When you think of the Mid-Atlantic, you might not think of resorts, water-taxis and ghosts, but you should.
It might not have the year-round sunny beaches of Florida or the palm trees of California, but there are still thousands of exciting places to visit. Here are just a few of them.
So Long, Boardwalk Empire
The Boardwalk Empire of Atlantic City, N.J., is fun to visit, but it isn’t doing as well as it used to. That’s because of the growing number of resorts and casinos that are spreading through other Mid-Atlantic states, thanks to new legislation that allows gambling. While some of the bigger casinos within Atlantic City, like the Tropicana, are still thriving, many people now prefer to vacation at one of the many other resorts that have cropped up.
These new stand-alone resorts and casinos are just as exciting as the old-school gambling towns. They offer everything from slot play and high-stakes poker to live events and spa packages. Dover Downs Hotel and Casino in Dover, Del., is one such popular destination. Dover Downs is known for its world-class casino, but it also houses The Colonnade – boutique shopping for men, women and the home.
Gettysburg, PA
Gettysburg, Pa., is a small, rural town bursting with history, fine dining, antiques and wine.
Gettysburg was host to one of the largest battles during the Civil War, and history buffs will revel in the battlefield. Museums house interactive exhibits and artifacts, and many people dress up in Civil War attire.
The town features quite a few hotels that are original homes from the area. A few hotel owners even claim that their establishments are haunted. The more adventurous might be interested in combining history with hauntings by adding a ghost tour to their trip. There are more than a few opportunities easily found within town limits.
Sharpsburg, MD
Antietam battlefield is just over an hour away from Gettysburg. One of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, Antietam’s picturesque backdrop is beautiful in winter snow, fall foliage and even the heat of summer. There are quite a few cozy bed-and-breakfasts that will help make your history vacation comfortable and memorable.
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Big City and Bigger Gardens
New York City is home to some of the world’s longest-running musicals. When in New York, don’t miss out on a Broadway show; but don’t forget that there’s more to the Big Apple than big city.
The New York Botanical Garden is a sprawling series of exhibits and gardens maintained by master horticulturists. There are always special events, regardless of the season, that will transport your imagination. There’s everything from their Holiday Train Show for adults – complete with cocktails – to educational exhibits like “Wild Medicine in the Tropics.”
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor
If you’re traveling with a group that has different interests, then Baltimore is an ideal place to visit. There are activities for all ages at the Inner Harbor, such as:
- Night on the Town: Take a water taxi between bars. There’s something exciting about bar hopping by boat.
- The National Aquarium: Visit the dolphins, check out the shark tank or walk through an in-house rainforest.
- Power Plant Live!: This isn’t an electric company, this is the most exciting night out within the harbor district. It houses a comedy club, piano bars, a myriad of restaurants from fun to fancy, and Rams Head Live, a concert venue.
- Camden Yards: The Orioles play at Camden Yards, which is just a short walk from the harbor.
If you’re tired of visiting the same places or you’d just like to try somewhere new, the Mid-Atlantic is home to thousands of unique vacation destinations perfect for a day, a weekend or even longer.