THE PERFECT ROAD TRIP BEGINS IN THE MID-ATLANTIC

THE PERFECT ROAD TRIP BEGINS IN THE MID-ATLANTIC  DRIVING TRAILS OFFER VISITORS SIGHTS TO SEE, THINGS TO DO AND PLACES TO EXLORE

(U.S. MID-ATLANTIC – April 15, 2010) -- Everyone loves a good road trip, and the Mid-Atlantic states offer travelers more reasons to get out and about than ever before.  Whether driving a car, riding a bike or walking on foot, there’s something new to experience at every corner.  The members of the Mid-Atlantic Tourism Public Relations Alliance (MATPRA) have a variety of perfect road trips waiting to be explored.  So what are you waiting for?  Grab your bags and go!

Delaware
Sign up for “Ride the Rollers” or “Conquer the Hills” on August 7th, and take a driving tour through Wyeth Country on two wheels. Both bike rides feature 25-to-75-mile courses over the scenic, lightly traveled back roads of Greater Wilmington.  Contact Ed Weirauch at edweirauch@earthlink.net or 302-528-8847. Greater Wilmington Convention & Visitors Bureau,  www.VisitWilmingtonDE.com.
 
Nature and history lovers relish Kent County, Delaware’s Capital Region. Take a leisurely drive through Amish Country and down the cobblestone streets of Dover’s historic Green, surrounded by 18th Century homes. Try some birding on Scenic Rt. 9 along the Delaware Bay and through Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge. Kent County & Greater Dover Delaware’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, , www.visitdover.com.
 

The Milton Historical Society offers a downloadable, self-guided audio tour of Historic Milton. Cultural, economic and political heydays dating back to 1682 are reflected through the town’s historic buildings and sites. Most stops incorporate oral history interviews with local residents offering a firsthand perspective of life in the community. Southern Delaware Tourism, , www.visitsoutherndelaware.com.

Maryland
For such a small state, Maryland has thousands of miles of driving trails. Explore Civil War Trails, the Star-Spangled Banner Trail, the Historic National Road, Religious Freedom National Scenic Byway, Chesapeake County National Scenic Byway and the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad tour among many other designated state scenic byways. Maryland Office of Tourism, www.visitmaryland.org.

South of Annapolis is a stretch of rolling farmland that is steeped in history and inextricably linked to the Chesapeake Bay. The Roots and Tides trail available at www.fourriversheritage.org helps visitors trace Southern Maryland’s history as they drive along picturesque roads past the preserved homes of our nation’s early settlers. Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau,  www.VisitAnnapolis.org.

Charles Street is a national scenic byway that encompasses both urban streetscapes and rolling hills in the Baltimore region. Discover great shopping and dining, cultural attractions and historic neighborhoods; park your car at the Hampton National Historic Site and explore a stately mansion, historic gardens and original slave quarters. Baltimore County Conference and Tourism,  www.visitbacomd.com.

More than 60,000 Civil War soldiers marched through the rolling hills of Carroll County on their way to Gettysburg. Today, most of those same roads are available for touring by motorized vehicle. In between sites, stop by our towns for shopping, eating and quaint Main Streets. Carroll County, Maryland, www.carrollcountytourism.org.

Frederick County and City sit at the crossroads of two nationally designated scenic roadways – the Historic National Road and the Journey through Hallowed Ground National Scenic Byway.  Travel these roads to enjoy the many archeological, cultural, historic, natural, recreational and scenic qualities. Civil War enthusiasts can also follow MD Civil War Trails.  Tourism Council of Frederick County,  www.fredericktourism.org.

Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s known as the roadtrip state, and as a result, there are plenty of opportunities to explore our small towns and byways. Discover Civil War Trails, marvel at scenic vistas, check out covered bridge tours, or explore our Artisan Trails to meet artists firsthand!  Pennsylvania Tourism Office, , www.visitpa.com.

Delaware County’s Brandywine Country offers driving tours for couples, families, history buffs and green thumbs! Couples explore our wineries, stay at romantic B&B’s, and visit gardens, museums and Harrah’s Casino. Families go tubing, canoeing and visit the Heinz National Wildlife Refuge. History and Garden Driving Tours are also posted online. Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau, , www.brandywinecountry.org.

Explore the brand new The Barns of Butler County driving trail, featuring 16 barns that all have a unique story to tell.  Spot the barns along our scenic country roads and tour those open to the public.  Farmers markets and an overnight farm stay make your visit complete. Butler County Tourism & Convention Bureau, www.visitbutlercounty.com.

Reminisce in the romanticism of a driving tour through our covered bridges dating back to the 1800’s. Take advantage of the beautiful infrastructure and take in a bit of history and beauty as you get out your map, take a picnic and discover every one! Visit Bucks County,  www.visitbuckscounty.com.
 
The Seaway Trail, an America’s Byways™, a 64-mile route running parallel to Lake Erie along Route 5, Presque Isle and the Bayfront Parkway, offers scenic waterfront vistas. Historic PA Route 6, the Grand Army of the Republic Highway, stretches 400+ miles across northern PA boasting historic points of interest. VisitErie, , www.VisitErie.com.
 
The new Gettysburg Wine & Fruit Trail brings together the best of Pennsylvania’s Fruit Belt for an unforgettable experience. Shop for fruit at one of the many farmers markets, taste a glass of wine at Hauser Estate or Reed’s Orchard or visit the unique Historic Round Barn. Gettysburg Convention & Visitors Bureau,www.gettysburg.travel.
 
Drive the 68-mile Laurel Highlands Scenic Byway (Routes 711 & 381). From beginning to end, you’ll travel through quaint historic towns such as Ligonier and past architectural wonders including Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater and over a spectacular river gorge through one of the region’s most popular outdoor areas – Ohiopyle State Park. Laurel Highlands Visitors Bureau, www.laurelhighlands.org.
 
Immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of Lehigh Valley as you explore our region on a self-guided driving tour. Choose from a “Covered Bridges of the Lehigh Valley” or “Log Cabin Trail” tour and go at your own pace. To start discovering our treasures, call today for your free brochures. Lehigh Valley Convention and Visitors Bureau,  www.lehighvalleypa.org.
 
Covered bridges are synonymous with Lancaster County. Explore the more than two dozen of these architectural beauties in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country by following any (or all!) of five specific driving tours, which also include things to do along the way and vibrant small towns to stop in. Pennsylvania Dutch Convention & Visitors Bureau,  www.padutchcountry.com.

The driving tours in Central PA’s Susquehanna River Valley are set against the backdrop of scenic farmlands and thriving college towns – with unique family-owned shops and eateries along the way. We offer many printed guides on the following themes: antiquing, agri-tourism, covered bridges, historic downtowns, the arts and wineries. Susquehanna River Valley Visitors Bureau, www.VisitCentralPA.org.

Discovering the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon with Travel Tioga driving tours is easy by car or motorcycle. One can explore agricultural areas, the length of the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon or our seven lakes. Tours are downloadable from http://www.visittiogapa.com/tours.html - total mileage, GPS coordinates, and a detailed description of the tour included. Tioga County Visitors Bureau,  www.visittiogapa.com.
 
Uncork a sensational getaway as you discover the 14 family-owned wineries along the UnCork York Wine Trail. Meet welcoming winemakers whose passion is poured into every bottle. Traveling the trail you’ll encounter a French-style chateau, sprawling vineyards, boutique tasting rooms, tidy farms and picturesque vistas. York County Convention & Visitors Bureau,  www.yorkpa.org.
 
 
Virginia
 
The Richmond Region turns to glass this spring! The newly-expanded Virginia Museum of Fine Arts presents “Tiffany: Color and Light.” Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens presents “Glorious Glass in the Garden” featuring renowned glass artist Hans Godo Frabel. Experience it all with a driving tour highlighting Tiffany’s many works around Richmond. Richmond Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau, , www.VisitRichmondVa.com.
 
There are two ways to enjoy one of Hampton, Virginia’s six iPod tours- by car or on foot. The tours’ content includes a mix of history, commentary, music, historic images, video, and “insider information.” Download free from iTunes or rent a pre-loaded iPod from the Hampton Visitor Center for $10. Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau,, www.visithampton.com.

Learn about Newport News, Virginia the fun way with the “Passport to Newport News” CD driving tour. This multi-chapter CD contains 23 stories about Newport News’ history and attractions, brought
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