forget to see the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, the largest handcut stone building built before the Civil War to house the insane which is now not only historical, but haunted.

After lunch or dinner, kick back and relax at Lambert’s Winery, situated on a beautiful hillside in its own handcut stone building or visit the childhood home of Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson at Jackson’s Mill. For the outdoors enthusiast, visit Stonewall Jackson State Park and Dam for fishing, hiking and boating or spend a relaxing weekend at our four diamond Stonewall Resort situated on this beautiful lake. You can’t forget to take home some local treasures from our unique shops and then finish your day(s) experiencing a restful home cooked meal in our local restaurants.

For more information please contact us at www.stonewall country.com or (800) 296-7329.

Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival (courtesy Marion County CVB)

Marion County It’s Time to Disvover Marion County!

Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure, a trip back in time or some relaxing shopping and dining, Marion County provides the perfect West Virginia getaway.

We’re located in the beautiful Appalachian Mountains. Although it’s just a short drive from some of the country’s biggest cities, it’s worlds away from the daily grind.

Marion County offers a look into frontier day at Pricketts Fort, a nationally registered historic site originally built in 1774 as a refuge, as well as numerous Civil War Trails attractions. Local folks are proud of their past and encourage visitors to spend their present helping to preserve it.

The rolling hills and quiet rivers provide a picturesque place for a peaceful bicycle ride. Marion County is a great place to take advantage of geocaching, and the native hardwoods provide perfect habitat to find a wide variety of birds while walking through the region.

At the end of the day, you can unwind in a cozy diner, comfortable café or authentic Italian eatery and find first-class lodging that won’t bust your budget.

Fairs and festivals fill the Marion County calendar, featuring special music, fabulous food, handmade crafts, Appalachian culture and fascinating history, among other activities.

If you’re looking for shopping, Fairmont and the surrounding areas offer independent boutiques that carry both one-of-a-kind items and popular collectibles. Whatever way you like to unwind, you’ll find it easy to do in Marion County.

Want to find out more? Visit our website www.marioncvb.com or call (800) 834-7365. It really is time for you to Discover Marion County!

Marshall County

Where can you spend some time in prison, stroll through a palace, fly through the air and re-visit your childhood…all in one day? Nestled in the Hills of West Virginia, Marshall County has a thrill around every corner!

The former West Virginia Penitentiary encompasses over ten acres of ground and was the second public building constructed by the newly formed state of West Virginia after the Civil War. The Marx Toy Museum houses the largest display of Marx toys in the world! Visit America’s Taj Mahal at The Palace of Gold. Home to Fostoria Glass Company, today you can visit the Fostoria Glass Museum and admire some of Fostoria’s most beautiful pieces of fine Glass. One of the largest and most famous of the burial mounds built by the Adena people is The Grave Creek Mound. The Museum includes artifacts and exhibits from The Mound.

If you’d rather play, Grand Vue Park offers West Virginia’s largest Zip Line, Banquet Hall, Cabins, Swimming, Par 3 Golf, disk golfing, Mini Golf, Walking Trails, & Picnic Shelters for a Beautiful Hilltop Getaway.

Too many choices? Go to our website at MarshallCountyTourism.com and let Marshall County, West Virginia help you find your thrill!

Day Tours are 90 min. of historical facts as you walk through what was once one of the bloodiest prisons in the nation.

Open Tuesday - Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Open 7 days a week June - August, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

West Virginia Penitentiary - Where History Meets Mystery!

818 Jefferson Ave. • Moundsville, WV 26041 304-845-6200 • www.wvpentours.com No appointment necessary for up to 20 people.

Special rates for groups of 20 or more.

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• West Virginia

Where can you spend time in Prison, Visit America’s Taj Mahal and re-live your childhood all in one day?

Marshall County, WV ...

It’s Thrilling!

MarshallCountyTourism.com WV Penitentiary (courtesy Marshall County Tourism)

Mercer County

Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, the Bluefield-Princeton area of southern West Virginia is home to a magnificent coal story. Rich deposits of coal were discovered deep in the mountains. An active rail yard is centered in downtown Bluefield, West Virginia along with exquisite architecture of buildings situated along a historic walking tour. Princeton is home to the Princeton Railroad Museum housing artifacts from The Virginian Railway known as the “Richest Little Railroad in the World”.

Step back in time and view the statuesque mansions in the historic town of Bramwell, once considered the richest small town in America. Bramwell was home to the millionaires and their families who made their fortunes in the abundantly rich Pocahontas Coalfield.

“Dedicated to Those Who Served”, The Mercer County War Museum located in Princeton is filled with articles and true wartime memorabilia from the Civil War to today’s present day wars. The McNutt House, a Civil War Era Home and located on the Civil War Trail in West Virginia was the last known standing structure when the town of Princeton was burned during the Civil War. From self-guided walking tours of historic towns, outdoor recreation, two major league sponsored ball teams, cultural art centers, a number of museums, to celebrations of our culture and heritage at fairs and festivals, Mercer County is filled with a rich history.

Mercer County is host to all of nature’s beautiful seasons – warm temperatures and lush green vegetation in spring and summer, vibrant autumn foliage in the fall, and snow and skiing nearby in winter. The scenery will please any nature lover including an abundance of hiking and biking trails, mountains, streams, and forests.

Regardless of your interests, Mercer County awaits you. So, while you’re enjoying the beautiful scenery, historic sites, or outdoor recreation, soak up some of our home town hospitality. We invite you to enjoy all that Mercer County and southern West Virginia have to offer.

Princeton

1015 Oakvale Rd. • Princeton, WV 24740

(304) 431-2800 • Free Continental Breakfast • Free High-Speed Internet

www.choicehotels.com/hotel/wv414

Mingo County Tug Valley

WEST VIRGINIA

Make Your Next Getaway Historic If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind getaway then come visit us in Tug Valley. We are the home of wonderful attractions you can only find here.

• The world famous Hatfield McCoy Feud – the most famous feud in American history.

• The West Virginia Mine Wars – the largest armed conflict in America since the Civil War. • Hatfield McCoy ATV Trails – the largest network of motorized trails east of the Mississippi.

• Historic Matewan – a town at the crossroads of history.

• Railroad Central – one of the best places in the world to watch trains.

• The Trillion Dollar Coalfield – source of the black gold that our country was built upon.

• Great recreation – including unique golf, fishing and hiking.

• Amazing mountain scenery, fall foliage and so much more.

This distinctive region offers unparalleled history, beautiful scenery and recreational activities for the whole family. We have something for everyone – whether you want to relax in the country, learn about our fascinating history, go to festivals and musical events, do a little train watching, play golf, fish, shop or take a ride on the Hatfield McCoy Trails.

Coal House (courtesy Tug Valle

y CVB & Chamber)

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Monongalia County Morgantown

Morgantown is the county seat of Monongalia County. Placed along the banks of the Monongahela River, Morgantown is the largest city in North-Central West Virginia, and the base of the Morgantown metropolitan area.

It is best known as the home both of West Virginia University and the one-of-a-kind Morgantown Personal Rapid Transit system.

Morgantown is closely tied to the Anglo-French struggle for this territory. Until the Treaty of Paris in 1763, what is now known as Morgantown was greatly contested among settlers and Native Americans, as well as the British and the French. The treaty decided the issue in favor of the British, but Indian fighting continued almost to the beginning of the American Revolution.

Morgantown 225 Comfort Inn Drive • Morgantown, WV 26508

(304) 296-9364

www.choicehotels.com • Free Hot Breakfast • Free WiFi • Exercise Room • Pet Friendly with Fee

ood Chamber) Fishing in Summit Lake (courtesy Richw

SumMersville

Nicholas County Richwood

Conveniently located at the edge of the Monongahela National Forest, Richwood offers the perfect starting point to enjoy the abundant recreational activities nearby. Take a trip to the Cranberry Nature Center, walk on the Cranberry Glades Boardwalk, visit the three levels of Hills Creek Falls, hike in the Forest, fish in the Cranberry, Williams, Gaulley or Cherry Rivers or Summit Lake, or settle into a camp site and enjoy the peace and quiet. Some of the most pristine trout streams in the country are here.

Civil War buffs would enjoy a visit to Nancy Hart’s grave nearby. A walk around Richwood should include the three murals painted on the buildings downtown depicting the coal and logging industry heritage of the town. The oldest hardwood mill in West Virginia, 110 years old - the same age as the town – is also here.

Come and visit us for a few days and you may decide to stay a lot longer... To learn more, visit us online at www.richwoodcvb.org or www. richwoodchamberofcommerce.org

Always in Season If variety is the spice of life, then make Summersville your top destination. Whether it is winter, spring, summer or fall, Summersville has something to offer its visitors. Accommodations are available for any budget and include hotels, cabins, camping, and a bed and breakfast.

There are many dining selections, including anything from fast food to elegant dining from local venues.

Consider a romantic retreat during the winter months and stay at one of the many cabins in the area offering fire places, hot tubs on the deck and beautiful scenery for that brisk winter walk.

Spring brings new life to Summersville as the lake is reborn and the area is transformed into beautiful colors. Plan to enjoy a walk or bike along one of the many trails. Dust off those fishing poles and golf clubs or plan a wine tasting at Kirkwood Winery.

Boating, kayaking, jet skiing, swimming, scuba diving and so much more begins happening on the lake in the summertime. If you are looking for high adventure, try zip lining or rock climbing. Break out the camping equipment and enjoy activities, playgrounds and clean and updated facilities. Don’t forget the smores!

Fall also brings high adventure white-water rafting on the Gauley and New Rivers. This is also a great time to visit Carnifex Ferry for Civil War History or mountain bike and explore the banks of Summersville Lake. You will thoroughly enjoy the array of fall colors! Plan to visit the annual Potato Festival, Grape Stomping Festival and Gauley Fest in September.

So put your worries away and let Summersville be your destination.

You will find a variety of activities that abound on both water and land.

Summersville is always in season!

Richwood, West Virginia Come Play in Our Backyard!

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• West Virginia

www.summersvillecvb.com • 304-872-3722

Wheeling Heritage Port (courtesy Wheeling CVB)

Bonnie Dwaine Bed & Breakfast

Ohio County Wheeling

Why Wheeling? “Why not” seems like the more appropriate question.

Wheeling quite literally has a little bit of everything, from great bars and a casino to great history. Whether you are looking for a golf getaway with the guys, a night out with the girlfriends, or an affordable family vacation, Wheeling is the perfect destination.

Anyone interested in American history can appreciate Wheeling, since the city served as a pivotal point in both the Revolutionary and the Civil Wars. Visitors can see where West Virginia became a state in 1863 at Independence Hall, and the Suspension Bridge also has a lot of history behind it.

The city is perfect for families, because Oglebay Resort has West Virginia’s only zoo and dozens of cabins for a weekend getaway. The resort features three different golf courses – including one designed by Arnold Palmer. The riverfront downtown houses many festivals and live music events throughout the summer, including Waterfront Wednesdays.

Wheeling is ideal for a night out. Wheeling Island is home to one of

Wheeling I-70 Exit 2A Oglebay Exit

304-233-0440

1-800-Hampton www.Hampton.com

www.bonnie-dwaine.com Victorian style & elegance combined with the convenience of modern amenities make Bonnie Dwaine a perfect destination near Wheeling.

505 Wheeling Ave., Glen Dale, WV

1-888-507-4569 the largest greyhound racing tracks in the country as well as a Casino with thousands of slots and many table games. And there are great bars with excellent live music throughout the city.

That is just scratching the surface of what Wheeling has to offer.

There are historic markets, Victorian houses and mansions, glass museums and a Cabela’s retail store that is more like a museum of wild game.

The best part is Wheeling is affordable and close to several major cities.

So you’ll get a little bit of everything without having to go everywhere.

Please visit visitwheelingwv.com for exciting information.

Hampton Inn

Discover scenic beauty, rich history and outdoor fun in Wheeling.

Welcome to the Hampton Inn Wheeling. Located on the historic National Road, there is plenty to see and do around our hotel. Visit the historic suspension bridge and Independence Hall, relax or hike in Oglebay Park, shop at the Cabela’s Outdoor Store, take in a show at the Capitol Theatre or try your luck at the Wheeling Island Casino. Our Hampton Inn is located right in the heart of all the fun to be had in Wheeling!

Be careful about making any plans, you may have so much fun at our hotel that you won’t want to leave! Our hotel is unlike any Hampton Inn you have ever seen before…. truly one of a kind! Our indoor-outdoor Aquatic Center features: an indoor pool with a waterfall and multiple interactive water features, indoor and outdoor hot tub spas, his and hers steam shower rooms, a 600 square foot fitness center packed with state of the art equipment, and giant retractable doors that open onto a splash deck with a tipping bucket tree!

Of course we offer our “On the House” hot breakfast bar, featuring three hot items and fresh waffles daily. Enjoy breakfast in our lobby by the fireplace or the 350 gallon tropical aquarium, or if the weather is nice, dine outdoors in our lushly planted teak garden, which features a fire pit, fountain and complete outdoor kitchen!

All of these amenities are in addition to all of the great things that you have come to expect from Hampton Inn hotels, like complimentary highspeed internet, Hilton Honors points & miles and Cloud Nine bedding!

So call today, your satisfaction is guaranteed!

WEST VIRGINIA

(courtesy Hampton Inn Wheeling)

Exceeding Your Expectations

Aquatic Center - 300 Gallon Saltwater Aquarium Teak Garden with Firepit and Grill Stacked Stone Fireplace Minutes from Oglebay Resort, Cabela’s, Wheeling Island Racetrack & Gaming Center and Downtown Wheeling.

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Rock Climbing (courtesy Pendleton County Chamber & CVB)

Pendleton County

West Virginia’s Best Kept Secret Pendleton County is an all inclusive package to many of West Virginia’s scenic landmarks. It is right in our backyard where you can stumble upon natural beauty of the highest quality. Whether it is Spruce Knob, the highest point in West Virginia, or the iconic Seneca Rocks, it can all be found here.

If laying back and enjoying the scenery is not adventurous enough, you can enjoy the outdoors like none other right here in Pendleton County.

Fly through the trees at the Nelson Rocks Outdoor Center’s zip-lining course, climb the face of Seneca Rocks, or hike through the beautiful Monongahela National Forest. The adventures are insurmountable in the picturesque outdoors of Pendleton County.

It has been said by many that Pendleton County is the scenic jewel of the Potomac Highlands. When looking out from the observation tower in Spruce Knob, or hiking the famed Seneca Rocks, it is no wonder why West Virginia has been described as almost heaven. So come play in our backyard, you’ll be glad you did.

Seneca Rocks

Seneca Rocks is a premier destination in Pendleton County. With cliffs towering 900 feet high it has become one of the most visited climbing sites on the entire east coast. There are two local climbing schools to take you up over the many routes. If you don’t climb there are paths and horseback rides up the back of the mountain as well. The U.S. Forest Service maintains an exceptional visitors center with many displays and information about the geology, history and early Indian tribes in the area.

Seneca Caverns

Seneca Caverns, nestled deep in the Germany Valley area of West Virginia has fun for all age groups. Featuring two caves, Seneca Caverns and the Stratosphere Cave that were first opened to the public in 1928 making them the oldest show caves in West Virginia.

Both caves have a variety of guided tours, from hour long tours in a well lit cave to 2 ½ hour long wild cave tours. Group and school tours are always welcome with science and photo tours designed for all levels of education.

While on the property take advantage of our gemstone mining where you search for precious gems in a water sluice or a round of miniature golf.

Don’t forget to make Asbury’s Family Restaurant part of your visit.

Located on the Seneca property you can plan for a full meal or just a light snack.

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Raleigh County Beaver

The West Virginia community got its name around 1860 “from the great numbers of beavers abounding in the creeks during the early days of settlement,” according to “A History of Shady Spring District” compiled by the Shady Spring District Woman’s Club in 1979.

Beckley

Beckley is well known for two major tourist attractions: The Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine (which reopened to the public April 1, 2008, after being closed for renovation) and Tamarack.

The Exhibition Coal Mine is a preserved coal mine that offers daily tours and a history lesson on coal mining in Appalachia. Tamarack, originally built at a cost of $10 Million and dedicated to former Governor Gaston Caperton, is the home to many artisan crafts from around West Virginia and a dining area featuring meals prepared by chefs trained at The Greenbrier, a world famous four-star resort complex located in White Sulphur Springs.

Randolph County

Few areas in America, with such beautiful mountain scenery and prime outdoor recreation within an hour drive, also boast the rich culture and heritage you find in Randolph County.

Nestled between the Continental Divide and the shadows of Seneca Rocks, the unique mountain landscape found in the Randolph County region, are home to a wealth of natural wonders like the Monongahela National Forest, Dolly Sods Scenic Area, Spruce Knob and Blackwater Falls State Park.

Skiers looking for thrills race down slopes on three of the finest ski resorts in the country, specially constructed trails let mountain bikers have “epic rides” and hikers not intimidated by great mountain landscapes can get out into the backcountry.

You can trace heritage all the way from the first battle of the Civil War to the mansions of a lumber baron, an authentic Swiss village settled in 1869 and an excursion train travelling the same tracks trains carrying lumber once did. Stepping back in time you’ll experience the best in West Virginia’s heritage.

Enjoying arts and culture in Randolph County can range from theater performances and exhibits at the Randolph County Community Arts Center to activities at the Augusta Heritage Center. And, of course, as in any small town, there’s antique shopping and exploring the beautiful work of local artisans who handcraft exceptional creative works of art.

Beaver

1124 Airport Rd. • Beaver, WV 25813

(304) 255-4222 • Free Continental Breakfast • Free High-Speed Internet

www.choicehotels.com/hotel/wv048

Beckley

1909 Harper Rd. Beckley, WV 25801

(304) 255-2161

• Free Deluxe Continental Breakfast • Free Coffee in the Lobby www.econolodge.com/hotel/wv400 • Free High-Speed Internet • Pets Welcome

Beckley 300 Harper Park Drive Beckley, WV 25801

(304) 255-5291

1-800-4-CHOICE www.choicehotels.com/hotel/wv094

(photo courtesy Randolph County CVB)

WEST VIRGINIA

WestVirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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Helvetia

Helvetia, WV is a small Swiss community nestled in a high mountain valley. Settled in 1869, the remoteness of the area has allowed traditions such as music, dance, and holidays to endure.

Visitors enjoy the scenery, hiking, biking, running, fishing, and other outdoor activities year around. Residents and guests gather for special events including Fasnacht, the burning of Old Man Winter; Ramp Supper, a spring feast of wild leeks; Swiss National Day, a celebration of the founding of Switzerland in 1291; Helvetia Fair, the longest running agricultural fair in WV; Helvetia Day, a re-enactment of the arrival of the original settlers; and the Feast of Sankt Nicholaus, a Christmas celebration with food and fun.

Diners travel great distances to the Hutte Restaurant for the Swiss food. Lodging is available at the Beekeeper Inn and Alpen Lodge. The General Store provides food, beverages, T-shirts, and souvenirs as well as housing the Helvetia Mask Museum which displays many Fasnacht masks. The Honey Haus Coffee Shop and Blue House Gift Shop are open most weekends in warm weather. Wireless Internet access is available at the Library and General Store.

Helvetia provides year-around relaxation and entertainment. We look forward to your visit!

Helvetia, WV www.helvetiawv.com Come visit our Swiss Village for traditional dance, music, food, and events!

(courtesy City of Helvetia)

Summers County Three Rivers

When visiting any area one of the very first questions asked is “What is there to do here?” In Summers County, the answer is easy...everything!

Summers County is the perfect place to get away and still be ‘closer than you think’ to home. This hidden gem offers a variety of water activities including some of the best fishing in southern West Virginia, rafting for families, boating and swimming.

There are a variety of lodging opportunities: B&Bs, cabins, lodges and campgounds are here to welcome you, your family or your group.

Summers County is home to the legendary John Henry, the steel drivin’ man who beat the machine with a hammer in his hands in the late 1800s.

Visitors will also find the beautiful Bluestone Lake, one of West Virginia’s largest, complete with wonderful outdoor recreation, fishing and hunting, lodging and camping facilities found at Bluestone Wildlife Management Area and Bluestone State Park. Also nearby is Pipestem ReTravel Council sort State Park with championship golf courses, an aerial tram to the Bluestone Gorge, and elegant dining and horseback riding. www.threeriverswv.com Summers County is full of history, breathtaking views and some of 304-466-5332 the best family-oriented adventure activities available in the New River Join us for breathtaking views and Gorge Region of West Virginia. So come and stay with us. You’ll have a great time! Visit us online at www.threeriverswv.com family-oriented adventure!

Three Rivers Fest (photo courtesy ShutterSparks, Flickr)

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Skiing & Blackwater Falls Summer (photos courtesy Tucker County CVB)

Tucker County

Canaan Valley / Blackwater Falls

Of the approximately 3,190 counties in the US, Tucker County is the only one with this name. With more Federally designated Wilderness Areas than stoplights and more miles of trails than road, Tucker County is a haven for the outdoor enthusiasts. Over 50% of the county’s land is National Forest, Federal Wilderness, US Fish & Wildlife Refuge and/or State Park land. The home to two premier downhill ski resorts and the region’s leading cross country center, Canaan Valley offers a wide variety of winter sports activities. With summits jutting over 4,250' in elevation, cold weather and heavy snow dominates the winter season.

Spring comes late to the “Top of the Mountain State” with the start of mountain bike season, fantastic trout fishing, hiking and other outdoor pursuits. Visitors can enjoy summer in Tucker County without the heat to go with it! Temperatures rarely exceed the mid to upper 80’s and there are always cool mountain breezes to go with them. Horseback trail rides, championship golf, wildlife watching, hiking to Blackwater Falls, shopping in the studios, galleries, and shops, or dining is some of the area’s eclectic restaurants are enjoyed by guests of all ages.

Fall brings blazing fall colors to this mountain destination with a fall color display that rivals any on the east coast. The extensive hardwood forests light up with reds, oranges and yellows that never cease to amaze. Due to the high elevation, the peak fall display usually occurs in late September.

Virginia

www.canaanvalley.org

Rafting Kayaking Canoeing Tubing Camping Fishing www.blackwateroutdoors.com WestVirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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WEST VIRGINIA

West

Wetzel County

www.thistledewfarm.com • www.folktoys.com 800-85HONEY • 877-FOLKTOY

Wetzel County’s northern border is the Mason-Dixon line. The county is named for Lewis Wetzel, a famous frontiersman and Indian fighter.

Visit ThistleDew Farm Inc. to find quality honey, beeswax, bee products and services. Wildflower honeys include raw unfiltered, creamed, comb, flavored, mustards, and vinegars. Pure beeswax candles, ornaments, skin and lip creams are all handmade by caring folks. Watch a bee show and take an educational tour. Taste some fresh comb honey and learn how it is made.

8 Miles East of W.V. Rt. 2 at Proctor on Proctor Creek Rd. (CR 89)

Wood County Greater Parkersburg

You’ll be amazed at the baggage you will leave behind when you visit Greater Parkersburg, West Virginia!

Discover the fascinating birth of the oil and gas industry, faithfully retold through relics and artifacts at the nationally recognized Oil and Gas Museum. You can also visit the nation’s oldest oil field and the world’s oldest producing oil well at Burning Springs. Stroll through Julia-Ann Square— West Virginia’s largest residential historic district—where oil barons displayed their newfound wealth in gleaming splendor. Explore Henderson Hall, a 17-room mansion built in 1859 as the crown jewel of a sprawling 2,600 acre plantation.

Travel down the mighty Ohio River on an authentic sternwheeler to Blennerhassett Island Historical State Park, where an aristocratic island paradise was darkened by controversy and conspiracy. The mansion and gardens have been meticulously restored to their original splendor. Stand atop Fort Boreman Historical Park and see more than a breathtaking view of downtown Parkersburg, see back in time to the town’s strategic role in the Civil War. Uncover the story behind the tumultuous creation of the State of West Virginia that started in Parkersburg, home to the state’s first governor, senator and congressman. When you visit Greater Parkersburg, you’ll find that history comes alive.

The Greater Parkersburg area also boasts numerous cultural attractions. Built in 1926 for vaudeville acts, the restored Smoot Theatre in downtown Parkersburg offers unforgettable entertainment. The Parkersburg Art Center located in downtown Parkersburg features regional and national shows year-round.

And there are tasty delectables made here too! From chocolates, to wine to pasta – you’ll want to carry home a little something from our specialty shops!

From award winning museums that offer a wonderful journey into the past to historic home tours, the Greater Parkersburg area is a wonderful destination for an escape full of discoveries and great family fun.

Start planning your visit today at www.greaterparkersburg.com

Downtown Parkersburg & Fort Boreman Historical Park (photos courtesy Parkersburg CVB)

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State Parks & Recreation Areas

Information courtesy www.wvstateparks.com WestVirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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Audra............................................................................................................. (304) 457-1162 • www.audrastatepark.com Babcock...............................................................................................................(304) 438-3004 • www.babcocksp.com Beartown............................................................................................................................ www.beartownstatepark.com Beech Fork.........................................................................................................(304) 528-5794 • www.beechforksp.com Berkeley Springs..................................................................................... (304) 258-2711 • www.berkeleyspringssp.com Berwind Lake.....................................................................................................(304) 875-2577 • www.berwindlake.com Blackwater Falls............................................................................................(304) 259-5216 • www.blackwaterfalls.com Blennerhassett Island Historical......................................... (304) 420-4800 • www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com Bluestone...........................................................................................................(304) 466-2805 • www.bluestonesp.com Bluestone Wildlife Management Area.........................................................(304) 466-3398 • www.bluestonewma.com Cabwaylingo..................................................................................................... (304) 385-4255 • www.cabwaylingo.com Cacapon Resort............................................................................................. (304) 258-1022 • www.cacaponresort.com Camp Creek..........................................................................................(304) 425-9481 • www.campcreekstatepark.com Canaan Valley........................................................................................................................................... (304) 866-4111 Canaan Valley Resort.................................................................................... (304) 866-4121 • www.cannaanresort.com Carnifex Ferry Battlefield................................................... (304) 872-0825 • www.carnifexferrybattlefieldstatepark.com Cass Scenic Railroad........................................................................................(304) 456-4300 • www.cassrailroad.com Cathedral..................................................................................................(304) 735-3771 • www.cathedralstatepark.com Cedar Creek.....................................................................................................(304) 462-8517 • www.cedarcreeksp.com Chief Logan............................................................................................(304) 792-7125 • www.chiefloganstatepark.com Chief Logan Lodge......................................................................................(304) 855-6100 • www.chiefloganlodge.com Coopers Rock...................................................................................(304) 594-1561 • www.coopersrockstateforest.com Droop Mountain Battlefield .........................................................(304) 653-4254 • www.droopmountainbattlefield.com Greenbrier River Trail................................................................. (304) 799-7416 • www.greenbrierrailtrailstatepark.com Greenbrier..........................................................................................................(304) 536-1944 • www.greenbriersf.com Hawks Nest...................................................................................................... (304) 658-5212 • www.hawksnestsp.com Holly River...............................................................................................................(304) 493-6353 • www.hollyriver.com Kanawha.................................................................................................(304) 558-3500 • www.kanawhastateforest.com Kumbrabow.........................................................................................................(304) 335-2219 • www.kumbrabow.com Laurel Lake Wildlife Management Area....................................................... (304) 475-2823 • www.laurellakewma.com Little Beaver..........................................................................................(304) 763-2494 • www.littlebeaverstatepark.com Lost River..............................................................................................................(304) 897-5372 • www.lostriversp.com Moncove Lake................................................................................... (304) 772-3450 • www.moncovelakestatepark.com North Bend Rail Trail............................................................................................. www.northbendrailtrailstatepark.com North Bend........................................................................................................ (304) 643-2931 • www.northbendsp.com Panther Wildlife Management Area....................................................... (304) 938-2252 • www.pantherstateforest.com Pinnacle Rock.................................................................................... (304) 248-8565 • www.pinnaclerockstatepark.com Pipestem Resort........................................................................................... (304) 466-1800 • www.pipestemresort.com Plum Orchard Wildlife Management Area........................................(304) 469-9905 • www.plumorchardlakewma.com Prickett’s Fort......................................................................................(304) 363-3030 • www.prickettsfortstatepark.com Seneca.......................................................................................................(304) 799-6213 • www.senecastateforest.com Stonewall Lake.........................................................................................................................................(304) 269-0524 Stonewall Resort..........................................................................................(304) 269-7400 • www.stonewallresort.com Tomlinson Run..............................................................................................(304) 564-3651 • www.tomlinsonrunsp.com Tu-Endie-Wei.......................................................................................(304) 675-0869 • www.tu-endie-weistatepark.com Twin Falls Resort............................................................................................ (304) 294-4000 • www.twinfallsresort.com Tygart Lake.............................................................................................................(304) 265-6144 • www.tygartlake.com Valley Falls..............................................................................................(304) 367-2719 • www.valleyfallsstatepark.com Watoga........................................................................................................................(304) 799-4087 • www.watoga.com Watters Smith.................................................................................... (304) 745-3081 • www.watterssmithstatepark.com

Area Chambers of Commerce & Visitors Centers Berkeley County • (800) 4WVA-FUN • www.travelwv.com Canaan Valley / Blackwater Falls / Tucker County • www.canaanvalley.org Charleston CVB • (304) 344-3075 • www.charlestonwv.com Grant County CVB • (304) 257-9266 • www.grantcountywva.com Greenbrier Valley • (800) 833-2068 • www.greenbrierwv.com Hardy County • (304) 897-8700 • www.VisitHardy.com Helvetia • www.helvetiawv.com Huntington • (304) 525-7333 • www.wvvisit.org Jefferson County • (866) HELLO-WV • www.wveasterngateway.com Marion County • (800) 834-7365 • www.marioncvb.com Marshall County Tourism • www.MarshallCountyTourism.com Martinsburg - Berkeley County CVB • (800) 4WVA-FUN • www.travelwv.com Mercer County • (304) 325-8438 • (800) 221-3206 • www.visitmercercounty.com New River Gorge CVB • (800) 927-0263 • www.NewRiverGorgeCVB.com Parkersburg • www.greaterparkersburg.com Pendleton County Chamber & CVB • (304) 358-3884 Randolph County CVB • (304) 636-2780 Richwood • www.richwoodcvb.org Stonewall Country • (800) 296-7329 • www.stonewallcountry.com Summersville CVB • (304) 872-3722 • www.summersvillecvb.com Three Rivers Travel Council • (304) 466-5332 • www.threeriverswv.com Tug Valley Chamber • (304) 235-5240 • www.tugvalleychamber.com West Virginia State Parks • www.wvstateparks.com Wheeling • (800) 828-3097 • www.visitwheelingwv.com New River Gorge Bridge Day (photo courtesy Carlos Vera, New River Gorge CVB)

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Calendar of Events

For a Full List of Events and Event Details, Contact Area Chambers of Commerce/Visitor’s Bureaus.

september

– Fall Fest Barboursville Charles Town – Heritage Day Craigsville – Fall Festival

Davis – Leaf Peepers Festival Hardy County – Heritage Weekend Helvetia – Helvetia Fair Mountain Run Huntington – Chili Fest Greek Festival Pilot Club Antique Show Jane Lew – Firemen’s Arts & Crafts Festival Mathias – Bulls & Barrels Moundsville – Dungeon of Horrors Elizabethtown Festival Historic Jefferson Ave. Fall Festival Scarecrow Lane Zombie Walk Oak Hill – Oak Leaf Festival Parkersburg Ghost Tours Harvest Moon Arts & Crafts Festival Taste of Parkersburg Volcano Days Petersburg – Heritage Day Shepherdstown Mt. Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival Summersville – Carnifex Ferry Battlefield Gauley Festival Grape Stompin’ Festival Nicholas County Potato Festival Weston – Jackson’s Mill Jubilee National Hunting & Fishing Days Wheeling – Sternwheel Festival Vintage Hydroplane Regatta Williamson – King Cole Festival Pneumafest

october

november

Charleston – Capitol City Art & Craft Show Fairmont – Holiday Historic House Tours Guyandotte – Civil War Days Mathias – Christmas Bizarre Parkersburg – Ghost Tours Holiday in the Park Petersburg – Festival of Lights Shepherdstown Over the Mountain Studio Tour

december

Charles Town – Christmas & Horse Parades Charleston – Goodnight Celebration Fairmont – 18th Century Christmas Market Feast of the Seven Fishes Grant County – Snowflake Express Train Ride Hardy County – Reindeer Rampage Drawing Harpers Ferry – Old Tyme Christmas Helvetia – Feast of Sankt Nicholaus Moorefield – Santa’s North Pole Express Moundsville – Cockayane Farmstead Home Tour Parkersburg – Holiday in the Park Petersburg – Old Time Christmas Parade Shepherdstown – Christmas Parade Summersville – Arts & Crafts Show Christmas at Old Main Christmas Parade Wheeling – Festival of Lights Williamson – Christmas Celebration & Parade

january

Charleston – Rough & Ready Brawl WV Hunting & Fishing Expo WV International Auto Show Lewisburg – First Day International Festival Summersville – Gun Show Northside Car Show Rough & Rowdy

february

Charleston – Monster Jam WV Sports Show Grant County Valentine Express Dinner Train Helvetia – Fasnacht

march

Charleston – WV Home Show Ireland – Irish Spring Festival Mathias – Rock Haven Sugar Maple Camp Pickens – Maple Syrup Festival Summersville – Home & Garden Show Mixed Martial Arts Monte Carlo Night

april

Grant County – Civil War Train Rides Huntington – Dogwood Festival Lewisburg – Chocolate Festival Petersburg – Spring Mountain Festival Richwood – Feast of the Ramson Wardensville – Quartets on Parade Weston – Glass Fest

may

Canaan Valley – ArtSpring Charleston – Charlie West Blues Fest Vandalia Gathering Davis – ArtSpring Fairmont – WV Three Rivers Festival Huntington Heritage Farm & Museum Spring Festival Lost River – Artisans Fiber Festival Moorefield – PHHBA Home Show Moundsville Palace of Gold Rose Garden Celebration Petersburg Harman’s Fly Fishing Tournament Shepherdstown – Ranson Festival Summit Point Jefferson 500 Race Summersville – Health Fair Nicholas County Art & Craft Show Thomas – ArtSpring

Wheeling – Polka Festival The Ogden Half Marathon White Sulphur Springs WV Dandelion Festival

june

Ansted – Hometown Mountain Heritage Festival Canaan Valley – Birding Festival Charleston – Capitol City Biker Bash FestivALL Charleston North-South Football Classic Huntington – Art in the Park Parkersburg – Multi-Cultural Festival Richwood – Past 80s Party Roanoke – Mountain Lakes Food & Wine Festival Shepherdstown Mt. Heritage Arts & Crafts Festival Summersville – Music in the Mountains WV Quilt Show Wardensville – Fireman’s Carnival Weston – Weston Weekend Wheeling – Bikes, Brews & BBQ Ohio Valley Black Heritage Festival Wheeling Feeling Chili Cookoff WV Day Celebration Williamson – Hatfield McCoy Marathon

july

Barboursville – Civil War Days Grant County Summertime in the Mountains Dinner Train Huntington – Hotdog Festival Lost River – Ice Cream Social Mathias – Fireman’s Carnival Lost River Classic Moorefield – Firecracker Express Poultry Week Mineral well – WV Interstate Fair & Expo Petersburg – Tri County Fair Richwood – Scenic Mountain Triathlon Shepherdstown Contemporary American Theater Festival Summersville – Freedom Gospel Sing Gun Show Nicholas County Fair Scenic Mountain Triathlon Thomas – Celebration of the Arts Mountaineer Days Weston – Lewis County Fair Wheeling – Freedom Run Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival White Sulphur Springs – Greenbrier Classic

august

Charleston – Multifest SportsFest WV Games Fairlea – State Fair of West Virginia Fairmont – Mannington District Fair Helvetia – Swiss National Holiday Huntington – Rib Fest Jane Lew – Firemen’s Arts & Crafts Festival Milton – Blenko Festival of Glass Moundsville – Cost of Freedom Exhibit New River Gorge New River Gorge Challenge Weekend Oak Hill – Oak Leaf Festival Parkersburg – WV State Honey Festival Parsons – Pickin’ in Parsons Tucker County Fair Petersburg – Tri County Fair Richwood – Cherry River Festival Shepherdstown African American Heritage Festival Jefferson County Fair Weston – Jackson’s Mill Jubilee Wheeling – Arts Festival Debbie Green 5K Run & Walk Heritage Blues Festival Wine & Jazz Festival Williamson – Magnolia Fair

WestVirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

WEST VIRGINIA

Charles Town – Ghost Tours Charleston – CharCon Games Rod Run & Doo-Wop Festival WV Book Festival World’s Championship Chili Cookoff Fairmont – Harvest Festival & Antique Fair Grant County – Autumn Splendor Dinner Train Harpers Ferry – Ghost Tours Helvetia – Helvetia Day Hinton – New River Train Excursion Huntington – Oktoberfest Spooktacular Lewisburg – Taste of Our Town Mathias – Turkey Festival Milton – Pumpkin Festival Moundsville – Dungeon of Horrors Scarecrow Lane New River Gorge – Bridge Day Parkersburg – Ghost Tours Richwood – Heritage Day Mountain Color Art Show Shepherdstown – Freedom’s Run WV Breeders Classic Summersville – Gun Show Halloween Block Party Wardensville – Fall Festival Weston – Bedlam Fall Fest Wheeling – Oglebayfest Williamson Hatfield McCoy National Trail Fest

Summersville – Arts & Crafts Show Mixed Martial Arts Thanksgiving Gospel Sing Weston – Christmas Weekend Wheeling – Fantasy in Light Parade Festival of Lights Winterfest

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150th Anniversary of the Civil War Harpers Ferry National Historical Park (photo courtesy Adam Fagen) Last year marked the 150th anniversary of the start of the American Civil War. The harrowing battle raged for four years, pitting brother against brother at the cost of more than 600,000 lives. Out of the war, however, there rose a new state, and the only one created as a direct result of the war – West Virginia.

“West Virginia is rich in Civil War heritage. History buffs will find much to interest them here,” said Betty Carver, commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Tourism. “For instance, the First Campaign of the war was waged in West Virginia. The state’s Civil War-era towns, battlefields and cemeteries are a hugely popular itinerary for driving tours.”

Whether you’re a scholar, a historian, or just an interested party, commemorate this monumental anniversary with a walk or drive through history. The following events are a guideline to help plan your tour.

The First Campaign West Virginia, born of a nation divided, was the setting for the First Campaign of America’s Civil War. Although still part of Virginia in 1861, many citizens of the western half of the state were loyal to the Union. By late May of 1861, Union Gen. George B. McClellan, commanding the Department of the Ohio, launched the First Campaign – ordering troops to cross the Ohio River and secure western Virginia for the Union. The resulting battles were fought in West Virginia’s mountains, in what is now Barbour, Taylor, Tucker, Randolph and Pocahontas Counties.

During June and July of 1861, McClellan’s army won the inaugural Union victories of the Civil War. Federal troops now occupied western Virginia as loyal delegates met in Wheeling to form the Restored Government of Virginia, a Union government to oppose the Confederate one in Richmond. In August, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee tried – and failed – to reclaim that part of Virginia, and by 1862 the conflict had shifted east.

The First Campaign proved to be decisive: In 1863, the western counties under Union control became the new state of West Virginia.

The Battle of Philippi The Battle of Philippi was fought on June 3, 1861, at Philippi, WV, in what is now Barbour County, WV. It was the first organized land action in the war and was part of McClellan’s campaign.

McClellan ordered 3,000 troops under Brig. Gen. Thomas A. Morris into western Virginia in a two-pronged advance. The principal advance, of 1,600 men under Brig. Gen. Benjamin F. Kelley, pushed toward Grafton.

The other advance, of 1,400 men under Brig. Gen. Ebenezer Dumont, took Webster. When McClellan’s forces occupied Grafton, Confederates retreated 18 miles to Philippi.

The two forces departed by train to converge on Philippi. They arrived before dawn on June 3, surprising the Confederates. After firing a few shots at advancing Union troops, the Confederates broke lines and fled

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south, some still in their bed clothes. As a result, some mockingly refer to the battle as the “Races at Philippi.”

A covered bridge spanned the Tygart Valley River in Philippi and was an important segment of the vital Beverly-Fairmont Turnpike during the war. Today, the Philippi Covered Bridge is the oldest and longest covered bridge in West Virginia and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Places To See, Things To Do The following sites and events associated with the First Campaign are accessible to tourists and provide an entertaining and educational experience for the whole family: Blue and Gray Days City: St. Marys, Date: Oct 19, 2012 - Oct 21, 2012 Civil War re-enactment in downtown St. Marys and surrounding area.

Oct. 19th, Living History at the Marina. 12 stations including R.E. Lee impersonator, surgeons tent, women of the civil war, cannon, sutler, blacksmith, etc.

Oct. 20, skermish in downtown St. Marys. Robbing of the bank, kidnapping of mayor. Ladies tea, dinner with reenactors, fancy ball, night firing of cannons.

Oct. 21, period church service, main battle at the Marina.

With a Torch In Their Soul City: Fairmont, Date: Oct 27, 2012 Civil War Living History Interpretation of Clara Barton (Karen Vuranch) and Harriett Tubman (Ilene Evans). After each protrayal, will be a participant discussion led by WV historian Dr. Connie Rice. A companion reader that includes information about Tubman & Barton, African Americans in the Civil War, Black WV in the Civil War era.

The presentation will be held in the Social Hall of the Central United Methodist Church on the corner of 3rd St. and Fairmont Avenue.

Fort Mulligan Day Festival City: Petersburg, Date: Aug 17, 2013 Experience a part of West Virginia’s Civil War history. The valley of the South Branch of the Potomac River saw an incredible amount of troop activity and action during the Civil War. Its story is hauntingly similar to that of Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, albeit on a smaller scale.

The fort as it exists today was constructed in 1863 by troops under the command of Col. James A. Mulligan, from Chicago. Infantry, cavalry and artillery from West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Illinois carried out the backbreaking labor. Today, Fort Mulligan remains one of the best preserved earthern forts.

Step back in time and experience Civil War history for yourself at this festival celebrating the 150th anniversary of Fort Mulligan’s completion. There will be reenactments, lots of demonstrations, and great food! Today, Fort Mulligan remains one of the best preserved earthen forts in the country. For more information visit grantcountywva.com

John Brown’s Fort in Harpers Ferr y (courtesy Jeff Kubina)

For more information about Civil War events and a complete list of sites to tour, visit www.civilwar150.wv.gov or www. civilwarwv.com McNeill’s Rangers John Hanson McNeill of Moorefield, Hardy County was commander of a Confederate company in the Missouri State Guard. Although captured and imprisoned in St. Louis, he escaped to Richmond, VA, where he obtained permission to form an independent unit in the western counties of Virginia to disrupt Union activities in the area. On Sept. 5, 1862, McNeill became captain of Company E of the 18th Virginia Cavalry, more commonly known as McNeill’s Rangers.

McNeill’s Rangers was an independent irregular Confederate military company commissioned under the Partisan Ranger Act. Along with raids on railroads and wagon trains, McNeill first proposed the operation on the B&O Railroad in western Virginia that became the Jones-Imboden Raid.

Civil War Trails The Civil War Trails is a multistate program that identifies, interprets and creates driving tours of Civil War sites. The program interprets more than 1,100 Civil War sites throughout West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina and Tennessee. In West Virginia, there are about 150 sites in development that will feature Civil War Trails program interpretive panels.

The program is administered by a nonprofit corporation and supported by local communities, state tourism offices and state departments of transportation. In 2001, the National Trust for Historic Preservation identified the Civil War Trails program as one of the most successful and sustainable heritage tourism programs in the nation.

For a map, visit www.civilwarwv.com

‘Honey in the Rock’ Theatre West Virginia premiered “Honey in the Rock” in 1961. The outdoor drama chronicles the tumultuous birth of the Mountain State through the lives of some of its real and imagined residents. “Honey in the Rock” derives its name from the natural gas wells that the Indians discovered in what is now West Virginia. The show, presented annually every summer at Cliffside Amphitheatre in Grandview, is billed as a “romping, rollicking, vibrant historical performance filled with drama, intrigue, music, comedy and romance.”

Statewide events are planned throughout the year to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. To learn more about West Virginia events, sites, trails and re-enactments, visit www.civilwarwv.com For information about “Honey in the Rock,” visit www.theatrewestvirginia.com By: Andrea Bond, www.wvtourism.com

Philippi Covered Bridge (courtesy J. Stephen Conn)

WEST VIRGINIA

WestVirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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A River Runs Through It

Turkey Spur Overlook (photo courtesy NPS)

Established in 1978, New River Gorge National River encompasses over 70,000 acres of land along 53 miles of the New River from Bluestone Dam to Hawk’s Nest Lake. A rugged, white water river flowing northward through deep and spectacular canyons, the New River is actually among the oldest rivers on Earth.

Here in southern West Virginia, the New River has carved and continues to carve the deepest and longest river gorge in the Appalachian Mountains.

Hiking along the many park trails, rafting the river, or biking along an old railroad grade, the visitor will be confronted with spectacular scenery that certainly makes this place worthy of being included in our national park system. However, the significance of this place goes well beyond the beautiful scenery.

When looking out from Grandview, Diamond Point, Long Point, or one of the many other viewpoints in the park, we are actually looking at a globally significant forest containing the most diverse flora of any river gorge in the south and central Appalachian Mountains. The Appalachian Mountain forests are some of the oldest and most diverse ecosystems in the world. Here in southern West Virginia, the New River has sliced through the mountains, creating a mosaic of habitats: unfragmented forest, cliff and rimrock habitats, forest seeps and wetlands, and mature bottomland forests. These habitats provide a refuge for endangered mammals and rare birds and amphibians, including the endangered Virginia big-eared bat and Indiana bat and the Allegheny woodrat, a species of special concern in West Virginia and in decline throughout the eastern United States. The waters of the New River system contain a mosaic of hydrologic features and aquatic habitats that support a highly productive aquatic ecosystem that includes distinct

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populations of native fish, mussels, crayfish, and a broad array of other aquatic life, including rare amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Looking out from the many fantastic viewpoints in the park will also provide a glimpse into the unique cultural history of the New River Gorge area that contributes to the significance of this place. From almost any viewpoint in the park one will see the railroad tracks that opened this rugged and isolated land to the Kaymoor Mine (courtesy David Bieri, NPS)

New River Gorge Bridge (courtesy WebbShots, Flickr)

WestVirginiaTravelRecreation.com •

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WEST VIRGINIA

) Tunnel Trail Hikers (courtesy NPS

outside world in 1872. From Grandview one will see the rail yards at Quinnimont, where coal was first shipped from the gorge, and the piers of an old bridge which once connected the timber towns of Hamlet and Glade. From Diamond Point hikers will gaze down at the ruins of Kaymoor, an early New River coal mining town. In addition to the coal mines and company towns found throughout the gorge are the old railroad depots, rail yards, rail grades, railroad equipment, and associated towns, like Thurmond, that were developed to support the railroad. Also contributing to the area’s rich cultural history are surviving examples of subsistence farms, former community sites, homesteads, and other places in the park where the ancestors of families long associated with the New River lived and worked. Bits of coal along the tracks, rows of old decaying coke ovens, gaping mine openings in the hillsides, old rusted mine cars, and the gravestones of early pioneer families provide tangible reminders of the people who worked and lived here during the late 18th and 19th centuries, supplying the coal and lumber that helped fuel the industrialization of our nation.

Today, New River Gorge National River is renowned for its excellent recreational opportunities: white-water rafting, canoeing, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, hunting, bird watching, camping, picnicking, biking, and just enjoying the solitude of the natural world.

The Lower Gorge of the New River is a premier white-water rafting location with imposing rapids ranging in difficulty from Class III to Class V, many of them obstructed by large boulders which necessitate maneuvering in very powerful currents, crosscurrents, and hydraulics. Commercial outfitters conduct trips down the river from April through October. The upper part of the river offers somewhat less challenging class I to III rapids for whitewater canoeing. ~ courtesy National Park Service

CHOICE HOTELS I N T E R N A T I O N A L Virginia & West Virginia Locations Alexandria – QUALITY INN MOUNT VERNON

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Features: Free Hot Buffet Breakfast • Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Located Next Door • Free High-Speed Internet Access • Free Local Calls • Microwaves & Refrigerators in All Rooms • Free Coffee in Lobby • Olympic-Size Seasonal Outdoor Pool • Fitness Center • Data Ports • Voice Mail • Copy Service • Coffee Makers • Irons / Ironing Boards • Hair Dryers • Cable TV • Suites Feature Pullout Full Size Sleeper Sofa and Sitting Areas • Handicap Accessible • Smoking & Non-Smoking Rooms Are Available • Pets Welcome With Small Nightly Fee. www.choicehotels.com/hotel/va337

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1124 Airport Rd. • Beaver, WV 25813 (304) 255-4222 • Fax (304) 255-0151

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Beckley – COMFORT INN

300 Harper Park Dr. • Beckley, WV 25801 (304) 255-5291

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Beckley – ECONOLODGE

1909 Harper Rd. • Beckley, WV 25801 (304) 255-2161

U.S. Rt. 19 • Fayetteville, WV 25840 (800) 789-9741

Harpers Ferry – ECONO LODGE

25 Union Street • Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 (304) 535-6391

Features: The EconoLodge Offers Free Hot Breakfast • High-Speed Internet • In-Room Coffee Maker • In-Room Microwave & Fridge • Cable TV w/ HBO.

Morgantown – COMFORT INN

225 Comfort Inn Drive • Morgantown, WV 26508 (304) 296-9364

Features: Free Hot Breakfast • Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access • Free Newspapers • Free Coffee • Cable TV • Iron/Ironing Board • Some Rooms with Refrigerator • Whirlpool Rooms Available • Exercise Room • Seasonal Outdoor Pool • Handicap Rooms • Non-Smoking Available • Pet Friendly with Fee. www.choicehotels.com

Newport News – ECONO LODGE

11845 Jefferson Ave. • Newport News, VA 23606-1934 (757) 599-3237 • Fax (757) 599-0434

Features: The EconoLodge Offers Free Continental Breakfast • High-Speed Internet • USA Today • Conveniently Located Near Airport, Mall, Restaurant & the New City Center • Bring This Ad In For 10% Off, Based on Availibity.

Princeton – SLEEP INN & SUITES

1015 Oakvale Rd. • Princeton, WV 24740 (304) 431-2800 • Fax (304) 425-7693

Features: In-Room Coffee • Free Deluxe Continental Breakfast • Free HighSpeed Internet • Cable TV • Refrigerator, Microwave • Free Local Calls • Fax Services • Pets Welcome. www.econolodge.com/hotel/wv400

Features: Free Continental Breakfast • Free High-Speed Internet Access • Free Weekday Newspaper • Free Coffee • Free Local Calls • Iron/Ironing Board • Cable TV • Suites Include Microwaves, Refrigerators & Sofa Sleepers • Exercise Room • Heated Indoor Pool • Fax & Copy Services • Meeting Room • Handicap Accessible • Non-Smoking Rooms. www.choicehotels.com/hotel.wv414

Charleston – SLEEP INN

Virginia Beach – ECONOLODGE OCEANFRONT

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Features: This Virginia Beach Hotel Provides Many Amenities, Including 100% Oceanfront Rooms with Balcony, Free Continental Breakfast with Hot Waffles and Free Wireless High-Speed Internet Access in all Guest Rooms & Public Areas.

Free On-Site Garage Parking, Free Coffee and Indoor Heated Pool. www.econolodge.com/hotel-virginia_beach-virginia-VA051

2772 Pennsylvania Ave. • Charleston, WV 25302 (304) 345-5111

2109 Atlantic Avenue • Virginia Beach, VA 23451 (757) 428-2403 • (800) 999-3630 • Fax (757) 422-2530

Cross Lanes – SLEEP INN & SUITES

Washington, DC – COMFORT INN GUNSTON CORNER

Features: Free Continental Breakfast • Free High-Speed Internet Access • Free Weekday Newspaper • Free Coffee • Free Local Calls • Iron/Ironing Board • Flat Panel TV w/ Free HBO • All Rooms Include Microwaves & Refrigerators • Exercise Room • Heated Indoor Pool • Fax & Copy Services • Handicap Accessible • Non-Smoking Rooms. www.choicehotels.com/hotel/wv058

Features: This Lorton hotel is ideally located off I-95 just a few minutes away from the nation’s Capital and 2 blocks from the Amtrak Auto Train station. It offers many service amenities and features including a complimentary Hot Breakfast buffet, free weekday newspaper, free Wi-Fi, 24-hour sundry shop, onsite fitness center or access to Gold’s Gym, business center, complimentary shuttle to the Metro station for easy access to downtown DC. Hotel guests can enjoy a 10% discount on participating area restaurants. Local historic attractions in the area include George Washington’s Estate Garden Mount Vernon, the world-class Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton and George Mason’s estate Gunston Hall Plantation. www.cigunston.com

15 Goff Crossing Drive • Cross Lanes, WV 25313 (304) 776-7711

1-800-4-CHOICE www.choicehotels.com 96

• West Virginia

8180 Silverbrook Road • Lorton, VA 22079 (703) 643-3100 • Fax (703) 643-3175

Tour the Monuments Washington DC Lincoln Memorial (courtesy rjv541, Flickr)

Vietnam Memorial (courtesy catwoman, Flickr)

Washington Monument (courtesy Carol M. Highsmith) Korean War Memorial (courtesy Kevin Burkett)

Jefferson Memorial (courtesy Tancread, Flickr)

World War II Memorial (courtesy Steve Mohundro)

Roosevelt Memorial (courtesy Stefan Fussan)