John Houser III 2023-11-22 07:48:18
Our mid-Atlantic location means we get the best of four full seasons, making us the perfect year-round playground. But don’t take our word for it — you’re welcome to see for yourself. Spring In Monkton, immerse yourself in greenery via 100-plus playfully sculpted shrubberies at Ladew Topiary Gardens, one of the world’s top topiary attractions. Watch horses leap at the Maryland Hunt Cup in Reisterstown, America’s longest-running steeplechase. Gaze at fluffy pink blooms floating in the wind on a Montgomery County cherry-blossom road trip. In National Harbor, explore an array of cultural activities at Sakura Saturday, an official event of D.C.’s National Cherry Blossom Festival. Get your fill of greens and fairways at one of 20-plus golf courses, from the Atlantic coast to Western Maryland’s mountains. Root, root, root for the home team at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in Baltimore or at one of six minorleague stadiums across the state. Baltimore’s Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of the Triple Crown, is a Maryland must. While horse races are the main event, you’ll also find plenty of food and live music. Hike or bike on 14 rail trails across Maryland. These former railroad lines — part of our Trail System Second-to-None — delight with fascinating history, emerald shade trees and cascading waterways. (Learn more about our trails on p. 67.) Chestertown Tea Party Festival is bags of fun with parades and Colonial re-enactors, historical walking tours, live music and even a tea toss. Head to the Maryland Craft Beer Festival in Frederick to sample limited-edition and small-batch brews from local purveyors. Explore museums, go antiquing, browse art galleries or just enjoy some ice cream at one of Maryland’s 33 lively and historical Main Streets. Hook trout or perch on Maryland’s Fly Fishing Trail. This first-in-the-nation trail boasts 48 designated casting sites — from marshes and lakes to rivers and streams. Historic St. Mary’s City’s May Day offers the latest in 17th-century fashions, games and English folk dancing. Summer Head “downy ocean,” as the locals say, to Ocean City, where you can sprawl out on the beach, savor fresh seafood and stroll the boardwalk. Raise a rainbow flag and salute love at our many Pride events, ranging from Hagerstown to Annapolis. Baltimore’s week-long event culminates in one of the longest running Pride parades in the country. Kayak, paddleboard or water ski across Deep Creek Lake in McHenry to see why Marylanders love this summertime spot. Let experienced Chesapeake Bay Storytellers and Atlantic Ocean charter captains guide you to our top-secret fishing holes. (Learn more about our Storytellers on p. 41.) Did we mention our Trail System Second-to-None? Take a paddle-powered journey through hundreds of miles of water trails that wind through marshy shallows, marine sanctuaries and white-water rapids. Each summer, the Maryland State Fair brings nearly three weeks of carnival rides, horse racing, live music and delicious fair foods to Timonium. North Beach’s free Movies on the Beach add a dash of magic to family movie night, with BYOBeach towel seats and a background of star-smattered skies. At Ocean City’s White Marlin Open — the world’s largest billfish tournament — watch pro-level anglers battle it out for a multimillion-dollar prize. Rock out under summer skies at outdoor venues like Baltimore’s waterfront Pier Six Pavilion, Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia or Oregon Ridge Park in Cockeysville. It’s a Maryland must to try a snowball (think snow cone, but with fluffier ice and marshmallow topping). Hagerstown’s Sweet Harmony Treats and Ice Queens in Baltimore are there to satisfy your sweet tooth. Fall Ogle trees bursting with brilliant golds and reds while hiking at Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg, Susquehanna State Park in Havre de Grace and 52 other state parks. Come for the 30-plus food trucks but stay for the bands, crafts, beers and axe throwing at Lutherville’s Trifecta Food Truck & Music Festival — the state’s largest moveable feast. Sip regional rosés and pinots on the Eastern Shore’s Chesapeake Wine Trail or bring your big glass for plenty of pours in one place at Maryland Wine Festival in Westminster. Pick pumpkins and apples, race through corn mazes and ride tractors at farms like Jumbo’s Pumpkin Patch in Middletown, Butler’s Orchard in Germantown or Swann Farms in Owings. Got seafood festivals? We do. Down fresh-shucked oysters and savor the bounty of the bay and ocean at the U.S. Oyster Festival in Leonardtown and the National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield. Take in fall colors at the four-day Autumn Glory Festival in Oakland; along with fabulous foliage, you’ll find a carnival and parade. Raise a glass to these sweet sounds: Each fall, Linganore Winecellars in Mount Airy hosts the largest reggae festival in the mid-Atlantic. Guided tours of our spookiest spots will give you goosebumps. The Historic Savage Mill in Savage, Chesapeake Ghost Tours in Marion Station and Havre de Haunts in Havre de Grace are just a few of the boo-dos you’ll find. Sleep under the stars or enjoy the ultimate alfresco dining at more than 2,000 campsites, 120 cabins and 100 picnic shelters in Maryland’s state parks. The Nause-Waiwash Band of Indians’ Annual Native American Festival in Vienna — an open-to-the-public powwow — honors heritage and history via song, dance and art. Winter Glide, slide or ride your way down our best powder at Wisp Resort — a snowy mountain haven in McHenry. Glamp in lavishly furnished yurts at Savage River Lodge, nestled within a state forest. Trek along tranquil snowshoe trails before relaxing with a massage. Guided goose-hunting trips with experienced Eastern Shore outfitters will give you access to the best places to bag a goose (or three). At Rockville’s International Night, enjoy a cultural celebration with dancing, fashion and food from around the world … without needing your passport. Grown-ups can roll the dice or rock ‘n’ roll the night away at MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino. Over at ICE! at Gaylord National, frozen slides and sculptures spanning 17,000-plus square feet promise big family fun. Celebrate the Jewish Festival of Lights at events across Maryland, such as Baltimore’s Hanukkah Lights Up the Sky, where dinner, kids’ activities and fireworks bring the fun. Relax at Woodlawn Inn & Estate’s 1634 manor house and cottage in Ridge where swoon-worthy Potomac River views pair perfectly with Slack Farms’ wine tastings. Marvel at the sight of boats gliding through the water adorned with thousands of colorful lights at the Eastport Yacht Club’s Lights Parade in Annapolis. Whoop for your favorite oyster shucker, trap setter or turkey caller in heritage-driven competitions at the National Outdoor Show in Church Creek. Sing carols and “ooh” at pyrotechnics during the annual Monument Lighting in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon. Or head to the eclectic Hampden neighborhood to wow your inner kid (and outer kids!) with residents’ lovingly hung light displays at Miracle on 34th Street. Honor February’s Black History Month by tracing the life of one of the most impactful Maryland activists on the Frederick Douglass Driving Tour, which traverses Annapolis, Baltimore and more. Writer bio: John Houser III is a writer, cook, podcast producer and artist in Baltimore.
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