CENTRAL MARYLAND 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. Toast Local “Vinos” During the Maryland Wine Festival 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. Concord Point Lighthouse, Havre de Grace Cities & Towns: Five Spots Ready to be Explored 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. 86 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. Appreciate Eclectic Ellicott City 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. 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. 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 ✥ VISITMARYLAND.ORG | 1-877-209-5883 PHOTO: TRAVIS FOREMAN Breathe the Fresh Country Air in Westminster 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, Experience the Charm of Baltimore 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. ✥ Blast to the Past in Havre de Grace
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 86
