Sometimes the best gifts are experiences, not things. A good way to sample a new activity is to enroll in a class or participate in an event. Some local branches of national outdoor outfitters (including REI, LL Bean and Eastern Mountain Sports) offer classes in a variety of outdoor activities with all necessary supplies included.Read More
Kimberly Yavorski
Get Outside Holiday Gift Ideas – Books and Other Publications
Books and other publications always make great gifts. There are many options for the outdoor enthusiast or for someone you want to encourage to spend more time outdoors. Picture books depicting nature, especially those about animals are good for young children. You can find books on a particular animal or group of animals or aboutRead More
Get Outside Holiday Gift Ideas – Gear
While many outdoor activities require little or no equipment, or items you can easily rent or borrow, sometimes it is nice to have your own gear, especially if you plan to do these things more often. There are of course the big items such as a bicycle, canoe, kayak, stand-up paddle board or skis. TheseRead More
Get Outside Holiday Gift Ideas – Gadgets and Toys
The number of gadgets seems to be endless. While many of these are not necessary, some of them can make things easier and/or more fun. Some you may need infrequently, but be glad you have when the need arises. When spending extended time outdoors, such as when camping, having a couple toys around can certainlyRead More
Get Outside Holiday Gift Ideas – Outdoor Clothing
Though many don’t think of clothes as being particularly exciting gifts, pieces designed to wear while exploring the outdoors may be the exception. There are specialized clothing options for any outdoor activity. Though these items are not generally necessary to enjoy these activities, they are designed to improve performance and comfort and may be aRead More
How to Combat “I’m Bored” When Hiking With Kids
We are all used to traveling to get to a destination. It is a change of mindset to think of the journey as the destination. Though toddlers are especially good at rambling, this idea of walking to get to a place is instilled in our children fairly quickly and as they get older, kids tendRead More
How to Get Credit for “People Walking”
My introduction to Volkssmarsching (literally, people walking) occurred while staying with friends in Germany. This was a common weekend activity for our friends. The day started with looking up the list of available 5 or 10k walks to see where they were located and what sort of prize was offered. The thought was intriguing,Read More
Beautiful Vistas in Valley Forge
Valley Forge National Historic Park is a wonderful place to spend an afternoon. Unlike other historic military sites, the Valley Forge Encampment was not the location of any battles. It has a peaceful beauty any time of year. The place where the Continental Army spent the winter of 1777-78, there are rolling hills and fields,Read More
Ricketts Glen Is a Gem in the Endless Mountains
Ricketts Glen State Park, in the Endless Mountains of eastern Pennsylvania, is a popular recreation spot year round. Home to 22 named waterfalls, as well as numerous other trails and Lake Jean, the park has something to offer for the adventurous and beach lovers alike. The park is named for Colonel Robert Bruce Ricketts, aRead More
A Multitude of Things to See and Do on the Chesapeake
My husband learned about Elk Neck State Park in central Maryland from a co-worker shortly after we starting taking camping trips with our family. We have since been back and it is one of my favorite camping spots. The park is on a peninsula between the Elk River and the Chesapeake Bay. The park isRead More