Four Seasons of Adventure By John Houser III 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. Maryland Hunt Cup 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 minor-league stadiums across the state. From top: Robert Keller; Jay Fleming Youghiogheny River 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. 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. Historic St. Mary’s City ’s May Day offers the latest in 17th-century fashions, games and English folk dancing. VISITMARYLAND.ORG 31
Maryland Official Visitors Guide 2024 Maryland Official Visitors Guide: Page 31
