You may already know that West Virginia is wild and wonderful. And that couldn’t be more true than at Charles Town Races & Slots in Charles Town, West Virginia.

Hidden away in the breathtaking Shenandoah Valley of the Blue Ridge Mountains lies a place steeped in heritage, from pre-Colonial times to modern-day history makers. Bursting with charm, Winchester, Va., is a great getaway from the stress and busyness of the city. In the fall, the Blue Ridge Mountains, named for their color, exhibit a rainbow of fall colors in place of their trademark blue. Visitors enjoy this excursion into the countryside and are surrounded by beautiful vistas of the valley in its fall foliage.

Are you looking to be pampered for a whimsical, fun yet relaxing getaway?

Pat Burnley of Intercourse, Pa., got herself into a jam when she and husband Bob started a small jelly business called Kitchen Kettle Foods in her garage 53 years ago. The concept was to let tourists visiting Amish country watch how local jellies and relishes were made.

Tired of dragging out the same tired, worn black suitcase for your trip? Now you can step out for your weekend getaway with the latest in designer luggage, beach and garment bags from Blue Heron Bags at Westfield Shoppingtown Annapolis.

While cruising to Smith Island from Crisfield, Md., I asked a passenger what he loved the most about the island. “The isolation,” he replied. He was also fascinated by the water boats and the vernacular of the people. Indeed, by the end of my trip, I discovered that it was these three things that draw visitors to Smith Island.

While cruising to Smith Island from Crisfield, Md., I asked a passenger what he loved the most about the island. “The isolation,” he replied. He was also fascinated by the water boats and the vernacular of the people. Indeed, by the end of my trip, I discovered that it was these three things that draw visitors to Smith Island.

As you approach Evergreen Museum and Library (formerly Evergreen House) on a winding road through a thick overhang of trees, you feel the hustle and bustle of the city far behind you. The traffic on North Charles Street becomes a distant memory as you gaze at the magnificent Italianate, 48-room structure. Park behind the house and enter by the portico with its Louis Comfort Tiffany awning. Note the hitching post harkening back to an earlier time.

If being frightened to within an inch of your life is your thing, you will be in your element at the historic Philadelphia Eastern State Penitentiary. The penitentiary’s “Terror Behind the Walls” event, running from Sept. 21 through Oct. 31, is guaranteed to leave you shaking.

If you’re looking for an inexpensive and fun way to spend the Oct. 26–28 weekend, head to the Sea Witch Halloween and Fiddlers Festival at Rehoboth Beach in Delaware. Now in its 18th year, the festival includes costume parades (one for you and one for your pet) with bands and floats, contests, live music and riders on horseback. It culminates in the Sea Witch Hunt for those with the skills and stamina to follow the 100 clues. The festival theme for this year is “Got Straw? Stuff It At Sea Witch.”