Maryland Official Visitors Guide - 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide
Central Maryland
Lydia Woolever 2020-01-08 11:51:28
Chesapeake Charm and Urban Adventures
Open for sophisticated cities, scenic countryside and some of Maryland’s greatest treasures.
With five scenic counties and one large city, Central Maryland features Chesapeake Bay charm—and a “choose your own adventure” experience for any visitor. Whether you’re craving arts and culture, food and drink or history and heritage, the state’s cultural crossroads have you more than covered.
Eat & Drink: Five Urban Palate Pleasers
1 Find a Real-Deal Crab House
Some of Maryland’s best crab houses are in the Central Region, with no-frills hotspots luring locals and tourists alike for some of the meatiest bites around. Baltimore County is full of such establishments, like decades-old Ocean Pride in Lutherville, Schultz’s Crab House and Mr. Bill’s Terrace Inn in Essex and Costas Inn in Dundalk. Meanwhile, in Anne Arundel County, Cantler’s Riverside Inn boasts a quintessential crab feast setting overlooking a quiet creek in Annapolis. How do you know you’re in the right place? Brown-paper-wrapped tables, wooden mallets and spicy seafood seasoning—sometimes J.O. Spice, Old Bay or a secret recipe.
2 Indulge in Baltimore’s Food Boom
Charm City—a nickname to acknowledge the city’s slew of hidden gems—has quickly become one of the hottest food scenes on the East Coast, with rave reviews rolling in as local chefs shine at both chic, cheap eats and five-star fine-dining experiences. With so many options from freshly caught fish, to exotic Ethiopian to local specialties, it can be hard to decide just how to treat your tastebuds. Lucky for you that Baltimore offers market-inspired food halls, like the newly renovated Cross Street and Broad Street Markets and the modern, eclectic R. House, that let you have it all.
3 Feast on Farm-to-Table Meals
These days, it’s easy to eat seasonally and sustainably in Maryland, as many area chefs are supporting local agriculture and hopping on the farm-to-table bandwagon. At restaurants like Foraged in Baltimore, Preserve in Annapolis, Willy’s Kitchen in Glen Burnie and Woodberry Kitchen, nearly every ingredient—from meat and dairy to produce and breads—are sourced from within the state.
4 Dine By the Bay
The Annapolis waterfront is an idyllic setting for any meal, with spectacular views and stellar people-watching along the state capital’s brick-lined streets. Locals love historic pubs along City Dock such as Middleton’s Tavern and McGarvey’s Saloon for fresh-shucked oysters and pints of cold beer, or happy hour across Spa Creek at Davis’s Pub and Boatyard Bar & Grill in the neighborhood of Eastport. Down the street, Chart House and Carrol’s Creek Café also offer more renowned options like crabcakes and rockfish at the water’s edge.
5 Dig Into Barbecue Along Korean Way
Central Maryland is home to a large Korean community. To get a taste of the authentic Asian cuisine, head to Route 40 for a bevy of mouthwatering barbecue spots. Perhaps most famous is Honey Pig Restaurant in Ellicott City, open 24/7 and always buzzing with energy. Other spots like Shin Chon, also in Ellicott City, and Iron Age in Catonsville are family-friendly favorites for traditional DIY dining experiences with tabletop grills.
See & Do: Seven Authentic Maryland Experiences
6 Set Sail on the Chesapeake
With the Chesapeake Bay watershed spanning some 64,000 square miles, it’s no surprise that sailing is somewhat of a state sport. In fact, Annapolis just so happens to be the “Sailing Capital of the U.S.” Take to the seas yourself aboard the Schooner Woodwind for two-hour cruises past the Naval Academy and along the historic seaport. On land, learn more about maritime history at the Annapolis Maritime Museum or the U.S. Naval Academy Museum. Then take a drive to Baltimore and visit the Living Classrooms Foundation’s on-water fun, paddling a Chessie Dragon boat or scooting around in an electric pirate ship!
7 View Acclaimed Art
Baltimore is home to some of the finest art collections on the East Coast, and best of all, many museums offer free admission. The Baltimore Museum of Art, for instance, houses an exceptional array of classic and contemporary work, including pieces by Picasso and Degas, and more than 1,000 works by Matisse (the largest holding of his work in the world!) in the esteemed Cone Collection. The Walters Art Museum features objects from around the globe dating back 7,000 years, like ancient Medieval armor, Grecian sculptures and Egyptian mummies. The American Visionary Art Museum offers one-of-a-kind exhibits, for a small fee, that would make John Waters proud.
8 See the Historic Sites
The Central Region features many a historic landmark from the State House in Annapolis, where the Continental Congress signed the Treaty of Paris in 1783, officially ending the Revolutionary War, to Fort McHenry in Baltimore, which protected the city from the British bombardment in the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to pen “The Star-Spangled Banner.” For a small fee, you can take self-guided tours of these historic landmarks that made American history.
9 Catch a Ballgame
Whatever the time of year, Maryland sports fans show up to support their ball-playing birds in and around Baltimore. In the fall and winter, the M&T Bank Stadium parking lot packs with tailgate parties for Ravens games, while in the spring and summer, Camden Yards fills with friends and families for a quintessential evening with hot dogs, peanuts and cold beers as the Orioles rule the roost. Also, just outside the city, Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen hosts the Ironbirds. The stadium offers family-friendly experiences. Throughout the summer, kids can run the bases, play catch on the field, watch fireworks displays and even meet members of each team—some of whom might one day become Os.
10 Experience Equestrian Tradition
Throughout the spring and fall, the sound of hooves fills Maryland’s horse country as one of the state’s greatest equine traditions takes to local farmland, much as it has for the past hundred years. From April through May and again in September and October, cross-country steeplechase races and equestrian events take place across Baltimore, Howard and Harford counties, with the region’s top riders competing across fields and over timber fences. Be sure to arrive early for the epic tailgate parties.
11 Discover Maryland Legends and Legacies
Sign up for the Legends and Legacies Heritage Pass online at Balitmore.org and celebrate the lives of Marylanders who changed the course of American history. The pass provides discounted entry to three of Baltimore’s most popular attractions honoring African-American history and culture—The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African American History & Culture and the Frederick Douglass-Isaac Myers Maritime Park Museum in addition to other deals.
12 Make Friends with the Animals
The Central Region claims two of the top ways to experience the animal kingdom in the mid-Atlantic—the renowned National Aquarium and Maryland Zoo, both located in Baltimore. At these family-friendly institutions, kids get an up-close look at everything from sharks and jellyfish to giraffes and penguins through world-class exhibits. Both even host slumber parties for bedtime stories beside the wildlife.
Places to Stay: Five Ways to Unwind
13 Enjoy Flights of Fancy
A growing group of haute hotels have popped up across Baltimore. The Sagamore Pendry is the place for swanky sleeps along the waterfront, with this industrial-chic space featuring stunning suites and an Instagram-worthy waterfront infinity pool. Meanwhile, The Ivy Hotel in the central neighborhood of Mt. Vernon reimagines a historic mansion with an on-site spa, verdant courtyard and a five-star restaurant. A few blocks away, the Hotel Revival also touts trendy décor and panoramic views over the city’s own (and the country’s first) Washington Monument at a more affordable price.
14 Find True Romance
Seeking a romantic getaway? The sprawling 19th-century estate of Antrim 1844 feels like a world away in Taneytown, with elegant guest rooms, grand porches and English rose gardens for morning strolls. In addition to the main mansion, more than 30 other gorgeous guest rooms make this Carroll County retreat a fitting respite for the entire family.
15 See What’s Happening in Hanover
In upper Anne Arundel County, Hanover has two hip new hotels located close to BWI Airport. After a night of cards, cocktails and concerts at the Maryland Live! Casino, revelers can rest easy upstairs at the Live! Hotel where modern furnishings meet pillow-top mattresses with a luxe spa and salon on premises. For something more serene, the Hotel Arundel Preserve offers an eco-friendly option with an indoor pool and stylish amenities. Both are within close proximity to the Arundel Mills—the largest mall in the state—which also sports a Medieval Times.
16 Escape to the Harbor
The Annapolis Waterfront Hotel captures the nautical essence of the state capital. Waterfront views? Check, with balconies looking out over the bobbing harbor. Sailor theme? Check, check, with each charming suite decked in blue-and-white stripes with anchor-stitched pillows. Guests can even arrive by boat—overnight dock slips are available.
17 Experience Living History
Dating back to the early 1700s, The Wayside Inn in Ellicott City is not just a cozy accommodation in the heart of Howard County but also a historic site steeped in local lore. It’s been said that both General George Washington and John Quincy Adams stayed in this elegant fieldstone lodging. Today, stately rooms are studded with old-world charms such as canopied beds, wood-burning fireplaces and antique decor.
Shop: Three Places to Pick Up a Souvenir
18 Stroll the Shops of Savage Mill
It’s easy to find souvenirs while strolling through this historic former cotton mill filled with goodies by local artisans in Savage. More than two dozen storefronts feature everything from fine art and antiques to custom jewelry, while locally-owned restaurants, like Bonaparte-Rustiq Bakery and Rams Head Tavern, offer homegrown food and drink. Admire the beautiful brick building that dates back more than 200 years.
19 Chic Boutiques in Old Ellicott City
After two recent major floods, many of the small businesses of this eclectic downtown in Howard County continue to carry on the shopping district’s strong community feel through a diverse mix of boutiques, restaurants and bars. Shop fine furniture at Su Casa, cute clothing at Primitive Beginnings and crave-worthy confections at the Sweet Cascades Chocolatier.
20 High Fashion in Harbor East
Fashionistas flock to the luxury shopping district of Harbor East on the Baltimore waterfront for high-end brands like Anthropologie, Brooks Brothers, Warby Parker and the city’s own Under Armour in a glitzy urban setting. Treat yourself to a signature massage at the Four Seasons Spa, then grab a unique gift for your loved ones at the locally-owned Curiosity shop.
Events: Five Reasons to Mark Your Calendar
21 Grab Some Popcorn for the Maryland Film Festival
Every May, this cinema celebration draws movie lovers from near and far for five days of film screenings, panel discussions and one special flick picked by iconic Maryland auteur John Waters. In Baltimore’s Station North Arts & Entertainment District, see the creator of Pink Flamingos in the flesh and admire the rebirth of the historic Parkway Theater.
22 Celebrate Arts for All at Artscape
The country’s largest free arts festival just so happens to hail from Maryland, as every July, thousands of attendees gather in the Station North Arts & Entertainment District of Baltimore for one full weekend of music, dance, theater and more. During this quirky annual tradition, browse or buy local artworks, hear headlining musicians across multiple stages and snap a selfie with one of the decked-out “art cars” that line North Charles Street.
23 Ride the Ferris Wheel at the Maryland State Fair
There are few more quintessential end of summer experiences than a trip to the Maryland State Fair. Looking for live animals? Blue-ribbon-winning livestock are on display throughout the Cow Palace. Fiending for fried food? Vendors hawk classics such as corn dogs, cotton candy and caramel apples. Craving the adrenaline rush of a carnival ride? Soak up the end of summer from the top of the Ferris wheel.
24 Toast Local “Vinos” During the Maryland Wine Festival
In late September, the wine overfloweth as thousands gather for a weekend of tastings, art and music at the bucolic Carroll County Farm Museum in Westminster. To celebrate the state’s growing world of wine, there will be more than 150 vintages from 25 local vineyards, as well as a Maryland-made cheese pavilion for soaking it all up.
25 See Brilliant Baltimore Festivals
Light City is a festival of light, music and innovation that takes over Baltimore in early November for 10 days of luminous art installations and events. Recently expanded, this free festival is combined with the Baltimore Book Festival, creating a truly “enlightening” experience! Hear talks from some of the country’s brightest minds during the weeklong Lab speaker series and expand your own imagination with book readings, signings and panel discussions. At night, see the main event as the Inner Harbor and its surrounding neighborhoods are illuminated in an array of colors, sights and sounds.
Cities & Towns: Five Spots Ready to be Explored
26 Enjoy a Historic Getaway in Annapolis
Founded in 1649 and once known as the “Athens of America,” the Colonial city of Annapolis has a rich heritage revered by U.S. history buffs. Visitors can easily explore this walkable state capital to view historic homes, shop local businesses and sate their hunger and thirst at old-school pubs selling traditional Chesapeake fare. Just be sure to spend time around the historic seaport and sparkling harbor to see the city’s iconic sailboats and nautical charms.
27 Appreciate Eclectic Ellicott City
This Howard County community is a Maryland treasure for the eclectic mix of small businesses, restaurants and residents of its historic, quaint downtown. Along Main Street, stop into locally-owned boutiques, learn about the region’s transportation history at the B&O Railroad Museum and sip on house-made beers at Manor Hill Tavern. Just up the river, Patapsco State Park offers a range of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
28 Breathe the Fresh Country Air in Westminster
Nestled between the hills of farmland and horse country in the rural heart of Carroll County, Westminster is a welcome getaway from the hubbub of city or suburban life. Pick apples at Baugher’s Orchard, visit farm animals at the Carroll County Farm Museum and meander through the peaceful downtown’s tree-lined streets for cozy restaurants and town parks perfect for family picnics. In the fall, corn mazes cover the countryside, the Maryland Microbrewery Festival pours local beers at the Union Mills Homestead and McDaniel College draws crowds for fan-favorite football games.
29 Experience the Charm of Baltimore
Named a top place to visit by The New York Times in 2018, Charm City continues to live up to its nickname with a unique mix of small-town hospitality and big-city sophistication. It’s easy to fall for the state’s cultural epicenter thanks to its acclaimed art museums, renowned restaurants, historical landmarks and dazzling Inner Harbor. Come for a day trip or for a longer stay as new luxurious hotels make it even harder to leave.
30 Blast to the Past in Havre de Grace
Located at the mouth of the Susquehanna River, Havre de Grace is a Chesapeake Bay hidden gem, with a charming downtown, waterfront restaurants and museums dedicated to the region’s maritime history. Get a taste of how Harford County’s rural communities used to live circa 1900 at the Steppingstone Farm Museum, where a preserved farmhouse showcases old farm tools and traditions, and at the Concord Point Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1827 and boasts epic views over the top of the bay.
SPOTLIGHT
Central Region’s Waterfront Culture
The Central Region may be home to the state’s bustling city centers, but with its prime location running along some 80 miles of the Chesapeake Bay, there is ample maritime culture to soak up during your stay. The waterfront way of life extends beyond the remote, rural region of the Eastern Shore. Quaint watermen’s communities are still alive and well from Harford to Anne Arundel counties. For that, seafood eateries abound in both small, scenic towns, like Havre de Grace, Essex and Edgewater, and big cities, like Annapolis and Baltimore, with dockside crab houses hawking the state’s trifecta of fresh-caught crabs, oysters and rockfish throughout the year. Try to catch these treasures yourself on charter fishing trips, or for more leisurely outings, take to the seas with tours aboard classic sailing vessels or explore on your own with canoe, kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals throughout the region. A host of breathtaking beaches also offer family fun on land all summer long. Spots like Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis and Hammerman Area Beach at Gunpowder Falls State Park in Middle River are great for swimming with sandy shorelines and sweeping views of the Chesapeake, with picnic tables, playgrounds and park programs to boot.
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TRIPADVISOR TOP DINING DESTINATIONS IN CENTRAL MARYLAND
Royal Taj in Columbia
Diners rave about the excellent service and authentic Indian dishes including Chicken Mango Curry, Shrimp Vindaloo, Chana Masala, samosas, naan and out-of-this-world chocolate layer cake. They even have a lunch buffet.
7West Bistro Grille in Towson
7West serves Mediterranean-inspired entrees alongside local favorites. Guests can’t get enough of the “melt in your mouth” lamb chops, Chesapeake Chicken and crabcakes. If you are in the area, don’t miss happy hour from 3pm-7pm with half-price tapas.
The Vineyard Wine Bar in Havre De Grace
The only thing better than the restaurant’s extensive wine list is the knowledgeable staff who can help you choose the perfect wine to pair with a great meal. Also try creative cuisine such as Venison Bistro Filet.
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