Crazy about Cicadas
The book Cicada Olympics: Engaging Kids in Live Insect Activities by Dr. Cindy Smith and Dr. Richard Groover (2021) is a great resource for sparking the interest of young minds in entomology. Children often mimic the behavior of adults, so if a grownup freaks out at the sight of a cicada or any bug, kids are likely to follow suit rather than learning more about insects and possibly developing a lifelong interest in them and their place in the sustainment of our natural world.
Here are a few great cicada websites and apps where you can look up the cicada forecast and plan your next cicada reunion:
- Cicada Mania
- Cicada Safari app
- Periodical Cicada Information (University of Connecticut)
Occoquan History
Occoquan Mayor Earnie Porta compiled Occoquan, an Images of America book filled with pictures and history of the town. Some of the most stunning images are those from the 1916 fire and the 1972 hurricane when floodwaters breached the dam. The town recovered from both tragedies and is thriving today. [Porta, Earnie. 2010. Occoquan (Images of America). Arcadia Publishing.]
Amanda’s Artistry
If you liked the jewelry and fashions described in the book, the character Amanda and her creations were modeled Upcycled Designer Gemz.
Local Travel
Let the Potomac Shores series inspire you to travel. Here are some of the places mentioned in The Cicada Spring or on Mason Neck.
Attractions
- Gunston Hall – George Mason’s home
- Mount Vernon – George Washington’s home
- National Harbor
- Visit Occoquan
Parks
- Leesylvania State Park
- Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge
- Mason Neck State Park
- Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge
Restaurants & Wineries
- Bistro L’Hermitage
- Dixie Bones (the infamous chocolate cream pie)
- Golden Plum Bakery (formerly Mom’s Apple Pie)
- Madigan’s
- Potomac Point Winery