My Gear Addiction: 10 favorite toys for mobile fitness

April 5, 2018 By Diana Leave a Comment

Believe me, I have made every excuse in the book for not getting a workout in. It’s too late. I’m tired. Too sore. Back’s out. Did it yesterday. On the road. Need some quiet time to myself…the list goes on.

When Resolution Season came around this year, I took a good hard look at Me– inside and out. What I found in the mirror was a somewhat lumpy, mostly out of shape 40-something mom who was very uncomfortable in her own skin and altogether too comfortable in a steady diet of baggy sweatpants. But I knew, looking at myself that day, that I had absolutely no good excuse for not getting healthier. Cancer treatments done ✔︎. Back and hips in place ✔︎. Know how to eat right ✔︎. Support group in place (MPC had 10,000 fellow Peakers in place at that time, so that’s like elimination station right there!)✔︎.

The one box not checked: Ready (and Willing) To Do It.

The truth is that checking the Ready & Willing box hadn’t happened because admitting that I was perfectly capable of getting fit and healthy was a commitment I wasn’t sure I was ready to take. It was that action– that little flick of the wrist–that gave me pause, and that pause became a failure to act. A wise friend reminded me that in truth that pause was a failure to assume responsibility for my own destiny. And she is right. The only person in control of me….is me.

Photo credit: Color 5k

And so I decided to get to work. I can’t say that I exercise every day. I don’t have that kind of time, energy or drive. But I am making exercise a greater priority. In fact, its one of my top 5 priorities. Whether its walking the dog our full 3-4 mile circuit, going for a run, heading to the gym or chrome casting my favorite Beachbody workout, I am checking that box way more often than I did last year. And guess what? It feels great! I am doing it with joy. I am doing it with a sense of determination and accomplishment. Its a fantastic mental release. I am a better person from the inside out. In fact, it feels so great that both me and my muscles are bummed on the days I don’t get some form of exercise.

Its especially easy to not prioritize exercise when you are too busy to get out of the house, the weather stinks or you are on the road. Don’t let that stop you–in fact, you might just find that your living room, hotel room or local park becomes your favorite way to burn some calories and break a sweat.

Here is a list of workout toys we can’t live without:

They are totally effective, totally fun and perfectly portable, even in a carryon. With these accessories, and a little self realization, you too really don’t have an excuse.

Resistance Bands Use them to stretch. Use them in place of weights. Use them for PT. They weigh just ounces and travel in a purse. And they are very cheap on Amazon or in the exercise gear section of Marshall’s. There are a gazillion tutorials about using bands, but I used Autumn Calabrese’s 80 Day Obsession workouts to learn my way with a band, and I spoke with my genius Physical Therapist Stacey Fletcher, DPT about some key moves. Here are 33 resistance band moves you can try.
Jump Rope This little gadget you remember from Jump Rope for Heart in elementary PE is one of the best cardio exercises you can do. Low impact, heart rate raising, calorie burning, full body exercise that is mentally and physically challenging. T0 make it even more so, consider buying the bands with the weighted handles. Some systems offer severa different interchangeable weights. Just Do it!
Suspension Trainer (with Door or Fence anchor) My kids and I love our TRX system, which we attach to doors at home or in hotels and even to fence posts or trees at the park. The suspension system allows for an endless variety of moves that use your own body weight to build strength, flexibility, mobility, and cardio endurance all at a level of intensity that works for you
FitDeck Its been a long winter with a lot of indoor time. When the kids are restless and I need to work out, we sometimes reach for our Fit Deck, a stack of cards with different exercises on each. Its great fun to see what each unique card will entail–what will be easy, what will be hard, where we cruise and where we are challenged. What we love most is that no equipment is needed, you can do it anywhere (we’ve even done them in airports) and inevitably we end up laughing a lot. There are SuperMan fit decks for kids, military style cards, body weight, vertical jump, core and just about every other specialty area you can come up with. Again, no excuses. If you can’t buy a deck of these super cool cards, just make your own!
Slide Board or Core Discs Like the resistance bands and a jump rope, the slide board or discs go everywhere and work on any hard or carpeted surface. And they are so much fun! If you want abs and booty of steel, or a total body workout you can do on your living room floor that is hard on your muscles but easy on your joints, then consider the sliders. Your hamstrings, quads and glutes will scream. Your core will be rock hard. And when finish, you will have this intense self satisfaction and pride that you made it! Along the lines of a slide disk is my 5a. choice, the ab wheel. Love it!
Wobble Cushion for Core Stability. The wobble cushion is a tool I first used in PT, but now I have one at home that I frequently use for making squats, lunges, plies and other basic moves even harder. Again, whether you are exercising alone or with your kids, the wobble cushion makes your workout that much more challenging and that much more fun. You can find cushions that deflate for travel on Amazon.
Super Feet– these are shoe inserts, typically purchased at a running, ski or sports store. I absolutely cannot live without them. I first discovered Super Feet years ago when I worked in a ski shop and customers bought them for their ski boots. Then last April I acquired acute foot pain and the general sense that my feet seemed so tired I couldn’t take another step. Around the same time, I was diagnosed with Plantar Fasciitis and my podiatrist suggested an insert to support the arch of the foot. Seriously, Super Feet changed my life. Use them even if you don’t have foot tiredness or pain now, because they can help prevent foot, ankle, calf and back problems later. There is a Super Feet insert for every occasion (athletics, dress, flats, etc.), but I use the running type and switch them into different shoes. ($50 at Fleet Feet Sports in Annapolis Harbor Center)A curb, bench, chair or playground slide
Strassburg Sock– this sock is not the sexiest thing you are ever going to wear. In fact, its dreadful. But if you have foot, ankle or calf pain, its your new best friend. Especially if you have plantar fasciitis, or if you even think that you do, go out and get this sock! Look at the palm of your flat hand. Put two fingers on the heel of your hand, near the wrist. Then curl your fingers. You can feel the tendons tightening as you curl your fingers. Well this is the same thing that happens to the tendons in your foot when you have plantar fasciitis or weak arch muscles. At night, your toes curl (as do the fingers) and the tendons tighten, causing pain when you first get out of bed, and throughout the day. The Strassburg sock holds the toes in place so they can’t curl. Above all, if you have foot pain, don’t forget to stretch your calves as often as possible throughout the day.
Foam Roller or The Stick I am not a fan of the foam roller, mostly because it hurts, and I’d rather have a massage. But it is essential. Most hotel gyms will have at least one. Regular gyms will have many because they know how important it is to work the lactic acid, tightness and soreness out of large muscle groups. The Stick is an ingenious little tool found at running stores that you press against a muscle. Essentially the same idea of a foam roller, but a little less painful. You could always use a tennis ball for these self massages too.
My Fitness Pal An online site or a free app on your favorite device, My Fitness pal is a convenient hub for keeping track of what you eat, what you burn and what you do. You can sync it to your favorite fitness tracker (i.e. Fitbit, Garmin, etc) and your favorite tracker apps (i.e. Map My Run, Stravo, etc). You can pay to access information, but I’ve found the free version to be perfectly fine for tracking calories, macros and more. The act of tracking what you do and what you eat is one of the easiest and effective ways to maintain your Peak Streak. Whether you write it in a journal, take notes on your phone, or use a ready made tool like My Fitness Pal, find something and commit to doing it. www.myfitnesspal.com

So with these tools, and a little motivation, here is your Peaker (Remember, a Peaker is A Person Who Peaks) thought for the day:

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5 Reasons to not go to DC for the Cherry Blossoms

March 19, 2018 By Diana Leave a Comment

Cherry Blossoms at Historic London Town & Gardens, Courtesy photo.

Tidal Basin is so out. Not fighting traffic, parking and crowds is so in! Here are five local cherry bloom alternatives, in order of our affection for them.

Pack a picnic and head to Historic London Town & Gardens in Edgewater. They have a stunning ancient cherry tree, plus short 1-or-so miles of meandering trails through bunches of tulips, daffodils, and other blooming gardens along the South River waterfront. The kiddos will enjoy the Sound and Sensory Garden, in fact you might not be able to drag them out of there. If you like London Town, you might also like Quiet Waters Park in Annapolis -its bigger, with multiple playgrounds. You trade intimate blooms for more space, I guess.
United States Naval Academy Take a stroll along the USNA grounds to find a number of blooming trees. We especially enjoy a stroll around Hospital Point, which features a stroller friendly walkway and is lined with gorgeous trees. The field itself is perfect for a picnic. Bring some balls or just let the kids run ’til they tucker out. Little ones will need to take care of the abrupt edge of the concrete along the water.
We absolutely love our country’s National Arboretum, a treasure that we think is not on the radar of many families. Located just outside of Washington DC, (conveniently near the closet Costco with a liquor store) this huge park is full of all sorts of Spring Blooms. Because the arboretum boasts impressive waterfront, rolling hills, stroller-friendly walking paths, short trails and a variety of interesting exhibits, I think it may actually be first in our hearts if not on this list. The only reason it isn’t is for that wicked U Turn you have to make off New York Avenue onto the service road. Parking is ample and free. Pet friendly. BYO food and drink.
Cherry Trees at the National Arboretum. Photo courtesy Wikipedia Commons
Centennial Park in Columbia, Maryland may be an ideal Cherry Bloom destination for suburban families: Plenty of parking, proximity to a large mall and many restaurants, and the fact that you can do your grocery shopping and see some spring beauty all in one trip make a visit a very attractive proposition. Columbia is about 40 minutes from Annapolis.
Meadowlark Botanical Garden, in Vienna, Virginia might be a drive, but we say its worth it, especially on a quiet Sunday morning when there isn’t much traffic. There is a small fee to enter the park, but plan to stay for a few hours and you won’t mind the $5 or so. Nearby is Reston Town Center, with a Whole Foods Market and other suburban shops, and on the way home is Tyson’s Corner, which I avoid like the plague but my daughter adores.

Where is your favorite place to view springtime blooms? Let me know in the comments- we are always curious to try new and exciting adventures!

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Blackwater Eagle Festival

March 15, 2018 By Diana 1 Comment

A Ranger talks about birds of prey at the Blackwater Eagle Festival

If you want to get away from the St. Patrick’s Day hype, but don’t have the time, energy or funds to go far, consider a trip to Dorchester County, Maryland. Whether you’re a wanderer who likes to get off the beaten path, a foodie, a nature lover or simply a mom or dad who craves a day at the spa, Dorchester has something for you and your family.

One of our favorite Dorchester attractions is Blackwater Wildlife Refuge. Founded in 1933 as a waterfowl sanctuary for birds migrating along the Atlantic Flyway, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is just a few miles outside of Cambridge. Well off the beaten path, but also well worth the drive, Blackwater boasts more than 28,000 acres of marshland, streams, and forests, as well as numerous opportunities for recreation and natural beauty.

A great time to visit Blackwater is for one of their major events, including the Annual Eagle Festival, held every year in March.

Blackwater Wildlife Refuge Eagle Festival

Planned as an anniversary celebration of the founding of the national wildlife refuge system, the Eagle Festival coincides with the migratory return of birds of prey and songbirds to the sanctuary. In fact, Blackwater is a major resting stop for birds along the Atlantic Flyway. Peregrine falcons, eagles, hawks, osprey, waterfowl, herons and many other creatures make their seasonal home amongst the marsh grasses and mud flats where food, shade and natural habitat help them recuperate from the long flight north.

The Eagle Festival has a strong focus on wildlife and nature, and includes everything from guided tours to visits from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Scales and Tails program.

What You Need to Know

Date: Saturday, March 17^th

Time: 9am to 4pm

Location: throughout the refuge, but especially at the Visitor’s Center

Parking: Free, see below

Fee: FREE

Reservations: not required

Getting There

Blackwater is about an hour from Annapolis via Route 50 East. There is a $4 toll over the Bay Bridge, but no other tolls. Turn right just past Wal-Mart and across from the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay entrance onto Church Creek Road, and then follow the signs to the event.

Note if you are using GPS, you must enter the physical address of the refuge. Do not use “Blackwater Wildlife Refuge”.

2145 Key Wallace Drive
Cambridge, Maryland 21613

For major events, parking is limited to the maintenance office lot and traffic is diverted along a back road. Simply follow the event signs past farm fields and forests about five miles until you get to the marked parking lot. A shuttle bus takes visitors to the hub of activities, about one mile away. There are 70 parking spaces at the refuge Visitor’s Center reserved for handicapped access, emergency vehicles and employee parking. These spaces are open to the public on non-event days.

Things to Remember:

This event is great when the weather cooperates. Rainy or foggy weather would not be fun for little ones.
There are no restaurants in walking distance: pack a picnic or rely on the burgers, hot dogs and candy snacks provided on site by a local Boy Scout Troop Pack 532.

Gemma taking a turn on the bow with expert help

What To Do

Venture indoors: The Visitors Center features a shop and two floors of educational exhibits. Upstairs there are four powerful telescopes and access to the RaptorCam, which streams live video of an osprey nest.

Venture Outdoors: The small but beautiful native garden faces the loop drive and is perfect for bird watching, a seat in the sun, butterfly gazing or a picnic. The nearby Loop Drive offers five miles of bird and creature watching at your leisure.

MDNR Scales to Tails: Get up close to owls, eagles, hawks and osprey through this great state-sponsored rescue and rehabilitation program.

Talk to a Ranger: See large birds of prey in person as you listen to a ranger from the DNR talk about native species. Not your typical boring presentation, even children sit mesmerized by the birds and the ranger’s information.

See exhibits from regional wildlife organizations. Note that some of these exhibits are do-not-touch, but who can resist identifying scat or fur samples or getting nose to nose with a turtle?

Make a craft: three to four child-friendly, take-home crafts are inside weather proof tents and managed by volunteers.

Make your own bird house. What kid, let alone parent, doesn’t want to take up hammer and glue to make a DIY birdhouse? If your kids get bored waiting in line, there are sand pits for little ones to play in on either side. Keep this in mind when deciding what to wear.

Take a Selfie with an (mascot) Eagle

Go on an Eagle Prowl: join a ranger to spot eagles and falcons throughout the refuge.

Learn how to shoot a bow-and-arrow. Kind and patient professional instructors show Robin Hood wannabe’s the right moves for hitting the target every time.

Shoot a Daisy BB gun. Brave the line, don the goggles and aim for the targets. Managed by professional Daisy representatives who have safety as their Number One priority. Each participant gets their target to take home.

Nearby:

Beyond the festival is the refuge itself, a marvelous and beautiful example of Maryland’s Eastern Shore long before development.
If your children aren’t adequately tired out, stop off at Sailwinds Park in Cambridge, located near the Dorchester County Visitors Center on the south side of the Choptank River bridge. The park features a faux lighthouse, plenty of green space for running and kite flying, a playground, swings overlooking the charming river and public bathrooms.
Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, a large resort and marina perfect for all ages, with an indoor pool, all season golf course, fine dining and spa.
Harriott Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park
City of Cambridge historic downtown

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New York for Christmas

December 7, 2017 By Diana 1 Comment

If there is a better place in America than New York City for Christmas, I need to know about it. Yes, there are beautiful small towns lit up to light the way from ski slope to bar in the West, and there are cute little Santa sand castles in the South, but really, there’s nothing like an entire island lit up in a million different ways to get you into the holiday spirit.

If you are planning a trip to NYC this Christmas season, here are some things not to miss. A couple of tips: dress in layers and carry a bag in which to put all those layers. Be smart about carrying valuables. Bring tissues for runny noses. Eat. Be patient.

The Exploring

If you want to get in some steps, burn some of the calories you’ve been ingesting, or just see the sights at ground level, pack your walking shoes and hit the High Line. Running along the West Side (the sunset side along the Hudson) from Gansevoort Street in the Meatpacking District to West 34th Street, between 10th and 12th Avenues, the High Line is an elevated park that used to be railroad tracks. Other walks include a stroll from Times Square to Central Park and through SoHo.

The Windows

New York is famous for holiday displays in department store windows. These are easy to find with a stroll from Macy’s Herald Square (34th Street) over to Fifth Avenue and up to Central Park. En route you will find the shops around Rockefeller Center, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Henri Bendel, Tiffany and Co. and over on Lexington, Bloomingdale’s. NYcurbed.com provides a handy map and a description of the different display themes. This plan allows for some fabulous shopping and the added plus of taking you off Broadway and out of Times Square (always crowded) as you walk through midtown.

The Lights

Nothing says holiday like a good lights display and New York knows just how to do it. One of the more famous displays is the Dyker Heights neighborhood of Brooklyn. Time Out New York magazine has a great guide for out-of-towners. When I lived in NYC, I would take the bus from Manhattan, an easy ride, and I still suggest this for transportation. A taxi will be extremely expensive, the subway drops you off several blocks away and parking your own car will be a nightmare. If the weather is mild, then, by all means, take the subway and enjoy the stroll. Do plan ahead by bringing comfortable shoes, because the lights are spread throughout the neighborhood–not just on one street. You might opt for a tour, but at about $50 per person this is an expensive option compared to free, and anyway, these tours sell out very quickly.

Other great options to view the Christmas lights are:

take a river cruise around the island of Manhattan
walk over the Brooklyn Bridge (bundle up!)
take a bus over to nearby neighborhoods in the Bronx or Queens
take a walk through Hell’s Kitchen under the lights of Fifth Avenue (or see above store displays, which are lit at night for even better viewing, without the crowds)
walk Park Avenue between 54th and 87th–there are plenty of bars and restaurants, or skip over to 3rd Avenue for even more.
warm up in the foyer of the shops at Columbus Circle (enter near Whole Foods Market). Also see the markets mentioned below.

The Christmas Markets

Nowhere in the world does a Christmas market like Europe, but New York is quickly making strides, in their own unique (albeit very commercial) way. The biggest and most developed market is the Bank of America Winter Village at Bryant Park. Enjoy shopping the stalls for local goods then grab some hot chocolate or enjoy a bit of time on the ice.

Other markets include:

Union Square
Vanderbilt Hall in Grand Central Station
Columbus Circle

Rockefeller Center has every holiday delight you could want: lights, sparkle, skating, shopping, and plenty of good cheer. No food or drinks worth your $$$ though. If you are desperate, try The Dean & DeLuca cafe or a tucked away pizza shop.

The Dancing

A classic and beloved holiday season performance is the Radio City Rockette’s Christmas Spectacular. This show particularly appeals to children, since it features plenty of seasonal characters and even live animals, but is equally endearing for adults. If you prefer the ballet, then you must see George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker performed by the New York City Ballet at Lincoln Center. One of my favorite Nutcracker performances is in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, home to thousands of Russian immigrants. If you need your Nutcracker with a twist, you can have it served up just about any way you like, including with some hip-hop. Red Tricycle has a list of most of the local performances.

If you could do without this ubiquitous tradition, why not consider Isaac Mizrahi’s Peter and the Wolf at the Guggenheim (limited run), or a Broadway show such as Anastasia, the great story of Russia’s lost then rediscovered Tsarina.

Photo by TripSavvy

The Trees

What would the holiday season be without the tree? The most famous tree is of course in Rockefeller Center. But there are many others worth viewing.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art Children’s Tree and Neopolitan Baroque Creche
The New York Botanical Garden–be sure to view the trains as well.
The New York Stock Exchange (near the 9/11 Memorial)
South Street Seaport (a stopover en route to Brooklyn)
Washington Square Park Arch
Lotte New York Palace on Madison
Lincoln Square
Cathedral of St. John the Divine Peace Tree

The Music and Theater

What would the holidays be without music? Some of the best sounds to come out of Manhattan are found for free in subway terminals and on street corners. Other great performances can be found at Carnegie Hall, The Blue Note, where Chris Botti’s Holiday Residency showcases a suite of jazzy favorites, and Woody Allen and his jazz band at the Carlyle. If you prefer a theater performance, check out this post about family friendly events on the New York City Theater’s website.

The Skating

There are plenty of opportunities to skate for a reasonable price in New York. The most touristy is, of course, Rockefeller Center. It isn’t my favorite because it is located at concourse level, which means everyone at street level is looking down at your performance. On the other hand, you might catch a special skate performance by professional skaters here. Other locations include:

The Rink at the Winter Village in Bryant Park
The LeFrak Center, an indoor rink in Brooklyn
Sky Rink, an indoor rink at Chelsea Piers
Riverbank Rink on the West Side- I love this rink for its views over the Hudson to Jersey.
Wollman Rink in Central Park

There is so much to do in New York for the holidays, I could go on and on. If ever there was a good time to rent a carriage for a ride through Central Park, this is it. Have a hot chocolate at The Plaza before or after. Go to St. Patrick’s Cathedral or any other church you’ve ever wanted to visit for a holiday service. See the worlds largest Menorah in Brooklyn. Embrace your status as a tourist and get a picture in your Ugly Sweater at Top of the Rock, where you can get a meal ($$$) and a drink, or at the Empire State Building, lit especially for the holiday.

The Lobbies

There are few things better than walking the streets, all bundled up, with the wind blowing briskly off the river, and ducking into a favorite little spot for something to warm you up. Hotel lobbies are fantastic for this. I particularly love the Standard Hotel in the Meat Packing district (it has a tiny little ice rink), but also the St. Regis, the Plaza, and Bemelman’s at the Carlyle.

Well, suffice it to say, New York is a great city and I hope you have a wonderful time! That’s a lot of superlatives because I love New York that much!! If you have any questions or want to let us know your favorite places, please do comment here or on the Facebook page.

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16 Books to Gift the Young Reader

December 6, 2017 By Diana Leave a Comment

Gemma’s idea of a fine afternoon in Paris: 3 hours lost in the Galignani bookstore

As a voracious reader, I think that books might just be the ideal gift: they are a rendering of our affection for the recipient. Think about it: a book, wisely and carefully chosen, reflects just how well you know a person, how well you understand them, what you might hope for them, what you think they will or will not like.

My daughter is also a voracious reader. By this, I mean that like me she will read every sign, every label, every ad, every magazine cover, any word she can get her eyes on. We both read quick and dirty. By this I mean we are fast readers (for example, I read Diana Gabaldon’s 640-page Outlander in 2 days and I can tell you every detail in this incredibly detailed book) we immerse ourselves in the story. We linger on every word, every phrase; we ingest. We become a part of the story. We are perfectly content to while away an entire day with a good book, our minds and dreams carried away from wherever we are, like a leaf on the breeze.

So, if you have a young reader in the family, or if you are encouraging your young reader to read more, we thought we might compile a list of books that would make nice gifts this holiday season. These books are notable in that they are great for any gender, they are “clean” and generally speaking, they have something to offer in the way thinking about life in a new and fresh way. Gemma compiled and wrote this list, so keep in mind, these are the thoughts of a ten-year-old. She notes that they are not in any kind of order.

1. RoofToppers by Katherine Randall

Sophie was found in a cello case floating on the English channel when she was only one year old. Orphaned by the shipwreck, Sophie swears that she remembers seeing her mother waving for help. Since there are no other female survivors of the wreck, this vision of her mother must be a dream. Although her guardian, Charles, tells Sophie it’s almost impossible, Sophie still believes her mother lives.

When the adoption agency threatens to take Sophie away, she and Charles head to Paris to find her mother with only the address of the cello maker, printed on the case. When Sophie finds a secret network of orphans in hiding on the rooftops, her chances of finding her mother seem to get even better. As Sophie and her friends race against time, hilarious and heartfelt moments and incidents occur.

I also read The Explorer and The Wolf Rider by Katherine Rundell. I found them in a bookstore in Paris. The Wolf Rider is amazing and I highly recommend it. So is The Explorer, which is about a group of kids who have to survive a plane crash into the Amazon. The children find a map, which leads them to a secret and to many great adventures.

2. Julie of the Wolves by Jean George (author) and John Schoenherr (Illustrator)

Review by Emilie Coulter from Amazon.com:

Miyax, like many adolescents, is torn. But unlike most, her choices may determine whether she lives or dies. At 13, an orphan, and unhappily married, Miyax runs away from her husband’s parents’ home, hoping to reach San Francisco and her pen pal. But she becomes lost in the vast Alaskan tundra, with no food, no shelter, and no idea which is the way to safety. Now, more than ever, she must look hard at who she really is. Is she Miyax, Eskimo girl of the old ways? Or is she Julie (her “gussak”-white people-name), the modernized teenager who must mock the traditional customs? And when a pack of wolves begins to accept her into their community, Miyax must learn to think like a wolf as well. If she trusts her Eskimo instincts, will she stand a chance of surviving? John Schoenherr’s line drawings suggest rather than tell about the compelling experiences of a girl searching for answers in a bleak landscape that at first glance would seem to hold nothing. Fans of Jean Craighead George’s stunning, Newberry Medal-winning coming-of-age story won’t want to miss Julie (1994) and Julie’s Wolf Pack (1998).

3. Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

This amazing book tells the tale of AnneMarie Johansen, a young girl in Nazi-occupied Denmark in World War 2. AnneMarie’s family takes in her best friend, a Jew, and attempts to rescue her by smuggling her across the sea disguised as AnneMarie’s sister, who died in the Resistance. When Ellen’s father loses an important package, AnneMarie must risk her life to return it to him. The package contains a handkerchief covered in a special formula that makes it so the dogs used to hunt for escaping Jews can’t smell them. Ultimately, this story is about good and evil and how even children can be courageous when they know that good must win.

Review by Amazon:

The evacuation of Jews from Nazi-held Denmark is one of the great untold stories of World War II. On September 29, 1943, word got out in Denmark that Jews were to be detained and then sent to the death camps. Within hours the Danish resistance, population and police arranged a small flotilla to herd 7,000 Jews to Sweden. Lois Lowry fictionalizes a true-story account to bring this courageous tale to life. She brings the experience to life through the eyes of 10-year-old Annemarie Johannesen, whose family harbors her best friend, Ellen Rosen, on the eve of the round-up and helps smuggles Ellen’s family out of the country.

4. Icefall by Matthew J. Kirby

Trapped in a hidden ice fortress for protection, Solveig, her brother the Crown Prince, her older sister and an army of boisterous warriors await news of their father, who is away at battle. But when no news is delivered, and treacherous activities begin to occur, the children begin to wonder if their friends could be traitors. Solveig and her siblings must choose their allies wisely. This book has suspense, fantastic descriptions of life in a medieval Nordic landscape, wonderful characters and plenty of opportunities for Solveig to prove her courage and strength. If you like Nordic mythology or tales of kingdoms and danger, you will like Icefall.

5. The Fellowship Of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

“One ring to rule them all, one ring to find them. One ring to bring them all and in the darkness bind them.”

Sauron, the dark lord, made a powerful ring that could decide the fate of the world. But when he lost it, the ring passed through many generations until Bilbo Baggins, wins it in an intense contest for life or death against an evil creature called Gollum.

When Bilbo realizes the ring’s potential to wreak havoc and evil, he gives it to his young nephew, Frodo, who sets off to the cracks of doom with his faithful friends to destroy the ring once and for all to foil Saurons dark plot. This timeless classic written by J. R.R. Tolkien will live on forever as one of the greatest books ever written.

6. Island Of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell

This is the story of the story of Karana, a Native American girl living alone on the Island of Blue Dolphins. When a terrible tragedy strikes her tribe and many of the members, including Karana’s father, the Chief, die, a boat comes to rescue survivors. When Karana misses the boat, she is forced to find a way to live, to find food, clothe herself, and build a home on the beautiful island. This is a Newberry Award winning book that every 4th or 5th grader should be required to read. It is a classic.

7. Hazardous Tales: One Dead Spy, The Donner Dinner Party, Alamo All Stars and Treaties, Trenches, Mud, and Blood (A World War I Tale) by Nathan Hale

These graphic novels use a mix of facts, humor and a clear grasp of the interesting facts and personalities that define moments in American history. One Dead Spy follows the real Nathan Hale, a schoolteacher turned spy in the American Revolution. The Donner Dinner Party tells the story of how the Donner Party attempted to cross the Continental Divide en route to California in the years of the Gold Rush. Alama All Stars showcases the larger-than-life men who barricaded a small fort against a large Mexican army. Each of these books reveals who lived, who died, who helped (or didn’t) and other well-researched exploits of American heroes. There are seven books in the Hazardous Tales series, and my brother and I love them all. The drawings are as good as the story. There are bibliographies at the end if you want to learn more.

8. Refugee by Alan Gratz

This is an excellent book. Josef is a Jewish boy living in 1930s Nazi Germany. When he must join his mother and young sister to escape extermination in the concentration camps, he and his family board a ship for America. Isabel is a Cuban girl in 1994. When her family experiences the hunger, riots, and danger of life in her country, she and her family set out on a raft, also hoping to find safety in America. Mahmoud is a Syrian boy in 2015. With his country destroyed by war, he and his family begin a long trek to Europe. Each of these children will face dangers that children my age in America will never imagine as they try to find a safe place to live. This novel is action packed, and although you might wonder how these three characters from different times will relate to each other in the end, believe me, it all comes together in a way that helped me better understand what it means to simply want to find a home.

9. The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare

When Daniel bar Jamin sees his father executed by the Romans in New Testament era land of Israel, he devotes himself to avenge his father’s death. He joins a group of other young boys to spy on the Romans and to plot their demise. Daniel learns of the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth, but is turned off by the message of forgiveness, which leaves no room for his brooding hate. As Daniel lets his hate overcome his closest friendships, his love and even the needs of his own sister, who has struggles of her own, he heads toward disaster, only to learn in the end how to accept and understand love. This book is another Newbery Medal winner.

10. The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Speare

When her grandmother dies and a much older man tries to force her into marriage, young Kit Tyler leaves her home in Barbados for New England. As she travels on a boat upriver through Connecticut, a child accidentally loses her favorite toy overboard, and Kit jumps into the water to save it. When the other passengers see her swimming so strongly, they begin to wonder if she is a witch.

Life in her new home is difficult: the weather is cold compared to her island home, Kit wants to teach girls to read and write but is prevented from doing so, her aunt and uncle’s family is not exactly welcoming and Kit fears the townspeople’s growing suspicions against her. During these hardships, Kit develops a deep friendship with Hannah, an outlawed Quaker. The story peaks when Kit is accused of being a witch when a practice book filled with the letters of a local child is found. This book is a tale of friendship, of love, of caring for others and of what it means to be strong and smart, even when people tell you that you can’t be.

11. Edgar Allan Poe’s Tales of Mystery and Madness, Illustrated by Gris Grimly

This book contains four classic Edgar Allen Poe stories, all of which will scare you, make you wonder, and sometimes make you laugh: The Black Cat, the MAsque of the Red Death, Hop-Frog and The Fall of the House of Usher. My mom gave me this book for Halloween, but I’ve read it several times. In fact, I love to hear her read it out loud, as she makes things like a dead cat coming back to life at the exact moment that the police give up searching for the murdered woman the cat is hidden with seem believable…in a good way. Edgar Allen Poe was no Sherlock when it comes to smart murders, but he sure does make scary stories alot of fun. Another book full of scary, but great stories is Grimms Fairy Tales.

12. Jim Thorpe’s Bright Path by Joseph Brushac and Bright Path: Young Jim Thorpe by Don Brown

These books tell the story of Bright Path, better know as Jim Thorpe, the “Greatest Athlete in the World”. Most kids my age have heard of Jim Thorpe but don’t know the story of how he overcame a difficult life to become a champion athlete. Jim lost his twin brother to pneumonia and later, his mother as well. His father was killed in an accident. As a Native American, he was sent away to an Indian school where he couldn’t speak his language and where the white people tried to make him forget his Native traditions. Although Jim wanted to study electricity, he was recruited to attend a school in Pennsylvania, where he grew to love football, track and field, and many other sports. These two books tell Jim’s tale. Combined they tell a more complete story of Jim’s life before and after his trip to the Olympics, where he set longstanding records in track and field events. These books are great for younger readers as well.

13. National Geographic Book of Animal Poetry

I love poetry, and wish my school would spend more time learning about different styles of poems and why they are as important as books. I love to write poetry too. This book looks like its for little children–I received it as a gift when I was 5–but it is good four older kids too. The poems include classics by Robert Louis Stevenson, Emily Dickinson, Rudyard Kipling and others, as well as many haiku, nursery rhymes and more recent authors. The pictures of the animals are amazing. This books makes me want to read and write poetry every time I open it. My brother who is 9 loves it too.

14. The Dragon Charmer Series by Laurie McKay

These books follow Caden, eighth-born prince of Razzon, who has been waiting his entire life to finally slay a dragon. When he finally gets the chance, he is magically and mysteriously transported from his home to Asheville, North Carolina. Please see my note below about The Serafina Series. I think I really need to get to North Carolina soon.

15. The Serafina Series: Serafina and the Black Cloak, Serafina and the Twisted Staff, Serafina and the Splintered Heart by Robert Beatty

These are some of my favorite books of all time. These stories follow Serafina, a young girl in North Carolina who lives in the basement of the Biltmore with her father. It turns out, Serafina is half catamount and has special powers. She uses these powers in the fight against evil. Serafina is truly the hero of all the people and creatures of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

16. The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

Amazon review:

Once a year in the Protectorate there is a Day of Sacrifice. The youngest baby is taken by the Elders and left in the forest to die, thus appeasing the witch who threatens to destroy the village if not obeyed. Unbeknownst to the people, Xan, the witch of the forest, is kind and compassionate. When she discovers the first baby left as a sacrifice, she has no idea why it has been abandoned. She rescues the infants, feeds each one starlight, and delivers the shining infants to parents in the Outside Cities who love and care for them. On one occasion, Xan accidentally feeds a baby moonlight along with starlight, filling her with glowing magic. Xan is smitten with the beautiful baby girl, who has a crescent moon birthmark on her forehead, and chooses to raise her as her own child. Twists and turns emerge as the identity of the true evil witch becomes apparent. The swiftly paced, highly imaginative plot draws a myriad of threads together to form a web of characters, magic, and integrated lives. Spiritual overtones encompass much of the storytelling with love as the glue that holds it all together. VERDICT An expertly woven and enchanting offering for readers who love classic fairy tales.—D. Maria LaRocco

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More Ways to Get Wet in Chesapeake Country: Pools, Parks & Fountains

July 19, 2017 By Diana Leave a Comment

Holy Moses and all the prophets! It is hot AF here in Annapolis. Sorry to be crass, but I just can’t get cool!!

If you aren’t lucky enough to own your own pool, or don’t want to splurge on a pool membership there are still plenty of ways to get wet during a hot Mid Atlantic summer. Whether you prefer a fountain (this link will show you several public fountains in the DC area), a waterpark or a pool, here is a comprehensive list of places we’ve visited in our quest to beat the heat, have fun and stay active. If you are looking for a more natural setting, check out our recent post on rivers, lakes, streams and waterfalls.

Frontier Town, Berlin, Worcester County, MD

The little ones will splash in a shallow wading area with a covered wagon, mini-slides and water sprays, while the older kids can enjoy wilder features like a triple-lane waterslide or tubing flume. If you aren’t into the thrills, enjoy the lazy river, the poolside grill or mini golf (separate admission during peak season). Plenty of free parking, bathhouses, changing rooms and lockers. Very busy in the summer as this is close to Ocean City and Salisbury.

Chesapeake Beach Waterpark

Chesapeake Beach Water Park, Chesapeake Beach, Calvert County, MD

Owned by the town of Chesapeake Beach and connected to their community center, this water park is very popular. It is clean, there are many very alert lifeguards, and there is plenty of (crowded) fun for all ages.

My main complaint here is that no outside water, drinks or food of any kind are allowed, and yet their concession is truly horrible and unhealthy, with no alternatives other than small plastic water bottles, hamburgers and hotdogs, and no emphasis whatsoever on recycling all those bottles and trash, even though the facility is within steps of the Bay. It’s also tough to find even a drop of shade. But you could rent a tent/pavilion for about $60 if you want to guarantee a spot and have shade all day.

Older kids can stay up late for the evening swim and light show. Go in the afternoon for a discounted price. The park also offers lap swim in the mornings, and this is the ideal place to enjoy swimming with or against a current. Swim lessons also available.

You can get season passes, which are very reasonable, or day tickets. You can also find $14 ($7 off) children’s tickets through certifikid.

INSIDER TIP: If you use a prepaid groupon or certifikid coupon to enter the park, you have to stand in a separate line, which is to the left of the main entry. That line is usually much, much longer than the regular priced entry, so plan accordingly. The park opens at 11, and the line begins to form around 10:30.

Downtown Silver Spring Fountain, Silver Spring, Montgomery County, MD

The bustling shopping/dining/living suburban destination outside of DC gets a lot of foot traffic, so this fountain can be crowded or at least have a lot of onlookers. There is very little shade to be found, but there are some spots to sit on a bench-height wall.

There are innumerable eateries very close by. Discovery’s headquarters are about a block away (its lobby has a large dinosaur sculpture and other things for kids to see). A farmers market sets up Saturday mornings along the street right next to the fountain. If you are lucky enough to have a kid friendly movie selection at the time of your visit, be sure to visit the AFI Theater. We saw The Eagle Huntress there and the experience was fantastic. Reserve seats ahead of time and keep a little tummy room for movie treats, including some healthy options from Whole Foods Market (or an adult drink from the bar). Regal Theater is close by if you want a mass market movie, as are many restaurants, most chains like Lebanese Taverna and Eggcellence.

The fountain is on from spring through fall, and hours are 10am to 9pm.

North Arundel Aquatic Center, Glen Burnie, Anne Arundel County, MD
If you want to work off some energy, but don’t necessarily want to be outside, head to this small but inviting indoor water park just off Route 97. You won’t escape the humidity, but at least no one will be bored.

Little ones can zip down the toddler water slide, tip water buckets, splash in spouting fountains or play with the interactive built-in toys — all in a zero-entry wading pool reminiscent of Great Wolf Lodge. Older or taller kids can experience the large slide. There is a whirlpool here my kids could play in for hours, delighting in how the current pulls them round and round. There are also swim lanes and an outside area in summer. Special preschool swim times ensure a calm and kid-friendly experience and swim lessons are available. Children must be 3 or older and toilet-trained.

Insider Tip: This pool requires timed entry and you have to pay cash or check. While the timed entry is not convenient at all if you don’t schedule things just right, it means that the pool isn’t overly crowded. By this I do not mean that it won’t be crowded, especially on camp or rainy days, just that is will be reasonably crowded. Weekends are two-hour timed swims.

Other tip: this is a great place for a birthday or other party. In fact, I have rented the party space for casual playdates when I knew the weather would be gross but that my kids would want to get some water time in.

Hours June 18-Aug. 20, 2016: Daily 11 a.m.-7:45 p.m. with two-hour blocks. Admission: Adults, $6 for Anne Arundel County residents, $8 for non-residents; ages 17 and younger, $4 for residents, $6 for non-residents. 410-222-0090

Truxton Park Pool, Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, MD

The Truxtun Park Municipal Swim Center is the only outdoor public pool in the City of Annapolis. No membership is required, though Season Passes are available for frequent users. A great place to swim laps or splash around with the whole family during the hot summer months. The Truxtun Park Pool also offers a wide variety of programs for swimmers of all ages and skill levels.

Age *2 and Under with paying adult = free
Youth** (ages 3-17) = $4
Adult (ages 18-61) = $5
Senior (ages 62+) = $4
Children not potty trained must wear a tight-fitting ecology suit over top of their swim diaper.
Children under 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian 18 years of age or older. No exceptions. Youth ages 13-17 must sign in with the name and phone of a parent/guardian lifeguards can contact in the event of an emergency.

Glenn Dale Splash Park, Glenn Dale, Prince George’s County, MD

This splash park has two levels of fun including spraying mushrooms and floating animals. Two waterslides empty into the shallow waters of a toddler pool — one for small inner tubes and another for traditional sliding. The main pool also has zero-depth entry. Older kids will love the large flume slide and aquatic adventure area with a lily pad crossing.

Lockers, changing rooms, shade, chairs and vending are on site, including a Rita’s Italian Ice.

Admission: Adults, $6 for PG County residents, $8 for non-residents; ages 3-17, $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents; 2 and under, free Hours: Open May 28-Sept. 5, 201. Monday-Thursday, noon-5:45 p.m.; Friday-Sunday, noon-6:45 p.m.

Rollingcrest-Chillum Splash Pool, Chillum, Prince George’s County, MD

This colorful indoor splash park is perfect for preschoolers. The children’s area has a playground with slides, tubes and bridges right in the center of the 1-foot deep pool. Interactive toys, sprays and dump buckets keep kids soaked while they play. The main pool also has a zero-depth entry along with a lily pad crossing and an indoor-outdoor tube slide for older kids.

Admission: Adults, $6 for PG County residents, $8 for non-residents; ages 3-17, $5 for residents, $7 for non-residents; ages 2 and under, free. Hours: Monday noon-5:45 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday 4 p.m.-5:45 p.m., Friday noon-8:45 p.m., weekends noon-4:45 p.m.

Roger Carter Community Center, Ellicott City, Howard County, MD

The center has a splash pad and swim center for swimmers of all ages. Colorful pipes spray onto a padded outdoor deck, while overhead buckets dump water to keep kids cool. The outdoor splash pad is connected to an enormous indoor swim center with a zero-depth entry pool that has a retractable roof and walls for summer use.

There are lockers, vending machines and bathroom/changing rooms on site.

Good Hope Playground, Silver Spring, Montgomery County, MD

Note: For 2017 the sprayground is closed while the community center is renovated.

Cove Point Pool, Lusby, Calvert County, MD
This partially shaded toddler pool offers a zero-depth entry wading pool with spouting whale and fountains for splashing. Older siblings will enjoy the windy waterslides in the main pool. Concession stand is on-site with a playground nearby.

Admission: Resident Adults, $6; residents ages 3-17, $4; ages 2 and younger, free
Non-resident Adults, $8; non-residents ages 3-17, $6 Hours: June 9-Sept. 5, 2016. Weekdays, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; weekends, noon-8 p.m. 410-394-6248.

Six Flags America, Upper Marlboro, Prince George’s County, MD

With a massive wave pool generating ocean-sized waves, a raft ride called “Tornado” that carries riders up to 35 feet per second, a 517-foot, high-speed inner tube slide, smaller-scale double slides and a lazy river, Six Flags America’s Upper Marlboro water park has water adventures for all ages. My kids would go here everyday if I could stand it (or afford it). Life vests are available for visitors under 48 inches tall or those who are not confident swimmers. And if you need a break from all the wet and wild fun, head over to the amusement park. Cabanas with tables, chairs, food and beverage service and tube rentals, for a fee, making this an awesome spot for a planned party.

INSIDER TIP: As with all other water parks, certain heights go on certain rides and if your kids are like mine, being too short can be a bummer worthy of a day-long pout. Be sure you are all well informed about who can go on what.

INSIDER TIP: this park is crowded. I dress my kids in neon shorts and shirts so I can spot them a little better, and I travel with another adult so we can pair off to stay with the kids at all times.

INSIDER TIP: Check out what Six Flags has to say about their park BEFORE YOU GO.

General admission $59.99. Guests under 48 inches are $39.99. Children ages 2 and under are free. You can sometimes find coupons or you can try for the official Summer 2017 discount, 40% off the regular price.

South Germantown Recreational Park Splash Playground, Germantown, Montgomery County, MD
The splash playground includes a 280-jet water maze, a cave with a waterfall, spraying animals, water-bucket drops and a slide. To make a day of your trip, check out the park’s 18-hole mini-golf course, adjacent to the splash playground. Children under 2 are free.

Walter Sondheim Fountain aWest Shore Park, Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD
While there are many reasons to love Baltimore’s Inner Harbor, this fountain is at the top of our list. Located between the Maryland Science Center and Baltimore Visitor Center in West Shore Park, the fountain, is the perfect ending to a great day exploring all the Harbor offers.

Nearby tables and umbrellas can provide a break from activity if needed. In the summer, the fountain runs from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Go in the early morning for less traffic and you might have the fountain all to yourself. Then change in the bathrooms of the Science Center, Visitor Center or Aquarium and move on to other kinds of fun. Be sure to check out the acoustic park on the other end of the Harbor and maybe take a ferry ride over to Wit & Wisdom, one of our favorite restaurants in the area.

Free.

OH that little face!!! The indoor pool at Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay, Cambridge, Eastern Shore, MD

We reviewed this hotel here, and wrote extensively about it for GreenBook magazine. We love the Hyatt and highly recommend it. Two large outdoor pools, one with a small waterslide and fountain, are available for guests and slipholders, as is the indoor pool and hot tub.

Nearby Cambridge offers plenty of entertainment—their waterfront park is the perfect place to recover from a filling meal as you watch the sun go down. The area is surrounded by water so you shouldn’t have a hard time figuring out how to stay cool or at least get wet.

A view of the pool at Herrington Harbor from the bar.

Inn at Herrington Harbor, Rosehaven, Calvert County, MD

Another hidden gem, we think because staying here can be price prohibitive for some folks. It’s worth the splurge. We’ve written an in-depth piece about this property for GreenBook Magazine you should check out–it includes lots of our photos so you can get an idea of what’s there. Having been offered a gorgeous suite for that article, we are incredibly spoiled and look forward to a stay here sometime soon.

The large pool can accommodate a crowd, and the pool bar serves fantastic drinks. My kids were able to take a 1/2 hour that turned into 45 minutes swim lesson with a remarkable young lady who was really fantastic. There is a small fitness room next to the pool.

The property sits on Herring Bay and is a designated No Dump Zone. The family that owns the Inn and Marina is intent on environmental conservation. When you stay here (in the hotel or in a slip) you have free access to the beach, kayaks, beach gear and everything you might need to enjoy a day on the Bay.

From here you are within a few short miles of Chesapeake Beach, North Beach, Brownie Beach, Flag Pond Park, Chestnut Land Trust trails and Calvert Cliffs State Park, all previously mentioned on this site.

OTHER WATER PARKS we’ve enjoyed:

Jellystone Park, Hagerstown, MD

Massanutten Waterpark McGaheysville, VA

Great Waves Waterpark Alexandria, VA

Water Mine Family Swimmin’ Hole, Lorton, VA

Water Country USA, Williamsburg, VA

Great Wolf Lodge, Williamsburg

Great Wolf Lodge, Poconos, NJ

Busch Gardens, Williamsburg (available as a two-pack with Water Country USA, both owned by SeaWorld)

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30 Ways to Get Wet in Maryland

July 18, 2017 By Diana Leave a Comment

So this past winter I was diagnosed with skin cancer. This unfortunate turn of events means that I am hyper aware of sun protection. And the more I am aware of the sun, the hotter I get, and the more I want to lather up with some Hawaiian Tropic spf 5 oil like I did as a kid. The more I think about how I can’t be in the sun, I want to be on the beach, or on a boat, or laying out on the dock with a book for endless hours. This is what summer is made of.

The more I think about these things, the more I realize that the kids and I have visited dozens of cooling off spots that are pretty darn cool, places most folks don’t know about or don’t visit. So here is our comprehensive list. It’s long. Buckle Up. I do think there is much to learn here.

NOTE:

This list is not necessarily in order of preference (although subconsciously it might be).
This list does not list many places on the Bay. We tend to not get in the water too much around Sandy Point, one of the most polluted areas on the Bay, or Terrapin on Kent Island, both two popular beaches.
This list is a nod to the fact that much of Anne Arundel and Calvert counties have hundreds of miles of waterfront property, most of it privately owned and inaccessible. That makes us a little sad but has also made the challenge of visiting other cities and counties even more exciting.
This list doesn’t include Assateague, Rehoboth, Ocean City, Virginia Beach or other Atlantic beaches. That’s another post for another day.
This list doesn’t include waterside restaurants, bars, etc. That’s another post too.
This list includes water holes as far away as 4 hours, so not all are day trips.
This list is organized by National and State Parks, by City facilities like fountains and parks, and by Inns/Resorts, which I will break up into separate posts.
I have a ton of photos, but the site gets overloaded when I use too many, and anyway the post gets way too long, so message me if you want visuals.

Cameron with an eel freshly caught from the Bay.

Dans Mountain State Park, Allegany County, MD

Why this park is not mentioned more often we just don’t know. Maybe because it is off the main road? Sort of hidden? We aren’t sure, but we do know that it is so cool and costs just $4/day.

Follow a long, shady and just beautifully green road around Dans Mountain. At the end of this curling road, you will find an Olympic sized pool with a waterslide, big recycled tire playground, picnic pavilions, expansive green lawns and a fishing lake. Nearby Dan’s Rock Overlook affords a panoramic view of the surrounding region from a height of 2,898 feet.

Open 7 days per week, with a lifeguard, bathrooms and snack shack, Dan’s Mountain is about 3 hours from Annapolis and truly a world away. A perfect stop-off en route to Deep Creek Lake.

Point Lookout State Park, St. Mary’s County, MD

Maybe its because it is way down “deep in the county”, or maybe its because it is one of the most haunted places in America, but Point Lookout State Park is typically lightly traveled. Truth be told, the DNR website says it is very popular, and we haven’t been here during peak season, but even then the park is large enough that I can’t imagine it actually feeling crowded as in Ocean City or Miami Beach clustered.

I would definitely classify this as a Hidden Gem. The water here is beautiful, you have all the amenities of a State Park and you have the added bonus of an incredible history and the potential to see any sort of ghost sunbathing next to you. There is a pet beach, a lighthouse, a pier, camping facilities ( my kids are BEGGING me to stay here overnight but that is a NO GO), watercraft rentals and even a winery on the way in.

INSIDER TIP: mosquitoes galore, bring spray.

Other cool places in St. Mary’s County include St. Clement’s Island, Broome’s Island, St. Mary’s State Park (it has a great mountain bike trail and lake paddling), Myrtle Point Beach on the Patuxent River and Elms Beach on the Chesapeake Bay.

Hart-Miller Island, Baltimore County, MD

Hart-Miller Island is a Maryland State Park accessible only by personal boat. The closest launch is Rocky Point State Park.

Located at the mouth of Back and Middle Rivers, Rocky Point boasts an expansive view of the Chesapeake Bay, Hart-Miller Island and Craighill Light and one of the nicest beaches on the upper Chesapeake.

Information: (410) 592-2897

Mallows Bay in Charles County is definitely off the beaten path, unusual and well worth the trip.

Chesapeake Ship Graveyard at Mallows Bay, Charles County, MD

Mallows Bay lies on the Maryland side of the Potomac River and is home to the largest shipwreck fleet in the western hemisphere. In fact, it is the first marine sanctuary in Maryland.

See how many different species of wildlife you can spot (print out the handy Charles County Water Trails pdf before you go) and imagine the ride across the Atlantic or through the bays and rivers of the Chesapeake in a ship as you glide over more than 200 mysterious remains.

The area is contiguous with the Lower Potomac Water Trail, Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail, Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail and the Charles County Water Trail. View of video of kayaking here.

Access Mallows Bay with your kayak, paddleboard or canoe via public boat launch in Charles County. Kayak rentals and guides are available.

Kentmorr, Kent Island, MD

If you want an authentic Chesapeake afternoon, head by bike, jetski, car or boat to one of our highly recommended favorites, Kentmorr Restaurant and Crabhouse. This in-the-know, mostly locals spot is over the Bay Bridge, down Route 8, on the right side of the road past the airfield.

Park in the small lot or pull right up to the marina, then head straight to the beach. Snag a hammock amidst the palms and read a book whilst watching your kids play on the beach. Take a break to head to the Tiki Bar or go into the restaurant for a fine meal. This is the ideal place to watch the sun set over the bay, with the Bay Bridge in the distance, over a big stack of crabs or some delicious local rockfish. Great burgers as well.

Fun on the St. Mary's River in historic St. Mary's City with the famous Ark & the Dove ship in the background.

Fun at the base of the cross on the St. Mary’s River in historic St. Mary’s City with kayakers in the background. A great place for sailing!

Historic St. Mary’s City, St. Mary’s County, MD

When you are so hot and tired from exploring St. Mary’s City under the inevitably blistering southern Maryland sun, visit the quiet and absolutely stunning St. Mary’s River waterfront most people don’t even know exists. To access our favorite spot, the o to end of the cemetery next to Trinity Episcopal Church. Head downhill toward the river via dirt paths. Follow the water, exploring along the way, just a few yards, to the large wooden cross that looks out over a small bay, usually in use by students of St. Mary’s College. Here you will have several yards of shoreline to explore, as well as a tidal stream and wetlands.

Flag Pond, Brownie Beach and Calvert Cliffs, Calvert County, MD

These three parks all take advantage of a sandy beach and shallow wading. All are famous for family fun, including sunbathing, swimming and all sizes of shark teeth. Flag Ponds Nature Park and Calvert Cliffs State Park offer a remarkable variety of natural environments—from sandy beach, to freshwater ponds, to wetland swamp to the forested heights of Calvert Cliffs. We go here at least once a month April-November. We especially like to go after big storms, when we hope that shark teeth and other fossils have been exposed.

Flag Pond includes a short, half-mile hike from the parking lot brings you to the sandy beach where there is swimming and fossil hunting. A bathhouse is available. There are also observation platforms at two ponds, a fishing pier on the Chesapeake Bay and a visitor’s center with wildlife displays.

Calvert Cliffs has a longer hike down a sandy, mostly flat trail to a wide and narrow sandy beach where there is swimming and a small freshwater streamlet to play in. There are bathrooms (portapotties) near the beach and at the parking lot. There is a large playground at the parking lot. Many people overlook the fact that there are many other trails in the beautiful little park.

Brownie Beach a/k/a Bayfront Park about a mile outside of Chesapeake Beach has a short walk down a paved trail from the parking lot to the beach. There is a freshwater stream, a shallow beach that extends far out into the water and a wide stretch of sand under the shadow of the cliffs where fossils are abundant. No bathrooms and tight parking—you may have to park along the road opposite the park entrance.

IMPORTANT TIP: In each of these parks, it is very important to not attempt to climb on the cliffs, to always be aware of the cliffs above or behind you and to obey park rules. The cliffs are known to slide after storms and you don’t want to be seriously injured when you could be enjoying a day at the beach. There is a cost for each of these parks (Flag Pond and Brownie Beach in season, Calvert Cliffs year round). Also beware jellyfish and other water creatures.

Brownie’s is open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. Entrance fees for out-of-Calvert-County residents are $16 for those ages 12 to 54; $9 for children ages 3 to 11, seniors and active military; free for children 2 and under. Entry is free for North Beach residents and discounted for Calvert County residents. More info: 410-257-2230,410-586-1477. or Chesapeake-beach.md.us and calvertparks.org/fpp.html

North Beach, Calvert County, MD

This is not our favorite beach, mostly because it’s blazing hot with not an ounce of shade, it’s occasionally dirty, the water isn’t especially clean and there is a fee for parking, for getting onto the beach and for anything you don’t bring (ie chairs, etc). On the other hand, those fees support the city of North Beach, a tiny enclave on the Anne Arundel County/Calvert County line. There is a long pier here with fishing and some vendors, a great farmer’s market on scheduled days and some fun events like car shows and outdoor movies.

Cascade Falls, Patapsco State Park

Cascade Falls, Patapsco State Park near Ellicott City, MD

One of our most favoritest places to cool off is Cascade Falls, a series of small falls easily accessible along the 2-mile Cascade Falls trail and close to the parking lot, bathrooms, picnic area and playground. Enter through the Orange Grove/Avalon area.

Children can hike up the river (not up to 48 hours after a rain storm due to water pollution) to the main falls, which have a shallow pool and a “beach”- which is really a landing area for shoes and backpacks and rocks to climb on. There is plenty of shade along the entire walk.

Because your kids are having endless amounts of water play, the hardest part of this excursion is getting your kids to go back down the trail for home.

Everyone has their favorite spot along the trail: ours is a small outcrop of rock that has formed an interesting geological bend in the stream as well as some shade and that makes for great shallow waterplay with rocks, sticks and everything you need for a manmade dam.

Cunningham Falls, Frederick County, MD

The beauty of Cunningham Falls is that you can go at any time before noon and still be home in time for dinner. Also, my kids love the giant boulders and fairy-town ferns that characterize the trail from the lake to the falls.

The William Houck Area has a lake, a trail to the falls and camping. Swimming is allowed in three designated areas of Hunting Creek Lake that have sandy beaches, but swimming is not allowed at the falls (you can wade and you can climb, but the falls are extremely shallow and slippery so caution is advised). Arrive early as the park often reaches capacity by mid- to late-morning on weekends and holidays, and visitors can be turned away.

INSIDER’S TIP: it is not unusual to see copperhead snakes in this area. Naturally shy, they will generally stay away if you leave them alone. Walk with a stick and make plenty of noise, or hike after early morning when the snakes know that people will be on the trail. Stay on the trail as the snakes like to hide in the leaves and brush.

Lifeguards on duty at the lake daily, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day. Admission: $3 per person during the week, $5 on weekends and holidays, Memorial Day to Labor Day. 301-271-7574

Deep Creek Lake State Park, Garrett County, MD

Everyone knows about Deep Creek Lake, the largest, deepest and maybe coldest lake in Maryland. You can do just about everything here, from boating to jet skiing, fishing, SUP, and everything in between.

We like the state park beach because it is a one-mile stretch of sandy, well maintained, clean sand with bathrooms and is close to nearby restaurants, gas and convenience stores.

You can rent kayaks if you get bored of swimming, or launch your own watercraft. The state park nature center is unsurpassed for hands on education about the area.

Shenandoah National Park, Rose River Falls from Fischer’s Gap off Skyline Drive, VA

There are many places to cool off in Shenandoah National Park, but we are especially partial to the Rose River Loop Trail. We’ve hiked it four times in the past 6 months.

Park at Fischers Gap, cross Skyline Drive and walk the fire road down to Dark Hollow Falls. Take the Rose River trail to your left. This trail is rated as easy, and is very doable by young kids; however, keep in mind that it is rocky with roots and slippery portions.

Rose River Loop Trail, Shenandoah National Park

INSIDER TIP: To be honest, having taken my 70 year old mom on this trail, a walking stick or hiking poles would be a good idea if you have balance or endurance issues.

Your pay off is more than a mile of small falls, pools and shade. Plan to stop every few yards to let your kids explore. Trout fishing is great along this stretch of the river and if you see a fisherman, be sure to give them room and courtesy (esp. if you are upstream). Follow the trail down and over the small bridge, where you start to gain elevation.

About ½ mile up from that turn, Rose River Falls will be on your right. This is a gorgeous waterfall with a deep pool. It’s icy cold and very refreshing. It empties into a smaller, shallow pool, then cascades over another falls. Afterward, you should be just refreshed enough to hike up the remaining mile or so to the car, a walk that is all uphill but much smoother than fire road entrance.

This is a 3.7 mile trail that takes us at least three hours because we are constantly stopping to explore. Again, great for young kids and even my 70 year old mom, but not necessarily easy.

INSIDER TIP: If you want a falls that you can get playtime in AND want a short but pretty hike with easy in and out, just do Rose River Falls. The entrance is clearly marked where the Fire Road intersects with Skyline Drive, on your left as you reach the yellow gate that blocks cars from going on the fire road.

CAUTION: we have seen and heard bears on this trail and all over Shenandoah NP. In fact, this area has the highest concentration of bears on the east coast. Stay away, do not feed the bears, do not try to approach the bears. They are wild animals and no matter how cute, they are not your friend. If you need to hug a bear, go visit the lovely guy in the lobby of Big Meadows Lodge.

City of Annapolis Pocket Parks, Annapolis, MD

The pocket parks in Annapolis, open to the public and located at the end of quiet residential streets in Eastport, Murray Hill and West Annapolis, are nearly always empty, leaving us to call them Hidden Gems that you should definitely plan to visit.

There’s not much better than letting your kids play in the Eastport park, a sandy beach located at the end of Chesapeake Ave. at Horn Point. Navy Station Annapolis with the tall towers of Greenbury Point is across the water and the Bay Bridge is in the distance.

Other parks, including Amos Garrett, Jonas Green, Tucker Street launch and Truxton Park all offer free water fun and are great for just a picnic, some outside play, fishing, crabbing or launching a kayak, canoe or SUP.

Rocky Point State Park, Baltimore County, MD

This park features a 300-foot beach, swimming area, bathhouse with a first-aid station, fishing pier, pavilions, shaded picnic groves and playground. Lifeguards patrol the area from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Labor Day. Group or individual sailing lessons are also available at the park through the Baltimore County Sailing Center. Park closes at sunset.

Beaver Dam Swimming Club, Baltimore County, MD

Old-timers and locals complain that this swimming hole gets smaller and smaller and not nearly as adventurous, but Beaver Dam Swimming Club remains one of the most popular swimming holes in the state. The flooded marble quarry averages 40 feet deep, and is surrounded by rocks, trees and grass, making it feel very natural and a world away from nearby Baltimore and surrounding suburbs. Be sure to check out the rope swing — a favorite for generations of thrill seekers. Basketball and volleyball courts are also on site, as are picnic tables and grills. Two pools are also available.

$15 for ages 12 and older on weekdays, $16 on Saturdays and $17 on Sundays and holidays. Always $12 for children age 11 and under or 410-785-2323

Cascade Lake, Carroll County, MD
The 6-acre, spring-fed lake in Carroll County includes a roped-off swimming area, a 150-foot waterslide and platforms. Nearby the “spray ’n playground” provides geysers, bubblers and water tunnels for little ones, nonswimmers and those who just want a break from the lake.

In the lake, swimmers between 8 and 21 years old must pass a swim test to go beyond the 5-foot depth markers. Picnic tables and grills are scattered across the property, and paddleboats are available for a fee. A vendor/cafe sells burgers, sandwiches and snacks.

$15 for adults and children over age 7 and $12 for children ages 1 to 7 on weekends and holidays. On weekdays before 2 p.m., admission costs $10 and $8, respectively. Infants are free.

Overall Run, Shenandoah National Park, VA

Best known for having the tallest waterfall in the park, at 93 feet, this stream is usually a trickle in summer months. Still, the flow is enough to fill a series of three interconnected swimming holes two miles downstream—one pool can get more than seven feet deep. The creek runs over a smooth, sloping rock wall that works as a fantastic water slide. The sun-filled area is a popular spot—especially with local teenagers trying to beat the heat. Even in August the water can be surprising and refreshingly chilly.

The swimming holes are reached via a long (8.5-mile), moderately difficult loop hike through the park, on the Overall Run/Beecher Ridge trail or on a moderate one-mile hike from a parking area on Thompson Hollow Road.

Seneca Creek Swimming Hole, Montgomery County, Poolesville, MD

In a town called Poolesville, there has to be a swimming hole, right? There is. On River Road in Maryland, a hundred feet west of its intersection with Seneca Road, Seneca Creek passes under a bridge where a natural, shaded hollow makes for a delightful and secluded spot to take a dip. Though shallow, the stream includes large, flat rocks that let you sit or lay in the cool, clear flowing water.

No need to hike to this swimming hole—you can park at the lot for the Farm & Home Service store, walk across a grassy area (where there are picnic tables), and you’re at the creek. If you want to float in the creek, bring some rope and tie your “floatie” to a tree so you don’t drift away. There are some nice cafes en route, so you can pack a picnic or buy some treats along the way.

Buzzard Rock Hole and Elizabeth Furnace area, Front Royal, VA

Passage Creek in Virginia’s George Washington National Forest offers several spots for water lovers to play. The most popular swimming hole is next to the Elizabeth Furnace campground, but it can be quite busy on weekends. Less crowded is the Blue Hole. Take Route 55 west from Front Royal for five miles and then turn south onto Fort Valley Road. After a couple of miles, park in the small parking area next to the creek. Be sure to wear water shoes or old sneakers because the riverbank and bottom are rocky.

The best of the park’s swimming holes, Buzzard Rock Hole, is directly below Buzzard Rock cliffs—a popular rock-climbing and hiking area. It’s only another quarter-mile south on Fort Valley Road, then a short walk from a paved lot. This deep hole is bounded on one side by a sun-drenched, sloping rock face. After a dip, you can lie out on the rock to dry off and catch some rays, just like you did when you were a kid. Bring a cooler, maybe some coolers (which are haute again) and settle back for old-fashioned fun.

Gunpowder Falls State Park and Hereford area parks, Hartford County, MD

Gunpowder Falls S.P. is comprised of several separate parks where you can access the Gunpowder Falls River. The Hereford area is up I-83 north of Baltimore. It includes several river access points and trails, most with decent if not shallow swimming places. Try Guyton Road and Hammerman Beach. People love to float on this river, but you need to plan how you will get back to your origination. Bring life jackets if you plan to float, or rig an anchor for your floaty and drift the day away.

Hammerman Beach at Gunpowder Falls State Park

The small riverfront beach and the prospect of swimming in the cool Gunpowder River makes this destination (about 1-1.5 hours from Annapolis) a popular spot. There are lifeguards, grills, bathrooms and picnic areas. A cafe offers a typical food for reasonable rates. The recycled tire playground is a favorite spot for hide and seek and other classic outdoor games. Arrive early to ensure entry, especially on the weekends. Hours are 8 a.m. to sunset through October. Admission for Maryland residents is $5 per person on weekends and holidays and $3 on weekdays. Children in car seats are admitted free.

INSIDER TIP: Arrive early to ensure entry, especially on the weekends. This place is very popular with folks in the Baltimore, Carroll, Hartford and Howard County areas.

Hours are 8 a.m. to sunset through October. Admission for Maryland residents is $5 per person on weekends and holidays and $3 on weekdays. Children in car seats are admitted free. More info: 410-592-2897.

Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia

Just 1.5 or so hours from Annapolis, Harper’s Ferry is such a wonderful little town—its run-down, haunted atmosphere is exactly what you might expected of a town so characterized by events that have happened here, from the start of the Lewis & Clark expedition to John Brown’s raid, to the many horrific Civil War battles that happened nearby, to its location on the C & O Canal and the juxtaposition of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers. Just 286 people lived here on the 2010 census, but in the summer you wouldn’t know it.

One of our favorite things to do after hiking Maryland Heights or the AT, or after exploring the expansive parkland and historic buildings in the National Park, is to rent tubes from Harper’s Ferry Adventure Company. They have everything you need, including life jackets and a shuttle back upriver. They also have a zipline and white water rafting. There are many companies in the area that cater to people trying to cool off in the river, so I suggest you Google for reviews and Groupons.

INSIDER TIP: There are concerns about significant agricultural run off and other pollution in this area, so you may want to avoid after heavy rainfall.

Swallow Falls State Park, Garrett County, MD

There are two waterfalls in Swallow Creek State Park; Swallow Falls (on the Yough. River) and Muddy Creek Falls (on Muddy Creek). There are several very fine swimming holes just below each falls and more in the creek and river downstream of each falls.

Do not be tempted to leap from the falls at Swallow Falls, where you might see youngsters proving their mettle this way. It is extremely dangerous and people have died doing so. Enjoy the water, be reasonably cautious and respect Mother Nature.

Insider Tip: to access Swallow Falls, you take a lovely little trail from the parking lot. Continue along this trail and you will find a quiet and stunningly beautiful small falls that has created a shallow pool perfect for young families. If no one else is there you might think you have discovered your own piece of mountain paradise.

Insider Tip: There is a playground at this State Park on a grassy knoll that is a great way to start or end the day. Nearby is Herrington Manor State Park, which offers cabin and tent camping as well as a manmade lake and a lovely short hike. Lots of goose poop, but a lifeguard and tranquil views.

Rocks State Park, Hartford County, MD
We’ve mentioned Rocks State Park on other posts, so you must know that we love it. In the fall you can’t beat the view from the King & Queen Seat, playing in the leaves or the adorable and creative playground. But in the summer you can take advantage of the beautiful park areas along Deer Creek. This shallow stream is perfect for picnicking, wading, fishing, swimming and tubing! Reports say there are 3 1/2 miles of tubing, but we haven’t only gone as far as we can walk back. Deer Creek is unsupported—no lifeguards, bathrooms or vendors. There is a class 3 rapid that most people walk around rather than tube and several swimming holes, 10′ – 12′ deep, reachable by tube or from parking lots at picnic areas along the creek.

Kilgore Falls, Rocks State Park, Hartford County, MD

Maryland’s second highest free-falling waterfall, Kilgore Falls was once a meeting spot for Susquehannock Indians. This land was privately owned until the early 1990s but is now open to the public. Situated down the road from the State Park HQ in gorgeous farmland, the falls are located in the Falling Branch area of Rocks State Park. There is a quick, easy hike in from the (usually crowded) parking lot.

Insider Tip: Arrive early. Difficult to understate how this place is much loved. Even so, it is well worth a visit, especially when the falls are running high in early summer. Bring water shoes to better navigate the rocky bottom of the stream.

No amenities. Carry in, carry out.

Greenbrier State Park, Washington County

A 42-acre, man-made lake located about 3 hours away in the Appalachian Mountains offers swimming, sunbathing, boating, fishing, camping, boat rentals, flat water canoeing, hiking trails, picnic area and a playground area. This is not our favorite spot because the bottom of the lake is a little muddy and the goose poop can be excessive, but once you are in and having fun these things don’t seem to matter as much.

Lifeguards on duty 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Admission: Weekdays, $3 per person; weekends/holidays, $5 per person Memorial Day to Labor Day weekends. Out-of-state residents add $2 to all day use service charges. 301-791-4767

Elk Neck State Park near North East, Cecil County, MD

Elk Neck State Park is located in Cecil County on a peninsula, formed by the Chesapeake Bay on the west and the Elk River on the east. The park boasts over 2,188 acres of varied landscapes including marshlands, heavily wooded areas, white clay cliffs, and sandy shorelines. Camping, swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking, are popular pastimes. Visit Turkey Point Lighthouse, launch your own boat at the Rogues Harbor Boat Launch facility and make sure to take a walk on any of the many trails.

Breezy Point Beach and Campground, Calvert County, MD

With a half-mile of bay-front sandy shore and a netted swimming area, plenty of space for sandcastles and shark-tooth hunting as well as a playground and picnic area, the park is a definite kid-pleaser. There is a 200-foot pier for fishing and crabbing, a camping area, charcoal grills, restrooms and showers perfect for cleaning off before piling back into the car.

INSIDER TIP: water shoes recommended. Entry to the park is cash only.

Open 6 a.m. to dusk. Admission is $10 on weekends and $6 on weekdays for adults; $6 on weekends and $4 on weekdays for children ages 3 to 11 and for seniors. Those age 2 and under are admitted free. More info: 410-535-0259

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Day Tripping Chesapeake Style: 10 Off the Beaten Path Family-Friendly Activities

July 12, 2017 By Diana 2 Comments

Kayaking Chesapeake Country. There are many shallow bays and estuaries to explore by boat. Homestead Gardens has super cute doggie life jackets, as does Paws A Pet Boutique.

Looking for something to do? Somewhere to go? A way to get your kids off their pads and out the door?

It would be difficult to say how often I am asked where to go and what to do, especially with kids. These questions pertain to the fun we have not only in the Annapolis area, but all over the country and the world.

Let’s focus for today on spots within 2-2.5 hours of Annapolis, which make them doable in a day. Let’s also focus on places the entire family can enjoy. There are way too many places for me to recommend at once, but here is a start, and I promise to post more asap. My kids are the poster child examples of how getting outside can change behaviors and attitudes for the better, so many of the places we go take advantage of area parks and nature and you will find some recommendations for that below.

If you want to know about other places, just message me, I am always happy to help with suggestions.

1. Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, St. Michael’s, MD

There’s something new and unique to do every day at this family-friendly and interactive museum. Check out a working shipyard and explore the maritime history of the Chesapeake Bay in the morning, then spend the afternoon strolling through charming St. Michaels, a lovely Eastern Shore town renown for antiques, great food and excellent shopping. Active service members enjoy free admission, children are just $6. (Budget: $50-75 for tolls, tickets and lunch in town for two adults. Even better? pack a picnic!) www.cbmm.org

If you can’t make it to St. Michael’s, try the Calvert Marine Museum on Solomon’s Island in Southern Maryland. While you are there, enjoy the playground, get some ice cream on the boardwalk, and enjoy the view of boats sailing past on the Potomac River. If you are lucky you might see jets taking off and landing from NAS Patuxent.

Calvert Marine Museum is located in Calvert County in southern Maryland.

2. George Washington’s Mt. Vernon, Alexandria, VA

There is much for everyone in the family to enjoy on this sprawling plantation: history, trails, waterfront, interactive learning, gorgeous gardens, farm animals and nearby dining. Located just past Alexandria, Virginia, a day trip to Mt. Vernon should include a picnic with treats sourced off King Street. (Budget: $20/adult $10/child admission, plus extra for the gift shop and goodies). www.mountvernon.org and www.visitalexandriava.com.

If you can’t get to Mt Vernon, try Thomas Jefferson’s beautiful Monticello near Charlottesville.

So many opportunities for fun and education at Mt. Vernon.

3. The Awakening at National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD

“The Awakening” is a 15-foot-high, multi-piece sculpture of a bearded giant bursting from the ground. For 30 years, the National Park Service displayed this art in Washington D.C. Now his home is on the beach at National Harbor. Aim for a sunrise or sunset visit. Be sure enjoy everything the National Harbor offers, including casual or fine dining, a ride on the Eye, fireworks and even a roll of the dice at MGM Casino. (Budget: The view is free, but National Harbor is not. Parking, meals and entertainment are discretionary and not necessarily cheap.) www.nationalharbor.com

If you can’t get to National Harbor, consider visiting Alexandria, a small town filled with history, shops and waterfront fun.

4. Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center Solomon’s Island, MD

Annmarie Gardens is a whimsical 30-acres of limitless magic for young and old alike. Walk or bike the paved path to see unforgettable 3D art including a circle of granite standing stones, fairies and an interactive boardwalk. After your tour, enjoy a walk through tiny Solomon’s Island. A stop for ice cream on the boardwalk, some southern Maryland seafood, a boat tour from Calvert Marine Museum and classic Maryland sunset. If you time it right, you may be able to enjoy a concert at the Museum or a drink at the infamous Tiki Bar. (Budget: $25 per person for tickets, lunch and a treat. Drinks are extra, but the sunset is free and well worth the drive).

If you want a pretty garden but don’t want to drive, consider historic Londontowne and Gardens, in Edgewater, MD. Its beautiful has great programs, and is filled with fun, hands on opportunities to learn about colonial America.

There are endless places to take a walk outside. This is Patapsco State Park, located near Howard, Anne Arundel, and Baltimore counties.

5. Parkers Creek Preserve, managed by American Chestnut Landtrust near Prince Frederick, MD

Nowhere else in Chesapeake country offers a pristine 3,000 acre natural area with 19 miles of hiking trails, including interpretive trails and historic structures, a community farm and guided canoe trips. Explore the self-guided hiking trails on your own, join a guided canoe trips, or attend one of the activities included in the ACLT’s schedule of events. (Budget: Free, but consider making a donation to this wonderful not for profit endeavor). www.acltweb.org.

If you can’t get to Parkers Creek, try SERC, the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, near Edgewater, MD. Visit the learning center, enjoy the shady walk along the waterfront trail and learn more about the environmental health of the area, what the Smithsonian and other groups are doing about it, and some really cool science experiments happening right under our noses. SERC offers daily learning sessions, scout opportunities, homeschool classes and summer camps.

6. Gambrill State Park near Frederick, MD

Gambrill State Park is a beautiful mountain park, located on the ridge of the Catoctin Mountains in Frederick County. Its most popular feature is the 16 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. From the 1600-foot High Knob overlook you can see beautiful views of the Frederick and Middletown Valleys then continue to the northern reaches of the Shenandoah Mountains. The High Knob area also offers wooded picnic areas, three picnic shelters, and a large stone lodge, called the Tea Room. The picnic shelters and the Tea Room are available for reservation. The Rock Run area offers a cozy family-style campground, a picnic area, and a small pond for fishing. (Budget: parking, BYOB food & drink).

If you like a state park but can’t get to Western MD, try Tuckahoe State Park in Queen Anne, MD or a fishing expedition to Wye Mills Lake.

7. Elk Neck State Park near North East, Maryland

Elk Neck State Park is located in Cecil County on a peninsula, formed by the Chesapeake Bay on the west and the Elk River on the east. The park boasts over 2,188 acres of varied landscapes including marshlands, heavily wooded areas, white clay cliffs, and sandy shorelines. Camping, swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking, are popular pastimes. Visit Turkey Point Lighthouse or launch at the Rogues Harbor Boat Launch facility. (Budget: day use is $6 or less, bring a picnic, enjoy dinner at a dock bar).

The national mall is more than museums. It is small pocket parks, live music, shady walks, memorials, people watching and our favorite game: “Spot the Spy” in which case you bet who is an undercover agent. This is the outdoor gardens at the entrance to the National Botanical Garden.

8. The National Mall in Washington, DC

So close, yet so frequently overlooked by locals, the National Mall is an area treasure. Instead of heading to the many free museums, walk or bike the perimeter to see the memorials. Most have an interpretive area, shop, restrooms and great spots for photo ops. Visit the long line of food trucks, indulge in an ice cream from a street vendor, take a picnic for under a shady tree—bring along a Frisbee, some balls or bubbles—and let yourself enjoy a relaxing few hours. Enjoy a free concert–there are many all year-round.

Favorite picnic spots are the National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden, Bartholdi Park or under the stately oak trees that line Maryland and Pennsylvania Avenues in front of the Capital Building Complex. Best parking is found on the Tidal Basin side of Constitution Avenue. Street parking is payable with meters—try a garage if you plan to stay for an extended period. A better plan may be to use the metro, which is cheap and convenient. Arrive early before the museums open for school tours and before its gets too hot. (Budget: Free, but you have to pay for parking and/or the Metro and food.)

Visiting the tall ships at City Dock in Annapolis.

If you can’t get to DC, why not try a day in Annapolis, MD? Go straight to the Maritime Museum. Bring a lunch for the deck overlooking the Bay or stop at Wild Country Seafood for a picnic. Walk through Eastport to get a sense of the maritime history of the area. Walk across the bridge to historic downtown Annapolis. Forego the shops momentarily to explore some historical attractions (we love a tour of the United States Naval Academy, William Paca House and the State Capital building), then go to Chick & Ruth’s Delly for award winning crab cakes, homemade pie or an insanely huge root beer float.

Cameron’s first-ever root beer float, courtesy of his favorite spot, Chick & Ruth’s. Life will never be the same.

9. Rocks State Park, Jarrettsville, MD

Located about 1.5 hours from Annapolis, Rocks State Park features 855 acres of rocky forest land and a beautiful stream perfect for playing in. Primary attractions at Rocks include the King and Queen Seat, an interesting and historical geological feature that is fun but precarious. Be sure to watch your children!! Another popular attraction is further down the road at Kilgore Falls, a large waterfall that is usually crowded in summer. The main section of the park includes three picnic areas, easy hiking trails, and access to Deer Creek, which is ideal for fishing, wading and tubing. Canoeing and kayaking is great in season when the water is high. The park’s two satellite properties, Falling Branch (home to Kilgore Falls) and Hidden Valley, are a short drive from the main park.

10. Patapsco State Park Ellicott City, MD

There is so much to do at Patapsco. The opportunities are nearly limitless. Bike, run, hike, swim in a stream, cross a swinging bridge, play in a small waterfall on the Cascades Trail, picnic at innumerable stops or simply play on a playground. Patapsco is big with several entrances. Be sure to check out the map before you go to spot the closest parking, bathrooms and attractions. Everyone asks me about Blodes Dam. No, don’t swim there. No bueno. Its being removed over the next several months and is blocked off, so obey the rules and look but don’t touch.

If you can’t make it to Patapsco, try Watkins Regional Park near Bowie, MD.

Cascade Falls at Patapsco State Park is just one hike in the park. This trail is short and parallels a small creek.

The swinging bridge is just one spot to love at Patapsco State Park.

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Woman of the Week: Mango + Main & Shannon Riesenfeld

July 11, 2017 By Diana Leave a Comment

When I first meet Shannon Reisenfeld, mom of four children at Arnold Elementary, local and international activist and new business owner, it is at Bean Rush Cafe in West Annapolis. Although it is just 9:00 in the morning, like me she has already been up for several hours, brought her kids to school and crossed several items off her To-Do list. I know I am an item on that list, so I try to keep my curiosity about her story at bay, a task that’s nearly impossible largely because Shannon’s path to realizing innovative and profitable philanthropy through her new Fair Trade wholesale/retail company Mango + Main is both intriguing and brave.

“There is such a need to help these entrepreneurs who just want to work and to provide for their families. I formed Mango + Main in an effort to create more work and to open new markets to producers.”

Shannon launched Mango + Main in September 2016 and the response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. The business sells goods via an online shop as well as through area retailers like Here A Pop Up Shop, mobile fashion truck Tin Lizzie and Twisted Sisters. Her current assortments include skirts sewn with fabric personally curated by Shannon and made by a cooperative of artists in Rwanda, striped cotton hand towels made in Ethiopia of Egyptian cotton, one-of-a-kind textile and baby alpaca pillow covers from Peru, scented candles poured into hand-painted bowls from South Africa, paper jewelry made in Haiti as well as handbags, wallets and other goods made by women in Senegal and Kenya.

She’s facilitated manufacture of custom designs for her local clients and frequently hosts area fundraisers through the sale of Mango + Main products. When she sold blue and white necklaces for an Arnold Elementary PTA spirit wear fundraiser, she created jobs for women in Haiti who support a local orphanage. The home isn’t for children who don’t have parents, but rather for children sent there by parents who aren’t able to provide for them. “These women are making jewelry so they can feed their children, so they can send them to school and not have to give them up. They can make any color, any style and I helped facilitate that while also rallying our kids around a great product and idea”.

“I have these artisans who are asking for work and I am helping them design products that will appeal to the Western woman. I help them choose colors and styles that will sell well here in the West. If you come to me and say I need 50 pink bracelets for a girls running club, I can get these for you and the artisans will rejoice and be so happy to get that order.”

At this point, Mango + Main operates out of Shannon’s dining room. “This is all new to me,” Shannon says, “but I feel like I am building a business for other people. It’s not so I can grow in wealth. I know people are counting on me, literally to put food in their mouth.” She’s had to learn how to build a website, modify HTML code, create her own marketing materials on a nonexistent budget, familiarize herself with tariff schedule codes and has spent hours learning about customs. In the space of just a few months, business is doing well and Shannon says she has faith that Mango + Main will prosper. “I‘ve been able to earn back my initial investment so I can break even and have money to invest for the next season. My goal was to tell my husband we don’t have to pull any more money out of savings and that’s where I am at.”

Final Thoughts

In a world where most of what we use on a daily basis is sterile, mass-produced and utterly disposable, fair trade goods are hand-crafted with locally sourced materials such as straw, leather, fabric, paper and even recycled plastic. The sale and purchase of fair trade items –fair in that workers are paid a just wage for their work and a just price for what they produce—empowers producers to change their own lives.

“When I was able to see the impact that I could have on the everyday lives of the women I met—their ability to feed their family, to educate their children, to earn some sort of security in a very insecure world just by selling the bowls they made, I knew I wanted to create solutions that could change their lives.”

Shannon is building her business on good will. On our basic human desire to express compassion, to make a difference. As I listen to Shannon I can’t help but think that we in the West are naturally generous but also cautious with our prosperity. We have money but we want to know where it will go and what impact it will have. Mango + Main is a thoughtfully founded business that helps make a difference by creating opportunity not only here at home for entrepreneurs like Shannon and her local retailers, but also abroad where there is a valid argument that it is needed most. Shannon is right when she says that Mango + Main in particular, and Fair Trade goods in general support local businesses, in a way that makes your money, and your goodwill, go global.

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This article was originally posted in GreenBook magazine, a publication of YellowFin Marketing. Click on the link to read more and to view more photos of Shannon and her goods. To learn more about Shannon and Mango + Main, visit her website. Note that she can arrange for free local delivery and is looking forward to doing more fundraising and wholesale projects as her business grows.

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Turkey Roasting Times

November 23, 2016 By Diana Leave a Comment

Most Important: Buy a meat thermometer. And use it.

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Foraging For Flavor

Food. Family. Fun