Frederick County, Maryland, is home to a vast and versatile range of awesome endeavors. From acclaimed attractions to be enjoyed year-round, to select seasonal offerings that draw in locals and visitors alike, the options are seemingly endless.  Regarding the previously mentioned seasonal offerings, you have an abundance of beloved festivals, fairs, races, and other events to take in throughout the county, occurring at various times throughout the year. Here are eight great can’t-miss examples of the most hopping happenings to check out in Frederick County, Maryland. Sailing Through the Winter Solstice Since 2016, the scene at Carroll Creek Park has …

While crossing the Ben Franklin Bridge on our way to Cape May, New Jersey, I peered down and was greeted with the sight of the massive battleship USS New Jersey berthed on the Camden side of the Delaware River. Drawing my wife Jenn’s attention to the ship, she enthusiastically exclaimed, “Want to go?” Within minutes we were at the dock, preparing to board the sprawling warship. The USS New Jersey, nicknamed the “Big J,” was constructed at the nearby Philadelphia Navy Yard. As a matter of local pride, four additional inches were added to her overall length, making her the …

A cozy waterside hotel is a great find and a wonderful place to spend a long weekend. Add in an exceptional gourmet restaurant, and a charming small town nearby, and you’re really talking. The amazing thing about The Tides Inn in Irvington, Virginia is that it’s all that plus a whole lot more. The 70-room Tides Inn is a luxury getaway set on its own peninsula on Virginia’s Northern Neck. And what exactly is a Northern Neck? Well, it’s the northernmost of three peninsulas on Virginia’s western shore of the Chesapeake Bay, bordered by the Potomac River to the north …

There’s so much to see, do, and explore throughout the greater region of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. Detours to nearby Charles Town and Martinsburg also come with an exciting array of extras, which can certainly be added to any extended outing here. In truth, however, making extra stops is entirely unnecessary, as you’ll find plenty of pleasant offerings right onsite of this National Historical Park directly.  Because everyone is an individual with unique, personal interests, activity preferences are sure to differ by group. Still, there are some quintessential, mutually agreed-upon must-dos that most would consider Harpers Ferry rites of passage. …

Wildlife encounters close to the coast are not as elusive as you may believe. Perhaps you already know about the numerous parks, nature centers, and even ranger/volunteer-led educational programs offered along the greater Delmarva shoreline. Visits to such places as Assateague Island and Indian River can especially appeal to those looking for an impromptu car trip away from the standard beach day. But for those who seek guaranteed creature encounters, you don’t have to work too hard at spotting out in nature, there’s an alternative—a traditional, organized zoo or aquarium excursion guaranteed to up the ante. But are there really …

Erie, Pennsylvania, has long been a maritime center, given its roots in shipbuilding, fishing, travel,and trade. During the War of 1812, Lake Erie was a hub for naval battles between Americanwarships, commanded by Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry, and British ships, including a decisiveAmerican victory in September 1813. Today, Erie is still a hub for water-based activities enjoyed by individual visitors and families alike.Visiting the city and the lake of the same name has all the perks of visiting the ocean, but withouthaving to deal with the saltwater, sharks, and jellyfish. Use the Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel as your base of …

It cannot be denied that some of the sweetest day trip destinations center around classic culinary confections. Popular examples include candy tastings, ice cream trails, and other regional callouts renowned for dishing up the works in time-tested treats. For most people living in the Mid-Atlantic region, visits to Hershey, Pennsylvania, particularly outings to Hersheypark and Chocolate World, take the cake (or in this case, candy bar) as the first thought when considering convenient classic candy-themed excursions close to home. But there are so many other novelties to explore—hidden gems in nearby locales and neighboring states. Here are four contested candy attractions to satisfy …

This day in age it seems nearly impossible to truly escape from the real world. But if you yearn for an opportunity to do just that, there is a place that beckons you to Hampshire County, West Virginia. The place is called Capon Springs and Farms and it is like a summer camp for adults (yes, families are welcome as well). We are talking an old fashioned summer camp, the kind you attended when you were a kid. Given its namesake, one of the reasons people have been drawn to this location for centuries is because of the natural spring …