I am an avid Chesapeake Bay boater; we keep our boat in a marina in North East Maryland which is the upper part of the Bay. There are so many places that I could write about, but today, I will talk about our trip (actually, several trips) to Cambria Maryland . It is roughly 2 ½ hours to drive there by car, but it is a nice drive and if you can stay the night, I have just the place for you.


On a week’s vacation, we leisurely made our way down the bay on our boat, to a beautiful marina resort called the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina . Well, if this doesn’t just say it all! The resort has a full marina, which is why we went there in the first place. We keep going back because this place has it all and makes you feel like you are a million miles from home. It is located at 100 Heron Blvd. at Route 50, Cambridge , Maryland . It is on the eastern shore and right off the main part of the bay. In between laying in luxurious lounge chairs by the infinity pool (only one of several on the premises), we played volleyball, made our rounds on the waterslide, played miniature golf, walked on the beach, ate in two of their several restaurants, worked out in the fully outfitted fitness club, sat in the hot tub, all of this and we never left the property! If this place sounds like a little piece of paradise, it is. The fully equipped marina included fuel pumps, dock hands to help you tie up, shower rooms for boaters, a marina store/gift shop and amenities that I can’t even remember to mention. You can get a better idea of what this resort offers by going to their website at: http://chesapeakebay.hyatt.com



While visiting, we crabbed right off our docks, took our dinghy boats out on the river and cruised for hours. The water is so calm there and small boats do very well on the Choptank River . If you wanted to take your trailered boat along for the trip, you would find lots to do on water as well as all the things there are to do on land. By car or boat, you can visit Annapolis and tour the Naval Academy, a place worthy of writing about on its own, you can visit Oxford , and St. Michaels and rent bikes to tour the beautiful historic scenery.


Just a short drive up the road in a town called Hurlock, MD is a place called the Suicide Bridge Restaurant and the Choptank Riverboat Company. The legend of Suicide Bridge is an interesting tale and offers to the mystery and lure of the marina and restaurant. We decided to take a ride on the Dorothy Megan, one of two of the riverboats that the company operates. On our particular cruise we enjoyed one of their crab feasts. They cover the tables with paper, wooden hammers and load them up with as many of the famous Maryland Blue Crabs that we could eat! We enjoyed the scenery of the river banks with beautiful fields, wildlife and reeds. If you would like to see the riverboat schedule, you can visit their website at http://www.suicidebridge.com . The paddle boats are fully enclosed with heating and air conditioning and schedules run from April-December. They have mystery dinner cruises, offer private party cruises and you can even get married aboard one and finish it off with a reception right on board! Did I mention that we even had a strolling accordion player while we dined? What an experience!


So if you get the chance and are looking for something out of the norm, try out Cambria, Maryland , it is well worth the trip.

- Dena Fritz

click here to see the photo gallery

Have you ever dreamed of visiting the French countryside? Well, here’s your chance. Take a couple of minutes, take a break, relax and enjoy some of the sights that riders in the Tour de France see along they way to the finish line.

-Aixa

I can always find a reason to go somewhere. That was the case with our recent visit to the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in New York.
We were going to be 10 minutes away from it on our trip to JFK airport to pick up a family member. The reasoning here was to take advantage of the same tank of gas. So we did. From our place to the refuge is about 114 miles and about 2 and a half hour (give or take).
It seemed longer and I am sure it was as traffic on the Saturday we headed to New York was heavy and unnerving. And, it was a very hot day.
Though we could not stay for too long at the site, the payoff was worth our stop there. We only walked part of a trail and were treated to the sight of a young osprey standing on its nest. That was neat to watch. We saw plenty of seagulls and took a nice, long view across the bay.
According to www.nyharborparks.org the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (which is part of the Gateway National Recreation Area ) “is the only wildlife refuge in the National Park system and it's in Queens and Brooklyn … It is the largest bird sanctuary in the Northeastern United States.”
It is a good spot for bird watching and hiking. There’s a visitors center where you can get a map of the trail and information about the parks. On your first visit the park rangers will give you a card to sign with all the park’s rules and regulations. There are picnic tables near the parking lot. No food is allowed on the trails. For more information, call (718) 318-4340.
*************************TRAVEL NOTES********************************

GETTING THERE: Plan for a full day. Study your route, check the weather and perhaps traffic conditions, before heading out. We took I 95 north, then Exit 13 on to I 278 east. Then took the Brooklyn Belt Parkway east to Exit 17/Crossbay Blvd. Cross North Channel Bridge. From there the refuge is 1 1/2 miles on the right. Be prepared for lots of traffic. Check the Internet for maps and travel directions.
GEAR: Good walking or hiking shoes. Dress according to the weather. A hat comes in handy as does sunblock.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Pack plenty of water. There are eateries on Crossbay Boulevard. But you could pack a lunch or snacks and make use of the picnic tables.
DATE POTENTIAL: A lot of love goes into this one. The drive alone can make anything fizzle. But, hey, gives you lots time to talk and a lot to talk about on the way back.

-- Aixa (with photos by Aixa)

So a couple of weekends ago, the LA Angels were in town for the first time ever, and I decided I had to go see them. I went online Saturday night and bought a $14 standing room only ticket for Sunday afternoon, June 22's game, printed it out at home no problem, and drove down to the ballpark around noon the next morning. The $11 for parking cost almost as much as the $14 ticket to get into the ballpark, but I always enjoy the ancitipation of walking across the lot and thinking about what might happen during that day's game:

Walked in at the usual entrance in left field, where the lineups are conveniently posted every day (just below the huge Phanatic), and walked around the concourse and down past the Wall of Fame, where the new plaque for the late John Vukovich (1947-2007), longtime player, coach, and lifelong Phillie now hangs.

I was lucky enough to meet Vuk during Phillies camp when i was a kid, way back in '94 and '95, and it's still hard to get used to seeing someone else coaching third base instead of his #18.

Then of course, I picked up some food before the ballgame. Chicken tenders and fries, plus a souvenir Sprite with a schedule on the cup, i've been getting the same thing since the days of the Vet and it still hits the spot. Then I found a good spot just behind home plate, to the first base side, at the supremely convenient ledges all around the ballpark that are designed for standing and watching a ballgame. This was the first time I'd seen the team wear those sharp looking new retro uniforms, as seen here on ace Cole Hamels.

There were several games I went to at the old Vet when I had wanted to see Vladimir Guerrero, the all-star outfielder for the Expos at the time, but for some reason or another he never played in any of them. One game in particular I remember he was supposed to be in right field and hit #4, cleanup, but we got to the ballpark and some guy named Matt Cepicky was in his spot...and playing his second major league game! Not cool!! Anyways, this weekend Vlad had just destroyed the Phillies, but fortunately for us Hamels was the only pitcher who kept him in the ballpark. Doesn't he look intimidated here?

The game itself was a good one, even though Angels pitcher Jered Weaver (who threw a no-hitter against the Dodgers in his next start) was just a little better than Cole that day. Vlad had one single and scored a run, but Chase Utley had a hit to end his longest-in-his-career 24 at bat hitless streak, and got a massive standing ovation the crowd of, guess how many of us were there?

Unfortunately the Angels brought in their best relief pitcher, Francisco Rodriguez, also known as K-Rod since his rookie season of 2002, when it seemed like he struck out everybody he faced and he was a big reason the team won the World Series that year. As you can see, this was his 30th save of the season, a game when a relief pitcher comes in and protects a lead successfully, and he was more than halfway to the record of 57 by the middle of June!

And my favorite time of the game, the ballpark emptying out. For those few minutes I wait, not only does traffic clear up a bit in the parking lots, but as you can see it's just me and the maintenance crew, and maybe a few autograph seekers, left in the ballpark.

A spot in the shade on a warm sunny day, the Philly skyline in the background behind that clock in center field, and like always, the possibility that we'll get 'em next time. What else could you ask for from a day at the ballpark?

- Dan Sokil

Here's a video of the Sidewinder roller coaster at Hersheypark.


I'm not too crazy about the coasters that take you backwards; my favorite rollercoasters at the park are the more traditional Thunder and Lightning, which have plenty of sharp curves and drops to make you lose your churros.

If you are looking for some free enterainment, CLICK HERE to check out a list of 100 free things to do in Washington D.C.
Heck, even if you have money to throw around, check it out anyway. You'll be in good company down there - they throw our money around all the time.

Since I was a little girl my family has gone to Wildwood, New Jersey for summer family vacation.
We just got back from this years visit at the shore and it was awesome like always. For the entire week we had perfect weather, where my family sat on beach basting in the sun and making sandcastles with my 2 year old nephew. Once we got to warm, we then took a dip into the Atlantic or the pool, which is in our aparment complex, to cool us off.

With endless amounts of activities on the Wildwood boardwalk, including three piers with rides and two with water parks, my family was sure to buy discounted tickets from the Lansdale Rec center. With our tickets we were able to spend one full day at both water parks and a full day to go on unlimited rides at all three piers. My nephew is two years old and had the greatest time ever on the kids rides. A lot of rides are subjected towards younger ages, but there are several rollercoaster you need to ride when you get there.


ATTENTION ALL ICE CREAM LOVERS! I HAVE FOUND HEAVEN! Being that I am a serious ice cream fan and eater (yes, I finished Friendly's 12 scooper sundae myself) I had to find a great ice cream parlor in Wildwood. Well, I found it! The place is called Duffer's located at 5210 Pacific Avenue. It is a resturant and ice cream parlor, but I say skip the food and go for dessert. They have endless amounts of homemade flavors and AMAZING sundaes. The sundaes are a pretty big size and I reccomend you share them...unless you eat like me. :)
Also for food, make sure to stop at Mack's Pizza, located at 4200 on the Boardwalk. For all you Ocean City, NJ fans, it's just like Mack and Manco, but Mack decided to go solo in Wildwood. The pizza is so tasty and comes out quick. Stop in the shop or get it delivered to your place. Either way, you have to grab a slice.
I hope after reading this you want to jump in the car and drive only two hours to Wildwood. It's a great family trip and I plan on one day taking my kids there. I'm always loving those Wildwood Days!!!

Amanda Piccirilli, 21, Lansdale

The Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau is offering copies of the recently updated 2008-09 Lehigh Valley Coupons & Discounts brochure.
The 26-page brochure offers more than 40 discounts arranged into categories.
Call 800-747-0561 or check www.LehighValleyPA.org.
Discounts vary and include: by one admission, get one free; dollar-off or percentage-off admission; and special rates on hotel rooms.

Cherry Crest Adventure Farm in Ronks, PA offers a fun-filled day that is just a little over an hour drive away.
You can take the Corn Maze Challenge: Find your way through their corn maze, following the instructions of their helpful staff and clues scattered throughout the maze. The average time to complete the maze is one hour, but if you have trouble, there¹s plenty of help stationed along the way.
You can also play in the Courtyard which features the Cherry Crest Express, a short wagon ride through the cornfield, a 20 minute farm wagon tour, pedal kart races, a goat walk, a farm animal center, a baby chick hatchery, logic
mazes, a farm Ed Center, food vendors, a fudge shop, a gift shop and more!
The Barnyard features a singing chicken show, an obstacle course, a giant hay chute slide, a hay tunnel, a hay jump, a barnyard jump, a pumpkin slinger and a Lil' farmers playland.
Admission is $13.95 for Adults 12+, $11.95 for Children 3-11, and 2 and under are free (Admission includes all 25 farm fun activities, plus the Amazing Maize Maze).
If you are unable to participate in the corn maze, but would like to enjoy the rest of the activities the admission is $10.95 for 3 years old and up. They have several special events throughout the season and flashlight mazes some evenings. They are closed on Sundays. Their schedule and full information can be found on their website at www.cherrycrestfarm.com or by calling 717-687-6843 or toll-free 1-866-546-1799.
They are located at 150 Cherry Hill Road, Ronks, PA, and if time permits they are just a short drive from the Strasburg Railroad where you can enjoy a ride on the train or a walk through the Railroad Museum.
It gets hot in the tall cornstalks so I usually wait until the temperatures aren't quite so high. If you like a challenge, it's lots of fun.

-Donna Meese

One of our favorite Jersey shore spots is Ocean Grove, which is different from any other shore town you will find.
It is located almost due east of Lansdale, which makes it one of the fastest ways to get to the ocean from here. The town was built as a Methodist camp meeting, much of which is still there and thriving. Each summer dozens of 'tent houses' are set up, which are literally half tent and half house. Families occupy these for the summer season, after which the tent portion is packed up and the wood part closed off.


The town is a delightful mixture of old hotels, Victorian buildings, and small private homes. The centerpiece is the Great Auditorium, which is set at the end of a long pathway to the ocean. For over a hundred years beautiful building has hosted religious services, local and national music acts, speeches, and much more. The centerpiece of the building is a 100-year-old pipe organ, which you can see and hear here:

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There is a boardwalk, but it is free of concessions or any other buildings except a small covered pavillion. Nearby Asbury Park once provided all the standard shore amusements, but fell on hard times in the 70's. Today that city is trying hard to make a comeback, and there are some signs of life along their boardwalk.
Ocean Grove beach access is $7 for anybody over 12 (only in high season), and parking is usually not too hard to find. After the beach you can walk to one of two ice-cream institutions; Days, which features a semi-enclosed garden with tables; or Nagles, a former pharmacy complete with a soda counter that is now all food.
If you have ever seen the Woody Allen movie, Stardust Memories, it was filmed on Ocean grove with Great Auditorium serving as a backdrop for the film festival scene. Bruce Springsteen also just filmed his video for the song "Girls in their summer clothes" on the beach in Ocean Grove. The legendary Stone Pony is right nearby in Asbury Park.

- Chris Stanley

Hickory Run State park is located at the intersection of Route 80 and the Northeast Extension, about 1.5 hours north of Lansdale. If you're into geology, it's located at what was the very edge of the Wisconsin glacier, which accounts for one of the natural wonders you will find there:

Some 15-20,000 years ago, retreating glaciers left a massive boulder field nestled in the trees. Today this site is valued among geologists because of its size and the fact that it is so flat (unlike boulder fields near Hawk Mountain and Ringing Rocks, which slope). Today, visitors can balance on the rocks and listen for hidden water sources as they climb through the field. Access to the site is through two very long dirt roads, which have been smoothed enough for any car to traverse.

Hickory Run is a surprisingly large park, and offers group, RV and tent camping. Though there is a lake and other activities, the main attraction is hiking on miles of lush trails.



Bears do live in and around the park, so be sure to follow the usual precautions for storing food.