MATPRA

12/02/2025

Southern Living loves this one-of-a-kind small town, and we think you will too!

Mountain views, southern cuisine, rich history, and one of the smallest churches in America are waiting for you in Wytheville, Virginia.

Follow Visit Wytheville for more travel inspiration ✨

This historic small town charms visitors with an easy-going quirky side. Here everything you must do on a trip to Wytheville, Virginia.

07/02/2025

Journalist applications are now open for Media Marketplace 2025 in Reading, Pennsylvania!

MATPRA Media Marketplace is an annual conference where PR professionals, travel journalists and content creators get together to discuss story ideas, arrange visits to our destinations across Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia and talk about what’s new in our backyards.

Join us this year in Reading and Berks County, Pennsylvania's Americana Region, from Aug. 12 to 14, where you'll encounter rich history, a thriving arts scene, outdoor adventure, and beautiful sights like the Pagoda atop Mount Penn.

Deadline to apply is March 28: https://matpra.org/media-marketplace/marketplace-application/

05/02/2025

Celebrate Black history this February and year-round in Virginia's Blue Ridge by checking out these 5 must-see sites!

1. Henrietta Lacks Plaza
2. Booker T. Washington National Monument
3. Historic Gainsboro Walking Tour
4. Harrison Museum of African American Culture
5. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Bridge & Statue

Learn more: Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge

30/01/2025

The Groundhog Day tradition dates back to 1886, making Punxsutawney Phil 139 years old, and the celebrations around his prognostication are full of lore! Learn more ⬇️

Groundhog Day 2025The Prognosticator of Prognosticators, Punxsutawney Phil, will once again appear at sunrise on Feb. 2 at Gobbler's K**b in the Pennsylvania Wilds to make his annual prediction on the 139th Groundhog Day. Watch Live The Pennsylvania Tradition of the GroundhogWhat does a sleepy, furr...

16/01/2025

For more than 60 years Clyde Peeling's Reptiland has been offering an unparalleled educational adventure for the whole family! Exotic reptiles and amphibians from around the world await discovery in stunning, naturalistic habitats, introducing visitors to the less-loved members of the animal kingdom. Explore the world of mambas, cobras, vipers, pythons and other rare and beautiful snakes, and experience giant alligators, gentle tortoises, curious lizards, and colorful frogs on this zoological journey Reptiland is truly a year-round attraction. A visit to Reptiland explodes common myths and inspires scientific curiosity.

Lycoming County Visitors Bureau
📷photo credit to Clyde Peeling's Reptiland

09/01/2025

Looking for something to do this winter? Look no further than these 25 activities, all found right here in the Lebanon Valley! From snow tubing to axe throwing to spa treatments, the Lebanon Valley has just what you need to fight off cabin fever this winter.
Visit Lebanon Valley

☃️ Tubing and other awesome winter activities in our winter blog where we share 25 great things to do while the weather is cold! https://visitlebanonvalley.com/what-to-do-this-winter-in-the-lebanon-valley/

❄️ Iron Valley Tubing is now open for the season! Reservations are required so book your time and get your tickets today. https://ironvalleytubing.com/

02/01/2025

Celebrating 100 years of history!
The Scottish Rite Cathedral in Visit Lawrence County, is a breathtaking Neo-classic treasure built in 1925 for $1.7 million. Originally designed as a meeting space for Masonic groups, it faced challenges during the Great Depression but was reclaimed in 1940 thanks to the dedication of local Masons.

With its grand stone columns, exquisite maple ballroom floors, and an auditorium seating 2,834 guests, the Cathedral has been the heart of the community for decades. Today, it hosts everything from weddings and receptions to concerts, regional ballets, and weekly bingo nights. Here’s to a century of unforgettable memories in this remarkable landmark!
https://www.visitlawrencecounty.com/explore/featured-attractions/scottish-rite-cathedral/

31/12/2024

You're gonna want to add this one to your 2025 travel bucket list.

The Blue Ridge Tunnel is a mile-long engineering marvel that dates back to the 1850s, and stays at a cool 50 degrees. Venture through the depths of the tunnel in Waynesboro, Virginia.

Follow Visit Waynesboro to discover more of Virginia's great outdoors.

Nestled in the heart of Virginia's picturesque landscape lies the historic Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail, an engineering marvel.

19/12/2024

📖 Read more and see more pics via Sensational Stays on at: http://www.allwaystraveller.com/.../sensational-stays...
Thank you, Michael Upton!

🏨 Built by the Norfolk and Western Railway in 1882 to accommodate travelers, the original hotel structure was modest. There was big demand for lodging in turn of the century Roanoke, and the building evolved into a grand Tudor-style hotel throughout the early 20th century. In 1989, after more than 100 years of service, the hotel …

📖 Read more and see more pics via Sensational Stays on at: www.allwaystraveller.com/continents/america-n/sensational-stays-hotel-roanoke

Visit Virginia's Blue Ridge

19/12/2024

Winter in the Laurel Highlands is like a real-life snowglobe!

The fun never stops in the Laurel Highlands, and winter brings a world of delightful new things to do. The crisp winter months are full of activities for everyone from outdoor adventures to activities that the entire family can enjoy. Plan a ski trip, romantic getaway, family outing or relaxing spa day in the Laurel Highlands this winter.
Learn more here: ⬇
https://www.golaurelhighlands.com/winter/

18/12/2024

From festive towns to cozy mountain resorts, Virginia shines throughout the holiday season. Experience merry events, picturesque tree farms and stunning light displays as you discover why Virginia is for Lovers 🎄

This holiday season, visit Virginia to see spectacular light shows, local parades and tree lighting ceremonies, and holiday performances. Visit our small towns and shopping districts for unique local holiday gifts.

12/12/2024

Whether you venture out and brave the cold or prefer the warmer climes of the great indoors — winter in Lancaster County is a wonderland filled with exciting things to do, see, and experience. It’s the perfect time to take in a Broadway-caliber show at one of the many theaters, succumb to the temptation of delicious fare; or seek the thrill of snow tubing down runs designed for kids of all ages. Winter in Lancaster is also ideal for taking in the aromas of freshly baked seasonal treats, wandering through the beautiful, historic downtown, and picking up a few gifts along the way.
As you continue to plan, you'll quickly find that Lancaster is a shopper's paradise! They have two outlet centers, Amish markets, furniture stores, and quilt shops, antique stores, galleries and more! Chances are you'll return home with at least one special item to commemorate your trip to Lancaster.

Discover Lancaster
https://www.discoverlancaster.com/planvisit/seasons/

11/12/2024

Your holiday guide to Staunton, Virginia is here 🎄

From festive food and drink to shopping and treasured holiday traditions, there’s something for everyone! Follow Visit Staunton, Virginia for more.

In town for the weekend? Here’s how to make the most of your time in Staunton with our holiday itinerary, packed with fun and must-do activities. From festive food and drink to shopping, to treasured holiday traditions, there’s something for everyone!

05/12/2024

When the chill rolls in, the adventures move indoors! Experience Prince George's, in MD, is your go-to for cozy, cultural vibes. Marvel at stunning art exhibits. Uncover history at our museums. Feel the magic of live performances. Ready to explore the more? Tap the link and plan your next outing! https://www.experienceprincegeorges.com/things-to-do/
📸:

03/12/2024

Stafford, Virginia has a treasure trove of historic sites, including George Washington's childhood home.

Step back in time and start planning your visit today 👇

Read about what historical sites Stafford, VA has to offer!

28/11/2024

Step into a world of holiday magic at the 27th Annual Festival of Ice, happening in downtown Lewistown on December 5th and 6th! This year’s theme, “Christmas Around the World,” brings global holiday traditions to life with breathtaking ice sculptures, festive decorations, international foods, and vibrant displays of traditional attire and national flags.
Hosted by the , the festival kicks off the holiday season with the artistry, atmosphere, and Christmas spirit that the community looks forward to each year.
For details, visit https://jrvvisitors.com/festival-of-ice/

26/11/2024

Whether you’re a winter sports enthusiast, a fan of luxe glamping, or someone who just wants to curl up by a crackling fire with a good book and cup of cheer, Shenandoah County, Virginia has you covered.

Start planning your cozy winter getaway and follow Visit Shenandoah County, Virginia for s'more ❄

When Jack Frost starts to nip at your nose and snowflakes begin to fall like confetti, there’s no better place to be than Shenandoah County. Picture this: snow-covered mountains, cozy cabins, charming towns and plenty of opportunities to hibernate in comfort. Whether you’re a winter sp...

23/11/2024

Lititz in Discover Lancaster was named one of AFAR's 25 Places to Visit in 2025!

Mark our words: 2025 will be the year of crowd-free travel. Here are our picks for the world's 25 most exciting, lesser-visited destinations to plan a trip to right now.