Monday, June 9, 2014

Mid-Atlantic Region: Choosing an Ideal Place for a Brief Vacation

Snow and snow days were the topic of discussion during the entire mid-Atlantic 2013 - 2014 winter season.  It seemed the students were out of school more than they were in school.  Even though the snow and cold is long gone, it is difficult to stop thinking about the topic of inclement weather and snow days.

Our schools have been left scrambling to make-up all of these educational hours that were lost. Some schools have applied for waivers for make-up days, so that fewer days need to be squeezed into the calendar somewhere. All schools have adjusted their calendars.  The last day of school has been pushed later by several days to a week, or more, in almost all districts.

I am sharing this information because it impacts summer vacation and travel. Both time available and plans that had already been made. It is also heavy on my mind because special education schools that already have an “extended year” program (the equivalent of summer school as a part of the normal curriculum) seem to be taking a really heavy hit.

In other words, because I work in an extended year school setting, I am only having a long weekend as a break for our first summer break. You see, we typically have 7 - 14 days off in June and a slightly longer break in the late summer, before the public school year resumes.  
Overlook at Green Ridge State Forest


Like most humans, because I feel restricted, I suddenly want it all.  I can’t stop thinking about what I could be doing if I had the time.  We have so many highly rated places to see and things to do in this area.  I’ve only scratched the surface of things to see and I want to return to every one of the places I’ve already experienced.

Only one long weekend for break. Oh the decisions I need to make.

I could head to the mountains for a week of primitive camping and hiking at Green Ridge State Forest in western Maryland. A place so beautiful and diverse that I would live there if I could.

I could head to the beach, dig my toes into the warm sand, and hang out with the ponies at Assateague Island.  Of course, this time I would stop and sit a spell at the beautiful visitor center on my way in.

Maybe I will finally book my maiden visit at the Treehouse Camp at Maple Tree Campgound. I rarely want to stay at a campground that isn’t primitive tent camping, but I really want to stay here.

orchids at Longwood Gardens
Or I could finally visit the New River Gorge area in West Virginia via Adventures on the Gorge, which is a high priority place on my bucket list. My son went white water rafting there and had nothing but good things to say. I can't wait to go for myself. I may or may not be brave enough for white water rafting, luckily there are many things to do and see in that area.  

Maybe I’ll wander back up to Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania for a picnic among the flowers and fountains with stop by at Brandywine Museum and to remind myself of the talent of Andrew Wyeth on the way home.

water sports at Hammerman
Fortunately, if all else fails, I will be able to use that long weekend (provided it doesn’t snow – just kidding!) at one of my favorite Baltimore county parks such as Hammerman or Pretty Boy Reservoir.  Maybe I will be able to get my new Kayak into the water. 

You see, I want to do it all. The fewer days I have, the more I want to do.  Whether it is a week long vacation a good distance from home, a staycation near home, or a quick day trip just around the corner, there are so many great places to see in the mid-Atlantic. These are only a few. 



Image Credit: Images are mine ©Dawn Rae – All Rights Reserved (Click on photo for larger view)







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12 comments:

  1. What great places to visit. The Green Ridge State Forest looks awesome. My kind of vacation spot.

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  2. All of these vacation spots you speak of look like a wonderful way to spend a few days. I'd choose hanging out with the ponies on Assateague Island. Yes, the extended winter white weather has made for a foul play situation for those hoping for a long summer vacation.

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  3. Thanks for some great suggestions, we may be traveling through the mid atlantic area later this summer on our way to visit my aunt and uncle.

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    Replies
    1. I think of you often when I think that I should get myself up to the Elk Neck park lighthouse. Have you been?

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  4. Sadly, I won't be able to take a vacation this summer. I would love to visit your corner of the country some day for a hiking trip.

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    Replies
    1. Coletta.. it is definitely a great place to hike. I hope you can come someday.

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  5. It is always upsetting to everyone, parents, students & teachers, when our summer breaks are shortened, even if we were glad for those snow days earlier. I love all of your short vacation suggestions! When we must regroup and change our plans it is awesome to have a great reference, like you have provided, for ideas.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you mouse! :) (and i agree about the snow days...I sure loved the days off then... not loving them so much now.)

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  6. Mini-vacations close to home are often the best. You always make your region sound so interesting, full of places to visit.

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  7. Thank you Charli. I think the same thing about your area/pond when I read your blog. :)

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  8. I can't wait to one day explore your region. You have it all. That treehouse camp cottage calls to me.

    ReplyDelete

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