NH : Fire + Ice Festival

Posted on February 7, 2014 by sandra

NH Exit 7:  Portsmouth invites you to celebrates Valentine’s Day and Presidents Day weekend at their 1st Annual Fire + Ice Festival from February 13- 17. This 5 day event offers winter fun for the entire family with  festivities such as; ice bars, fire pits, hearth cooking, dog sled rides, wood fire grilled food, ice sculptures, winter movies and music, Flowers of Winter exhibit, as well as evening entertainment.

Don’t miss:
Portsmouth Gas Light Company Fire + Ice Fest:  Friday through Sunday evenings. There will be three ice bars, fire pits, ice luges, wood fire grilled food and ice sculptures.

Winter Night at Pitt Tavern,  on Saturday, Feb 15,  7-10pm at Strawbery Banke Museum celebrates President’s Day Weekend in a manner George Washington would have recognized when he visited the Tavern in 1789. Live acoustic music, beer specially brewed by the Portsmouth Brewing Company and tavern food prepared by The White Apron Café at Strawbery Banke. Price: $22.50 per person.

Sunday February 16: Dog Sled Rides at Strawbery Banke from 10-4. Free demonstration of miniature portrait painting, recreating the oil-on-copper style popular in the eras of Presidents Washington and Lincoln, in the Tyco Visitors Center.Tel: 603-433-1100

For a list of all events & activities please consult the schedule of events: http://www.strawberybanke.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=283%3Afireice&catid=18%3Asearch-calendar&Itemid=72

 

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NC: Love and Music for your Valentine

Posted on February 4, 2014 by sandra

NC  Exit 121: Celebrate Valentine’s Day in harmony with your loved one. Barton College/Wilson Symphony Orchestra’ offers up an annual event “Love the Symphony”, featuring piano soloist Eric Mazonson.  What a treat to be able to enjoy both a delicious dinner and a symphonic music performance.

The event begins with a  wine reception at 6:30 pm, followed by the symphony performance at 7 pm. A candlelight buffet dinner follows the concert at 8 p.m.

Tickets are $60 per person, and reservations are required.

Location: Barton College–Wilson Gymnasium, 500 Atlantic Christian Col Dr. NE , Wilson, NC
Date: Fri Feb 14, 2014
Time: 6:30- 9 pm
Tel: 252-399-6309
www.barton.edu

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ME: Wilderness Sled Dog Race

Posted on January 28, 2014 by sandra

Greenville, ME Exit 197 : The Moosehead Lake area is where 30 teams of sled dogs and mushers will race through the last forested wilderness east of the Mississippi; it is known for its remote terrain and beautiful scenery. There will be a 30 mile and a 100 mile race ,

The Wilderness Race start and finish lines are in Greenville, so it makes it easy for fans to view the race teams out on the trail as they head to the Northern-most checkpoint and return to Greenville.

There will  be events and activities scheduled throughout the day for the whole family – Sled Dog Race Video, Kids Snowshoe Races, Educational Programs and refreshments. The day ends with a bonfire to welcome the 100 mile mushers back. Arrive early to check out the teams before they leave the starting gate.

Location: Start & Finish at Leisure Life Resort, (33 Leisure Life Rd.) Greenville, ME 04441
Date: Feb 1, 2014
Tel: 207-695-2702
http://100milewildernessrace.org/Dogsled/Home.html

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GA: Food With a View at Skippers’ Fish Camp

Posted on January 26, 2014 by sandra

Darien, GA Exit 49: Just caught locally wild GA shrimp or flounder (do not miss the lip-smacking crispy “scored” one on the menu) should have you driving off this exit.

In a glass and wood decor with water views and great sunsets, the menu here takes you from an oyster bar to crab to a sunset salad (roasted veggies, feta, balsamic dressing, pizza crusts), and for landlubbers, rib eye steaks, sausage stuffed pork chop wrapped in bacon, and BBQ. Make sure to order some of the sides: sweet potato souffle or mac’n cheese, and the locals love the peach cobbler a la mode for dessert.

Notice the 12 1/2 ft. gator on the wall, Skipper himself caught it right here!

Location: 85 Screven St., Darien, GA 31305
Hours: daily 11-9
Tel: 912-437-3474
www.skippersfishcamp.com

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MD: Pet Friendly Howard County

Posted on January 25, 2014 by sandra

MD,  :  Howard County loves dogs, so when visiting don’t leave Fido at home. There are several pet friendly hotels; such as Comfort Inn,  that charges an extra $ 25 daily. 8828 Washington Boulevard, Jessup, Tel: 410-880-3133  www.comfortinn.com/hotel-jessup-maryland-MD045

The Sheraton Columbia Town Center Hotel supplies a Sheraton dog bed, bags, gloves for pooper scooping, and a sign for the room stating that there is a dog inside. There is no extra charge at check in. (10207 Wincopin Circle, Columbia, Tel: 410-730-3900, www.sheratoncolumbia.org )

Turf Valley doesn’t want you to leave your dogs behind. They offer an arrival kit for guests with dogs including a welcome letter, a yummy treat, a sign for the door knob indicating to housekeeping that a dog is staying over, and suggested walking areas on their property.  They also keep dog bowls and beds available upon request. There is a cleaning fee of $75 per stay. 2700 Turf Valley Road, Ellicott City, Tel: 410-465-1500, www.turfvalley.com.

Several of Howard’s top restaurants  welcome well-behaved dogs and their owners in outdoor dining areas. Café de Paris brings your pet the latest vintage, the 2012 Chateau Potomac, which is a fresh bowl of water with or without ice cubes. 8808 Centre Park Drive, Columbia, Tel: 410-997-3904 www.cafedepariscolumbia.com.

Lisbon Town Grill throws in a doggie treat, water and table scraps, if allowed by the pet owner. 15943 Frederick Road,Lisbon,  Tel: 410-489-5016, www.lisbontowngrill.com .

Rams Head Tavern allows leashed dogs on the front porch of the tavern in Savage Mills. 8600 Foundry St, Savage, Tel: 301-604-3454 www.ramsheadtavern.com.

Pub Dog has a large patio with ample seating, and plenty of water bowls to keep thirsty dogs hydrated while owners can get hydrated with dog-themed beers. 8865 Stanford Blvd, Columbia, Tel: 410-872-0364, www.pubdog.net/

For more information on pet friendly Howard County, Maryland:
Howard County Tourism, 8267 Main S., Ellicott City, MD
Tel: 410-313-1900
http://www.visithowardcounty.com/discovering/pet-friendly-howard

 

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FL: Second Seminole War Reenactment

Posted on January 22, 2014 by sandra

Clewiston, FL Exit 24:  There will be  battle reenactment to  honor the Seminole’s struggle and sacrifice to remain in their homeland. You’ll be able to learn from the historical and cultural display of  authentic weapons, soldier and warrior attire and tactics typical of the Second Seminole War.

The two-day event will also include live music, Seminole food, Seminole and pioneer artisans,  tomahawk throws, primitive archery competition, Seminole Stomp Dancing, authentic Seminole and soldier camps, venomous snake shows and alligator wrestling.  “Period settlers” from around the country will hew wood, create iron and silver crafts and depict trading techniques from the Seminole war era.

Location: 30000 Gator Tail Trail, Clewiston, FL. Billie Swamp Safari; located between Fort Lauderdale and Naples, on the Big Cypress Reservation,  just north of I-75 (Alligator Alley) Exit 49.
Date & Time: Sat, Feb 1, 10 – 5 – Battle reenactments  at 11am & 3pm
Sun, Feb 2, 10 -5 – Battle reenactments at 2pm
Tel: 800-949-6101 ext 12126
http://www.bcshootout.com/index.html

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MD: PlungeFest 2014 – The Coolest Event of the Year!

Posted on January 17, 2014 by sandra

MD Exit 49: It’s the 18th Annual Maryland State Police Polar Bear Plunge. It’s not just an event – it’s an experience that has become a winter-time tradition for thousands of warm-hearted Plungers. It is a full day of fun for the entire family, and spectators are welcome, free of charge.

Enjoy all the chills and thrills of PlungeFest 2014 on January 25th at Sandy Point State Park. Plunge participants take a quick dip in the Chesapeake Bay to raise funds for Special Olympics Maryland, the state’s largest year-round organization devoted to sports training and competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

There is a Police Plunge, Corporate Plunge, School Plungers, Mass Plunges, and a Family Plunge. There is even a Pee-Wee plunge, for kids under 10 years old, that takes place in a shallow kiddies pool, on the beach of Sandy Point, that is sprinkled with ice cubes.

The event offers a variety of attractions and events all day. In addition to the actual Plunge, you can indulge in the offerings inside the huge heated Carnival FunFest tent, including live music, a kids’ corner, displays, a variety of vendors and crafters, carnival games, “Plunge” souvenirs, spirited costume contest, great food and drink for sale and more.  Enjoy roving entertainment throughout the tent including stilt walkers, caricaturists, hop dancers and balloon sculptors.

There is no charge for admission to the Rams Head Ice Lodge, including all of the entertainment. The Lodge opens at 8am and will be serving up drinks and music including the Eastern Shore’s favorite band, Hot Tub Limo. Other fun activities inside the Lodge include BearPong and corn hole with giveaways and a live broadcast.

Location: Sandy Point State Park, 1100 E.College Parkway,Annapolis,Maryland
Date: Jan 25, 2014
Time: 8 – 5
Tel: 410-242-1515
http://www.kintera.org/site/c.9pLGLPPwEfLWH/b.8744099/k.BFAD/Home.htm

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VA: Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week

Posted on January 11, 2014 by sandra

VA Exits 176 & 177 :  This event will appeal to all foodies;  For 10 days and over 2 weekends, at 50 Alexandria restaurants you will be able to choose a two or a three course prix-fix dinner for only $35.

Alexandria Winter Restaurant Week features local chefs in neighborhoods throughout the city, including Old Town, Del Ray and the West End. Patrons can savor the flavors from fine dining establishments to casual neighborhood favorites. 

This event kicks off on the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday weekend highlights the culinary delights in Alexandria. culinary destination.

Location: Alexandria, Virginia
Dates: Jan 17-26
For participants and menus: VisitAlexandriaVA.com
Tel: 703-746-3301

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VA: Bring a Gun, 10% off on Open Carry Night at this Restaurant

Posted on January 2, 2014 by sandra
VA Exit 27: It is Open Carry (that’s carry a gun!) Night at the Cajun Experience restaurant every Wednesday evening at about 6:30. The place is usually packed. They offer a 10% discount to anyone who comes in sporting a side arm. Expect occasional smattering of picketers outside.

Inside, there’s a boarded-up fireplace, and a sign over the bar that asks patrons to “Please keep all firearms holstered unless the need arises. In such cases, judicious marksmanship is greatly appreciated by all!”

The menu leans toward the South with sausage and okra stew, hush puppies, beignets and pecan pie.Virginia is one of more than 20 states that permit persons with a permit to stroll around.  However, the restaurant’s owner Bryan Crosswhite, says that he has received death threats.A waiter comments, “It’s usual, it’s more safe. If something happens, you’ll be safe”

Location: 14 Loudoun St SE, Leesburg, VA 20175
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30-8, Fri-Sat 11-11, Sun 11-8
Tel: 703-777-6580
www.cajunexperience.biz

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VA: Hollywood Costume Exhibition – U.S. Premiere

Posted on December 27, 2013 by sandra

VA Exit 78: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is hosting the U.S. premiere of Hollywood Costumes; featuring more than 100 of the most iconic movie costumes from a century of film-making.

Enjoy this rare opportunity to see the clothes worn by unforgettable characters from films such as The Wizard of Oz, The Birds, My Fair Lady, Superman, Titanic, Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, and The Dark Knight Rises.

The exhibition includes costumes from private and archival collections in California and most have never been publicly displayed before. It explores in detail how the design and use of costume has been instrumental to the creation of some of the most iconic characters in popular culture.

Location: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Boulevard, Richmond, VA
Date: Nov 02, 2013 – Feb 17, 2014
Hours: Sat – Wed 10-5,Thu & Fri 10–9
Tel: 804-204-2704
www.vmfa.museum/exhibitions/hollywood-costume.aspx

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