nature – Travel and Dish

Philadelphia Flower Show 2018: Where to Stay, Dine and What to Expect

Imagine a wonderland bursting with flowers, fountains and waterfalls. Blossoms hang from the ceiling; scents from orchids and flowering vines tickle your nose. No, this is not a conservatory, though it’s as close you can get in downtown Philadelphia. What you’ve entered is the fairy-tale landscape of the 2019 Philadelphia Flower Show inside the Philadelphia…

10 Reasons to visit the Mississippi Gulf Coast This Fall

Miles of uninterrupted white beaches perfect for strolling hand in hand. Explore the 26 miles of flat trails on a bicycle built for two. Rent a bike at EcoGeno Bicycle Shop. There are so many fun outdoor activities to enjoy here, and the weather is perfect. Lots of options for where to stay. Along…

5 Hikes With Colorful Fall Foliage: From 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Washington DC

There’s nothing like the beauty of autumn in the MidAtlantic! Here are five hikes with some of the region’s best fall foliage. For more hiking ideas, order my new guidebook 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Washington DC on Amazon. Published by Menasha Press with co-author Rachel Cooper. Monocacy National Battlefield near Frederick, Maryland A less well…

Why You Need to Visit the US National Arboretum This Spring

It’s just around the corner—arguably Washington’s most beautiful season—spring! And there’s no better place to take in the wonders of the Mid-Atlantic’s bounty of color than the National Arboretum. The U.S. National Arboretum is a living, breathing museum consisting of 446 acres of land bordering the Anacostia River in Washington DC. A staff of scientists and educators, along…

Seven Family-Friendly Parks To Explore This Fall Around the D.C. Area

My friend Rachel Cooper (from AboutDC.com) and I are working hard on a guidebook entitled 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Washington DC. We are updating a classic book that is beloved by local hiking enthusiasts, but was published in 2007. We have updated original author Paul Elliot’s list of hikes and added new family-friendly hikes. Here’s a preview of trails…

Pocahontas County: This West Virginia Region is a haven for Scientists and Nature Lovers

It’s possible you’ve visited Pocahontas County and never knew it. But chances are high, you’ve never seen this wild, wonderful part of the mountainous state, and it’s time you make that trip. West of Harrisonburg and Staunton, Virginia, the drive to Pocahontas County requires traversing up and over the highest mountain range in the Appalachians. What makes the…