Belle Grove Plantation, in King George, VA, is a gorgeous place, high up on a bluff on the eastern shore of the Rappahanock River. James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, was born there on March 16, 1751, although the house, which was the childhood home of his mother, Eleanor Rose Conway, where […]
Author: Jody Arneson
Falling in Love with the C&O Canal All Over Again
I’ve frequently biked portions of the C&O Canal (although this year, not as much as I’d hoped) and of course, any good weather entices me to bring the mutts for a satisfying walk along some of my favorite sections. The towpath is a go-to destination, over and over. I’m constantly impressed by the beauty of […]
A Year of Memory Making Mid-Atlantic Daytrips You Shouldn’t Miss in 2018
This year, like every year, I gave my family gifts that I thought reflected both me and them. And like every other year, I struggled to find that “perfect gift” — a thing of myth and legend — that will make my loved ones happy. Then it hit me — I actually write a blog […]
National Museum of Industry History
A relatively recent addition to the area, the National Museum of Industrial History, just opened in late 2016 and is affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution; it seeks to preserve, educate, and display the industrial history of the nation. It’s not just a cool place to visit — it’s in a cool place, an old building […]
Abandoned School Photo Safari
The J.W. Cooper School was originally scheduled to open in 1918, but the Spanish Flu epidemic was tearing across America, and thus the school building was commandeered and used as a temporary hospital and morgue because the local hospital was unable to accommodate the large number of victims. Finally, in May 1919 the building was […]
Series of Unfortunate Events Brings Us to High Point State Park
Even the Delaware River was almost frozen over! The day we visited New Jersey’s High Point State Park was a day of bitter cold and frustration! I debated about even blogging about it, but in the end, decided that it serves as a lesson about preparing better for an outting. My lack of planning and […]
Eight Winter Day Trips Not to Miss in 2018!
Just because it’s cold outside doesn’t you should sit at home waiting for warmer weather! Here are eight winter day trips you should definitely try out this year!! Island Beach State ParkWinter is a great time to appreciate the wonderful natural environment of a beach, without the hordes of sun worshipers. Shaped by storm, wind, […]
UTVing Through a Winter Wonderland!
I called so we could go snow mobiling, but the weather didn’t cooperate. The woman on the other side of the phone laughed, and said she could hook us up with a fun ATV ride instead. Sure! (So actually, these were utility vehicles, not ATVs. UTVs are equipped with roll cages, seat belts and side restraints […]
Barns of the Delaware Water Gap Photo Safari
This is another of periodic “photo safaris” of places we have visited! I hope you enjoy this visit to several of the barns within the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area! Sadly, although we encountered a park ranger (who investigated us investigating the barns), we did not have the forethought to ask the names of […]
Who Let the Dogs Out?
Dog power has been used for hunting and travel for thousands of years, as the dog – human partnership deepened. My fascination with dog sledding started with being forced to read Jack London’s Call of the Wild as a kid. Later on, I learned about the real life dog-hero, Balto, and how he helped save […]
Cass Scenic Rail Road: Gorgeous Scenery at Bald Knob
Nestled in the mountains of West Virginia, Cass Scenic Railroad State Park offers scenic train rides to the top of Bald Knob. It also transports passengers back in time to relive an era when steam-driven locomotives played an essential role in local industry. The history of Cass follows the evolution of the lumber companies that […]
Having a Blast at the Hoover-Mason Trestle
Beginning in late November, I started a series of posts about Lehigh Valley, PA. This is the third of this series. To see others in this series, click on the label “Lehigh Valley” below this post. So long-time readers of this blog know that I’m pretty much fascinated by any history — whether it be […]
Snow a Bonus at Winter Lights!
There are few things as magical as the first snowfall of the year, especially when that happens in December, and the enthusiasm for winter and snowflakes is running at its highest. The sparkle of the snow just accentuates the excitement of the holiday season: the anticipation, the plans to get together with good friends and […]
Animals, Animals Everywhere at ZooLights!
There are few holiday light displays with elephants, cuddlefish, naked molerats, and orangutans, but ZooLights at the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington DC is one of them! And unlike many (most?) other holiday lights displays, this one is completely free. I love holiday lights displays — that’s how I get into the holiday spirit, and […]
Kemerer Museum of Decorative Arts
n late November, I started a series of posts about Lehigh Valley, PA. This is the second installment of this series. To see others in this series, click on the label “Lehigh Valley” below this post. In Bethlehem, PA, there’s a unique museum, inspired by a unique woman who was born just as the Civil War […]