Monday, March 30, 2020

USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “NORTHEAST” MARYLAND

MARYLAND: THE OLD LINE STATE



BY CLAY LARROY

There are so many songs dancing in my head about summertime, and I believe they are all my favorite songs. Seals and Croft released, “Summer Breeze” in 1972 and it became an instant classic.


Summer Breeze by Seals and Croft


See the curtains hangin' in the window

In the evening on a Friday night

A little light-a-shinin' through the window

Lets me know everything's all right



Summer breeze makes me feel fine

Blowin' through the jasmine in my mind

Summer breeze makes me feel fine
Blowin' though the jasmine in my mind





Maryland is a wonderful state to visit on a vacation. When I plan vacations I think of an area that has the potential of several cities to visit within a 50 mile range. A vacation in Maryland offers that unique opportunity. When you are ready to plan that this vacation contact me!


About Rockville, Maryland


Rockville is regarded as one of America’s leading small cities for work, for play and for life. It is the vibrant, highly educated, business-friendly home to some of the nation’s and the world’s most prominent biomed and technology companies and is adjacent to the world's most powerful city, Washington, D.C.

Rockville is a city that remembers and reveres its roots, its commitment to citizen-centric public service, to the planet and to the connectivity of its neighborhoods and residents.

Rockville is a place one can truly and proudly call "my hometown."  Rockville is a place that looks like home, feels like home, and whose people and government work to maintain the intimacy and warmth that “hometown” promotes. A place where, despite our differences, neighbors know and care about each other and the community and piece of ground they share.


Beall-Dawson Historic Park

The Historical Society includes a tour of the Beall Dawson House and the Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine lasting 45 minutes to an hour.
103 W. Montgomery Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 301-762-1492


F. Scott Fitzgerald Burial Site

Visit the F. Scott Fitzgerald Gravesite located at the historic Saint Mary’s Cemetery. While intervening years took Fitzgerald around the…


Visit the F. Scott Fitzgerald Gravesite located at the historic Saint Mary’s Cemetery. While intervening years took Fitzgerald around the world, Maryland never left his
heart. People, places, and experiences in Rockville found their way into his writings. The author's life-long connection to Rockville was maintained through correspondence,
family ties and visits and, in 1940, as his final resting place.

St. Mary's Catholic Church/Cemetery
520 Veirs Mill Rd.
Rockville, MD 20852

153 acres of wooded parkland and landscaped greenspace, Glenview exudes the charm, grace, and style you would expect from an early 20th century estate listerd on the National Register.

603 Edmonston Drive
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 240-314-8660





Swing, climb and zip through the forest canopy 40 to 50 feet above the ground at Go Ape, the world’s…
Swing, climb and zip through the forest canopy 40 to 50 feet above the ground at Go Ape, the world's largest treetop adventure course operator! The obstacle course is made up of 40 crossings, including trapezes, rope bridges, suspension bridges, 2 tarzan swings and 5 longest zip lines in the area. There are 5 individual sections within the course, each section taking you higher into the forest canopy and finishing with a zip line more exciting than the previous one! The course takes 2 to 3 hours and reservations are highly recommended.

Rock Creek Regional Park
6129 Needwood Lake Drive
Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: 1-800-971-8271


Josiah Henson Historic Site (Uncle Tom’s Cabin)

The Josiah Henson Site (formerly called the “Riley Farm/Uncle Tom’s Cabin”) is a historic resource of local, state, national and…

The Josiah Henson Site (formerly called the "Riley Farm/Uncle Tom's Cabin") is a historic resource of local, state, national and international significance because of its association with Reverend Josiah Henson, whose 1849 autobiography inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe's landmark novel, Uncle Tom's Cabin. The Riley farm was where Henson lived and worked as a slave from 1795 to 1830. The existing frame building, possibly dating to the late 18th century, was the home of Isaac Riley.

11420 Old Georgetown Road
Rockville, MD 20852
Phone: 301-650-4373


Latvian Museum

The museum encourages the preservation of Latvian cultural heritage in the United States

Latvian Lutheran Church
400 Hurley Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 301-340-1914


Meadowside Nature Center

Located in Rock Creek Regional Park, Meadowside offers hands-on natural and cultural history programs and exhibits. There are 8 miles of nature trails to see real live animals in their real habitats.

Rock Creek Regional Park
5100 Meadowside Lane
Rockville, MD 20855

Phone: 301-924-4141



Parklawn Camping Area

4 sites with grills, campfire circle, pit toilets. For MoCo residents only.


12724 Veirs Mill Road
Rockville, MD 20853
Phone: 301-299-0024

Rock Creek Trail

Asphalt trail is one of the most popular in the Washington metro area. 25-mile trail running from Lake Needwood Park just north of Rockville to the Lincoln Memorial in DC.
15700 Needwood Lake Circle
Rockville, MD 20855
Phone: 301-495-2595

Stonestreet Museum of 19th Century Medicine

Included on the tour of Beall-Dawson House is this museum where major advancements in medicine were discovered.


103 W. Montgomery Avenue
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 301-340-2825

The F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre


603 Edmonston Drive
Rockville, MD 20851
Phone: 240-314-5004

VisArts

The Metropolitan Center for the Visual Arts (VisArts) is a dynamic, non-profit arts center dedicated to engaging the community in the arts and providing opportunities for artistic exploration, education and participation. Through educational programming, gallery exhibitions and a resident artist program, VisArts provides children, teens and adults with opportunities to express their creativity and enhance their awareness of the arts.


155 Gibbs Street
Rockville, MD 20850
Phone: 301-315-8200



REFERENCE SITES


http://www.rockvillemd.gov/

Seal and Crofts Lyrics



“it's a smile, it's a kiss, it's a sip of wine ... it's summertime!”
Kenny Chesney







Saturday, March 28, 2020

USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “NORTHEAST” MARYLAND

MARYLAND: THE OLD LINE STATE


BY CLAY LARROY

Do you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. Not only will you feel less anxiety before the trip, but you can rest assured that once you arrive where you're going you will have a good understanding of what's going on there.

  When you need to plan a vacation contact me! Maryland, one of the original 13 states of the USA, was founded by Lord Baltimore in 1634. Its Atlantic Plain, divided by Chesapeake Bay, rises through the rolling hills and scenic farmland of the state's heartland to the Allegheny Mountains of the northwest.
Its tourist destinations range from the 16km (10 miles) of white, sandy beaches at Ocean City to Baltimore's bustling Inner Harbor. Chesapeake Bay's 6,400km (4,000 miles) of shoreline, including its tributaries, separate the Eastern Shore area of Maryland from the rest of the state. The twin-spanned Chesapeake Bay Bridge is the major link between the two sections.
Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy, and the Chesapeake the busiest sailing destination on the Eastern Seaboard. It is also one of the ports of call for yachts on the famous Volvo Ocean Race, formerly the Whitbread Round the World Race. Baltimore is a mere 60km (40 miles) northeast from Washington, DC.
Maryland has a very large sports culture, with many different professional and college athletic teams. Two National Football League teams play in the state, the Baltimore Ravens and the Washington Redskins. The Baltimore Orioles are the Major League Baseball franchise in the state, and the Washington Capitals represent the National Hockey League.  Because of the multitude of professional sports franchises in the state, many across the state are diehard fans of one team or another. 

Maryland is often recognized for its fresh, delicious blue crabs. They are also known for their specific preparation of the crab; they are often steamed and seasoned with Old Bay seasoning (a special herb and spice blend developed in Maryland).



Things to see and do in Maryland

Annapolis Sailing School

Sign on for sailing lessons at the world-renowned Annapolis Sailing School (www.annapolissailing.com).

Baltimore museums

Tour the Baltimore Museum of Art (www.artbma.org), Walters Art Museum (www.thewalters.org) and the American Visionary Art Museum (www.avam.org) for a cultural treat.

Bay Bridge

Drive over the famous Bay Bridge (www.cbbt.com) to St Michaels, a quaint town that highlights life along Chesapeake Bay, Crisfield and Smith Island - home to huge populations of Maryland blue crabs.

Camp David Presidential Retreat

Catch a glimpse of Camp David Presidential Retreat, near Thurmont. It is the traditional retreat for US presidents. The public is not allowed inside, but visitors can experience the same lovely landscape in Catoctin Mountain Park (www.nps.gov/cato), which surrounds it.

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park

Hike or bike the old towpath once used by mule-drawn barges in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park (www.nps.gov/choh), stretching 295km (184 miles) from Washington, DC to Cumberland in Western Maryland, and visit the headquarters where George Washington began his military career.

Deep Creek Lake

Enjoy a variety of water-based activities at Deep Creek Lake (www.deepcreeklake.com), the state's four-season resort, or play 18 holes of golf on two scenic championship courses.

Fell's Point

Take a water taxi ride to the neighbourhoods of Fell's Point (www.fellspoint.us) and Little Italy (www.littleitalymd.com).

Fort McHenry National Monument

View the star-shaped, brick-built Fort McHenry National Monument (www.nps.gov/fomc), whose bombardment in 1814 inspired the writing of 'The Star-Spangled Banner' and where special drills and military ceremonies are performed.


Frederick

Begin in Frederick (www.fredericktourism.org) for a tour of Civil War sites. A town of quaint brick buildings and parks, it is an excellent starting point to view the region's history.

Gambrill State Park

Drink in outstanding panoramic views from the Catoctin peaks in Gambrill State Park (www.stateparks.com/gambrill.html).

National Aquarium

Tour the National Aquarium (www.aqua.org), home to more than 560 species of sub aquatic life. Start your day by having breakfast with the dolphins, or sign up for a sleepover with the sharks.

Ocean City

Soak up the sun at Ocean City (www.oceancity.org), a lovely beach resort boasting an expansive white sand beach, a 5km- (3-mile-) long boardwalk, amusements, tram rides, boating and deep-sea fishing.

Pier Six Concert Pavilion

Listen to the music at the beautiful Pier Six Concert Pavilion (www.piersixpavilion.com) where concerts are hosted during the summer months (June to late September).

Preakness Stakes

Admire some of the world's best racehorses during the week-long activities celebrating the annual running of the Preakness Stakes (www.preakness.com) in May. It is the second event in thoroughbred racing's prestigious Triple Crown.

Washington Monument

Climb the Washington Monument (website: www.nps.gov/wamo) in the heart of Washington, DC for a panoramic view.

World Trade Center skyline

View the skyline from the Top of the World Observation Level at Baltimore's World Trade Center.
REFERENCE SITES:

Our story, Maryland's story, is the story of better choices and better results.
Martin O'Malley



Travel to create marvelous memories for you and your family or friends!

Thursday, March 26, 2020

USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “NORTHEAST” DELAWARE



 

DELAWARE: THE DIAMOND STATE

BY CLAY LARROY

Make the most of your travel experiences. Taking a cruise is a great way to see many different places when you travel. Cruises offer many activities and things to do while on the ship, while offering you the opportunity to explore different locations each time you arrive at a port. Travel is a great opportunity to learn more things. Time spent abroad helps you understand and appreciate diverse cultures. In addition, it encourages an acceptance and tolerance of ways of life that differ from your own. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Look at the article below for a fascinating viewpoint on fishing.


Delaware Fishing Trips - The Best Of Salt Water And Fresh Water Sport

If you want a fishing experience of a lifetime you should sign up for one of the guided Delaware fishing trips. These trips are designed around the Mid-Atlantic fishing region and has been sought after by all the fishing gurus the world over. Delaware offers many rivers, and a good many coastal fishing locations that make any angler want to come back for more.

When you take the Delaware fishing tour you will find a lot of attractions the world of fishing has to offer. Among the many places you will love to cast your hook line and sinker will be the White Clay Creek, Pike Creek, Christina Creek and many others. Apart from the world famous and sought-after Trout, Delaware also boasts of the best game fish that include smallmouth bass, black and white crappie, rock bass, hybrid striped bass and hundreds of species of fish that will surely keep an angler wanting more. Delaware fishing trips are designed for the amateur and seasoned angler alike.



The main attraction of the Delaware fishing trips is the best saltwater fishing you could hope to find anywhere. Some of the best saltwater game can be found in the Delaware Bay, Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay and the Montego Bay. In fact, Delaware fishing charter companies prefer to take their customers out to sea where the bigger game can be tackled. There is a great population of Marlin, Tuna and Shark to be wrestled when hooked in the salt waters of Delaware. While on a sea fishing trip at Delaware you will be able to sight Dolphins and this is an indication of the potential of fishing in the salt waters of Delaware, because where there are Dolphins there are fish.

There is a bit of advice though, while you are planning a Delaware salt water fishing trip, you should make it a point to avoid the cold winter months. The game tends to migrate from the cold waters of Delaware during the winter months. The best time of the year to plan a Delaware fishing trip is during the summer months. Many a good trophy fish has been caught in Delaware Bay during the summer months.



Anglers to Delaware do not really have to find where the fish are biting, anywhere will do, the population offish during this time of the year makes fishing in Delaware salt waters a pleasure of a lifetime. You are likely to hook a striper or a bottom black fish, also known as Tautdog. The typical summer fish such as flounder and blues move into the Bay of Delaware during the warm summer months.

Abhishek is an avid Fishing enthusiast and he has got some great Fishing Secrets  http://www.Fishing-Masters.com

REFERENCE SITES:
http://EzineArticles.com

“Georgina hailed from Delaware and had that vexing way of Delaware ladies, delighting in puzzles.” 
― 
Colson Whitehead

Experience life by traveling with friends and family!


Tuesday, March 24, 2020

USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “NORTHEAST” DELAWARE




 

DELAWARE: THE DIAMOND STATE

BY CLAY LARROY

If you're looking to get away from it all with a trip away from home, don't forget to travel smart. Regardless of whether you are traveling to a nearby location for the weekend or taking a week-long destination vacation, you are always going to benefit from some tips and ideas on how to make the whole process, more fun and less stressful. Take time each day to alleviate stress while traveling or vacationing and you will thank yourself for it when you get back home. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
The article below offers a captivating perception on Delaware.



Delaware State Parks - Historic 2 of 2


Delaware state parks have many different parks which cater to all tourists. There is a total of four state parks and one historical area which gives tourist a great coverage of Delaware's history.
In our first article we reviewed Bellevue State Park and First State Heritage Park. The next state parks will give you more information on the historical state parks in Delaware.

Fort DuPont State Park
Fort DuPont offers a scenic view of Chesapeake and Delaware Canal along with the Delaware River. You will find that the park is open all year round and offers an historic trial for visitors.
This Delaware state park was named after Rear Admiral Samuel Francis DuPont. From the Civil War until World War II the fort was used as a military base. At one time the fort was used as a health center among other various purposes.



Fort Delaware State Park
If you are into the Civil War era, then you will love Fort Delaware State Park.
This park is actually on the Nation Register of Historic Places. This is because there is a Union Fortress which dates back to around 1859.
The fortress original purpose was to be used for protection of the Wilmington and Philadelphia shipping ports. But as time went on, it was turned into a prison for Confederate prisoners of war.
The fortress was turned into a state park in 1947. But to access this park you must take a ferry ride from Delaware City, Delaware to Pea Patch Island.
The island has artifacts, hands - on enjoyment, and reenactors to make your whole experience seem as if you're actually back in 1859.



Fort Miles Historical Area
This fort is not actually a park but is located within Cape Henlopen State Park.
Fort Miles had an important role in the nation's coastal defense. During World War II there were heavy guns, observation tower, searchlights, and mine fields which provided a defense for Wilmington, Philadelphia, and other strategic areas.
If you're interested in learning more about the Delaware Shore and World War II then Fort Miles Historical Area will give you a good starting point.
Fort Delaware and Fort DuPont are actually located not far from each other. Both forts are located in Delaware City, Delaware. You will find that you would experience a full day between both forts learning about Delaware historical past.
In our first article we reviewed Bellevue State Park and First State Heritage Park. The next state parks will give you more information on the historical state parks in Delaware.


REFERENCE SITES:


Delaware: a state that has three counties when the tide is out, and two when it is in.
John James Ingalls

Travel to experience life with those you love!

Sunday, March 22, 2020

USA TRAVEL GUIDE, “NORTHEAST” DELAWARE

DELAWARE: THE DIAMOND STATE


BY CLAY LARROY

The purposes of traveling are different for different people. There are some people who travel for the sake of pleasure. The people that are heavily burdened either at their domestic front or at their offices move too far off places for relieving their worries and anxieties. The poets and writers make a trip to distant places for collection of facts for their writings. Businessmen also visit various places to enquire as to whether there are scopes for expansion of their business. Travelling provides the benefit of sightseeing and gives pleasure to the visitor. In addition, it gives a scope to an individual to have firsthand knowledge of variegated people inhabiting the world. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!


Delaware is the second-smallest state in America. Much of the state is rural, with 45km (28 miles) of coastline. Lewes is a quaint seaside historic town with some delightful beaches.
Cape Henlopen State Park is Delaware's largest state park, with its seabird nesting colony and white sand dunes.
Delaware was the first state to ratify the United States Constitution, back in 1787. The state has a rich history - Fort Christina Historic Park is the site of Delaware's first permanent settlement when Finns and Swedes landed here in 1638.
Its administrative and commercial center, Wilmington, was founded in the same year. The city includes museums, galleries, a port and a trolley car system modelled on the world-famous cable cars in San Francisco.
The Swedes were the first to formally colonize what is modern day Delaware in 1638, after wresting control from the Dutch West India Trading Company, who had established posts for trade with the local Native Americans. The Swedish fort was near modern day Wilmington and dubbed Fort Christina.
Before long, the English laid claim to Delaware and led by James the Duke of York, took control of the region in 1664; he administered Delaware from his other colony, New York.
A century later, Delaware became of the 13 colonies that rebelled against the English crown, and the three counties of Kent, Sussex, and New Castle became known as Delaware. The colonies won their independence in 1776, and in 1787 created the US Constitution. Delaware was the first state to ratify the document, giving them the nickname of "The First State."


The Du Pont family, founders of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, called Delaware their home after immigrating in 1800. Historically one of America's richest families, the Du Pont's company produced gun powders and chemicals, all manufactured at a plant near Wilmington. Today, E. I. du Pont de Nemours & Co. is still one of the largest employers in the state. 
During the Civil War, however, Delaware, though a slave state, sided with the Union. However, once the north won the war, Delaware did not abolish slavery like the majority of the north. The state also voted against the eventually successful 13th amendment that abolished slavery nationwide in 1865.
In the early 1900s, Delaware's agriculture expanded, and corn and wheat crops flourished, along with soybeans and poultry. Their agriculture is still today a huge industry and large supporter of the state economy. During WWII, Delaware's manufacturing industry improved and expanded as they produced ships, chemicals, and airplanes for the Allied forces.
In the 1970s, Delaware's economy took a downward turn, but was quickly revived as Governor Pierre S. du Pont IV (of the Du Pont family) decreased state spending and business taxes, which drew many companies including Fortune 500 and banking, to Delaware.



Things to see and do in Delaware

Brandywine Valley

Head to Brandywine Valley, home to the Du Pont mansions and the the Hagley Museum (www.hagley.org), which explains how this powerful family's fortune was made.

Delaware Art Museum

View the permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century American art and Pre-Raphaelite English art of the 19th century at the Delaware Art Museum (www.delart.org), including works by Edward Hopper, Howard Pyle and Andrew Wyeth.

Dewey Beach

Go clubbing in Dewey Beach (www.beach-fun.com), a lively holiday spot with plenty of bars and clubs to keep youthful holidaymakers happy, as well as opportunities for watersports.

Dover

Explore the capital, Dover, home to numerous museums, including the Air Mobility Command Museum (www.amcmuseum.org), with a fascinating collection of planes and military artifacts. Visitors are invited to test their flying skills in the flight simulator.

Fort Christina Historic Park

Visit Delaware's first permanent settlement, Fort Christina Historic Park (www.oldswedes.org), originally called New Sweden.

Lewes

Relax on the beaches in the historic seaside town of Lewes, and learn of Delaware's seafaring past that dates back to the 1600s. East of Lewes go hiking and biking in the Cape Henlopen State Park (www.destateparks.com), Delaware's largest state park.

New Castle

Sightsee in historic New Castle (www.newcastlecity.net). There are some wonderfully preserved buildings, such as the 1732 Old Court House, which served as the first state capital, and the colonial-style George Read II House. Enjoy guided historical tours along original cobblestone streets.

Rehoboth Beach

Enjoy a family day out at Rehoboth Beach (www.beach-fun.com), a seaside resort popular for its amusement park (www.funlandrehoboth.com), 1.6km- (1-mile-) long boardwalk, gourmet restaurants and boutique shops. Bargain hunters will be enticed by the retail outlet shopping that is available.

Wilmington

Explore the museums, galleries and port of Wilmington, then take a steam train ride through the Red Clay Valley (www.wwrr.com).


REFERENCE SITES:


According to legend, the state of Delaware got its nickname of the "Diamond State" from Thomas Jefferson, who called it a "jewel among the states."
 

 

 

Travel to experience life and create amazing memories!