Jasmine The Invincible

Summer is just getting started - have you planned out your adventures yet? If you are short on annual leave, or even short on funds, this list will help you channel your explorer mojo into planning an exciting series of day trips in Maryland. Have a solo experience, or even bring friends and family along for the ride! Walk in Her Shoes - Harriet Tubman Byway Image from Visit Maryland Not only was Harriet Tubman the frontwoman of the Underground Railroad (a network of safe houses and individuals dedicated to helping enslaved black men and women escape and gain their freedom) but she was also a nurse employed by the Union Army during the American Civil War and later -- a spy, scout, and militia commander.  Believe it or not, much of Tubman's "railroad conductor" work happened right in Maryland. While leading others to freedom, she traveled through Dorchester and Caroline counties in Maryland before heading into Deleware, and then into Pennsylvania.  This su...

I'm proud to introduce my UNpacked series! In UNpacked , I will tackle issues concerning race, gender, socio-economic status, etc that I uncover or grapple with during my travels. I hope it sparks a dialogue for you to have with your loved ones, or even encourages you to do research and further educate yourself about the topic. * * * While doing research for future road trips, I found myself visiting Virginia's official tourism website for ideas. After clicking through a few pages I came across a listing of African American historic sites that I was initially very excited to explore. No matter where I vacation I ALWAYS visit black historic sites. It is my way of feeling in touch with my heritage, as well as learning more about the history of the travel destination. However, what I found on the Virginia webpage gave me pause. In an overview of Monticello, located in Charlottesville, VA, I read the following: See Monticello through the lens of the Hemings Family, the best docum...

  Jasmine reflects and reflects and reflects. Can you believe it's actually August ? It seems it was not that long ago that I was making plans to work from home for what appeared to be a couple of weeks or so. I remember putting on my jacket, grabbing a few things from my cubicle at the office -- only to never return again. In the time since March, the days have zoomed past at break-neck speed. My husband and I had to cancel our anniversary celebration and to add insult to injury I barely remember holidays like Easter or Memorial Day weekend. I think the pandemic quarantine or "Coronatine" (as I like to call it) has caused this phenomenon where we lose a sense of time due to the monotony of our schedules and increased time indoors. According to health professionals, this is the safest method for curbing the spread of the virus. This fact brings us to our topic at hand. Even though most states are at level 3+ of re-opening, does that mean we can go back pre-pandemic life? ...

While I love the joy and fulfillment that comes with working for non-profit organizations, I understand how difficult it can be to make the time (and save the money) necessary to travel frequently. That being said, when my fiance and I wanted to have a quick beach vacation and save a bit of loot in the process - I took it as a challenge! In 2017, we visited the Rehoboth Beach area for the first time and have been itching to get back ever since! The boo and I packed up the car on a Thursday afternoon in late April and started our pilgrimage to Deleware. The traffic was a mess all the way there but with great tunes and even better company, we arrived just in time for check-in. I'd heard many positive things about Dewey Beach, and decided to book at Beach House Dewey using Groupon. This is a motel with an updated, boutique-light look.  The rooms are fairly spacious with modern furnishings, but none of the rooms have a beach or ocean view.  Unfortunately, w...

Not a Maryland crab cake I always get highly upset when I go to a restaurant and they say they have Maryland crab cakes...when they actually just have crab patties made with Maryland blue crab loaded down with tons of filler. It is an OUTRAGE and the next time it happens, I am calling the POLICE! For those who aren't aware, a real Maryland crab cake has the following qualities: Is made with LUMP Maryland blue crab meat (not backfin). Has little to no filler and usually has mostly egg binding instead of breadcrumb (or in some cases a little of both). Is served  broiled , not fried.  It is served browned . It isn't white , or light tan , it is GOLDEN BROWN  cot dangit. (If someone brings me a white crab cake, I'm flipping over the table and knocking over every water pitcher in sight!) You don't get any bites of crab shell. Only delicious, sweet crab. That being said, here is a list of restaurants where you can go and expect to have an au...

The older I grow, the more I enjoy the great outdoors -- especially when it comes to experiences specific to the region in which I live. Maryland, DC, and Virginia offer an array of natural wonders perfect for every level of adventurer. Whether you enjoy scenic, simple walks -- or rafting through bubbling, whitewater rapids -- the sites on this list are sure to add some excitement to your summer! Assateague Island, MD Image from  Visit Worcester Assateague is a natural barrier island a few miles south of Ocean City, MD. Tourists often gather on its famous beaches for the chance to catch a glimpse of wild ponies. On your next trip, consider visiting the Assateague Lighthouse or renting a bike and pedaling around Assateague Park! Admission is $20 per vehicle. Calvert Cliffs State Park, MD  Image from  Pinterest Located in Lusby, Maryland, the Calvert Cliffs State Park is well known for its diverse ecosystem (including beaches, marshes...

Shenandoah Crossing is a hidden jewel. This beautiful property is situated along the picturesque backdrop of the rolling Blue Ridge Mountains and the Shenandoah River. The campus is located in Gordonsville VA, and it is well off of the beaten path. The nearest stores are about 15-20 minutes away, so you have to be happy with the onsite offerings if you do not want to have to drive very far for entertainment/shopping. The property offers a number of well-done amenities including a gym, horse stables, putt-putt golf, pools and hot tubs, an arcade, a general store and a bar/restaurant.  At check-in you receive a schedule of events for the week that range anywhere from free-$20 per person. My fiance and I noticed there were cool things going on during the weekdays before our check-in, but not much else during the weekend. Monday-Thursday they offered craft-making, tours, and various other activities for guest to enjoy.    It would have been nice to have the option ...