Winter Happenings in the Mid-Atlantic Regional Round-Up

(U.S. Mid-Atlantic Region, January, 2012) – The Mid-Atlantic region offers a wide variety of winter activities ranging from skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding to a blue grass festival and orchid extravaganza.

Escape cabin fever in the Mid-Atlantic region. For additional information about specific events, activities or attractions, please contact the state tourism office or CVB listed.

Delaware

Follow the newly launched Delaware History Trail, a collection of 36 historic sites that begin to tell the story of the state that started the nation.  Complete the trail passport and receive a limited-edition book, “Landmarks and Legacies,” a colorful narrative of fascinating people and places in the First State.  Tina Madanat, Delaware Tourism Office, Tina.Madanat@state.de.us, www.visitdelaware.com/history

Get into the swing at the Wilmington Winter Bluegrass Festival on March 16 thru 18, 2012.  This annual event at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Claymont, DE features 30 bands including “Jimmy Sisk and Rambling Choice”, instrument workshops, two stages and weekend jamming. Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau, Lyn Lewis, LynLewis@VisitWilmingtonDE.com, www.VisitWilmingtonDE.com

Get away from the city this winter and head to Greater Dover, Delaware for quaint historic towns and unique museums!  Hot cocoa hayrides, stargazing and twilight strolls at Killens Pond State Park, a Stitch-in-Time Quilt Guild quilt exhibit and sale and First Saturdays to celebrate Black History month. Kent County Tourism, Lorraine Dion, ldion@visitdover.com, www.visitdover.com

The 21^st annual Lewes Polar Bear Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Delaware is scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 5, in Rehoboth Beach. More than 3,000 people participated in the event in 2011, raising $550,000 for the organization. Another 20,000 people witnessed the event last year from the city’s famous boardwalk. Southern Delaware Tourism, James Diehl, jamesd@southerndelawaretourism.com,www.southerndelawaretourism.com

Maryland

A fabulous meal and a cozy bed and breakfast are the perfect combination on a cold winter’s night. Experience both during Annapolis Restaurant Week (February 20-26, 2012). Diners can choose from 40 restaurants offering price-fixed lunch and dinner menus before staying at one of the dozens of B&Bs in Historic Annapolis. Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau, Susan Steckman,ssteckman@VisitAnnapolis.org, www.VisitAnnagpolis.org

Sparkling ice sculptures, ice carving demonstrations, an interactive ice playground, marshmallow roasting, free hot cocoa and more await visitors during Downtown Frederick’s First Saturday “Fire in Ice”event on February 4, 2012 from 5-9pm. More than 80 shops, galleries and restaurants will be open until 9pm or later. Tourism Council of Frederick Maryland, Michelle Kershner, mkershner@fredco-md.net,www.fredericktourism.org

Hancock Winter Festival set for Feb. 11, 2012. Activities begin around 10am with individual and group competition in snow sculpting. Afternoon activities include food, music, snow related games and contests, a hat parade, and much more. Beat the "cabin fever" and bring the kids, young and old, for a full day of fun in the snow. Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Tom Riford,tomr@marylandmemories.com, www.marylandmemories.com

Pennsylvania

Come to Butler County and retrace young George Washington’s footsteps during our Cherry Pie Hike on February 25. You’ll experience a hike, history lesson and lots of cherry pie! You can also take advantage snowshoeing, X-country skiing, ice fishing and more in our winter wonderland!  Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, Patti Jo Lambert, pjlambert@visitbutlercounty.com, www.visitbutlercounty.com

Escape the cold winter during Longwood Gardens’ Orchid Extravaganza, January 20 - March 25. Explore a magical world of orchids where thousands of colorful blooms drape walls, flow from baskets and form captivating archways in artful displays. Best collectors and growers gather for International Orchid Show and Sale, March 23-25.  Chester County Conference & Visitors Bureau, Nina Kelly,Nina@BrandywineValley.com, www.BrandywineValley.com

Don’t hibernate, celebrate! Erie winters are packed with snowy adventures and warm hospitality! Enjoy downhill and cross country skiing, snow shoeing, snowboarding, ice kiting, ice sailing, ice fishing, OHL hockey, NBA D-League basketball, birding and sledding!  Wine and Dine to end your day at a local restaurant or winery. VisitErie, Christine Pennsy, cvb1@VisitErie.com, www.VisitErie.com

From downhill skiing and snowmobile tours to dog sledding, you’ll always find snow in the Laurel Highlands! The region straddles Pennsylvania’s highest mountain tops and receives some of the mid-Atlantic’s largest amount of natural snowfall.  Home to Seven Springs Mountain Resort, Hidden Valley Resort and the world-class Nemacolin Woodlands Resort. Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau,jdonovan@laurelhighlands.org, www.laurelhighlands.org

Discover the very height of winter fun in Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. Whether you are heading down Pennsylvania’s highest vertical at Blue Mountain Ski Area or the family-friendly Bear Creek Mountain Resort, you are sure to have a memorable getaway. Visit www.LehighValleySki.com for hassle-free Stay & Ski packages. Discover Lehigh Valley, Kim Lilly, kim@DiscoverLehighValley.com,www.DiscoverLehighValley.com

Find great buys, get PA Dutch eats, and talk with local Amish farmers and craftsmen during Lancaster County’s unique “mud sales” season, mainly late February through early April.  These community auctions benefit local fire companies and provide visitors with some of the most authentic interaction available with our Amish neighbors.  Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau, Joel Cliff,jcliff@padutchcountry.com www.padutchcountry.com

Cure your cabin fever on a safari adventure in the Pocono Mountains! Each February, old-man winter blows an icy blast of creative inspiration into the talented ice carvers at Sculpted Ice Works creating Crystal Cabin Fever, an indoor, interactive ice display, made of over 100 tons of ice! Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, Alicia Quinn, Alicia@poconos.org, 800poconos.com

Uncover a whirlwind of outdoor and winter fun during a getaway to York County, PA! Challenge gravity at the slopes of Roundtop Mountain Resort or discover lightning fast tubing at Avalanche Xpress. Not as adventurous? No problem! Unwind with a leisurely afternoon at one of York’s ice parks or arenas! York County CVB, Rob Mayer, robmayer@yorkpa.org, www.yorkpa.org

Virginia

Grab your coat and head to Hampton, Virginia for some “cool” events this winter. Whether checking out at the Third annual Hampton, VA Sports Festival, browsing booths at Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival XXIII, or getting fresh ink at the Second annual Hampton Roads Tattoo Arts Festival, there is something for everyone. Hampton Conventio
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