ORDER UP Foodies will find plenty of flavor in Central Maryland, as the area is home to many restaurants rooted in rich cultural traditions. Indulge in some nationally renowned Korean barbecue or laidback dim sum restaurants on Route 40’s “Korean Way.” This five-mile stretch of road in Ellicott City is home to more than 100 Korean restaurants and shops. For soul food, head to some of Baltimore’s beloved Black-owned restaurants like Ida B’s Table and Connie’s Chicken and Waffles. Baltimore’s Little Italy— nestled between the Inner Harbor and Fells Point—serves up ravioli dinners, fine wines, and plenty of pastries, and vegans always have a place at the table at spots like Land of Kush. Maryland’s decadent seafood is—of course—a hallmark and staple of Maryland cuisine. Try famous steamed blue crabs, mouthwatering and versatile rockfish, quintessential Maryland coddies, and delicious fried lake trout—and don’t forget to indulge in generous portions of Old Bay to get the full experience. Excellent crab houses and grills dot the region, and we Marylanders think seafood is best enjoyed by the water. Don’t forget a beverage, as well. Breweries abound including Union Craft Brewing, lynchpin of The Union Collective. Located in hip, happening Hampden, it includes an ice creamery, the Gypsy Truckstaurant, and even a bouldering gym. The Central Region is home to much of Maryland’s burgeoning distilling scene with tours available at spots like Old Line Spirits, Baltimore Spirits Company, and famous Sagamore Spirit Distillery by the water in Port Covington. And the Carroll Wine Trail, one of several in the region, brings it all together with fantastic charm, character, and history along with the happy sampling of hand-crafted wines. Since 1984, Carroll County has also been the home of the annual Maryland Wine Festival, bringing together wineries from across the state in a celebration of the bounty of vineyards. If you’re looking for more than grapes in the area, you can visit Baugher’s Orchards & Farm and pick your own fresh fruits. Sagamore Spirit Distillery @mandysphototiles IN ON THE ACTION Maryland is steeped in equestrian history and happenings, with steeplechase racing throughout the Central Region including the legendary Hunt Cup and other steeplechase and point-to-point races. At Fair Hill International, you’ll find nearly every sort of equestrian event. Watch dressage, carriage driving, endurance races, show jumping, and steeplechases—or catch three at once during the world-renowned Maryland 5 Star. Naturally, the annual Preakness Stakes in Baltimore is also always a party. The festivities around the second jewel of horse racing’s famous Triple Crown kick off with a hot air balloon festival and only get more hyped up leading to the race. Photo: The Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore (Jim McCue) 88 / VISITMARYLAND.ORG
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2021 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 88
