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!

For those wanting to experience the beauty of the Philadelphia area, you won’t want to miss Morris Arboretum and Gardens of the University of Pennsylvania.

In 1967, Ed Gotwalt received an elephant from his sister-in-law as a wedding gift. Why an elephant? For good luck, of course. On his honeymoon to Williamsburg, Va., he found another one. “Honey, I’m going to start collecting elephants,” he told his wife on the way back home. Since then, his pachyderm passion has taken him all over the world in search of unusual additions to his collection. In 1983, his elephant collection outgrew his home and he opened up Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum.

Since then, his pachyderm passion has taken him all over the world in search of unusual additions to his collection. In 1983, his elephant collection outgrew his home and he opened up Mister Ed’s Elephant Museum.

If you want to look down on the world and get an adrenalin rush, spend a few hours with Matt Baker and his team at Terrapin Adventures at Savage Mill in Savage, Md. Here you will find waiting for you a climbing tower, zip line, giant swing and high ropes challenge course along with other lower to the ground challenges.

I’ve lived in Maryland my entire life but didn’t know or appreciate much of the Old Line State’s history — until I toured St. Mary’s City. And this year, the 375th anniversary of Maryland’s founding, is a great time to visit the southern part of the state.

Prince William County, Va., lies just 30 miles south of Washington, D.C. The county is probably best known for its rich Civil War history. It’s part of “The Journey Through Hallowed Ground,” which spans 175 miles from Gettysburg, Pa., to Charlottesville, Va., along Route 15. Our courageous forefathers left their footprints behind for posterity (www.hallowedground.org).
Prince William County, Va., lies just 30 miles south of Washington, D.C. The county is probably best known for its rich Civil War history. It’s part of “The Journey Through Hallowed Ground,” which spans 175 miles from Gettysburg, Pa., to Charlottesville, Va., along Route 15. Our courageous forefathers left their footprints behind for posterity (www.hallowedground.org).