Kings Dominion

Summer's over, but that doesn't mean the fun has ended at Kings Dominion in Doswell, VA.  Visit Kings Dominion on weekends during October, before it closes until 2014.  Cooler weather.  Less crowded.  Same amazing fun.

Kings Dominion (Point B)

THINGS TO DO:

1. Kings Dominion (85 miles, 1 hour 23 minutes)

• Ride rides from morning until night
• If you are with little children, enjoy family friendly Halloween fun during the day
• If you like being scared, visit Halloween Haunt's scare zones, mazes, shows, etc. after 7:30 p.m.
• Shop for souvenirs and goodies to eat
• Play amusement park games

Dominator - our favorite

Intimidator - incredible drop and speed

Anaconda - a classic

Planet Snoopy - separate kids' ride area

Charlie Brown's Wind-up 

View of the park from Ferris Wheel, Americana

Measuring station (only in the front of the park)

Plenty of souvenirs and treats to buy...

 THINGS TO KNOW:

The great thing about Kings Dominion is that there is something for everyone: wooden roller coasters, steel roller coasters, family rides like the scrambler and Ferris wheel, kiddie rides, shows, games, water slides (not open during the fall), shopping, dinosaurs, games...

If you're attending the park with children, make sure you stop at the measuring station at the front of the park so you know how tall your child is; this will save you from waiting in line and getting to the front only to be turned away because your child doesn't meet the minimum height requirement.  Also, make sure to pick up a park map because it lists the height requirements for the rides; that's the type of feature our family loves because it saves us from even walking to the rides for which we don't qualify and allows us to spend our time enjoying ourselves rather than walking away from a ride in disappointment.  If you have small children, you'll love Planet Snoopy, an entire section of the park dedicated to the smaller guests.  It creates an environment where the little ones are less likely to be run over by taller kids running to get in line for their favorite roller coaster.  (For those visiting in the fall, Planet Snoopy rides are closed during the evening--at least they were when we were there).  A family care station in Planet Snoopy provides a clean and comfortable place for nursing and diaper changing.  Every parent who has ever tried to care for their baby in a dirty public restroom will think this aspect of the family park absolutely heavenly.

Once you're in the park, plan to either continue spending some extra money or exercise a great deal of self-control.  The park admission covers the rides, but there are several additional fun activities that cost money.  There are fun souvenir shops, candy shops and clothing shops.  Dinosaurs Alive is a walk-through tour that costs an additional $5 per person. (During October, this attraction is also family-friendly trick-or-treating area.)  You'll find plenty of kiosks offering treats as well as games spread throughout the park.  Most locations take credit cards, but some kiosks only take cash.  If you plan to spend money on the extra fun in the park, you might want to have a little extra cash on hand,  though if you forget to bring it with you, the park does offer an ATM.  In addition to the kiosks and restaurants selling treats and cold drinks, there are also vending machines throughout the park offering drinks for several dollars each as well as water fountains at each restroom location.  If you plan to purchase meals inside the park, consider purchasing the dining plan online in advance.  It will save you a little bit of money. Kings Dominion's website has a thorough list of food vendors, each with a complete menu (minus the prices) and the site also tells you exactly what each location offers as part of the meal plan.  Take a look before you go to decide if the restaurants and meal plan are of interest to you. Another money saving option is packing your own food.  You can't bring food into the park, but you can get a stamp on your hand when you leave the park which will allow you to enter again.  There are picnic tables in the parking lot for anyone who wants to utilize that money-saving feature.  You are even permitted to leave the parking lot and return without paying for parking a second time as long as you keep your parking receipt.  (If you go to Kings Dominion in the fall, you are not permitted to re-enter the park after 7:00 pm, so plan meals around that timeline.)

We loved Kings Dominion in the Fall.  The weather is cooler and it's less crowded.  It just so happened that we didn't wait any more than 45 minutes for any of the rides that we rode and we walked right on to several rides.  However, because we attended in the fall, we didn't have the opportunity to enjoy any of the water slides because they close for the season after Labor Day.  (Even though we didn't get wet, we noticed one particular feature that we wanted to point out for those who attend the park and take full advantage of the water rides: the Family Dryer. For $5, your family can stand inside a booth that is essentially an over-sized hand dryer so you can enjoy the water rides, and then enjoy the rest of the park without walking around dripping wet.  Nice touch).   We did notice that the wait time increased as the day went on because of people coming to the park after 4:00 p.m. (Twilight Admission) for the Halloween Haunt.  Kings Dominion recommends the Halloween Haunt for ages 13 and older.

In addition to the reduced wait time and the nicer weather, the daily admission is a little bit less in the fall.  There are many ways to save on admission; see Kings Dominion's website for details.  As an added bonus, Kings Dominion is offering a free one day pass through October with the purchase of a 2014 season pass ($81 each).  What a great deal!

Goddard Space Flight Center

Explore the exciting work of NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center at its Visitor Center in Greenbelt, MD.

Goddard Visitor Center (Point B)

THINGS TO DO:

1.  Visitor Center at the Goddard Space Flight Center (17 miles, 26 minutes)

• Learn about the solar system, space technology and exploration, and weather from numerous hands-on exhibits
• Climb inside a Gemini capsule model
• Enjoy Science on a Sphere, an innovative way to learn about science by watching animated data projected on a 6-foot-diameter globe
• Explore the Goddard Rocket Garden
• Buy NASA souvenirs at the Gift Shop

THINGS TO KNOW:

The Goddard Space Flight Center is a wonderful activity for those times you want to get out of the house without spending a lot of money (entrance is free) or when you don't want exhaust yourself by being out the entire day.  It is also a great way to have fun on a rainy day.

Sometimes large museums are overwhelming and it's difficult to learn from their exhibits when there are so many demanding attention.  Goddard's Visitor Center's size feels more manageable and makes it a fantastic learning environment. We noticed our kids taking the time to read, explore, and learn.  Of note, Science on a Sphere is an interesting teaching tool.  It captivated our children as they learned about science on a giant globe.  They didn't want to leave the theater.

When you're driving there, you'll find signs for the Visitor Center at Goddard Space Flight Center; be sure to follow those signs because they will be more helpful than the GPS.  As you pull up into the parking lot, you'll find picnic tables in case you're interested in packing your lunch.  You'll also find clean restrooms and drinking fountains inside the visitor center.  The gift shop is small, but packed with plenty of NASA items your kids will beg you to take home.

The Visitor Center is close to Greenbelt Park.  We didn't plan enough time to visit the park, so we can't say much about it, but we wanted to point out that it is nearby for anyone looking for something else fun in the area.  It is run by the National Park Service but there is no admission fee.  If you visit the Goddard Space Flight Center and have the chance visit Greenbelt Park as well, leave a comment and let us know what you think about the park.

Mackintosh Fruit Farm

Go out to the country and pick your own fruit.  Mackintosh Fruit Farm in Berryville, VA is an excellent place for get away from the city.

Mackintosh Fruit Farm (Point B)

THINGS TO DO:

1.  Mackintosh Fruit Farm (70 miles, 1 hour 17 minutes)

• Pick your own berries, peaches, nectarines, pears, apples, flowers, etc.
• Buy fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, zucchini, peppers, corn, herbs, etc. from the garden
• Buy items from their bakery (fruit pies, cobblers, jams, jellies, homemade ice cream, etc.)
• Eat lunch or an early dinner at their Farmer's Market Kitchen (paninis, wraps, pulled pork, burgers, hot dogs, grilled chicken, chick salad, BLT, zucchini pizza, etc.)
• Explore the farm by hiking around the gardens and a beautiful pond
• Visit (and feed) the goats, cows, and horses
• Attend one of their fun events

 

THINGS TO KNOW:

Grocery stores are so helpful for our quick pace of life, but sometimes it is just good for the soul to slow down and take a drive out to the country and get our food directly from the source.  It's gratifying to pick your own fruit from the trees and to return home with a bounty to enjoy.  Mackintosh Fruit Farm is  a beautiful place to pick at your own pace and to enjoy the contrast from your day-to-day life. 

We've mapped out the quickest way to get from D.C. to the farm, but if you're in the mood for a more scenic drive, re-route your trip to go from I-66 to US-50 through Gilbert's Corner in Aldie, turn right on Snickersville Pike, and then left on Route 7.  It'll add about 30 minutes to your drive, but it's beautiful and winding.  If you go on the weekends, you might find seafood and BBQ for sale at Gilbert's corner (the intersection of routes 50 and 15), you'll pass a small Civil War Monument commemorating the Battle of Aldie along Snickersville Pike, and enjoy views of mountains and farms as you drive.  

Don't forget to take sunblock and water bottles so you don't wear out before you've collected all that you want to take home.  Once you're at the farm, the first thing you'll want to do is head to the cash registers where you can get a map of the farm.  They'll let you know what's in season for picking, you can pick up some containers (or you can bring your own) and a wagon, and then you're off to pick the produce that you're most interested in.  After you pick, you'll head back to the registers to pay for your produce by the pound.  The prices of each item are listed in the store.  When we went, we found that the peaches were half the cost if you picked 25 pounds or more; that was the best price on peaches anywhere this summer.  If you're new to picking fruit, a general good rule of thumb is that it's ripe when it's fairly easy to pick off the tree/bush.  If you're not interested in doing the manual labor of picking your own produce, you'll find plenty of already picked produce available at the store.

If your family is like ours, everyone will want their chance to do their fair share of picking and, before you know it, you'll have more fruit than you know what to do with.  You might even experience a slight sense of panic as you look at your wagon and wonder what you'll do with it all.  Don't worry, it's easy to preserve fruit.  We peeled, cut and froze several pounds of peaches to use in smoothies.  We're novices to making jams and jellies, but its easier to do than you'd think.  Grab a box of SureJell Pectin from the grocery store and you'll find recipes and instructions inside.  Freezer jam is quick and doesn't require all the supplies that canning does.  If you want to try out canning, here's a helpful website.  For the first time ever, we made some fruit leather after visiting Mackintosh Farm.  We used this website for guidelines and it came out delicious.  We also picked blackberries and made this amazing dessert.

While paying for your fruits and vegetables, check out the many other things for purchase around the cash registers.  We recommend the peach/blackberry frozen yogurt.  There are plenty of picnic tables available for you to enjoy your meal.  We saw others enjoying a picnic near the pond.  Public bathrooms are available near the cash registers.

Delaware Seashore State Park

Escape for a day of relaxation and fun at the beach.

Delaware Seashore State Park (Point B)

THINGS TO DO:

1.  Delaware Seashore State Park (137 miles, 2 hours 53 minutes)

• Swim and sunbathe
• Surf, skim board, or body board
• Have a picnic on the beach
• Build a sandcastle or bury a family member in the sand
• Go clamming or crabbing in specified areas (check with Park Office for details)
• If you are lucky, see dolphins

THINGS TO KNOW:

This day trip is perfect for anyone who wants to visit the beach, but doesn't feel the need to spend a lot of time there.  While it can be a lot of driving in one day, if you time it right you may have all the kids sleeping peacefully on the way home and you save yourself the effort of packing an over-night bag and the expense of a hotel.

Delaware Seashore State Park is affordable and convenient.  The cost is $8 for out-of-state visitors, but includes access to bathhouses with showers and changing rooms.  This is an important aspect for our family.  The showers are not glamorous (you have to push a button to turn the water on every 10 seconds), but they get the job done so you don't have to drive 3 hours home sitting (and chafing) in sandy clothes. 

There are two ocean swimming areas at Delaware Seashore State Park, Tower Ocean Road and South Inlet Day Area.  Tower Ocean Road is the best option if you enjoy or are interested in trying surfing.  Our family really enjoyed the day we spent at the South Inlet Day Area.  Both areas have bathhouses.  

If you want to save yourself the effort of packing beach equipment or don't want to bother purchasing beach gear that will only be used once a year, you can rent chairs for $5 and umbrellas for $12 to use all day.  There are also concessions available at both swimming areas.  Regardless of whether you buy or bring your own food, you'll have to take your own trash out of the park.

Our family enjoys visiting Delaware Seashore State Park because we like visiting the beach without the commercialism of a boardwalk.  However, the park is only about 10 minutes away from Dewey Beach and about 15 minutes away from Rehoboth Beach where we can find the typical beach stores if we need to purchase body boards or sand castle supplies on the way to the beach.  

We recommend staying until 4:00 p.m.  By the time you pack up and shower (be aware that there may be lines for the shower at this time),  it will be time for dinner.  There are plenty of great places to eat along Delaware 1.  After a full day in the sun and a good dinner, the kids will be sufficiently prepared to sleep on the way home.  And best of all, you just masterfully avoided traffic on the beltway! 

Bull Run

Visit the Manassas National Battlefield Park in Manassas, VA.  See the location where the Battles of Bull Run (First Manassas) and Second Bull Run (Second Manassas) were fought.  Then go to Bull Run Regional Park to cool off Atlantis Waterpark.

Manassas National Battlefield Park (Point B) and Atlantis Waterpark (Point C)

THINGS TO DO:

1.  Manassas National Battlefield Park (31 miles, 39 minutes)

• Explore the Henry Hill Visitor Center when it opens at 8:30 a.m.
• Watch the park's 45 minutes orientation film
• Hike the 5.4 mile First Manassas Trail loop (blue dashes on map) and see the battlefield where newly formed Union and Confederate armies clashed for the first time, the Stone Bridge, the Bull Run, the Stone House, and the spot where Brigadier General Thomas J. Jackson earned his nickname "Stonewall" (Note: a future post will feature the Battle of Second Manassas) 
• Picnic at the Brownsville Picnic Area, off of Groveton Road   

First Manassas Battlefield

Stone Bridge

First Manassas Trail

Stone House

2.  Atlantis Waterpark (6 miles, 13 minutes)

• Play in the water, ride waterslides, and sun bathe for the rest of the afternoon (closes at 7:00 p.m.)

THINGS TO KNOW:

Walking through Manassas National Battlefield Park is an opportunity to appreciate the beauty of the area in which we live, but if you take the time to go to the visitor center, you’ll develop a new appreciation for the area and the significant events that occurred here.  The movie at this visitor center is definitely worth the time.  You’ll also find water fountains, restrooms, and a gift shop at the visitor center.  There is a fee to visit the park, unless you have the annual National Parks Pass. 

The hike will take you through fields and forests.  Bring your sun block and bug repellant.  You’ll go up and down some hills, but nothing too difficult.  (If you’re not up to the hike, ask the visitor center about the driving tour of the park.)  After spending a couple of hours hiking the grounds and learning about the buildings and the Battle of First Manassas, you’ll probably worked up an appetite.  But don’t pull out your picnic just yet; the park only allows picnicking in specific picnic locations and if you’ve followed First Manassas Trail, you’re a few miles away from the picnic area.

If you’ve decided to pack a picnic, get in your car and drive to either the Brownsville Picnic Area or go straight to Atlantis Waterpark.  The waterpark does not permit you to bring your own food, so you’ll have to picnic on the grass near the parking lot.  If you’d prefer to buy lunch, Atlantis does have a café where they sell a variety of fast food.

Atlantis Waterpark is a great place for kids to play, but there’s also some fun for the adults.  Check the website for admission fees; discounts are given if you’ve decided to camp in the park and they’re also given for admission to the park after 4:00 pm. (weekdays only).  There’s quite a few rules at the park that you may want to familiarize yourself with prior to visiting (such as where non-toilet trained children are allowed to play, no water guns in the pool, no sunglasses on the waterslide, etc.).  

Gathland, Bluberries, Harpers Ferry

Visit Gathland State Park and Harpers Ferry National Historic Park.  Some people prefer to visit the two parks while hiking the Appalachian Trail, we chose to visit the parks by car--allowing plenty of time to sightsee at both locations and pick blueberries in between.  

Gathland State Park (Point B), Frog Eye Farm (Point C), Harpers Ferry National Historic Park (Point D)

THINGS TO DO:

1.  Explore Gathland State Park (62 miles, 1 hour 17 minutes)

• See the War Correspondent's Arch, a national historic monument
• Visit the remnant estate of George Alfred Townsend, a Civil War and perhaps first syndicated journalist
• Walk through the small museum, featuring artifacts of Townsend's life and career and artifacts from the Battle of South Mountain, the first major battle of the Civil War fought in Maryland

War Correspondent's Arch 

Townsend Estate/Museum

2.  Pick your own organic blueberries at Frog Eye Farm (4 miles, 8 minutes)

Blueberries at Frog Eye Farm

Frog Eye Farm

3.  Visit Harpers Ferry National Historic Park (8 miles, 13 minutes) and walk in the foot steps of various prominent Americans

• Stop at the Visitor Center to pick-up maps
• Take the shuttle Lower Town
• Eat lunch at Hannah's Train Depot
• Walk through town, stopping to see various town life, industry, Civil War, natural history, and African American history museums
• Hike about 0.5 mile (roundtrip) to Jefferson Rock, made famous by Thomas Jefferson's description of the convergence of the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers.
• If time and energy, cross the footbridge and hike the more difficult 4 mile (roundtrip) Overlook Cliff Trail for a great view of Harpers Ferry from the other side the Potomac River
• Take the shuttle back to your car
• If desired, drive to Bolivar Heights, site of the largest Civil War battle in West Virginia

Harpers Ferry Lower Town

Jefferson Rock 

Bolivar Heights

THINGS TO KNOW:

Gathland State Park is an interesting park.  The structures there are beautiful and would provide a nice backdrop for a photo shoot.  The museums are small, but informative.  It’s interesting to learn about journalism at the time of the Civil War and the roll that these writers played in our Nation’s history.  The museums are closed in the winter; check the website for specifics.  Don’t forget your bug spray, preferably something that repels gnats.  There are picnic tables at the park and restrooms are available; but don’t worry, there’s also restrooms available everywhere else along the route.

Frog Eye Farm is a serene little farm you don’t want to miss.  The owner was helpful and friendly, the blueberries were delicious (and organic), and there are places to just stop and sit down to relax and enjoy your blueberries.  Even if you don’t like blueberries, stop by this farm and pick a few to give to your neighbor.  Blueberry season is June – August, but varies slightly every year so make sure to check their website to make sure the berries are ready to be picked before you go. To get there from Gathland State Park, look for Frog Eye Road off Rt. 67; it’s a small road that’s easy to pass, so watch closely.  The road will turn into a dirt road and curve to the left.  When we went, there were small signs low to the ground that had pictures of blueberries and arrows making sure you find the driveway to the farm.  Bring cash or check to pay for the blueberries and a Tupperware container to take them home.

Harper’s Ferry is unlike most National Parks because it is a town.  There are lots of buildings that you can step into and learn various aspects of daily life during the civil war.   You’ll learn about why this town was important during the Civil War and how many times it changed hands over the course of the war.  In addition to the buildings that have been set aside for historical and educational purposes, you’ll also find plenty of modern shops, restaurants, and private residences.  The National Park Service (NPS) provides a shuttle from the visitor center because the town can’t accommodate the cars of all the visitors.  If you don’t want to take the shuttle, you won’t be stopped from driving there yourself and trying to find parking.  We recommend following the advice of the NPS and taking the shuttle unless you are visiting off-season.

The town is set right on a mountainside and there are steep hills.  If you’re not interested in the dealing with the hills, you’ll find plenty to do and see along Shenandoah Street, which is nice and flat.  Strollers aren’t terribly easy in this place: they’re awkward to get on and off the crowded shuttle, only to try to push them over cobblestone streets, and then drag them up two or three odd-sized steps to get into a building where you’ll find that there isn’t really much space for a stroller.  It’s not impossible to have stroller, but our advice is to skip it if your child is either small enough to be carried or big enough to walk on their own.   Bringing a picnic into the park via the shuttle is also not easy as the bus prohibits food and coolers.  For that reason, we suggest eating lunch at a restaurant in the town once you get off the shuttle (Hannah’s Train Depot on Potomac Street is a great place).  If you need to eat a lunch for home, we suggest eating it at either the Blueberry Farm prior to Harper’s Ferry. The hike to Jefferson Rock is short, but rather steep, so be prepared to climb quite a few steps and walk up hills.  It is a beautiful view and worth the effort.

When you get on the shuttle during the summer, Boliver Heights is the first stop on your way to Lower Town (the shuttle doesn’t take you there in the fall/winter).  When you get off the shuttle at Boliver Heights, you are required to stay there until another shuttle comes along.  During a busy day, you may be required to wait for several shuttles to come and go before there is room for you to board and go onto the main attraction.  For that reason, we suggest you stay on the bus and go right to the town.  When you’ve seen all you want to see at Lower Town, take the shuttle back to your car and drive up the hill to Boliver Heights.  You’ll find several signs describing why it is significant and a couple of different paths to follow, based on your interest level and time constraints.

King George and Westmoreland Counties

Explore King George and Westmoreland counties in VA.  See bald eagles and look for shark teeth at Caledon State Park.  Go back in time and see a former plantation at the George Washington Birthplace National Monument.  If time, visit the birthplace of Robert E Lee, Stratford Hall.  

Caledon State Park (Point B), George Washington Birthplace National Monument (Point C),
Robert E Lee birthplace, Stratford Hall (Point D), and El Charro Mexican Restaurant (Point E)

THINGS TO DO:

1.  Arrive at Caledon State Park early in the morning (56 miles, 1 hour 21 minutes)

• Start your day at the Visitors Center and ask where the eagles have been spotted recently
• Hike to see the bald eagles 
• Spend time looking for shark teeth on the beach (the state park allows you to keep any shark teeth you find)

2.  Visit the George Washington Birthplace National Monument (21 miles, 34 minutes)

• Stop at the Visitor Center
• See the original location of George Washington's house
• Explore Popes Creek, a living colonial farm
• Hike

3.  If time and interest in paying fee, visit Stratford Hall (9 miles, 16 minutes)

4.  Eat dinner at El Charro Mexican Restaurant before heading home (24 miles, 32 minutes)


THINGS TO KNOW:

Caledon State Park is a park that is easy to pass on the road if you’re not paying attention.  On our adventure, we learned that this park is definitely worth a visit.  We followed some of the hikes that lead to the Potomac River and we had a wonderful time searching for eagles and for shark teeth (the state park allows you to keep any shark teeth you find).  Be sure to stop in at the Visitor Center for advice on where to find the eagles that day.  If you’re interested in paying an extra fee to go on an eagle spotting tour, call in advance to find out the specific times it will be offered on the day you visit the park. 

When you go to George Washington Birthplace National Monument (Popes Creek), you’ll find that there is no fee to enter the park.  There is a video in the visitor center and then you can take a self-guided tour around the property.  If possible, check the website for the park schedule and plan to go to the plantation when there will be demonstrations.  Our family loved the demonstrations on blacksmithing, cooking, sheep sheering, spinning and fabric dying. 

Both Caledon State Park and George Washington Birthplace have nice restrooms, water fountains, and small gift shops. 

We would’ve liked to see Stratford Hall, but half the passengers in our vehicle had worn themselves out on the beach of the Potomac hunting for treasures earlier in the day, so we opted to let them sleep.  If you go, leave a comment and tell us what you think of it.

We enjoyed El Charro Mexican Restaurant.  It was a recommendation of someone we know in the area and it didn’t disappoint.  

July 4th Fireworks

Celebrate July 4th with fireworks "outside" of D.C.

PLACES TO GO:

1.  Celebrate America, Manassas, VA (32 miles, 44 minutes)

Manassas, VA (Point B)

• Location:  Old Town Manassas
• Time: 4:00-10:00 p.m.
• Cost:  Free
• Fireworks:  9:15 p.m. (best seats on the Manassas Museum Lawn)
• In Addition to Fireworks (some additional cost): Kiddie rides, food, vendors, live entertainment

Manassas Fireworks' Finale (2012)

2.  July 4th Celebration, Great Meadows, VA (47 miles, 56 minutes)

Great Meadows, VA (Point B)

• Location:  5089 Old Tavern Road, The Plains, VA
• Time:  4:00-10:00 p.m.
• Cost:  $40-50 per vehicle (or more for reserved spaces - see link for details)
• Fireworks:  Dark (sit around the large field)
• In Addition to Fireworks (all inclusive except pony rides): tailgating, food court, choreographed helicopter air show, polo exhibitions, rocketry demonstrations, rain machine, laser tag, rock wall climbing, pony rides ($5 extra), moon bounce, bands 

Great Meadow Promo (2010)

3.  July 4th on the Mountain, McHenry, MD (179 miles, 3 hours) - Make a weekend out of it!!

McHenry, MD (Point B)

• Location:  Wisp Resort
• Cost:  Free
• Fireworks:  Dusk (from the top of the Wisp Outdoors Adventure Park)
• In Addition to Fireworks (additional cost):  Boat or waterski on Deep Creek Lake, man-made white water rafting, golf, canopy tour, mountain coaster, chairlift rides, laser games, disc golf

Wisp Fireworks Finale (2010)

THINGS TO KNOW:

The D.C. fireworks are impressive; however, we’ve discovered other impressive displays.  Unlike D.C., it’s nice to enjoy this July 4th tradition with space to move and without having to pass through security.  Each of these locations have events and activities in addition to the fireworks, which will keep you entertained for hours.   Or if you’d rather, just show up in the evening to set up your spot to watch fireworks. 

Annapolis, MD

Explore the Capital of Maryland (34 miles, 43 minutes)

THINGS TO DO:

1.  Visit the Maryland State House

• See the oldest state capitol still in continuous legislative use
• Take a self-guided tour of the building

2.  Eat at Chick & Ruth's Delly (0.2 miles walking)

• You've got to experience this!

3.  Walk around the city dock and waterfront (0.2 miles walking)

4.  Explore the U.S. Naval Academy (0.2 miles walking)

• Begin at the visitor center (you must enter by foot, unless you have a DoD decal on your vehicle - ages 16 and older must have photo ID)
• Hike around the academy

5.  Drive to the Maryland World War II Memorial on your way out of town (2 miles, 5 minutes away from State House)

THINGS TO KNOW:

Before you go to Annapolis for a leisurely stroll through town, check the internet for the schedule of boat shows.  If you’re not interested in paying admission to see all the boats, you’ll probably want to avoid going during a boat show because you’ll have a hard time finding parking and you won’t have access to the waterfront without paying the admission fee.

You can take a self-guided tour any time while the Maryland State House is open (9:00am – 5:00 pm); informative brochures are available.   Don’t forget your photo ID.  The grounds are beautiful and we found more than one place to stop and pose for some family pictures. 

Main Street has an interesting collection of stores that could keep you wandering in and out for hours.  You’ll find everything from high-end clothing and art to stores full of Maryland souvenirs and ice cream shops.   We enjoyed wandering through the stores until lunch time and then we headed to Chick and Ruth’s.

Chick and Ruth’s Delly is more than a restaurant that happened to be available when we were hungry.  We had a blast at this place.  It was loud and crowded, but it had the happy atmosphere of an extended family reunion.  Though we’d never been there before, everyone seemed genuinely happy to see us and everyone from our servers to the owners worked to put a smile on our face.  The menu was huge and all the food that we ate was delicious.  We will go back and highly recommend it to everyone visiting Annapolis.  

The U.S. Naval Academy has an informative visitor center and it is interesting to learn about the history of the Navy.  There are plenty of interesting buildings and sculptures to see if you have the energy for more walking (remember, you’ll have to enter on foot unless by chance you have a DoD decal on your car).  There is a gift shop at the Visitor Center if you’re in need Navy sweatshirts, bags, teddy bears, etc. 

The Maryland WWII Memorial is located in an interesting spot: it is in the median of Governor Ritchie Highway.  Shortly after you cross the Naval Academy Bridge, you’ll find a left exit to get into the parking lot.  It is a beautifully done and very peaceful memorial, worth the little bit of extra time to see it.