See the city from Fort Stevens, site of the only Civil War battle fought within Washington, D. C. The earthwork hill and battlements offer a commanding view. The site also commemorates President Abraham Lincoln’s presence during the battle, the only time a U.S. President has come under enemy fire. He was there to observe the battle. While you’re there, you can learn about the battle and the Civil War’s affect on the Capital City.
Stroll the brick and cobblestone streets of the city that predates the District of Columbia. Established in 1751, Georgetown is one of the oldest and most prosperous tobacco port towns in the area. It was a prosperous major commercial center for 40 years before being included in plans for the Nation’s Capital. Today its historic streets and [...]
The Fort Circle Parks Trail is a great way to experience the historical Civil War conservation and preservation sites that encircle the perameter of Washington D.C. This collection of forts make up the Civil War Defenses of Washington that were built by the Union Army to protect the Capital and its major supply routes. Many [...]
The Rock Creek Park is a wonderful national park destination that can facilitate many different leisure activities and conservation perspectives for visitors’ enjoyment. Located in the heart of Northern Washington, DC, this expansive 1754 acre greenway plays host to equestrian and/or hiking nature trails, playgrounds and picnic areas, Fitzgerald Tennis Stadium, Carter Barron Amphitheater, and [...]
The main feature of this park is the Fort Dupont Civil War Fort which is one of the 18 forts that make up the Civil War Defenses of Washington. Although this fort did not see any battle during war time, it played an important role as a haven for runaway slaves seeking safety in the Union [...]
How about an autumn ride on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad to see the stunning colors from your window on the rails, high in Western Maryland’s Allegheny Front? Take a roundtrip excursion from Cumberland to Frostburg, or ride the train one way and pedal the scenic 11 miles back to Cumberland. Either way, plan to spend [...]
See the inside of a rustic lockhouse–at midnight–when you spend the night in historic Lockhouse 22, enjoying the solitude and quiet evenings just like a lockkeeper’s family did. With a stop in Potomac, Md., on the way, you can pack in provisions for a memorable candle-lit meal canalside.
Just downstream from Lockhouse 22 are the renowned [...]
The Mount Vernon Trail is an 18.5 mile hiker trail connecting George Washington’ s Mount Vernon and Theodore Roosevelt Island National Park. The trail winds and twists through woodlands and wetlands on a parallel path with the George Washington Memorial Parkway and the Potomac River.
Oxon Cove Park’s main feature is the restored 1900’s plantation, Oxon Hill Farm. This national park also includes a hiker/biker trail that circles the scenic cove and woodland. There is also a quiet 1.5 mile trail that cuts through the heavily wooded areas behind the farm. A hike along the Woodlot Trail gives you a [...]
In this part of Maryland, the state’s 18th century past comes alive. You can go much further into the past on this sojourn when you explore for shark-tooth fossils along the river’s edge. Or zoom to the not-so-distant past, when dozens of wooden ships were intentionally sunk into Mallows Bay, where they remain today.