Trains and Christmas seem to go together. The first model trains appeared in 1891 and 13 years later, a group of English hobbyists began building little worlds to go along with these wonderful trains. Electric model trains appeared just before WWI, and the 1920s saw an explosion of these as toys for the wealthy. By […]
Kayaking in the Great Marsh Preserve
Just north of Lewes is an amazing place, where bird song and tranquility dominate your senses. I’m talking about the Great Marsh Preserve — 17 thousand acres of coastal wetland near the mouth of the Delaware Bay at Broadkill River. The preserve is adjacent to Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge. We visited in mid-October, after […]
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth with a Chocolate Truffle Experience
A chocolate truffle is a type of chocolate confectionery, traditionally made with a chocolate ganache — a mixture of melted chocolate and warmed cream — cooled until firm, rolled, and coated with chocolate, cocoa powder or chopped toasted nuts, usually in a spherical, conical, or curved shape. Their name derives from their resemblance to truffles, […]
Going Wild at the Virginia Safari Park
I’ve enjoyed drive-through animal “safari” zoos several times, always delighting in seeing (and usually getting to feed) the animals. Kids will love it, but so will any but the most cynical of adults. And believe it or not, this makes a great winter daytrip! The Virginia Safari Park was no different, and cool — it’s open […]
The National Zoo Can Be Daytripped on a Budget!
Visiting the National Zoo’s 1,800 animals from 300 different species can be a great way to spend a happy day. I challenge you to visit them all! Where a trip to the National Zoo starts to break the bank is for food. So simple solution: pack a healthy picnic — there are several places where you […]
Paddling James — A Kayak Adventure on the James River
The James River begins in the Appalachian Mountains and flows 348 miles to the Chesapeake Bay, past Richmond, Williamsburg, and Jamestown — all former or present state capitals of Virginia. It’s been a river vital to the state of Virginia and remains so today. It’s easy to see why. The river is a major recreational […]
Covered Bridges Tour of Lehigh Valley
Geigers Covered Bridge There used to be thousands of covered bridges across the mid-Atlantic region and New England. Now there’s just 200 left in Pennsylvania, and just 7 in the Lehigh Valley region. The inside of Bogert’s Bridge Communities learned that they could exponentially increase the life of a bridge by covering it with a […]
On the Town Food Tours: Exploring the Restaurants of Haddonfield
Haddonfield has a long history. First inhabited by the Lenni Lenape Native Americans, the 1600s brought the European invasion, and with it, Elizabeth Haddon, for whom the town is named. During colonial times, the town thrived, and in 1777, the New Jersey Legislature met at a local tavern, which is now operated as a museum, […]
Something Fishy at the National Aquarium!
There’s something fishy at the National Aquarium in Baltimore! Over the years, the National Aquarium has changed its focus from entertainment to conservation. An emphasis on the importance of water, and the earth as a water system, is a core message throughout the exhibits. Water isn’t just a habitat for the animals displayed. It’s integral […]
Percival Island Rail Trail — Biking a Portion of the James River Heritage Rail Trail
Lynchburg offers more than 40 miles of bike and walking trails. which visit various parts of the town’s historic neighborhoods and parks. We didn’t have our bikes on this ride — the first day of a seven-day whirl-wind of daytrips, so we rented bikes — very comfortable Townies — at Bikes Unlimited, before heading off […]
Kayaking at Shaggers Inn
I love going kayaking where the only sound is the breeze rustling through the trees and a distant hawk screeching into the sky. Shaggers Inn — a local secret — is just such a place. Shaggers Inn is remote — deep within Moshannon State Forest — and isolated. It’s also a bit difficult to find, […]
Take the 24 in 24 Clearfield Challenge: Can You Do Them All?
I’ve visited Clearfield County three times now, and I’m impressed by how much there is to see and do there! From dinosaurs to cars to Civil War history, cute b&bs, some fab food, a bloody cabin, and hiking, biking and kayaking! You’ll find plenty there to keep you busy! Take the “24 in 24 Challenge,” […]
Explore the Odd and Creepy at Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium
3D masks that look as if they’re looking at you. You have permission to stare. This T-Rex sculpture is made out of Pop-Tart foil…believe it or not! Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium has the weird, bizarre and just plain odd. Looking for a life-sized T-Rex made out of pop-tart foil? Then look no further, […]
Wicomico’s Whitehaven Hotel
The Whitehaven Hotel, sitting serenely on the banks of the Wicomico River, offers weary travelers a place to de-stress in rural Wicomico County. Its stately exterior hides over a century of secrets: the building started out as a modest residence in 1810 adjacent to the Whitehaven Ferry, one of the oldest publicly run ferries in […]
24 Things to Do in 24 Hours in Lynchburg
Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the banks of the James River, Lynchburg is known as the “City of Seven Hills.” It’s a city nestled in its surroundings. If you’re a history buff, you’ve come to the right place — there’s history galore here. Interestingly, it’s a Southern city grappling with […]