March is Women’s History Month, an excellent time to share the story of one of the mid-Atlantic region’s remarkable although monstrous women. If you’ve ever traveled on the Delmarva peninsula and wondered about those historical markers about Patty Cannon or the Cannon Gang, this post is for you! The Nanticoke River, at Woodland Ferry (formerly […]
Enjoy the Countryside, Drink Some Wine!
Beginning in March, I started a series of posts about Clearfield County, PA. This is the second of the series. To see others in this series, click on the label “Clearfield County” at the bottom of this post Central PA usually raises visions of coal mines, lumber operations, or simply (and more positively) as elk […]
Murals of Chesapeake Country
All too frequently, folks drive right through Cambridge without recognizing its rich history and everything Cambridge and Dorchester County have to offer as a day trip destination it their own right. I’ve blogged about the region before The murals highlight Dorchester County’s culture and history and were inspired by James Michener’s famous novel, Chesapeake. Created […]
Amazing Nature at Bilgers Rocks
I’m always game for interesting rock formations and outcroppings, so when I learned about Bilgers Rocks, I knew it had to be on my visit list. The World Is Looking to US, carved in 1921 just after WWI, the “War to End all Wars” Bilger’s Rocks is a massive, 300 million year old rock formation […]
Hammond-Harwood House Through the Eyes of Those Enslaved There
As history tourists in America’s great mansions in the mid-Atlantic region, we often remark upon the intricate carvings around the fire-places and window and door moldings, the lovely grain of the mahogany wood of the sideboard, the fine fabrics used in the bed-curtains. I recently toured the Hammond-Harwood House, an “elegant townhouse” located on Maryland […]
More Romance on the Rails
We first went on the Romance on the Rails two years ago, and enjoyed it so much we went on it again this year. Every year the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad offers this romantic excursion in February (throughout the year, other excursions are offered). Bruce, the train conductor, welcomes each guest personally onto the excursion! […]
Freedom Bound: Runaways of the Chesapeake
Update June 2019: The Freedom Bound exhibit — and in fact, the entire Historic Annapolis Museum — is currently closed. The Freedom Bound exhibit will re-open in the fall at the Reginald F Lewis Museum at 830 E Pratt St, Baltimore. The building at 99 Main Street, Annapolis is currently undergoing renovations and will reopen in […]
Truth in History at Belle Grove Plantation
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 […]
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 […]