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Articles by Michael Upton
“Fall” in love with Staunton, Virginia
By Michael C. Upton / Arts & Leisure Writer – Fall arrives and turns Staunton, Virginia into a colorful and inspiring destination for those looking for a relaxed and fulfilling weekend getaway. Over the years, I have visited Staunton several times and I think I may enjoy fall in the central Shenandoah Valley the most. Step Into History The Pioneer Museum takes visitors back in time. Photo by Michael C.
1000 Islands is a Legendary Spot In New York
By Michael C. Upton Arts & Leisure Writer – When most people hear “thousand island” they may think of the salad dressing. What is now the secret sauce for the Big Mac and a staple on every salad bar was popularized by George Boldt (hospitality magnate and owner of the Waldorf-Astoria in NYC) who named the condiment after one of his favorite spots, 1000 Islands, New York, a picturesque spot along the St. Lawrence River separating the USA and Canada.
Take a look inside the new Escape Room Co. in Ephrata's former New Main theater [photos]
Five friends stand perplexed in a small, windowless room. On a bench sit a few garden tools, arranged as if on purpose, and from hooks in the rough wood siding above a gardener’s table hang a leaf blower and a small rake. This is not weekend yard work, though; instead, an air of mystery envelops the visitors at they need to escape the county’s newest amusement attraction. Escape Room Co. opened June 27 and transformed the former New Main theater in Ephrata into an escape room experience.
Band of college friends, including M.H. Eby president, reunites for fundraising EP
Thirty years after its members tore up Ohio college bars and clubs with prog-rock covers, the band now known as Shaky C — featuring a prominent Lancaster County businessman — is putting out its first EP of original, reminiscent rock and roll. Think Everclear-meets-King Crimson, with lyrics built around the wisdom of life experiences, and listeners will know what to expect from “Digging Up the Past” when it drops on Record Store Day, Saturday, April 18.
Kilmaine Saints plan live album recording - and you're invited
Fans of the Irish-stylized rock band the Kilmaine Saints will get a chance this month to be part of the band’s next record. Jason Shaffer, owner of Mechanicsburg-based Full Tilt productions, will bottle the magic of a live Kilmaine Saints show on March 14 at XL Live in Harrisburg. “The trick is capturing the energy of the live performance and having that come out of two speakers,” Shaffer said.
Millersville professor's 'Silent War' documentary explores mental health in Asian American community Original
Changfu Chang has always been drawn to life’s stories. “Documentaries are grounded in our human experience. It is a powerful platform for us to engage and (create) discourse and dialogue,” said Chang, a professor in Millersville University’s communication and theater department and award-winning filmmaker.
Demuth Museum's reinterpretation project earns statewide award
For 25 years, the Demuth Museum has worked to capture and display the life of painter Charles Demuth. In recent years, the museum embarked on a reinterpretation project to capture Demuth’s life more fully — including his experiences living with diabetes and his place in the LGBTQ community. The project took more than two years of research and planning. Those efforts earned the Demuth Museum a 2025 Institutional Award of Merit from PA Museums.
Neighborhood Guide: SoMa, Little Rock
Visitors are big on Little Rock, especially once they find their way to the funky, quirky, and lively neighborhood of SoMa. Funky and fresh, SoMa embraces the creative spirit, families, and the farming community (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag) SoMa—Southside Main Street—in Little Rock is where the past meets a funky present. Part of downtown, this historic district runs south from I-630 to 17th street.
Classical duo featuring Ephrata oboist wants to record at Abbey Road, will fundraise at concert
A visit to Abbey Road Studios is a dream for music fans. The legendary London recording studio is the namesake of the Beatles’ 11th album, captured the magic of Pink Floyd’s experimental sound with “The Piper at the Gates of Dawn” and has become a pilgrimage point for aficionados, musicians and tourists. Abbey Road Studios will soon capture the sounds of the Lancaster-based duo Double Keyed’s second album — if the group raises the funds necessary to book the famous studio.
20 Unique Things to do in Reykjavik - Travelmag
Packed with cultural wonders and entertaining activities, Iceland’s capital requires a list of 20 things to do in Reykjavik to kick off a trip to the land of fire and ice. Ingólfur Arnarson, a sailor-settler who crossed the sea from Norway, founded Reykjavik, making it Iceland’s first and oldest city. Today, over 230,000 residents call it home, and it welcomes more than 2 million visitors each year, many from the United States.
Here's how shows from Indiana's Amish country end up on Bird-in-Hand Stage
In the late 2000s, Mel Riegsecker spotted a trend in a newspaper article: Amish romance was one of the fastest growing novel genres. This fact spawned an idea, and how the Mennonite businessman could fill the theater space above his restaurant in Indiana’s Amish country.
A Short Guide to Half Moon Bay, California
South of San Francisco and north of expectations, the San Francisco Peninsula stretches from Silicon Valley to The City and holds a treasure trove of quaint towns and unique destinations. Half Moon Bay is one of them, nestled on the coast between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Cruz Mountains. In the 18th century, Spanish Catholic missionaries first used this land—green and cool from the onshore winds butting up against the mountains—as land for grazing cattle.
7 Unique Glamping Experiences in Central Florida
Those who are looking for a bit of adventure with their visit to the Sunshine State may enjoy a luxurious Central Florida glamping experience as an alternative to a stuffy hotel room. Glamping is a portmanteau of glamour and camping, and this back-to-nature but not without modern amenities is a popular trend. The option of having the outdoors within reach and the comforts of home (or better) appeals to all ages and demographics.
A Comparison of Direct Flights from NYC to Iceland
A record number of tourists are visiting Iceland. Drawn to the island’s natural beauty and unique culture, US travelers find the “land of fire and ice” accessible from several major cities, with the most departures to Iceland leaving from New York City. Daily flights from New York to Iceland operate out of all three major NYC airports—John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), and LaGuardia Airport (LGA). Direct flights are available from JFK and Newark.
7 Unique Things to Do in Henry County, Georgia
Nestled south of Atlanta, Henry County, Georgia attracts passive and active visitors for adrenaline fueled fun. Henry County is approximately 20 miles southeast of downtown Atlanta, and while it separates itself from the high-rises on the city skyline it is home to more than 250,000 residents. There is a small town feel with big city access, and Henry County stands on its own as a place of interest to those traveling from the north to the sunshine of the south.
7 Great Restaurants in Bristol - TravelMag
The city of Bristol straddles the state line between Virginia and Tennessee, and on the Old Dominion side a culinary scene has begun to thrive. In the birthplace of country music, deep in the southwest corner of Virginia, visitors come in search of music, whether to understand the roots and visit the place where it all happened or just enjoy some tunes while on vacation. However, this area is also known for culinary traditions.
5 of the Best Portable Coolers for Camping & Outdoors
Maintaining cold food items and beverages while enjoying the outdoors not only makes camping enjoyable, but it is also a necessity. There are many things to consider when purchasing a cooler, whether hitting the beach with some friends or hiking into the deep wilderness and in need of a bear-proof container. Campers should consider insulation quality, ice retention time, size, weight, durability, and portability features like handles or wheels. Ease of cleaning is a nice touch, too.
7 Unique Things to Do in Wytheville - TravelMag
Tucked into a valley between ridges of Appalachian Mountains, Wytheville, a city of 8,000 residents, offers a positively disproportionate number of options for recreation, sightseeing, and entertainment. Generations of travelers have made stops in Wytheville, Virginia, where the convergence of routes 77 and 81 has helped maintain a thriving community.
Campervan Rental in Portland: The Best Companies
The wild Pacific Northwest is one of the most visited locations in the United States for campers, and Portland offers a selection of overnight vehicles for visitors Portland has more than 275 parks and 14,000 acres of green space in the city alone. Nature lovers flock to the city as a starting point for travel to Oregon’s coast, Mount Hood, and the Columbia River Gorge. Even spots like Oxbow Regional Park have become a destination for campers.
Arlington: A Short Neighbourhood Guide to Clarendon
The urban village of Clarendon began as Arlington’s original downtown and is a blend of today’s upscale shops and restaurants and time-tested mom-and-pop stores and eateries. This upscale neighborhood defines itself as urban chill. Fun and lively, Clarendon buzzes with activity around the clock, whether it is morning fitness, afternoon shopping, or evening merrymaking. Dual centers of activity define Clarendon. The Crossing Clarendon mall is home to dozens of high-end shops.
5 Best Sunglasses Brands for Fishing and Boating
While boating and fishing in bright, reflective environments, a good pair of sunglasses reduce glare, enhance visibility, and protect eyes from harmful UV rays while on the water. The active boater and sportsperson have a myriad of options when it comes to sunglasses. A great pair of sunglasses for boating and fishing should have polarized lenses to reduce glare and improve visibility on the water.
48 Hours in Akureyri - TravelMag
Considered Iceland’s “capital of the north,” Akureyri sits idyllically between quick-sloping mountains and the calm Eyjafjörður fjord. Here’s how to make the most of a couple of days there. Fleeing the powerful political forces of Norwegian King Harald Fairhair, a young Helgi the Lean (Eyvindarson) set out for Iceland, a place of fertile land, bountiful seas, and freedom.
Where to Eat and Drink in Downtown Syracuse
Syracuse is a well-loved city, and both locals and visitors make their way to seasoned establishments throughout downtown in search of hip libations and trending eats. Forever a city at the crossroads, whether by boat, train, or automobile, Syracuse is a hub of activity for both residents and travelers. Tourists who are attracted to the area’s scenic outdoors discover a vibrant food scene, lively arts and culture, and year-round festivals when in New York’s fifth largest city.
10 Unique Things to Do in and around Fort Wayne
From the humble beginnings as a wilderness fort at the confluence of three rivers, Fort Wayne, Indiana has grown into an All-America City on the verge of social, artistic, and innovative greatness. Built in 1794 by American Revolutionary War general Anthony Wayne, the original fort—and thus the foundation of the city—bordered the indigenous lands of the Miami tribe.
7 Best Family Friendly Winter Wonderland Weekend Getaways from NYC + NJ
Type: Mountain Lodge Resort with 105 suites Location: Cortland NY (3.5 hr drive from Newark NJ) Winter Festivities: take a shuttle to nearby Greek Peak Mountain Resort for skiing, snow tubing, Mountain Coaster, cross country skiing, and more. Other Family Fun: on-site Cascades Indoor Water Park is amazing with a wave pool and water slides! You can get a hotel package that includes water park admission, skiing, or whatever extras you like! Kids arts & crafts room open (not for drop off) Fri-Sun.
The Best Campgrounds and RV Parks near Richmond - TravelMag
Virginia’s capital offers all the excitement of a big city, but surrounding Richmond is an area steeped in history, filled with quaint towns, and fun-filling attractions. Visit Richmond promotes an eclectic culture spawned by craft beer, more than 900 restaurants, and an underground music scene, but those looking to bring an RV or pitch a tent need to look outside the city.
The Best Campgrounds and RV Parks Near Hershey
The smell of smores by the campfire is sweeter at a campground close to The Sweetest Place on Earth in Hershey, Pennsylvania. <PHOTO: Campgrounds-Hershey.jpg> The lowest upfront cost for a major theme park in the United States makes Hersheypark the #1 value attraction (tied) according to Journo Research. The surrounding agricultural lands, wooded parks, and nature preserves are home to numerous campgrounds. Here are our picks for 5 of the best places to spend time in an RV near Hershey.
The Best Campgrounds and RV Parks Near Hershey
The smell of smores by the campfire is more satisfying at a campground close to The Sweetest Place on Earth in Hershey, Pennsylvania. The lowest upfront cost for a major theme park in the United States makes Hersheypark the #1 value attraction (tied) according to Journo Research. The surrounding agricultural lands, wooded parks, and nature preserves are home to numerous campgrounds. Here are our picks for 5 of the best places to spend time in an RV or tent near Hershey.
The Best Campgrounds and RV Parks near Salem, MA
With a colorful and captivating past Salem is still making history, and one of the best ways to see everything the coastal village north of Boston has to offer is by camping. Best known for the witch trials of 1692, which resulted in the execution of 14 women and five men, the area spawned literary classics like “The Scarlet Letter” and “The Crucible.” Today, Salem is a draw for history buffs, occult travelers, and festival goers.
7 Great Restaurants in Rittenhouse, Philadelphia
When it comes to dining in Philadelphia, Rittenhouse contains the greatest concentration of the city’s finest eats. Named after astronomer and inventor David Rittenhouse, the open park (at the time referred to as Southwest Square), located at the convergence of Locust and 19th streets, was one of five such squares created by city founder William Penn in the 17th century. The space took the name Rittenhouse Square in 1825.
5 Great Chesapeake Bay Resorts in VA
The first European settlers spotted the Chesapeake Bay in 1607 and ever since the water has called travelers from near and far to its beauty, recreation, and sustenance. The Chesapeake Bay is a natural wonder and even a way of life for residents of the massive six-state watershed. It is a haven for sports enthusiasts, water recreationists, and those who border the 4,479 sq. mile body of water on the eastern shore of the United States.
The Most Charming Towns and Small Cities in Tennessee
The 16th state admitted to the union stretches through the heart of the American south to the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, attracting a myriad of visitors to its charming smaller towns and cities. Tennessee is best known for Memphis, with its Beale Street blues connection, and Nashville, with its country music hub.
Where to Buy Cheap San Francisco Giants Tickets
The San Francisco Giants are one of the most storied and successful teams in Major League Baseball. For this reason, tickets to Giants games may be hard to come by, but options for cheap tickets still exist. The San Francisco Giants play in Major League Baseball’s National League West division but were founded in 1883 as the New York Gothams. The team adopted the name Giants in 1885 and eventually relocated to San Francisco in 1958.
Where to Buy Cheap Boston Red Sox Tickets
Boston’s Fenway Park is an iconic baseball stadium. Even for fans who do not cheer for the Red Sox, getting to a game at the oldest active MLB ballpark is a chance of a lifetime. The Boston Red Sox play in Major League Baseball’s American League East division and are one of the League’s eight charter teams, when they were called the Red Stockings, playing since 1901. The Sox regularly host division rivals the New York Yankees.
Where to Buy Cheap Seattle Mariners Tickets
Some go for the Seattle Mariners baseball and others go for the sunset views over the Puget Sound. Whatever the reason, T-Mobile Park is a great destination for travelers visiting the Pacific northwest. T-Mobile Park (Photo: Steve Banfield via Flickr / CC BY-ND 2.0) The Seattle Mariners play in Major League Baseball’s American League West division and joined the league as an expansion team in 1977. The team has the record-setting distinction of winning 116 games in a single season (2001).
5 of the Best Car Sharing Companies
The future of accessing a vehicle for travel is changing. An industry once dominated by a handful of large, car rental companies has opened up to new players and mobility technology—apps allowing renters to connect with vehicles—is growing. A recent tech study suggests 400 million people will actively use car-sharing apps by 2030.
6 Great Holiday Trains in Pennsylvania
Starting in November and up until Christmas Day railroads invite guests to reimagine and relive the idea of an old-fashioned experience by climbing aboard a holiday train. Santa welcomes riders of all ages to the Strasburg Rail Road (Photo: Courtesy of Strasburg Rail Road) During their peak as mode of travel, trains became synonymous with Christmas as families traveled home during the holidays.
Like a Local: 7 Upscale Restaurants in Lancaster - TravelMag
Food is an important part of Pennsylvania culture—from cheesesteaks in Philadelphia to French fries on salads in Pittsburgh. Lancaster goes beyond its PA Dutch heritage filled with smorgasbords and pickled vegetables to fully embrace upscale dining. Here are seven restaurants defining Lancaster’s fine dining scene. Lancaster’s claims to fame are many.
The 20 Best Beer Towns in the United States
The popularity of beer travel is on the rise. Dedicated fans of IPAs, lagers, and stouts are travelling to experience what is new in the world of brewing. Here are some great towns to try across the United States. On the trail with Switchback (Photo: Michael C. Upton for TravelMag) Brewing is not solely dedicated to major metropolitan areas. In fact, many towns and small cities offer everything a beer traveler is looking for in a destination.
Where to Buy Cheap San Diego Padres Tickets
Petco Park, home of the Swinging Friar and the team this mascot represents, the Padres, puts San Diego on the major sports map. Petco Park, San Diego (Photo: Daveynin via Flickr/ CC BY 2.0) The San Diego Padres play in Major League Baseball’s National League West division and are an original California team. The Padres regularly host instate rivals the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers as well as other west coast teams.
Sanford Airport Car Rental: The Best Companies
The Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) bills itself as the “most user-friendly airport in Central Florida.” The airport began as a US Naval Air Station and was claimed by the City of Sanford after the base’s closure in 1969. Its central location makes it the perfect landing spot for travelers heading anywhere in the Sunshine State. Getting around Florida is best done by rental car (with a pocketful of change—or an EZ Pass device—for toll roads).
Like a Local: 7 Great Restaurants in Leesburg - TravelMag
Part of the Leesburg charm is its plethora of dining options. From southern home cookin’ to nouveau fine dining, Leesburg has turned Loudoun County into a destination for epicurean explorers. Leesburg’s historic downtown (Photo: m01229 via Flickr / CC BY 2.0) Colonial American settlers moved into the area of what is now Loudoun County, Virginia, around 1722 and shortly after, the town of Leesburg sprung up at the intersection of the area’s major north-south and east-west roadways.
Sarasota Airport Car Rental: The Best Companies
Both major carriers and budget airlines service Sarasota–Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) in western Florida, making it a great landing point for gulf coast visits. Only 3 miles north of downtown Sarasota, the airport is conveniently located between Tampa to the north and Fort Myers to the south. Sarasota Bay (Photo: Carole van Hook via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0) Most major car rental agencies can be found at SRQ.
RV Rental in Anchorage: The Best Companies - TravelMag
Alaska is America’s final frontier land. Filled with 156 state parks, thousands of miles of untamed wilderness, and home of Denali, the highest peak in North America, the 49th state is the perfect site to see via recreational vehicle. Anchorage, AK (Photo: AJC1 via Flickr/ CC BY-SA 2.0) The stepping off point for most visits to Alaska is Anchorage, the state’s largest city with a population of 293,531 residents.
RV Rental in Michigan: The Best Companies
There are many amazingly beautiful spots to visit in Michigan. Most of them are best enjoyed from the comforts of an RV. Grand Rapids (Photo: Scottb via Flickr/CC BY 2.0) Whether it is taking in the natural wonders of Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the Eastern Upper Peninsula or visiting Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Maritime Museum on the shores of Lake Michigan, a recreational vehicle makes travel easy, fun, and affordable.
RV Rental in Orlando: The Best Companies
Orlando, Florida may be best known for its theme parks, but even Walt Disney World Resort has a campground. The area hosts several great campgrounds and is a short drive to Canaveral National Seashore and Richloam Wildlife Management Area. Downtown Orlando (Photo: Lunchboylarry via FLickr / CC BY 2.0) An abundance of nearby lakes makes the Orlando area a perfect destination for anglers and all nature lovers. It is a great place to enjoy an RV rental.
10 Must Visit Pennsylvania Breweries
Pennsylvania has a rich brewing history and today boasts more than 300 breweries, many of which fall into the categories of craft-, micro-, and nano-breweries. Read on for ten of the best. Prima Pils at Victory Brewing Co. (Photo: edwin via Flickr / CC BY 2.0) The first breweries in Pennsylvania opened in 1683 when the nation was still a series of English colonies, although it was an influx of German immigrants who buoyed beer brewing in the state.
RV Rental in Indianapolis: The Best Companies
Many visitors are drawn to Indianapolis because of the world-famous Formula 1 racing event, The Indy 500, and other sporting events. Others come to the capitol of Indiana as a gateway to some of the country’s most unique and accessible natural attractions. Indianapolis (Photo: Steve Baker via Flickr/ CC BY-ND 2.0) Nature lovers spread out from Indianapolis to visit Indiana Dunes State Park, the trails at Turkey Run State Park, or to take in 10,750-acre Monroe Lake.
RV Rental in Anchorage: The Best Companies - TravelMag
Alaska is America’s final frontier land. Filled with 156 state parks, thousands of miles of untamed wilderness, and home of Denali, the highest peak in North America, the 49th state is the perfect site to see via recreational vehicle. Anchorahe (Photo: M.Trienke via Flickr/ CC BY-SA 2.0) The stepping off point for most visits to Alaska is Anchorage, the state’s largest city with a population of 293,531 residents.
Honolulu Airport Car Rental: The Best Companies
On the southside of O’ahu, nicknamed “The Gathering Place” because of its high population density (compared to the other Hawaiian islands), sits the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) also referred to as the Honolulu airport. It is the largest airport in the state and was recently renamed in honor of the 49-year-serving U.S. Senator who was also the highest-ranking public official of Asian descent in country history at the time of his death in 2012.
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