MAD2GO™

Your Go-To Source For Mid Atlantic Destinations


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Mt. Vernon Discount Tickets

Image Courtesy of Mount Vernon

Image Courtesy of Mount Vernon

Trying to plan another snow day activity for kids out of school? Mount Vernon will open today, March 6, 2015 at 11 a.m., and they’re extending their special Teacher Work Day offer to local parents. On Friday, March 6, and Monday, March 9, pay for an adult admission and bring up to 2 kids ages 18 and under for free. Mention this offer at the gate or use promo code WORKDAY2015 to book online.


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Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival

Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival moves to 30th Street on Beach at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront
October 18-19, 2014

Over 80 craft beers from over 50 breweries will be available for sampling at the Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival. Tickets include sampling, a commemorative cup, and live entertainment.

The Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival will be held Saturday-Sunday, October 18-19, from 1:00 pm-6:00 pm each day in a large tent on the beach at 30th Street at the Virginia Beach Oceanfront. The new location will mean the event now has convenient parking at the 31st Street City Garage and will be “weather-proof” for the weekend.

Tickets for the Virginia Beach Craft Beer Festival are $25 in advance and $30 at the door for Saturday, October 18, and $20 in advance and $25 at the door for Sunday, September 19. All tickets purchased through Ticketmaster are subject to service fees. A limited number of tickets are available each day.

Tickets are only sold at the door if available.

Featured Breweries in 2014 include:
O’Connor, Smartmouth, Back Bay, Young Veterans, St. George, Larry’s Lemonade, Ale Werks, Beck’s, Spaten, Legend, Devils Backbone, Bold Rock, Sunken City, Starr Hill, New Belgium, Sweetwater, Heavy Seas, Lagunitas, Victory, Oskar Blues, Southern Tier, Weyerbacher, Harpoon, DuClaw, Gordon Biersch, Goose Island, Kona, Lonerider, Natty Greene, Highland, Redhook, Widmer, Shock Top, Johnny Appleseed, Stella Artois, Fransikaner, Van Steenburge, Bavik, Van Ecke, Leffe, Boddington’s Hoegaarden, La Trappe, Bosteels, Krombacher, Vermont Hard Cider, WM Magner Cider, Flying Dog, Foothills, Hardywood, Heritage, Lickinghole Creek, Sam Adams, Wild Wolf, and Blue Moon.

Live music sets the stage at the perfect outdoor setting for tasting some of the best craft beers. Performances include Blue Ribbon Band and Will Overman Band (Saturday), and Seth Stainback & Rooster Foot and Major & the Monbacks (Sunday).

– See more at: http://www.beachstreetusa.com/festivals/virginia-beach-craft-beer-festival#sthash.bgSrEqPE.dpuf


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Wings and Wheels Rescheduled to September 20, 2014

Image Courtesy of Bath County

Image Courtesy of Bath County

Save the Date! Wings & Wheels has been rescheduled for September 20, 2014, 11:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. They will be contacting vendors, car show participants and the spectators that left their information with them first thing in the morning.

Image Courtesy of Bath County

Image Courtesy of Bath County

If the roar of an engine (be it car, plane or motorcycle) gets your heart racing and if family fun, good food and music sound like the perfect way to spend a Saturday, then the 6th Annual Wings and Wheels Car and Air Show is the place to be.

Set high atop Hot Springs, at Ingalls Air Field, Wings and Wheels is the largest car and air show in the Shenandoah Valley.

This year’s event promises a variety of activities. In addition to the car show, there will be all day performances by the 540Boyz Stunt Motorcycle team, a return engagement by Team Fastrax Skydiving Team, crowd pleaser Tiger Airshows, Tony Royal L-29 Jet and Skipper Hale AT-6 Acrobatics, as well as carnival and interactive games. Car show participants will be eligible to win People’s Choice and Kid’s Choice Awards, as well as special raffle prizes throughout the day.

The event runs from noon until 6:00. General admission is $5.00 per person, $3.00 ages 12 and under and Kids 3 and under are free. Show car registration is $15.00 thru July 25 and $20.00 the day of the event. For more information https://www.facebook.com/countyofbath?fref=ts

“This year we have changed things up,” said Becky Skidmore Airport Manager, sponsor and one of the organizers of this very popular event. “We have pushed back our start time to noon, giving our families and our participants a little more time to get up the mountain and enjoy the day.”

“And we have added lots more activities for the kids,” explained Mark Nelson, Director of Parks and Recreation for the County of Bath as well as one of the four sponsoring partners. “We have invited K&T Entertainment to bring carnival and interactive games to the event. We will have a rock climbing wall, a mechanical bull, as well as a variety of carnival and arcade activities for the kids to enjoy. All for the single price of admission. ” Nelson concluded.

The Theme this year is “A Salute to Those Who Serve,” explained Maggie Anderson, Director of Tourism and Economic Development. “Our team wanted to say thank you to all the police, fire and rescue and military personnel who serve and protect us every day. We are going to have special raffle prizes just for attendees who serve as police, fire and rescue or are in the military—they will receive the raffle ticket when they purchase their tickets to get into the event. Throughout the day we will be giving out prizes just for them.” Anderson concluded.

“And, we have a special event planned to raise money for this year’s charity The Bath County Christmas Mother,” explained Céline Pritt, Tourism Coordinator. “Attendees will be able to vote with their dollars to determine which one of three people will parachute jump for Charity. Mark Nelson, Director of Parks and Recreation, Ashton Harrison, County Administrator and Sarah Rowe, Principal Bath County High School have all agreed to jump from a plane—if they receive the highest number of dollars donated. We expect the competition to be fierce.”

“Every year the event grows,” noted Emily Plecker, Executive Director for the County of Bath Chamber of Commerce. “Our attendance last year was over 4,000 and we expect even more families to join us this year. There will be plenty of food, vendors and music. And, Big Al will be emceeing all day,” Plecker explained.

The event is sponsored by the Bath County Airport Authority, the Office of Tourism, Parks and Recreation and the Chamber of Commerce.

For more information: https://www.facebook.com/countyofbath?fref=ts
Ingalls Air Field
County of Bath, Shenandoah Valley, Virginia


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Christmas in July on Union Street in Alexandria, VA

Image Courtesy of Visit Alexandria

Image Courtesy of Visit Alexandria

Ever wonder where Santa and the Mrs. spend their summer vacation? On Saturday, July 26, 2014, they’ll be stopping in Old Town to celebrate Christmas in July on Union Street in Alexandria, VA at the Union Street Public House and The Christmas Attic.

Santa and Mrs. Claus are coming for a summer visit. There’ll be storytelling, cookies and milk, and a little of Santa’s special magic. But we expect nothing less from Santa. Everyone, young and old can tell Santa what’s on their list tomorrow, and enjoy face-painting and more!

Why should the kids have all the fun? Special-priced seasonal brews and Christmas Punch for the adults ALL day.

Christmas in July on Union Street
July 26, 2014 – July 26, 2014
Times: 10am-3pm and onwards
Venue: Union Street Public House
121 South Union Street
Alexandria VA 22314
Phone: 703-548-1785
Visit Website: http://www.unionstreetpublichouse.com/


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Urgent News Break: Possible Tornado Slams Virginia Campground

Northampton County Board of Supervisors declared a local state of emergency

Cherrystone campground is shown Thursday morning in this photo posted on Twitter by Jordan Bertok.

Cherrystone campground is shown Thursday morning in this photo posted on Twitter by Jordan Bertok.

Two people were killed and more than two dozen were hurt at Cherrystone Family Camping & RV Resort on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, with injuries ranging from cuts to broken bones, officials said. In Virginia, State Police spokeswoman Corinne Geller confirmed the deaths. Geller said emergency personnel searched the area for additional casualties, and survivors got bused to a high school set up as a temporary shelter

At 8:38 am, the National Weather Service sent out a tornado warning for the area. The twister hit the Cherrystone Campground, near Cape Charles, shortly before 9:00 am.

About 1,300 people were at the campground, readying for a summer day of swimming pools, mini-golf, pier fishing and other activities at the 300-acre resort in rural Northampton County.

Peter Glagola, spokesman for Riverside Shore Memorial Hospital, said the hospital was treating more than two dozen patients as of Thursday afternoon, most of which were in fair condition with injuries ranging from cuts to broken bones. Glagola said more patients were expected to be brought to the hospital, which is about 30 minutes north of the campground. One patient in critical condition was flown to VCU Medical Center in Richmond, he said.

Hospitals in Virginia Beach and Norfolk had been preparing for mass casualties but had received just three patients, one of which was taken to a nearby children’s hospital, said Sentara Healthcare spokesman Dale Gauding.

Coast Guard spokesman Petty Officer 3rd Class David Weydert said crews also were responding to reports of boats overturned in the water in the area. Boaters pulled at least three people from the water, he said.

The Northampton County Board of Supervisors declared a local state of emergency later Thursday morning, shutting down regular county government functions to concentrate on storm recovery, said Janice Williams, assistant to the county administrator. With about 12,000 population, it is among the smallest of Virginia’s 93 counties.

http://www.wboc.com/story/26102604/possible-tornado-touches-down-on-va-campground


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Win an All-Inclusive Lexington, Virginia, Getaway

Image Via Wikipedia

Image Via Wikipedia

Lexington, VA is in the heart of some of the most beautiful country in the US. Now, the winners of the fabulous, all-inclusive getaway contest sponsored by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine will have the chance to enjoy the region’s wonderful outdoor activities.

First you’ll enjoy seeing the Natural Bridge; one of Virginia’s most cherished natural wonders.

The prize package includes TWIN RIVER OUTFITTERS River Paddle or Tubing Adventure for Two. TRO provides their guests with fun and safe river trips that range from lazy river to whitewater paddling experiences with true mountain views. They are the oldest and most experienced outfitter operating on the Upper James River and have been safely running paddle trips since 1978.

STONE BRIDGE EQUESTRIAN CENTER , a premier multi-discipline riding facility located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, will provide a Horseback Riding Experience for Two.

Winners will also enjoy two tickets to the NATURAL BRIDGE CAVERNS , and descend more than 34 stories into the Earth to view magnificent natural display. While underground, tourists can explore cavern structures such as the Colossal Dome room. This room is an enormous dome shaped natural feature that was created over thousands of years. Walking from the dome room, visitors can also see other places like Mirror Lake, the Well Room and the stalactites and stalagmites that grow from the Canyon Room.

For more information and entry, check out BLUE RIDGE OUTDOORS .

DESTINATION: LEXINGTON, VIRGINIA
STAY
VIRGINIA’S NATURAL BRIDGE PARK AND HISTORIC HOTEL – Two Nights Lodging
PLAY
TWIN RIVER OUTFITTERS – River Paddle or Tubing Adventure for Two
STONE BRIDGE EQUESTRIAN CENTER – Horseback Riding Experience for Two
NATURAL BRIDGE AND CAVERNS – Tickets for Two
WALKABOUT OUTFITTER – Two $25 Gift Certificates
EAT
COLONIAL DINING ROOM – Breakfast for Two
HAYWOOD’S RESTAURANT AND PIANO BAR – Dinner for Two
(dinner for 2 at Haywood’s does not include alcohol or gratuity)
SWEET THINGS ICE CREAM – Dessert for Two


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The Battle of the Wilderness & Baseball in McFarland’s “Nostalgia”

WroteTrips™

Washington Post Best 50 Books of the Year Washington Post Best 50 Books of the Year

Novels about baseball aren’t new. Novels about the Civil War aren’t new. But in Nostalgia, Dennis McFarland blends the two themes and creates a unique coming of age story. Injured, lost and left-behind, 19-year old Summerfield Hayes stumbles through deadly terrain in the aftermath of the bloody war of attrition at the Battle of the Wilderness. The dense underbrush of Spotsylvania County, VA, proved difficult for both the North and South to navigate, and the battle was fought to a draw. McFarland’s evocative, empathetic and lyrical prose skillfully depicts the beauty and horror of America’s mid-1800 history.

Battle of the Wilderness by Kurz and Allison Battle of the Wilderness by Kurz and Allison

In spite of his privileged background, Hayes chose to enlist rather than avoid the Union Army draft. His enlistment is an escape from the life he shares with his older sister in the home left to them…

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Foodie Getaway Contest to Roanoke, VA

Photo by David Hungate via Local Roots

Photo by David Hungate via Local Roots

Entries must be received through the http://www.visitroanokeva.com contest sign-up page by 12:00 Midnight EST on August 24, 2014.
One entry per person

Virginia is the home of some of my favorite weekend destinations, and now they’ve added another facet to their sparkling attractions. Roanoke Valley in Virginia’s scenic Blue Ridge Mountains has more restaurants per capita than any other destination in Virginia, which makes it a delicious culinary scene.

To celebrate their unique food culture, Visit Roanoke VA has created a Fun for Foodies Sweepstakes. One lucky winner will be selected to win a trip for two that includes some amazing culinary experiences in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

The prize package includes a two-night stay for two guests at the Comfort Inn Airport – Roanoke. The hotel is conveniently located near the airport and great shopping at Valley View Mall, and also offers easy access to many local attractions in the area. You’ll also be able to take advantage of the hotel’s outdoor pool, complimentary deluxe breakfast and many more amenities during your stay.

The winner will have the opportunity to dine at The Roanoker Restaurant. Recognized by Southern Living and Today on NBC as being home to some of the best biscuits in the country, The Roanoker Restaurant has established itself as an icon of southern cooking and hospitality.

The package also features a gift certificate for dinner at Local Roots, a Farm-to-Table Restaurant. With its charming atmosphere in Roanoke’s quaint Grandin Village, Local Roots prepares fabulous food using local ingredients to create a first-class dining experience that celebrates the spirit of the region.

The winner will even receive two passes to take part in a food tour with Roanoke Food Tours. A historic downtown food tour is a wonderful way to enjoy amazing food while also learning about the rich history and culture of Roanoke’s Downtown. You could also sample some fantastic cuisine on the new Sunday Brunch Tour, and don’t be surprised if you make a few new friends along the way.

For when you’re not eating great food, you’ll also receive two VIP Passes, which include free admission to many popular local attractions, including the Mill Mountain Zoo, Virginia Museum of Transportation and wine tasting at Chateau Morrisette.

The menu is full of incredible experiences in Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Sign up now for your chance to win!
http://www.visitroanokeva.com/visitors/sweepstakes/


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Portsmouth 4th of July Festivities Postponed

Portsmouth, VA Independence Day Events…MOVED to Saturday, July 5, 2014
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https://www.facebook.com/portsmouth.va?fref=ts


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The National D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA Holds 70th Anniversary Event

Image Courtesy of The National D-Day Memorial

Image Courtesy of The National D-Day Memorial

Bedford, Virginia, the community who suffered the highest per capita D-Day losses and home of The National D-Day Memorial, will honor and remember D-Day veterans for the 70th Anniversary of D-Day. If you are unable to make the morning service, you can watch it live online on http://www.WDBJ7.com.

On June 6, 1944, 150,000 Allied troops landed along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified French coastline to fight Nazi Germany on the beaches of Normandy, France. General Dwight D. Eisenhower called the operation a crusade in which “we will accept nothing less than full victory.” More than 5,000 ships and 11,000 aircraft supported the invasion, and by day’s end, the Allies gained a foot-hold in France. The D-Day cost was high with more than 9,000 Allied soldiers killed or wounded as the march across Europe to defeat Hitler began.

The National D-Day Memorial is place where veterans gather, share stories, and reflect on the high cost of freedom. Visitors may have the opportunity to shake the hands of veterans, and listen to their stories.

The Memorial will open at 7:30AM on Friday, June 6. Please see their website at http://www.dday.org for more information about satellite parking.

Program highlights include an honor guard, recognition of D-Day veterans, guest speakers, dignitaries including French, British and UK representatives, music, and more. Read more at http://conta.cc/1m5UyGy
The commemoration begins with a morning ceremony featuring the laying of wreaths by D-Day units.

Other activities include:

* Veterans oral history stations
* A USO show featuring the 29th Division Band and a “Salute to Sinatra” at 1:30PM
* Reunion Tent
* Food vendors
* Displays by Living Historians
* Flyover including a P-51 and a C-47
* Parachute jump by the Golden Knights.

Friday, June 6th, 2014 ~ Outdoor Movie Night and Canteen

The public is invited to the Memorial for an outdoor movie night with a 1940s theme. The Canteen will offer the best of period refreshments and the featured film will be “Casablanca.” The film begins at dusk.

Saturday, June 7th, 2014 – 10AM ~ D-Day Parade

The community of Bedford will host a 1940s parade on the morning of June 7th. Antique cars, veterans, living historians, and more will parade through town. At 11am, a bell will toll marking the 19 from Bedford killed on June 6, 1944. Walking tours will be available for those interested in visiting some of the more famous Bedford Boys sites as mentioned in Alex Kershaw’s award winning book “The Bedford Boys: One American Town’s Ultimate Sacrifice.”

On Saturday, June 7th, 2014 at 7PM Tommy Dorsey Orchestra will perform at the Memorial. Advance tickets are on sale now for $25 per person! Get them at the National D-Day Memorial offices, the Center in the Square Box Office, or by calling 540-586-3329, M-F, 9-5. Read more: http://conta.cc/1sME72R

There are a limited number of tickets available for pre-sale. Unless there is a threat of inclement weather, additional tickets will be sold for $30 at the door.

Sunday, June 8th – 11AM ~ Field Chapel Service

Conclude the 70th anniversary observance with an authentic WWII field chapel ecumenical service. A unique and moving experience. The service begins at 11am. Visit http://www.dday.org to learn more.

These events with the exclusion of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra are free to the public. Donations are appreciated. The Memorial is supported by contributions to the National D-Day Memorial Foundation, a 501(c)(3) not-for profit organization; it is not a National Park and does receive federal funding.

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