Every other week, “The Patriot” will bring you the top weekend events happening around the Mid-Atlantic region.

September 24-26

Ocean City: The 36th annual Sunfest will be held this weekend in the Inlet Lot and on the beach.  The festival, which is ranked number one on the list of best traditional arts and crafts shows by Sunshine Artist Magazine, offers hayrides on the beach, scheduled live entertainment on two stages, some of Maryland’s best food, and over 180 arts and craft venues. Although the admission price is free, tickets are required for concerts, which are available from Ticketmaster or the OC Convention Center Box Office.  Sunfest 2010 runs Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. 

Eastern Shore: This weekend, the Eastern Shore towns of Easton, St. Michaels, Cambridge, and Oxford will host the 3rd annual Chesapeake Film Festival.  The festival features over 35 narratives, comedies, documentaries, and short films on Saturday and Sunday beginning at 9 a.m. The opening night film, “The Radiant Child,” was a Grand Jury Prize Nominee at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival.  It will premiere Friday night at 5:30 p.m.  This year, the film festival will be divided among seven different locations, including The Academy Art Museum, Avalon Theatre, the Historical Society, the Easton Premier Cinemas, the St. Michaels Library, the Oxford Community Center, and the Cambridge Gallery 447.  Tickets to the festival are available for purchase at ChesapeakeFilmFestival.com.

October 1-3

Lancaster: Celebrating its 25th season of scaring its guests, Jason’s Woods opens for the 2010 season on October 1.  These haunted woods in Pennsylvania feature nine attractions: Horrifying Hayride, Barn of Terror, Pirates’ Revenge 3D, Mystery Maze, Macabre Museum, Pitch Black, Psycho Circus, Escape from Oz, and Lost in Jason’s Woods.  Besides these main attractions, Jason’s Woods offers other forms of entertainment including a number of contests like Battle of the Bands and live entertainment on certain weekends throughout October.  Jason’s Woods is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 7 to 9 p.m.  For more information, visit JasonsWoods.com.

Fell’s Point: Forty-four years ago in 1966, the Preservation Society of Federal Hill and Fell’s Point held the first Fell’s Point Fun Festival in honor of the preservation of Baltimore’s two historic districts.  Since then, it’s turned into Baltimore’s most popular festival held in the streets of Fell’s Point both Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.  The festival includes five stages full of live entertainment ranging from rock, jazz, country, and folk music, four separate food courts with some of Baltimore’s best food, Arts and Crafts Row, Arts on Parade on the City Pier, and the International Bazaar all including vendors of fine arts displays.  For more information, visit PreservationSociety.com.

Shafer can be reached for questions at tshafer@jcpatriot.com.

Just three miles south of Rehoboth Beach and 20 miles north of Ocean City, Dewey has all the amenities to please beach-goers of all ages.  Aside from the beach, Dewey offers activities from water sports to golf courses to movies on the beach.

All within 15 miles, Dewey and the surrounding towns are home to eight of the best local golf courses including the championship course Baywood Greens.  Other activities include kayaking, learning to sail on Rehoboth Bay, parasailing over the Delaware coastline, and Jungle Jim’s Waterpark.

Geared toward the older crowd, Dewey nightlife is in full swing this time of year.  Among other bars like McShea’s Pub and Nalu’s Surf Bar, The Starboard has been voted one of the top 25 Bars in America by Men’s Journal Magazine.  The Starboard offers DJs, live music, and deck parties all summer long.

But if this weekend is all about family, Dewey Beach has got that covered, too.  The beach town offers movies and family bonfires on the beach and family activities at Sunset Park, where kids can see horseshoe crabs, terrapins, and blue crabs.

If you find time to eat or sleep during the trip, Dewey’s restaurants and hotels would be worth checking out.  Featured restaurants include The Starboard (a little more family friendly during the day), Grotto Pizza, and Mama Maria’s which has been voted the “Best Pizza at the Beach” for five years.  Waterfront hotels include the Bay Resort overlooking Rehoboth Bay, Best Western Gold Leaf with a rooftop pool and sundeck, and over a dozen others.

Taylor Schafer can be reached for comment at tschafer@jcpatriot.com.

A 300-acre resort located ten miles south of Washington D.C, National Harbor offers something for people of all ages. One activity to enjoy while visiting National Harbor is shopping  in over 30 stores that range from apparel and jewelry to artwork and other accessories.  Some of the stores open include South Moon Under, Erwin Pearl, Fossil, Jos. A. Bank, and Harley Davidson.

Dining options in National Harbor are of a wide variety, including Italian, Mexican, seafood, steakhouses, Asian, and bar & grills.  After enjoying a nice lunch or dinner, have fun in the Food Network host Warren Brown’s CakeLove! Bakery that has been rated number one in the D.C. area for years.

Entertainment and activities to dive into in National Harbor are arguably the most exciting part of your stay.  Whether you rent your own boat or take a scenic cruise to explore on the water, take a fishing tour or charter a boat to toss out a line, hop on the bike trail that winds into Alexandria, Virginia, or any others in between, it’s guaranteed to be fun.

Upcoming events to check out include the Washington International Fine Arts Festival in the first week of May and the Movies on the Potomac that are shown on the Plaza’s big screen starting on May 9.

Luxury accommodations offered at National Harbor include the first class Gaylord National Resort, Aloft National Harbor, and the Wyndham Vacation Resorts, but they can be a bit pricy.  Other options in hotels are the Residence Inn by Marriott, Hampton Inn, and the Westin Hotel, all of which are in the same vicinity as the more premier hotels of National Harbor.

Taylor Schafer can be reached for comment at tschafer@jcpatriot.com.

Located about 50 miles southeast of Richmond, Colonial Williamsburg covers over 300 acres of land, including 88 original 18th century buildings. Not only does this family-friendly vacation spot have a great historical aspect, but it includes other features such as shopping, spas, and theaters.

To get the full experience of Colonial Williamsburg, various museums are located throughout the town.  Some of these include the Dewitt Wallace Decorative Art Museum and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, featuring items from furniture and art to musical instruments and currency.  Other buildings to visit include the Governor’s Palace, the Courthouse, and the Capitol.

In these buildings, besides learning about the history of America, you can experience it while attending a street-theater scene and meet the costumed interpreters of our nation’s builders, such as George Washington and Thomas Jefferson who have “undertaken years of study to render the founding fathers in first person every day.”

Williamsburg also offers other daytime options like the shops at Merchant Square, the film “The Story of a Patriot” featured in the Visitor Center, and programs held in Kimball Theatre.

During the evening, live entertainment and films are offered at the Kimball Theatre as well as concerts, tours, and other exclusive weekend events.

Try out the Spa of Colonial Williamsburg.  With the motto “a continuum of wellness,” this spa takes a unique approach, offering healing and relaxation methods from each of the last five centuries.

As far as dining and lodging in Colonial Williamsburg, there are many choices.  Pick from hotels like the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge, Providence Hall, Colonial Houses, Woodlands, and the Governor’s Inn, all located within walking distance of each other.

The restaurants allow for 18th century dining and include Christiana Campbell’s Tavern, King’s Arms Tavern, Shields Tavern, and Chowning’s Tavern.  More modern restaurants can be found at the Williamsburg Inn’s Regency Room, the Terrace Room, and the Williamsburg Lodge.

Taylor Schafer can be reached for comment at tschafer@jcpatriot.com.

Located about 70 miles south of Pittsburgh, this resort is ranked among the best in the world. It also has a full schedule planned for either a romantic getaway or a family vacation starting from 12 p.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Monday.

Activities planned include art tours and open gyms on all four days, family movies on Friday and Saturday, and other events like a wine tasting and a cooking demo.  Though some events cost money to attend, most are complimentary.

Nemacolin’s own ski slopes on Mystic Mountain are also open all weekend with special hours from 12 to 8 p.m. on Friday and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday.  The mountain includes seven slopes for skiing and snowboarding.

As far as meals go on this holiday weekend, special meals are planned to fit with the scheduled activities.  On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, a seafood buffet is offered from 6 to 10 p.m. in the Aqueous Restaurant.  Also, a breakfast buffet is offered Saturday, Sunday, and Monday mornings from 7 to 11 a.m. in the Autumn Restaurant.

After enjoying dinner on Saturday night, gather for some live entertainment from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. at The WildSide, an entertainment center for all ages.  It is complete with a bowling alley, arcade games, sports bar, pool tables, rock climbing wall, free Wi-Fi, and an indoor exotic bird habitat.

If you don’t care for an activity-filled weekend, Nemacolin has that covered, too.  Ranked at 10th in North America, the Woodlands Spa has a variety of treatments like facials, massages, and other “innovative therapies to rejuvenate your mind, body, and soul.” The resort also includes a full-service salon, a fitness center, and a kids’ spa.

Accommodations at the Nemacolin Woodlands Resort are all inclusive, including picks from resort lodges like the Chateau Lafayette, Falling Rock, the Lodge, the Townhomes, and the Luxury Homes. All of these are located within the resort while offering great variety to guests.

Taylor Schafer can be reached for comment at tschafer@jcpatriot.com.

Just a short ride up I-95, Philadelphia gives the feel of a true American city while also showing the diversity of multiple countries around the world.

Staying true to its American roots, Philly is famous for its National Constitution Center, a museum focusing on “the U.S. Constitution and the Story of We, the People.”  The museum contains permanent exhibits including “The Story of We, the People.”

Also, starting on February 19 and continuing until August 2010, the “Ancient Rome & America” exhibit will be on display to exhibit the classical influences that shaped our nation. With the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall all within two blocks of the National Constitution Center, there is no excuse to pass up the opportunity to visit both and get the full historical experience.

After visiting historic Philly,  venture into a premier event happening in the city from January 29 to April 11, 2010.  Philagrafika 2010 is an international festival highlighting the artwork of over 300 artists and noting the importance of print in contemporary art.  Many venues will be hosting this event, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Temple University, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

A definite bonus to a city is a great nightlife, and Philadelphia is no exception with its variety of well-known dance clubs, bars, and live entertainment.  On the first Friday of every month from five to nine p.m., the Old City district holds an open house in which most art galleries are open to the public.  Many Old City restaurants are open during the First Friday festivities as well.

As far as eating in the city, many have the misled conception that Philly is only famous for the “Philly Cheesesteak” at places like Geno’s Steaks.  While this is true, Philadelphia is also home to some of the most culturally diverse eateries in America.  With restaurants like the French Parc Restaurant, the Asian favorite Morimoto, and the Italian restaurant Mercato, Philly’s dining variety expands across multiple cultural experiences.

Finally, when you are tired from the day’s ventures, relax in one of Philly’s elegant hotels.  The luxurious Rittenhouse Hotel, located in Rittenhouse Square, is considered one of the city’s best.  But if Rittenhouse doesn’t fit in the budget, try some more affordable places like the Loews Philadelphia Hotel or the Marriott Philadelphia Downtown.

Taylor Schafer can be reached at tschafer@jcpatriot.com.

Vermont may seem too far, but for a long weekend trip and some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the country, the long trip will be worth it.

Located in northern Vermont along the Green Mountain range, Jay Peak Resort is known for its affordable skiing. It boasts of having one of the highest average snowfalls a year at 355 inches.  Their straightforward attitude of “guests come first” gains them the number eight spot on the “New England Fifty Finest” list and the name as one of the best ski resorts on the East Coast.

Eights lifts and 76 trails are made up of both slopes and glides at Jay Peak.  There are more than 50 miles of terrain, over 385 acres of ski-able area, and individual trails as long as three miles.

Though most of the slopes are for intermediate to advanced skiers and snowboarders, about 20 percent of the resort is designated for beginners.

As far as lodging goes in Jay Peak, the resort offers the options of hotels with rooms right off the slopes, so no driving is required.  The newest accommodation available at the resort is the Tram Haus Lodge.  Other than the rooms offered to guests, the hotel includes a new café, restaurant, and bar.

There are other hotels a short distance from the resort that allow you to be near other Jay Peak activities.  They include indoor winter sports, recreation centers, ice skating, ice fishing, and snowmobiling at the local parks, all within five miles of Jay Peak Resort.

Taylor Schafer can be reached for comment at tschafer@jcpatriot.com.

Located the Adirondack Mountains, Gore Mountain is a full-package place where the whole family can stay and enjoy activities beyond the slopes.

Complete with 90 trails that range from beginner level greens to advanced double blacks and eight ski lifts, Gore has over 2,300 vertical feet of slope and 347 acres of skiable area.  In 2006, the mountain was voted in “The Top 10 for Value” by Ski Magazine.

To fit all visitors’ accommodations, Gore offers a variety of lodging options, from hotels and resorts to rental houses, cabins, and small inns.

Aside from all the skiing and snowboarding available, other nearby attractions may hold your interest during your visit.  There are great shopping opportunities available in the North Creek and nearby Queensbury areas, plus three spas located around the mountain.

The nearby Six Flags Great Escape features an indoor water park and holiday events happening from now until December 31.  These include the Holiday in the Park festival with decorative lights, holiday shows, live entertainment, and more.

Gore also offers exciting events after the holiday season. The mountain is open for skiing and snowboarding well into the spring months, when other activities in the Adirondack Region can be explored.  These include white water rafting, boating, fly fishing, hiking, and canoeing.

Taylor Schafer can be reached for comment at tschafer@jcpatriot.com.

Well-known restaurants like Harpoon Hannah’s, BJ’s on the Water, Harborside, Dumser’s, and Bull on the Beach stay open year-round. Located all over town, from the Boardwalk to Fenwick, the dining options allow you to explore Ocean City.

The most appealing aspect of Ocean City during the winter months is the Annual Winterfest of Lights. From now through January 2, enjoy a ride through the Northside Park located at 125th Street and the Bay while watching an animated Christmas light show.

After boarding the Winterfest Express train to take the tour, sing along to your favorite Christmas carols and take in the festive atmosphere. This attraction is open from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 5:30 to 10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

After you finish viewing the lights, visit the Winterfest Village. In a heated and festively decorated tent, grab a cup of hot chocolate, listen to live music, and browse through the gift shops.

But this is not the only place where festive lights are burning bright. Travel along Baltimore Avenue between 15th and 32nd Streets to experience the Avenue of Trees, where holiday trees line the streets.

Along with these events, celebrate New Year’s Eve by the beach as the Convention Center on 40th Street holds a special event for the holiday.

Taylor Schafer can be reached for comment at tschafer@jcpatriot.com.

Explore Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor by visiting the interactive Maryland Science Center or various art exhibits like Baltimore Clayworks, Baltimore Museum of Art, and Walter’s Art Gallery.  All of these offer new and exciting displays during the holiday season.

Now through December 30, Baltimore Clayworks is holding its Fifteenth Annual Winterfest, a ceramics invitational event to recognize new artists.

At the Science Center now through January 31, see the traveling exhibition “Da Vinci – The Genius” during its first stop on the East Coast.

The Baltimore Museum of Art is home to the Edgar Allen Poe exhibit, and Walter’s Art Gallery has a jewelry show that is worth checking out.

Wind down with a three hour dinner and scenic cruise on the “Spirit of Baltimore.”  If a relaxing dinner cruise doesn’t satisfy you, pick from over 70 restaurants around the Inner Harbor or visit  cultural neighborhoods like Little Italy or Greektown for a great dining experience.

If you’re ready for a little adventure, Power Plant Live is Baltimore’s top destination for entertainment. Enjoy Baltimore’s rising music scene, rated best in the country by “Rolling Stone Magazine,” at Rams Head Live, where performances are held weekly.

These events centered in Baltimore are just some of the hundreds of combinations available to to explore the city.

Taylor Schafer can be reached for comment at tschafer@jcpatriot.com.