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Jessica | Mid Atlantic Travel | East Coast Adventures

@wechoseadventures

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🏕️ Road trips, hikes, history, unique stays.
⛰️ Family trips + kid free getaways
🚗 Fun things to do in MD-DC-PA-VA-WV
🌎 2025 Sustainable Travel Award

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𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲? You’re in the right place.

I’m Jessica — your go-to guide for bucket list 𝗘𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲𝘀, 𝗿𝗼𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘀, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗱𝗼. We’re into hiking, history, and planning trips that aren’t boring (you know, so the whole family can enjoy it?).

Our family discovered (the hard way!) that it’s easy to get stuck in the boring day to day of life, and miss out on the HUGE and beautiful world out there. So 𝘄𝗲’𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆; helping us focus on the important stuff in life. More time together, less stress, and a life we could live NOW, not later.

We Chose Adventures (and I’m here to help you do the same).
Discover new places, get outside, and try new things. You never know what you’re missing until you get out there right?

𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗲? A York, PA–based family exploring the best things to do near DC, Baltimore, and Philly. We’re lucky to live within an easy day trip of PA, MD, DC, VA, and WV, which means the road trip possibilities are endless! The Mid-Atlantic is a beautiful place, and we plan on exploring as much of it as we can.

As an 𝗮𝗱𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗹𝘆, you may find us at a museum in the morning and zip-lining in the afternoon. And as a mom of “big kids,” we’re enjoying quite a few 𝗸𝗶𝗱-𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸𝗲𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝗮𝘄𝗮𝘆𝘀 these days too!

So if you’re looking for your next day trip, weekend getaway, or bucket list trip — I got you.

𝗙𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗼𝘄 @𝘄𝗲𝗰𝗵𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿:
🥾 Bucket list experiences on the East Coast (and beyond)
🚐 Scenic road trips, weekend itineraries, & day trip ideas
⛺ Unique stays, cozy cabins, and the best camping spots
🌿 Sustainable travel and outdoor adventures

Want join me on a group trip or monthly women's hike?
I host monthly women’s hikes and group trips for women and couples. Link in my bio! by @wechoseadventures

More info👇

I tested out the Jackery HP 3600 Plus to see if it could handle powering my pop up camper and all my gear for a chilly fall calling trip. Here’s what I found…

📍 Jackery HP 3600 Plus @jackeryusa

⛰️ What I loved:
⚡ 3,600W output - it’s got a LOT of power and was able to run everything for an entire weekend.
☀️ Solar Power - You can pair it with up to two Jackery SolarSaga 500 X panels for up to 1,000W of solar charging, so you can recharge right at your campsite using the sun!
🔌 4 AC outlets, and 2 USB outlets, and 2 USC outlets PLUS a 30-amp RV plug
⏱️ Recharges at home in about 2.5 hours, that’s fast!
🛞 Built-in wheels and handle so it was easy to travel with
🏠 Doubles as a backup power for my house, great for power outages or emergencies!

Things I used it for while camping:
🔥 Camper heater
🛏️ Heated mattresses
☕ Coffee maker, camper fridge, and my electric cooler fridge
🍳 Electric cookstoves
📸 Phones, laptops, and all my camera gear
💡 Camper lights and outlets

🌿 Bonus! No gas, no exhaust fumes, and no annoying noisy generator.

Perfect if you’re looking for Off-grid camping gear, fall and winter camping, RV and pop-up camping hacks, and anyone who loves the outdoors but isn’t willing to give up a few comforts from home.

Looking for camping gear, East Coast road trips, and outdoor adventure gear that’s actually worth it? Follow @wechoseadventures for more!

#Jackery #PowerOutJackeryOn #PortablePowerStation #SolarGenerator #JackeryHomePower3600Plus
HomeBackup OutdoorPower PowerOutage HomeBattery JackeryBlackFriday BlackFriday by @wechoseadventures

More info👇

📍 TST Carrier Cargo E-Bike.
@tstebike

Comment EBIKE for more info and my buddy discount!

Things I love about it:
⚡ 5 levels of pedal assist - get a workout in or let the bike do most of the work
📦 Extra cargo space for all my gear
🚀 Speeds up to 28 mph and up to 60 miles on a single charge
🛋️ Big, comfy seat and front suspension for a smoother ride
🛞 Fat tires and hydraulic disc brakes for added stability and stopping power
💪 450 lb weight capacity - great for riding with the kids or hauling all my gear

🤯 Not your average e-bike! The cargo space that doubles as a kids’ seat is a game changer.

What it’s great for:
🥕 Farmers market and grocery store runs
🛒 Family bike rides
🏕️ Campground adventures
🏖️ Beach and lake days
👨‍👩‍👦 Leaf-peeping adventures

🚲 Looking for family-friendly gear recs, outdoor adventures, and family travel inspiration? Follow @wechoseadventures for more!

♻️ Send this to someone who needs a cargo e-bike for their next adventure!

💾 Save this for your next fall bike ride!

Perfect if you’re looking for: A family-friendly e-bike, ways to get outside with the family, or fun things to do this fall. by @wechoseadventures

More info👇

📍 Knoebels Pioneer Train - Halloween Express @knoebels
🗺️ Elysburg, PA @theheartofpa

Cool facts about the ride:
🚂 Opened in 1960 - it’s been running for 66 years!
🛤️ 1.5 miles through forest, tunnels, and even goes under the Twister wooden roller coaster
💀 Every Halloween, the train becomes a “spooky” skeleton themed adventure

🎃 Fun for all ages! Not too spooky for kids and the teens and adults loved it.
🐕 One of the park’s pet-friendly rides - even your dog can come along!

🤯 (change to wow facts about knobels)

Plan your visit
📅 It’s the LAST WEEKEND! Hallo-Fun ends November 1, 2026
🎟️ Halloween Express tickets are $6 per person
🎡 FREE park admission and parking, pay per ride or get a wristband for all you can ride
🌙 Ride during the day or after dark for a different experience
🎃 Over 50 rides open during Hallo-Fun!

**Perfect **if you’re looking for PA Halloween ideas, family-friendly Halloween events, and fun things do on Halloween in PA

Make it a road trip:
🚗 Philly ~2.5 hrs
🚗 Baltimore ~2.5 hrs
🚗 DC ~3 hrs

Looking for PA day trips, family-friendly adventures, and unique East Coast attractions? Follow @wechoseadventures for more! by @wechoseadventures

More info👇

Fall camping season is here, and apparently setting up camp furniture doesn’t have to be a whole production. 🍂 I set up BOTH of these PORTAL Outdoors pieces in under a minute!

📍 PORTAL Outdoors Hammock Chair + Roll-Up Table. @portaloutdoorsusa

Comment GEAR for more info and a discount!

Hammock Chair 🏕️
🪑 Freestanding design - no trees needed!
🍂 Hammock vibe, way more comfy than your typical camp chair
⚡ Quick-folding frame, only two pieces, means easy setup and takedown
🎒 Portable design, breaks down small with an easy carry case

Roll-Up Camping Table 🏕️
⚡ Sets up in seconds - no tools or complicated assembly
🪵 Sturdy and easy to put together
🚗 Packs down fast into a small easy carry bag
🏕️ Perfect for meals, drinks, games, or camping

Best for…
🏕️ Camping and outdoor adventures
🚐 RV and pop-up camper setups
🔥 Backyard bonfires and cookouts
🏖️ Beach and lake days
🎣 Fishing trips
🏈 Tailgating and sports games
🍔 Picnics and park days

Perfect for: Fall campers, sports families, weekend road trippers, and anyone looking for outdoor gear that’s actually worth it

🍂 Looking for fall camping gear, road trip ideas, and weekend camping getaways in the DMV? Follow @wechoseadventures for more!

#Portaloutdoors #YourGatewaytotheWild by @wechoseadventures

More info👇

🍳 NEW TET Portable Power Cooking Station tetbattey
Comment COOKSTOVE for more info on how to snag one

What I love:
🔥 TWO different styles of burners, not your average camping cookstove.
⚡ Induction burner uses magnetic energy to heat your pan directly, cooking faster and using less energy. You can boil water or heat up food in minutes!
🔥 Also includes your standard infrared burner, just like cooking on the stovetop at home.
🔋 Built-in rechargeable battery lets you cook off-grid AND charge your devices.
☀️ Solar charging port to charge on the go (not included).
🏕️ No propane or gas required, and no open flame.
🔌 Rechargeable power means you can cook wherever you want, no hook ups or electric needed.
🛞 Rugged & portable with locking wheels and a wagon style handle.

🤯 Induction heats the pan directly instead of heating a traditional burner, so the cooking surface stays cooler, although it can still get hot from the pan!
🍳 TIP: Induction requires magnetic cookware, like cast iron or induction-compatible stainless steel. I’ve found cast iron works best.

How to get one:
📅 Be the first to try one out, just launched October 23!
🚀 Now live on Kickstarter
🛒 Make a pledge to support the launch and get your own stove when rewards are fulfilled
🔗 Comment COOKSTOVE for more info on how to snag one

🌲 Looking for camping gear, outdoor cooking ideas, and road trip tips? Follow @wechoseadventures for more!

Save this for your next camping trip and share it with your favorite camping foodie! by @wechoseadventures

More info👇

Comment WIZARD for more info on how to book!

📍 Wizard’s Forbidden Hut
🗺️ Adamstown, MD

Plan your visit
🧙‍♂️ Harry Potter-inspired Airbnb, stay the night in Hagrid’s Hut
🛏️ Sleeps 15+ guests with 6 bedrooms and 12 beds
🎟️ TWO themed escape rooms in the Airbnb!
📅 Book through Airbnb or Wizard’s Escape. Must be 27+ to reserve.

🤯 BONUS! They still have availability this week for Halloween parties and fun (October 25-29). Last-minute Halloween party anyone?

Things to do while you’re there:
🪄 Try the TWO escape rooms
🐉 Dragon egg scavenger hunt
🦉 Find the hidden owls and potion bottles (finders keepers!)
🍺 Three Broomsticks-inspired pub
🧙 Gamekeeper’s Hut and Magical Creatures Classroom
🎯 Hang out in the Game Hut
🔥 Outdoor firepit cauldron

🏰 And if one wizarding getaway isn’t enough, there are TWO more themed rentals next door, including Hogwarts Castle and Malfoy Manor.

🎃 Looking for unique Airbnbs in Maryland, DC Halloween fun, or family-friendly Halloween in the DMV? Follow @wechoseadventures for more!

Make it a road trip!
🚗 ~1 hr from DC
🚗 ~1 hr from Baltimore
🚗 ~2.5 hrs from Philly

📌 SAVE this for a magical getaway!

🪄 SHARE with your favorite Harry Potter fan who would absolutely lose their mind over this place!

Perfect for Halloween party ideas, birthday parties, and family getaways getaway near DC! by @wechoseadventures

More info👇

📍 Seneca Rocks
🗺️ Monongahela National Forest, West Virginia @wvtourism

Plan your visit
📅 Fall is my favorite time to go! WV’s official foliage report named Seneca Rocks a top pick, and color is peaking now through the end of October
🎟️ Free - no permits or fees to hike
🥾 3.2 miles round trip with ~900 ft of elevation gain. It’s pretty much straight uphill the entire way!
📵 Plan ahead! There’s no water on the trail past the river, and little to no cell service.

🤯 The trail ends at an observation platform - but the true summit can only be reached by some slightly sketchy rock scrambling. Not for the faint of heart, and yes people have died there. Explore at your own risk or enjoy the view from the observation deck.

Nearby places to check out:
🏕️ Camp at Seneca Shadows or Yokums Vacationland - some sites have amazing mountain views!
⛰️ Spruce Knob - West Virginia’s highest peak, drive right to the top, no hike required and great at sunset
💦 Triangle Rock Swimming Hole - a scenic swimming spot along the North Fork River, perfect for a cold plunge or cooling off in the summer.
🍂 Dolly Sods Wilderness - one of the most unique hiking areas on the East Coast, it feels like you’re in the Canadian wilderness
🪨 NROCKS Via Ferrata - a guided climb where you’re hooked into cables on the mountainside, you’ll cross a 200 ft high suspension bridge too. One of the wildest experiences on the east coast!
🌲 Blackwater Falls State Park - waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and some of the best fall foliage in WV

🌿 Leave No Trace: pack out everything you pack in - let’s keep these places wild!

⛰️ Looking for bucket list hikes, the best fall hikes near DC, and fall road trips in the DMV? Follow @wechoseadventures for more!

Make it a road trip:
🚗 DC ~3 hrs
🚗 ~4 hrs from Baltimore
🚗 ~5 hrs from Philly

♻️ Send this to someone who plans their entire fall around peak foliage

💾 Save this for your fall hiking bucket list

Drone videos by the amazing @bigbravenomad 😍

Perfect if you’re looking for things to do in West Virginia, a bucket-list fall hike, or the overlook hikes in the Monongahela National Forest by @wechoseadventures

More info👇

📍 Rohrbach’s Farm Fall Festival @rohrbachsfarm
🗺️ Catawissa, Pennsylvania @theheartofpa

Plan your visit
📅 Saturdays 11 AM–7 PM through Oct 31 (Fridays 3–7 PM); farm market opens at 10 AM Saturdays. Everything wraps at 5 PM on Oct 31 for the town parade
🎟️ Toddler Time (Fridays 10 AM–12 PM): $5 per child, adults free — ages 5 and under
🧒 Kids: playland, face painting & balloons every Saturday, pumpkin picking, apple slingshot
🐶 Dogs get their own day — Dogs in the Corn Maze Oct 31 (11 AM–1 PM) with a costume contest at noon! (Only service animals inside the market building)

🤯 Family-owned since 1955 — And Big Dan’s BBQ on site was named one of the 50 best BBQ pits in America!

Things to do while you’re there:
🌽 Find your way through the corn maze
🎃 Pick your own pumpkins (and paint them!)
🎯 Try the apple slingshot
🍖 @bigdansbbq — slow-smoked goodness, their smoked campfire s’mores brownie is unreal
🛝 Kids’ playland — corn pit, playground & more
🛒 The farm market — fresh produce, meats, baked goods & locally made gifts (don’t miss the apple cider slushy, apple cider donuts, & ice cream made from campfire s’mores brownies!)
🍺 Local brews from Berwick Brewing Co., wine from @freasfarmwinery & fresh-pressed cider

Perfect if you’re looking for things to do near Knoebels, a kid-friendly fall festival in Pennsylvania, or the best BBQ in PA.

Make it a road trip:
🚗 ~2 hrs from Philly
🚗 ~2 hrs from Baltimore
🚗 ~2.5 hrs from DC
(15 min from Knoebels — pair them in one trip!)

🍁 Looking for fall festivals, family fall fun, and the best fall farm markets in PA? Be sure to follow @wechoseadventures for more!

♻️ Send this to someone who plans their entire October around fall festivals.

💾 Save this for your fall bucket list by @wechoseadventures

Know before you go 👇

📍 Knoebels Hallo-Fun @knoebels
🗺️ Elysburg, Pennsylvania @theheartofpa
America’s largest free-admission amusement park 🎡

Plan your visit
📅 Fridays 6–10 PM, Saturdays 2–10 PM, every weekend through Oct 31
🎟️ Admission and parking are FREE
🎫 Ride passes: Fridays starting at $24, Saturdays starting at $40
🎠 Or pay per ride: ticket books from $5, rides from ~$2 each. Heads up: Haunted Mansion + Haunted Antique Cars are ticket-only, not covered by passes
🧒 Kids: cookie decorating, pumpkin painting, character breakfast
🐶 Dogs are welcome! They can even ride the trains, antique cars, carousel, and boats. Grab a biscuit at Guest Services
👗 Costumes encouraged — family-friendly only, no masks for ages 12+

🤯 Voted the #1 Halloween theme park event in the country but USA Today!

Things to do while you’re there:
🎢 Haunted Antique Cars — spooky by day, haunted after dark (dogs can ride free!)
🚂 Halloween Express — the 1960 Pioneer Train through a “haunted” pioneer town (dog friendly)
👻 Haunted Mansion — an old-fashioned dark ride “scaring” people since 1973; voted the country’s #1 dark ride six years running
⛏️ Black Diamond — a not-so-fast dark roller coaster through a coal mine
🔍 Kids’ scavenger hunt — free, grab a card at Guest Services and win a Halloween treat
🍂 Try the special Fall foods: Pumpkin funnel cakes, apple cider slush, caramel apples, hot cider and pumpkin ice cream!

🚗Looking for Halloween events, the best fall festivals in PA, and family-friendly Halloween fun? Be sure to follow @wechoseadventures for more!

Make it a road trip:
🚗 ~2 hrs from Philly
🚗 ~2 hrs from Baltimore
🚗 ~2.5 hrs from DC

♻️ Send this to someone looking for the best Halloween things to do with kids

💾 Save this for your Halloween bucket list

Perfect if you’re looking for the best Halloween events in Pennsylvania, a not-too-scary Halloween theme park for kids, or a free fall festival. by @wechoseadventures

More info👇

🚗 But first! Follow @wechoseadventures for fall festivals in Tennessee, things to do in the Smoky Mountains, and East Coast road trips!

📍 Anakeesta @anakeesta
🗺️ Gatlinburg, TN @visitgatlinburg

Plan Your Visit
📅 Bear-Varian Fall Festival: Now – Nov 1, 2026
🎟️ Admission starts at $39.99 for adults (we got a good deal on GetYourGuide!)

🤯 Did you know? Anakeesta is home to North America’s longest elevated treetop skywalk! And during fall, this mountaintop adventure park transforms into a Bavarian-inspired Oktoberfest with craft beer, seasonal food, live entertainment, and incredible Smoky Mountain views.

Included With Admission:
🚠 Ride the world’s only all-glass gondola system, with glass floors and 360° views!
🪢 So many adventure courses. Giant birdhouses, rope tunnels, slides, and treetop obstacles at BirdVenture and TreeVenture. Fun for all ages, honestly I think the adults were having the most fun 😂
🌉 Walk the hanging bridges 60 ft above the forest on the Treetop Skywalk. We even saw bears playing below!
🍂 Enjoy Bear-Varian Fall Festival with Oktoberfest style food, brews, and Halloween themed live music.
🌄 Head to the top of the AnaVista Tower for some of the best Smoky Mountain views.
✨ Stay after dark for the glowing Firefly Experience!

Extra Fun (Additional Cost):
🎢 Hellbender & Rail Runner Mountain Coasters – $16.99 for TWO rides! Rail Runner was the first single-rail mountain coaster in the US.
🍻 Beer & cider tasting – $22.99 for six 8 oz. pours.
🪂 Dueling Zipline Adventure – $59.99 for 2,600 ft of ziplining!
🌌 Astra Lumina – $18.99 for an illuminated nighttime forest walk.

Perfect if you’re looking for things to do in Gatlinburg, fall activities in the Smoky Mountains, Tennessee fall festivals, and family-friendly things to do in Gatlinburg.

Make it a road trip:
🚗 ~8 hrs from DC
🚗 ~9 hrs from Baltimore
🚗 ~10.5 hrs from Philly by @wechoseadventures

How to enter PLUS discount code👇

🚗 But first! Follow @wechoseadventures for Smoky Mountain getaways, quiet side of the Smokies finds, and fall road trips

FREE ONE-NIGHT STAY at Tremont Lodge with @tremontlodge

**TO ENTER:**
1️⃣ Follow @tremontlodge and @wechoseadventures
2️⃣ Tag 2 friends who need a Smoky Mountain getaway
⭐ Bonus entry: share this to your Stories and tag @Tremontlodge

📍 Tremont Lodge & Resort
@tremontlodge
🗺️ Townsend, Tennessee

Plan your visit
📅 Smokies are peaking RIGHT NOW. Townsend’s the quiet side — all the color, none of the Gatlinburg traffic
🎟️ JESSICA20 = 20% off if you don’t win
💻 Book at @tremontlodge
🧺 Free breakfast, pet-friendly, EV charging.
🛏️ Rooms sleep 2–6, from cozy kings to two-bedroom apartments — plus suites with in-room hot tubs and fireplaces

🤯 Speakeasy-style lounge hidden on the grounds — try to find it, or ask guest services

Things to do while you’re there:
🔥 Hang out at the lodge by the fire pits and hot tub
🐻 Cades Cove — 20 min away, go early morning or late evening for the best wildlife viewing
🥾 Spruce Flats Falls — the waterfall hike we did, right near Townsend
🍺 The Abbey — a chapel turned beer garden, 8 min walk
🎢 Day-trip Pigeon Forge for the Alpine Coaster — they say it’s the longest downhill ride in the U.S. — and whiskey tasting, or Gatlinburg for the SkyBridge and Anakeesta

Perfect if you’re looking for the best place to stay near the Smokies in fall, a Townsend TN hotel without the crowds, or a leaf-peeping weekend minus the parking wars.

♻️ Send this to the friend who’d hop in the car for a last-minute fall road trip with you

💾 Save this for your fall foliage bucket list

**GIVEAWAY TERMS:** Open to U.S. residents 18+. Winner picked randomly, contacted by DM — 48 hours to respond or we pick someone else. No purchase necessary. Non-transferable, no cash value. Enter by 10/18/26. Not sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Instagram. By entering, you release Instagram of responsibility and agree to its terms. by @wechoseadventures