I happened to be out and about on Interstate 81 while running errands yesterday (in the rain), and it was once again confirmed to me that I-81 is without a doubt the worst stretch of local highway in the four-state area (and no, I’m not including the I-270 corridor from Frederick to Washington, D.C., which is its own transportation journey into madness). I-81 in Maryland is only a little over 12 miles, but it’s easy to age twelve years behind…
Next week is Thanksgiving week, the busiest travel week of the year. Millions of Americans will be moving about the country by car, by bus, and by airplane to spend a long weekend with friends and family. Many of those folks will be travelling via Allegiant Airlines – some from right here in Hagerstown (as Allegiant serves the Washington County Regional Airport). I myself have relatives flying in via Allegiant. It has made its name as a low-cost airline, but…
Washington County, MD is blessed with many great parks, trails, and green spaces. One of my favorite at this time of the year is the Western Maryland Rail-Trail. The asphalt paved trail (which opened in 1998) runs from Big Pool, Maryland to Pearre Station, Maryland (a total of about 22.5 miles) It was previously the right-of-way rail tracks for the Western Maryland Railway, and was purchased by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and converted into a shared-use trail that…
Too often, we narrowly think of vacations and work-related travel as the only opportunities we have to experience different cities, cultures, or locations. I want to talk to you today about a third option that can also involve travel – to both local and far-off destinations. Volunteering. Relief and faith-based organizations (at both the local and national level) offer many volunteer opportunities that involve travel. As an added bonus, you can also do some good for your fellow man. For…
Looking for a frightfully good time this Halloween season? Listed below are five haunted attractions looking to “scare up” some business in the tri-state region this year. Haunted hayrides, corn mazes, forest walks, or traditional haunted houses – there are plenty of ghastly delights available. Call ahead or check the various websites to ensure that the attraction is age-appropriate for your younger ghosts and goblins to attend. You won’t see me at any of these screamers, but have yourself a…
I had the pleasure of attending my class reunion recently (I won’t say what year it was, but it rhymes with “dirty worst”), and in a conversation with one of my old school pals, he revealed that he was deeply shaken by the recent death of a classmate. In fact he had become so depressed that he wanted to sell all of his possessions and do one single thing. Travel. He wanted to see the world. To experience the sights…
Fall is the perfect time of year to take a short “getaway” vacation. Whether it be a weekend or just for a day or two during the week, a few days away from work and home can relax and rejuvenate even the most stressed out soul. At this time of the year, there are few better places I can think of to relax and unwind than the Savage River Lodge (near Frostburg, MD). Just getting there is therapeutic. You leave…
Autumn officially began on September 22nd. The sun is arcing lower across the sky every day. Soon, the evenings will be cool, the mornings crisp, and the trees will respond with their annual show of beautiful fall color. But when will that perfect weekend be to take a drive to see it all? Fear not, dear friends – for I am here to help. The internet is a glorious place, full of all kinds of useful information. Believe it or…
From the looks of the weather forecasts, it appears that the oppressive heat of this summer will finally take a break in the next week or two (hopefully for good this year), so it’s time to start thinking about fall-weather activities. The Four-State area is blessed with many pristine and beautiful spots to do the simplest form of exercise imaginable – walking. Whether it be on the C&O Canal, the Western Maryland Rail Trail, a city or county park, or…
My oldest daughter recently completed a week-long excursion to London this past summer. It is a tradition started by my mother. Whenever one of her grandchildren reaches their 15th birthday, Grandma will take them on a trip – anywhere they want to go. Pretty awesome gift, huh? She’s accompanied grand-kids to Paris and on a cruise to the Scandinavian countries (with Germany and Russia thrown in for good measure). My youngest is eagerly waiting in anticipation for her turn in…