March 2025 NIH R&W Newsletter by NIH R&W

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3/26

12pm- 12:30pm

3/28

6am – 6:30am

“Fitness for You” March 2024 Virtual & In-Person Fitness Descriptions:

All levels are welcome!

Monday, March 3rd

6:00am Spring into Strength with Shannon: Strong is the new healthy! Support bone health and decrease the effects of aging with strength training! Using light to heavy weights and a mat, participants will perform various strength exercises in repetition. Proper alignment and posture will be coached.

8:00am Yoga for Fitness Enthusiasts with Shannon (InPerson Only Bldg. 53): A Yoga practice with more flow and vigor, participants can expect to move through various poses for a total body wellness experience! Designed to increase flexibility and endurance, breath control will be encouraged

Tuesday, March 4th

12:15pm Core on the Floor with Charissa: Have better quality of life by strengthening the core! Essentially known as “the trunk”, the limbs radiate from the center making the core important to functional daily activities. A strong core helps maintain proper posture and aids in prevention of back pain. In repetitions of 8, participants can expect to perform 2 rounds of each exercise. Be core-ageous! A mat will be utilized.

Wednesday, March 5th

12:00pm Circuit 360 with Ashley: It’s a total body workout! From strength to cardio to core…get fit with it! Circuit 360 will involve performing exercises in 45-second intervals of work followed by 15-second intervals of rest or recovery. Moderate to heavy hand weights and a mat will be utilized.

Thursday, March 6th

12:15pm Wall + Resistance Ball Stretch with Charissa: Use the wall and a ball to maximize stretches! Participants move through various stretches that are designed to increase muscle and joint range of motion and flexibility. Deep and controlled breathing will be practiced throughout the class for the ultimate mind and body experience! A 35cm - 75cm resistance ball is suggested along with a fitness mat.

Friday, March 7th

6:00am March Madness HIIT with Shannon: High-intensity interval training is beneficial in achieving maximal fitness results in a short amount of time. For 30-second intervals of work followed by 15-second recovery cycles, participants will perform various exercises using light to heavy weights and a mat. Increase endurance and strength for overall health!

12:00pm Standing Abs + Cardio with Ashley: Get up and get to it! The body is made to move! Participants perform exercises like standing crunches, jumping jacks and high knees to elevate the heart rate and increase cardiovascular endurance. Intervals of 30 seconds of work followed by 10-second cycles of recovery will guide the class. Give a jumpstart to the weekend!

Monday, March 10th

6:00am Functional Fitness: Focus| Squat with Shannon: Learn proper posture and alignment for the squat! Whether hovering in a port-a-potty, gardening, or picking up groceries, gain useful tips to avoid knee, ankle, and spinal injuries. Light to heavy weights and a mat will be utilized while performing exercises in repetitions of 8. So, get to squatting!

Tuesday, March 11th

12:15pm Line Dance with Charissa: So, you think you can line dance? This class will focus on popular line dances and traveling through sequences continuously. While music will not be played during the experience, the skills and techniques learned will prepare participants for wedding and barbecue season! It’s a cardio workout not to miss!

1:00pm Line Dance with Charissa (In-Person Only RKL II Rm. 220-B): 2 left feet? Get on a good foot with line dancing! Release positive endorphins while benefiting the cardio system! It’s a non-stop exercise experience! Bring a friend!

Wednesday, March 12th

12:00pm Total Body Tabata with Ashley: Tighten and tone in record time with Tabata! Tabata involves high intensity interval training bouts of 20 seconds of hard work followed by 10-second recovery periods in successive rounds to achieve maximal health and fitness results in a minimal amount of time. This class will utilize moderate to heavy dumbbells and a mat with the intention of working to exhaustion!

3:00pm Boost Your Body's Innate Relaxation Response with the Practice of Non-Sleep Deep Rest with Allison: During times of stress, one of the biggest gifts you can give to yourself is a dedicated time and practice intended to soothe and strengthen your nervous system. Non-sleep deep rest (NSDR) is a powerful tool that strengthens your nervous system by boosting your body's innate relaxation response, allowing for a resilient and calm state of being. NSDR is rooted in the ancient tradition of yoga nidra ("nidra" meaning sleep) and combines mindful breathing and body scanning to bring oneself into an aware, yet deeply relaxed state. Participation Link

Thursday, March 13th

12:15pm Towel Stretch on the Floor with Charissa: Grab a skinny towel and join in the stretch! Using a fitness mat and towel, participants will perform stretches that are designed to increase joint and muscle range of motion for daily activity. Controlled breathing will guide this class. This total body experience is not one to miss!

Friday, March 14th

6:00am Yoga Strong with Shannon: Yoga is a spiritual practice involving various poses or asanas, designed to bring mind, body and spirit connection. Using a mat and light weights, participants will perform various postures with strength and stretch benefits. It’s a non-traditional, all-levels class! Hatha based, get Yoga strong!

12:00pm Mobility Sculpt with Ashley: The NIH added “balance” to the Physical Activity Readiness Plan in 2019. Morbidity has been linked to the inability to stand on one foot for 20 seconds. Throughout this workout, participants will move through various exercises in intervals of 45 seconds of work followed by 15-second recovery intervals. Some focus will be on balance, with all exercises being performed upright. Moderate to heavy dumbbells are suggested.

Monday, March 17th

6:00am Leprechaun Strength with Shannon: Got strength? Don’t be green with envy, just steady the levy! Using light to heavy weights, participants will perform strength exercises in repetitions of 8. Start the Spring on a good foot!

Visit our website at www.govemployee.com/nih Class Descriptions Cont…

8:00am St. Patrick's Day Yoga Relax with Shannon (InPerson Only Bldg. 53): Lucky or not, give this practice all you’ve got! Surrender stress and anxiety to immerse in this restorative Yoga experience. Connecting mind, body and spirit, it’s a Yoga class that involves guided breathing and intention. Get Yogified! A Yoga mat is suggested

Tuesday, March 18th

12:15pm Kick Craze with Charissa: Participants learn basic kickboxing kicks and techniques and execute! Kicks will be performed in repetitions of 8 for 4 rounds. The legs lead to the heart…so no procrastination, just start!

Wednesday, March 19th

12:00pm Tabata Cardio with Ashley: Cardio exercise helps prevent heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure amongst other detrimental conditions. Tabata aids in improving overall wellness for maximal health benefits in a minimal amount of time. Intervals of 20 seconds of hard work followed by 10second recovery cycles will guide the class. A mat is suggested.

Thursday, March 20th

12:15pm Chair Stretch with Charissa: Connect and de-stress with chair stretch! Using a stationary chair, participants will perform various stretches that are designed to increase range of motion for the major and minor muscle groups and joints. Guided breathing and a slow cadence will help in maximization of health benefits for attendees.

Friday, March 21st

6:00am Total Body Strength & Stability with Shannon:: Be strong and stable! Focusing on proper posture and alignment, participants will perform various exercises using light to heavy weights and a mat. Repetition-based, it’s a total body experience for all levels! Go into the weekend with vigor!

12:00pm Standing Core with Ashley: Be core-ageous! Prepare to perform various core exercises in 45-second intervals of work followed by 15-second recovery cycles, using moderate to heavy dumbbells. The core is the center of the body and important to ease of movement for daily activity. A strong core often equates to a strong body! It’s a workout experience not to miss!

Monday, March 24th

6:00am Yoga for Athletes with Shannon: It’s a nontraditional, Hatha-based practice for athletes and fitness enthusiasts! Designed to increase flexibility and range of motion for the demands of sports and fitness, this is a class for all levels! Prepare to move through postures for opening and connecting the mind, body and spirit. Get Yogi fit!

Tuesday, March 25th

12:15pm Barre Basics with Charissa: Get the long, lean body that is healthy and strong! Inspired by ballet conditioning, Barre is the low-impact, high-intensity workout for all fitness levels! Grab a set of light hand weights and a mat and let’s get busy! Spring into the new season with confidence!

1:00pm Cycling with Charissa (In-Person Only RKL II Rm. 220-B): Learn the basics of indoor cycling and prepare for the outdoors! Whether hills or flat roads, participants will move through proper posture for various terrains and rides. Intervalbased, prepare to work to exhaustion!

Wednesday, March 26th

12:00pm Upper body Mobility Strength with Ashley: Build a strong and healthy physique! Strength training can reverse conditions like osteopenia and osteoporosis and encourage fat oxidation at rest! Commit to 45-second intervals of work followed by 15-second recovery intervals. All exercises will be performed standing using moderate to heavy dumbbells. Don’t miss it!

3:00pm Offer Yourself the Gift of Stillness with the Practice of Non-Sleep Deep Rest with Allison: During times of stress, one of the biggest gifts you can give to yourself is a dedicated time and practice intended to soothe and strengthen your nervous system. Non-sleep deep rest (NSDR) is a powerful tool that strengthens your nervous system by boosting your body's innate relaxation response, allowing for a resilient and calm state of being. NSDR is rooted in the ancient tradition of yoga nidra ("nidra" meaning sleep) and combines mindful breathing and body scanning to bring oneself into an aware, yet deeply relaxed state. Participation Link

Thursday, March 27th

12:15pm Total Body Stretch on the Floor with Charissa: From the biceps femoris to the biceps brachii, all muscle groups will be explored! Various stretches guided by controlled breathing are designed to relax and rejuvenate stiff and tired limbs and joints. This total body stretch experience is for all levels. A mat is suggested. Let’s get stretched!

Friday, March 28th

6:00am Stretch & Relax with Shannon: Close the week in calm! Using a fitness mat, participants will perform restorative stretches to relieve and recover tired muscles and joints. It’s a stretch experience not to miss!

12:00pm Lower Body Mobility Strength with Ashley: Got strength? Finish the week with finesse! Strong and limber equates with ease and grace! For 45-second intervals of work, participants will perform strengthening exercises for the major and minor muscle groups followed by 15-second recovery intervals in successive rounds.

Monday, March 31st

6:00am Balance & Strength with Shannon: Get balanced, get strong! As more science and medicine studies point to the power of posture and strength in longevity, participants gain considerable health benefits by learning proper form and alignment coupled with consistent, regular exercise. This class will focus on mobility, stability and strength for daily activity. Performed in repetitions of 8, prepare to lift light to heavy weights while incorporating the balance bar or a stationary chair to increase intensity or modify.

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NIH R&W Food Truck Program

Join us select days from 11am – 2pm for Food Trucks in Lot 10H, near the South entrance to Bldg. 10. Trucks will run thru November 21st. Online pre-ordering is encouraged when applicable. Menus available on the R&W website.

Truck schedule is as follows:

March 11th – 13th – 2 savory trucks

March 17th – November 21st – Monday - Friday – 4 trucks

2 Bold Chefs: Featuring a variety of delicious signature Greek & Italian dishes and salads with mouthwatering French & Portuguese flavors infused into the Mediterranean taste

*NEW* Arepateca – Where classics meet global flavors in every gluten-free bite.

Auntie Anne’s Pretzels: Fresh, hot, golden brown pretzels, pretzel dogs and lemonades.

Ben & Jerry’s: Serving ice cream and floats.

*NEW* B Dub’s Island Soul: Where tastebuds meet paradise. Offering delicious Caribbean and soul food

*NEW* BBQ & Tech: That Good BBQ with a Jamaican Flair

Catalyst Hot Dog: Bringing the Jersey Dog to NIH. Enjoy allbeef or vegan dogs with a variety of toppings.

Chix ‘n Stix: Specializes in crisp, fresh, deliciously fried chicken wings and tenders, to all beef quarter pound hot dogs, and specially seasoned “Flavor Fries.”

*NEW* Clayboy’s Shave Ice: Serving the traditional and delicious Hawaiian shave ice, using filtered water for ice, cane sugar syrups, and the same method of crafting shave-ice popularized on the Hawaiian islands.

Grub Rockstar: Enhancing classic American Comfort dishes for all DC food lovers using only premium ingredients.

Hardy’s BBQ: Puts in the time and care to ensure that you get world class BBQ. Come hungry. You'll need plenty of room to taste all of our overflowing list of options.

Himalayan Soul Foods: Serving Himalayan food ‘momos’ (dumplings), Tibetan bread and lentil burgers.

Jimmy’s Famous Seafood: Baltimore’s historic restaurant and crab house offers great tasting seafood from their truck.

Kam & 46: Serving local Hawaii and Filipino fare. Modern take with nostalgic feels.

*NEW* Kaziville: Home for good eats with hotdogs, vegan dogs, sausages, chili and more.

Koshary Corner: Vegan and gluten-free Egyptian street food

*NEW* La Mati: Exquisite Mexican taqueria

*NEW* Little Lady Grill: Latin fusion grilled goodies

Malia’s Kitchen: Serving the best homestyle soul food

*NEW* Mineiro: Brazilian-American kitchen bringing traditional flavors with a modern twist to Greater DC

*NEW* M.R. Cheesecakes: Small batch Artisan pure Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

Pacha Mama Juice: Fresh made-to-order fruit & veggie juices.

PhoWheels: Offers a modern interpretation of traditional Vietnamese cuisine, where comforting favorite dishes blend seamlessly with bold new flavors that will entice your palate. Quinn’s Ice specializes in lactose-free soft serve, milkshakes, ice cream sandwiches, Belgian waffle sundaes and more.

*NEW* Rice Around the World: Get ready to embark on a flavor-packed journey with as you savor the best rice bowl creations from around the globe!

Sambal Truck: Serving Indonesian street food

*NEW* Sides BBQ: Special ingredients delivered with exceptional service. Crafting memories with flavor and smoke.

*NEW* Silver & Sons BBQ: Chef-driven, house-made BBQ with bold flavors inspired by Mediterranean, Jewish, & American traditions.

*NEW* Tasty Empanadas: Fresh, handmade empanadas with bold, authentic flavors and a little piece of Paraguay.

*NEW* The Birria Beat: Specializing in birria tacos, dedicated to serving up the traditional flavors of Mexico with a modern twist.

*NEW* Timber Pizza: Artisan wood-fired pizzas, made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Trini Vybez: Preservative free Trinidadian food with unadulterated methods to traditional cooking.

Trippy Tacos: Specializes in fresh corn tortillas. Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, tortas, nachos

The R&W Community Market takes place on Tuesdays from 10am – 2pm on the South Lobby of Bldg. 10. The market will take place weather permitting. The market will return to the South Lawn of Bldg. 10 in April. Current safety and health guidelines are to be observed. The market consists of the following vendors with more expected to be added soon: Apple Valley has a variety of seasonal produce including apples, onions and potatoes, apple cider, apple sauces, pecans and jams.

Colonial Kettle Corn: Continues a 200+ year tradition making each batch in a specially designed kettle ensuring each kernel has a slightly sweet and salty flavor. Using new techniques and centuries-old recipe makes specialty popcorn unlike any other.

Great Harvest Bread Company: Purchase a variety of fresh baked breads, including gluten-free, brownies, cinnamon rolls, muffins, scones, biscotti, dog treats and more.

Randalia Bee Hives: Local raw and cream honey, pollen, hand crafted beeswax candles, bar soap, infused botanical liquid soap, beeswax body salves body lotions, lip balms, tints, salt scrubs and natural deodorants from the Eastern Shore.

Suka Nuts: Nothing beats the harmonious blend of sweet and salty flavors found in their handcrafted delights. Choose from a variety of nuts, breads, butters, brittles and more.

Jewelry and Craft Vendors: A variety of jewelry and craft vendors will rotate throughout the market.

Women’s V-Neck T-Shirts

Long & Short Sleeve T-Shirts

NIH Mouse T-Shirts

NIH Glitter Long & Short Sleeve T-Shirts

Vanpooling Is Economical and Environmentally Friendly

Openings are available in the vanpool from Hagerstown and Frederick to Bethesda. This 10-passenger van is leased thru Enterprise Vanpool The vanpool leaves Hagerstown Park and Ride at 5:30am for a 7am to 4pm work shift on Bethesda Campus. The van leaves NIH at 4:15pm Monday – Friday. Fulltime NIH Employees who turn in their parking hangers are eligible for the Transhare Program. Contractors are welcome but must make subsidy payments thru the Enterprise portal each month. Contact Rich Buckland at 304-582-3113

Openings available in the Owings Mill vanpool. Pick-up at 5:30am from Owings Mills Metro Station (10309 Grand Central Ave, Owings Mills, MD 21117). Van drops off anywhere in the Fishers Lane, Executive Blvd , White Flint area. Van leaves for home at 3:30pm. If interested contact Keith Savage at 301-451-1967.

NIH Research Trade Show

April 9th – 10th

The NIH Research Trade Show is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, April 9th – Thursday, April 10th from 10am – 2pm on the Bldg. 10 South Lobby. Visit around 40 different scientific vendors each day and learn about advancements in scientific research and technology that will assist in making breakthroughs in medical research. Food trucks will also be in Lot 10H selling lunches both days. Register today to learn more about the show and participating vendors.

R&W Spring Bazaar – May 8th Bldg. 10 South Lobby

The R&W will be holding its annual Spring Bazaar on Wednesday, May 8th, just in time for Mother’s Day and Graduations. Stop by the Bldg. 10 South Lobby between 9am –2pm to shop from a variety of jewelry, craft and other vendors. More details to come in the April R&W Newsletter.

R&W Corporate Sponsor Fair – May 16th Bldg. 10 South Lawn

The NIH R&W Corporate Sponsor Fair will take place on Thursday, May 16th. Expect to see a variety of companies including local senior living, local apartment complexes, financial education, hotels, phone services, local attractions, travel companies and more. The fair will take place from 10am – 2pm on the South Lawn of Bldg. 10 or Bldg. 10 South Lobby if rain More details available in the April R&W Newsletter.

Camp Fantastic BBQ - June 10th

The Camp Fantastic BBQ is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 10th from 11am – 2pm on the South Lawn of Bldg. 10. Come out to support a great cause, helping send children with cancer to a camp designed specifically for them. Enjoy great food, live music, a vendor fair, the NIH Community Market and more.

Chirpy Spring Health Challenge

Our 6-week health challenge lets you earn points for physical activity, practicing Mindful Meditation and enjoying Reading. This challenge is filled with fun, easy tracking, supported with hundreds of delicious recipes to try. Join us to build well-being behaviors that last. Registration begins March 17th View Flyer

Plant Based Meal Planning Webinar

Join NIH Wellness and Kaiser Permanente's Health Education Team for a workshop on Plant Based Meals during National Nutrition Month, Wednesday, March 20th 12pm – 1pm. View flyer and register.

NIH Co-Ed Softball League In Need of Players

Looking for a spring and summer outdoor activity? Join the NIH Co-Ed Softball League! Each of the league's 5 teams will be scheduled to play 11 or 12 games on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings from April 8 to July 30. All skill levels are welcome but there are only a limited number of openings available. If you are interested or would like additional information, email Rob Willcoxon at robwillcoxon@me.com

NIH Sailing Association Open House

March 6th – Davis Library, Bethesda MD

Membership is open to NIH (and NOAA) employees, patients, contractors and their families. The Club’s main activity is sailing five Flying Scots, owned by the club and maintained in slips south of Annapolis, MD, on the South River. Club meetings are held each month and are open to all club members. Members qualify to charter club boats by completing the NIHSA Basic Training course or by demonstrating their competence in a comprehensive checkout sail. The NIHSA provides many opportunities for Club members to get together and share time on the Chesapeake Bay.

The NIHSA will be hosting an Open House on Thursday, March 6th at the Davis Library in Bethesda. Stop by anytime from 6:30pm - 8pm.

At the NIHSA Open House, you can explore your interest in learning to sail and discover all the opportunities for sailing with the NIHSA. Information will be provided about NIHSA Basic Training classes, the racing program, and social activities the club offers. For more information about the club, please visit the NIHSA website

Join the Open House: Thursday, March 6th from 6:30pm – 8pm Davis Library, Meeting Room #1 (downstairs) 6400 Democracy Blvd, Bethesda, MD

Plenty of parking is available – if using the Metrobus, the J1 and J2 buses leave from the Medical Center Metro station and stop at the Davis Library. Please send questions about membership or the NIHSA Open House to nihsa.membership@gmail.com

R&W members, thru the partnership between the R&W and TicketsAtWork, can purchase tickets to a variety of amusement parks, concerts, sporting events, movies, and more. Once you register to be an R&W member or have logged into your account, click on Member Discounts and then click on the TicketsAtWork ad. Upon registering for TicketsAtWork you will have access to a variety of different entertainment options.

Before purchasing tickets or offers thru TicketsAtWork.com make sure to completely read the instructions for how the tickets work and if they are name specific or require reservations.

Attractions Discounts Across the US

Purchase tickets to most Sporting Events thru TicketsAtWork. Catch a baseball game across America or watch golf’s finest face-off. You can do any of these and more. Discounts vary!

As an R&W member see the biggest blockbusters at a discounted price. Movie Tickets are available to a variety of movie theaters across the country. See the hottest new movies like Mickey 17, Novocaine, Snow White, A Minecraft Movie, Sinners, The Accountant 2 and more. Save 20% - 55%!

Are You Ready to Rock?

Catch performances of Usher, P!nk, Jelly Roll, comedians and more live Discounts vary!

R&W members can reserve a hotel stay thru TicketsAtWork at over 225,000 hotels around the world. Be on the lookout for the Best Rate Guarantee symbol! Save up to 60%!

Flying to your vacation destination? Save on airfare for American Airlines, Delta, United and more. Save up to 20%!

Attractions Discounts Across the US

There’s nothing like seeing a stage performance live. Want to see a Broadway or off-Broadway play? We’ve got you covered! If you’re heading to Vegas take in a different show for every night of the week. Whether you’re looking for Family Friendly, Concert, Comedy, Cirque du Soleil or Magic you’ll find something you want. Discounts vary by show!

With hundreds of games to play, leave feeling like a champion at Dave & Buster’s and Main Event Find a seasonal food menu and classic cocktails and specialty drinks you won’t find anywhere else. You’re never far from fun with over 200 Dave & Buster's and Main Event locations. $5 off play card!

Great Wolf Lodge, the largest family of indoor water park resort, defies the weather outside with an indoor water park experience that has young and old soaking in the fun! Book your stay in: Charlotte/Concord, Cincinnati/Mason (OH), Grand Mound (WA), Grapevine (TX), Kansas City (KS), New England, Poconos, Sandusky (OH), Traverse City (MI), Williamsburg and Wisconsin Dells. Save up to 10%!

2025 Local Park Sneak Peak

Kings Dominion is Virginia’s premier destination for fun New in 2025, conquer the skies on Kings Dominion’s Rapterra, the world’s tallest and longest launched wing coaster. Rapterra simulates the flight of the legendary Jungle Hawk with an intense initial launch, plunging dives, twisting maneuvers and sweeping turns. Also enjoy Planet Snoopy, a 7-acre dedicated kids’ area, great for young adventurers, with family-friendly rides nestled under a lush canopy of trees. On a hot day, cool off at Soak City. The 20-acre waterpark boasting water slides, splash pads, a lazy river and more is included with admission (open select dates May 25 - September 2). Discount coming soon! Opens March 29th!

Hersheypark is a 110-acre, clean and green theme park with over 70 rides and attractions, featuring 15 thrilling roller coasters and 20 kiddie rides; live daily entertainment; games; food; shops; and the Boardwalk At Hersheypark. This year Hershey Park introduces the Twizzlers Twisted Gravity™ giant swing. Ascend 137 adrenaline-pumping feet, defy gravity as you swing at speeds reaching 68 MPH, and experience multiple mind-bending zero G moments. Admission to ZooAmerica is FREE on same-day visit to Hersheypark when entered from within Hersheypark. ZooAmerica is an 11-acre walk-through zoo with over 200 animals. Ticket is Not Valid at ZooAmerica entrance to enter Hersheypark. Discount coming soon! Opens April 5th!

Sesame Place’s 45th Birthday Celebration kicks off April 26th, featuring furry birthday fun all spring and summer long. The park will be adorned with bright balloons, colorful garland, fabulous birthday presents, and more fun décor! Fan-favorite entertainment across the park will be transformed with birthday-themed twists, including the return of the spectacular, fan-favorite Sesame Street Birthday Parade. This colorful, musical, and show-stopping parade will get the whole family dancing with contemporary and classic Sesame Street tunes, show-stopping performances, and an interactive birthday song. At Sesame Place, enjoy family-friendly rides and attractions, shows and parades and meet and greet with your favorite Sesame Street characters. Save up to 63%!

2025 Local Park Sneak Peak

2025 is the Return of the Wolf as The Big Bad Wolf: The Wolf’s Revenge opens. 40 years after a terrifying wolf swept thru a Bavarian village, turning townsfolk into werewolves and leaving the town in ruins, the annual Festival of the Silent Bells seeks to honor that haunting past. As the festival begins, the village is eerily quiet, but soon, unsettling sounds emergefootsteps, low growls, and the glint of bright red eyes. An exhilarating adventure thru the German countryside awaits as riders become the beast on Busch Gardens’ all-new familyfriendly inverted roller coaster. As the sound of screams and the echo of a howling wolf creates chaos in the familiar town, riders will experience over 2,500 feet of track traveling up to 40 miles per hour while bolting thru the streets of an abandoned Bavarian village. A variety of special events will take place select dates in 2025 including: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (3/13 – 3/16), Food & Wine Festival (4/24 – 6/15), Summer of Wonder (daily 6/20 – 8/10), Bier Fest (8/15 – 9/1). Howl-O-Scream (9/5 –11/2), Halloween Spooktacular (9/20 – 11/2) and Christmastown (11/14 – 1/4). Discounts vary!

Cool off this summer at Water Country USA®, Virginia’s largest water park. There’s fun for the entire family in a cool beach vibe, with resort-style amenities and more than 40 stateof-the-art water rides and attractions. Water Country USA features refreshing pools, children’s play areas and lazy rivers, offering hours of fun in the summer sun. Opens May 10th!

Carowinds, located on the North Carolina-South Carolina border, is the region's premier amusement park, featuring 58 rides and attractions including the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster. Camp Snoopy caters to younger guests with many child-friendly rides including the new Snoopy’s Racing Railway and Charlie Brown’s River Raft Blast. Additionally, it features Beagle Scout Acres, an 8,000-square-foot play area. Carolina Harbor Waterpark, a 26-acre water parkencompasses 13 attractions, including 33 slides, two wave pools, private cabanas, and a three-acre play area for children. Discount coming soon! Opens March 15th!

Six Flags America is making lasting memories all season long with culturally rich event series, dynamic performances, and interactive fun. Entrance to Hurricane Harbor is not included in park admission, you must buy the add-on ticket. Discounts coming soon! Opens April 12th!