CENTRAL MARYLAND 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 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. Celebrate Arts for All at Artscape Artscape, Baltimore 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, 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 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. 84 ✥ VISITMARYLAND.ORG | 1-877-209-5883 PHOTO: BALTIMORE OFFICE OF PROMOTION & THE ARTS, EDWIN REMSBERG PHOTOGRAPHY 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. Escape to the Harbor stately rooms are studded with old-world charms such as canopied beds, wood-burning fireplaces and antique decor. Chic Boutiques in Old Ellicott City Shop: Three Places to Pick Up a Souvenir 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. 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. 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. Ride the Ferris Wheel at the Maryland State Fair
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 84
