2010 Virginia Travel Guide now available

The free 2010 Virginia is for Lovers Travel Guide is now available, featuring stunning photography, insider tips and ideas for RV enthusiasts and other travelers.

The new guide’s commemorative cover spotlights the 75th anniversary of the Blue Ridge Parkway. Inside, travelers will find information about what's along the route including the best places to visit in 2010 to celebrate 75 years of "America’s Favorite Drive." The 2010 travel guide showcases Virginia’s many hiking and biking trails, state and national parks, fishing, and water and snow sports.

As the 150th anniversary of the Civil War approaches in 2011, Virginia’s central role in this important period of American’ history will be front and center. The 2010 travel guide highlights Virginia destinations preparing to commemorate the anniversary. Other guide highlights include Virginia’s four hundred years of history, rich music and cultural heritage sites, movie locations, Virginia Green destinations and hundreds of special events and festivals. The guide also captures the Virginia wine travel experience with info and trip ideas around the state’s nearly 150 wineries.

To request a free copy of the 2010 Virginia is for Lovers travel guide, call 1-800-VISITVA or go to www.Virginia.org, where an electronic version is also available.

Visit Williamsburg, Virginia: Where America Began

Step back into time with a visit to America’s Historic Triangle. Experience this rich history for yourself at Jamestown, the site of the first permanent English settlement and representative government in the New World; at Williamsburg, where the ideas of democracy, liberty and revolution flowered; at Yorktown, where our independence was won with the decisive victory of the Revolutionary War.

Jamestown and Yorktown tell their stories through film, artifact-filled galleries and outdoor living history, these museums engage visitors in nearly two centuries of our nation's history - from the founding of America's first permanent English settlement in 1607 to the decisive Revolutionary War victory in 1781 and implementation of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.
At Williamsburg, you can walk through time in this reconstructed colonial capitol. Follow in the footsteps of the founders as you walk the same streets they did. Explore history as it comes to life before your eyes.

Besides the history this part of the country also has thrilling theme parks like Busch Gardens and Water Country USA, outdoor activities, and world-class shopping and dining. Check around as there are a number of great packages available that include admission to multiple attractions for a discounted rate.

There are several campgrounds in the Williamsburg area. Anville Campground is the closest to area attractions and the only one to have a shuttle stop from the Williamsburg Area Transport bus service. This service connects visitors to area attractions including Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, Water Country USA, Yorktown, Jamestown, shopping and restaurants throughout the city.

Come to Williamsburg. And discover a whole new world.

New Lane Opens on I-95 around DC

Anyone who drives I-95 through or around Washington DC knows there is no end to the traffic, congestion and construction. A little good news came this week. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation a new, fourth lane on Interstate 95 northbound opened. The new lane starts at the U.S. 1 on-ramp near the Woodbridge exit, just beyond the bridge over the Occoquan River. That means Northbound drivers will now have four general traffic lanes on I-95 once they reach Woodbridge.

The new lane can handle an additional 1,500 vehicles an hour along I-95 north. That can save 5 to 10 minutes off the travel time for all drivers, according to VDOT.

This is the first completed section of the $123 million I-95 Fourth Lane Widening Project, a state- and federally-funded expansion of I-95 from three to four lanes from the Fairfax County Parkway to State Route 123.

When finished, I-95 will have four lanes in both directions from the Springfield Interchange to Woodbridge.

First Night Celebrations in New England

Remember the coming of the millennium 10 years ago? Well, the year is about to flip again from a “9” to a “10” ending. If it has been a decade since your last New Year’s blowout (or even if it’s been only a year), it is time to plan the next one. First Night celebrations, small and large, can be found all around New England. The big enchilada is First Night Boston, with tons of fun. For some really chilly but high-quality entertainment, there is First Night Burlington in Vermont. Rhode Island has First Night Newport and Bright Night in Providence. For information, go to VisitNewEngland.com, then to a state home page, then to “Things to Do and See,” and then to “Events – Holidays.”

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Discover Mystic this Holiday Season

Plan a New England Holiday visit in Mystic Country, truly the jewel of New England and make it part of your holiday memories for years to come. Don’t miss these festive events happening in Mystic Country Connecticut.

Through December 27th, Lantern Light Tours at Mystic Seaport - Immerse yourself in an all-new tale of the magic and mystery of Christmas Eve 1876. Stroll a festival holiday village, kick up your heels in a tavern dance, visit with sailors in port for the holiday. Reservations recommended, visit http://www.mysticseaport.org/ for schedule.

Through January 3rd, Twelve Dinosaurs of Christmas, The Dinosaur Place - The second annual "Twelve Dinosaurs of Christmas" fundraising event will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Connecticut. Visit http://www.thedinosaurplace.com/, for more information.

Through December 20th, Broadway Live Christmas 2009, Bradley Playhouse, Putnam - A musical spectacular celebrating the spirit of Christmas and the holidays, visit http://www.thebradleyplayhouse.info/.

On December 20th - Don’t miss, the 54th Annual Community Carol Sing at Mystic Seaport - Bring a canned good for a local charity and receive free admission. Visit www.mysticseaport.org for more information.

Catch exciting holiday shows at Mohegan Sun, Foxwoods, visit http://www.mohegansun.com/ and http://www.foxwoods.com/ for schedules.

Step Back in Time at A.H. Stephens Historic Park in Georgia

Visitors to this quiet park can enjoy camping, fishing, horseback riding and other activities while also learning about a key officer in the American Civil War. Named after the vice president of the Confederacy and governor of Georgia, the park features a Confederate museum with one of the finest collections of Civil War artifacts in Georgia, including uniforms and documents. Stephens’ home, Liberty Hall, is renovated to its 1875 style, fully furnished and open for tours.

At 1,177 Acres the park has 2 Fishing Lakes and a campground that can accommodate 25 Tent, Trailer, RV Campsites (prices range from $21-$23). The park also has 4 Cottages, #1 is dog friendly. There are also 3 Picnic Shelters.

Located just north of I-20 yet surrounded by forest, the park is popular with horseback riders who enjoy 12 miles of trails and camping facilities. The lakeside group camp is a popular location for large overnight gatherings.

Park Hours: 7AM–10PM Office Hours: 8AM–5PM Historic Site Hours: Wednesday–Sunday 9AM-5PM; Closed Monday (except holidays), Tuesday, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day. Last tour at 4 PM. Historic Site Admission: $2.75–$4.

http://gastateparks.org/AHStephens

I-40 Detours From Tennessee Due to Rockslides

All areas of North Carolina remain accessible for trips to the mountains, Piedmont or coast despite the rockslide that has caused a detour on Interstate 40 near the North Carolina/Tennessee state line. The detour does not impact access to the Blue Ridge Parkway, nor travel to any destinations in North Carolina except directly from Tennessee.

For information on current road conditions, visitors should check the North Carolina Department of Transportation Traveler Information Management System website at www.ncdot.gov/traffictravel/ or call 511, the state’s free travel information line. NCDOT information can also be followed on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ncdot.

Additionally, U.S. 64 in Polk County Tennessee is closed at mile marker 17.6 due to a major rockslide near the Ocoee 2 Dam. The roadway will remain closed for several weeks.
Visitors coming to North Carolina from that area of Tennessee are advised to take I-75 to Exit 60 (SR-68, Sweetwater) and follow SR-68 South through McMinn County and into Ducktown in Polk County where 68 meets up with US 64/74 East. For a map of the detour, go to http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/US64rockslide/maps/US64Rockslidemap.pdf. For information on the highway, visitors should check the Tennessee Department of Transportation website at http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/US64rockslide/default.htm.

Image above: I-40 Detour Map

Make a Stop at a Gem of a Park Along the Potomac

Westmoreland State Park lies within Westmoreland County, from which it takes its name. The park extends about one and a half miles along the Potomac River, and its 1,311 acres neighbor the former homes of both George Washington and Robert E. Lee. The park’s Horsehead Cliffs provide visitors with a spectacular view of the Potomac River. In addition to the scenic beauty at Westmoreland, the park offers hiking, camping, cabins, fishing, boating, swimming and fossil hunting. Visitors can enjoy the park’s vacation cabins as well.
The visitor center, open during summer, gives an informative historical and ecological perspective to an important natural area on the coastal plain. Westmoreland also offers the Murphy Hall Conference Center and the Potomac River Retreat, which is an upscale overnight accommodation.

Check out the audio Podcast at this link to learn more about this gem along in Virginia.

Too Cold for a Train Ride: Check out these East Coast Indoor Displays

Maybe you had a train layout around your Christmas tree as a kid or perhaps, like me, you have a permanent display in your basement. Either way, there are a couple of places that took the basement train layout to an extreme here on the east coast.

Roadside America: Located in Shartlesville, PA along interstate 78, is an unforgettable panorama of life in rural United States. The exhibit spans more than two hundred years in time and lets you see, in exquisite miniature, how people lived and worked in pioneer days, through the years since then, right up to the present. The exhibit fascinates not only because of its authentic, beautifully crafted miniatures, but because of the excitement of continual movement. Swift trains glide through tunnels and over bridges, a tiny fountain bubbles in the miniature Zoo, a mountain trolley hustles through the woodland, an old-time grist mill slowly grinds grain for flour. This is only a small part of the action at Roadside America. The trains are “O” gauge.

There is plenty of parking for RV’ers and next store you can visit the Pennsylvania Dutch Gift House. Additionally, there is easy nearby access to the Appalachian Trail near some of the most scenic sections of the trail in Pennsylvania.

There are a number of campgrounds with-in a mile or two of Roadside America including Appalachian Camping Resort which is right across I-78 from the entrance.

Northlandz: Northlandz, bills itself as the world’s largest model railroad. Their trains are mostly “HO” gauge. They are located on US Rt. 202 in Flemington, NJ. They have over 8 miles of “HO” gauge track inside their building. Northlandz is a 16 acre world class attraction. Included in this complex is a doll museum, La Peep Doll House, a 2,000 pipe theater pipe organ and art galleries throughout. You can also check out a video of the display.

Nearby, in Flemington, is Liberty Village Premium Outlets. They feature over 40 outlet stores.
Northlandz has plenty of parking for RV’ers. There are also a number of campgrounds nearby.

Picture Above: A train in Northlandz

North East Camping Suggestions in Winter

For many east coast RV'ers winter means parking your RV until the first flowers of spring. Most campgrounds are closed and driving can be tough, especially after a snowstorm. But there are avid campers, like me, who still want to get away for a weekend even in the dead of winter. For folks who love solitude, winter camping in the East Coast is great. You have campgrounds mostly to yourself and the prices can be lower.

There are a few things to keep in mind – most campgrounds shut off their water to sites after the first frost, and services will be limited, (don’t expect the camp store to carry many supplies.). Here are a few suggested places open in winter:

• French Creek State Park: In Pennsylvania, only 30 minutes to Philadelphia. Sites are well maintained and easy to get into, even for larger rigs.
• Otter Lake: In Marshalls Creek, PA in the Pocono mountains. This private campground is near skiing and has an indoor pool open on weekends. One caution, the road to the campground is winding – so not fun to tackle in snow.
• Normandy Farms: Located near Boston, this is a top of the line four season RV resort with an indoor pool and plenty of winter activities.
• Cherry Hill Park: Located in College Park, Maryland is just 30 minutes outside Washington DC. They provide transportation to DC during peak times but the park is also located with-in walking distance to mass transit.

There are other places. If you have a favorite place to camp in winter in the north east, let us know by adding a comment.

Image above: My children enjoying the indoor pool at Otter Lake.

Visit World’s largest Chocolate Moose

If you are heading north to Maine – make sure you detour to Len Libby Candies in Scarborough, Maine, just south of Portland. They sell handcrafted chocolate and ice cream, but the big draw is Lenny the life size Chocolate Moose (Mousse). Standing eight feet tall and over nine feet from nose to tail, Lenny the Moose is made out of 1700 pounds of chocolate. Unveiled in 1997 he was sculpted in just 4 weeks. There is a video on the Len Libby web site that tells the story of how Lenny the Moose was made along with trivia about Moose in general. They also have a number of Lenny the Moose items available for purchase.

Len Libby Candies first opened for business in 1926. In 1949, Len Libby sold his business to Fernand Hemond who had begun his apprenticeship in the Higgins Beach shop while still in college. From his earliest days with the company, Fern pledged to remain steadfast in his commitment to the shop's original recipes and to the proud traditions of candy-making.

When traveling up to Maine, it’s easy to find Len Libby. From I-95 (Maine Turnpike), take exit 42. Stay straight on Haigis Parkway and take a right onto Route 1 at the lights. Len Libby Candies will be immediately on your right. While there is no designated RV parking, I can tell you from experience that you should be able to find a place to park. Regular Business Hours are Monday - Saturday: 9am-5pm Sunday: 10am-5pm.

Image above: The Hemond Family in front of Lenny the Chocolate Moose.

Maryland State Park passes available for 2010

If you visit Maryland State Parks often, you can save money by purchasing the 2010 Maryland State Park Passport. It costs $75 for Maryland residents or $100 for out-of-staters and may be ordered online.

The pass offers unlimited day-use entry for everyone in a vehicle (up to 10 people) to Maryland's state parks and Cedarville State Forest, unlimited boat launching at most facilities, and a 10 percent discount on state-operated concessions and boat rentals.

For parks with honor box systems, the pass covers entry service charges. The 2010 Passport expires December 31, 2010. Order your pass here.

Long Week-end with the Kids? Visit the Place Where Crayon’s Were Made!

Located in Easton, Pennsylvania along the New Jersey border, the Crayola Factory has something for everyone. You’ll be immersed in color and creativity – a place where there's no limitation to creativity and imagination. You can color, draw, paint and create with the latest Crayola products without the worry of cleanup afterwards. Each creative space invites you to play and explore while learning and having lots and lots of fun. See how Crayola Crayons and Markers are made. Learn about the history of the Crayola brand. Explore dozens of interactive projects and activities. This is not the real manufacturing plant, but instead a visitor center that allows the child inside each person to unleash its creative spirit. Each quarter, themes and projects change, giving visitors a variety of projects to create throughout the year.

Doors open at 9:30 a.m and that's the best time to visit. The Crayola FACTORY begins to get crowded between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., so early arrivals have the best experience. Enjoy The Crayola FACTORY during this very festive holiday season. Holiday events celebrated in December include:
· December 1 - 31: Celebrate Christmas and decorate a Christmas ornament.
· December 12 - 19: Celebrate Hanukkah and decorate a Dreidel.
· December 26 - 31: Celebrate Kwanzaa with fun holiday art projects.

Light Up Your Holiday Around Washington DC

If you live around the Washington DC area or are passing through on your annual migration south, this time of the year offers several options for touring drive through Holiday Light shows.

• “Bull Run Festival Of Lights” in Clifton, Virginia is open daily through Jan. 10 from about 5:30pm every evening. This 2 1/2 -mile drive-through display features more than 75,000 lights. It is located in Bull Run Regional Park


• “Light On The Bay” runs through January 3rd from 5:00pm to 10:00pm It features a two-mile drive-through holiday light show with more than 70 displays. This display is in Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis.


• “Symphony Of Lights” in Symphony Woods, Columbia, Maryland is open through January 3rd from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. The tour has more than 70 larger-than-life, animated and stationary light creations


• “Winter Festival of Lights” in Watkins Regional Park in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, is open through January 3rd from 5:30pm to 9:30pm. Here you will see animated displays created from 1 million twinkling lights in a drive through the park. Canned goods are collected for local food banks.

There are several campgrounds open year-round in the DC to make your stopover convenient.
Check with each festival for specific pricing and details.

Take a video tour of Virginia's State Parks

So, you might ask, what is there for an RVer to do in Virginia? Well, one thing is to visit one (or more) of its 35 state parks, which extend from the mountains to the sea. In this eight minute video, tour some of these parks without leaving the comfort of your comfy computer chair, and learn more about why Virginia calls its sanctuaries "The Treasures of the Commonwealth."

Light up your holidays visiting Thomas Edison

When trying to convince potential patrons to fund work on the phonograph, the motion picture and other projects, Thomas Edison welcomed them into a high-ceiling, book-filled space with lamplight aglow on the wood of shelves and the railings of second- and third-story galleries. His visitors already respected him as the man behind practical electric lighting. Yet to people who had never been able to hear, on a whim, their favorite songs in the comfort of their own homes, this American wizard’s latest endeavors must have sounded like solid investments or at least intriguing possibilities.

Today, you can visit Edson's former haunts at Thomas Edison National Historical Park in West Orange, New Jersey. The elegant library still greets visitors, as does the rest of the newly renovated laboratory complex and the Edison family’s nearby estate.

SHORT OF ENTERING EDISON'S MIND for a peek at his inventions in the form of ideas, you can follow them through various stages of development. The drawings in the drafting room would have functioned like DNA, providing guidance as the raw materials in Edison’s stockroom were brought together into new pieces of technology. The heavy machine shop and the precision machine shop delivered the brainchildren of Thomas Alva, whose progeny also sprung forth from the chemistry lab – a world of ovens and tubes reminiscent of the Centre Pompidou or the workshop of a techno-crazed Santa Claus and his elfin geeks; the pattern shop, whence came wooden models of Edison’s devices; and a rebuilt version of the world’s first movie studio, the Black Maria.

Before or after visiting the birthplace of the cinema and recorded sound, tour the Victorian home that Edison shared with his second wife and his flesh-and-blood children, Madeleine, Theodore, and Charles. Beginning November 27, the halls of Glenmont will be decked with poinsettias, greens, bows, wreaths, and a 10-foot tree. Holidays at Glenmont tours will be offered on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from noon until 4 p.m., November 27, 2009, through January 3, 2010. Additional holiday tours will be offered on Wednesday and Thursday, December 30 and 31.

Photo: Thomas Edison with is family at the back porch of Glenmont.

Stone Mountain Park Offers Camping Package

Located just 30 minutes north east of Atlanta, Stone Mountain Park is a great place to visit. Use it as a destination vacation or as a base to explore Atlanta.

The park covers 583 acres. Its centerpiece is a solid granite mountain 825 feet tall that towers over the surrounding area 1,683 feet above sea level. On the face is the Memorial Carving which depicts three Confederate heroes of the Civil War: Confederate President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee and Lt. General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. The carving measures three acres, larger than a football field and towers 400 feet above the ground and is recessed 42 feet into the mountain.

Besides the carving and the mountain, the park offers plenty to see and do including hiking trails, an aerial tram to the top, a train the circles the mountain, laser light shows in summer, shops, an Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard and much more.


There is a hotel in the park along with a 452 site campground.

For the Holiday season, the park is offering a special “Camping/Tickets/Christmas Package.” From $115 and up you get:
· Two (2) nights at any full or partial hookup campsite
· Up to four (4) two-day All Attraction Passes including Stone Mountain Christmas
· One (1) bundle of firewood
· A S'mores Snack Pack
· 2-Day golf cart rental (Premium Package ONLY)
Additional nights & tickets can be purchased separately. Packages must be booked more than 3 days before arrival. Full details can be found on the Stone Mountain web site.

For winter operating schedule click here.

New England’s Largest RV Show Comes to Boston

January may be cold and bitter in the East Coast, but it’s a great time to visit the Bayside Expo Center in Boston, for the New England Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association’s Boston RV & Outdoor Show. The Expo will feature over 240,000 square feet of contiguous floor space displaying the latest models in recreation vehicles, fifth wheels, travel trailers, pop-up campers, camping supplies, accessories, campgrounds and travel information centers. There is no better location in New England for families to explore their camping needs, activities and destinations.

The expo will run from Friday, January 15th, 2010 through Monday, January 18th. Discount coupons are available on-line.

Get In The Christmas Spirit; In Hershey!

Looking for a fun week-end getaway central to East Coasters? The magic and spirit of the holidays come to life in the little town that chocolate built. Hershey, Pennsylvania is a magical place at Christmas. The whole town lights up and joins in the celebration. Your first stop should be Hersheypark Christmas Candylane. They have a million twinkling lights, rides for all ages, and great festive decorations that anyone would love! Candylane is open almost every day through New Year’s – but it’s best to check their web site for specific times and events. There is plenty of parking for even the largest Motorhome.

Also, don’t forget to take a drive through downtown Hershey where the lampposts are literally shaped like Hershey Kisses. While driving, you can also enjoy the holiday lights drive-thru called Hershey Sweet Lights. They have nearly 600 illuminated and animated displays you view from the comfort of your car as you drive through two miles of fields and wooded trails. RV’s and buses are permitted but in past years they could only drive part of the display. If you plan to drive your RV – it’s best to call and ask.

Nearby, Hershey’s Highmeadow Campground is open year round – depending on capacity they may even run a free shuttle over to Candylane. The campground is owned and run by Hershey and is less than a mile from the park.

Watch Eagles in Kentucky

The Kentucky State Park’s are once again hosting Eagle Watch Weekends in January and February of 2010. According to the State Parks web site, American Bald Eagles gather around the major lakes of Western Kentucky and South-Central Kentucky as they look for food during the winter.

The tours take place at four parks during weekends in January and February. Depending on the park you may travel on an excursion yacht, barge, pontoon boat or van. All tours are led by state park naturalists.
Prices range from $20 to $55 a person and last about 3 hours.

Details for the tours are:
· January 15-16; January 22-23; February 5-6 at Dale Hollow State Resort Park
· January 15-17 at Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park
· January 29-31 at Lake Barkley State Resort Park
· February 5-7 at Kenlake State Resort Park

Contact the parks directly for registration and details.

Lay-offs By State of PA. To Impact Parks

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported the State of Pennsylvania will lay off 319 more employees across 10 state agencies, bringing to 769 the total number of government jobs cut over the past year. The State is blaming the tough economy and deep budget cuts. The majority of the latest cuts are in environmental protection and state parks.

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which runs State parks, will be cutting back on educational programs and shortening seasonal hours at pools, beaches, and campgrounds.

Reductions at the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, means suspending services at six historic sites, closing the state museum in Harrisburg two days a week, and eliminating all new exhibit spending. The educational programs and other services at these historic sites will be discontinued and buildings mothballed.

Conservation Goups Buy Major Parcels in Maine

According to the Bangor Daily News, a coveted tract of land stretching from Moosehead Lake to Baxter State Park has been placed under permanent protection from development.

The Appalachian Mountain Club purchased nearly 30,000 acres of land along 20 miles of the Appalachian Trail and The Nature Conservancy purchased 15,000 acres of the Moose River Landscape. With the deal, more than 650,000 contiguous acres are protected between Moosehead Lake and the northernmost section of Baxter State Park.

The easements will be held by the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Budget Challenges in Massachusetts, Prompt Search for New Ways to Manage State Parks.

Massachusetts, Governor, Deval Patrick has asked the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) to get public input on options for changes in administrative structures and programs to meet environmental goals in light of the State's budget challenges.

From a State Park standpoint, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Rick Sullivan is looking to see if there is potential for greater sharing of responsibility for the management and operation of DCR properties with other public and private entities.

The EEA has scheduled six “listening sessions” and is also looking for comments in writing. Details on the locations and times for the listening tour and ways to comment can be found on the EEA web site.

Catch New York City’s Annual Thanksgiving Day Parade

The 83rd annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade kicks-off Thanksgiving Day at 9:00 am in New York City. If you've always wanted to see the parade in person instead of on TV, a little planning should make your life easy. First, note that this year’s route has been changed. Instead of marching down Broadway the parade will head down 7th Avenue. According to the official parade web site, plan to get there early for the best viewing spots and note that the city will not allow the use of folding chairs.

Keep in mind New York City is not a place to try and drive a Motor Home. Use Park and Ride lots outside the city to park your camper and drive in with your car. Also, in New Jersey, Liberty Harbor RV Park is open all year. The Park has views of the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty. It provides easy access to the ferry’s to New York and is only 5 blocks from the PATH subway line into lower Manhattan. Call to confirm availability and the transit schedule for Thanksgiving week-end.

Another alternative is to drive your dingy through the Lincoln Tunnel and park in the Port Authority Garage right as you exit the tunnel. There are also plenty of other parking garages around the city and traffic should be relatively light on Thanksgiving Day. A great resource is the Icon Parking Web Site which lists locations for all their garages along with prices and coupons if available.

Pets May Get More Access to Maryland State Parks

The Maryland State Park Service is considering pet policy changes at parks across the state. If approved, people would be able to take their dogs to more campgrounds, trails and day use areas in the park system. The Maryland Park Service is accepting public comments on the proposed pet policy until Monday, Nov. 30. To read the proposed policy and comment go to: http://dnrweb.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/petpolicy/comment.asp

After the comments are reviewed, Park Service Superintendent Nita Settina will decide whether to approve the changes. If approved, Park Service officials hope to have the changes in place by late winter or early spring.

Maryland State Parks Adjust Holiday Schedule For Service Reduction Days

It looks like Maryland's state parks are another victim of on-going state budget shortfalls. According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Maryland State Parks and other public lands managed by the State will be closed during service reduction days for the 2009 holiday season, as part of the State’s Furlough and Temporary Salary Reduction Plan. Public use parking lots, buildings and other facilities will not be available on those days. State parks will remain open on Thanksgiving, Native American Appreciation Day and New Years Day. The Holiday closing schedule is as follows:

• November 25 (the day before Thanksgiving) –State service reduction day
• December 24 (Christmas Eve) –State service reduction day
• December 25 (Christmas Day) – Holiday
• December 31 (New Years Eve) - State service reduction day

All state park camping and cabin reservations will be honored on those days. Law enforcement personnel (Maryland Park Service Rangers and Natural Resources Police) will be on duty during the holidays and service reduction days.

South Carolina Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests to Waive Fees on Veterans Day

According to the USAToday, the Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests in South Carolina will waive fees and charges at recreation sites and trails on Nov. 11, in celebration of Veterans Day. Fees at all-day use (including motorized trail fees) and overnight camping sites will be waived, except for camping facilities included in the National Reservation System. More information about this National Forest click here: http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/fms/

I-95 Construction Update

For anyone heading south this fall, construction on I-95, the east coast’s main north south artery, seems to be at an all time high, thanks in part to stimulus dollars. The stretch just north of Baltimore is especially bad. It’s best to travel through this very busy corridor after 10:00am and before 3:00pm if possible. Some of the work is being done at night so evening travel can be disrupted. For up to the minute traffic updates you can check out the I-95 Information Guide.

East Coast Fall Color Update

The forecast for the East Coast this week-end is for perfect fall weather! Great timing to get out and check the changing forests. Peak season is almost over along most of the north east but further south into North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee there is still a colorful show going on. For up to date information, The US Forrest Service monitors fall colors. Time to get out one more time before the winter really gets here.