Gunston Hall is a Georgian mansion near the Potomac River in Mason neck, Virginia. Gunston Hall was the Home of the United States founding father George Mason. The construction of Gunston Hall was between 1755 and 1759.

Gunston Hall was listed on the National Historic Landmarks in Virginia December 19, 1960.

The floors, wood carvings and most of the plaster is orginal.

You can tour the mansion for $10 or tour the grounds for free. I was actually surprised at how well the house has been mainted after all these years.

You can also go to the family cemetery and pay your respects to George Mason

Assateague Island (Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge) is located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and Maryland. The island itself is only 37 miles long and host lovely beaches along with many different types of wild life.Today I’ll be focusing on the Virginia portion of Assateague that is 1/3 of the total area. The entrance is on Chincoteague Island, a small and quaint tourist town that is popular during the summertime especially during July when the Pony swim and Chincoteague Carnival occur.

The Chincoteague ponies are famous and defiantly work viewing. Another sight to see is the historic Assateague Island lighthouse which offers tours to the top. 175 steps that will go around and around brings you to not only a stunning view of Assateague but also of Chincoteague.

The tours do have limited times so be sure to check before traveling. If you’re brave make sure you look down.

Make sure you bring your bathing suit and umbrella and enjoy the beach.

If you find yourself on the beach at sunset you are in for a treat. Sit back and enjoy the view.

Though there is no camping on the Virginia side of Assateague there are plenty of hotels and camping grounds nearby on Chincoteague. There are even a few Bed & Breakfast locally owned and operated.

In the heart of Washington D.C. sits the Ford’s Theater located at

511 10th Street North West

Washington, D.C.

First opened in August 1863 it has been forever remembered for the events that happened on April 14, 1865. That was day the actor turned assassin John Wilkes Booth shot the 16th president of the United States of America. After the end of the civil war President Lincoln went with his wife to the theater to watch a the play “Our American Cousin.”Booth made his way to the balcony box that the president was enjoying the show and shot and mortally wounded Lincoln.

The president was taken across the street to the Petersen House at

516 10th street North West

Washington, D.C.

The house was built in 1849 and you can go inside for free with a ticket you can pick up from Fords Theater.

You can see the very room that Lincoln was carried to after being shot and later passed away in.

The house will take you back to a very sad time in American history.

There are many historical artifacts and information at both the house and the theater.

There is also ever book written on President Lincoln that goes around in a spiral

Admission to both locations are free and there is a gift shop located on the bottom floor of the theater.

The Manassas Battlefield is located just north of Manassas, Virginia. The battlefield is the site of two major American Civil War battle, the First Battle of Bull Run and the Second Battle of Bull Run taking place from July 21, 1861 and August 30, 1862. The Battle between the Union (North) and the Confederacy (South) is where General Thomas Jackson got his nickname “Stonewall”“There is Jackson standing like a stone wall”–Brig General Barnard Bee Jr.

The Battlefield sits today as a historic park and has many canons scattered around the fields. There are many monuments, graves and historic buildings that survived all these years.

You can also walk on the same trails taken by the troops many years ago Or walk to the cemetery and pay your respects

During the springtime you can walk over the stone bridge and see the blue bellsAll types of plant life can also be found There is also a museum on the grounds that houses weapons, clothing and historical facts.

Housed at Trimper’s Rides in Ocean City, Maryland, is one of 3,000 carved carousels. In 1912 Mr. Trimper purchased the carousel and brought it to Ocean City.The carousel has fourty five carved animals, three chariots and one rocking chair.If you are a fan of vintage rides or just love carousels, spend the $2 and ride a piece of history that is more than 100 years old!

Ocean City is located right off the ocean in eastern Maryland. During the summer people come from all over to enjoy the ocean and atmosphere of the restort town. The city is nestled in between the Atlantic Ocean and the Isle of Wright Bay.

The boardwalk features miles of stores, restaurants, rides and arcades. I highly suggest for you to splurge and getting a bucket of Thrashers boardwalk fries which has been serving fresh made fries since 1929.

During the summer months artist create masterpieces in the sand.

You will also find a couple of street performers spread throughout the boardwalk.

If you have some time to spend or the weather isn’t cooperating there are several mini-golf courses located all over Ocean City with two owned by Old Pro Golf that are housed indoors.

A visit to Ocean City will truly be a memorable one for the whole family.

Since 1939 Dumsers Dairyland has been apart of Ocean City, Maryland. There are seven locations throughout the city.

The 49th street and 123rd street both sever food along with ice cream. The other five locations serve ice cream only.

Dumsers has that classic 50’s dinner and drive-in look and feel serving classic food.

Make sure you save room for an ice cream sundae or a malted milkshake!!!

On November 12, 1918 the U.S. Navy began construction of the U.S. Naval Torpedo Station. The factory built torpedoes for five years. With the WWII, the factory produced Mark III torpedoes for aircraft and Mark XIV torpedoes for submarines. After the war the factory became storage until later on becoming the Torpedo Factory Art Center.

Local artist display their artwork which is all for sale.

Today the Torpedo Factory no longer makes weapons but now houses art work for sale by multiple artist.

There is everything from pictures to etched glass to pottery and modern art

There is also some reminders of days gone by such as the original scale

The Torpedo Facotry is right on the harbor with many of local stores and restaurants located a short walk away.

Torpedo Factory Art Center

Located at

105 N. Union St.

Alexandria, VA 22314

The Roddy Road covered bridge is located in Thurmont, Maryland. It’s fourty feet long and sixteen feet wide. Orginally built in 1850 it has been placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The original bridge was damaged in 2016 and had to be completely rebuilt.The bridge is the shortest covered bridge in Maryland. Located at

14760 Roddy Road

Thurmont, Maryland 21788

There aren’t a lot of covered bridge around anymore so it’s definitely worth the short drive off the highway to see!

Murphy’s Grand Irish Pub is located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. Opened since 1978 Murphy’s has been serving traditional Irish food and beer. The prices are very reasonable and the portions are good.

On a cold day I’d recommend the Clam Chowder which comes with Irish soda bread or oyster crackers.

If your looking for a a good pint I’d suggest getting the Kilkenny Irish cream ale. It’s flavorful and not over powering, also hard to find in the states.