Maryland - A Prestitious State Filled with Pride and History.

In larger cities, finding an RV park can be difficult, and we have discoverd sometimes they are little more than parking lots. So when we drove into Cherry Hills RV Park we were excited at what greeted us. Sure, I had read about the amenities, however; what is written in an advertisement doesn't always coorespond with reality. Cherry Hills lived up to the expectations. 

Randy and I were simply looking for a place in Maryland to stay while we explored as we traveled through. Our path would take us thourgh Virginia, West Virginia, and to Kentucky. The main attraction in Maryland on our itenerary included a visit to Annapolis Navy Academy. Our research directed us to make reservations at Cherry Hills. 

Our first night we wanted to relax after driving so we sat outside in our chairs and enjoyed the warm weather. When a tractor drove by pulling a wagon, I remembered reading about free wagon rides. I grabbed the dogs and Randy and waved down the driver. He drove us all around the park, a large, beautifully landscaped area. It was a great way to get acquainted with the amenities and we met some other travelers. There was rally in the park that challenged the participants to a Halloween decorations competition so we also enjoyed some awesome displays. When the tractor dropped us off back at our campsite, we walked the dogs to one of the three dog parks, grassy areas with toys and fixtures.

Cherry Hills is a busy park with many RVers but we never felt congested because its layout was spread over serval acres. The designers created several circles, culd-de-sacs, to decrease traffic. The different areas of the park were sectioned off, providing a pool, sauna, hottub, playground etc to each section. During our stay while using the hottub and laundry there was plenty of room without overcrowding. We were impressed by the minature golf course. They only charged $1 and that was a donation to a charity. Below is a snapshot of the brochure listing amenities - something for everyone.

This park went above and beyond the average resort. Probaby because of the proximity to so many attractions, they catered to the needs of the visitors. Near the front entrance buses lined up to transport tourists to attractions. Some offered tours while others simply provided transportation to and from. At 4 p.m. each afternoon speakers met with anyone interested to explain the tours and how to navigate public transportation. The office also took time to explain the metro and had color-coded maps available. 

Annapolis Naval Academy

We did not venture into DC but we did go to the Navel Academy in Annapolis. I would highly encourage a visit. We toured the facility with a knowledgeable guide in an electic car. One other couple joined us. The pride of everyone associated with the academy created goosebumps. Their enthusiasm reminded me of the value of America's military as well as reinforced my respect for all who served.

Many stories shared by our guide and accompanied by artifacts druing the tour were fascinating. 

• The dorms are named Bancraft Hall. They are coed, contain 1,700 rooms and cover 4.8 miles. 
• The grounds, called the yard, cover more than 338 acres.
• The cemetary on site hosts many notable, honorary American citizens.
• The Herndon Monument is covered in greased when the first year students graduate. Legend state that the student to reach the top first a will be the first one to earn Flag Rank.
• The plane that the movie Top Gun made famous sits in the yard of the academy.

Maryland State House

After leaving the academy, we visited the Maryland State House. It was a short walk. It is famous for being the first peacetime capital and the oldest state house in continuous use. Vistors can explore the original section as well as the new annex that was added in the 20th century.

The newer section is elegant with marble pillars and historic images on the walls. The Congress is decorated in lighter wood and simpler in style in contrast to the dark wook and more dominate fixtures in the Senate.

The older section captivated me because the room that George Washington stood in when he resigned his commision from the Continental Arm. The furniture is arranged as it was on that historic day. Where Washington stood there now stands a statue of him. Six years later he became the first president of the United States.

Walking through the building in Maryland combines the present with the past allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the development of this great nation.

Travel brings history alive. It adds context to those lessons from school. If you can not travel, follow along as we share our experiences. If you are traveling, I hope we provide some ideas to direct your travels.

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