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Category: Travel

Summer Camp: Still Entertaining Kids in an Electronic Age

Summer Camp: Still Entertaining Kids in an Electronic Age

Ahhhh, summer camp. As a youth, I distinctly recall a memorable week at Holiquin Stables (near Waynesboro, PA) , where I learned all about horses and riding.  My brother and I spent seven glorious days and six nights learning riding techniques, horse anatomy, stable chores, and animal care.  We were also the only two people at camp who rode “western saddle”, like in the cowboy movies (this was at my grandfather’s insistence – everyone else at camp rode proper “English”…

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The Summer is Here! (So Now What?)

The Summer is Here! (So Now What?)

Wow!  School has been out for only two days and already I’m hearing “I’m bored” from the kids in my household.  That certainly didn’t take long.  The summer has “officially” returned, and this one will be one of the longest away from school in many years (thanks to the decision to send the kids back to school after Labor Day this year). So what’s a parent to do?  How can the kids fill the hours (and not drive you insane…

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National Pike Days: A Glimpse of Travel from the 19th Century

National Pike Days: A Glimpse of Travel from the 19th Century

Local residents often take for granted that the four-state area is steeped in history, dating all the way back to the days when this country was founded.  One event that celebrates the transportation systems of an earlier time is coming up this weekend – National Pike Days. One of the first major “improved” highways funded by the federal government (and authorized by President Thomas Jefferson in 1806), the National Pike (also known as the “Cumberland Road” or its more common…

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18th Century Market Fair at Fort Frederick: A Taste of Life on the Colonial Frontier

18th Century Market Fair at Fort Frederick: A Taste of Life on the Colonial Frontier

The morning air is cool and crisp.  It is overcast, and a light fog hangs over the landscape.  Dozens of white canvas tents fill open fields nestled between the tall woodlands, announcing the presence of traders and craftsmen.  Small plumes of smoke lazily rise skyward, signaling that morning campfires have been lit – the smell of fresh coffee and frying bacon wafts pleasantly through the air.  A distant fiddle can be heard playing a cheery morning tune.  Your eye is…

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Spring Travel Deals

Spring Travel Deals

The warm weather this past weekend has got me in the mood to travel!  I’ve been looking at the many travel websites I have bookmarked for amazing deals – and there are plenty to go around.  Listed below are some highlights.  Check out these sites for more deals and create your own adventure! Cloud 9 Living Zip Line Adventure Course Package in Rock Creek Park. Over 2,000 feet of zip-lining fun awaits you on a course that contains 44 crossings…

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People Who Shouldn’t Travel

People Who Shouldn’t Travel

Travel is a wonderful way to open one’s self up to new experiences, unexpected finds, and memories that will last a lifetime.  That being said, there are certain people who don’t enjoy the pleasure of discovery in a new destination, whether it be domestically or (heaven forbid) in another country.  To them, a vacation to somewhere else is just a big hassle and is something to be avoided.  To be fair, travel isn’t for everyone (and that’s OK), but if…

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5 Things I Wish the Travel Industry Would Stop Doing (But Probably Won’t)

5 Things I Wish the Travel Industry Would Stop Doing (But Probably Won’t)

I love to travel.  There’s nothing more exciting than planning and enjoying a trip to a new (or favorite) destination.  Whether it’s the anticipation of a new locale, the excitement of the journey, or the splurge of staying in a fancy hotel, travel makes life exciting and gets us out of our comfort zones. That’s why there’s nothing worse than when the best laid plans are ruined by a bad travel experience.  Let’s be honest – sometimes bad things happen…

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Florida: It’s a Nice Place to Visit, But You Wouldn’t Want to Live There

Florida: It’s a Nice Place to Visit, But You Wouldn’t Want to Live There

The cold days of winter (although our own weather this year has been a mixed bag) often make folks pine for the sun and warmth of the American south – most particularly Florida.  Lots of people travel to the “Sunshine State” in the winter months to take a break from the ice and snow or to ride out the cold months until spring (aka “snowbirds”).  These same folks often return from their winter repast with dreams of a permanent home…

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Travel Sites: Check Them First for Amazing Deals

Travel Sites: Check Them First for Amazing Deals

The internet is a fascinating place.  Not only can you find videos of singing cats or little people in drunken bar fights, there are actually useful sites that offer intelligent information, like good travel deals. If you’ve got that travel itch, here are several sites you should bookmark for trip planning ideas and in some cases, some great prices as well:   Cloud 9 Living Website:  www.cloud9living.com Similar in set-up to “Groupon”, this site offers a wide variety of travel…

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A “Charlie Brown” Christmas: Small Town Living at its Best

A “Charlie Brown” Christmas: Small Town Living at its Best

Living in a rural area has its advantages and disadvantages.  For example, it’s hard to find fine dining options, but I could probably get you a good deal on a cord of firewood for the winter.  One thing that the four-state area has an abundance of; however, is good, old-fashioned Christmas displays and celebrations.  One of the best is continuing through this weekend, and you should get out and see it if you can. The Williamsport “Charlie Brown” Christmas at…

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