New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania
New Jersey
New Jersey seems to always get a bad rap, and some people think of it only as home to Tony Soprano! But New Jersey has culture, history, entertainment, fine dining and shopping too! Jazz fans will love the annual Cape May Jazz Festival. The 28th festival takes place in November, and will feature TS Monk, Pieces of a Dream and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. While in Cape May, take a look around. Cape May, a National Historic Monument, is also the B & B capital of the country! Architecture is predominately victorian, and though most of the town was rebuilt after a devastating 1878 fire, Cape May is still an authentically historic and very romantic place to visit. Cape May is also home to one of the tallest lighthouses on the eastern coast. Standing at 157 feet tall, the lighthouse has stood as a navigational aid to sailors since 1859. Have you always wanted to get into Princeton? No matter what kind of scholar you are, (or were!) you can visit Princeton today. Take walking tour exploring all the shopping and dining available in Palmer's Square and visit the Morven Museum and Garden, the former governor's mansion. If history is your thing, visit Glenmont, the home of Thomas Alva Edison in West Orange. Tours of the grounds and restored greenhouse are all available at this historic site. And what American history buff wouldn't enjoy the re-enactment of George Washington's crossing of the Delaware River? That event takes place a the Washington Crossing Park (of course!) every Christmas Day. You can even participate as part of George's posse, but you must pre-register and be approved by the park in advance, so start practicing and get your uniform dusted off! For a bit of whimsy, come visit Lucy, the world's largest elephant! Lucy is a 65 foot wooden wonder that has stood over the town of Margate for over 126 years. She is open for daily tours which include a great view of the ocean!
Delaware
Delaware was America's first official state, admitted to the union in 1787 and named for Lord de la Warr,the first governor of Virginia. Civil War buffs and historians will enjoy the Ross Plantation in Seaford. This 11-room Civil War-era Italian style villa shows the story of Delaware's youngest Governor, William Ross.The Plantation's restored slave quarters, as well as the Honeymoon Cottage, show a glimpse of life in the late 1800's. For another glimpse of Delaware history, a visit to Winterthur, home of collector and horticulturist Henry Francis du Pont is a must. Built in the early 20th century, Winterthur is one of the most beautiful country estates of its kind in the nation. You may have even seen or received their catalog of beautiful home, garden accessories and jewelry. Mansion tours, holiday tours and other special events make it a unique stop on your tour of the Brandywine Region of Delaware. For a great beach getaway, check out the Rehoboth Beach area of southern Delaware. Recently named for one of the "Ten Best Boardwalks in the Country", Rehoboth Beach has a great variety of family attractions including water slides, go karts, bicycling, fishing, kite flying, miniature golf and tons more! During late-July through early October, dolphins can even be spotted off the coast. And if you've never been clamming or crabbing...check with the local bait shops for the proper equipment, and you can enjoy one of this area's favorite activities! If you are an antique collector, or just a plain old shopper, you will love Delaware! Purchases there are tax free!
Maryland
Did you know that Baltimore, Maryland was home to the nation's very first umbrella factory? I didn't either! And besides that, Maryland had the first practical refrigerator, the first dental school and its very own Fort McHenry was the inspiration for our "Star Spangled Banner"! And speaking of Fort McHenry, it is now a National Monument and Historic Shrine located in Baltimore. Visitors are invited to view a film of the history of Fort McHenry and then take a shore self-guided walking tour. There are also artillery demostrations, a concert series and other special events held througout the year. For some maritime history, visit the USS Constellation, the last all sail warship built by the US Navy. First placed into commission in 1855, the Constellation was in service during the Civil War and was brought to its final harbor home some 100 years later to serve as a museum and important part of US Naval history. Ocean City is a year round resort with 10 miles of white sandy beaches, a boardwalk and lots of shops and restaurants to fit every taste and budget. Deep sea fishing is at its peak mid-April through early November, and the waters off of Ocean City offer seas bass, dolphin fish, bluefish, tuna, cod and white Marlin. Just off the coast south of Ocean City is Maryland's only ocean park, Assateague State Park. Famous for the wild ponies that roam the beaches there, lore has it that the ponies are descendants of horses that survived the shipwreck of a Spanish galleon. Assateague also has bike trails, campsites and boats for rental and is a great place to spend a summer weekend!
Washington D.C.
Washington D.C. became our nation's capital in 1800, and has since become not only the "home away from home" for our nation's leaders, but also a city rich in history, culture and many of the most beautiful monuments standing today. A visitor to the capital cannot miss the U.S. Capitol building. It is open to the public Monday through Saturday for guided tours only except for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Begun in 1793, the Capitol building has built and rebuilt many times throughout history, and yet today, stands as one of the most important symbols of what America fought for so many years ago. The White House is also open for public tours, but requests must be sumitted through one's Member of Congress months in advance. If you are fortunate enough to tour this landmark, you will see a glimpse of its 132 rooms, 28 fireplaces, 8 staircases and 147 windows! This famous residence has housed our presidents all the way back to John Adams and his wife, Abigail. Monuments well worth visiting in Washington D.C. include the Vietnam Memorial, the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument. The newest addition to our memorials on the National Mall, is the World War II Memorial. Dedicated in 2004, this memorial honors the 16 million who served in the armed forces and the more than 400,000 who died during World War II. With many of our "Greatest Generation" dying daily, this monument stands as an important tribute to those who fought on behalf of the innocents, and who proudly served our country in the defense of freedom. Arlington National Cemetary was established during the Civil War on the grounds of Arlington House, the former estate of the family of Robert E. Lee's wife, Mary Anna Custis Lee. There are more than 300,000 persons buried here, including veterans from every one of the nation's wars from the American Revolution through Afghanistan and Iraq. It is also home to the Tomb of the Unknowns, a memorial to unknown servicemen killed in World Wars I and II and the Korean War. Perpetually guarded by the U.S. Army, it is a sobering reminder of the cost of conflict. Museums are abound in D.C. also, but a few favorites are the National Archives, which holds the Declaration of Indpendence, the Smithsonian and the International Spy Museum. Every American should visit Washington D.C. at least once in their lifetime and be proud of what this country, at its heart, really does stand for!
Virginia
Virginia's well known tag line "Virginia is for Lovers", has always made me smile. What ABOUT Virginia, is for lovers? It turns out plenty....especially if you are a history lover, a beach lover, a nature lover or even just a lover! Virginia is home to the beautiful Shenandoah Valley, with its National Parks, the Blue Ridge Mountains, Revolutionary War battlefields and caverns. This beautiful valley, inspiration for the late John Denver's song, "Country Roads", stretches some 200 miles from Harpers Ferry, West Virginia to Roanoke and Salem, Virginia. The Shenandoah Caverns are Virginia's only caverns that have elevator service! Tours that take you through 17 soaring rooms offer up unusual formations caused by not only the movement of water through the area, but also earthquakes that created faults and changed the cavern's structure. Discovered by some young boys in 1884, the caverns weren't opened to the public until 1922. The Shenandoah National Park was dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1936. The park has over 200,000 acres and offers up some spectacular mountain views! Included in the many hiking trails is 101 miles of the Appalachian Trail. Besides hiking, the park offers nature lovers the opportunity to fish, bike, horseback ride, swim and even hang glide. For history lovers, the Shenandoah Valley was host to over 325 military engagements, 14 battles and over 3 years of bloody Civil War history. Because of its unique geographic location, the valley became a critical component to both the grey and blue during the Civil War. Today, the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation has a mission to preserve ten of the battlefields located in the valley from future development, and to preserve an important part of America's past. Another great historical site is Colonial Williamsburg, where you can step back 220 years an experience what it was like to live on the the eve of the American Revolution. America's largest living history museum, Colonial Williamsburg includes some 500 buildings, homes, stores and taverns reconstructed and restored to their original appearance. It is a unique glimpse into what life was like in the 18th century! For beach lovers, Virginia Beach is THE place to be! Boasting 35 miles of waterfront property, a stay at Virginia Beach is the classic summer vacation. Off the coast, on Chincoteague Island, Pony Penning attracts thousands of visitors each year. Made famous by the 1947 book, "Misty of Chincoteague", the wild horses that still graze on the island are herded across the narrowest part of the Assateague Channel at low tide. They are then examined by local vetrinarians, rested, then herded through town for auction. The pony auction trims the wild herd to the permitted 150 allowed to graze on the Chincoteague refuge, and brings in much needed funds for the Chincoteague fire company. It is a tradition dating back to the 1700's, and continues even today.
West Virginia
West Virginia forests cover about 75% of the state's land, making it a great state to "get away from it all"! More than a million acres have been set aside in 37 state parks and recreation areas and in 9 state and 2 national forests. Recreation activities abound in this state, and depending on what your outdoor hobby is, chances are, you will find a place to practice it here! West Virginia is also the undisputed whitewater capital of the East, offering nearly 2,000 miles of streams and whitewater rapids. The three biggest rivers for rafting are the New, Gauley and the Cheat. The New River enters the New River Gorge, one of the most spectacular canyons in the U.S., then drops approximately 240 feet over a 14 mile stretch, creating the biggest whitewater river in the East. There are dozens of outfitters in the area who can help you arrange a rafting trip suited to your level of expertise! Harpers Ferry National Historic Park offers visitors an opportunity to step into the past. Situated at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers, there are plenty of exhibits, museums and civil war battlefields to keep the history buff mesmorized. A hike up Maryland Heights, which towers some 1,448 feet about the rivers, not only gives you a breathtaking view of Harpers Ferry and the surrounding countryside, but also hides the ruins of many Civil War fortifications, trenches, ammunition pits and military camps. It was here in Harpers Ferry in 1783, that Thomas Jefferson described the view as "worth a voyage across the Atlantic".
West Virginia Video Travel Guide
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's rich heritage draws thousands of visitors there every year. Among its unique attractions, the Brandywine River Museum has a unique way to exhibit their art...in a 19th century grist mill. It is also internationally recognized for its collection of over 3000 original works including three generations of Wyeths, in addition to works by Maxfield Parrish and Howard Pyle. Their grounds also contain beautiful Wildflower and Native Plant Gardens tended to by the Brandywine Conservancy. Located just north of the Pennsylvania border in Chadds Ford, the museum is open for tours, special exhibits and even available for rental for private events. All eyes are on Punxsutawney every February 2nd, when the infamous Phil, groundhog "extraordinaire", emerges from his burrow on Gobblers Knob to predict the advent of spring. The town of Punxsutawney takes this day quite seriously, and invites visitors to come and enjoy the festivities. History buffs will surely want to visit Gettysburg,the sight of the bloodiest battle in the Civil War with casualties numbering around 51,000. Open for visitors year-round, the park and visitors center features one of the largest collections of Civil War relics in the world. Union soldiers who died in battle, are buried here at the Soldiers' National Cemetery, while most of the Confederate dead were interred in Virginia. Gettysburg continues to be a sobering reminder of lives lost during the Civil War. For a little technicolor fun...visit the Crayola Factory in Easton, Pennsylvania. It is a great place for both children and adults who get to see how crayola products are made (though they are not made on-site) and then have a little creative fun making their own Crayola inspired souvenirs. Besides being home to the Liberty Bell, Philadelphia is a delightful blend of history, unique architecture, cobblestone streets, shopping, vibrant nightlife, and noteworthy cuisine. Philadelphia's Independence Hall was the meeting place for the Second Continental Congress, and it was in this building that the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776. Nearby, on display in its new home, the old State House bell, known to us as the Liberty Bell, carries the inscription "Proclaim Liberty throughout all the Land unto all the inhabitants thereof". Though it has not rung since 1846, the bell serves as a silent reminder of the power of liberty. And don't leave Philadelphia without enjoying a culinary treat ~ the famous Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich!