Dome Sweet Dome at Antietam

09/05/2026

We intend to go see this, before it’s gone!
A remarkable little museum!

Have a Mucha moment (or hour) this holiday weekend!

We're halfway through the Hagerstown showing of "Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau."

Our installation kicks off with 3 versions of his famous "Gismonda" poster (and a fourth variation)--and if you don't know the story behind it, you can read it right here.

In a decade (1894-1904), Mucha made an indelible impact on commercial art, and the story of his fame begins with “la Divine”—the global superstar and pride of France, Sarah Bernhardt.

Apparently, Christmas Day of 1894 Mucha was on a press check for a commercial printing job when the actress requested a rush job. She needed a poster for her play Gismonda and her usual illustrators were unavailable, because Mucha happened to be there, his employer assigned the job to him. The resulting design was a sensation. Mucha’s poster was nearly 7’ tall (printed on 2 sheets), presenting a regal, nearly life-sized Sarah Bernhardt crowned by flowers, elaborately costumed, and standing in profile—her name curving above her head and creating the sense of an architectural niche, at her feet, her costume pools, and we see that she is standing on a stage-like platform and a witty “stage hand” holds a pennant proclaiming the name of the theater.

The poster was so popular that overnight people were stealing it off of city streets to adorn their homes. This initial commission began a relationship with Bernhardt that expanded to include Mucha’s involvement in all the visual aspects of her career—from costume and jewelry design to set design. And it launched Mucha into the most commercially successful decade of his life.

Mucha’s iconic style was soon everywhere. He continued making posters but also did package design and magazine illustration. His images were licensed to be reproduced on myriad products and repurposed for decorative panels for homes, calendars, all sorts of commercial applications.

Come see the exhibition visitors are calling: "Wonderful," "Amazing," So GOOD," "Not to be missed," "Worth the Trip," and "Delightful."

If you’ve seen the show, give us your quotes in the comments!

Image: Installation view of entry to “Alphonse Mucha: Master of Art Nouveau.”

09/05/2026

Amazing local history- don’t miss out!

09/05/2026

The view here is fantastic.
If you like following Fall raptor migration, it’s a great place to spot kettling birds of prey.
(That’s when they soar on thermals, kind of taking a break & hanging out in the air)

VIEWS & HISTORY — This is the historic Washington Monument on South Mountain above Boonsboro, Maryland. This unique stone structure was used as a signal station by Union forces during the war. Additionally, the world famous Appalachian Trail passes right through this state park. This is definitely a worthy stop if you’re touring the nearby Antietam National Battlefield or the additional September 1862 fighting around the gaps up on South Mountain.

08/24/2026

Working on a new web site- sneak peek!

Locally owned and operated, unique and comfortable, Antietam Dome is just 160 meters, a 10 minute walk, from C&O Canal National Historic Park at Antietam Creek. Antietam National Battlefield is 4 miles. Harpers Ferry National Park and Shepherdstown within 10 miles. Creek and trail shuttles, bird and...

08/14/2026

This is where our native plants come from!

08/14/2026

Welcome to the best time of year, in the Mid-Atlantic.
We have open weeks & weekends for you- & if you have an we have a Level 2 charger!

We do not participate in surge pricing (just seasonal rates) & our surcharges on platforms Vrbo (8%) & Airbnb (15.5%) are exactly what they charge us.

We truly care that our guests get what they need, while they are with us.

We offer extras like s’mores kits, tube floats & even a telescope for sky-watching! Check our “extras”.

We’re just close enough, & pretty “far out”.

See y’all soon!

07/15/2026

We do go the extra mile, for our guests.
Who wants stale marshmallows?
(OK weirdo, leave yours out then 😂)
Vacuum packed for freshness, “S’mores for 4” only $10!
Pack of 9 crackers, 2 full size Hershey bars, & 8 giant marshmallows.

07/04/2026

The Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park is one of the most underrated parks in the US.
In much of the US, property along a major river, is all private.
Our C&O keeps a huge stretch of the Potomac open to the public, with no fees.
This section of the Canal remains relatively uncrowded, especially if you can get away, during a weekday. See y’all soon!

Happy 250th America from the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park!

The C&O Canal tells our nation’s story. George Washington dreamed of a canal system along the Potomac River. The historic C&O Canal made that dream a reality. Operating for nearly 100 years the C&O Canal helped transform a mostly rural nation into a major economic powerhouse, forged new and growing communities, and encouraged rapid technological and industrial advancement.

Come be a part of that history today! Discover the story of the working people striving to realize the Founding Fathers' vision, investigate canal technology in action during lock demonstrations and boat rides on the canal’s waters, and explore the outdoors while you walk, ride, or run on the historic 184.5-mile towpath.

Learn more: nps.gov/choh

Photo from the park's archive of a canal boat near Brunswick circa 1910

07/04/2026

Some of the most beautiful areas- Free! We keep brochures in the rental.

Support the Preserves this Summer!

If you have ever visited Cool Spring, Eidolon, Stuaffer's Marsh, or Yankauer Preserves, you know how special these sanctuaries are. Together, they encompass 578 acres of rare wetlands, peaceful forests, and vibrant pollinator meadows that provide a safe haven for wildlife amid increasing development pressures. But more than just ecological retreats, they are places where we can come to escape our busy lives and enjoy the wonders of the natural world.

Caring for nearly 600 acres is a massive undertaking managed by a small team and dedicated volunteers. While Eidolon and Cool Spring have small endowments that support some of the needed work annually, Yankauer and Stauffer's Marsh relies almost entirely on direct contributions from those who value them. As we launch our summer campaign, please consider making a gift to PVAS. Your support ensures that local wildlife habitats remain healthy, our trails stay safe and open, and the next generation has a free, wild space to fall in love with nature.

Make a gift today by clicking here: www.potomacaudubon.org/support/