Fort McHenry

Visting Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine

Fort McHenry is one of many historic forts on the eastern seaboard.  However, it stands out as being the inspiration for the writing of the Star-Spangled Banner after it survived an attack in the War of 1812.  Located right by downtown Baltimore Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine is worth a visit. Overview Fort…

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

The Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge in Maryland is one of the best bird-watching spots in the U.S.  Located less than 2 hours from the Baltimore/Washington metro area, it makes visitors feel miles from civilization. WEBSITE: https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Blackwater/ Overview The Eastern Shores of Maryland remain relatively undeveloped, especially for the crowded east coast.  This was an area…

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park is a new national monument and park.  It is located along the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay, in an area that looks much the same as it did at the time of the Civil War. Overview Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historic Park is located about 10…

Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park: Hiking Navajo Loop

Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah is a smaller park that is a little off-the-beaten path.  It has some amazing scenery and great hiking opportunities.  This is our guide to visiting the park and doing the short, but thrilling, Navajo Loop hike. Overview Cool geological formations are the main attraction of Bryce Canyon National Park. …

Great Falls Park

Great Falls Park Hike

Great Falls National Park is right outside Washinton, D.C.  Located along the Potomac River it has some of the best hiking trails in Northern Virginia.  This is a guide to an easy three-mile hike we took along the falls in Great Falls Park. Starting Point: Great Falls Visitor’s Center, 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA…

Great Falls National Park

Guide to Great Falls National Park

Great Falls National Park is right outside Washington, D.C.  This is a prime area for hiking and outdoor activities.  However, just viewing the spectacular falls makes Great Falls worth a visit. Overview WEBSITE: https://www.nps.gov/grfa/index.htm Great Falls National Park is located about a 15 mile drive up the Potomac River from the nation’s capital. At 800…

Creeper Trail

Biking Adventures on Virginia’s Creeper Trail

The Creeper Trail is a 34-mile long bike ride in Virginia near the North Carolina and Tennessee borders.  While it sounds intimidating this is very doable family activity.  This is a guide to our ride on the first section of the Creeper Trail from Whitetop Mountain to Damascus. Booking.com The Creeper Trail bike trail follows…