Check out the August edition of Northern Virginia Magazine. The Wilmington, Durham/Chapel Hill, and Elizabeth City articles in the Weekend Getaways section are by me!
A trip to the zoo is a fun way to intrigue kids of all ages, here are four great zoos to visit across America.
The San Diego Zoo is the United States’ largest, housing more than 4,000 animals from 800 species across 100-plus acres. Because that’s a lot of ground to cover, we recommend taking one of the bus tours with stops around the park to hop on or off. If you want to see the animals when they are up and about, go earlier in the day or later in the day near feeding time.
The Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, Nebraska, is a favorite of locals and tourists alike. Visit the world’s largest indoor desert, reaching 13 stories tall and spanning 230 feet in diameter. Or discover the creatures in the aquarium’s 1.3-million-gallon salt-water tank. This zoo also features America’s largest indoor rainforest, with exhibits from South America, Asia, and Africa.
The Indianapolis Zoo was first opened in 1964 and since then the zoo has grown to include many exhibits. With more than 3,000 animals, the Indy Zoo is most known for its African elephant program. And despite being landlocked, it is also known for its dolphin adventure shows. The zoo includes White River Gardens as well, which showcases three acres of outdoor and indoor gardens.
The greatest thing about the National Zoological Park in Washington, D.C., is that it’s free! A walk around the zoo’s 163 acres will reveal animal favorites like Asian elephants and Great Apes. And you must see the Giant Pandas, as the National Zoo is one of only four in the country that showcases these cuddly animals.
So take a little time to plan an exciting and educational trip for the kids this year.
Labor Day marks the last long weekend of summer, giving you a chance to send off everyone’s favorite season in style. Here are three fun destinations for Labor Day.
Nothing says Labor Day like a beach destination, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is one of our favorites. It embodies sophistication. The high-rise resorts that line the coast are luxurious, and the beaches are wide and beautiful. Cross over Highway 1A and you can almost pretend you’re in Venice with the waterways that run between the mansions. Plus, there are lots of great dining options in the Las Olas district.
Break-out the last of your summer outfits and head to Las Vegas for the long weekend. You’ll find a hopping pool scene and plenty of places to party away the last days the summer. With a few new hotels, and many older ones being renovated, the increased room supply will keep the prices down at this star-studded location.
Vancouver, Canada, is a great place to mix some outdoor adventure into your long weekend. Hike a scenic mountain trail by day, and dine in-style at a waterfront restaurant by night. After dinner, take a stroll along the seawall paths, where magnificent city and mountain views await.
Even though it’s time to say farewell to summer, you can at least have some fun doing it with a getaway for Labor Day weekend!
Norfolk, Virginia, is home to the largest naval base in the world, so you might assume it is just a regular ol’ military town, but after a weekend visit I was surprised to find that this area just off the Chesapeake Bay is beautiful, historic, and a great destination for a quick escape. The area is a mix of corporate headquarters like General Dynamics and non-profits like PETA, home to five colleges like Old Dominion University, and, of course, full of sailors. And somehow this random mix seems to work just fine.
The area is becoming known for its festivals and conferences, so if you’re in town for one of those, or are just there for a weekend getaway, here are some ideas on things to do and see in Norfolk.
Chrysler Museum of Art
Don’t be fooled, this is not a car museum. This museum opened in 1933 as the Norfolk Academy of Arts and Science. Today, the 7,000 square foot facility has 32,000 pieces of art including 8,000 pieces of glasswork. Walker P. Chrysler Jr. collected fine art for seven decades, and then, in 1971, he donated nearly 10,000 pieces to the museum, which was later renamed the Chrysler Museum. The museum is set to temporarily close for renovations during 2013, but in the meantime, you can find the artwork at the Moses Myers House, the Norfolk History Museum, and at other museums and galleries in the Hampton Roads area.
Chrysler Museum of Art’s Glass Studio
Just across the parking lot from the museum is a state-of-the-art glass-making facility that is one of a kind in the Mid-Atlantic region. Daily visitors can see free demonstrations, and the studio also offers classes for glassmakers of all levels.
Nauticus & U.S.S. Wisconsin
Take time to discover Nauticus, an interactive science and technology center located on the waterfront. It’s also the home of the retired battleship U.S.S. Wisconsin, which you can explore first-hand.
Norfolk Botanical Garden
The botanical garden is directly beside the airport, which makes it a good stop during a layover or for a leisurely afternoon stroll through some of the 40 themed gardens. Each year, more than 250,000 visitors come to explore the 155 acres by foot, boat, or tram. To see the most blooms, visit between mid-April and mid-November.
Kayak the Hague and Elizabeth River
Tour Norfolk from a different view… on the water! Local kayaking shops like Kayak Nature Tours book adventures for those who want to explore Norfolk and other areas around Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads. If you leave from the Hague waterway along the Ghent district, you’ll be able to see the Chrysler Museum, PETA’s headquarters, NOAA’s headquarters, the U.S.S. Wisconsin battleship, and other parts of the Elizabeth River.
American Rover River Cruise
Sailing the waters of the Hampton Roads area since 1986, the American Rover takes travelers out on tours April through October. The ship is a three-masted topsail schooner and is 135 feet in length. Take a cruise during the day or enjoy a two-hour sunset cruise that sets out from the waterside.
Annual Town Point Virginia Wine Festival
Considered the largest outdoor wine festival in Virginia, the Town Point festival hosts more than 30 vineyards from across the state. Visitors bring blankets, chairs, and picnics to enjoy while they sip their wine.
Harborfest
This festival was born more than 25 years ago, and today close to a half-a-million tourists come to see the great tall ships that visit the Norfolk waterfront. Visitors will learn about nautical history and maritime events. This is a family-friendly event with plenty of activities and entertainment for all ages.
The Virginia Arts Festival
Started in the spring of 1997, the Virginia Arts Festival brings music, dance, and theater together for visitors to enjoy. Many world-class artists from each genre make the trip to join in, from Cuban dancers to Grammy award-winning violinists.
The Green Onion
Four things are great about The Green Onion. The food is yummy. The portions are large. The atmosphere is inviting. And the staff, especially Erin, who says she’s been there forever, and Bridget, the longtime bartender, are truly nice people (i.e., some southern charm with a little fun funk). Start with the cheese platter and some wine before moving on to one of their delicious sandwiches or salads.
Doumar’s
If you meet anyone who has lived in Norfolk at any point since the beginning of the 1900s, they’d likely recommend stopping by Doumar’s. Abe Doumar created the world’s first ice cream cone at the St. Louis World’s Fair in 1904. Since then, the Doumars have been hand-rolling ice-cream cones for customers every morning. Big Al, Abe’s son, still shows up every day at work (in his bowtie and suspenders) to roll his portion of cones and then tell a few stories of the good ol’ days.
Byrd & Baldwin
If you like steakhouses, then look no further. Byrd & Baldwin Brothers Steakhouse opened in 2006 and makes for a memorable dining experience while in Norfolk. The building is circa 1906, which adds some charm, but the perfectly cooked steak is what will stop you in your tracks. Plus, the wait staff is delightful and extremely helpful for those like me who can never decide what to order (although ordering steak is a given).
Freemason Abbey
If you’re looking for a restaurant that’s elegant yet casual, visit Freemason Abbey. This restaurant has been a local favorite for more than 20 years. You eat inside of a renovated church that is nearly 140 years old. Go for brunch, lunch, or dinner, and children are welcome here, too.
For other ideas on things to do, see, and eat, check out the all the suggestions at VisitNorfolkToday.com.
After stressing out over all the details of a wedding, your reward is to be whisked away for the vacation of a lifetime. Though an amazing honeymoon can be expensive, here are some prime locations that go easy on the newlywed budget.
Barbados, the most eastern island in the Caribbean, is rife with exciting and affordable activities to fill your days, like surfing, golfing, and zip-lining. With average temperatures between 75 and 85 degrees, Barbados is a year-round destination, which means that honeymooners can enjoy the sun and get a taste of the island’s famous rum any time they please.
Adventurous couples should head to the Canadian Rockies, where the laid-back mountain town of Banff awaits. Visiting an outside-the-box destination like this one will save you money compared to a more well-known honeymoon spot. Hike and canoe in the summer, or hit the slopes at one of the world-class ski resorts in the winter.
Mexico’s Riviera Maya is a sure bet for great deals. Because this area has more hotel rooms to fill than anywhere else in Mexico, newlyweds can often find a bargain for the beach honeymoon they’ve always dreamed of. Staying at one of the many all-inclusive resorts will make it easy for you to relax and focus on just on each other.
So don’t let picking a honeymoon destination stress out you or your wallet; there are some great budget-friendly options out there!
The countdown to the Big Day is on, but before the wedding vows are exchanged, one last party must take place. Here are a few destinations to help the bride- and groom-to-be say “so long” to their bachelorette and bachelorhood days.
New York City
When planning a bachelorette or bachelor party, don’t settle for just any big city when you can go to the big city: New York, New York. With so many things to do, it takes very little planning to have a blast in the Big Apple. Guys can start by fueling up at one of the Grade-A steakhouses before taking on the VIP section of a club (reservations usually required). Or they can buy tickets to see one of the city’s many sports teams for some real male-bonding time. Ladies can head down 5th Avenue with their department store itineraries and confirm why women make the majority of household purchasing decisions.
Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver is a hip and active town just under 3 hours north of Seattle, Washington. If the Olympic committee thought it was a cool enough place for the 2010 Winter Olympics, then it is probably awesome enough for a bachelor or bachelorette party. The summers are warm and perfect for outdoor activities, such as kayaking, hiking, or mountain biking. The winters are, of course, great for a ski adventure, and downtown Vancouver has a plenty of world-class restaurants and a nightlife that will satisfy.
Tucson, Arizona
Girls (and sometimes guys) love to be pampered, and gentlemen (and sometimes ladies) love to play golf, and in Tucson, Arizona, you’ll find both. A spa and wellness weekend at a spa resort, such as Canyon Ranch, will leave the bridal party feeling relaxed and renewed by the end of their stay. For a weekend of competition and fun, gather up the guys, the clubs, and maybe a flask or two, then tee off at one of the area’s desert or links-style courses designed by Jack Nicklaus or Robert Trent Jones, Jr. or you can head up the road to Scottsdale, the land of golf courses.
New Orleans, Louisiana
New Orleans is one of the best options for a bachelor or bachelorette party because a trip here is easy to plan. Just reserve rooms in the French Quarter, show up, and step outside—the Big Easy will take care of the rest. Look at the calendar and up the ante by planning to go during Mardi Gras, Jazzfest, or even Halloween…. but don’t worry, the good times roll all year round.
Another Option: Go On a Cruise
If conveniences such as unlimited food and beverages are high on your list of must-haves, you might just find yourselves standing on the deck of a cruise ship waving the coastline goodbye. Cruises are an easy and relatively cheap way to escape with the guys or gals. You can book with a cruise line or even charter your own yacht in the Caribbean. Entertainment, food, and sometimes drinks are all included, and your party can choose to do as much or as little as they like.
Running is typically not a team sport, but the latest fad of “relay races” is changing this. The distance and time can vary, but a relay race usually involves eight to 12 team members, two vans, and 24+ hours of running a few hundred miles from one point to another. Many running buddies are signing up for events like this and planning their yearly vacations around them. The largest relay race in the world, Hood-to-Coast has been held for more than 30 years. Today this Oregon race hosts 1,050 teams that all start their race 6,000 feet above sea level on Mt. Hood, then wind through Portland, and finish 200 miles later on the beaches of Seaside. This particular race consists of 36 legs, and each runner completes three, which range from around 3.5 miles to eight miles each.
If your team doesn’t get a spot in Hood-to-Coast or you want something closer to home, here are some alternatives to get you pounding the pavement in no time.
The Bourbon Chase, Kentucky
Every year people joke they run for food; well, these participants run for bourbon. This chase is a 200-mile overnight relay along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail that was first organized in 2010. Runners journey through Kentucky’s famous rolling hills, past championship horse stables, and historic towns of the Bluegrass State.
Blue Ridge Relay, Virginia and North Carolina
This race is one of the longest running relays in the United States. It starts near Mt. Rogers in Virginia and finishes 208 miles later in Asheville, North Carolina. The route takes runners past some of the highest peaks east of the Mississippi and through the Blue Ridge and Black mountains.
American Odyssey Relay, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and D.C.
Deemed “a race through history,” this run starts in historic Gettysburg, where Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address took place, crosses the Mason Dixon line, and finishes some 200 miles later in the nation’s capital.
The Ragnar Relay Series, D.C., California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Florida, or Utah
The Ragnar Relay Series gives six options for race destinations around the country. In its D.C. race, runners go from Cumberland, Maryland, through the Appalachian Mountains to the National Harbor near Washington, D.C. In California, plan on some fun in the sun as the race starts in Huntington Beach and finishes in San Diego. Want to visit the Windy City? Ragnar has a race that starts in Madison, Wisconsin, and heads across the state line to Chicago, Illinois. Run from Plymouth, through the Cape Cod area to Provincetown in its Massachusetts race. Is Utah on your must-visit list? Started back in 2004, its Logan to Park City, Utah, race regularly has almost 30,000 runners. And nothing could compare to its 199-mile race from Miami to the end of the Florida Keys.
Whichever relay race you choose, a little more planning will be needed. Rather than just showing up at the start line at 8 a.m., this race will last more than 24 hours and clothes will need to be packed, vans will need to be rented, food options will need to be considered, sleeping arrangements will have to be factored in, and who will run what and when will need to be scheduled… but don’t fear, even though the packing list may look exhausting by itself, it’s doable! And at the end of the day, err, the next day, you’ll look back at the miles pounded and the memories made and (most likely) want to do it all again!
Relay Race Packing List
–Running Shoes (~2 pairs, alternate wearing them)
–Non-Cotton Socks (~4 pairs, switch out of the damp pair as soon as your leg is over)
–Change of Clothes (~3 pairs, depending on how long your race is you can alternate outfits each leg or change into a clean one each time you finish your leg of the race. Include non-cotton underwear to keep comfortable.)
–Warm Clothes (gloves, pants, long sleeves, and/or light jacket…depends on race location and time of year, but 3 a.m. can be cold anywhere both running or in the van)
–The Stick and/or Foam Roller (jump-start recovery during the race)
–Body Glide (helps prevent chafing that can ruin a race experience)
–Reflective Vest (if you have a leg between dusk and dawn, it’s usually required to wear a vest for visibility)
–-Headlamp and Flashing Red Light (for safety during the night hours and usually required)
–Hat/Visor (keep the sun and dirt out of your face)
–Sunscreen, Sunglasses, Water Bottles, and Water (bring gallon jugs of water to fill up your water bottles along the way)
–Compression Pants/Sleeves/Socks (if you’re into it)
–Pillow/Eye Cover/Ear Plugs (bring things to help you sleep during your non-running times)
–Plastic Bags (put your dirty clothes/shoes in a bag to keep the stink down)
–Recovery Food/Fuel for Running (carbs, electrolytes, sodium)
–Bandana (if you’ll be running on a dirt road, cover your nose and mouth as traffic goes by)
–Watch/Sportsband (track your mileage and pace)
–Costume (not required, but part of the fun can be coordinating shirts or tacky headbands with your team)
–Cards or Activities (you might want cards or a book while you are in the van to help keep busy)
–Other: Band-Aids, pain/headache medicine, flashlight, bug spray, wet wipes, map of area, binder with race information and transition locations
–Other Non-Essentials: Doritos, Oreos, M&M’s (once you finish your last let, you will want to pig out, and it’s amazing)
Seven days gives you just the right amount of time to fully explore a destination. Here are three great ideas for a week-long vacation.
If you like the outdoors, take a week to explore Maine. The state has more than 6,000 lakes; 32,000 miles of rivers; 5,000 miles of coast; and 17 million acres of forest, so there is plenty to discover! We recommend checking out Portland’s lighthouses, Freeport’s outlet shopping, and Bar Harbor’s lobsters.
In 2012, the American Queen Steamboat Company started running the largest steamboat ever built on the Mississippi River. Take a cruise and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you rediscover the history and beauty of America’s heartland. Shore excursions include New Orleans, Memphis, St. Louis, and Minneapolis, depending on which cruise you take; and the dining focuses on regional favorites.
Now that the London Summer Olympics have passed, it is the perfect time to visit England. London of course has many things to see, like Big Ben and Westminster Abbey. But also take time to discover other areas, like the dramatic coastline and Stonehenge in the southwest and the beautiful castles of the northeast. Or check out the art and music of Liverpool and the fashionable city of Manchester. And every visitor to England must try the fish and chips.
So this year, pick a new and exciting destination for your week of vacation.
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