I have driven by the farm many times, alwys when closing. This time I found time to stop. I…read moreexpected to spend an hour or so, and ended up spending a whole afternoon!! The gem here are the rangers. I saw two talks, both of which I was completely enthralled with the history and the lessons. I loved being able to see Ike's book collection. Seeing a book collection tells you a lot about a person. Also the discussion on diplomacy was enlightening and so enjoyable. I did do the home tour. I was inspired by Mrs. Eisenhower, but also the partnership they had as a couple, let me with #relationshipgoals to bring home. The landscape is also just gorgeous! Stop. Learn. Enjoy!

The Eisenhower Home was such an interesting and memorable tour. As grand as President Eisenhower's…read morelife and presidency were, it was fascinating to learn that this peaceful hobby farm was where he chose to retire. You really can learn a lot about someone by seeing the place they chose to call home. Getting there is part of the adventure--you enter via a long, single-lane gravel road. It's so long you might wonder if you've made a wrong turn! Thankfully, GPS got us there without trouble. When you arrive, there's one long row of parking spaces. Head straight to the ticket area for your house tour pass, as they do seem to run out early. While you wait for your tour time, you can explore the expansive outdoor areas. Our favorites were: 1. Eisenhower's vehicles, including the limo that shuttled him to and from Washington, D.C., every weekend. 2. The Secret Service room with the small safe that once held the nuclear codes. 3. The putting green, where we enjoyed a little golf while taking in the gorgeous countryside views. 4. The greenhouse and patio, where we imagined the President and Mamie spending peaceful afternoons. We were lucky to get tickets for the 11 a.m. tour, which began with a 10-20 minute ranger talk about how the Eisenhowers chose this home and some of the people who lived and visited here. Tip: arrive a little early--the ranger shared some great informal stories before the official tour began right at 11 a.m. Inside, the ranger spent about 5 minutes pointing out key details, then let us explore at our own pace with a pamphlet to guide us. Indoor highlights included: 1. The portraits of President Eisenhower, Mamie, and their son John. 2. The TV in the informal living room--such a relatable touch for a world leader. 3. The special staircase wallpaper Mamie ordered, featuring the seals of all 50 states. 4. Mamie's very pink bedroom and bathroom. Between the history, the personal touches, and the beautiful setting, this is an absolute must-visit in Gettysburg.

Highly recommended if you've never been. There are no words, truly…read more Simply humbling to be in an area of such historical significance.

When in Harrisburg, visit Gettysburg. I was in awe of the park. The museum, visitors center, and…read moregift shop of course were great, clean, with clean restrooms. But the experience really starts when you drive the tour. We opted to drive the route ourselves for the self guide tour of the battle fields. It really grounded me while driving though. Knowing how many lost their lives in the area. You were driving through a grave site. The feeling of awe, calm, chills, and honor came over me. I can go on and on about this amazing place. But I'll let my photos do all the talking.

I wanted to visit this place as I read it was the burial place of Edgar Allen Poe. Which I had no…read moreidea that Poe was associated to or lived in Baltimore. When I got there I realized more than Poe is buried on these grounds. His wife and some family, and other notable people in Baltimore. The grounds are regal, classic and beautifully maintained. Lined with historic mausoleums including identification and information, it took me more than an hour to walk the outside. It could have easily taken much longer but I skimmed over much of it. If you're in Baltimore this place is with the stop.

We went on a tour with Baltimore Heritage to come see the burial grounds and Poe's final resting…read moreplace. We were also able to see the catacombs. It's a beautiful place and so interesting to see the different grave styles and read about the people buried there. The catacombs were very interesting and eerie! I loved learning more about Poe and other notable people buried on the grounds. An amazing gentleman who works there also let us step into the church! I believe his name was George (thanks!). The inside of the church is gorgeous with beautiful stained glass and an amazing organ. I definitely recommend coming here, whether on a tour to explore the grounds on your own. I'll definitely return!

Last Saturday, we visited the largest, permanent, model railroad display in the mid-Atlantic, owned…read moreby the Baltimore Society for Model Engineers. The Society was founded in March 1932 and is the oldest exclusively model railroad club in the United States. They maintain 2,500 square feet of model railroad displays of steam and diesel freight and passenger trains and trolleys, plus so much more. It was fun to see all the parts of the display - it really gives you a glimpse into the history of railroading. It is not easy to find, as the doorway is tucked into the left front center of the building and the society is located on the third floor with no elevator. The display is normally open on the second Sunday of each month, except May.

These gentlemen have been around 81 amazing years. Great family environment with extremely…read moreknowledgable guys working. Displays are very detailed and even showcase popular Baltimore landmarks.

Do you know how many times I drive by these barns on 270? Well now I'm happy to say I know what…read moreeach of them are! We first stopped at the Visitor Center and talked to the gentlemen who gave us the brochure and directed us upstairs to the museum. This was a great first stop to give us insight to the battle and the times. It was really cool to read about residents of Frederick from 150 years ago. At the back of the museum is a light up map that is a MUST in helping understand the layout of the several farms and battle. We did the 5 stop tour (minus the NJ memorial which is under construction). We took several pictures and did a few trails at the Worthington Farm. We finished at the Gambrils Mill and saw the bridge with a whole new perspective. Go check out this history filled battle field right under your nose in Frederick!

I've been a student of the American Civil War for over 60 years. Recently, while visiting friends,…read moreI learned about the Monocacy National Battlefield where "The Battle That Saved Washington" was fought in July 1864. The Visitor Center is very nice with a electronic interpretive displays, as well as battlefield artifacts. There is a self-guided 4 mile (6 km) automobile tour of the battlefield and three walking loop trails. It was raining the day we visited, which curtailed exploring the Battlefield and its historical buildings. But I thoroughly enjoyed the the view of the Battlefield -- a rolling grassy field with dense forest around it -- and imagined what the battle may have looked like that day.

Super cool spot. It was a cloudy and gloomy day when we walked by so it made this place feel eerie…read more The grounds and graves all looked well kept.

Located in a former church, now an event space, the grave is front and center. It has a short time…read moreline of Poe's life and brief introduction about the famous author. It is easily accessible and near the University of Maryland campus.

My friends and I experienced the English High Tea Express and had a wonderful time! This event…read moresells out fast! We took a lovely train ride in a historic railcar from New Freedom to Glen Rock which is about a half hour. The conductor pointed out notable sites along the way. We then enjoyed a fabulous high tea at Table 1837 Glen Rock Mill Inn. There was so much to eat that we left with a doggie bag. There were only 3 choices of tea but the salted caramel was delicious. They had 4 finger sandwiches, 2 scones and fruit. We also received a grilled chicken salad as an entree accompanied by a glass of wine (there were 3 choices of wine. Originally we were offered mimosa but then they ran out of orange juice). For dessert, we had Pots du Crème. We boarded the train and headed back to New Freedom. I'd definitely recommend and intend on doing another event in the future.

We headed to Northern Central Railway for their special event The Great Northern Central Train Raid…read moreand had a blast! Plenty of free parking right outside the gift shop/museum (handicapped parking, too). We browsed the gift shop first--lots of train-lover trinkets, and of course, Adventure Buddy snagged a couple of those irresistible 3D wooden train models. I was over the moon when check-in handed us oversized souvenir tickets--complete with our traincar and seats punched out. Such a fun keepsake! The small museum next door took maybe 15 minutes but was nicely done and staffed by a friendly volunteer. After a quick pit stop, we boarded the D. Reed Anderson car. The open windows made for a breezy ride past pretty scenery--green trees, a creek, even small towns like Glen Rock where folks waved from porches. Actors in full Civil War character moved through the cars during the ride, building the story of Union vs. Confederate soldiers battling over rumored gold. At times it was hard to hear or follow the storyline depending on where you sat, but the big skirmish at the park--cannon blasts, musket fire, and all--was definitely the highlight. Tickets were $31.99 and worth it for a few hours of history-meets-theater-meets-train ride fun. This is a great daytrip for adults (grab lunch before and ice cream after nearby). Kids would love the trains, but younger ones may struggle with the length of this particular event. We'll definitely be back in the fall for one of their seasonal rides!