Tag Archives: Mid-Atlantic

Historic Savage Mill

Located on the falls of the Patuxent River near the planned community of Columbia, the Historic Savage Mill is a quick drive from both Baltimore and Washington, DC. Its latest incarnation – a maze of antique stores, gift shops and restaurants – is a 21st century monument to 19th century industrial America. Continue reading

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Hand-rolled Cigars, Hooch and Horse Racing

By now most New Year’s Resolutions have gone by the wayside, and old habits are back with a vengeance. Why not embrace your inner badass with a tour of some of the finest vices our region has to offer?

Abraham Lincoln observed that, “… folks who have no vices have very few virtues.” So in the interest of improving my character, I headed out to historic Leesburg and wild and wonderful West Virginia last weekend with some of my favorite people. Continue reading

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The Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial

On a still, gray day in February I visited the MLK Memorial, along with dozens of people of varying age, race and country of origin. I thought of the diverse lives surrounding me, taking note of the peaceful faces of my fellow sightseers. Even those on a whirlwind tour of the Mall slowed down in MLK’s presence to consider the moment in time. Continue reading

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Alexandria Celebrates Its Favorite Son

Alexandria’s cobblestone streets were once George Washington’s stomping ground. Visit Old Town this month, walk in Washington’s footsteps and learn more about the life of our first president when he went off the plantation. Continue reading

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Warm up at a Winery

Day Tripping 101: You don’t have to drive for hours to have fun, and you really should talk to strangers whenever the opportunity arises. A little wine can make that happen.

Loudoun County is home to 30 of Virginia’s 191 wineries, and most provide a pleasant way to enjoy the countryside and escape the daily grind, if just for an afternoon. And since each winery reflects the personality, philosophy and taste buds of its owners, there’s something for everyone. Continue reading

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Visit Frederick and Feather Your Nest

The British poet Dame Edith Sitwell declared that, “winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a good friend’s hand and for a talk beside the fire. It is the time for home.”

A trip to Frederick can help turn your house into a place Dame Edith would happily hibernate in. Founded in 1745 by German and English settlers, the historic town has long been recognized as a go-to place for antique furnishings. The Clintons were said to stop and shop here on their way to Camp David, so you never who you might rub elbows with. Continue reading

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Stratford Hall

A visit to the birthplace of Confederate General Robert E. Lee – named Stratford Hall after his ancestral home in Shropshire, England – offers a tranquil day trip along Virginia’s road less traveled. Continue reading

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American Visionary Art Museum

What goes around comes around. Maybe that’s why visitors emerge from All Things Round: Galaxies, Eyeballs and Karma, now at the American Visionary Art Museum, feeling at peace with the world. It’s like a big hug from humanity, reminding us that life is good … for those who believe it. Continue reading

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Middle of Nowhere – Poems & Images from the C&O Canal

Happy holidays! Roamingtheplanet.com is on hiatus from travel this week, enjoying festivities with family and friends.

The following posting is an introduction to “Middle of Nowhere,” a book of poems by George Owens and photography by Paul Jean. Continue reading

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Anglo-Saxon Hoard Sheds Light on the Dark Ages

It’s a good day to die. At least that’s the feeling that sweeps over visitors to Anglo-Saxon Hoard, the exhibit of medieval artifacts making its only stop in the United States at the National Geographic Museum’s Explorers Hall in Washington, DC. Continue reading

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