Recreation News, April 2015

Recreation The Official Publication for Government Employees Associations & Govemployee.com

April 2015

Volume 33/Number 4

www.recreationnews.com

News

Springtime in Virginia offers surprises around every bend

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A Two-Night Getaway for Two to West Virginia’s Capon Springs & Farms

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Virginia pull-out section I Enjoying the Susquehanna River I Family-friendly Lancaster County I A West Virginia bucket list I Seasonal change in Western Maryland I Small-town Delaware treasures I Outer Banks adventures

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2 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

publisher’s note I karl teel

TABLE OF CONTENTS

get out there: It’s the real thing

Robert Pirsig, the iconic best-selling novelist from the 1970s who wrote Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, made note that when riding a motorcycle you are a part of the world you are passing through, whereas in a car, looking through windows offers an experience more like watching television.

Perhaps it’s the dynamics of a frame, but it rings true. Walking and bicycling also offer a more involved perspective and experience. There’s just no substitute for being there. Don’t get me wrong, I too enjoy videos and pictures of places I want to see and things I want to experience. And, like most of us, I can’t take the time or pay the price to visit

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and experience all of my bucket list items. Still, you just don’t get the same vibe watching a whitewater rafting trip on a large-screen TV that you get when you’re actually getting out there and doing it live. Similarly, I’d wager that standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon is a lot more moving than seeing it on video, as impressive as that may be.

In society today, boomers often ponder why they were so intent on gaining their independence and getting their own place and freedom.

Meanwhile, millennials seem to take a decade or so longer. It is a matter of perspective. In this day and age of unimaginable amounts of information at one’s fingertips, the world has indeed shrunk and become far more accessible. There is a lot more knowledge and awareness. Boomers didn’t really know what was out there, and that was part of the allure. The current coming-of-age generation knows a lot more of what’s out there, so the mysterious allure that drove boomers toward independence gives way to known comforts.

But as much as this available knowledge exists, it is simply no substitute for experience. Sure, knowledge has huge value. Research, finding deals, routing options, knowing what to expect and what not to miss, where to stay, and what to pay is valuable knowledge because it allows you to make the most of your travels. But, as we’ve all experienced, there’s no substitute for the live experience in all its multi-sensory glory. The video you see while researching a destination is helpful, but no substitute for actually being there. I don’t want to just see the sights in a better way than a computer screen, I want to taste the food, smell the scents, feel the adrenaline, and meet the people.

It’s like wanting a fantastic romance, not just reading about one.

I hope the stories and ads on these pages, along with our website, video channel, email blasts, radio segments, social media, and other efforts, help you in your research to make the most of realizing your dreams. But remember, like the video,

3 ~ Publisher’s note 4 ~ Editor’s note 5 ~ Smyrna, Delaware 6 ~ Travel Line 8 ~ West Virginia bucket list 11 ~ Martinsburg, West Virginia 12 ~ Outer Banks adventures 14 ~ Off the interstates 15 ~ Fayetteville trails 16 ~ Southern Delaware arts 20 ~ Cruise Corner 22 ~ Lexington art and gardens 24 ~ Shenandoah County Artisan Trail 28 ~ Fun in Chesapeake 29 ~ Music and Art in Floyd 30 ~ Northern Neck treats 33 ~ Orange County gardens and wine 34 ~ Family fun in Newport News 36 ~ Chincoteague arts and eats 37 ~ Seasons turn in Western Maryland 38 ~ Biking and boating in Huntingdon County 40 ~ Gettysburg outdoors 42 ~ Spring in Lancaster County 44 ~ Central Pennsylvania’s Tasting Trail 45 ~ Exploring Indiana County 46 ~ Outdoors on the Susquehanna 48 ~ Calendar of Events 52 ~ Adventures in Taste 52 ~ Family Travel 53 ~ Wine Doctor 54 ~ Music Festivals we are no substitute for reality. Go out there and experience it live.

On our cover Lake Drummond in southeastern Virginia’s Great Dismal Swamp is popular for fishing, birding, and boating.

(Virginia Tourism Corp.)

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GovEmployee.com We are a co-op of more than 40 recreation associations and MWRs working together to better serve our members

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editor’s note I marvin bond

Let Recreation News help you plan that next trip TODAY In recent years, experts have been telling us that Americans are waiting until the last minute to

plan trips. The Great Recession, we were told, created fear among travelers about jobs and wages, so they held onto their money until the last minute.

Anecdotal evidence, at least, seems to show some shift toward longer-range planning.

High season accommodations at beaches and other seasonal destinations have traditionally required year-to-year reservations and that seems unlikely to change as consumers gain confidence.

Then, there is the lure of major destinations such as Disney World where wrist bands, fast passes, and meal plans have grown so complex that major advance planning is required. Cruises can also require advance planning, although loyalty clubs and online notifications can make you aware of short-notice deals.

The average Recreation News reader takes multiple trips of a week or longer and plenty of weekend and day trips each year. Whether those trips are becoming less last minute I can’t say, but Recreation News offers plenty of opportunities for both long-range planning and spur-of-the-moment getaways.

As you peruse this issue, you’ll find a bucket list of West Virginia destinations to investigate further.

You’ll discover a different side of Gettysburg to explore when the weather warms, as well as family activities in Lancaster County.

You’ll also find events and exhibits happening

this month and next in Virginia’s Northern Neck, Maryland’s Garrett County, and along North Carolina’s interstate highways.

Whatever your planning mode, we’re here to help. Read, react, and enjoy!

Travelers’ toolbox u Most hotel room doors swing shut quickly and you sometimes wonder how secure they might be.

The former can make bringing in luggage a pain and the latter can be unsettling.

The folks at Under the Roof Decorating created Stoppy, a small wing-shaped door stop that can hold a door open for you or keep the door from being opened by someone else. (utrdecorating.com) u LightMate is an emergency waterproof LED flashlight that has multiple uses. It can function as a high-brightness flashlight and an emergency torch. It even has a metal spike to break glass and a USB port so you can charge mobile devices. (satechi.net)

Coming next month Exploring West Virginia Outdoors in the Shenandoah Valley Dover Days Tioga Treasures

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delaware I frances j. folsom

Smyrna packs big wallop with more than 400 historic buildings Smyrna, Del., settled in 1716 as Duck Creek, is today part of metropolitan Dover. But, even with its proximity to the bigger city, the small town clings to its 18th-century historic roots. And, National Geographic Traveler has named Smyrna to its top 50 places to live in the United States.

Although small, Smyrna — which is approximately two hours from the Baltimore/Washington, D.C., area — packs a wallop in what it has to offer visitors. Spending time in this charming pre-Revolutionary War town, with more than 400 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places, is sure to be a delightful experience.

History and performances Inside a beautiful 1790s Georgian style house is the Smyrna Museum, where the Duck Creek Historical Society shows the town’s history through exhibits. The Civil War in Smyrna is on display through May. Also on the property is the fully restored 18th-century Plank House.

Belmont Hall, built in 1773, is another stately Georgian house filled with Federal style furniture.

The house and gardens are open for tours on Saturdays.

The Smyrna Opera House has been an icon on South and Main streets since 1870. Over the years it has been the town offices, a theater, a jail, and a lodge hall. Today, extensive restorations have returned it to its original role as a theater that hosts live performances year-round. The upstairs gallery is filled with art by area artisans.

For a detailed birding brochure, visit fws.gov/ refuge/bombay_hook/visit/birding.html.

Refreshments and lodging After a day of sightseeing, take a break and sip some spirits at Painted Stave Distillery, where the Time Warp Vodka is infused with espresso. On the lighter side is the Candy Manor Gin with lavender, goldenrod, and lemon balm. Old Cooch’s Corn Whiskey is pure corn, a nod to the hooch made in the hidden stills in the area many years ago.

At the Smyrna Diner, the emphasis is on simple, good food. Chicken croquettes, grilled liver and onions, and turkey dinners with all the fixings are just a few of the choices.

Housed in a 19th-century building, the Odd Fellows Café is a shot in the arm for the downtown restaurant scene. Everything here is prepared daily from scratch. The cafe’s choices range from a smoked bacon and tomato crab melt to a Szechuan steak salad wrap to an amaretto custard for dessert.

The Best Western Smyrna Inn is close to downtown and major attractions.

Amenities include high-speed Wi-Fi, an outdoor pool, and a complimentary continental breakfast.

For more information Kent County Tourism: visitdover.com

Tim Wilson

Natural beauty Whether you choose to see the Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge by driving the 12-mile wildlife route or walking the trails that crisscross its 16,000 acres, you will encounter beautiful vistas, salt marshes, and waterfowl.

Insider tip: The refuge is a bird paradise, with 278 identified species.

Sunset at Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge is a time of quiet beauty.

Discover Mainstreet Charm ... Eat, Drink, Shop & Enjoy Slow down, get comfy and explore historic Downtown Smyrna, Delaware. Boutiques, award-winning eateries, museums, theater, distillery, lodging and attractions. Everything for a delightful visit!

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1. Painted Stave Distillery — Located in a retrofitted theater featuring craft distilled spirits, tours and tastings. 106 W. Commerce St., 302-653-6834, www.paintedstave.com.

2. Smyrna Opera House — Beautifully restored opera house hosts events and live performances.

7 W. South St., 302-653-4236, www.smyrnaoperahouse.org 3. Odd Fellows Café — Located in a cozy atmosphere named after the charitable organization once housed there, open for lunch and dinner with an eclectic menu. 34 S. Main St., 302-514-9008.

4. Royal Treatments — Specializing in unique decorating accents, custom draperies, bedding and gifts. 714 S. Main St. , 302-722-6733,

www.royal-treatments.com.

5. Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge — One of the largest remaining expanses of tidal salt marsh in the Mid-Atlantic Region featuring a visitor center, events, walking and driving trails. One of the most popular birding locations on the East Coast.

2591 Whitehall Neck Rd., 302-653-9345. www.fws.gov/refuge/Bombay_Hook.

6. Belmont Hall — A Georgian mansion built in 1773 open for tours and events. 713 SmyrnaLeipsic Rd., 302-264-9048, www.belmonthall.org.

7. Smyrna Museum — Current exhibition is Civil War in Smyrna; coming soon, life and culture in Smyrna and Clayton from 19001920. 11 S. Main St., 302-653-1320, www.smyrnamuseum.com.

Delaware’s Capital Region ...

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recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 5

travel line I carol timblin

visit the Virginia–North Carolina border area in spring and summer The terrain along the Virginia–North Carolina border resembles folds of corduroy, revealing an interesting landscape that hugs the sky and changes with each mile.

Old familiar haunts, such as Virginia’s Fairy Stone State Park and Smith Mountain Lake and North Carolina’s Pilot Mountain State Park, Hanging Rock State Park, Lake Gaston, and Buggs Island Lake, still have their allure. So does the spectacular 469-mile Blue Ridge Parkway, which spans the two states and offers unparalleled scenic beauty, outdoor experiences, and a host of wineries, vineyards, and cideries.

Interstate 77 climbs dramatically from Dobson, N.C., home of the 382-acre Shelton Winery (the state’s largest family-owned winery) to Hillsville, Va., known for its Labor Day Flea Market that attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. The Crooked Road, Virginia’s Heritage Music Trail, hovers above the North Carolina line, traveling 300 miles through Southwest Virginia. It includes the Carter Family Fold, home of A.P. Carter, Mother Maybelle, June Carter Cash, and other bluegrass legends.

Towns such as Historic Abingdon, Martinsville, and Danville in Virginia, as well as Mount Airy, Sparta, and West Jefferson in North Carolina, add to the mix of travel offerings.

You can see live theater year-round at Abingdon’s Barter Theater (which dates to Depression days), sleep at the famous Martha Washington Inn or a quaint bed-and-breakfast, take a historic tour, and shop for antiques. Martinsville is known for NASCAR racing, and Danville has history and activities along the Dan River.

A transformed mill town, Mount Airy gives visitors a “Mayberry” experience, because it is where native son Andy Griffith grew up and drew inspiration for his popular television series.

Sparta is a quaint town surrounded by a hilly

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landscape that’s dotted with green Christmas trees as far as the eye can see, as is the West Jefferson area, also famous for its many art galleries. Both celebrate Christmas in July.

The federally approved Yadkin Valley American Viticulture Area, which extends south from the Virginia line to Lexington, N.C., is home to more than three dozen wineries, offering tours, tastings, and sales. Many are small operations, while others such as Childress Winery (owned by NASCAR legend Richard Childress) and Raffaldini Vineyards & Winery look as though they have been lifted from the hills of Tuscany.

Spring and summer are premier seasons to visit the towns and attractions along the border, because there’s a plethora of live music, drama, art shows, fairs, and festivals then.

You can experience live bluegrass, old time, Celtic, and American music as it is recorded during “Song of the Mountains” at Lincoln Theater in Marion, Va., on the evenings of April 4, June 6, Aug. 1, and Sept. 1. Or, attend the WPAQ “MerryGo-Round,” the second-longest running live radio broadcast in America, held every Saturday morning at the Historic Earle Theater in Mount Airy.

Upcoming plays at the Barter Theater in Abingdon range from Hamlet to The Velveteen Rabbit to Love, Sex, and the IRS. The Parkway Playhouse in Burnsville, N.C., located off the Blue Ridge Parkway, kicks off the summer season with The Quiltmaker on May 2 and ends with The Glass Menagerie on Oct. 2. In the Flat Rock/Brevard, N.C., area, also off the parkway, there’s live theater year-round at the Flat Rock Playhouse and the Brevard’s Summer Music Festival, which opens with Andre Watts on June 20 and ends with the season finale on Aug. 2.

North American rail vacations If you’re thinking of taking a rail vacation this

is ty! h t Join t’s Par n e d i s e r P

summer, now’s the time to get in touch with Vacations by Rail, which offers Amtrak excursions.

You’ll want to get more information on the itineraries, dates of travel, and prices, but here’s a sampling.

“America’s Great National Parks,” offered June 15–Sept. 15, is a 14-day tour that departs from Chicago aboard the Empire Builder (from $3,489, double occupancy). The first stop is Glacier National Park (including Going-to-the-Sun Road and Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada), then Yellowstone National Park and continuing on to Jackson Hole and Grand Teton National Park, followed by Salt Lake City and Arches and Canyonlands national parks. The final leg of the journey, via the California Zephyr, travels from Colorado to Chicago.

Another vacation centers on Glacier National Park, home to more than 25 glaciers and hundreds of lakes and waterfalls. The six-day journey includes the Going-to-the-Sun Road and Swiftcurrent Lake and is hosted by a Vacations by Rail guide (from $1,375 per person, double occupancy).

“Great Parks of the Southwest,” an 11-day journey from Chicago aboard the Southwest Chief, takes you to Grand Canyon, Zion, Bryce, Escalanta, Capitol Reef, and Arches national parks.

Offered May through September, the trip is priced from $2,495 per person, double occupancy.

“The Glacier & Yellowstone Adventure Tour” includes the Grand Tetons, Salt Lake City, the National Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho, and Jackson Hole, Wyo. The 11-day tour departs from Chicago aboard the California Zephyr and is priced from $2,795 per person, double occupancy.

You can also vacation by train across Canada and see spectacular wonders such as the Canadian Rockies, the Maritimes, Jasper and Banff national parks, and the world-class cities of Toronto, Ottawa, and Montreal. More than 100 excursions are available, priced from $1,223, double occupancy. (vacationsbyrail.com) Rocky Mountaineer, the largest privately owned passenger rail service in North America, offers 45 Canadian vacation packages and five distinctive rail routes. The luxurious train line travels by daylight through the majestic Canadian Rockies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and also offers Alaskan rail-and-cruise adventures and daytime adventures from Whistler, British Columbia. (rockymountaineer.com)

See film locations in Great Britain

James Monroe Museum 908 Charles Street

Visit Britain invites travelers to see various filming sites used in Oscar-nominated films during the past year. Locations include Bletchley Park and Dorset, seen in The Imitation Game (which won the Oscar for adapted screenplay); Cambridge and St. John’s College, seen in The Theory of Everything (which won Oscars for lead actor and original score); Dover Castle, Waverly Abbey, Ashridge Estate, and Windsor Great Park, seen in Into the Woods; and Petworth House, seen in Mr. Turner and Maleficent.

www.jamesmonroemuseum.org

Carol Timblin welcomes travel information at ctimblin@gmail.com.

James Monroe’s 257th Birthday April 25, 1-3 PM, Museum Garden Cake, punch, music, and FREE ADMISSION!

6 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

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west virginia I jane and marvin bond

The Mountain State has a bucket list of activities to try When Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman put the idea of a bucket list in the spotlight with the film of the same name, they might not have been thinking about West Virginia. But, the Mountain State’s tourism folks have compiled a list of places and activities they say should be on everyone’s must-do list.

There are two dozen or so of the bucket list

recommendations easily reachable from the Washington, D.C., area, roughly in the arc from Morgantown on the north to the New River Gorge in the southern part of the state.

Not far from Morgantown, Coopers Rock State Forest, with its cliffs above the Cheat River and huge boulders strewn across the forest floor, is a favorite for rock climbing.

Information on routes in specific sections is listed at rockclimbing.com.

Prickett’s Fort near Fairmont was a 1774 frontier post that served as a refuge from Native American war parties. A reconstructed fort in the state park serves as a living history site, recreating frontier life in the late 18th century. There’s an heirloom plant sale at the fort on May 16, and a weekend of sheep shearing, wool carding, and weaving May 22–23.

The original Philippi Covered Bridge that leads into the town of Philippi is said to be the site of the first land battle of the Civil War when a Union force prevented a Confederate advance and domination of this area, which was then part of Virginia.

The college town of Fairmont is home to three other nourishing experiences. Enjoy a tasting at Heston Farm Winery or Pinchgut Distillery followed by a meal at the farm’s Fox Fire Restaurant.

In town, the Pokey Dot Restaurant serves up the best of soda shop food and drink in an eye-catching décor, while Muriale’s Restaurant builds on 40 years of dishing up its Southern Italian specialties.

In the Eastern Panhandle

Summersville Lake tourism

Reenacting the Battle of Carnifex Ferry, which takes place in odd years.

The Eastern Panhandle is full of history, from the warm mineral springs at Berkeley Springs, where Colonial leaders eased their aches and pains, to the Shepherdstown Historic District, to the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.

In Shepherdstown, wander the shops and restaurants along German Street or take the walking tour you download at historicshepherdstown.com.

In Harpers Ferry, see the armory town come to life with living history and demonstrations, May 23–24. The armory was the target of John Brown’s raid that helped spark the Civil War. Also in Harper’s Ferry, you can go rafting, tubing, mountain biking, or zip lining with River Riders.

For zip line enthusiasts, the company also has the only “Superman”-style experience, during which you fly through the course lying prone.

Varied experience in the Potomac Highlands Perhaps nowhere on the bucket list are the choices as varied as in the Potomac Highlands area along the eastern edge of West Virginia. You can fuel up at the 1863 Grill in Elkins where they’ve been barbecuing pork, beef, and chicken for 50 years, but the star of the show is often the famous cinnamon rolls.

You can also order the barbecue in bulk to take home.

You can tickle your funny bone and get your toes tapping with the Branson-style shows at the American Mountain Theater, also in Elkins. The season begins with weekend shows in April.

Blackwater Falls State Park in Davis is home to the five-story falls that are among the most photographed sites in West Virginia. The water then tumbles through an 8-mile gorge. The park offers a lodge, cabins, and camping. During the winter it’s home to the longest sled run in the East.

Heston Winery

Heston Farm Winery is on the bucket list, along with a meal at the farm’s Fox Fire Restaurant.

8 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

continued on page 10

#GoToWV 800-CALL WVA New River Gorge, Fayette County

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 9

Mountain State continued from page 8 Cass Scenic Railroad has traditionally offered trips up the mountain to the company logging town where visitors can disembark or even spend the night. The Cass experience can now be enhanced with a single ticket that includes both the Cass Scenic Railroad and the Cheat Mountain Salamander train all in one trip.

The season runs May through October.

Mountain Rail Adventures kicks off a series of special excursion train events with a Mountain Music Trail Picnic on May 23 featuring traditional Appalachian music and a cookout. (mtn-rail.com) You can gaze in wonder at the largest movable structure on earth at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in Greenbank. A host of smaller radio telescopes search the skies, but the huge Green Bank Telescope is 485 feet tall and weighs 17 million pounds. The interesting science center is open

Southern W. Va. Tourism

The New River Gorge Bridge was the longest single arch steel bridge and the highest vehicular bridge when it opened in 1977. e L K i n s ,

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Mountain Cascades April 11 & 18

Spring Excursions into the Mountains on the climatecontrolled New Tygart Flyer

Mother’s Day Dinner Train Weekend Package May 8-10 Make Mother’s Day a Family Getaway!

Package includes: • Two nights lodging in Elkins • Friday: Dinner at the 1863 Grill and American Mountain Theater music show • Saturday: Four-course meal on the Mountain Explorer Dinner Trainen-route to the High Falls of Cheat

$269

Starting at: per person (Double Occupancy)

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866-697-6028 • Mtn-Rail.com 10 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

daily Memorial Day through Labor Day and Thursdays through Mondays the rest of the year.

Tackling the river and more The river’s the thing in the New River Valley, where you can find world-class whitewater rafting on the New and Gauley rivers and fantastic views as you cross the New River Gorge. Numerous rafting resorts also offer a range of other adventure vacation experiences.

For something a bit more sedate, visit the Greenbrier Resort. Even if you don’t stay there, take the tour of the Cold War Bunker that was designed to host Congress in an emergency.

The town of Fayetteville on the gorge is a good place to take a break for a meal. Try Smokey’s on the Gorge, featured on the Food Network’s Best Of program, for breakfast or dinner.

At the Secret Sandwich Society, they take sandwiches seriously. Take a bite out of an original creation named for a president, such as the “Truman” with turkey, peach jam, blue cheese spread, and onions. There are plenty of burgers as well.

Turning west to the Mountain Lakes region, you’ll be surprised to find a lighthouse at Summerville Lake along with sandstone cliffs and pure mountain water. Nearby Carnifex Ferry Battlefield is the site of a September 1861 battle that helped propel the creation of West Virginia as a state. The battle is reenacted in odd years.

The Trans Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston is a different trip into the past, offering heritage and ghost tours, April 4–Nov. 1, that explore the facility’s past and the treatment of the mentally ill.

The Cranberry Glades Botanical Area around Richwood is the largest area of bogs in the state, with unique plants on its 750 acres, some of which have been there for 10,000 years.

A boardwalk makes the site accessible and the Nature Center is open April to November offering live programs.

It’s a lot to take in, so pick and choose for your personal bucket list or visit wvtourism.com for a complete list and start checking things off.

For more information West Virginia Tourism: wvtourism.com

west virginia I bonnie williamson

There’s a new Berkeley County app Making it easier for visitors to take advantage of the many historic sights and activities found in Berkeley County, W.Va., is the goal of a newly created Martinsburg-Berkeley County Visitors Center’s free, comprehensive mobile app. “Visit Martinsburg, WV” is available for iOS and Android.

The county, which includes Martinsburg, is a two- to three-hour drive from the Baltimore and Washington, D.C., areas.

“We’re the first in the Eastern Panhandle to have our own app,” said Laura Gassler, who promotes the area. “Visitors can pick ‘EAT,’ ‘STAY,’ ‘PLAY,’ and ‘EVENTS’ and find the information they need. It will give you the address, phone number, website, and distance for each entry. It can be sorted by sub-categories, so you can look for types of food or types of lodging. It will show what is closest to where you are.”

Gassler worked with Bluebridge

Tourism LLC, of Fishers, Ind., to develop the app.

Bluebridge’s website states that nearly 90 percent of adults now have cell phones and many use them as much as 200 times a day.

A lot of research went into this project, Gassler said. Martinsburg alone has 23 historical districts and thousands of historical homes. For each entry, Gassler and her staff had to compile data such as name, address, phone number, website, Facebook page, and Twitter name, as well as provide photos.

“This will be an ongoing effort since the app is only as good as the data that is in it,” Gassler said. “We will be continually adding photos and updating the entries. We have ‘mentally’ been driving around the county to include everyone that we can think of. We want this to be a tool that is useful not only to visitors, but to residents, also, to help them find new places.”

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M artinsburg downtown h ’s lots o f restau as and unique s rants It was great tores. fun!

Geocaching is great around here... lots of cache sites!

Lots of events - from Bike Night to Cupcake and Chocolate Festivals - and everything in between.

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Bloomin’ Bash... awesome festival with thousands of daylilies, music and more!

Martinsburg Tourism

Our NEXT Martinsburg Vacation!

PriMitiVe to PrePPer FeStiVal APRIL 18 & 19 Demonstrations in archery, firemaking, blacksmithing, edible plants, gourd craft and much more. On site camping available.

For more information, visit northamericanbushcraftschool.com

60th annual houSe & garden tour APRIL 25 & 26 Visit seven homes in the farmhouse, cottage, Victorian, Federal and Gothic Revival styles.

ChoColate FeSt and Book Faire APRIL 24 & 25 • Cupcake Contest, • Chocolate Factory Tours, • Willie Wonka playing at the Downtown Library, • Chocolate Martinis, • Chocolate & Wine tastings, • Book signing by WV authors, • Celebrity Dinner, • 5K Truffle Shuffle

For more information, visit mainstreetmartinsburg.com

For more information, visit shenandoah-potomacgardencouncil.org Download our free App for Android & iOS! Visit Martinsburg, WV Martinsburg-Berkeley County Convention and Visitors Bureau Cupcakes are an important part of Martinsburg’s Chocolate Fest and Book Faire, April 24-25.

126 East Race Street • Martinsburg, WV 25401 304.264.8801 or 800.4WVA.FUN • TravelWV.com

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 11

north carolina I jane and marvin bond

Follow Route 12 for adventures on North Carolina’s Outer Banks The barrier islands that form North Carolina’s famous Outer Banks hold an amazing amount of adventure in addition to the beaches, wild horses, and lore of a Lost Colony. From Corolla on the north to Hatteras on the south, the narrow strips of sand hold surprises on and off the beach. Once you cross the bridge from the mainland, you find yourself anxiously breathing the sea air and anticipating what’s to come.

If you turn north on Route 12, you end up in Corolla. Here, vacation rental homes are the primary lodging options, but there are some more traditional offerings as well. The Inn at Corolla Light provides a classic inn experience with renovated upscale rooms, porches for viewing the sunset, and a great breakfast.

A spring promotion offers 20 percent off web rates during the week and 15 percent off on Fri-

Marvin Bond

days and Saturdays. (innatcorolla.com) The Hampton Inn provides oceanfront accommodations in a traditional hotel setting. The new Dragonfly Inn is the first bed-and-breakfast in Corolla. Its oceanfront location offers sweeping views from Carova Beach to Nags Head from the five designer suites.

Summer visitors should take in the Independence Day festivities at Historic Corolla Park with free activities, music, and food vendors, according to Michele Ellis, who promotes the area. The park holds the Currituck Beach Lighthouse; Whalehead, an opulent mansion built for waterfowl hunting on Currituck Sound; and the fascinating Center for Wildlife Education, among other historic attractions.

End of the road

The Atlantic Ocean and Currituck Sound embrace Corolla on the northern Outer Banks as seen from the Currituck Beach Lighthouse.

SPRING SPecIal Rates discounted up to 20%

I

magine your dream destination overlooking the Currituck Sound where the waters are soothing and the sunsets are magical. The Inn at Corolla Light is located within the renowned Corolla Light Resort and all resort amenities are available to our guests.

Check our website for special offers and to see the Wild Horses of Corolla!

The

252-453-3340 • 800-215-0772

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reservations@innatcorolla.com 1066 Ocean Trail Corolla, NC 27927 innatcorolla.com

12 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

Corolla is also where Route 12 comes to an end against sand dunes and a wide beach navigable with four-wheel drive. You can head still further north toward the Virginia border in search of Corolla’s wild horses, descendants of Spanish horses shipwrecked along the coast hundreds of years ago. The easiest way to see the legendary horses as they graze behind the beach among the dunes is to take a wild horse tour with a local outfitter such as Back Country Safari Tours.

Back Country’s owner, Scott Trabue, says his company has been providing wild horse tours for more than 20 years and it’s the number one activity people want. “Our guides are professional naturalists and we partner with the private Spanish Mustang Preserve and other private landowners so we have access to tracts of land not open to others.”

Trabue says his company also offers Segway tours and was the first in the world to offer off-road Segway trips. “You ride our open-air cruiser up the beach to the preserve where we unload the Segways and head out on the Mustang Trail. But you get a complete course in operating the Segway before we even get started,” he adds.

The outfitter also offers kayak tours, including one for novice kayakers that is also good for families with children. “We use tandem kayaks and only take five kayaks at a time on a tour for safety,” Trabue says. “We launch the kayaks in the Spanish Mustang Preserve and explore the creeks and marshes that are such an important part of the Outer Banks.” A second tour, for the more adventurous, explores the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge and is for those who want some insight into the ecology, geology, and history of the area, as well as some adventure kayaking.

Heading south Driving south on Route 12, you pass Kitty Hawk and Kill Devil Hills, where the Wright Brothers ushered in the aviation age, and Jockey Ridge State Park, site of the tallest natural sand dune system in the East. Hang-gliders and kite flyers head to the dune faces to take advantage of the wind.

On Roanoke Island, you can explore the history and mystery of Sir Walter Raleigh’s colony at the Roanoke Island Historical Park. Then, take in the Haunted History interactive theater presentation

(through April 30) at the home of The Lost Colony. The nation’s longest running outdoor drama presents its summer season May 29–Aug. 22.

When you reach Hatteras, you’ve completed an Outer Banks adventure, but don’t miss the Cape Hatteras lighthouse, the nation’s tallest.

A visitor center is open all year and you can climb the 268 steps to the top of the lighthouse from early April to mid-October.

In 1999, the famous spiral-striped lighthouse was actually moved to its present site because of the everencroaching waters of the Atlantic Ocean.

There is no app for this.

For more information Back Country Safari Tours: outerbankstours.com Currituck County Tourism: visitcurrituck.com

Currituck Co. Tourism

Reconnect with the ones you love on the shores of Currituck’s Outer Banks, NC.

Family friendly beaches, the legendary wild horses of Corolla, mild coastal temperatures and affordable rates are just a few of the reasons why now is a great time to make your escape.

The hardy breed of wild horses that have survived for hundreds of years on the Outer Banks of Corolla are called “Bankers.”

d ALONG ALBEMARLE SOUND

Call 877-287-7488 for a free visitor’s guide

www.VisitCurrituck.com

Follow the Albemarle Sound west from the Outer Banks and you’ll find Edenton, North Carolina’s first capital, and today labeled one of America’s prettiest towns. Edenton’s Pilgrimage of Historic Homes, April 17–18, has been a North Carolina tradition since 1949.

Tour homes that are at least 100 years old and enjoy carriage rides, concerts, lectures, and other activities. All of Edenton’s National Historic Landmarks, including the oldest courthouse in the state and the town’s sites on the National Register of Historic Places, will also be open. Tickets are available at edentonpilgrimage.org. (visitedenton.com)

We are here.

Historic Edenton

(You could be, too.)

and Chowan County define waterfront living at its best.

Relax in nature—enjoy boating, fishing, camping, biking and exploring— in Northeastern North Carolina.

Leisurely living and low taxes are just two of the reasons we are a Certified Retirement Community.

VisitEdenton.com/rest 800-775-0111

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north carolina I jane and marvin bond

Unusual events await you just off North Carolina interstates Almost everyone knows about Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s surrender of the nearly 28,000 troops of his Army of Northern Virginia on April 9, 1865, at Appomattox. But, there were actually more Confederate troops in North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida under the command of Gen. Joseph E. Johnston who had been fighting delaying actions against Union Gen. William T. Sherman’s march north after Sherman’s famous “March to the Sea.” After the battles of Averasboro and Bentonville in March and Lee’s surrender, Johnston realized the situation in North Carolina was hopeless. Johnston and Sherman met on April 17, 1865, to discuss surrender terms at the home of James Bennett, west of Durham, where Sherman shared the news

An Ancient Art Form TAKING THE WORLD BY STORM

of President Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. The surrender terms agreed to the next day were more far-reaching than those offered to Lee, but were rejected by federal officials in Washington, D.C., who wanted much harsher punishment for the South.

The final agreement between Sherman and Johnston at the Bennett House on April 26, 1865, was simply a military surrender of nearly 90,000 active Confederate troops, precluding the generous peace Lincoln had envisioned. It was by far the largest surrender of troops in the war.

The Bennett Place Historic Site, today in the western section of Durham, N.C., not far from I-85, is open with a visitor center, museum, theater presentation, and reconstructed Bennett farm. Events April 17–26 will mark the 150th anniversary of this pivotal, but little known, episode. There will be real-time guided tours, living history programs, a new museum exhibit gallery, a bus tour of sites related to the surrender, Johnston’s farewell to his troops, and a final stacking of arms. Detailed information is posted at bennettplacehistoricsite.com.

Waterfowl and art in Wilson Wilson, N.C., hosts its inaugural Gold Leaf Waterfowlers Expo, April 10–12, featuring everything waterfowl lovers could want from hunting accesThe World’s Premier Chinese Dance and Music Company April 17 – 26 THE KENNEDY CENTER

sories to carving and calling contests, to seminars and DockDog competitions. Jep Robertson, of A&E’s Duck Dynasty, will make an appearance and there is an April 11 country music concert featuring Josh Thompson and Joe Diffie. (waterfowlersexpo.com) Internationally renowned photographer Jerome De Perlinghi brings a unique exhibit, Eyes on Main Street, to his hometown of Wilson, May 9–Sept.

7. The large-format outdoor photo exhibition includes the work of 100 photographers from 24 countries.

The images, portraying “street life,” will be printed movie-poster size and displayed in large storefront windows across six blocks of downtown Wilson, creating a huge outdoor gallery. There will be three photographic seminars during the opening of the exhibition, May 9–10. (eyesonmainstreetwilson.com)

Wilmington salutes azaleas The North Carolina Azalea Festival is the largest festival of its kind in the state and Wilmington’s premier event. Wilmington is the eastern terminus of I-40. The festival presents about 50 events during its April 8-12 run, including a two-day street fair, festival parade, a concert series featuring national headliners (this year including Alan Jackson and Nellie), a juried art show, fireworks, and tours of historic homes and azalea gardens.

Tickets required for certain events are available at ncazaleafestival.org/tickets.

Wilmington Tourism

Authentic Chinese Culture

REVIVED IN AMERICA Through the universal language of music and dance, Shen Yun weaves a wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Its stunning beauty and tremendous energy leave audiences uplifted and inspired.

A Shen Yun performance features the world’s foremost classically trained dancers, a unique orchestra blending East and West, and dazzling animated backdrops—together creating one spectacular performance.

Watch trailer at

Gold Leaf Waterfowlers Outdoor Expo April 10-12 Wilson, NC Convenient to I-95

ShenYun.com/DC

“Elegant—very athletic and very skilled!”

— John McColgan, Riverdance producer

“5,000 years of Chinese dance and music in one night” — The New York Times

“They have a wonderful mission to deliver.”

Everything for the waterfowl hunter plus lots of family fun like DockDog competitions, calling and carving contests, seminars, appearance

by Jep Robertson from A&E’s Duck Dynasty, and a country music concert featuring Josh Thompson & Joe Diffie April 11 only!

— Anita Frey, clinical assistant professor education, Adelphi University

Tickets on sale now!

ShenYun.com/DC˙(888)974-3698 kennedy-center.org˙(202)467-4600

Tickets also available at the box office. Groups (202) 416-8400

252-237-5900 www.waterfowlersexpo.com

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The grand parade is part of the North Carolina Azalea Festival.

north carolina I fran severn-levy

Pick a trail in Fayetteville, N.C. Proudly calling itself “Freedom’s Home,” Fayetteville, N.C., is best known as the location of Fort Bragg, which has the largest military population in the country. Visitors typically tour the impressive Airborne and Special Operations Museum and the adjacent Special Forces K-9 Monument. But the Sand Hills, as this region is known, is multifaceted, with plenty of non-military attractions to enjoy.

Follow a heritage trail It’s “Pick Your Own Adventure” with the Cultural Heritage Trails found at visitfayettevillenc. com/culturalheritagetrails. These downloadable, themed, self-driving tours have maps, descriptions of sites s, and contact info, including links to websites. If you make every stop, most of the trails are all-day adventures.

The choices cover just about every interest.

There’s one for antiquing and another for art galleries and live performances. Celtic and AfricanAmerican heritage each have a tour, as does the region’s history of religious tolerance. History buffs can pick their era to explore. There’s one that focuses on the American Revolution and another on the Civil War. Fayetteville is the first city named after the Marquis de Lafayette, the French nobleman who became a general in the Continental Army. When he returned to the United States to celebrate its 50th anniversary, this was the only city named after him that he visited. You can retrace his steps on a

driving tour that goes to every building or site he visited.

Outdoorsmen can find hunting and fishing sites, while another tour highlights biking and hiking opportunities. There’s even the Literary Lines Trail to new and used bookstores and one for secondhand shops.

Given the international scope of deployments of Fort Bragg’s soldiers, it’s not surprising that the dining scene serves up cuisines from every culture.

A savory scroll through the International Cuisine Trail has stops at Greek, Columbian, Indian, Thai, and Japanese restaurants. You’ll also find West African specialties, Mongolian barbecue, classic Southern food, barbecue joints, and microbrews around town.

Golfers have plenty of courses to choose from, so bring your clubs. There are 20 courses, with 19 miles of fairway and 360 holes, within an hour of Fayetteville. They are designed by such names as Davis Love III, Willard Byrd, and Stuart Gooden.

April Dogwood Festival By mid-April, winter is long gone and Fayetteville celebrates spring with the annual Dogwood Festival. Held the fourth weekend in April, this year’s dates are April 24–26. The free, familyfriendly party takes over the downtown. There are street performers, a carnival midway with rides and games, an outdoor arts-and-crafts emporium

with more than 100 vendors, a classic car show, a special kids’ area, and fireworks during Friday night’s opening “Bloom and Boom” kickoff.

There is also a solid city block of corn dogs, tacos, funnel cakes, wraps, burgers, and cotton candy.

The festival is known for its fun events and this year it features the Duck Derby, with more than 100 yellow plastic duckies released into the river in a current-powered race. The “Battle of the Badges” pits local police and fire departments in a tug-of-war, obstacle course, and chicken wingeating contests.

Live entertainment on the main stage this year features country music stars Craig Campbell and Mo Pitney and rock groups Warrant and Quiet Riot.

Not surprisingly, there’s a Dogwood Trail to enjoy the highlights of a Southern spring. It’s probably the most comprehensive tour of the entire Fayetteville area. The drive/walk tour visits the Rose Garden at Fayetteville Technical College, the Cape Fear Botanical Garden, the downtown historic district, quiet landscaped neighborhoods, and museums of history, arts, and military culture.

It’s a perfect way to unwind from winter and welcome spring.

For more information Fayetteville Tourism: visitfayetevillenc.com Dogwood Festival: faydogwoodfestival.com

AIRBORNE AND SPECIAL OPERATIONS MUSEUM

IT’S HERE THE VERY SEEDS OF AMERICA’S FREEDOM AND PATRIOTISM WERE PLANTED AND WE’VE GOT THE TRAILS TO PROVE IT. The Revolutionary War. The Civil War. Both World Wars. Fayetteville/Cumberland County had a front seat to most of it. There’s more American History here than you could find in hundreds of history books. So, why not grab your car keys and start exploring more than 750 miles of history and heritage using our Cultural Heritage Trails? Whether it’s historical sites, architecture or adventure, our 18 themed driving trails offer something for everyone. And you can find them all at www.VisitFayettevilleNC.com VISITFAYETTEVILLENC.COM

Fayetteville, NC was the only namesake city visited by Lafayette.

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delaware

I gwen woolf

Surf the arts in Southern Delaware There’s a rising tide in Southern Delaware and not just at its famous beaches. The region is awash with arts, entertainment, and a splash of magic.

Dip your toes in Rehoboth Beach culture, but also explore the smaller towns inland, where exciting discoveries can be made year-round.

Visual arts galore The granddaddy of the local cultural scene is the 77-year-old arts center run by the Rehoboth Art League in Henlopen Acres. “Some call it a little sanctuary,” says the league’s Sheila Bravo of the 3.5-acre wooded campus, featuring a 1743 homestead, gardens, galleries, and studios. The 1,000-member league hosts many exhibitions, demonstrations, classes, and events. A highlight is the annual Outdoor Show, scheduled for Aug. 8–9 and Aug. 15–16 this year.

In Rehoboth Beach, a cottage housing Heidi Lowe Gallery is deceptively small. Lowe not only sells her own custom art jewelry, but carries work by international artists whom, she says, are “pushing the boundaries of jewelry making” in terms of diverse materials and formats. Adorned with one of her own necklaces — “When you’re wearing it you want to rock it,” she quips — Lowe says the gallery attracts customers looking for unique items, such as specially designed wedding rings.

Mosaic, a Rehoboth Beach gallery collective, sponsors a popular Second Saturday art walk.

Former National Geographic photographer

Kevin Fleming sells vivid portraits of wildlife and nature scenes at his gallery in Rehoboth. He jokes that he prefers photographing animals to people because “they don’t talk back.”

Another nature aficionado is an artist known only as Abraxas. His realistic landscapes, seascapes, and portraits are available at Abraxas Studio of Art in Lewes. Also in Lewes is the Peninsula Gallery, where works by 25 local and regional artists are exhibited, and Preservation Forge, where a blacksmith fashions crafts from iron. History lovers can see art and artifacts in the Lewes Historical Society’s complex of historic buildings.

Buy paintings, jewelry, pottery, and wood or woven items at Gallery One in Ocean View, a co-

operative of 15 artists.

Milford is using the arts as a way of revitalizing economic development and the quality of life, according to town officials. Take the self-guided Art on the Riverwalk Tour to see 12 decorated boat sculptures. The Millispon Art League in Milford hosts festivals, exhibitions, and classes. Retired teacher Marcia Reed saw the potential in Milford and opened Gallery 37 to sell fine art, crafts, furniture, sculpture, ceramics, and wearable art by 25 local and national artists.

“I wanted to be part of the crest of something happening,” she says. continued on page 18

Sandy Morgan

Sidewalk Sales Gallery 107 in Seaford is just one of the artistic stops across Southern Delaware.

Spring · May 15-17, 2015 Fall · October 2-4, 2015

TAX-FREE

shopping in Rehoboth Beach and Dewey Beach!

Weekends full of deals and fabulous finds!

10AM-9PM (hours vary)

Beach-Fun.com · 302-227-6446 Download the Chamber’s FREE App!

2 Cochise Trail, Millsboro Indian Summer Village

Beaches are just the beginning.

We invite you to explore a place we call home. Experience the warmth of our friends and neighbors. Taste our multitudes of flavors. Get lost around the heart of our community, The Circle. You’ll see what we mean when we say: Georgetown, Delaware. Well Rounded.

Well maintained home on a peaceful lot surrounded by mature trees. Home has an open kitchen with eating bar overlooking family room and a breakfast nook, separate dining room, master bath with garden tub, three season room and 2 car garage. $189,900. mls 618826

Join us for these upcoming events.

Georgetown Farmers’ Market/Concerts in The Park May–September 2015 Historic Georgetown Art Crawl/Farmer & Foodie Festival September 13, 2015 Wings & Wheels—A Fall Festival October 2–3, 2015 Georgetown Christmas Parade December 3, 2015

Visit us at www.georgetowncoc.com or call 302-856-1544.

16 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

Gareth Deitzel 302.542.4749 1128 South Central Ave., PO Box 655 Laurel, DE P: 302.875.3000 • F: 302.875.4429 SouthernDelawareRealty.com

L A N D , WAT E R O R A I R .

More reasons to get out there!

If you’re the adventurous type, get ready to get out there. On land, you’re in for outstanding biking, hiking and nature

trails, challenging golf, beautiful state parks and campgrounds. Love water? Come paddle our back bays, rivers and wildlife refuges. Go surfing or skimboarding. Enjoy fishing or boating. Still up in the air? Go skydiving, parasailing or birding.

Or just relax on our pristine 5-star beaches—and do nothing at all. For a full calendar of events, activities and deals go to VisitSouthernDelaware.com/outdoor

Follow us on Twitter www.twitter.com/VisitSouthDel

Come to the Culinary Coast and take a spring culinary adventure.

TM

Celebrate Rehoboth Beach Restaurant Week, June 7–12, and enjoy delicious samplings from 15 of the Cape Region’s best chefs, plus brews, spirits, wines and sweets.

Thursday, June 11, 2015

• 5–8 pm Rehoboth Beach Convention Center • $50 in advance, $55 at the door • Ticket price benefits your local Meals on Wheels Lewes-Rehoboth and includes 2 free drink tickets. (Under 21 y/o not admitted.)

TOP CHEF

Culinary Coast of the

FOR TICKETS online go to www.visitsoutherndelaware.com or call 302-645-7449

Plan your culinary adventure and enjoy farm-fresh food from our partners by visiting: www.localonthemenu.com. Spring is a great time to sample farm-fresh food grown locally and served locally at more than 30 restaurants in southern Delaware.

To learn more about some of the region’s fantastic eateries visit

www.visitsoutherndelaware.com/culinary-coast

Life tastes better here.

TM

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 17

Southern Delaware continued from page 16 At Seaford, the Nanticoke River Arts Council represents 50 local artists offering paintings, glass art, jewelry, wood turnings, pottery, and hand-painted porcelain.

Places to purchase all manner of art include the Bethany Beach Board-

Delaware presents more than 100 performances a year in Sussex and Kent counties.

For a night out on the town with dinner and live music, check out The Cellar Door or the Blue Moon in Rehoboth Beach.

The 16 Mile Brewery in Georgetown offers craft beer and acoustic music on weekends.

Musicians such as Keith Mack and Paul Cullen also enliven the regional music scene. Mack has toured with Joe Cocker and Cyndi Lauper. Cullen, who played guitar with Bad Company, cooks up memorable evenings at private homes with Italian food, wines, and music.

For a touch of nostalgia, watch a classic or first-run film at the 66-yearold Clayton Theatre in Dagsboro, Delaware’s only single-screen the-

walk Arts Festival in September and the Southeastern Delaware Artists’ Studio Tour in November.

Music and theater happenings

With top musicians such as Boney James and Patti Austin taking the stage, the Rehoboth Beach Jazz Festival is a big draw each fall. Going into its 26th season, this year’s event is scheduled for Oct. 15–18.

Another key venue is Freeman Stage at Bayside, an 26TH OCEAN TO BAY BIKE TOUR open-air stage where stars including Wynton SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2015 Marsalis and The Beach Cycle through the beaches, bays and beyond, Boys have performed. beginning in Bethany Beach, DE. Register now to enjoy one of the first long rides of the cycling season!

Those who love classical music can find it For more into & to register: DISTANCES: through Coastal ContheQuietResorts.com • Metric Century 800-962-7873 certs in Lewes, which • 50 Mile Course • 30 Mile Course hosts soloists and en• Family Fun Five sembles.

Miler The Music School of

ater. Over five days in November, the Rehoboth Beach Independent Film Festival showcases American and international films.

See dramas and musicals at the intimate Clear Space Theatre in Rehoboth Beach, which has its own acting company.

The Premier Centre for the Arts has refurbished the Milton Theatre for performances and cabaret, and the Second Street Players offer community theater in Milford.

And, for that splash of magic, be prepared to be amazed by Rich Bloch at the Dickens Parlour Theatre in Millville and discover what’s behind the secret bookcase.

For more information Southern Delaware Tourism: visitsoutherndelaware.com

Southern. Del. Tourism

VISIT HISTORIC LEWES, DELAWARE April 3 — Great Delaware Kite Festival April 9-18 — Lewes Tulip Celebration May 1-3 — Merchants’ Spring Sidewalk Sales May 2 — British Motorcar Show June 20 — Lewes Garden Tour July 4 — Old Fashioned 4th of July events Call toll free 877-465-3937 or visit leweschamber.com

Rich Bloch presents a magical performance at the Dickens Parlour Theatre in Millville.

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JUNE WEEKDAYS STARTING AT $99.95+TAX CALL US TODAY! 1-800-926-1122 • BOOK ONLINE NOW! www.BoardwalkHotels.com

18 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

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Greenwood • Bridgeville • Seaford • Blades • Laurel

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Greater Seaford Chamber of Commerce

221 High Street, P.O. Box 26 Seaford, DE 19973 302-629-9690 or 800-416-GSCC www.seafordchamber.com

ANNUAL EVENTS IN SEAFORD May 1, 2015 May 15-17, 2015

Live for Chocolate – Downtown Seaford Blades 100th Anniversary Celebration and Nanticoke River Marine Festival (17th) May 22-24, 2015 Seaford 150th Anniversary Celebration/Towne & Country Fair at Ross Plantation June 6, 2015 Bridgeville Beer & Barrel Festival @ Heritage Shores Bridgeville June 19-20, 2015 First State Antique Tractor Club – “15th Annual Tractor Show” – Governor Ross Plantation July 10-11, 2015 Riverfest – Downtown Seaford August 7-8, 2015 AFRAM Festival - Seaford Sports Complex

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Greater Laurel Chamber of Commerce

201 Mechanic Street, P.O. Box 696 Laurel, DE 19956 302-875-9319 www.laurelchamber.com

ANNUAL EVENTS IN LAUREL May 2, 2015 May 16, 2015 June 6, 2015 June 13, 2015 July 4, 2015

Southern Delaware Tourism 1-800-357-1818 www.visitsoutherndelaware.com

Trap Pond Bike Ride Laurel Strawberry Festival Laurel Lions Club Fishing for Sight Tournament – Laurel Broad Creek Bike & Brew in Laurel Laurel 4th of July Celebration

Stay and Explore recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 19

c c RUISE orner c c RUISE

orner michelle & karl teel

Three great excursions to remember in the U.S. Virgin Islands Any visit to the U.S. Virgin Islands presents an amazing array of opportunities, from beaches and water sports to sailing and eco tours. We discovered some great tours on our recent trip.

Sailing aboard the StarďŹ sh

They say the best way to experience the Virgin Islands is by sailing and, by far, the most comfortable way to do it is on a catamaran. Picture David Crosby being inspired to write Southern Cross, or Christopher Cross and his song Sailing. Wouldn’t you want to be there?

But with so many charters to choose from, which do you choose? While we are sure there are many

good options, we are positive about a great one.

Our hosts, Sam and Jen Augspurger of the Starfish, certainly passed the qualified sailor test. They have circumnavigated most of the world, including a stretch of 22 consecutive days at sea crossing the Pacific Ocean with only their family of four. (Of course, in the Virgin Islands, you aren’t likely to lose sight of land, which is great, because the islands look beautiful by sea.)

Where do they take you? It depends, because all itineraries are custom tailored to maximize your personal experience. They each begin with a least an hour or two of dialogue over the phone as you and they plan a weeklong charter.

Staying on their catamaran is not exactly “roughing it,� as you enjoy the pampered feel of Egyptian cotton sheets, top-end luxurious towels, real glass stemware to enjoy your favorite wines, and numerous nice touches, all with the a starfish motif. The three additional guest staterooms are well appointed and surprisingly comfortable. You just don’t find this level of comfort and luxury from other charters. continued on page 47

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The StarďŹ sh is a luxury 46-foot catamaran with crew. Just bring your group and prepare for pampered fun.

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Enter to win a

ALL-INCLUSIVE WEST VIRGINIA MOUNTAIN RESORT

2-Night Getaway for 2 to Capon Springs & Farms

Dine on homemade “comfort food� meals with ingredients from our farm at this one-of-a-kind historic gem, just 2 hours from DC.

Complete and mail this form or enter online at RecreationNews.com

Name _______________________________________________________ Address Line 1 __________________________________________________ Address Line 2 __________________________________________________ City ________________________________ State _____ Zip Code _________ Phone ____________________ Email_______________________________ From the information in this issue of Recreation News, what is your favorite destination?

We’ll mail you information on this spot at no charge, or check here â?? to “go greenâ€? and have the information emailed.

CONTEST RULES 1. Fill out form above legibly and completely.

2. Mail to RecNews Contest Dept., 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221 OR enter online at RecreationNews.com OR fax this form to 410-638-6902.

3. You may also email to publisher@recreationnews.com. Provide all information in the form above and enter “APRIL CONTEST� in the subject line.

4. Entries must be received by 4/15/2015. Winner will be drawn at random from the pool of all entries received on time with legible information and will be published in next month’s issue and notified by phone, UPS or email, and notified on April, 17, 2015. Winner must respond by April, 24, 2015 or prize forfeits to a runner up.

5. *Golf and spa services are extra. Limit one entry per household. Other restrictions may apply.

20 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

INCLUdES pool, disc golf, tennis, croquet, fishing, horseshoes, shuffleboard, games, campfires and more!

Relax with a massage or soaking bath at our spa, or enjoy a round of golf.* Capon Springs water flows to all guest rooms!

CONgRaTULaTiONS! David Baker of Temple Hills, Maryland - Berks Jazz Festival Winner

From Virginia’s history to its beaches, mountains, and towns.

Newly renovated Lee Chapel and Museum at Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Va. The museum is the final resting place of Robert E. Lee and many of George Washington’s family members.

A Recreation News Special Pull-Out Section

Water Power.

Join us for our next event,

the Occaneechi Indian Pow-Wow

Perfected over 250 years.

in Chase City on

Saturday, May 2 nd, 2015 visit www.visitmeckva.com/meck250.aspx for more details

The healing waters of Mecklenburg County were once so famous that people traveled great distances to experience their mystical powers. In the 1880s, it was bottled and sold across the country and overseas. People still visit from all over to enjoy the waters and experience a different kind of healing. Today, visitors reconnect with nature as they enjoy paddling, fishing and wildlife viewing on Virginia’s largest lake.

Join our year long celebration. Get insider info and offers in a special 250th anniversary e-newsletter.

visitmeckva.com #moremeck

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 21 | virginia

virginia I su clauson-wicker

Take in Lexington’s art, gardens Visit artists’ studios and historic homes this month

Saturday, April 25, 2015 1:00pm-7:00pm Downtown Moneta, VA under the big tops at Hwy 122 & VA Rt. 608

Admission $5 (No coolers allowed.)

Children 6 and under free

540-721-1203 VisitSmithMountainLake.com

Fast becoming known as a Mid-Atlantic arts destination, historic Lexington, Va., has added another reason to visit this spring — in addition to rural beauty and sites steeped in Southern history. On May 9–10, the Lexington Rockbridge Studio Tour will feature the work of 37 artists at 11 private art studios.

The free, self-guided tour in the Shenandoah Valley town and surrounding Rockbridge County will also include opportunities to sample culinary creations by local eateries at each stop.

“The Lexington area attracts artists,” said Susan Harb, a found-art sculptor whose tree house studio is on the tour. She organized the studio tour event in 2012, and attendance has grown each year.

Located on village streets and tucked into mountain hollows, the studios — from a log cabin to an 1883 inn to a retrofitted garage — reflect the personalities of the artists. Many will offer on-going demonstrations in such disciplines as weaving, pottery, painting, iron work, glassblowing, silversmithing, and woodworking. Guest artist Russell Rivers will display his custom furniture crafted from Virginia hardwoods at one stop, while down the road John Falls, of Thistle Down Forge, will work on his handcrafted knives.

The tour loops along some 20 miles through the rolling hills. Colorful roadside signs tell guests where to turn and where to park. The new works on

sale at every studio have prices ranging from $20 to $20,000, reflecting the diversity of the offerings.

Garden Week in Lexington A different kind of tour on April 25 emphasizes downtown Lexington’s historic homes and gardens. Part of Virginia Garden Week, the tour visits four recently restored 18th-, 19th-, and early-20thcentury properties. Open to the public for the first time, all have received awards for historic preservation and tell a tale of restoration and adaptive reuse.

“Old buildings have souls ... and maybe a ghost,” said John Sebrell, the creator of the awardwinning Sheridan Row, a complex of three condominiums formed from sections of a downtown commercial building that dates back to 1789. Visitors enter through a soaring glass lobby, made soulful by an antique quilt display as well as a rooftop garden. An original fireplace and solar tubes give heat and light.

The garden tour circuit, which can be walked or toured by trolley, includes presentations on history and historical restoration tax credits, gardening demonstrations, refreshments, and bluegrass music. Downtown restaurants feature special Historic Garden Week luncheons. Tickets are available at vagardenweek.org in advance, or at the Lexington Visitor Center on tour day.

From

plow to pint

nelson county VIRGINIA www.BrewRidgeTrail.com nelsoncounty.com Register for a weekend getaway: 800.282.8223

virginia | 22 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

Carriage Tours Insider tip: Perhaps the most fun way to tour Lexington in the spring, summer, and fall is to climb aboard a horse-drawn surry with swaying fringe on top.

Lexington Carriage Company has been giving narrated tours of the town’s historic areas for 30 years.

And whether you’re behind Nip and Tuck or Minnie and Pearl, you’re in good hands with guide Shana Layman and you’re bound to enjoy experiencing Lexington in 1850s style. Look for the carriage across from the visitor center daily, 11:00am–4:00pm.

an interesting look at cadet history and how graduates have impacted American history. Downtown, the museum also operates the Stonewall Jackson House, outfitted as it was when Jackson lived there while teaching at the military school.

Where to stay The Lexington area offers plenty of accommodation options. To enjoy the scenic Rockbridge County views and authentic history, check out Maple Hall Inn, the recently renovated 1850 ante-

bellum mansion.

For a completely different experience, try House Mountain Inn, a 15,000-square-foot log lodge on a 1,000-acre preserve. Far from roughing it, the guestrooms and suites each have a gas fireplace and either an indoor Jacuzzi or outdoor hot tub.

For more information Lexington Tourism: lexingtonvirginia.com Lexington Rockbridge Studio Tour: lexingtonrockbridgestudiotour.com

Art and history at two colleges Washington & Lee University’s newly renovated Lee Chapel, built by Robert E. Lee, reopens in April with a new exhibit of flags from the American Civil War Museum. The famed Charles Wilson Peale portrait of George Washington returns to the chapel, and an early American portraiture exhibit of the Lee-Custis family is being installed in the nearby Watson Pavilion. The museum deftly chronicles the relationship between the Washington and Lee families and their ties to the university.

The university’s Reeves Center houses the stunning paintings of Louise Herreschoff, as well as the nation’s largest collections of Chinese porcelain. Five hundred years of history are represented here in the ceramics collection, which contains pieces belonging to Washington, Lee, and Paul Revere.

Despite the adjoining presence of an authentic Japanese tearoom, coffee cups add to the Reeves Center’s claim to fame. The world’s largest collection of armorial coffee cups is housed here. A student-curated porcelain exhibit includes display pieces visitors may handle.

“We call the Reeves Center our ‘hidden treasure’ because so few people know of it,” said museum manager Lucy Wilkins.

Next door at the Virginia Military Institute, the VMI Museum offers

Maple Hall Inn & Restaurant 1850

Elegant rooms & fine dining in a historic location.

Lexington, Va. | 540-463-6693 www.MapleHallLex.com

Virginia Tourism Corp.

Get a view of historic Lexington from a fringe-topped surry with a knowledgeable guide.

• Daily 11am-5pm April through Oct. • June-Aug. 10am-6pm • Explore 19th Century Lexington at the pace and rhythm of hoofbeats.

• Tours begin across from Lexington Visitor Center Lexington, Virginia Historial Tours www.lexcarriage.com | (540) 463-5647 www.facebook.com/lexcarriage

Hummingbird Inn ...

❁ 5 guest rooms ❁ Jacuzzi tubs ❁ Variety of Outdoor Activities

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We invite you to visit for a special occasion, outdoor recreation or just a weekend getaway!

30 Wood Lane / Goshen, VA 540.997.9065 / 800.397.3214

Lexington County.

Natural.

History. recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 23 | virginia

virginia I reed hellman

‘Gardens, Galleries, and Grapes’ set to entice visitors Spring in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley sets a benchmark against which all other valleys must be measured. Adding to spring’s natural splendor,

Shenandoah County Getaways

the O Shenandoah County Artisan Trail will host “Gardens, Galleries, and Grapes,” April 25–26, inviting visitors to talk with the artists, see where their creativity happens, and watch their labor and talent at work.

From Strasburg (about 90 minutes from the Washington Beltway) through Toms Brook, to Woodstock, Edinburg, Mount Jackson, and New Market, the trail connects more than 70 artisan studios, craft venues, agritourism sites, independent

Quality Inn & Johnny Appleseed Restaurant

Southern Style Cooking since 1973

• Close to battlefield, caverns, golf & wineries.

• Government Employee Discount.

restaurants and lodgings, and unique points of interest.

Throughout Shenandoah County, studio tours, farm tours, history tours, live demonstrations, specialty foods, and music events will celebrate regional artisans. The “Gardens, Galleries, and Grapes” tour includes nearly 30 locations and 100 participating artists and local businesses. Artisans, craftspeople, specialty growers, and producers will open their studios, galleries, farms, and vineyards. Through live demonstrations, visitors can experience and understand how they produce local specialties.

“We are literally opening our doors,” said Kary Haun, a local potter. Her studio in a historic cabin stands beside one of the older homes in Woodstock.

“It’s an ‘open house.’

I’ve invited a couple of other local artists to partner with me and display some of their items in my studio.”

Following the Shenandoah River Valley

I-81, Exit 264 • 540-740-3141 www.qualityinn-shenandoahvalley.com

Our llamas love visitors!

The “O Shenandoah” trail is one of a dozen established Virginia artisans trails in a statewide continued on page 26

• Farm tours • Fiber yarn & other products • Fiber classes

Come visit Easter Bonnie Bonnet We are now a trail site on the Artisan Center of Virginia!

A working & teaching llama farm

540-436-3517 llamasjh@gmail.com poseythisisitllamas.com Toms Brook, VA

Come stay with us and enjoy all of the things that the beautiful Shenandoah Valley has to offer this time of year.

SATURDAY, MAY 9 Gates open at 11 a.m. Tasting noon to 6 p.m.

Advanced Tickets $20.00 on sale now at www.bellegrove.org

At the gate: tasting tickets $25 & designated driver tickets $10

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v Meeting Rooms v Fitness & Business Centers v Free WIFI v Free Hot Breakfast v Indoor pool and Whirlpool 1150 Motel Drive Woodstock, VA 22664

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Live Music by The Elizabeth Lawrence Band & Cazhmiere Belle Grove Plantation 336 Belle Grove Road, Middletown, VA (exit 302 off I-81)

www.bellegrove.org  540-869-2028  www.facebook.com/BelleGrove

virginia | 24 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

d BATTLE REENACTED

The annual reenactment weekend for the Civil War Battle of New Market is May 15–17, marking the 151st anniversary of the battle in which cadets from the Virginia Military Institute were thrust into the Confederate battle lines.

The battlefield park and crossroads town of New Market, Va., are in southern Shenandoah County, a little over two hours from Washington.

Events include tours, living history in the encampments and on the Bushong Farm, as well as the actual battle reenactment at 2:00pm on May 17. (vmi.edu/vmcw)

What’s going on?

Check out our calendar on page 48 for what’s happening in and around your area!

Shenandoah Co. Tourism

Artisans demonstrate their talents in a host of locations during the “Gardens, Galleries, and Grapes” event in Shenandoah County, April 25–26.

MaSSanUtten reSort

Spring Lodging SpeciaLS Spa, Indoor Waterpark & Golf packaGeS MaSSreSort.coM/SpecIalS

151 151 N MARKET! NEW stst Anniversary Reenactment

The nation’s oldest!

Anniversary Reenactment

EW MARKET!

May 2015 May16-17, 16-17, 2015

I-81, Exit 264 in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley The nation’s oldest reenactment — fought on the original ground!

In the heart of the Shenandoah Valley

New Market BattlefiNew eld Market Battlefield State Historical Park State Historical Park 2 HourS From ricHmond, Va & WaSHington, dc | 3 HourS From BaLtimore, md

New Market, Virginia New Market, Virginia 866.515.1865 vmi.edu/vmcw 1.866.515.1864

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 25 | virginia

Garden, Galleries, and Grapes continued from page 24 network. Shenandoah County’s trail encompasses much of the Shenandoah River’s bucolic North Fork valley, from north of Harrisonburg to just south of Winchester, and on both sides of I-81.

Using scenic U.S. Route 11 as the stem, visitors can easily reach most of the participating sites.

“You can meet people who are dedicated to making, growing, and creating things,” said Liz Hollingsworth of Earth Spirits Masks. “Come see how these things happen. ... My work is whimsical and collectible. ... I spent years traveling from New England to Georgia to participate in art festivals, but participating in the Artisans Trail allows me to sell my work from home.”

Hollingsworth will demonstrate how she makes her unique pottery masks. Visitors to her cozy gallery overlooking the Shenandoah River can try their hands and “get an idea of what it’s like to be

What’s going on?

Check out our calendar on page 48 for what’s happening in and around your area!

More Green. Less Fee. A golfer’s dream. Unlimited play on our green and lush 6,400 yard Shenandoah Valley course nestled amid Virginia’s equally beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Package includes meals and lodging, greens fees and cart for 18 holes daily and extra round for cart fees only!

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virginia | 26 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

a clay craftsperson,” Hollingsworth said.

The Artisan Trail’s open doors lead into more than galleries. Posey Thisisit Llamas, a 27-acre farm, raises llamas and sheep and invites visitors to “get in and meet them.”

“You don’t just stand by the gate here,” said Posey’s Joyce Hall. “We do a ‘Llama 101,’ what it’s like to live with llamas, and the fun you can have with them.”

Hall is partnering with several Shenandoah craftspeople and a local garden shop. “We’ll be demonstrating using llama wool for yarn. Our visitors can make a project to take home.”

Getting the full flavor The trail’s network enables visitors to taste other local flavors. At Lynn St. Clair’s Swover Creek Farm, you can sample the farm-made sausage and enjoy craft-brewed beer. The farm also grows hops and provides the spent grains from the brewery to feed local pigs and cattle.

Route 11 has given its name to one of the nation’s premier specialty snack food companies, Route 11 Potato Chips. Started nearly 25 years ago in an old feed store in Middletown, the company has become a Valley icon and a destination in its new location near Mount Jackson.

“People can come in for a ‘fryview’ and see the process,” said Sarah Cohen, Route 11’s owner.

Insider tip: Sample the many varieties and choose one or more to purchase right at the source.

Shenandoah County lies east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, in a “rain shadow” that receives less rain than the west side (which faces into the oncoming weather fronts). Randy Phillips, of Cave Ridge Winery, took advantage of this geography to site his vineyard in the foothills outside of Mount Jackson. Part of the “Sippin’ Shenandoah Wine & Beer Trail,” Cave Ridge uses all-local grapes.

Also outside of Mount Jackson, The Winery at Kindred Pointe uses a lovingly renovated stable as a tasting room. North Mountain Vineyard, outside of Maurertown, combines varietal wines with classic Shenandoah Valley vistas. Shenandoah Vineyards, in Edinburg, is the valley’s oldest winery and offers varietals and several popular blends. Wolf Gap Vineyard, also outside of Edinburg, specializes in full-bodied, Bordeaux-style reds and light, crisp white wines. Cedar Creek Winery, near Strasburg, focuses on cabernet Franc and chardonnay.

With multiple artisans and craftspeople sharing venues, the “Gardens, Galleries, and Grapes” open door tour offers a compact sampler of the Shenandoah Valley’s cultural highlights.

For more information: Shenandoah County Tourism: shenandoahtravel.org O Shenandoah County Artisan Trail: artisantrailnetwork.org

Shenandoah Co. Tourism

You’ll find art of all kinds during the April O Shenandoah Artisan Trail event in Shenandoah County.

Shenandoah Co. Tourism

29th Annual

www.recreationnews.com 410-638-6901 | fax: 410-638-6902 1607 Sailaway Circle, Baltimore, MD 21221

F E S T I V A L

2 0 1 5

Historic Downtown Front Royal

SATURDAY

MAY 16, 2015 10 A.M. - 6 P.M.

Wine Admission

Saturday, April 11 10am-4pm

$25 in Advance • $30 at Gate • No Pets Please FREE General Admission n

Virginia Wine Tastings from 20 Wineries

n

Arts & Crafts

n

Delicious Food

n

Children’s Station

Sponsored by: Mountain Laurel Montessori School n

Live Entertainment

For more information contact the Chamber of Commerce at

540.635.3185 • info@frontroyalchamber.com www.wineandcraftfestival.com | www.facebook.com/vawineandcraft PRESENTED BY

FESTIVAL SPONSORS

credit

Jeff Guenther demonstrates his weaving technique.

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 27 | virginia

virginia I sandra julian barker

Spring fun in Chesapeake, Va. As spring breaks over Virginia’s Tidewater region, there are plenty of activities to draw you to the city of Chesapeake, whether you’re stretching your boundaries in a physical challenge, kicking back at a wine festival, or enjoying an old-fashioned carnival.

The ninth annual Dismal Swamp Stomp HalfMarathon on April 11 takes place in the vast, beautiful forests of the historic Great Dismal Swamp.

Runners travel along a flat 13.1-mile paved pathway through the wilderness.

“The Dismal Swamp Stomp is the definition of a boutique racing event,” said race director Ann Hupp. “It has all the bells and whistles of a major event, but costs less. People love this event. It’s fast, it’s beautiful, and it’s an amazing day.”

In addition to the USATF-certified half marathon course, there is the seventh annual Children’s Half-Mile Cub Run, as well as new 5K run.

Goodies for each finisher include a custom medal, race shirt, food from a local restaurant, and adult beverages from the newly opened Big Ugly Brewery, plus prize money for winners. Register at dismalswampstomp.com.

Wine, food, and music The Chesapeake Spring Wine Festival on April 17 is a party with the motto “Great Wine, Great Food, Great Music for Great Causes.”

The festival is held inside a comfortable, attrac-

JUNE 20

tive ballroom and features unlimited complimentary tastings from the dozen or so Virginia wineries and regional craft beer breweries represented.

Guests can enjoy music, dancing, specialty foods from the Mid-Atlantic region, wine accessory vendors, and art displays.

Tickets can be purchased at cheswinespring. com The Paddle for the Border, on May 2, also takes place in the historic Great Dismal Swamp, but instead of running along a trail, participants navigate a 7.5-mile stretch of the famous canal in their own kayak, canoe, or boat.

“Many participants look forward to paddling the Dismal Swamp every year,” said Gladys Jones, who promotes the event. “It’s a popular event and we often get compliments on how well organized it is. And, we always have good food!”

Breakfast, lunch, and transportation are included. Participants must register by April 4 at cityofchesapeake.net/paddle.

The Chesapeake Jubilee has been providing colorful, exciting weekends for 32 years. This year’s event begins May 14 with the Kiwanis Club of Chesapeake’s annual Shrimp Feast. There will be three days of carnival rides, live entertainment on several stages, arts and crafts, children’s activities, and exciting fireworks lighting up the night sky. The ninth annual BBQ Cook-off Competition, sanctioned by the famous Kansas City Barbecue

Society, announces the winner at noon on May 16. (chesapeakejubilee.org) The Chesapeake Criterium on June 6 is the Virginia Senior State Championship. But, don’t be intimidated.

There also is a free children’s race that provides some friendly competition for kids ages 2 to 9. The main event, however, will feature top-level bike racing for all United States Cycling Federation categories.

“It’s a chess game on wheels,” said race organizer Christina Teeuwen. “You have to be a fit, thinking person.” (cityofchesapeake.net) Paddlers can join the KayaXpedition on June 20 at Oak Grove Lake Park. This kayak, canoe, and stand-up paddle-boarding festival has a variety of water-related activities, including an aquatic football tournament hosted by the Wounded Warrior Project, and kayak and paddle board demonstrations.

“We’re trying to introduce people to great outdoor sports they can enjoy with family and friends,” said Shawn Callahan, who promotes the event, which includes activities for beginning paddlers up to experienced racers. For most events, boats and equipment are provided. (kayaxpedition.com)

Learn more Chesapeake Tourism: visitchesapeake.com

TH

2015 Kayaks & Canoes Stand Up Paddleboarding

(SUP)

Paddle Into Adventure This Summer.

Celebrate Chesapeake’s maritime heritage and explore the city’s historic waterways during KayaXpedition with kayaking demonstrations and competitive and fun paddle races.

Kayaking and stand up paddleboarding events will be held at Oak Grove Lake Park. KayaXpedition welcomes adventurers of all ages and levels of boating experience – from beginning paddlers to seasoned racers – to kick start summer with paddles in hand!

VISIT WWW.KAYAXPEDITION.COM OR CALL US AT 757.382.6411 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

virginia | 28 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

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Tiny town of Floyd packs ‘em in for music and art all year The Blue Ridge Parkway is among the most visited national parks, and the one-stoplight town of Floyd, Va., has become a major Parkway destination for music and art. On warm weekends, tourists and locals alike cram into Floyd Country Store, pack Floyd’s mom-and-pop restaurants, and pour

into the streets to hear old-time mountain music pickers.

The store, Floyd’s centerpiece tourist attraction, turns 105 years old this summer, transitioning over the years from serving farmers in horse-drawn wagons to stocking bluegrass CDs, ice cream

cones, and outdoor clothes for GPS-guided tourists. But, some things never change. Folks of all ages flatfoot to the likes of I Keep My Skillet Good and Greasy All the Time.

The good dancers barely move their bodies north of the hips while keeping their feet slipperyon-ice busy.

Floyd Co. Tourism

continued on page 36

Elegantly appointed boutique hotel with 40 themed rooms and suites.

hotelfloyd.com

On warm weekends the crowds spill onto the streets of Floyd to hear jams and performances.

Downtown Floyd, Va. 540.745.6080

This Labor Day weekend, stretch your body to its limits, play in the great outdoors all day, fuel up on amazing local foodie creations and then spend the evening jammin’ to great, upbeat, eclectic music.

Use code DC25OFF for $25 discount

www.floydyogajam.net info@floydyogajam.net

Art and music mingle in Floyd recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 29 | virginia

virginia I gwen woolf

New mixes with old throughout Virginia’s lovely Northern Neck The beauty, heritage, outdoor recreation, and timelessness of the Northern Neck of Virginia beckon any time of year, but if you haven’t visited this river-framed peninsula that’s less than 100 miles from Washington recently, there are good reasons to come take another look.

One is Historic Garden Week, which focuses on the Kinsale area of Westmoreland County, on April 22. Five private homes, ranging from the 18th century to modern times, will showcase life in town, on a classic revival plantation, and on the water, in

this year’s tour. (vagardenweek.org) The village of Kinsale dates to 1706 and is the oldest municipality in the region. It has War of 1812 history, a marina, a wharf, a gazebo, and the well-known Bevans Oyster Co. The Kinsale Museum, open weekends, offers photographs, artifacts, maritime history, and bits and pieces of life gone by.

“It’s a delight and challenge to make certain everyone finds their own story,” said the museum’s Lynn Norris.

Northern Neck Tourism

Also in the area is Stratford Hall, Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee’s birthplace in Westmoreland County, which is undergoing a face-lift in its 1730s Great House. The parlor has been redone and attention is now on the dining room.

“A lot of people like to see the restoration work going on,” said Stratford’s Jim Schepmoes.

A visit to the 1,900-acre plantation offers “a little bit of everything,” said Schepmoes, such as the visitor center galleries, gift shop, gardens, gristmill, hiking trails, biking, picnicking, grandparentgrandchild summer camps, and 2 miles of Potomac River shorefront where people love to hunt for sharks’ teeth. Plus, there are the cattle, horses, goats, and llama-herded sheep that live on the property.

Lodging, dining, and meeting space are available through the Inn at Stratford Hall. Upcoming special events include sunset kayaking on May 30, the Lees and Independence Family Fun Festival on July 4, and a popular wine and oyster festival, Sept.

19–20.

Things to do

The Kinsale Museum is a great place to find the stories of the real Northern Neck and maybe even one of your own.

Explore nine premiere wineries in Virginia’s beautiful Northern Neck.

Find us on Facebook!

Join us for our Spring Oyster Crawl on Sunday, April 26. Each winery will offer a special oyster dish to pair with its wines.

www.chesapeakebaywinetrail.com Bring this ad to receive

15% off

your wine purchase during our Spring Oyster Crawl

Valid only on April 25-26, 2015. May not be combined with other discounts.

virginia | 30 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

Nine wineries form the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail. Chris Flemer, of Ingleside Vineyards in Westmoreland, said each winery will offer an oyster dish paired with wines during a Spring Oyster Crawl on April 26. The trail produced a beautiful softbound book, First in Wine, that explores the history of the Northern Neck and winemaking in the Chesapeake Bay Wine Country. The wineries stretch the length of the peninsula and the trail’s website offers several itineraries that include local attraction and dining opportunities.

In Montross, stop by the Westmoreland County Museum, where you’ll find Washington family furniture, artifacts, exhibits, and a Presidents Garden designed by Charles Gillette to honor Virginiaborn presidents.

Insider tip: Take a break at the Art of Coffee in Montross, a former service station turned coffeehouse, bistro, and art gallery.

Colonial Beach, long called the “Playground of the Potomac” because of its attraction to boaters and vacationers, is about to undergo revitalization, according to Lisa Hull, who promotes the Northern Neck. The town has lots of events, including the Potomac River Festival in June and the Boardwalk Arts and Crafts Festival in September. Scoot continued on page 32

Belle Grove Inn

Belle Grove Inn sits on the same plantation where President James Madison was born.

Declare your Independence with a Northern Neck Getaway!

Declare your Independence a Northern Neck Getaway!

!with

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We salute the Virginia’s rich presidential history with our main house, The Wilson House, and the surrounding cottages, each named for a Virginia-born president.

You’ll find plenty of modern amenities in our 16 guest rooms, most of which have decks or patios overlooking the courtyard.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner Monday-Saturday and brunch 8am-2pm on Sunday.

34 East Church St., Kilmarnock, Va. 22482 kilmarnockinn.com 804-435-0034

Explore and Experience Colonial Beach, Virginia Great Place to Play, Stay and Get Away.

Close to D.C and Richmond

www.colonialbeachva.net

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Westmoreland County Virginia More Beaches, More Parks, More Wine, More History

www.visitwestmorelandva.org

www.colonialbeachva.net

Explore and Experience Westmoreland County, Virginia

For more information call 804-224-7181

Find us on Facebook

For more info call 804.493.8440

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 31 | virginia

Northern Neck

has seven miles of shoreline on the Rappahannock River, and the Bel Air Historic area including the Bel Air House and its guest house, both available for lodging and events. (www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks)

continued from page 30 around in a golf cart, and choose from among dining spots, including Lighthouse Restaurant, which specializes in homemade Thai and French foods.

Three state parks in the region offer classic outdoor recreation and some unusual attractions. Caledon State Park is known for its bald eagles. Westmoreland State Park offers an Olympic-size swimming pool and the opportunity to hunt for ancient shark teeth fossils. Belle Isle

Where to stay In addition to the Inn at Stratford Hall, three elegant bed-and-breakfasts in the area have historical cachet.

The Bell House in Colonial Beach was the summer home of telephone inventor Alexander Graham Bell.

Built in 1882, the three-story Victorian has a wide porch that overlooks the Potomac, original stained-glass windows and heart pine floors, and

Walk like a (Future) President!

James Monroeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fredericksburg

four guest rooms with private baths.

The Kilmarnock Inn celebrates Virginiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s presidential history with its main house, the Wilson House, dating to 1884, and seven cottages, each named for a Virginia-born president, surrounding a courtyard where you can enjoy your morning coffee.

In King George County, the 18thcentury Belle Grove Plantation was the birthplace of President James Madison. Owners Michelle and Brett Darnell are working with archaeologists to learn more from the foundations of the original house. (Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t confuse this site with another historic property called Belle Grove near Middletown.)

Although easily accessible on U.S. Route 301, the Belle Grove B&B is reached by a tree-lined driveway

that transports guests back in time to a riverfront setting with â&#x20AC;&#x153;magical sunsets,â&#x20AC;? said Michelle Darnell.

The sprawling house has four guest suites named after former owners of the plantation and decorated in their time periods. In the parlor are two gold settees used in the movie Lincoln, which was filmed in Virginia.

The spirits of the past seem to cling to Belle Grove, where numerous ghosts have been spotted, including a â&#x20AC;&#x153;lady in white.â&#x20AC;? Like the human guests, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just think they love being here,â&#x20AC;? said Darnell.

Ghosts or no ghosts, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll love the Northern Neck.

For more information Northern Neck Tourism: northernneck.org Stratford Hall

Saturday, May 16, 2015, 1:00-4:00 PM

Join G. Scott Walker of Hallowed Ground Tours to explore historic Fredericksburg as Monroe knew it! Tour starts at 301 Caroline Street, the Monroe familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s home, with stops at Fredericksburg Masonic Lodge #4 and St. Georgeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church, ending with a reception at the James Monroe Museum.

Co-sponsored by the Historic Fredericksburg Foundation, Inc. $25 per person ($15 for JMM Friends/HFFI Members).

Advance registration required at 540-654-1043 or auphaus@umw.edu

James Monroe Museum 908 Charles Street Fredericksburg, VA 540-654-1043

www.jamesmonroemuseum.org

SAY HELLO TO SPRING.

The parlor at Stratford Hall underwent renovation recently.

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of Carterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Creek. Vineyard hopping along the Virginia Wine Trail. Teeing off beside a 50-acre private lake. Blissful spa treatments. The list of things to see and do at the Tides Inn never ceases to amaze. And now that itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Spring, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in full bloom with fun activities designed to warm hearts and elevate spirits all season long.

Join us from April 8-12 as we celebrate the return of everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favorite season.

Come indulge in the tastiest local craft brews, wines and signature dishes on

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the lush setting that is the Tides Inn. BREWS. BUDS. BITES.

480 King Carter Drive, Irvington, VA 22480 | 804.438.4465 | tidesinn.com

virginia | 32 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

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virginia I linda evans

Wine, ruins, and the evolution of farming in Orange County Orange County, Va., will welcome spring with an April Garden Week tour along historic Spotswood Trail, where visitors can see centuries of evolution in farming and architecture. Then, in May, the county celebrates the 25th anniversary of the Montpelier Wine Festival.

Spotswood Trail (U.S. Route 33) is a little more than an hour from Washington, D.C. Its name commemorates the 1716 expedition of Virginia’s royal governor, Alexander Spotswood, to expand the colony into the Shenandoah Valley. Orange County and the trail will be featured on April 18 during Virginia’s Garden Week. The event is hosted by the Dolley Madison Garden Club and features three historic homes, a vineyard, an inn, and the ruins of a Thomas Jefferson-designed home.

This year’s tour sites Aerie Farm, built in the 1850s, features twostory galleries spanning the width of the house, a tack room converted to a “snuggery” in the British tradition, formal and informal gardens, a guesthouse, large vegetable plots, and fruit trees.

Springfields was part of a land grant settled by Revolutionary War hero Col. Reuben Lindsay, who built a home there in 1791. An 1895 Georgian Revival house, grounds, and gardens will be open, including Lindsay’s mysterious hexagonal stone tower. Forty separate gardens and centuries-old trees give the grounds a park-like setting.

Annadale, a Federal-style home built in 1816, was rescued by its current owners from becoming a planned subdivision. The property includes a slave kitchen converted to a guesthouse and office, a smokehouse built entirely of wood, and an art studio converted from a granary.

Barboursville Vineyards and nearby 1804 Inn and Ruins complete the tour. Rarely open to the public, the 1804 Inn features Flemish bond

walls and hand-hewn floors. It serves as home for the vineyard’s Italian owners when they are in residence. Visitors also can see the ruins of Gov. James Barbour’s mansion — one of only three homes Thomas Jefferson designed for his friends — featuring hidden stairways and an octagonal room.

Advance tour tickets are available online for $25 through noon on April 17.

Insider tip: All stops will provide refreshments.

Stonefire Station, at the intersection of state Route 20 and Route 33, will offer a special tour menu for visitors wanting a lunch break along the trail.

Advance tickets can be purchased online for $15 until May 1, and include a tasting from all wineries and a commemorative wine glass. Parking donations are suggested.

For more information Historic Garden Week: virginiagardenweek.org Montpelier Wine Festival: montpelierwinefestival.com Orange County Tourism: visitorangevirginia.com Orange Co. Tourism

Montpelier Wine Festival Two days full of tasting and activities are planned for May 2–3 to celebrate the 25th Montpelier Wine Festival. New wineries and food vendors will be featured this year.

The festival is held at Montpelier, the 2,700-acre estate of our fourth president, James Madison located on Route 20.

Two dozen Virginia wineries will pour, and vendors will offer a variety of food. Approximately 50 crafters from throughout the Mid-Atlantic will set up on the historic grounds, offering everything from jewelry to custom garden rocks.

A full line-up of live music will provide a backdrop to the event. Performances are scheduled for 11:00am–1:00pm and 2:00–5:00pm each day. From the acoustic sounds of John Tracy, to local talent Brianna and bands Scuffletown and Burnt Orange, festival attendees will be entertained while sipping the nectar of the state’s finest wineries.

Following its family-friendly tradition, the festival will provide activities for children. A favorite is kite flying. Children can bring their own or purchase a kite-making kit, put it together in a kitemaking class, and fly their finished product on the open, rolling hills of the estate’s grounds.

The finest gardens and grapes are

Orange.

The 1804 Inn at Barboursville Vineyards is on this year’s Garden Week Tour in Orange County.

Historic Garden Week Saturday, April 18, 2015

This history and garden tour includes three private homes and gardens, Barboursville Ruins and The 1804 Inn as well as special events and amazing cuisine. Tickets available at vagardenweek.org.

Montpelier Wine Festival May 2 – 3, 2015

Held on the grounds of president James Madison’s, Montpelier, the Montpelier Wine Festival celebrates its 25th year with fabulous wines, distinctive arts and crafts, food vendors, live music, “cooking with wine” classes, children’s entertainment and rides. Tickets available at montpelierwinefestival.com.

BARBOURSVILLE RUINS

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 33 | virginia

virginia I angela blue

Newport News is ripe with entertainment and family fun Mariners’ Museum

Visitors to the Mariners’ Museum in Newport News can learn about the USS Monitor, the famous Civil War ironclad.

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Finding fun activities for the whole family may seem like a daunting quest, but, thankfully, the city of Newport News is ripe with entertainment.

Whether your search aims to please the history buff, the aquatic explorer, or the fun-loving craft beer enthusiast, there are plenty of discoveries to unearth in Virginia’s maritime city.

Start at The Mariners’ Museum and Park, one of the country’s largest maritime museums. Here, visitors can peruse more than 60,000 square feet of gallery space featuring rare figureheads, handcrafted ship models, Civil War ironclad USS Monitor artifacts, and paintings. On any given day, guests can watch films in the 3D Explorers Theater, picnic in the park, hike the 5-mile Noland Trail, and rent boats to explore Lake Maury on the weekends. But the museum also offers a rich variety of exhibits and events year-round.

One of the current exhibits, Coffee: The World in Your Cup (through Sept. 7), explores the complex history of the world’s most popular beverage shipped by sea. Learn the fascinating evolution of coffee.

Insider tip: On second Saturdays through August, join in for Coffee Days, where you can sample tastings from local roasters and engage in coffee-art projects for all ages.

If coffee isn’t your beverage of choice, The Mar-

HIT THE ROAD Find Someing Remarkae

The County of Bath is an enticing place filled with scenic vistas, local flair and exciting adventures just waiting to be discovered.

The Omni Homestead

1.800.628.8092 www.DiscoverBath.com On The Road

virginia | 34 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

inersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Museum will host a Craft Beer Festival on May 3 featuring more than 15 breweries. Taste a variety of craft beers in the museumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s outdoor courtyard while enjoying live music, food vendors, and admission to the museum. Take home a souvenir tasting glass as a reminder of a delightful day.

New undersea exhibit Later in May, you can enter a world of underwater discovery in the exhibit, Extreme Deep: Mission to the Abyss (May 16â&#x20AC;&#x201C;Sept. 7). Use handson technology to delve into the mystery and intrigue that lies at the bottom of the sea. Examine a model of the Titanicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s deck, and control a

robotic arm to pick up lava rocks and clams from the sea floor. The exhibit introduces visitors of all ages to biology, chemistry, geology, history, exploration, and the critical role that technology plays in understanding our world and its future. (marinersmuseum.org) After seeking out the Civil War artifacts at The Marinersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Museum, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be enticed to make a trip to Endview Plantation, which served as a Confederate hospital during the 1862 Peninsula Campaign. Visit during the Endview Plantation Civil War Reenactment (May 2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3) and observe the lives of soldiers as they build fortifications and fend off attacks made throughout the day during the Civil

War Siege of Yorktown. Participate in a guided tour where presenters will discuss life for civilians and soldiers during the Peninsula Campaign, and witness talks, demonstrations, battles, and camp life.

Another interesting Civil War battle that took place in Newport News was the Battle of Leeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mill (Dam No. 1). Re-live the battle during a combination Dam No. 1/Endview Plantation Tour (May 9) with Civil War Sites curator J. Michael Moore.

Learn about the colorful characters associated with the Peninsula Campaign of 1862 and the Harwood/

Curtis families of Endview Plantation. (endview.org) The pursuit of fun is easily met this spring â&#x20AC;&#x201D; all it takes is a little digging through history and an ambition for revealing new discoveries in everything from coffee, craft beer, biology, and technology. During a visit to Newport News, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find all the fun your family could desire, with perhaps a few surprises thrown into your basket.

For more information Newport News Tourism: newport-news.org

Marinersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Museum

Marinersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Museum

The Ironclad Revolution that led to the famous battle in Hampton Roads is part of the Marinersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Museum permanent exhibition.

Ships,History Great Outdoors AND

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The special exhibit on coffee around the world is on view through Sept. 7.

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The Marinersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Museum

Eagle Festival Saturday April 25 10 a.m. â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4 p.m.

Family friendly fun â&#x20AC;&#x201C; guided hikes, hayrides, music, food and more.

Free admission Join the party as we celebrate 30 years!

703-339-2385

Virginia Living Museum

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888.493.7386 ExploreNewportNews.org

This & more!

Plus Williamsburg & Virginia Beach.

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 35 | virginia

virginia I staff

Spring brings arts and eats to Chincoteague Island, Va. It may be too cool to hit the beach, but spring brings some artistic and culinary events to Chincoteague, Va. April 3–4: The Easter Decoy and Art Festival features local and national carvers and artists in an annual show at the Chincoteague Combined School. (chincoteaguechamber.com) April 24–25: Saltwater Brew ‘N’ Que is a craft beer festival held at the Chincoteague Fairgrounds

with a professional barbecue contest, food, vendors, and entertainment. (saltwaterbrewnque. com) May 2: The 47th Chincoteague Seafood Festival rolls out all the fresh local seafood you can imagine, plus entertainment at Toms Cove Park. Purchase and print e-tickets at chincoteaguechamber. com.

May 2: “Chinco de Mayo” is the Museum of

Chincoteague Island’s annual 5-inch by 5-inch art show and special art sale, complete with live music, food, and drinks. The art can be any medium from paintings to pottery, but must meet the size requirement. (chincoteaguemuseum.com) May 9: The 21st annual International Migratory Bird Celebration at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge features walks, workshops, and other activities. (757-336-6122)

Floyd

On Thursday evenings in the summer, regional musicians perform bluegrass, mountain jazz, and “mountain thunder” at Hotel Floyd, while on Saturday nights musicians strum up a storm at the town park.

Downtown eateries such as Dogtown Roadhouse and Oddfella’s Cantina, as well as the nearby historic Pine Tavern, add to the musical vibes. Wildwood Farm & Country Store, five miles south, hosts bluegrass music weekly on Saturday evenings and gospel on Sunday afternoons. Sun Music Hall catches big-name performers for midweek dates, and other notables on Saturdays.

Floyd’s largest music event, the annual FloydFest, is actually located on the Patrick County side of a stretch of the parkway. The world music festival grew so popular two years ago that organizers decided to cap ticket sales for the July 22–26 event.

“We’ve also relocated the late-night oriented Global Village and created a ‘glampground’ that’s family-oriented and quieter, at the request of our loyal fans,” said festival representative Sam Calhoun. This year’s festival, called “Fire on the Mountain,” is committed to supporting green initiatives and nonprofits supporting the environment, including Appalachian Voices magazine.

Emmylou Harris, Sam Bush, and Drive-By Truckers are among the headliners. (floydfest.com) Over the Labor Day weekend, you can stretch, eat, and jam to upbeat eclectic music at the Floyd Yoga Jam, now in its fourth year of gathering the yoga- and music-loving to Floyd County’s restful scenery.

Artisan tours

continued from page 29 Floyd Country Store is known as a featured stop on Virginia’s Crooked Road Music Trail for its Friday Night Jamboree, but it offers free jams Sunday afternoons and free Americana music Saturday afternoons year-round. First Saturday nights, the Floyd Radio Show pulls together old-timey musical acts, from story-telling banjo players to flatpicking guitarists to hard-driving string bands and mixes in radio drama, ads, and comedy, all on the mercantile stage. The snack menu includes pork barbecue, pimento cheese sandwiches, and sweet tea — you can’t get much more Southern than this.

But even at the store, things are a’changing.

While the audience stills sits on straight back chairs and joins in on I’ll Fly Away in a setting where alcohol is strictly forbidden, people down the street will soon be sipping legal moonshine at the new Five Mile Mountain Distillery.

More music, more places The neighboring Republic of Floyd shop sells local wine as well as all manner of art and whimsy.

And other venues are springing up to keep visitors in town for another night.

Museum of Chincoteague Island

“5x5”

Chinco de Mayo Celebration And Unique Art Show and Sale All Art 5”x5”, each priced at $55 Saturday, May 2 5p.m.-10p.m.

Food, Cash Bar, Music $5 Admission – Rain or Shine Art Show and Sale Opens at 5:55p.m.

7125 Maddox Blvd.

Chincoteague Island, VA 23336 Proceeds Benefit Museum of Chincoteague Island virginia | 36 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

Floyd began to take on a quirky, alternative flavor in the 1960s, when back-to-the-earthers founded collective farms, art studios, and downtown businesses carrying handmade clothing and furniture. On the first weekend in May, a group of artists opens their studios to deepen their relationship with the public in the 16 Hands Tour.

(16hands.com) Connecting a furniture maker, a sculptress, and eight nationally acclaimed potters, the tour snakes over 25 miles of Blue Ridge byways. These artists have appeared in dozens of arts publications and won National Endowment of the Arts and Virginia Museum grants. They invite artists from around the country to join them for this tour. “We get to spend a lot of time around their work, deeply experiencing the beauty of the pieces,” said potter Ellen Shankin.

Some of the same local artists join other Floyd artists and craftspeople for the June 12–14 Floyd Artisan Trail. This event includes farms, galleries, farm markets, wineries, studios, and craft demonstrations at more than 50 sites across the county.

But, if you’re otherwise occupied that weekend, don’t worry. Most sites are open to the public regularly. (floydartisantrail.org) Another good way to know Floyd is by the seat of your pants — cycling it. The May 16 Tour de Floyd is a fully supported, scenic 62-mile ride. The route traverses Floyd’s meadows and ridges, gaining 6,700 feet of altitude and many breathtaking vistas.

The ride, which benefits the county rescue squad, is limited to 250 riders, so register early. (tourdefloyd.org)

For more information Floyd County Tourism: floydva.com

maryland I daina savage

New activities blossom in spring As Garrett County, Md., sheds its winter coating of ice, its woods are alive with the sounds of the thaw. The mountains of snow compress and recede, and streams turn rivers to waterfalls of water, released from the confines of cold. In this rush of solid turning to liquid, a quieter metamorphosis emerges. Maple trees release their sweet sap into sun-warmed days. Pungent ramps and skunk cabbage send up broad fat leaves. The spring wildflowers known as ephemerals, such as trillium and trout lilies, embrace the season of emergence.

It’s a signal to trade skis and snowboards for hiking boots and fishing rods, in search of quieter thrills such as sightings of migrating wood ducks, fox kits, and spotted mole salamanders.

For aquatic ecologist turn fishing instructor Don Hershfield, spring’s changeable weather offers several opportunities. “DNR stocks heavily in the Cassleman River which is an easy stream to wade and fish, and the special regulation area of the Savage River is in scenic Amish farm country and is filled with wildflowers,” he said. “Those brook trout are so beautiful, they’re like God’s coloring book.

They have tiny blue dots punctuated with flaming reddish-orange that is just spectacular; they make me want to cry they’re so pretty.”

Hershfield teaches fishing to “people who authentically wish to learn” through his lodging and guiding enterprise Streams and Dreams. (streamsand-dreams.net)

Take in a waterfall

Wisp changes seasons

For those who simply want to hoof it, walking trails abound throughout the Western Maryland county. Visit the Garrett Trails website (garretttrails.org) to check out a number of mapped trails with varying degrees of difficulty to help you explore on foot, horseback, or mountain bikes, depending on which trail you choose.

To take in the full power of snowmelt, visit Swallow Falls State Park where the roar of Muddy Creek Falls, Maryland’s tallest, resounds throughout the majestic virgin hemlock and rhododendron forests. In addition to the freefall of Muddy Creek Falls, the park also hosts the double spillway of Swallow Falls and the more intimate Tolliver Falls, all easily seen as you walk the park’s well-marked loop.

For an otherworldly wonder, visit the 1,600-acre sub-Arctic Cranesville Swamp, with plant and animal life more indicative of northern Canada than Maryland.

The towering untouched red spruce, larch, and hemlock forests, 15,000 years in the making, create a frost pocket that nurtures bog-loving species.

A 1,500-foot boardwalk skims the surface of the swamp to keep feet dry and away from the ecologically-sensitive areas and spongy sphagnum.

Birders working on their life lists may find species like the alder flycatcher, the northern saw-whet owl, the northern waterthrush, and the magnolia warbler.

At Wisp, Maryland’s only ski resort, spring fun is dictated by the weather.

In seasons of lingering snow, opportunities remain to play as long as the white holds on, culminating in the annual Memorial Day Rail Jam for skiers and boarders to celebrate the final bits of snowpack at the tubing park.

Elsewhere on the mountain, the mountain coaster and canopy tours provide their own thrills, and scenic chairlift rides and Segway tours provide their own unique vistas.

This season brings undecided weather, so pack in layers and be flexible with your schedule.

An inclement forecast may be just the signal to head indoors to witness the hot glassblowing abilities of the artisans at Simon Pearce in Mountain Lake Park.

Factory tours and demonstrations are open to the public daily, 10:00am–5:00pm.

As an extra incentive to explore the spring season, several Deep Creek Lake hotels and businesses are offering a “3-2-1” promotion through May 14 with three nights lodging for the price of two and special activity deals, according to Sarah Duck of the county’s chamber of commerce.

For more information Garrett County Tourism: visitdeepcreeklake.com

And t h ey l i v ed happi l y ever after..

Wisp Resort is the ideal destination for your dream wedding. Less than 3 hours from the DC Metro area, Wisp provides a stunning backdrop and the casual elegance that lets you and your guests relax and revel in the celebration. full-se With beautiful indoor and outdoor ceremony venues and full-service catering, your options are as limitless as your imagination. And with the Wisp Resort Hotel on site and a huge variety of activities, your guests stay together and play together. Contact Wisp to plan your perfect mountain wedding.

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 37

pennsylvania I darrin youker

Pirate thrills and mountain biking chills in Huntingdon On the charming streets of Huntingdon, Pa., a college town about three hours from Washington, D.C., visitors can swashbuckle with pirates or dance to swing music, all within a five-block neighborhood of this Victorian-era community.

Mayfest, held on April 25, features five distinct areas represented by song, dance, and street performances: Colonial Times, Back to the 50s, Victorian Era, Renaissance Fair, and Woodstock. There’s no charge for admission and most of the activities are also free. It’s a unique col-

lection of demonstrations, musicians, dancers, and festivities that make Mayfest one of the more intriguing street fairs on the East Coast.

“The eclectic mix of eras represented at Mayfest is what makes this event so unique,” said Ed Stoddard, who promotes the area. “We have all kinds of different entertainment.

“You walk down one block and you see people walking in Victorian costumes, and then you turn a corner and you are watching scenes from Woodstock,” Stoddard said. “It has a nice historic feel.”

Huntingdon Co. Tourism

Linda Dermit, who organizes Mayfest, said the event was built out of an idea to celebrate spring, but also create a gathering unlike any other.

Local businesses got into the act and started sponsoring different eras.

“Every block has a business or organization that sponsors the activities,” Dermit said. “It turns into a big street fair.”

The one-day event draws upward of 10,000 people a year. Part of the attraction is the unexpected, with such a mix of different eras represented, and part is the familyfriendly atmosphere, according to Stoddard. “There are a lot of things for kids to see and do,” he said. “You can see people from different eras mixing and mingling.”

Outdoor recreation hub, too The community of Huntingdon is surrounded by farmland, along with state parks and forests, making it

home to some of the best outdoor recreation opportunities in the region.

Huntingdon is also home to Raystown Lake, the biggest lake entirely in Pennsylvania. It’s the only state lake that is home to houseboats. And, it’s where you can drift by the undeveloped shoreline or ride miles of trails that buttress the lake.

“We are the only place in Pennsylvania where you can rent a houseboat,” Stoddard said. “You can spend the weekend boating on the lake, anchor at night in a quiet cove, and gaze at the stars.”

Most of the 118-mile-long shoreline is devoid of development, creating a true wilderness atmosphere in the region.

The 30-mile Allegrippis Trail System, highly regarded by the International Mountain Biking Association, is open year-round.

The trail system features three loops, each with a different level of difficulty and intensity, meaning novHuntingdon Co. Tourism

The Allegrippis Trail along the lake attracts mountain bikers from far and wide.

• Large Gift Shop • Cave Café • Picnic Facilities • Gemstone Panning • Group Tours Welcome

Raystown Lake is the only place in Pennsylvania where you can rent a houseboat for a relaxing getaway.

Take a ride on real trolleys weekends Memorial Day through October!

222 Penns Cave Rd Centre Hall, Pa 814.364.1664 www.pennscave.com

by reservation only

March 28 — Easter Bunny Trolley May 23 — Opening Day June 6 — Aughwick Antique Tractory Club Ride & Show June 20 & 21 — Father’s Day Weekend July 18 — PCC Car Day Aug. 8 — Homecoming Aug. 28 — Three Car Celebration Sept. 5 & 6 — Snow Cone and Soft Pretzel Day Fall/Winter events — check website or call 814-447-9576

RockhillTrolley.org Rockhill Furnace, PA 38 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

Like Us. Win Stuff.

ices to the most advanced cyclists can find good riding in the area.

On the east side of Raystown Lake, Trough Creek State Park gives visitors a good gateway into some of the best that Huntingdon County has to offer.

The park features 24 miles of hiking, with trails leading to Rainbow Falls and Balanced Rock, the park’s two signature nature areas.

Campers can spend the night in a designated campground, or they can rent a historic lodge that is a renovated ironmaster’s home.

It’s the endless possibilities of outdoor recreation, and the close proximity to major urban areas, that keep visitors coming back year after year.

“We have so many nature areas, and we are so close to Washington, D.C., and Virginia,” Stoddard said.

“There is a lot to see and do in Huntingdon County.”

Huntingdon Co. Tourism

For more information Huntingdon County Tourism: raystown.org Mayfest: jdnxyz.weebly.com

The undeveloped shoreline of Raystown Lake makes it an ideal place to get away from it all.

Request your Free Raystown Lake Region Visitors Guide today

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recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 39

pennsylvania I cindy ross

Exploring the natural angle Parks and preserves supplement the well-known historic side of Gettysburg Radiating all around the town of Gettysburg, like the spokes of a wheel, are a handful of wonderful preserves and state and national parks to enjoy as part of a Gettysburg getaway. If you base out of Gettysburg, you can head out to visit any or all of the parks, for all are different and worth exploring. Coming back to the same spot to sleep,

whether in a hotel, one of the town’s bed-andbreakfasts, or at one of the area’s campgrounds, makes travel stress free.

Perhaps best known of the parks is Pine Grove Furnace State Park, just north of town. There, you’ll experience the most famous footpath in the world, the National Scenic Appalachian Trail. Take an Cindy Ross

Cindy Ross

easy 1-mile hike on the white painted blazed trail to see the huge sign marking the half-way point and pen your name in the register. A short walk from Michaux Road will lead you to a self-guided tour of a secret World War II prisoner-of-war camp that held Japanese prisoners deep in the forest.

At the park headquarters, check out the Appalachian Trail Museum in the historic stone stable, harkening back to the days when this area was a bustling iron community. At the museum you can learn about trail heroes such as Earl Shaffer, the first man to hike the entire 2,100-mile trail, or Grandma Gatewood, the first woman thru-hiker who did it at the age of 67. Watch thru-hikers indulge in a container of ice cream as they take on the Half-Gallon Challenge or dig into one yourself as you ask them about their journey.

There are an additional 4 miles of trails in the park. Take a dip in Laurel Lake or deep green Fuller Lake, which plunges to 80 feet and used to be the ore pit that fed the iron furnace that is still standing to explore. There are 70 tent and trailer sites available March to mid-December.

Heading south Just south of town is Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve, where there are 10 miles of trails for hiking and beautiful views to enjoy.

Also south of Gettysburg is Caledonia State Park. There, you can take the guided walk on the Thaddeus Stevens Historic Trail, named for the famous American lawyer, congressman, and abolitionist. The trail leads along the hand-dug earthen raceway that brought water from Furnace Pond to power and water the iron furnace.

Entering the restored blacksmith shop on the

The halfway point of the Appalachian Trail is nearby.

Pine Creek Furnace State Park is home to a mile of the Appalachian Trail as well as the historic furnace.

Cindy Ross

Your Battlefield Tour Starts With Us

Let us guide you through a memorable historical Gettysburg experience on one of our double decker buses with a dramatic audio presentation or a Licensed Battlefield Guide.

For Reservations Call 877-680-TOUR Or Visit GburgBusTours.Com 40 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

State and national parks surrounding Gettysburg are full of hiking trails.

trail is like taking a step back in time with its working bellows, horseshoes, wheel rims, and tools lying about. Confederate troops burned the Caledonia Ironworks as they marched through the area. Stevens, the owner of the ironworks, pressed President Lincoln to end slavery and allow African-Americans to fight as soldiers in the Union Army.

There are an additional 9 miles of trails for hiking, as well as a swimming pool and tent and trailer sites at two campgrounds.

Another day trip due south of Gettysburg brings you to Catoctin Mountain National Park in Maryland.

This 5,810-acre hardwood forest boasts 25 miles of trails and offers rock climbing opportunities and two orienteering courses. An introductory course in orienteering is offered in the spring and fall.

The Falls Nature Trail also leads to 78-foot-high Cunningham Falls, the largest in Maryland and worth the 2.8-mile round trip hike. There’s also cool history here, as trails lead you to cultural treasures such as a whiskey still in the woods, a sawmill, and a loaded wagon of sawed wood used in the charcoal industry.

The park offers both camping and cabins by reservation. Hiking trails vary from less than 1 mile to 8 miles in length. Trout-fishing in Big Hunting Creek is a major draw.

East of Gettysburg is Codorus State Park. It has the huge 1,275-acre Lake Marburg, where you can check out the migrating birds, paddle, sail, and fish its warm waters. Or, you can try your luck for rainbow and brown trout in the east branch of Codorus Creek.

Insider tip: Watch for the family of bald eagles that live by the lake.

You can often see them hunting for fish to feed their young. In the 11 years the eagles have resided at the lake, eaglets have always successfully hatched. The bird watching is out of this world along the 26 miles of shoreline.

At Codorus, there are 19 miles of hiking trails and about 190 campsites available for tents or recreational vehicles up to 50 feet long.

Anyone traveling the roads around Gettysburg will find themselves in the midst of the area’s 20,000 acres of apple orchards, one of the largest concentrations in the nation. The return of the apple blossoms is celebrated each spring with the Apple Blossom Festival, which offers orchard tours, as well as food and entertainment. This year’s event is May 2–3. (appleblossomfestival. info) For a bit more comfort, you can camp in a tent or stay in a cabin or cottage with full amenities at Drummer Boy Camping Resort, one

of seven Gettysburg area campgrounds. “We have a real mix of families, seasonal residents, and others who love our upscale facility,” said manager Burt Maki. Drummer Boy has 400 sites as well as primitive cabins, fully equipped cottages, two pools, and other recreational facilities.

For more information Gettysburg Tourism: destinationgettysburg.com Pennsylvania State Parks: dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks Catoctin National Park: nps.gov/cato/

More than 400 seasonal and short term camping and RV sites as well as cabins, lodges, and lofts on 95 acres with two pools, 250-foot water slide, mini-golf and summertime outdoor movies.

It’s all just minutes from Gettysburg’s battlefield tours, ghost walks, restaurants, and shopping.

Voted Gettysburg’s Greatest Campground

Gettysburg, Pa. 800-293-2808 drummerboycamping.com

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 41

pennsylvania I jane and marvin bond

Lancaster County overflowing with fun stuff for families A host of family friendly accommodations, activities, and events make the Lancaster, Pa., area a fun family getaway.

Heading into Lancaster County, make a stop at the Turkey Hill Experience in Columbia, where you can learn how the ice cream is made, sit in a milk truck, milk a mechani-

cal cow, and even create your own virtual ice cream flavor, ice cream package, and a commercial.

Insider tip: The newest attraction, the Turkey Hill Taste Lab, helps you to create your own pint of ice cream in the flavor you’ve invented.

Dutch Wonderland, a perennial family favorite in Lancaster, will in-

Cherry Crest

troduce a new ride when the park opens May 2. The Bon Voyage Balloon Chase will accommodate up to four riders of all heights in eight hot air “balloons” that fly in a circle while riders control their balloon’s spin.

Another Lancaster institution, the North Museum, reopened last month after a massive renovation.

“A new Sci-Dome Theater replaced our planetarium and brings the viewing experience into the 21st century,” said the museum’s Jamie Alton. “It expands the experience from astronomy to palentology, geology, and many other types of shows.”

The North Museum also has a new Nature Explorer Gallery with interactive exhibits and live reptiles and amphibians, and a temporary Dinosaur Discoveries exhibition from the American Museum of Natural History.

The Landis Valley Museum opened a new exhibit in March that reveals life in Lancaster County at the close of the Civil War. Among the important artifacts that have never been displayed is a handrail from the Caldwell House Hotel in Lancaster, behind which presidents Abraham Lincoln, James Buchanan, and Theodore Roosevelt stood while addressing crowds. Visitors will be

Dutch Wonderland

Chery Crest Adventure Farm opens Memorial Day with fun for all ages.

Dutch Wonderland is a great place for the younger set.

Historic Upscale Country Lodging Shed the stresses of today’s world and step back in time. Our meticulously decorated rooms and suites are located in four carefully preserved historic buildings in the quaint village of Bird-in-Hand.

They provide the perfect retreat for relaxation in comfort and privacy.

Whether you choose our 1734 Inn or one of our three early 19th century buildings, your stay will include our deluxe breakfast buffet, evening snacks, en suite private bath and complimentary scenic two-hour tour of Amish farmlands.

Ask us about our themed overnight and extended-stay packages.

To make a reservation call (717) 768-1535 or reserve online at Bird-in-Hand.com

2695 Old Philadelphia Pike, Bird-in-Hand, PA (800) 914-2473 • Bird-in-Hand.com

42 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

encouraged to touch the handrail, unlike many other museum displays.

The host of Amish attractions and restaurants remain strong draws for families as well, with everything from buggy rides to experiences such as the Amish Farm and House, where you can tour a farmhouse and grounds, join a bus tour of the countryside, and see seasonal demonstrations from resident artisans.

You can either hop on the Strasburg Railroad excursion train or drive to reach Cherry Crest Adventure Farm with dozens of activities, including the straw bale racer and hay chute slide, and experiences such as barnyard animals and a fall corn maze. It all opens Memorial Day Weekend.

Across the street from the Strasburg Railroad station is the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania with its massive collection of locomotives, passenger, and specialty cars and exhibits.

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s still family fun to be had in the evenings.

The Barnstormers play minor league baseball in

town and even have fireworks at 15 of their 22 weekend home games, along with other promotions like Whoopee Pie Night and American Doll Night.

There are a host of dinner theaters, including the renamed Rainbowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Comedy Playhouse, where comedies still dominate the stage. Changes include doing away with the traditional dinner theater buffet in favor of table service and eliminating the larger tables for family- and couple-sized ones.

Bird-in-Hand is one of the uniquely named Lancaster County communities where youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the unexpected. The Bird-in-Hand Family Restaurant offers delicious meals, but also serves up an entertaining theatrical performance. The new musical Josiah for President follows Josiah Stoltzfus as he is unwittingly thrust into a campaign for the presidency. A new theater is being prepared for 2016 when two new shows will be offered, according to Terry Buda-Moser.

Where to stay

lodging properties, including the 200-room Family Inn next to the restaurant, two motels, a bed-andbreakfast-style inn, and a campground.

The Amish View Inn offers separate accommodations for both families and couples with great views of the Plain and Fancy Farm and a complimentary hot country breakfast.

Guests can customize their visit with discounts at The Amish Experience, buggy tours, and restaurants.

The Eden Resort is conveniently located and offers 301 rooms, including 160 one-, two-, and three-bedroom suites, many with full kitchens, which are family favorites. There are two restaurants, outdoor and heated pools, and other amenities for family downtime. A specials calendar helps you to pick dates with low rates.

For more information Lancaster County Tourism: discoverlancaster.com

Check out the all new Rainbow!

The Bird-in-Hand Corporation operates five

Dinner theatre your way. matinee buffet | evening table side service $30 special menu available on matinees and Thursday evenings

$5 OFF

OVER 50 FARM FUN ACTIVITIES, GAMES AND RIDES plus the Amazing Maize MazeÂŽ in the heart of PA Dutch Country

ANY OF THE ABOVE OPTIONS

*New reservations only, cannot be combined with any other discount or offer.

Coupon code: RN

Spring Season starts May 23 Marvin Bond

At the Turkey Hill Experience you can invent your own ice cream flavor.

V ISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR SCHEDULE !

Call 1-800-292-4301 or visit RainbowComedy.com

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Just one of a jillion flavors you can create, taste, and make a commercial for at the Turkey Hill Experience. Place your reservation n and buy tickets now at TurkeyHillExperience.com.

Columbia Exit of Rt. 30, 301 Linden Street, Columbia, PA 17512 1-844-VISIT-TH

Š2014 Turkey Hill Dairy

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recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 43

pennsylvania I stephanie kalina-metzger

Enjoy the libations along the Central Pa. Tasting Trail The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in Pennsylvania. Wineries, cideries, breweries, and distilleries are springing up all over the state, and the State College region is no exception. It turns out that spring is the perfect time to visit them in the Central Pennsylvania area.

During the month of April, 13 businesses on the Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail will be offering samples and special treats to visitors having Tasting Trail tickets. These tickets can be purchased for $20 at any of the participating venues.

Betsey Howell, who promotes the area, said that all participants on the trail are in close proximity, Central Pa. Tourism

which makes it convenient for guests to spend a day, or more if they choose, learning about boutique beverages. And for those who lack a designated driver, Fullington Transportation Services is available to dispatch a limo upon request.

Visitors traversing the self-guided tasting trail will learn that the offerings are not just limited to wine. “We have cider, craft beer, and spirits ranging from vodkas to whiskies to gin,” said Howell.

Along the way, guests are likely to meet Kevin Lloyd, co-owner of Big Spring Spirits, a boutique distillery housed in a restored match factory.

Lloyd’s background in chemistry is well suited to the craft of distilling. Visitors can choose from a variety of potables such as white rum, spiced rum, coconut rum, vodka, gin, and white whiskey.

“We offer signature drinks, spirits by the bottle, and a light menu, like desserts and a charcuterie plate which includes local meats, cheeses, and bread,” said Lloyd, who also features fondue on the “Throwback Thursday” menu.

Cider and beer, too

There are a variety of libations to try along the Central Pennsylvania Tasting Trail.

www.visitpennstate.org

Those who enjoy hard cider should visit Good Intent Cider located on Potter Street in Bellefonte.

“We usually have four varieties of cider on tap at any given time. We also make a beverage called Perry, made from fermented pears, which is popu-

Plan Your State College Getaway!

44 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

lar as well,” said owner Adam Redding. Guests showing “tasting tickets” will receive half off a growler.

Beer aficionados will enjoy the selection offered at Robin Hood Brewery as they sample from among 15 different beers crafted to appeal to a variety of tastes. “For the trail we are giving away a free sample of our beer shampoo and we are offering a $10 gift card for the restaurant if they join the Bow & Arrow Brew Club,” said the brewery’s Kelly Fisher.

Plotting your trip is easy with the maps that are available for downloading online at visitpennstate. org.

Samples and special offers aren’t the only reasons to purchase a tasting trail ticket. Ticket holders can also win prizes for visiting every participating business along the trail. By turning in a fully stamped card, guests gain entry in a raffle for prizes such as concert tickets, bed-and-breakfast stays, and gift baskets. Cards can be submitted at the last business visited.

So, grab some friends, plot your plan of attack, and prepare to raise a toast to spring, in a valley that just got a little happier.

For more information Central Pennsylvania Tourism: visitpennstate.org

pennsylvania I vanessa orr

Amish simplicity meets with Hollywood glam in Indiana, Pa. While it may seem counterintuitive to plan a trip to the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World” in the spring and summer, the fact is, Indiana County, Pa., has something fun to offer to travelers year-round.

For outdoor enthusiasts, there’s the opportunity to enjoy 64 miles of walking and riding trails that meander throughout the county along abandoned railroad routes.

The Hoodlebug Trail, which is named after a self-propelled passenger coach that provided service until 1940, runs from the town of Indiana to a point where it intersects with the Ghost Town Trail in Black Lick.

Along that rails-to-trails route, hikers and bikers can view the Eliza Furnace Historic Site, which dates to 1846 and is one of Pennsylvania’s best preserved iron furnaces.

There are also the remains of eight mining towns that were abandoned in the 1900s, earning the Ghost Town Trail its name.

Smicksburg, in the northern part of the county, is a wonderful place

to walk and shop. It is located in the heart of Amish country.

“People enjoy coming here because they say it takes them back in time,” said Patty Painter, of The Drying Shed, who, along with her cat, Sammy, has enjoyed welcoming people to her six-room store in the center of town for the past nine years.

“They sit out on our porch and just watch the Amish buggies go by—it’s life as it should be.”

Thousands of people visit Smicksburg to enjoy the area’s festivals, including a Spring Open House on May 3 where area merchants display their newest merchandise, and Strawberry Saturday on June 7, which includes locally grown strawberries in and on everything from cobblers to ice cream to cheesecake.

During Penny Candy Days, July 4–5, area businesses give out free old-time, nostalgic treats, ranging from wax lips to candy necklaces.

For a real taste of Amish life, visi-

tors can make reservations to attend the Amish Wedding Feast at Thee Village Eatinghouse, where a costumed narrator provides a historical look into the Amish community’s wedding customs.

The hearty menu is unique to the western Pennsylvania Amish and nothing goes to waste — including the celery centerpiece. continued on page 55

Indiana County Tourism

Cyclists and hikers enjoy great views along the Ghost Town Trail.

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 45

pennsylvania I rachel brown

River attracts outdoor enthusiasts Columbia and Montour counties offer printed guide to the mighty Susquehanna The Susquehanna River, considered one of the most beautiful rivers in America, attracts thousands of visitors each year as it flows through New York, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Whether it’s boating, fishing, and swimming in the river or hiking, biking, and camping on the beautiful trails that run alongside, the Susquehanna River is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

At 464 miles long, the Susquehanna is the longest river on the East Coast that drains into the Atlantic Ocean, as well as the longest river in the United States without commercial boat traffic. It forms from two main branches, the “North Branch,” which rises in upstate New York, and the shorter “West Branch,” which rises in western Pennsylvania. These two branches join the main stem near Northumberland in central Pennsylvania. The river eventually empties into the northern end of the Chesapeake Bay, providing half of the Columbia-Montour Tourism

Fishing is just one of the activities promoted in the Outdoor Recreation Guide.

bay’s freshwater inflow.

The river’s passage through Montour and Columbia counties in Pennsylvania presents some great opportunities to enjoy all the Susquehanna has to offer.

Spectacular fishing The tranquil Susquehanna River is known for its wonderful fishing. Both avid fishermen and occasional hobbyists enjoy tackling the river to catch bass, muskellunge, northern pike, walleye, panfish, catfish, carp, and other species.

Active fun on the river Boating, kayaking, and canoeing are also popular ways to enjoy the Susquehanna. Paddlers see eagles, ospreys, otters, beavers, muskrats, mink, deer, and turkeys while on the water. A day on the river also presents a unique view of central Pennsylvania’s history, including remnants of the North Branch Pennsylvania Canal system, historic eel weirs, segments of active and abandoned rail lines, and evidence of Pennsylvania’s coal and lumbering heritage.

Two outfitters serve river enthusiasts along its passage through Columbia and Montour counties.

Canoe Susquehanna LLC offers private and group guided trips in a variety of kayaks, stand up paddle boards, and even 26-feet-long canoes.

Kayak or canoe rentals are included with all trips.

The outfitter also offers the “North Branch Canal

COLUMBIA & MONTOUR COUNTIES

OUTDOOR RECREATION GUIDE

Cruise,” which coordinates paddling with informative talks by local historians and experts in the traditional and modern uses of the river in this area. (paddlehappy.com) Susquehanna Outdoor Adventures also rents kayaks for visitors to paddle the river themselves or to book a group guided tour.

Visitors enjoy access to a 40-acre privately owned island for camping, fishing, and seasonal stays. (kayaktheriverpa.com)

Access points There are nine points of access to the Susquehanna River in Columbia and Montour counties for boaters. Paved or surfaced ramps are available in Berwick Test Track Park (river mile 158), Indian Head Campground (river mile 146), and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission ramps in Bloomsburg (river mile 149) and Danville (river mile 138).

Primitive ramps are available in Mifflinville (river mile 156), Columbia Park (river mile 154), Espy Park (river mile 150), Bloomsburg Town Park (river mile 148), and Danville Borough Montgomery Park (river mile 137).

The Columbia-Montour Visitors Bureau offers its free 24-page Outdoor Recreation Guide that provides detailed information on available recreational activities in the area.

The guide can be downloaded at itourcolumbiamontour.com.

Get Running in Franklin County From park trails to pavement, you are invited to get out and run the trails of Franklin County!

Cowans Gap 5K Run/Walk March 29 @ 2 p.m.

•Hiking, Biking & Mountain Bike Trails •Equestrian Trails •Birding Locations •Boat Ramps & Access Points •Kayak/Canoe Guides •Open Hunting & Fishing Areas •Golf Courses •Plus Much More!

Download or request your FREE guide today! iTourColumbiaMontour.com • 1-800-847-4810 46 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

Martins Mill Covered Bridge 5 Mile Challenge April 4 @ 8:30 a.m.

Flannery’s Pub Run April 18 @ 8:30 a.m.

The Pine Hill 5K Trail Run May 30 @ 9 a.m.

866-646-8060 | 717-552-2977 ExploreFranklinCountyPA.com Facebook.com/FCVBen | Twitter.com/FCVB DoDineStayFranklinCountyPA.com

Race Against Poverty June 5

CRUISE CORNER continued from page 20

This is the kind of vacation where Mom gets the kind of real vacation she deserves. Everything is done for you while onboard: cooking, cleaning, entertainment for the kids, a cocktail hour every evening — you name it.

While on board, you are treated to high-end foods you would expect to find in the restaurants that foodies salivate over. All fresh, all homemade, and all clearly from hosts who have researched what you like. Their choices show how well they know quality. You’d swear Jen was formerly a gourmet chef at a posh venue, but, in fact, she was an attorney.

Gliding along the peaceful sea, you can join Sam at the helm and relax, or learn to sail. He’s an excellent, patient teacher. Wherever your trip takes you, there are plenty of stops along the way where you can enjoy a host of water sports, including their stash of kayaks, standup paddle boards, and even a dingy that pulls water toys.

Of course, there is snorkeling as well. Not surprisingly, Sam and Jen supply high-end items you’ll only find at professional dive shops — even comfortable aquatic socks to go in the flippers. We swam with sea turtles and saw an amazing variety of fish and coral.

This charter is great for families of all configurations and ages, or three couples seeking to share a mix of relaxation, rejuvenation, and adventure.

You can learn more about chartering a crewed yacht through Ellen Stewart, a crewed yacht broker at Virgin Island Sailings. (visailing.com) Because there are 450 to 600 boats available to charter in the Virgin Islands, she can be a valuable resource in matching a yacht and crew with what you desire for your vacation.

For a Starfish brochure call 800-382-9666 or go to visailing.com/catamarans/starfish.

Virgin Island Eco Tours

swamp in the world. Pausing in a few locations, Josh provided discussions that yielded information on plants, trees, marine animals, mangroves, and how these systems work together in a symbiotic way.

Did you know a mangrove is a freshwater tree in a saltwater world? We now know how that works.

We gained further insights on the second leg of the journey with an underwater view. Snorkeling along the reef we saw the expected colorful fish and coral as well as a few surprises, including an octopus.

Hiking on one of the islands in the sanctuary, we learned even more. Initially, we stumbled onto a few hermit crabs, then around the next bend, hundreds, if not thousands of them. Of course, thanks to Josh, we learned why they were there and how they lived. We doubt any couple knows more about them than we do now. And, what eco-tour would be complete without knowing the geology of the area?

A fascinating history lesson explained the visual wonders created by volcanos, lava flow, erosion over time, and wild singular events.

The tour continued with stories about the people who made the Virgin Islands a dangerous place.

One tale was about the history of False Harbor, where cunning and deceptive privateers would make the harbor look inviting, only to lure trading ships so as to attack and loot the ships. Another was the story of local native islanders who tied their captives to the poisonCaptain Wilson ous manchineel tree that, when it rained, produced drips of caustic fleshburning acid.

Check out an excursion at viecotours.com.

the geology, the nature, the lore of the pirates from the past, and even the tales of the rich and famous who visit today.

How do you imagine your day on the water?

Swimming with sea turtles in a Caribbean-blue bay? Stretched out and sunning on a sandy deserted island? Snorkeling colorful reefs surrounded by tropical fish? Exploring pirate caves that once held a king’s ransom in treasure, and possibly still do? Bird watching? Boating around the beauty of islands created by volcanoes and techtonic plate shifts and seeing magnificant rock formations?

Or, maybe simply relaxing on a postcard-perfect beach, feet in the surf, and the next round of drinks just a few steps away?

Whatever your idea of a perfect day is, Wilson will make it happen. He takes the time to find out exactly what you want to do with your time on his beautiful boat Deja Blue. He then maps out a day that pairs those desires with the conditions of weather and currents to create the perfect itinerary. He even matches your knowledge and skills for snorkeling to ensure an optimal experience. The Deja Blue is a double-hulled powerboat that is ideal for making the cruise smooth and fun.

You want to be sure to book this excursion before scheduling your plane tickets. It’s that special.

Learn more about fees and inclusions by visiting islandwilson.com.

Island Wilson Excursions on St. Thomas Island Wilson Excursions tailors every tour to fit what you want to do, but Capt. Wilson perfects it. The Virgin Islands have a natural beauty that stands alone, but there is a depth to them that is even more enjoyable with the right guide. Capt. Wilson is the man for that role. You can tell he really loves the Virgin Islands and wants to share with you the history of the region,

The ecology of the Virgin Islands is fascinating and even more so when your knowledge is expanded on an eco-tour. In our experience, no one does it better than Virgin Island Eco Tours.

Let’s start with the basics. How did the Virgin Islands get their name? Early explorers found no natural sources of water, no natural fruits or vegetables, and no gold. Being without any of the resources the early explorers sought, it was deemed they would remain undeveloped by man and remain virgin. Just one of many examples of what our guide, Josh, explained on our tour.

Josh was an energetic, enthusiastic, excellent communicator with an extensive college background in environmental science. All that complimented his island vibe of deep tan, dreadlocks, and laid-back demeanor.

We began with a little outdoor lecture that covered safety, kayak MCC** basics, an outline of our day, and some questions.

Then off we went in our Cruise & Vacation Specialist perfect size group of Burke, Virginia | (202) 368-7447 about a dozen. www.MichaelsCruises.com Kayaking in tandem kayaks, we paddled see us on Facebook@www.Facebook.com/ together through the MichaelsCruisesInc. mangroves in the larg**CLIA CERTIFIED: MASTER CRUISE COUNSELLOR est salt water mangrove

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Island Wilson knew exactly where the best snorkeling would be for the conditions that day and set us up with ideal gear.

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FAIRS AND FESTIVALS

CHERRY BLOSSOM FESTIVAL Through April 12. The festival features a range of spectacular events. Participate in the parade, kite festival, concerts, fireworks and cultural events. Washington, D.C. nationalcherryblossomfestival.org SPRING BABY BAZAAR April 4, 9:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:00pm. Discover great deals on gently used and new baby and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s merchandise, including clothes, shoes, toys, games, strollers, furniture, and bedding. Montgomery County Agricultural Center, 16 Chestnut St., Gaithersburg, Md. gaithersburgmd.gov

April 2015 Passover â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 4 Easter â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 5

TASTE OF SPRING April 8â&#x20AC;&#x201C;12. The Tides Inn welcomes spring with a five-day celebration of Virginia beer and regional fare. Main event on Saturday includes Virginia beers, food, live music from The Slapnation Band, and a garden and boat show. Tides Inn, Irvington, Va. tidesinn.com

HOLIDAYS

BUNNY BONANZA April 1, 10:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;3:00pm. Interact with live rabbits, meet the Easter Bunny, and enjoy hands-on exhibits and crafts for all ages. The Heritage Farm Museum, Sterling, Va. 571-258-3800, heritagefarmmuseum.org EASTER DECOY AND ART FESTIVAL April 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4. Featuring local and national carvers and artists. Chincoteague Combined School, 4586 Main St., Chincoteague, Va. 757-336-6161, chincoteaguechamber.com BUNNY BREAKFAST BUFFET AND TRAIN RIDE April 3â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4. Enjoy a carousel ride and photo opportunities with the B&O Bunny. Then, all aboard for an exclusive train rid. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. 410-752-2462, ext. 221, borail.org COTTONTAIL EXPRESS April 4. Bring the kids dressed in their Easter best to meet Peter Cottontail on the train. Join the Easter parade of animals in a mad search for that hippity, hoppity bunny. Mountain Rail Adventures, 315 Railroad Ave., Elkins, W.Va. 866-697-6028, mtn-rail.com EASTER EGG ROLL April 4, 11:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;4:00pm. Bring a basket with grass and enjoy the Easter Bunny, games, prizes, crafts, animals, pony rides, hayrides, egg rolls, and food. The Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Museum of Rose Hill Manor Park, 1611 N. Market St., Frederick, Md. 301-600-2936, recreater.com EASTER EGG HUNT April 4, 10:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;12:00pm. Kids can search for candy-filled eggs, make a spring bonnet/hat, play family games, and dye eggs.

Sherwood Farm, 2002 Cromwell Bridge Road, Baltimore, Md. 410-887-2503, cromwellvalleypark.org

BREWMASTER TASTING TOUR April 10â&#x20AC;&#x201C;12, 17â&#x20AC;&#x201C;19. Discover the science behind the brewing process, learn how recipes are tweaked to achieve outstanding flavors, and take in the true passion that led to what is currently in your glass. Susquehanna Ale Trail, York, Pa. area. yorkpa.org HOWARD COUNTY HOUSING FAIR April 11, 10:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;2:00pm. The only event where visitors can learn everything about living in Howard County. Wilde Lake High School, 5460 Trumpeter Road, Columbia, Md. howardcountyhousing.com/housing-fair THOMAS JEFFERSON CRAFT BEER TASTING April 11, 11:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;5:00pm. Sample offerings from 11 regional breweries and beyond. Learn more about the brewing processes Thomas Jefferson worked so hard to perfect with education classes and demonstrations. Enjoy live music. Thomas Jeffersonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Poplar Forest, 1542 Bateman Ridge Road, Forest, Va. 434-525-1806, poplarforest.org.

D.C. INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL April 16â&#x20AC;&#x201C;26. The festival assembles an exceptional program of films including features, documentaries, comedies, shorts, and award winners for Washington residents and visitors. Multiple venues in the D.C. area. filmfestdc.org SPRING WINE FESTIVAL April 17. An inside festival featuring unlimited tastings from regional wineries and craft breweries. Enjoy dancing, music, specialty foods, and art displays. Chesapeake, Va. visitchesapeake.com COLUMBIA FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS April 17â&#x20AC;&#x201C;19. An annual celebration of the arts that builds community through shared participation and celebration. Columbia Town Center and various venues in Howard County, Md. 410715-3044, columbiafestival.com SUGARLOAF CRAFTS FESTIVAL April 17â&#x20AC;&#x201C;19. Visitors can find great handmade gifts in anticipation of Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, Fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day, graduations, and weddings, view live demonstrations from several of the festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talented artists, and sample artisanal snacks while they shop. Gaithersburg, Md. sugarloafcrafts.com

INTERNATIONAL CHILDRENâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S FESTIVAL April 18, 10:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;5:00pm. Costumed parade, entertainment, magician, camel rides, and sights, sounds, and tastes of about 40 countries. Mill Point Park, Hampton, Va. 757-727-8311, hampton.gov/parks/icf LEITERSBURG BBQ FESTIVAL April 18. Vendors, games, and entertainment for every age group. There will also be barbecue vendors set up for the day. Leitersburg Ruritan Community Park, Leitersburg, Md. leitersburgbbqfestival.com PRIVATEER FESTIVAL April 18â&#x20AC;&#x201C;19, 10:00am. A full-scale land invasion of living history, music, dance, kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; activities, arts, crafts, food, and libations. Main Street, Fells Point neighborhood, Baltimore, Md. fellspointmainstreet.org/privateerfestival.htm ANNAPOLIS BEER WEEK April 18â&#x20AC;&#x201C;25. More than 60 unique brands of beer will be available. The weeklong events include a beer run, bands, and the Maryland Chicken Wing and Beer Fest. Various locations in and around Annapolis, Md. 410-271-4966, annapolisbeerwk.com VIRGINIAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S HISTORIC GARDEN WEEK April 18â&#x20AC;&#x201C;25. Each tour features four to seven sites, including private homes and public attractions, showcasing formal gardens, walled gardens, cottage gardens, cutting gardens, annual and perennial gardens, herb gardens, water gardens, and secret gardens. Statewide. vagardenweek.org ORANGE COUNTY GARDEN WEEK April 18. Visit three historic homes, a vineyard, an inn, and the ruins of a Thomas Jefferson-designed home. Orange County, Va. vagardenweek.org NORTHERN NECK GARDEN WEEK April 22. Visit five private homes in Kinsdale, the oldest municipality in the Northern Neck of Virginia. Kinsdale, Va. vagardenweek.org VIRGINIA INTERNATIONAL TATTOO April 23â&#x20AC;&#x201C;26. Each yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tattoo is different, with new performers from across the globe, new themes of honor and patriotism, and state-of-the-art technical effects. Scope Arena, 215 E. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, Va. 877-741-2787, vafest.org ANNUAL PRIVATEER PARTY April 24, 6:00â&#x20AC;&#x201C;9:00pm. The event is $100 per person, which includes food, drink, music, and live and silent auctions. Historic London Town and Gardens, 839 Londontown Road, Edgewater, Md. 410-222-1919, historiclondontown.org CHAMPIONSHIP WILDFOWL CARVING FESTIVAL April 24â&#x20AC;&#x201C;26, 10:00amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;5:00pm. View world-class bird carvings and sculptures. Enjoy an abundance of childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activities at the Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Corner. Ocean City Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, Md. 410-742-4988, ext. 106, wardmuseum.org SHENANDOAH APPLE BLOSSOM FESTIVAL April 24â&#x20AC;&#x201C;May 3. A series of more than 30 events includes band competitions, dances, parades, carnival, circus, dinners, luncheons, a 10K race, the coronation of Queen Shenandoah, firefightersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; events, and celebrities. Winchester, Va. thebloom.com

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BUCKWILD TRUCK & TRACTOR CLASSIC April 25 | 9amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;7pm April 26 | 9amâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;4pm Agriculture Center, Westminster

SUGARLOAF CRAFTS FESTIVAL April 24–26. A weekend of family fun, including the nation’s finest artisans, live music, interactive children’s entertainment, delicious gourmet foods, and ongoing demonstrations from master craftspeople. Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road, Timonium, Md. sugarloafcrafts.com BALD EAGLE FESTIVAL April 25, 10:00am-4:00pm. Wildlife exhibits, guided hikes, food vendors and magnificent eagles at Mason Neck State Park. Lorton, Va. virginiastateparks.gov MAYFEST April 25. Five areas representing Colonial Times, Back to the 50s, Victorian Era, Renaissance Fair, and Woodstock. All re-created with song, dance, and street performers. Huntingdon, Pa. raystown.org LEXINGTON GARDEN WEEK April 25. See four downtown Lexington’s historic homes spanning the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Lexington, Va. vagardenweek.org NATURE FEST April 25, 10:00am–4:00pm. Animals, nature walks, exhibits, archery lessons, campfire activities, story time, family nature crafts, creek exploration, and silent auction. Catoctin Creek Nature Center, 2929 Sumantown Road, Middletown, Md. 301-6002051, recreater.com ANNAPOLIS BOOK FESTIVAL April 25, 10:00am–4:00pm. The celebration of the written word also features children’s activities, live music, a huge used book sale, and a coffee shop. The Key School, 534 Hillsmere Drive, Annapolis, Md. 410-263-9231, keyschool.org/annapolisbookfestival ROCKIN’ BREWS & BBQ April 25, 1:00pm–7:00pm. Annual spring event featuring music, food, and fun in the Smith Mountain Lake area. Moneta, Va. visitsmithmountainlake.com GARDENS, GALLERIES, AND GRAPES April 25-26. Travel the O Shenandoah Artisan Trail to visit with 100 participating artists and local businesses at 30 locations. Live demonstrations, tours, specialty foods, and music events throughout the weekend. Shenandoah County, Va. shenandoahtravel.org SPRING OYSTER CRAWL April 26. Nine wineries of the Chesapeake Bay Wine Trail will offer an oyster dish paired with wines. Virgnia’s Northern Neck.

Chesapeakebaywinetrail.com PAWS IN THE PARK April 26, noon–4:00pm. The event raises funds to help rescue, care for, and adopt homeless and abandoned animals. Bohrer Park at Summit Hall Farm, 506 S. Frederick Ave., Gaithersburg, Md. 240-252-2555, mchumane.org ELLA FITZGERALD MUSIC FESTIVAL April 27, 8:00pm. Starring Freddie Jackson with The Myra Smith Experience. Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center, 2410 Wickham Ave., Newport News, Va. downinggross.org

NOW SHOWING

OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

FOOL’S RUN 10K AND 5K RUN/WALK April 4. S & T Bank Arena/Ice Center, 497 East Pike, Indiana, Pa. 724-349-0501, indianaroadrunners.com FAMILY HIKE AT WATKINS NATURE CENTER April 9, 10:00–11:00am. A park naturalist will guide visitors on a hike through the surrounding woods, helping them enjoy the sights and sounds of the great outdoors. 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Md. pgparks.com LEWES TULIP CELEBRATION April 9–11, 10:00am–4:00pm. While enjoying the town tulip celebration, stop by The Lewes Historical Society Campus at 110 Shipcarpenter St. for an antiques and collectibles sale and fun and educational kids’ activities. Lewes, Del. leweschamber.com DISMAL SWAMP STOMP HALF-MARATHON Runners travel on a flat 13.1 mile paved pathway through the Great Dismal Swamp.Chesapeake, VA visitchesapeake.com MALLOWS BAY CLEAN UP April 11, 8:30am–noon. Bring a canoe or kayak or walk along the shore. Join local historians and archaeologists who will share the stories of the ghostly ships of Mallows Bay as part of the cleanup activities. 1440 Wilson Landing Road, Nanjemoy, Md. trashnetwork.fergusonfoundation.org MOUNTAIN CASCADES April 11 and 18. Experience springtime in the mountains. Cascading rivers, blooming trillium, and dogwood abound. This trip includes and “all-you-can-eat” cold cut sandwich buffet. Mountain Rail Adventures, 315 Railroad Ave., Elkins, W.Va. 866-6976028, mtn-rail.com WEEKEND BIRD WALK April 12. Catch the beginning of spring migration. Waterbirds, hawks, and songbirds are heading our way. All skill levels welcome. Binoculars are helpful. Ages 10 and up; free. Robert E. Lee Park, 1000 Lakeside Drive, Baltimore, Md. 410-877-4156, roberteleepark.org BIKE AND WINE OR BIKE AND BREW April 18 and 26, May 2 and 31, June 13 and 28. Enjoy a 12-mile easy ride following the Little Patuxent River, where you are on paved paths. Take a refreshing break before heading back to enjoy a sample of wine or beer, cheese, and French bread on the grass at our base camp. Terrapin Adventures, 8600 Foundry St., Savage, Md. 410-925-9574.

DELMARVA BIRDING WEEKEND April 23–26. Enjoy guided and self-guided tours around the region during the spring migration of shorebirds, waterfowl, and nesting birds. 104 W. Market St., Snow Hill, Md. 410-632-3110, delmarvabirding.org RACE FOR THE BIRDS April 25, 9:00 a.m. Includes professionally timed 15K and 8K runs, a 2-mile jog/walk for families, and a 1-mile fun run for kids. Fun run is free; other events $15-$30. Proceeds benefit the Potomac Valley Audubon Society. Shepherdstown, W.Va. 304274-5057, www.raceforthebirds.org

5K RUN/WALK April 26, 8:00am. The race, on a USA Track and Field-certified 5K course, honors the memory of Adam Thompson. Harford Community College, 401 Thomas Run Road, Bel Air, Md. 443-4122449, harford.edu/adam

MUSIC

Orchestra/Band/Classical/Choral CHICK COREA AND HERBIE HANCOCK April 10, 8:00pm. Featuring two of the most legendary jazz pianists, this two-keyboard pairing is a once-in-a-lifetime collaboration not to be missed. Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-467-4600, kennedy-center.org TOM CUNNINGHAM ORCHESTRA April 18, 9:00pm. The orchestra will be performing a three-hour set of Duke Ellington’s music, with special focus on the BlantonWebster years, widely considered Ellington’s artistic zenith. The Spanish Ballroom in Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md. 571-572-3356 WYNTON MARSALIS April 19, 7:00pm. Following the world premiere of Wynton Marsalis’s Blues Symphony in February, Marsalis returns with his beloved Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Kennedy Center Concert Hall, 2700 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-467-4600, kennedy-center.org

Popular/Other PETER YARROW April 11. The Cellar Stage at Faith Community United Methodist Church, 5315 Harford Road, Baltimore, Md. 410-521-9099, uptownconcerts.com SETH GLIER April 16, 8:00pm. Baldwin’s Station, 7618 Main St., Sykesville, Md. 410-795-1041, uptownconcerts.com

Theater BALTIMORE COMEDY FESTIVAL April 10, 8:00pm. Features some of the funniest comedians.

Royal Farms Arena, 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore, Md. 410347-2020, royalfarmsarena.com DAME EDNA’S GLORIOUS GOODBYE April 21–26. The tour will give audiences the chance to bid farewell to the incomparable Dame Edna, arguably Australia’s greatest entertainment export. The National Theatre, 1321 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 800-514-3849, thenationaldc.com

Dance ADULT DROP-IN DANCE CLASSES The Dance Institute of Washington, 3400 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-371-9656, danceinstitute.org

Designer

PEEP SHOW Through April 6. Display of wacky marshmallow masterpieces created by local artists, businesses, and community groups. Carroll Arts Center, 91 W. Main St., Westminster, Md. 410-848-7272, carrollcountyartscouncil.org

Crafts & Affordable

HOT ROD AND CUSTOM CAR SHOW April 11–12. A car and motorcycle show featuring some of the hottest classics, hot rods, and customs in the country. 1610 Coliseum Drive, Hampton, Va. 757-727-8311, vacarshow.com

Art

BAY BRIDGE BOAT SHOW April 17. For 30 plus years, the most anticipated spring boat show on the East Coast. Fun for the entire family. 357 Pier 1 Road, Stevensville, Md. 410-268-8828, usboat.com ANNAPOLIS SPRING SAILBOAT SHOW April 24–26. The show will feature more than 80 new and previously owned sailboats of all types and sizes, including catamarans, mono hulls, racing boats, inflatables, and day sailors. City Dock, Annapolis, Md. 410-268-8828, usboat.com CRAFTS AND COLLECTIBLES SHOW April 25. An outdoor marketplace featuring vendors from throughout the Northeast displaying their wares. The Emlen Physick Estate, 1048 Washington St., Cape May, N.J. 609-8845404, capemaymac.org DEPRESSION GLASS SHOW AND SALE April 25–26. Dealers featuring all-American, pattern, elegant, Art Deco, and Depression-era glassware, china, kitchenware, barware, pottery, books, and linen collectibles. Duval High School, 9880 Good Luck Road, Lanham, Md. 301-565-2361

R

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recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 49

DANCE PROGRAMS Weekends, 7:30–11:30pm. Glen Echo Park, 7300 MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, Md. fridaynightdance.org THE WASHINGTON BALLET Call for performances and times. 3515 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-362-3606, washingtonballet.org

Exhibits Featured Exhibitions JAMIE WYETH Through April 5. A major retrospective exhibition of artist Jamie Wyeth will examine his distinctive approach to realism over the course of six decades, from his earliest portraits to the present.

Brandywine River Museum of Art, Chadds Ford, Pa. 610-3882700, brandywinemuseum.org ON PAPER: ALTERNATE REALITIES Through April 12. This exhibition presents 26 prints never before on view by a diverse group of artists who are playfully exaggerating and reimaging the visual language of popular culture — religious stories, myths, and folk tales — to consider larger issues of class, gender, and politics. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org PICTURING MARY Through April 12. The exhibition brings together master works from major museums, churches, and private collections in Europe and the United States. National Museum of Women in the Arts, 1250 New York Ave. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-783-5000, nmwa.org DRAWINGS OF EPHRAIM RUBENSTEIN AND DAVID DODGE LEWIS Through April 12. David Dodge Lewis and Ephraim Rubenstein are both noted artists as well as active teachers. Washington County Museum of Fine Arts, 401 Museum Drive, Hagerstown, Md. 301-739-5727, wcmfa.org THE PAINTED WORD Through April 26. Artists paired with local poets who produced images and texts that vibrate with each other. The Foundry Gallery, 1314 16th St. NW, Washington, D.C. foundrygallery.org

OUTSIDE THE WALLS Through May. An interactive exhibition allowing visitors to explore daily life in imperial China. This hands-on exhibition will provide a glimpse into the home of a merchant-class family who lived in the 17th and 18th centuries. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, Va. 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum AMERICAN SCHOOLGIRL EMBROIDERIES Through May. The exhibition features more than 20 samplers and silk embroideries made by American girls who attended schools in Maryland and other East Coast states during the 18th and 19th centuries. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org FROM MATHEMATICS TO SHAKESPEARE Through May 10. The exhibition explores the intersection of art and science that defined a significant component of modern art at the beginning of the 20th century. The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-387-2151, phillipscollection.org CONCEPTUAL FORMS AND MATHEMATICAL MODELS Through May 10. This exhibition features five photographs and three sculptures by the Japanese artist Hiroshi Sugimoto. The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-3872151, phillipscollection.org THE ROBERT L. FELLER AND RUTH M. JOHNSTON FELLER COLLECTION Through June 12. Highlights of this exhibition include his notebook on samples taken in Florence where he worked with conservators responding to the flood of 1966, several examples of hand-painted color samples, and several editions of important artist manuals and instruction books. The National Gallery of Art, National Mall, Washington, D.C. 202-737-4215, nga.gov THE ART OF THE FLOWER Through June 21. The exhibition explores the infusion of new spirit and meaning into the traditional genre of floral still life painting in 19th-century France by Van Gogh, Manet, and Monet, even as the advent of modernism was radically transforming the art world. The Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, Va. 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum OUR TEXTILES, OUR STORIES Through Aug. 21. Featuring more than 100 pieces that span 3,000 years and five continents, this exhibition will showcase The Textile Museum’s world-renowned historic collections and key loans of contemporary art textiles and fashion. 2320 S St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-667-0441, textilemuseum.org ROUGH STONE TO LIVING MARBLE Through Aug. 30. An exhibition exploring the workshop of 19th-century sculptor William Henry Rinehart, a Marylandborn artist whose works were among William T. Walters’ earliest acquisitions. The Walters Art Museum, 600 N. Charles St., Baltimore, Md. 410-547-9000, thewalters.org

Escape to

FELIX BRACQUEMOND: IMPRESSIONIST INNOVATOR Through Oct. 4. A selection of more than 80 works on paper and tableware objects, among them his most imaginative portraits, landscapes, and groundbreaking reinterpretations of the traditions of French art and decorative arts. Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Blvd., Richmond, Va. 804-340-1400, vmfa.museum

POSEY QUILT, EARLY 19TH CENTURY April 1–Sept. 7. An early 19th century American pieced quilt made of silk dress fabrics from a variety of early American women and Posey family members. Dumbarton House, 2715 Q St. NW, Washington, D.C. 202-337-2288, dumbartonhouse.org ARTISTIC JOURNEY OF YASUO KUNIYOSHI April 3–Aug. 30. The exhibition traces Kuniyoshi’s career though 66 of his finest paintings and drawings, chosen from leading public and private collections in America and Japan. The Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and F streets NW, Washington, D.C. americanart.si.edu FRONT ROOM: SARA VANDERBEEK April 12–September. Featuring sculpture and photography, the installation is inspired by VanDerBeek’s research on the BMA’s collection. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org ON PAPER: SPIN, CRINKLE, PLUCK April 19–September. This exhibition showcases eight prints and drawings whose images are the result of a specific action or intention rather than a depiction of the action. The Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-5731700, artbma.org HORACE PIPPIN: THE WAY I SEE IT April 25–July 19. The exhibition will look closely at Pippin as an artist with a remarkable singular vision who stood outside the mainstream art world, upholding his own aesthetic sensibility while also engaging in the larger social issues. Brandywine Museum of Art, 1 Hoffman’s Mill Road, Chadds Ford, Pa. brandywine.org

History END OF THE CIVIL WAR COMMEMORATIONS April 1–4. Features a special illumination of downtown Richmond depicting the city’s burning, living history, bus and walking tours, programs on emancipation, and a pop-up museum on Capitol Square. Other events will be held at sites including Historic Tredegar, the White House of the Confederacy, and the Museum of the Confederacy in Appomatox. Free admission to many sites. Richmond, Va. Full schedule available at ontorichmond.com or acwm.org.

BELL AND HISTORY DAY April 11, 10:00am-4:00pm. Ring in the new museum season in Frederick County, Md., with free admission and special events at more than 20 locations. Visitfrederick.org SPRING INTO HISTORY April 18. Spend the weekend following the trails of Franklin County. Explore the frontier forts and secret hiding places of the Underground Railroad, Civil War sites, and hallowed grounds. Franklin County, Pa. 866-646-8060, dodinestayfranklincountypa.com/spring LINCOLN’S FINAL JOURNEY April 18–19. Funeral cortege reenactment begins each day at 11:30am; Federal City Brass Band performs 11am–1pm each day. See the reenactment of Lincoln’s funeral with an exact replica of Lincoln’s coffin, period music, and military and civilian reenactors. B&O Railroad Museum, Baltimore, Md. borail.org SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY April 19, noon–4:00pm. Enjoy jugglers and jesters, music and theater performances, birthday cake, and a tour of the Folger’s reading rooms on the one day a year they are open to the public. Folger Shakespeare Library, 201 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C. folger.edu CAPTURE OF LINCOLN’S ASSASSIN April 24–26. Tours and events highlighting the sites and people involved in the pursuit and capture of John Wilkes Booth in Caroline County, Va. Hear from experts and professional impersonators of President and Mrs. Lincoln. Caroline County, Va. visitcaroline.com/tourism/booth150.html

108th Bethlehem

Bach Festival

a cherished tradition

E A S T O N • OX F O R D • S T. M I C H A E L S • T I L G H M A N I S L A N D

Short drive, long memories.

Call today for your free bike map!

410-770-8000 | TourTalbot.org

May 1–2 & 8–9, 2015 held on the beautiful campus of Lehigh University in picturesque Bethlehem, PA

Brimming over with festive brilliance!

–BBC Magazine

BACH.org

50 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

OLD MARYLAND FARM ACTIVITIES Old Maryland Farm, 301 Watkins Park Drive, Upper Marlboro, Md. 301-218-6770 or 301-699-2544, pgparks.com MONTPELIER MANSION TOURS Sundays, 1:00pm and 2:00pm. Montpelier Mansion, Route 197 and Muirkirk Road, Laurel, Md. 301-953-1376

Lectures/Workshops/Classes VINCENT DEPAUL GISRIEL April 6. The author will discuss his book Hearts Away, Bombs Away, based on letters his parents wrote to each other during World War II. The Glenn L. Martin Maryland Aviation Museum, Middle River, Md. 410-682-6122, mdairmuseum.org WHITE HOUSE PASTRY CHEF April 15, 7:00pm. Roland Meisner served five presidents during 26 years as White House pastry chef and he shares his experiences at a free Sotterley Plantation event. Reservations required. Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood, Md. 301-373-2280, sotterley.org STAINED-GLASS CLASS Ongoing. Mat About You Gallery, 3774 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, Md. 410-313-8860, mataboutyou.com ADULT ART COURSES Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-573-1700, artbma.org GALLERY TALKS Thursdays, 1:00pm; Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00pm. Baltimore Museum of Art, 10 Art Museum Drive, Baltimore, Md. 443-5731700, artbma.org SECOND SUNDAY SPOTLIGHT TALKS Second Sunday of every month, 2:00pm. Walters Art Museum, Baltimore, Md. 410-547-9000, thewalters.org TRADITIONAL ART CLASSES Carroll County Farm Museum, 500 S. Center St., Westminster, Md. 410-386-3880, carrollcountyfarmmuseum.org

TOURS TOUR OF HOMES AND COUNTRYSIDE April 17–18. Two days of hospitality, history, heritage, gardens, architecture, antiques, and Southern food. Guests will tour many of Edenton’s finest private homes, all at least 100 years old, hosted by docents in period costume. Edenton, N.C. 252482-7800, edentonpilgrimage.org

SPRING RESTAURANT WEEK April 19–May 3. Ocean City, Md. Check website for participating restaurants. oceancityrestaurantweek.com

CHOCOLATE TASTING TOUR April 25, 1:00–3:00pm. Historic inns and bed-and-breakfasts offer delicious chocolate delicacies for you to taste as you tour their properties. Cape May, N.J. 609-884-5404, capemaymac.org

ROAR FOR AUTISM April 26. Enjoy a fun-filled day with a meaningful purpose, featuring a newly designed 5K run/road race, a lowmileage fun walk, and a family festival. Oregon Ridge Park, 13401 Beaver Dam Road, Cockeysville, Md. 443-923-7300, roarforautism.org

CAPE MAY, N.J. Historic district, moonlight trolley, and Cape May sampler tours.

Cape May, N.J. 800-275-4278, capemaymac.org MARITIME HISTORY WALKING TOURS Second and fourth Saturdays, 10:00am. Fells Point Visitor Center, Baltimore, Md. 410-675-6750, preservationsociety.com

O THER VIRGINIA’S YOUTH CONSERVATION CORPS Accepting crew applications for program to be held June 21–July 11 and July 19–Aug. 8. Various state parks in Virginia. 804-887-8933, dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/youth-conservation-corps.shtml CENTRAL PA TASTING TRAIL April 1–30. Enjoy tastings and special treats at 13 wineries, cideries, breweries, and a distillery with a special Tasting Trail ticket. visitpennstate.org TORNADO ALLEY Through April 30. The Maryland Science Center’s newest IMAX film. In the film, the team hunts down and attempts to uncover the secrets of one of America’s most dangerous natural disasters. 601 Light St., Baltimore, Md. 410-685-5225, mdsci.org

Free in D.C.

Work out your stress and have some fun at International Pillow Fight Day on April 4 at the National Mall. (pillowfightday.com) ... Celebrate African-American Family Friendly Day with special events at the Smithsonian National Zoo on April 6. (nationalzoo.si.edu) ... The National Museum of American History marks Jazz Appreciation Month with concerts, talks, and workshops. (smithsonianjazz.org) - gwen woolf

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DAY OUT WITH THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE April 24–26 and May 1–3. B&O Railroad Museum, 901 W. Pratt St., Baltimore, Md. 410-752-2490, borail.org

HAMPTON ROADS VISION WALK April 26, 11:30am. Foundation fighting blindness.

31st Street Park, Virginia Beach, Va. 757-721-3488, fightblindness.org/hamptonroadsvisionwalk

To Submit an Event for the Recreation News Calendar: All announcements must reach us no later than the 1st of the month previous to publication. As an example, we must receive July events no later than June 1. Every announcement must have the name of the event, name of the organization, date, time, and location of the event, a contact phone number, and a Website if possible. We cannot use any long descriptions, photographs, or additional materials. If you submit by e-mail, please put the information in the message itself; we appreciate not having to open any file attachments.Send announcements to: Calendar, Recreation News, 204 Greenwood Road, Linthicum, MD, 21090, or email to editor@recreationnews.com.

PRO SPORTS WASHINGTON WIZARDS AT HOME

The Mason Neck Bald Eagle Festival on April 25, 10:00am–4:00pm, is a weekend of wildlife exhibits, guided hikes, games, programs, archery, food vendors, and, of course, eagles, at Mason Neck State Park in Lorton, Va. (virginiastateparks.gov) - karen graham

MILLENNIUM

SIX FLAGS AMERICA OPENING DAY April 2–12. 13710 Central Ave., Upper Marlboro, Md. 301-2491500, sixflags.com

Wednesday, April 1, vs. Philadelphia, 7:00pm Friday, April 3, vs. New York, 7:00pm Sunday, April 12, vs. Atlanta, 6:00pm

The Wizards play home games at Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW, Washington, D.C. Call 202-661-5050 or visit nba.com/wizards.

WASHINGTON CAPITALS AT HOME Wednesday, April 8, vs. Bruins, 7:00pm Saturday, April 11, vs. Rangers, 3:00pm

The Capitals play home games at Verizon Center, 601 F St. NW, Washington, DC 20004. For more information, call 202-397-SEAT or visit washingtoncaps. com.

BALTIMORE ORIOLES AT HOME Friday, April 10, vs. Blue Jays, 3:05pm Saturday, April 11, vs. Blue Jays, 7:05pm Sunday, April 12, vs. Blue Jays, 1:35pm Monday, April 13, vs. Yankees, 7:05pm Tuesday, April 14, vs. Yankees 7:05pm Wednesday, April 15, vs. Yankees, 7:05pm Friday, April 24, vs. Red Sox, 7:05pm Saturday, April 25, vs. Red Sox, 7:05pm Sunday, April 26, vs. Red Sox, 1:35pm Monday, April 27, vs. White Sox, 7:05pm Tuesday, April 28, vs. White Sox, 7:05pm Wednesday, April 29, vs. White Sox, 7:05pm

The Orioles play home games at Oriole Park at Camden Yards, 333 W. Camden St., Baltimore. Call 888-848-BIRD or visit baltimore.orioles.mlb.com.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS AT HOME Tuesday, April 6, vs. Mets, 4:05pm Wed., April 8, vs. Mets, 7:05pm Thursday, April 9, vs. Mets, 7:05pm Thursday, April 16, vs. Phillies, 7:05pm Friday, April 17, vs. Phillies, 7:05pm Saturday, April 18, vs. Phillies, 1:05pm Sunday, April 19, vs. Phillies, 1:35pm Tuesday, April 21, vs. Cardinals, 7:05pm Wednesday, April 22, vs. Cardinals, 7:05pm Thursday, April 23, vs. Cardinals, 4:05pm Friday, April 25, vs. Padres, 7:05pm

The Nationals play home games at Nationals Park, 1500 S. Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C. Call 202-397-SEAT (7328) or visit washington.nationals.mlb. com.

D.C. UNITED AT HOME

Saturday, April 11, vs. New York, 7:00pm Saturday, April 18, vs. Houston, 7:00pm D.C. United plays home games at RFK Stadium, 2400 E. Capitol St. SE, Washington, D.C. Call 202-587-5000 or visit dcunited.com.

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 51

adventures in taste I reed hellman

Craft roasters drive coffee renaissance in Mid-atlantic The story goes that a goat herder named Kaldi, back in ninth-century Ethiopia, noticed that his flock became particularly perky after eating red berries that clustered on a low-growing tree.

Another legend holds that Sheik Omar, exiled to the Yemeni deserts, sought to use the same bitter berries as food, first roasting them, then boiling the berries’ seeds. Drinking the resulting brown liquid “ … uplifted Sheik Omar and imbued him with vigor.”

Regardless whether the goats, or Omar, or 15thcentury Sufi Muslims in Yemen brewed the first cup of coffee, today it’s an international staple, both to consume and produce. As if it weren’t already popular enough, contemporary coffee roasting is enjoying a Renaissance similar to craft brewing, small-batch bourbons, and oyster farming.

Coffee drinkers’ reawakened interest has spawned regionally based craft roasters, such as Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company in Crofton, Md. Small batch and custom roasters aim to satisfy the evolving desires of an increasingly sophisticated clientele.

Some of those desires can be more than gustatory. CBRC has made its processes as socially responsible and earth-friendly as possible, and has incorporated those ideas into its operating philosophy.

“I believe that because people are more concerned about their health and the environment, they are becoming more aware of what they put into their bodies,” said Morgan Stehl, CBRC’s business development representative. “Fair trade, organic options are becoming more of a trend as well as increasingly available.”

Blending beans and environmental awareness Started in 2002, CBRC currently employs 20 people, with their products in big regional chains such as Whole Foods, Wegman’s, and Safeway.

“The majority of our business is B-to-B (businessto-business), said Michael Galvin, the company’s CEO. “We look for the most environmentally aware way of selling coffee.”

“We roast 6,000 to 8,000 pounds each week,” added roastmaster Paul Galvin, Michael’s brother.

“That’s 20 different kinds. We use 100 percent Arabica beans and 60 percent of our coffee is fair trade and organic.”

The roastmaster’s domain — a high-ceiling, warehouse space — appears chaotic, but is actually finely orchestrated. Eight vertical silos store the most popular beans. Everything is color coordinated; green indicates organic. Centered in the space, a roaster fills the air with coffee fragrance as it swirls out 150 pounds of glistening beans with each cycle.

When asked his opinion about the best way to make a cup of coffee, the roastmaster did not hesitate to name the French press. In his lab, however, Paul Galvin followed the industry standard “cupping” process to taste-test beans.

He used a sample roaster to prepare a small batch of Guatemalan, a potential candidate for CBRC’s Roaster’s Reserve. He steeped 14 grams of ground beans in 6 ounces of 210-degree water for four minutes. A “crust” of grounds and fine

bubbles coated the liquid’s surface, and Galvin used a special spoon to break the crust and loudly slurp the coffee.

“This is ‘cupper’s roast,’ a very light roast that will expose any faults in the beans,” he said. “I stay focused on whether I can manipulate this into something that the drinker would like.”

CBRC roasts everyday to ensure that their products are as fresh as possible. Both Galvins and the rest of their staff also spend considerable time and effort ensuring that their operation has the smallest possible environmental footprint.

Keys to making perfect coffee

The Coffee Research Institute (coffeeresearch. org) states: “Brewing coffee is as much of an art as it is a science.” Regardless of the beans, process, or equipment you choose to use, applying the institute’s “general rules” can improve your cup of coffee: u Use filtered water or spring water. Tap water imparts off flavors to the coffee and some minerals are essential to coffee flavor. u Do not use distilled water, as it lacks the minerals needed to bring out the natural flavors of the coffee. u Freshly grinding the beans just before brewing is one of the most important steps for achieving a quality cup of coffee. Grind beans for no more than two minutes before brewing. u Use 55 grams of ground coffee per liter of filtered water, or 2 tablespoons of coffee per 6 ounces of filtered water. u Brew coffee at 195 to 205 degrees F (just before or just after boiling) for 4-1/2 to 5 minutes.

Reed Hellman is a professional writer living in Alberton, Md. Visit his website at reedhellmanwordsmith.com or email questions and comments to rhway2go@yahoo.com.

family travel I karen graham

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Virginia’s 38 state parks offer families natural beauty, along with fun, adventure, and even history, and many of them are just a short drive away.

Mason Neck is located in Lorton, Fairfax County, on the Potomac River, just 20 miles from Washington, D.C. “What makes Mason Neck special is the park is attached to a National Wildlife Refuge. After you turn off I-95, the scenery is phenomenal,” said Annette Bareford, who promotes parks close to the nation’s capital.

Bareford described the rolling meadows, wetlands, old grove forests, and peaceful, serene atmosphere at Mason Neck. There are nine trails marked and listed by difficulty level, with a 3-mile multi-use trail that is very popular among cyclists.

Visitors can enjoy the picnic area and playground.

Canoe, kayak, and bicycle rentals are also available.

52 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com

“The trails are a nice jaunt for families, especially the trail to Belmont Bay, which is accessible for all levels,” Bareford said. A handicap-accessible beach trail is easily marked, as well.

For young historians, there are kiosks along the trails which explain the historical significance of the area, including the park’s two sites on the National Register of Historic Places and 30 identified archeological sites.

Mason Neck is a great place for bird watching, too. Some of the birds frequenting the area include bald eagles, great blue heron, Canada geese, ospreys, wood ducks, teal, owls, and woodpeckers.

Insider tip: Take in Mason Neck’s Eagle Festival on April 25, 10:00am–4:00pm, for great family fun.

Mason Neck’s Visitors Center is currently undergoing a renovation, however, the new Eagle continued on page 53

wine doctor I edward finstein

Go beyond cognac and Armagnac for aperitifs to tickle your taste buds If you enjoy cognac or armagnac, then youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll really dig two regional aperitifs made from them. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m talking about Pineau des Charentes and Floc de Gascogne. For all intents and purposes, they are quite similar, but differ slightly because of their place of production. Both are divine.

Pineau des Charentes is made in the Cognac region of France in the department of Charentes, thus the name. It is produced by combining three parts fresh grape juice with one part cognac. Although red and rosĂŠ versions exist, I believe the white is truest to the spirit because it utilizes the exact same grapes overall that are used in cognac (ugni blanc, folle blanche, and colombard). The concoction is aged for at least 18 months in oak and is usually 2 years old when bottled and about 17 percent alcohol by volume. Many are aged longer at the producers, some for decades. If aged for more than five years, it is called â&#x20AC;&#x153;vieux pineauâ&#x20AC;? and those aged more than 10 years can wear the title â&#x20AC;&#x153;tres vieux pineau.â&#x20AC;?

If a year appears on a bottle, it refers to the year the cognac was created, not the grape juice.

The color can be anywhere from pale yellow to golden, depending on how long it was aged in barrel. It smells and tastes of apples, nuts, flower, herbs, and sometimes oak, if it spent a long time in barrel. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s slightly sweet, but with good balancing acidity.

fAMILY TRAVEL continued from page 52 Display is open to the public.

Nearby, Bareford mentioned it is worth visiting the Elizabeth Hartwell National Wildlife Refuge, Gunston Hall, and Pohick Bay Regional Park.

Another park to consider is Caledon State Park, 20 minutes east of Fredericksburg in King George County. The park is known for its high concentration of bald eagles.

Bird watchers can take advantage of the ability to see a wide range of bird species in their natural habitat.

With 16 miles of trails on 200 acres of parkland, Bareford said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There are events all the time.â&#x20AC;? The park offers programs focused on educaVa. State Parks

An absolutely spectacular aperitf, Pineau des Charentes is also grand with foie gras, fresh ripe fruit, desserts, nuts, and stinky cheese. Also great in cocktails, it is not meant to age or keep for a long time. The fresh grape juice inhibits that. It should be stored like any other wine in a cool, dark place, but standing upright to reduce the exposed surface area. Once opened, it will keep for quite awhile in the fridge

From Cognac to Gascony Floc de Gascogne, on the other hand, is created in Gascony, thus its name, in the Armagnac region of France. A blend of two-thirds fresh grape juice and one-third Armagnac, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a fine imbibe.

A white and rosĂŠ version exists, but the white, like pineau, is most representative of the spirit namesake. Varieties include ugni blanc, colombard, and gros manseng. It is usually aged for about 10 months before sale and hits stores at about 17 to 18 percent alcohol by volume.

Floc, like its cognac counterpart, is also better stored standing and best consumed within a year after production. Once opened, it too will keep for several months in the fridge. This aperitif smacks of honey, black fruit, almond, roses, and jasmine and is slightly sweet like Pineau. A wonderful aperitif, it is delightful with stinky cheese, sorbets,

tion and interpretation, including bald eagle tours, Junior Ranger night hikes, astronomy, story-telling bonfire programs, bird watching, and crafts.

West to Delaplane Sky Meadows State Park in Delaplane is a peaceful park about an hour drive west of Washington, D.C. With amazing scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park offers fishing and hiking. There is also a historic farm, illustrating life from the Colonial through post-Civil War period.

There are 19 miles of hiking trails, 8 miles of bike trails, and access to the Appalachian Trail.

Events run frequently throughout the year, including an Earth Day hike on April 25. Visitors are invited to learn more about conservation programs which help protect the area and will have a chance to assess the streamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health, including sampling for small underwater insects.

nuts, walnut cake, and other patisseries, as well as in mixed drinks.

Both aperitifs should be served chilled, around 46 to 50 F. I personally enjoy them simply served over ice. A tulip-shaped glass tends to work best, as the tapered top of the glass allows the aromatics to be enhanced.

Unfortunately, both aperitifs have not really taken off here in North America. I suppose they are overshadowed by their better-known, older brothers, cognac and armagnac. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a real pity though, as most folks who try them love them.

If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re lucky enough to be in France, you simply must give one or both a go. Here in America, you may come across them in an upscale local wine shop or you could simply ask your retailer to bring some in for you.

Either way, if you get the chance, check them out. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sure you will be delighted, as they are both excellent. Š Edward Finstein, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wine Doctorâ&#x20AC;? 2015. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Wine Doctorâ&#x20AC;? is Edward Finstein, awardwinning author, TV/radio host, renowned wine journalist, international wine judge, professor of wine, and consultant. For more information, visit winedoctor.ca, twitter.com/drwineknow, thewinedoctor. blogspot.com, winedoctor.ca/docs-grapevine.html, or facebook.com/EdwardDocFinstein?fref=ts.

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For more information The Mason Neck Eagle Festival is great family fun.

Virginia State Parks: dcr.virginia.gov/ state-parks

recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 53

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Some of the biggest names in country music will appear at the Big Barrel Country Music Festival in Dover, Del., June 26–28 — the weekend after the annual Firefly Music Festival.

Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, and Carrie Underwood will headline the festival at the Woodlands of Dover International Speedway.

Among the performers in the 45-artist lineup will be Lynyrd Skynyrd, the Del McCoury Band, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn, the Oak Ridge Boys, Jake Owen, Chris Young, Gary Allan, Eric Paslay, Jon Pardi, Sturgill Simpson, Dan + Shay, Cassadee Pope, Charlie Worsham, Jane Krama, Joel Crouse, and Chris Stapleton.

Red Frog Events, the creators of the rock-centric Firefly Music Festival, and Goldenvoice, creators of Stagecoach Country Music Festival, also are producing the first-ever Big Barrel event.

“We look forward to Big Barrel being a country music and summer tradition for years to come,” said Lauren King, who promotes the festival.

The Woodlands is a 154-acre

Carrie Underwood (above) and Blake Shelton (below) are among the headliners at the Big Barrel Country Music Festival in Dover.

Red Frog Events

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music festival I gwen woolf

wooded property adjacent to the NASCAR track. It features outdoor stages, food and beverage vendors, and RV and tent camping facilities.

Attractions for the Big Barrel festival include a dance hall, saloon, petting zoo, barbecue pit, family area, and market with western goods.

The Firefly Music Festival, entering its third year, will be held June 18–21 and headlined by Paul McCartney, Kings of Leon, and The Killers. Other performers include Morrissey, Snoop Dogg, Foster the People, Zedd, Modest Mouse, Bastille, Empire of the Sun, Hozier, Cage the Elephant, Run the Jewels, Spoon, Gary Clark Jr., and Charli XCX.

A “first” in Suffolk boasts indie rock The LAVA Music Festival, which debuts May 16, features indie rock music. The festival will take place at Suffolk Executive Airport, about a 190-mile drive from D.C. “This is the first festival of this type in the Hampton Roads area, and the intent is to make it an annual event,” said Caryn Durham, who promotes the festival.

Just what is indie rock?

“Indie rock can be classified many different ways, but is always very diverse, not meeting the characteristics of the common genres such as pop, rock, country, and folk,” said Durham. “Many of the bands remain on the fringe of mainstream, use unique or less popular instruments, and are not commonly distributed by the large labels.

All that being said, many of the bands are charting on the Top 100 right now and indie rock is kind of on trend, as it isn’t trendy.”

Ten international, national, and local bands will perform on two outdoor stages.

Headliners are Fitz and the Tantrums, a neo-soul group from Los Angeles. Of Montreal, Mutemath, Tokyo Police Club, Robert DeLong, Kishi Bashi, Cloud Nothings, A Great Big Pile of Leaves, Major and the Monbacks, and Wyteshayds also will appear.

“These bands are creating some of today’s best music,” said Justin Billcheck, LAVA’s producer.

Festival attendees should bring lawn chairs. In addition to live music, there will be a Lava Lounge with a bar and retro arcade. There also will be vendors selling food, craft beer, continued on page 55

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MUSIC FESTIVALS continued from page 54 wine, and cider.

LAVA stands for “Low Altitude Virginia.” The festival is presented by Devils Backbone Brewing Company and radio station 96X.

HoustonFest HoustonFest will be held May 1–2 in Galax, located in southwestern Virginia. The festival showcases nationally known and local bluegrass musicians on three outdoor stages.

This year’s event has a special feature. Many of the performers participated in a recording project called Orthophonic Joy: The 1927 Bristol Sessions Revisited.

The contemporary artists reinterpreted some of the old songs from the 1927 Bristol Sessions, often called the “Big Bang” of modern country music. The new recording is a project of the Birthplace of Country Music Museum in Bristol, a town that straddles the Virginia/Tennessee state line.

A covered stadium is available for seating, or spectators can bring lawn chairs. There also will be arts and crafts and food vendors. Camping is available, too.

Indiana, Pa. continued from page 45

Enjoy local libations Just up the road, Windgate Vineyards and Winery offers tours as well as the chance to sample wines before shopping for antiques, American and English furniture, and more.

A drive south to the town of Homer City provides the opportunity to sample some truly unique libations, including premium blue corn vodka, cherry whiskey, and apple brandy at the recently opened Disobedient Spirits, an artisan distillery.

Of course, you can’t visit Indiana County without taking time to visit the museum of its most famous native son, Jimmy Stewart.

Located on Philadelphia Street next to the courthouse where the actor’s statue stands, the museum not only celebrates Stewart’s Hollywood accomplishments, but his triumphs as a military figure, civic leader, and family man.

Though it’s earned its place as the most popular attraction in the area, the museum itself is just as welcoming and down-to-earth as the man it honors.

For more information Indiana County Tourism: visitindianacountypa.org

Need to know Big Barrel Festival When: June 26–28 Where: Woodlands of Dover International Speedway, Dover, Del.

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Firefly Music Festival When: June 18–21 Where: Woodlands of Dover International Speedway, Dover, Del. Info/tickets: fireflyfestival.com

LAVA Music Festival

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When: May 16 (gates open at noon) Where: Suffolk Executive Airport, 1410 Airport Road, Suffolk, Va. Info/tickets: lavafestival.com

HoustonFest When: May 1–2 (Friday, noon– 11:00pm; Saturday, 10:00am– 11:00pm) Where: Felts Park, 601 S. Main St., Galax, Va. Tickets/info: 276-236-9908, houstonfestgalax.com

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recreationnews.com I april 2015 I recreation news 55

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56 recreation news I april 2015 I recreationnews.com