With the weather warming up as spring approaches, it’s a great time to trade your winter coats for shorts and head outside. Three members of Military Waypoint, the new online travel community that’s exclusively for troops, veterans and their families, share some ideas for taking advantage of the nice weather. From coast to coast and country to country, users are posting their adventures and advice for fellow travelers. Visit MilitaryWaypoint.com to see what members are posting and share your own travel ideas.
ENJOY A YEAR-ROUND SKI, GOLF AND AMUSEMENT RESORT WITH A SIDE OF WATERFALLS AND NATURE
McHenry, Maryland
There’s so much to do at the Wisp Resort, you won’t know what to do first. Choose from skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, golf, a mountain coaster, swimming, shopping, dining and more. They even have a Kids (or parents depending on how you look at it) Night Out. Need to plan a wedding or a conference? Yep, they do that, too. The resort offers a military promotion. , so call today! My wife and I had a blast on our last visit — there was so much to do, we’ll be going back.!
Be sure to take the short drive to the Swallow Falls State Park while you’re there. This park has incredible scenery — including waterfalls, forestry and rock formations. We visited right after a blast of snow and freezing rain, and boy was it still worth the trip. There are probably even more activities available during the warmer months. Take a hike — you won’t regret it. And since it’s a state park, military entry is FREE.
— Tommy Burke II, Waypoint member
Waypoint member Allen Babcock enjoyed his 12-mile hike in Hawaii.
Photo Credit: Allen Babcock/Waypoint member
AMAZING HIKE, INCREDIBLE VIEWS, AND AWAY FROM IT ALL
Na Pali Coast State Park, Hawaii
This hike is not for the hiking amateur. It is a grueling 12-mile hike into one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. It can be a bit muddy so make sure you have a good pair of hiking shoes. There are waterfalls, steep cliffs, and breathtaking points to look out on the beautiful island of Kauai’s north shore. However, you don’t have to hike all the way in. There are many scenic points and stops for all different hiker levels. There are no cellphones, TVs, or cabins. What you take in must come out.
There is a camping area at the end in the state park. Do not get caught there without your permit. You can get those on this state camping website. https://camping.ehawaii.gov/camping/all,details,1692.html
Trust me, if you have the time, it’s worth the experience.
— Allen Babcock, Waypoint member
The Arizona Diamondbacks play at Salt River Fields in Scottsdale, Arizona, during spring training.
Photo Credit: Charlsy Panzino/Staff
SPRING TRAINING IS IN THE AIR
Arizona
It may still be snowing in some spots across the country, but Arizona is heating up for spring training. Fifteen Starting March 1, 15 MLB teams are playing and practicing in the will head to 80-degree weather ahead of to practice for the upcoming regular season. You don’t have to be a diehard baseball fan to enjoy spring training, though — there’s almost nothing better than lounging on the lawn with friends, drinking in the sunshine (and a beverage of your choice).
Florida’s Grapefruit League also offers the chance for some springtime baseball, but Arizona’s Cactus League is a little more convenient. All 10 Cactus League stadiums are within an hour’s drive of each other, whereas some of the parks in Florida are more than three hours apart.
Lawn ticket prices can be as low as under $10, and several stadiums offer military discounts, including:
Goodyear Ballpark: Free ticket for service members and veterans in Outfield Box, Outfield Reserved or Berm seating; you can also purchase up to four additional tickets in those areas at a group discount.
Peoria Sports Complex: $2 off ticket; available at ticket office only.
Camelback Ranch: Monday-Thursday, active-duty troops and veterans can buy an Infield Box or Baseline Field Box ticket for $12 vs. $21; only valid at the box office on the day of the game.
— Charlsy Panzino, Military Times contributor
