Archive for May, 2008
On Memorial Day Weekend, A Flag at Every Grave Site is an Arlington Cemetery Tradition
May 23rd, 2008 Categories: Things to Do
For some, Memorial Day means the beginning of summer, a long weekend, the beach and maybe a cookout. Here in Washington, as much as anything, it means honoring those who have given their lives for this country.
Today marked the start of the annual “flags in” ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. In preparation for Memorial Day, soldiers from the Army’s 3rd Infantry place American flags at the foot of each and every grave. Like all things in this historic place, it is done quietly, reverently and with great appreciation.
The 3rd Infantry is also known as the “Old Guard” and is one of the oldest and most respected Infantry Regiments in the United States Army. In addition to their regular duties around the world, Old Guard members bear the responsibility of guarding the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and escorting deceased service members to their final resting place at Arlington.
I am proud to have served as a member of the Old Guard and proud that my father’s grave bears one of those flags.
Michael
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49th Annual Hunt Country Stable Tour is a Perfect Memorial Day Escape from the City
May 21st, 2008 Categories: Things to Do
No big plans for Memorial Day weekend? Staying close to home but got the itch to do ’something’? Then pack a picnic, put your jeans and walking shoes on and head about an hour west from Alexandria to Middleburg, VA and the 49th Annual Hunt Country Stable Tour - a great, leisurely day trip.
Sponsored by Trinity Episcopal Church in Upperville, VA in support of their outreach programs, the tour is open Saturday and Sunday, May 24-25 from 10:00am to 5:00pm. It doesn’t matter whether or not you ride or even know much about horses, this is an extraordinary opportunity to see the Virginia hunt country from a very special perspective.
Start at Trinity Episcopal Church, an adaptation of a 12-13th century French country church where a Country Market will take place with dog treats, ice cream, native plants and herbs, and horse themed crafts. The 10:30 church service on Sunday morning is open to all.
In no particular order:
Trappe Hill Farm, a large conglomerate, is home to thoroughbreds, yearlings, foals, race horses in training, show horses, and a 100 mile endurance race.
Fox Hill Farm is a 30 acre horse farm centered around a large pond with 9 horses in residence. It is also home to Sandra Conchar, 2006 National Side Saddle Champion and 2007 Reserve Champion.
Rokeby, the jewel of the hunt country, is the home of 1993 Kentucky Derby Winner Sea Hero. Rokeby will also host beagle demonstrations on both days. DON’T MISS THIS STOP!
Heronwood Farm was a successful Thoroughbred breeding operation for many years and now boards horses, hosts a successful polo team and is home to a colorful herd of Huacaya Alpacas.
Stone Bridge over Goose Creek is a four arch bridge built sometime between 1801 and 1803. Visit with Civil War re-enactors, local historians, a fife and drum corps and see an artillery demonstration.
Northern Virginia Animal Swim Center is a stable and training facility that uses swimming rehabilitation for horses and dogs who are recovering from injury or surgery. The largest indoor heated pool is 12ft deep and promotes lap swims from 100 yards to 1 mile.
PeakeWood Pharm is a private farm that has undergone extensive renovation over the past two years. The 12 stall log barn has beams over 100 years old.
Locust Hill Farm is a working farm whose primary products are Thoroughbred racing horses, Angus cattle and horse quality hay. With a total of 1037 acres, 339 acres are dedicated to wildlife and trails for riding and fox hunting. The original property line between Locust Hill and neighboring Grass Lands Farm was surveyed by George Washington.
Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension Center (MARE) was donated to Virginia Tech by the late Paul Mellon with a mission to advance the health and well-being of the horse. 22 mares currently in residence are ‘expecting.’
A special treat this year - and available only on Saturday - is an actual polo match on the Upperville Polo Field. Visitors are cordially invited to take part in the time honored tradition of half time ‘divot stomping.’
The weather man is calling for a picture perfect weekend so treat yourself to something special - the 47th Annual Hunt Country Stable Tour.
Michael
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Pack Your Sleeping Bag and Go Museum Camping. Oh, Take the Kids Too!
May 20th, 2008 Categories: Things to Do
Looking for something a bit different to do for a birthday party, graduation or other special occasion? Museums in neighboring Washington, DC, Baltimore, MD, Richmond, VA, Philadelphia, PA and even a bit further up the road in New York, all offer some kind of organized activity for overnight guests.
It will take a bit of planning on your part, with reservations often made months in advance, but how often do you get to sleep with the fishes and live to talk about it?
Here is a brief rundown of some of the available programs:
In Washington, The National Zoo, under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution, offers a “Snore and Roar” program April through September.
The overnight features a two hour exploration of an animal house or exhibit led by a zoo keeper; a late night flashlight tour of the zoo; and lodging in a four person tent (provided by the Zoo) on Lion/Tiger hill.
Wake up with the animals, enjoy breakfast and a morning activity before departing. Snore and Roar is open only to FONZ (Friends of the National Zoo) members.
The Science Museum in Richmond, offers a “Camp In” with a Segway ride inside the museum, a snake show and an IMAX movie.
Baltimore’s National Aquarium focuses on specific themes like Australia or sharks and includes a behind-the-scenes-tour, crafts and dinner. Campers sleep under the tank of stingrays or dolphins and or beneath the glass pyramid that overlooks the harbor. Breakfast is followed by fish-friendly games.
No enlistment is required to board the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Taney or the submarine USS Torsk at the Baltimore Maritime Museum. On the Cutter Overnight honorary sailors are assigned watch detail and learn about navigation and the inner workings of the steam room. The floating, not submerged, Submarine Program follows a similar itinerary.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michael’s. MD is open to guests who want to sleep in a lighthouse. There is an interactive lesson on life in a lighthouse, a picnic dinner by the Miles River and a firm sleeping spot on the wooden floor inside the 19th century structure.
“Roar ‘n Snore” at the Maryland Zoo sets up tents in the Waterfowl Lake Pavilion and campers gather round the campfire for pizza, songs and s’mores. Morning means breakfast for both man and beast.
In Philadelphia, the Zoo offers a “Night Flight” program with a hike and animal encounters.
Overnight on the Battleship New Jersey in Camden, NJ, begins with a tour of the ship which served in WWII, Korea and Vietnam and is now permanently retired.
Guests ride a simulator over Iwo Jima before tucking into the sailor’s bunks. Dinner and breakfast are served in - what else - the mess hall.
Is mountaineering your interest? Visit the Rubin Museum of Art in New York City where the Himalayan art museum transforms into Mt. Everest complete with Tibetan gruel and real Sherpas.
There is even a Peak Experience up the gallery staircases, a puja ceremony and trust exercises.
And finally, A Night at the Museum in the venerable American Museum of Natural History in New York City.
Campers have the run of the museum with time to actually READ the exhibit material, look for clues in the dinosaur and fossil rooms and take in a planetarium show before mandatory lights out at midnight. A favorite sleeping space beneath the big blue whale fills fills quickly.
Anyone ready to go ?
Michael
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