I can’t think of anything more inviting on a hazy, hot and humid day in Maryland than sailing away – far, far away. And you don’t have to travel far. Forget about making plane reservations and cruise right from the Port of Baltimore.

The Brandywine Valley located 30 miles southwest of Philadelphia is situated were Delaware and Pennsylvania come together and the Brandywine River runs through it. It has been nicknamed the “chateau country” because of its beautiful landscapes, rich history, culture and art. The area is a storehouse of prominent and stately mansions, gardens and museums.

Winterthur is the former home of Henry Francis du Pont (1880-1969), an avid antiques collector and horticulturist. In the early 20th century, H. F. du Pont and his father, Henry Algernon du Pont, designed Winterthur in the spirit of 18th- and19th-century European country houses.

Last fall marked the opening of “Restless Planet” for the Virginia Aquarium and Science Center located in Virginia Beach. The $25 million renovation features four habitats.
The habitats depict what was likely Virginia’s ecological history millions of years ago.
The new exhibit showcases 6,000 animals and 367 species and 300 hands-on, educational fun.

I often wonder why the avid angler spends a lifetime of repetitive activity of catching fish just for sport. Fly fishing reels in both men and women.

An outdoor adventure getaway means something to different to everyone. From the weekend warrior who wants to flirt with nature to the serious explorer who wants to become one with nature, travelers will find all levels of outdoor adventure in Tioga County, Pa.

It was my good fortune to go to the small city of Ubud recently. Its natural beauty, friendly people, exotic views, culinary delights, rice terraces and spiritual aspects fascinated me.

The Maryland Port Administration announced this week that approximately 167,000 passengers embarked on 81 homeport cruises from the Port of Baltimore in 2009.

The weather outside may be frightful, but those looking for a family-friendly place to come in from the cold can’t go wrong with a Great Wolf Lodge getaway. And don’t forget your bathing suits because it’s always 84 degrees at the lodge’s water park.

Looking for a new place to go this year? How about planning a romantic getaway for Valentine’s Day? Here are a few suggestions that are sure to cure cabin fever!