Quick Answer: The best things to do in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia include the Harpers Ferry Visitor Center, the historic museums of Lower Town, the scenic overlook at Jefferson Rock, “The Point” where three states meet, over 20 hiking trails including a stretch of the Appalachian Trail, water activities on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, and a lively local dining scene. Harpers Ferry, West Virginia offers a rich mix of history, hiking, and river adventure you don’t want to miss.
Nestled on a historic estate and equestrian center known as Morven Park in Loudoun County awaits a magical moment for Harry Potter fans. And quite frankly, even for those that aren’t fans of the series of books or aren’t familiar with them. Warner Brothers Entertainment and Fever have created “Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience,” an illuminated walking trail that you experience after dark. It is truly like a miniature Hogwarts-themed amusement park.
The Leesburg, VA location is one of only two in the United States. During your experience, you will wander the forest just like Harry and Draco, stumble into Acromantula Hollow, and come upon the Romanian Dragon Sanctuary You’ll see so many familiar characters and magical creatures featured in the various books, such as Hagrid, Nifflers, The Flying Ford Anglia, and
perhaps a Hippogriff.
You may even feel like you are attending Hogwarts or competing in their famous Triwizard Tournament. So be sure to bring your magic wand, as you can partake in a number of interactive activities including casting a Patronus Charm. There are so many ways to be a part of the story and engage throughout the trail that will delight the kids and even the kids at heart. For us muggles, you can even say this is a spellbinding experience.
Through the use of narration, music, lighting, and other special effects, you will truly feel like you are immersed in one of the books. Plan for at least an hour to fully take it all in, but you can easily spend double that amount of time if you get into it.
Even those that are not Harry Potter fans will delight in the theatrical-like design and enjoy walking along the lighted trail and being out in nature. Because you are outside, dress appropriately for the weather and know the trail can be uneven at times.
Either before you start the trail or after you complete the experience, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy. Numerous tasty food options are available at the Dragon Fire Roast or the The Fat Fryer, including pasties of the savory variety. Their house hot chocolates include names like Hogwarts, Slytherin, Gryffindor, Huffelpuff, and Ravenclaw. Depending on your school of choice, or your flavor profile, one might come with hints of caramel, mint, orange, or vanilla hot chocolates with green or gold glitter dusting. But you won’t be disappointed if you get some butter beer, which is a crème soda with butterscotch. Of course, there is a gift shop for the true Harry Potter fans and there are also fire pits where you can actually make s’mores.
The forest usually comes alive at night with various sounds and creatures, but it definitely doesn’t come to life like this. It is theatrical, magical, and experiential wrapped all in one visit. Get your tickets today, as the experience is planning to close on December 8th. To learn more, visit www.hpforbiddenforestexperience.com/leesburg.
Article by: Shuan Butcher
November 2024
If you’re dreaming of a getaway that combines natural beauty with historic charm, look no further than Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz, New York. This breathtaking resort, set in a Victorian castle, is surrounded by 40,000 acres of protected forest in the Shawangunk Mountains, offering a serene escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Imagine waking up to sweeping views of the surrounding wilderness, with mist rising over the mountains and the sound of birds greeting the day. At Mohonk, outdoor activities abound, from hiking the miles of scenic trails that wind through the forest to paddleboarding across the crystal-clear waters of Lake Mohonk. Whether you prefer an adrenaline rush or a peaceful paddle, the options are endless.
For those who seek relaxation, Mohonk’s award-winning spa is the perfect sanctuary. After a day of exploring, unwind with a massage, soak in the heated mineral pool, or simply enjoy the quiet of the stunning landscape. The resort’s holistic approach to wellness will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
At Mohonk Mountain House, adventure and relaxation blend seamlessly, offering an unforgettable experience in one of the most beautiful settings in the Northeast. Ready to plan your retreat? This timeless treasure awaits!
Mohonk Mountain House is located at:
1000 Mountain Rest Road
New Paltz, NY 12561
Nestled in New York’s stunning Finger Lakes region, Watkins Glen State Park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. Known for its dramatic scenery, the park’s star attraction is the Glen Creek Gorge Trail. This iconic trail takes visitors on a journey through towering cliffs, lush greenery, and along the edges of the gorge, offering jaw-dropping views at every turn. It’s a picturesque escape into nature, with the kind of beauty that feels like stepping into another world.
The true highlight of the Glen Creek Gorge Trail is its impressive waterfalls—19 in total! The trail weaves around, and in some cases, directly underneath these cascades, allowing hikers to experience the raw power and tranquility of the falls up close. From the awe-inspiring Cavern Cascade to the gentle plummet of Rainbow Falls, each waterfall along the trail is unique, adding to the sense of wonder and discovery as you make your way through the gorge.
Aside from its waterfalls, Watkins Glen State Park also boasts a network of scenic trails that wind through wooded areas and along creek beds, making it a perfect spot for both seasoned hikers and casual visitors. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a challenging hike, the park has something for everyone. With its breathtaking vistas and captivating natural beauty, Watkins Glen offers an unforgettable experience that captures the very essence of the Finger Lakes.
Watkins Glen State Park is located at:
1009 N Franklin St
Watkins Glen, NY 14891
You can still go to the beach, even in Pennsylvania! Presque Isle State Park in Erie, Pennsylvania is a sandy peninsula on the coast of Lake Erie, with a beautiful coastline and lots of activities to do. It’s a beautiful spot to spend a relaxing day out!
Presque Isle State Park, located in Erie, Pennsylvania, is a scenic 3,200-acre peninsula that extends into Lake Erie, forming a natural harbor. Known for its sandy beaches, diverse wildlife, and recreational opportunities, the park is a popular destination for swimming, hiking, birdwatching, and boating.
It also boasts a rich history, including its role in the War of 1812. With miles of trails, numerous picnic spots, and the stunning Presque Isle Lighthouse, the park offers a perfect blend of nature and history for visitors of all ages.
Nestled just a stone’s throw from the hustle and bustle of Washington, D.C., Great Falls National Park in Virginia offers an exhilarating escape into nature’s grandeur. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker, an enthusiastic photographer, or simply someone in need of a serene day trip, this park is the perfect destination.
The crown jewel of Great Falls is, undoubtedly, the falls themselves. As the Potomac River surges over rugged rocks, it creates a series of breathtaking cascades that will leave you awestruck. The park’s three main overlooks offer spectacular vantage points to watch the river’s powerful display. For the adventurous at heart, the cliffside views are nothing short of dramatic – just remember to bring your camera!
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, Great Falls has a trail for you. The easy-going River Trail meanders alongside the Potomac, offering stunning water views and a chance to spot local wildlife. For a more rugged experience, tackle the Billy Goat Trail. Though demanding, this trail rewards hikers with some of the most stunning vistas in the park. We were also captivated by the courageous rock climbers on the cliffs and sunbathing on the rocks after their descent.
Great Falls isn’t just about natural beauty; it’s steeped in history too. The Patowmack Canal, an early engineering marvel championed by George Washington, runs through the park. As you walk along the canal’s remnants, you can almost hear the echoes of history whispering through the trees. Don’t miss the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center, where exhibits bring the past to life. (Be sure to check the Visitor Center’s hours of operation. They were closed for renovations during our visit.) We were also amazed by the “Floods at Great Falls” information board, which shows how high the waters rose, with the highest level recorded in 1936!
After a morning of exploring, unwind with a picnic at one of the park’s scenic spots. The picnic areas, complete with tables and grills, are perfect for a family gathering or a romantic meal with a view. Enjoy your lunch while listening to the symphony of the falls – it’s the ultimate way to relax and recharge.
Tips for a Great Visit
Visiting Great Falls National Park is like stepping into a nature lover’s paradise. From the thundering falls to the serene hiking trails, every moment spent here is a reminder of the natural beauty that exists just beyond our everyday lives. So, pack your bags, grab your hiking boots, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure in Virginia’s Great Falls National Park!
Article and Photography by Susan O’Connor
While Sharon Stone is most known for being an iconic actress and global cultural leader, her Basic Instincts and profound talent in painting are currently the talk of the town!
Stone has been painting since early childhood and was influenced by the talent of her Aunt Vonne’s murals that filled the walls of their family home. During the pandemic, Stone became laser-focused about her artmaking and embarked on a new creative journey, which led her to paint a thought-provoking body of work entitled, “Welcome to my Garden.”
Stone created her works “to understand the essence of pure creativity that comes from heartfelt truth, to let go of the noise, the judgements, and the pollution of our societal pulls.” Her connection to nature is prevalent and her use of color is instrumental in the vibrant landscapes of her imagination. She paints every day, four to 17 hours a day!
The art exhibition showcases 19 paintings by Stone and marks the debut of her artwork beyond the confines of Los Angeles. Collectors and prominent figures in the art world, such as Jerry Saltz (Senior Art Critic for New York Magazine and Pulitzer Prize winner for Criticism), commend Stone’s artistic endeavors. Stone’s captivating slideshows featuring her paintings are making a significant impact on Instagram. Sharon Stone reflects on her creative process, stating, “I crafted these pieces to explore the pure creativity stemming from genuine truth, to release the noise, judgments, and societal influences.”
Her remarkable talents and keen powers of observation seamlessly translate onto the canvas. Stone’s ability to keenly observe and interpret human behavior, transforming human vulnerabilities into wellsprings of strength, is evident in her art—manifesting as combative, conquering, and triumphant. The visual presence of her connection to nature remains a consistent and integral aspect of her work.
We are very excited to share that the paintings are on exhibit at the C. Parker Gallery in Greenwhich, Connecticut through December 10th. The presentation ignites the gallery’s tenth year anniversary season. The gallery is located at 409 Greenwich Avenue, only a 40-minute train ride from New York City.
By Susan O’Connor
Although many would argue there is no wrong time to indulge in chocolate, February is considered Chocolate Month because of Valentine’s Day. Here are a half dozen world-class East Coast chocolatiers you should try.
Goodnow Farms Chocolate | Sudbury, MA
Goodnow Farms Chocolate is one of the world’s few chocolate makers to press its own cocoa butter, and one of the few in the U.S. to make single-origin, non-alkalized cocoa. Each premium Goodnow bar identifies the bean’s country of origin and percentage of cacao.
All of Goodnow’s gourmet chocolate is made at Tom and Monica Rogan’s 225-year-old farm, which now offers limited tours to the public. Visiting all their growers’ farms ensures transparency in their supply chain The bean-to-bar chocolate company won more international awards in 2022 than any other producer in the country. Check them out at www.goodnowfarms.com.
Éclat Chocolate | West Chester, PA
Master Chef and Chocolatier Christopher Curtin established the internationally-recognized Éclat Chocolate in 2005. Award-winning signature chocolates, caramels and truffles, plus a line of chocolates made with ingredients produced at the nearby Longwood Gardens, are made on the premises and are available in the shop.
Curtin honed his skills at the Compagnons du Devoir, France’s premier guild for pastry chefs, and was the first American to be awarded the honor of German Master Pastry Chef and Chocolatier. He travels the world to consult with chefs and artisans, and find new and special cacao varieties. Find the shop at www.eclatchocolate.com.
Perfect Truffle | Frederick, MD
Since its inception in 2005, Perfect Truffle has handmade every chocolate to the highest standard of quality. Each flavor is crafted to engage every level of taste, using only the best chocolate from around the world. It takes two to three days to create truffles that are as beautiful as they are delicious.
Owner Cody Marwine uses inspiration from his culinary experiences, and travels the world to develop new flavors that make each chocolate a unique experience. For example, the lavender truffle hast the taste of a lavender petal. You can find them at www.perfectruffle.com.
Holl’s Chocolates | Parkersburg, WV
Holl’s Chocolates, a family-owned business founded in 1986, specializes in creating traditional Swiss chocolates. A commitment to authenticity grows out of the experiences of three generations of Swiss-trained chocolatiers. Founder Fritz Holl trained as a confectioner in Switzerland. By the end of his three-year apprenticeship, he could make all the sweet delights that are offered in a Swiss conditorei, which is a combination of pastry shop, chocolate shop, and café.
Fritz’s son Dominique learned the craft of chocolate making just the way his father had 50 years earlier. Under the second generation’s influence, Holl’s adapted their processes to blend the best of the old and new ways. Learn more at www.holls.com/.
Castronovo Chocolate Factory | Stuart, FL
Travelers with a sweet tooth can’t resist the tasty creations at Castronovo Chocolate Factory. Chocolate maker Denise Castronovo, who opened the shop in 2013, is the only U.S. female chocolatier to be honored at the International Chocolate Awards.
The shop uses cacao beans imported from Latin America to handcraft its chocolate bars, which are produced on-site, in small batches. Castronovo is committed to preserving heirloom varieties of cocoa that are sustainably grown under rainforest canopies.
White Chocolate infused with Lemon and Lemon Salt, a World Gold 2020 winner, is among the unique flavors available. In-person visitors also will find truffles, hot chocolate, and chocolate chip cookies. Check them out at www.castronovochocolate.com.
Norman Love Confections | Fort Myers, FL
Chocolate lovers can experience sweet treats and jewel-like chocolates at Norman Love Fort Myers Chocolate & Dessert Salon. Upon entry into the Willy Wonka-esque salon, guests are sure to be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of chocolate — in the best way possible.
An expansive glass case offers an overview of Love’s gorgeous gourmet creations, made of the highest-quality ingredients, including signature flavors like gourmet dark chocolate, and more unusual ones like Hot Dark Chocolate, infused with jalapeno pepper, and Key Lime Shell, shaped white chocolate.
The Black Collection features chocolates with ingredients from top cocoa regions around the world. There’s Andoa, an organic dark chocolate derived from Peru with a 70-percent cocoa mass, yielding a burst of freshness and bitterness to savor, and Jiquilisco Bay, with ingredients descended from some of the first cacao planted in Hacienda La Carrera more than 100 years ago. With a cocoa mass of 97 percent, the chocolate produces a slight spice and hints of berry. More information is available at www.nomanloveconfections.com.
By Shuan Butcher
Whether it is art deco, luxury, modern or another style, most hotel rooms are pretty boring style-wise and serve only as a place to shower and rest before heading out for an adventure or business meeting.
This is not the case with The Roxbury, a lodging experience unlike any other, featuring whimsical rooms that will make your Instagram followers envious.
Nestled in The Catskills about 150 miles from New York City, the hotel features themed rooms and suites with massive wow factor. The original hotel opened in 2004 and a second location is just a few miles down the road, The Roxbury at Stratton Falls began welcoming guests in early 2020 and offers jaw-dropping themed mansion rooms and tower cottages. Each room offers a different experience and no two areas are alike.
Owners Gregory Henderson and Joe Massa go by the mantra that “there is no such thing as too over the top.”
The Roxbury design mainly focuses on concepts from television shows and movies from the 1960s and 1970s. An example is The Partridge Nest, a room inspired by the musical family’s touring bus which was originally created to look like a Mondrian painting. There’s also a suite that would make Austin Powers feel right at home — The Shagadelic, offering bright pops of color with 1960s and 1970s aesthetics.
The Wizard’s Emeralds room explores a “Wizard of Oz” theme, complete with a yellow brick road, which is sure to bring a smile to fans of the movie and Frank L. Baum book.
In a fun wink to “The Sound of Music,” Maria’s Curtains is a room covered in the same fabric pattern used by the movie’s main character to make play clothes for the Von Trapp children. It is sure to be one of your favorite things … about staying there.
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live inside a coconut cream pie? You’ll know after staying in Maryann’s Coconut Cream Pie room named in honor of the “Gilligan’s Island” character. A circular king bed adorned with dollops of fluffy white whipped cream pillows sits underneath crown molding made to look like pie crust with a ceiling covered in (fake) filling.
Henderson and Massa were first inspired to open The Roxbury at Stratton Falls by the property’s 50-foot waterfall. It inspired them to create lodgings full of magic and fantasy, offering guests total immersion into a theme. Their tower cottages include at least two levels and bedrooms as well as screened-in back porches and sunny balconies.
While Superman had his Fortress of Solitude and Batman his Bat Cave, where does Wonder Woman go to rest her head after a battle? Probably to The Superhero Incognito cottage, which features a sleek look while also paying homage to the Paradise Island native. Here you’ll see a golden lasso and artist renderings of the crime fighter.
Cinderella’s Gown cottage whisks guests into the beloved fairytale featuring an 18-foot ball gown that serves as a canopy for the bed and a huge pumpkin turning into a golden carriage is the site’s bathroom.
While visiting, guests can take advantage of two locations of The Shimmer Spa, which offers the chance to relax in a hot tub, dry sauna or a large steam area. Schedule a couples massage, too.
by Gina Gallucci-White
A real pizza parlor inspired the setting of the 1988 classic movie “Mystic Pizza,” which not only helped launch the career of Julia Roberts, but also garnered attention for its namesake Connecticut seaport village.
The pizza place still thrives in Mystic, a destination that offers not only a delicious piece of pie, but also myriad opportunities for unique travel experiences.
The Mystic Seaport Museum is probably the most compelling draw for visitors. It’s a living museum of America’s maritime past situated on 19 acres on the banks of the Mystic River.
The museum’s watercraft collection, with more than 500 historic ships and other vessels, is the largest of its kind in the U.S. Visitors can climb onto the meticulously restored Charles W. Morgan, the world’s last authentic wooden whaling ship. Once part of a fleet of more than 2,700 vessels, it was known as a “lucky” ship, because it successfully navigated Arctic ice and countless storms and has rounded Cape Horn multiple times. Built and launched in 1841, the Morgan is now America’s oldest commercial ship still afloat.
You can also see the L.A. Dunton, the last example of early 20th-century New England fishing vessels, and two more National Historic Landmark vessels.
The Henry B. DuPont Preservation Shipyard offers a view of carpenters’ shops, an 85-foot spar lathe, a rigging loft, and a large, open area where vessels are brought indoors for repair and restoration. Within the 19th-century Seaport Village are 1800s-era trade shops and businesses that were transported from locations around New England. Here, ship smiths, coopers, woodcarvers, and riggers perform their now almost-extinct skills.
And that’s not nearly all: the Children’s Museum and the Treworgy Planetarium are both onsite.
Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily, the museum is located at 75 Greenmanville Ave. Tickets range from $19 to $27.
Perhaps the most fascinating experience at the Mystic Aquarium is watching through a 20-foot underwater window as New England’s only beluga whales swim by – very slowly, from 2 to 6 miles per hour. They live in a one-acre habitat filled with 750,000 gallons of water. The whales swim close to the window and often interact with guests.
But the whales are not the aquarium’s only not-to-miss features. The Mystic Aquarium is one of two places in the country where you can see Steller sea lions. California sea lions are the stars at the Foxwood Marine Theater. There are also African penguins and Northern fur seals, a shark and ray touch pool, a jellyfish gallery, and a “Jurassic Giants” exhibit, which features giant animatronic dinosaurs.
The aquarium, open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, is located at 55 Coogan Blvd. Tickets range from $28.99 to $38.99.
Budding engineers will be fascinated by seeing how the Mystic River Bascule Bridge works – and there’s no cost to view it. One of the country’s only surviving Brown-type bascule bridges, the picturesque bridge, which spans its namesake river, carries vehicle and foot traffic directly into Mystic’s tourist district. The bridge was extensively rehabilitated in 2012.
Also called a drawbridge or a lifting bridge, a bascule bridge is a moveable bridge with a counterweight that continuously balances a span throughout its upward swing to provide clearance for boat traffic.
The Mystic bridge, which can raise to a nearly perfect 90-degree angle, stays open for about five minutes, and opens and closes about 2,200 times each year. While you wait on Route 1 for the bridge to go up to enable a large ship to pass and then go back down so road traffic can resume, check out the exposed machinery – operating links and struts, and trunnions — that make this possible.
Mystic is celebrating the bridge’s 100th birthday this year, culminating Oct.15 in the official Bridge Anniversary Dedication and Fireworks Celebration. Check out the Go Mystic app for updates on celebratory activities. No trip to Mystic would be complete without a visit to Olde Mistick Village, an outdoor venue full of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and seasonal events in a quaint village setting. A replica of New England’s charming village streets of the 1720s, it is a lovely place to spend a day strolling along tree-lined cobblestone streets, browsing through interesting shops, and relaxing by the duck pond.
by Ellyn Wexler
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Accept