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Seven Ways to Celebrate a Fun-filled May in Annapolis

Destination Maryland: The Guide to Maryland Travel 2020 Tourism Guide for Maryland Now Available, Free

The Maryland Office of Tourism Development (OTD) has released the 2020 edition of Destination Maryland: The Guide to Maryland Travel. This free travel publication highlights the regions of Maryland and includes trip suggestions as well as listings of attractions, state and national parks, lodging and services. The guide delves into seasonal and regional activities throughout Maryland, the full-color magazine also contains editorial features and itineraries, and listings for more than 2,000 tourism attractions, state and national parks, lodging, and tour and travel services, plus includes special interviews with Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter, mountain bike hall of famer Marla Streb and several of Maryland’s celebrity chefs.

Copies of Destination Maryland are available at Maryland Welcome Centers or by calling 800-719-5900. Orders can also be placed on the Office of Tourism’s web site, visitmaryland.org, which is also where the guide is available in a flip-book version.

Maryland's African-American Heritage Travel Guide Available

The Maryland Office of Tourism is offering its new African-American Heritage Travel Guide which lists close to 200 attractions and sites throughout the state that are linked to African-American heritage and culture, and tell the stories of accomplishments and sacrifices, past and present that have shaped a state and influenced a nation. The 32-page brochure allows readers to easily navigate through Maryland's African-American experience. Whether following a heritage trail, sampling local foods or being entertained at a world renowned cultural venue, travelers can enjoy today what generations have built. Also featured in this issue are sites that participate in the National Park Service's National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom program, which works to preserve historic places associated with the Underground Railroad and tell a comprehensive story of the people and events associated with the struggle for freedom from enslavement.

For more information or to request a copy, go to www.visitmaryland.org or call 1-800-719-5900. To receive free Maryland travel information - Destination Maryland , Maryland Calendar of Events and a state highway map - by mail, call 800-719-5900. Information can also be found on the Tourism Office's web site, VisitMaryland.org .

Maryland ‘capitals’ offer visitors unique experiences

In the fall of 1633, English adventurers aboard two small ships, the Ark and the Dove, began a risky journey across the Atlantic. The ships eventually sailed up the Chesapeake Bay to an island in the Potomac River, which they named St. Clement’s Island. They arrived on March 25, 1634 – Maryland Day. Having established Maryland as a colony, the settlers created St. Mary’s City as the capital.

In the spirit of Maryland’s special birthday and capital-style celebrations, the Maryland Tourism Office wants you to know about a variety of ongoing attractions and destinations at “capitals” all across Maryland – places that you can discover yourself. And, they’re easily accessible: Every location in the state is within a three-hour drive from Baltimore. Many are a short distance from Washington, D.C.

Start with Annapolis, the capital of Maryland (since 1694 when it was called Anne Arundel Town), and for seven months (1783-1784), the capital of the United States. Annapolis has the nation’s largest concentration of 18th-century buildings still in use. This Colonial seaport town is also known as the sailing capital of the world. Appropriately, the U.S. Naval Academy, founded in 1845, is located here. Annapolis was established in 1708 by virtue of a charter granted in the name of England’s Queen Anne. It’s where George Washington resigned from the Continental Army and where the Treaty of Paris – which ended the American Revolutionary War – was ratified. Take a stroll down the hill from the State House to City Dock, along brick-paved sidewalks. You’ll find pubs, restaurants, specialty shops and galleries in a town that’s brimming with maritime flavor.

If you were to sail northeast from Annapolis, nearly all the way up the Chesapeake Bay, you’d get to Havre de Grace in Harford County – the decoy capital of the world. Situated on the banks of the Susquehanna River, downtown Havre de Grace was recently designated as a Maryland arts and entertainment (A&E) district. You’ll discover a trove of museums and art galleries, historical attractions, antiques shops and local eateries featuring fresh seafood. The Havre de Grace Decoy Museum has an expansive collection of waterfowl art created by master carvers and craftsmen from the Upper Chesapeake Bay region. And, the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum and Concord Point Lighthouse are easily accessible from a boardwalk-style promenade on the waterfront.

Return south to Baltimore – birthplace of the National Anthem – where you’ll find one end of the Star-Spangled Banner Trail, the 100-mile route that starts in the Southern Maryland town of Solomons. The trail depicts the path of British forces during the War of 1812 and the defensive stands in which American troops engaged the invaders. Fort McHenry in Baltimore is where the Americans withstood heavy British bombardments, witnessed by Francis Scott Key who was inspired to write the poem that became the National Anthem.

Baltimore is also the NAACP’s capital – its headquarters. As befits the distinction of hosting the nation’s largest and oldest civil-rights organization, Maryland is home to many African-American heritage sites. In Baltimore, they include: The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum, the Reginald F. Lewis Museum of Maryland African-American History and Culture and the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center.

Surrounding Baltimore is Baltimore County. The northern section of the county is a haven for Thoroughbred horse farms – Maryland’s Thoroughbred-horse capital. You’ll see Thorougbreds running at Pimlico in Baltimore City during the spring, but you’ll see horses in Baltimore County all-year round.

Drive west to Howard County. Ellicott City is where you’ll find the oldest surviving railroad station in the nation. Here, in 1830, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad installed the first 13 miles of commercial track in the U.S. The station is now a museum that supports the town’s distinction as one of the state’s railroading capitals.

Continue going west and you’ll get to New Market, Maryland’s antiques capital. During the late 1700s, New Market was a significant hub of commerce on the Historic National Road – the “Gateway to the West” – which went through Cumberland and the Allegheny Mountains.

Just minutes from New Market is Frederick. You’ve now arrived to a region immersed in the history of the Civil War. If there were a capital for Civil War heritage, this would be it. Frederick County was the location of the Battle of South Mountain and the Battle of Monocacy. The confrontation at Monocacy also became known as “The Battle That Saved Washington.”

Both Union and Confederate troops occupied Frederick’s towns during the days leading up to devastating battles at nearby Antietam and Gettysburg. Follow the driving tours along the Maryland Civil War Trails to become more familiar with this pivotal era in American history.

Antietam National Battlefield, by Sharpsburg in Washington County, is the site of the deadliest one-day battle in American history. Additional Civil War locations are in and around Hagerstown and other parts of Washington County. Locals call their county, situated at the border between the North and the South, the “Crossroads of the Civil War.”

Boonsboro, also in Washington County, is where the first monument to honor George Washington was built – the town’s residents assembled on July 4, 1827, to erect a stone tower in tribute of the first president. As you’ve probably surmised, Washington County is one of Maryland’s 19th-century history capitals.

Cumberland, about 30 minutes west of Hagerstown, is in “Mountain Maryland” country, Allegany County – a region that has emerged as an arts capital. In addition to arts and entertainment districts in Cumberland and Frostburg, the region is a mecca for artists and arts activities.

Farther west, toward the end of the state, is Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County. Here, you’ll find Maryland’s capital for year-round outdoors sports. Boating, kayaking, hiking, fishing, golf, skiing, snowboarding are all plentiful in this part of the state – it just depends on the time of the year you visit. In this season, you could even try ice fishing.

Now, head back east across "Mountain Maryland" and swing southeast before you get to Frederick. You’ll be in Montgomery County, just beyond the Washington, D.C., line. Bethesda, Rockville and Silver Spring are major destinations in the county, where you’ll find plenty of arts and entertainment attractions, international dining choices and abundant shopping. Montgomery County is also home to Brookeville, which became the nation’s capital for a day during the War of 1812. President James Madison sought refuge here on the night of August 26, 1814, in the aftermath of the Battle of Bladensburg – a major conflict during the war.

From Montgomery County, go south around the border of Washington, D.C., into Prince George’s County – Maryland’s aviation history capital. The country’s first unmanned balloon ascent occurred in Bladensburg in 1784. The College Park Airport, opened in 1909, is the world’s oldest continuously operating airport. An aviation museum is also here. And, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center is in Greenbelt.

Continue south toward Charles County in Southern Maryland. Charles County is the Blue Heron Capital – it has the largest Blue Heron Rookery on the East Coast, located in Nanjemoy.Below Charles County is St. Mary’s County. Here are Maryland’s roots. Historic St. Mary’s City is the site of the fourth permanent settlement in the New World and, as mentioned earlier, Maryland’s first capital, established in 1634. Historic St. Mary’s City, according to the National Park Service, is the best-preserved example of a 17th-century English town in North America.

Circle back up to Annapolis, along the west bank of the Chesapeake Bay. If you travel by boat, Rock Hall is almost directly across the Bay on the Eastern Shore. This Kent County fishing town with more than a dozen marinas is the rockfish capital. It’s known for hosting an annual rockfish tournament. Next to crabs, rockfish are Maryland’s most prized seafood. Kent County also has Chestertown, the red-brick sidewalk capital. A thriving Colonial port town, Chestertown is home to Washington College, founded in 1782. It’s also Maryland’s tea capital. A Memorial Day weekend re-enactment of the Chestertown Tea Party, which occurred May 23, 1774, – five months after the one in Boston – is an annual event.

Galena, another Kent County town, is the dogwood capital. In the spring – when the town hosts its annual Dogwood Festival – you’ll see dogwood trees with pink and white blossoms lining the streets of an area that boasts an assortment of antiques stores and eateries. Kent also includes Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge – home to 234 species of birds – making it one of the state’s bird capitals.

Talbot County, south of Kent, has three prominent towns – Easton, Oxford and St. Michaels – that are collectively called “the Hamptons of the Chesapeake Bay.” Not exactly the name of a capital, but it’s close. (Actually, Easton is the region’s Colonial capital.) The three towns are scenic, upscale getaway destinations that have culinary, cultural and historical appeal. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum with its lighthouse is in St. Michaels, a place that many also consider to be the romantic getaway capital.

South from Talbot is Dorchester County, which calls itself “the heart of Chesapeake Country” and Maryland’s bald eagle capital. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, 12 miles from Cambridge, includes more than 27,000 acres of marshland. It’s a haven for migrating duck and geese. The Refuge also hosts the largest breeding population of bald eagles on the East Coast, north of Florida.

From Dorchester, follow the Bay’s coastline into Somerset County. Crisfield, founded in 1666 as Annemessex and incorporated as Crisfield in 1872, was the nation’s leading oyster-producing town for many years. It became known as the Seafood Capital of the World. Maryland’s only offshore island, Smith Island, is a 12-mile boat-ride west of Crisfield. The island has about 350 residents. It’s also the state’s dessert capital. Smith Island cake – a tasty dessert usually baked with eight to 12 layers – received this legislative designation in spring 2008.

Back to the mainland, continue east around the Maryland portion of the Delmarva peninsula into Worcester County. Berlin, a town with 47 buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is one of the state’s movie capitals. Runaway Bride and Tuck Everlasting were filmed here.

Ocean City, Maryland’s marquee seaside resort, is just a short drive away. In addition to its prominence as a family-fun destination and its reputation as the white marlin capital, Ocean City and the surrounding area is the state’s golf capital. Golfers have dozens of courses to choose from.

Worcester is among the state’s top choices for outdoor recreation. The county has numerous options for hiking, biking, camping, fishing and sailing. It’s also another bird-watching capital in Maryland. More than 350 species of resident and migratory birds have been recorded here, according to the county’s tourism office.

Assateague Island is a 37-mile-long barrier island near Berlin with two parks – Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague State Park. In addition to its thriving bird population, the island is Maryland’s wild pony capital. Wild horses have been roaming Assateague’s beaches since the 17th century.

The next county over from coastal Worcester is Wicomico. Salisbury – sometimes referred to as the “crossroads of Delmarva” – is where you’ll find The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art, Salisbury University. This makes Salisbury the wildfowl carving capital. The museum claims to have “the most comprehensive collection of wildfowl carving in the world.” From Salisbury, head northeast to Caroline County, to Adkins Arboretum – a 400-acre garden and preserve where you’ll discover 600 species of plants native to the Delmarva Peninsula. Adkins also offers guided walks, special programs, art exhibitions and plant sales. It’s one of Maryland’s ecological-showcase capitals.

From Caroline, continue north – back through Kent County – and you’ll be in Cecil County. You’ve now reached the upper banks of the Chesapeake, the top of the Eastern Shore. Captain John Smith came here 400 years ago during his exploration of the Bay.
A one-mile trail in Elk Neck State Park takes you to the Turkey Point Lighthouse, built in 1833. You can stand next to the lighthouse, atop a 100-ft. high bluff, and get a view of five rivers – the Northeast, Elk, Bohemia, Sassafras and Susquehanna – that converge into the Chesapeake Bay. You’re at one of the state’s lighthouse capitals. When the Turkey Point Lighthouse was in operation, its beacon was visible for 13 miles. The light source was also the highest of the 74 lighthouses on the Bay.

Cross the Chesapeake Bay here and you’ll return to Harford County. Or, take a boat and sail south back to Annapolis, where you began this trip through Maryland’s capitals.

>What to See & Do

Maryland's Gardens

Maryland gardens reveal art, history and natural splendor

Gardens can be inspirational. That was certainly true for Claude Monet, who said: "I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers." Yet, even if you don't paint, you're apt to be stirred by the natural beauty of a well-manicured garden.

Here are brief descriptions of 12 not-to-miss gardens and farms across Maryland:

Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park and Art Center, Solomons (Calvert County) –

Dedicated to presenting a connection between art and nature, Annmarie features outdoor museum-quality artwork – some of it on loan from the Smithsonian's Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden. Annmarie also has more than 500 shrubs of hybrid azaleas. A new arts building with gallery space opened in 2008. Tours are available through the 30-acre site.

Brookside Gardens, Wheaton (Montgomery County) –

An azalea garden, rose garden, children's garden, formal garden, fragrance garden and Japanese-style garden are all part of this 50-acre collection of public gardens. The property – part of Wheaton Regional Park – also has two conservatories and a horticultural reference library in the Visitors Center. A "Heart-Smart Trail" winds around the gardens.

Historic Sinking Springs Herb Farm and Retreat, Elkton (Cecil County)

After walking around this 130-acre property, you can stay overnight in a country cottage on the farm. Herbal lunches and teas in a restored 18th-century farmhouse are available year-round. "Herbs of the Bible" includes lunch, tour and a "Labyrinth Serenity Walk." Check a monthly schedule of "Any Thyme" events and classes. A sycamore tree, which sprouted in 1578, is on the grounds.

Ladew Topiary Gardens, Monkton (Harford County) –

A life-sized foxhunt scene is one of the first things you'll see at this 250-acre property. Harvey S. Ladew (1887-1976) was a self-taught gardener who created 15 themed "garden rooms" on 22 acres. Tour the 18th-century Ladew Manor House (circa 1747) and take a stroll along the "Nature Walk."

Lilypons Water Gardens, Buckeystown (Frederick County) –

In 1925, this 250-acre site along the Monocacy River was the home of Three Springs Fisheries, a catalog business that had started as a Frederick County entrepreneur's hobby involving goldfish and waterlilies. In 1936, the business worked with the U.S. Post Office to create a new mailing address that could accommodate the upsurge in catalog activity. It was named for a popular opera star, Lily Pons. Later, the business took on the same name. Take a tour when you visit.

London Town House and Gardens, Edgewater (Anne Arundel County)

Overlooking the South River, London Town was a 17th-century tobacco port. About a quarter of the town's original 100 acres remain. You'll find a museum (a former tavern and inn built in 1760) and a park that present historical, archaeological and horticultural perspectives. Eight acres of gardens surround the museum.

Salisbury University Arboretum and Sculpture Collection, Salisbury (Wicomico County) –

This 145-acre campus has more than 2,000 species of plants in a variety of gardens. The university began collecting plants in 1985 and three years later became a national arboretum. A sculpture collection started in 1994 to complement the gardens. Pieces range from the Beaux Arts style of the early 1900s to more recent figurative works.

Sotterley Plantation, Hollywood (St. Mary's County) –

The garden at this tidewater manor (circa 1710) was designed in 1910 as a re-creation of an 18th-century garden. It includes a vegetable garden, herb garden, fruit and nut trees, and an array of flowering plants – all typical of a Colonial garden. Its design is based on four large squares bordered by boxwood hedges and grass walkways. Located on the banks of the Patuxent River, Sotterley is open to the public.

William Paca House and Garden, Annapolis (Anne Arundel County) –

Research and excavations during the 1960s and 1970s led to the restoration of the original Colonial garden here. Paca – a Maryland signer of the Declaration of Independence – designed the garden when he built his house in the 1760s. The two-acre garden has multi-tier terraces that showcase 18th-century horticulture. The property is a National Historic Landmark. Guided tours of the house are available. See the garden at your own pace.

Willow Oak Flower and Herb Farm, Severn (Anne Arundel County) –

This small family farm, which considers itself a botanical preserve, offers an array of herbs, flowers, shrubs and trees. The farm has introduced numerous native medicinal and ornamental plants. Stroll through 17 themed gardens, such as the "Fairy Garden" and the "Perennial Garden." A drying barn displays handmade decorations, cut flowers, healing tinctures and salves. Check monthly schedule of classes.

Individuals who are interested in gardens and gardening can also tap into the resources of the Horticultural Society of Maryland, an organization that offers lectures, trips and workshops. Call 410-821-5561 for information.

Among those who obviously have such an interest are the residents of Baltimore who contributed to Baltimore's designation as one of the top 10 cities for urban gardening. The Daily Green – an online consumer guide for green living – compiled the list. Seattle heads the group and Baltimore is No. 7

Chesapeake Classics, Cambridge

A combination museum, art gallery, reference library and decoy store, Chesapeake Classic contains thousands of vintage regional and factory-made decoys, fishing lures and waterfowling artifacts – including a bushwack gunning boat and shotguns from the 1800’s. Website under construction. 317 High Street, Cambridge, MD 21613, 410-228-6509 (Contact: Jeff Pelayo, Co-owner, 443-362-2230 or Gail Bowen, Co-owner, 410-463-1609 or E-mail chesapeakeclassics@yahoo.com)

Delmarva Discovery Center, Pocomoke City

Located on the banks of the slow-moving Pocomoke River, this museum explores river ecology and the town’s evolving relationship to the river. Sound recordings, full-size dioramas, animal tracks, ships models, dugout canoes and duck decoys are just a few of the items used for interpretation of the following themes: Native People, The River, The Wharf & The Steamer, Shipbuilding & Woodworking, Fishing & Industry. The modern interior space also houses an introductory theatre, and future plans include an on-site restaurant. www.delmarvadiscoverycenter.org, 6 Market Street, Pocomoke City, MD 21851, 410-957-9933 (Contact: Brian Garrett, Executive Director)

George Washington Statue, Cumberland

A young Lt. Colonel George Washington first arrived in frontier Fort Cumberland in 1755 as an aide to General Braddock. Over 250 years later, an 8.5 foot tall bronze statue of Washington will be installed outside of the courthouse located in the historic district of Cumberland to commemorate the time the Father of Our Country spent in the area. (Contact: Howard Buchanan, 240-362-7775)

Mount Felix Vineyard & Winery, Havre de Grace

Mt. Felix (circa 1830s Georgian mansion) has been operating a popular guest house in Havre de Grace for several years. They recently opened a winery and tasting room now that the white & red grapes growing on the scenic farm have reached maturity. Visitors may sample and purchase seven different wines named for notable Havre de Grace characters. Just off 1-95 Exit 89, 2000-A Level Road, Havre de Grace, MD 21078, www.mountfelix.com/vineyards.html (Contact: Proprietors Pete & Mary Ianniello, 410-939-0913, e-mail mountfelix@gmail.com)

Recreated Brick Chapel of 1667, Historic St. Mary’s City

In 2002, historic masons and carpenters began re-creating the Brick Chapel of 1667 on its original foundation in St. Mary’s City. The reconstructed chapel is a interpretive exhibit for all visitors, not a consecrated place of worship. It commemorates the founding place of the Roman Catholic Church in English America and early Maryland’s liberal policy concerning religious activities--taxes did not support an established church and all Trinitarian Christians were allowed to practice their faiths. 1TzaULXJssCcoh7AwA-www.stmaryscity.org, Route 5 & Rosecroft Road, Historic St. Mary's City, MD 20686, 1-800-762-1634 (Contact: Susan Wilkinson, Director of Marketing & Communications, 240-895-4967, e-mail sgwilkinson@smcm.edu )

Running Hare Vineyard, Prince Frederick

Opened August 2008
Located on 300-acres of rolling farmland in Southern Maryland, the pastoral property hosts weddings and special events in addition to growing four varieties of grapes (Cayuga, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chamborcin and Cabernet Franc.) www.runningharevineyard.com, 150 Adelina Road, Prince Frederick, MD 20678, 410-414-8486 (Contact: Mike Scarborough, Proprietor, e-mail info@runningharevineyard.com)

St. John’s Site Museum, Historic St. Mary’s City

Discover exhibits that dramatize the events that shaped Maryland and our nation’s first freedoms. Audio and video installations introduce individuals and colonial life ways. The preserved foundation of the original structure and original artwork illustrate the evolution of the house and the tobacco plantation that surrounded it. Some of the remarkable artifacts that have been found at the site are on exhibit. www.stmaryscity.org, Route 5 & Rosecroft Road, Historic St. Mary's City, MD 20686, 1-800-762-1634 (Contact: Susan Wilkinson, Director of Marketing & Communications, 240-895-4967, e-mail sgwilkinson@smcm.edu )

Tin Lizzie Wineworks, Clarksville

Make your own premium wine at this family wine-making facility located on 157-acres of pristine farmland. Tin Lizzie Wineworks provides clients with everything needed to make quality wines, from professional winemaking equipment and a wide selection of wine grapes to highly trained winemaking staff. www.tinlizziewineworks.com, 13240 Greenberry Lane, Clarksville, MD 21029, 301-318-9954 (Contact: Rob Pearre, 410-212-3018, e-mail info@tinlizziewineworks.com)

Urban Pirates, Baltimore City

Dress, talk and tie ropes like a pirate; fight enemies with water cannons; navigate treacherous waters; and discover hidden treasures during an interactive excursion around the Inner Harbor. The 48’ long ship with a 17-foot beam and 3-foot draft can accommodate up to 49 passengers. Tours take place during the weekends in May and everyday from Memorial Day through Labor Day.www.urbanpirates.us Ann Street Pier, Thames Street, Fells Point (Contact: Lauren Bolin, 443-752-8825, e-mail lauren@piratequest.us)

Barn Quilt Driving Trail, Garrett County

Promoting quilting, Appalachian heritage, agritourism, folk life, and history, painted images of 8’x8’ quilt block patterns first appeared in 2001 on barns in Adams County, Ohio; the phenomenon has quickly spread to 22 states. Garrett County will be the first in Maryland to create a self-guided driving trail to view barn quilts on farms in McHenry, Swanton, Oakland and Grantsville. www.garrettbarnquilts.org (Contact: Delores Davis, Publicity Chair, Barn Quilt Association of Garrett County,e-mail info@garrettbarnquilts.org)

Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area Walking Tours, Union Bridge & New Windsor

With support from the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, the towns of Union Bridge and New Windsor recently published self-guided walking tours that highlight events and characters from the past as well as architectural gems in these National Register Historic Districts. The Union Bridge tour may be downloaded from www.carr.org/~unionbr/ or stop by Town Hall at 104 West Locust Street in Union Bridge for a copy. The New Windsor tour is available at the New Windsor Museum at 207 W. Main Street in New Windsor. (Union Bridge Contact: Violette Hobbs, 410-775-2711; New Windsor Contact: Doris Ann Pierce, 410-635-2602)

Luther Goldman Birding Trail at Lake Artemesia, Berwyn Heights

Dedicated Summer 2008
Created as a memorial to Luther Goldman, a Prince George’s County resident who was a wildlife biologist, avid birder and the first official photographer for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, this 2.2 mile trail loop circling the 38-acre Lake Artemesia will enable birders of all levels to add to their life lists. Bird walks will be conducted regularly. 301-927-2163 (Contact:<mailto:public.affairs@pgparks.com> public.affairs@pgparks.com )

Trolley Service around the Twin Beaches, Chesapeake Beach & North Beach

Memorial Day through Labor Day Weekend
The trolley service allows riders to travel from Chesapeake Beach (stops at the Rod-N-Reel) to Deale (stops at Skipper’s Pier) and more than 50 retail/restaurants along the way for just 25 cents each way.www.beachtrolleyassociation.org, 1-877-777-2708, Beach Business Group, PO Box 858, North Beach, MD 20714 (Contact: Lyn Striegel, President, 301-855-2246)

Water Trails Adventures in Charles County

Unveiled August 27, 2008
This colorful guide, printed on waterproof, tear-proof paper, was designed primarily for those touring by kayak and canoe, and details paddling routes at Mallows Bay, Friendship Farm Park, Mattawoman Creek, and the Port Tobacco River. The guide also includes information about natural, historic, and cultural resources that can be found near the trails. www.visitcharlescounty.com, Charles County Economic Development, 103 Centennial Street, Suite C, La Plata, MD 20646, 301-645-0551 (Contact: Donna Dudley,Chief of Tourism,301-645-1340, e-mail dudleyd@charlescounty.org)

Academy Theatre Banquet & Conference Center, Hagerstown

Opened November 2008
The former Tusing warehouse, located behind Hagerstown City Hall, is being renovated as the new home for the Potomac Playmakers on the first floor and a banquet hall on the second. The theater will seat 200 and the banquet facility 175. 58 East Washington St., Hagerstown, MD 21740, 301-797-5755 (Contact: Mike Guessford, Owner of Always Ron’s Restaurant and Catering, theacademy@myactv.net)

Arts by the Bay Gallery, Havre de Grace

Opened November 2008
This cooperative gallery showcases the works of Harford County artists and serves as a hub for local performing artists. Crossing many artistic mediums, offered for sale are sculptures, paintings, and jewelry. Performing arts include poetry readings and piano concerts; workshops for adults and children include decoy carving classes. E-mail artsbythebaygallery@comcast.net to receive their schedule of upcoming events. 500 Warren Street, Havre de Grace, MD 21078 (Contact: Mitch Shank, Main Street Havre de Grace Arts & Entertainment Committee Chairman, 443-686-1648)

Dorchester Center for the Arts, Cambridge

Expanded Fall 2008
The Council moved a few blocks from their former home into the historic Nathan Building containing 17,000 square feet of space including state-of-the-art classrooms, galleries, an artisans' gift shop, performing arts spaces and a reception area for special events. www.dorchesterartscenter.org 321 High Street, Cambridge, MD 21613, 410-228-7782 (Contact: Mickey Love, Executive Director, mlove@dorchesterartscenter.org)

Main Street Gallery, Cambridge

Opened Summer 2008
Housed in the former warehouse for the old McCrory’s five and dime store, Cambridge’s newest gallery boasts 2,400 square feet of light and airy exhibit space showcasing the work of local artists and artisans. www.cambridgemainstreet.com, 413 Muir Street, Cambridge, MD 21613, 443-477-3699 (Contact: Jeannette Silva, Arts & Entertainment Coordinator, 443-477-3699, art@cambridgemainstreet.com)

Where to Stay

Arban Yacht Charters, LLC/Boat and Breakfast

Founded in 2004, recently relocated to Solomons Island
Arban Yacht Charters offers affordable, unique getaway adventures on the Chesapeake Bay, aboard La Bella Vita, a 65-foot Daytona Motor Yacht. This classic motor yacht designed by Jack Hargrave and constructed in 1970, features teak decks and beautiful interior wood craftsmanship. Cruises can be specially tailored to any occasion, including honeymoons, with destinations such as St. Michael’s, Annapolis, Oxford, and Tilghman Island, among others. La Bella Vita offers three suites, each with accommodations for two, a full breakfast, and evening hors d’oeuvres. www.arbanyachtcharters.com, 13101 Windjammer Avenue, Solomons, MD, 20688 (Contact: John Arban, Owner, 443-404-1559, CaptainJohn@ArbanYachtCharters.com)

The Bryant-Todd House Inn, Carriage House Cottage, Denton

Opened Summer 2008
Located on the banks of the Scenic Choptank River, The Bryant-Todd House Inn, a Victorian house circa 1880, opened in 2007 with two double occupancy rooms. Recently, the “Carriage House Cottage” opened with accommodations for up to six people. Bring your boat, canoe or kayak and enjoy the river and creeks in the area or bring your bicycles and enjoy a pleasant ride in the country. A continental breakfast is served daily and guests are welcome to enjoy the large yard leading to the river or just relax on the patio. 119 Gay St., Denton, MD, 21629, www.bryant-toddhouseinn.com (Contact: Ray & Mary Claytor, Innkeepers, 410-310-7817, bryant-toddhouseinn@comcast.net)

Hilltop Hideaway Bed and Breakfast, Hampstead

Opened March 2008
Their motto is: "Rest, relax, recharge and rekindle" and guests will find plenty of ways to do all four. The Lower Level Game Room contains a pool table, shuffle board, poker tables, bumper pool and board games. A two person sauna and a movie theatre room with tiered seating round out the amenities downstairs. Each guest suite in this Cape Cod style B&B has a king size, Sleep Number dual control bed, a refrigerator, cable TV, and fireplace plus individual bathrooms with large showers and two-person jacuzzi tub. www.hampsteadhideaway.com, 2525 Hanover Pike (Rt. 30), Hampstead, MD 21074, 443-291-6470 (Contact: Jerry & Cindy Wilhoite, Innkeepers, jnwilhoite@aol.com)

Inn Boonsboro, Boonesboro

Opening December 2008/January 2009
Famed romance writer Nora Roberts and her husband Bruce Wilder are renovating the historic Boone Hotel into an eight-room luxury B&B, including two suites and an ADA compliant room on the ground floor. The inn’s rooms will be decorated in the period style of various literary couples (for example Elizabeth and Darcy from Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen). Roberts and Wilder have also purchased nearby buildings and plan to open a restaurant that will be operated by their son.www.innboonsboro.com, 1 North Main Street, Boonesboro, MD, 21740 (Contact: Bruce Wilder, Owner, 301-432-4588,nfo@innboonsboro.com)

Mary Hill House, Sharpsburg

Opened Fall 2008
This quaint and charming log house has been lovingly restored to expose many of its original features and early craftsmanship, including some interior hand hewn logs walls with pegs, beautiful heart pine wide plank floors and a large stone fireplace, while adding modern amenities essential for a comfortable stay in historic Sharpsburg.
www.maryhillhouse.com, 211 East Main Street, Sharpsburg, MD, 21782 (Contact: Scott and Jennifer Silbert, Owners, 301-432-7984 or 240-329-1969, maryhill@comcast.net)

VISITOR CENTERS

Cecil County Tourism, Perryville

Moved May 2008
The visitor center and administrative offices are now located in a spacious storefront at the Perryville Outlet Center, conveniently located off I-95 at exit 93. Stop by for information on attractions, dining and activities and then shop for quality merchandise at pocketbook friendly prices. www.SeeCecil.org, 68 Heather Lane, Suite 43, Perryville, MD, 1-800-CECIL-95 (Contact: Sandy Maruchi-Turner, cecil.tourism@ccgov.org)

I-70 East and West Welcome Centers, Hagerstown

Temporary Relocation May 2008
Both of the I-70 Welcome Centers have been closed for complete renovations and the tourist information function has been moved into temporary quarters at the Hagerstown Prime Outlets. I-70 Exit (Contact: Camila Clark, Manager of PR & Promotions, Maryland Office of Tourism, 410-767-6279, cclark@visitmaryland.org)

“Where Land & Water Meet”, Cambridge

Unveiled Summer 2008
The Dorchester County Visitor Center, located in Sailwinds Park on the banks of the Choptank River, opened a new permanent exhibit that showcases the area’s history and heritage of making a living off both the land and the water. Stunning photomurals, decoys, crab pots and agricultural tools are used to interpret how nature has played a crucial part in Dorchester’s everyday life over the centuries. www.tourdorchester.org, 2 Rose Hill Pl., Cambridge, MD 21613, 410-228-1000 (Contact: Amanda Fisher, Assistant Director, 410-228-1000 x 15, afisher@tourdorchester.org)

What to See & Do

“Wonders of Water”, Port Discovery Children’s Museum, Baltimore City

Opened January 2008
“Wonders of Water” is the first new permanent exhibit to be on display at the museum since it opened in 1998. Children can explore and understand everything that water provides for the human body, environment, and economy. The exhibit features interactive water experiences for children ages 2–10. www.PortDiscovery.org, 35 Market Place, Baltimore, MD 21202, 410-864-2700 (Contact: Kate Hendrickson, Public Affairs, e-mail info@portdiscovery.org)

Geppi’s Entertainment Museum at Camden Yards        

Steve Geppi, President and Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Comic Distributors, has announced the formation of the museum, opened in 2006, which will spotlight the role of entertainment in the mainstream culture over the past 130 years. Geppi’s Entertainment Museum is an unprecedented journey through American history with a focus on pop culture in all media. Toys and comic characters shaped our childhood through a magical blend of entertainment and education; take a walk down memory lane from the late 1700s to the present day. Located at 301 W. Camden Street, Baltimore, MD 21202.

For more information, call 410-427-9435, or check web site www.geppismuseum.com

Where to Stay

Adkins Arboretum, Tuckahoe State Park –

You'll find the Delmarva region's largest collection of native plants at Adkins – 600 species of shrubs, trees, wildflowers and grasses. Follow the four miles of pathways here and you'll pass through 400 acres of woods, meadows, streams, wetlands and gardens.

What to See & Do

EMMITSBURG

9/11 Memorial: To Lift a Nation” Sculpture

Based on the iconic photograph taken by Thomas E. Franklin, a photographer for the Bergen Record, this three-time life-sized bronze sculpture pays tribute to the firefighters that perished on September 11, 2001. The monument stands 40 feet high, six feet deep and eight feet wide. Each of the three firefighter's statues weigh more than 5,000 pounds and were formed from approximately 160 bronze sections weighing between 60-to-80 pounds each. www.firehero.org National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Park, National Emergency Training Center, 16825 South Seton Avenue, Emmitsburg, MD 21727, 301-447-1365 (Contact: Judi Whitlow, Fallen Firefighter Foundation, E-mail to jwhitlow@firehero.org)

Leonardtown Wharf Public Park

Opened May 16, 2008
A kayak launch, boat tie ups and a waterfront promenade add another spectacular feature to the ongoing revitalization to this quaint historic town. Paddlers can now put in at McIntosh Run at the lower edge of town and paddle through 400 pristine acres and out along the edge of Breton Bay to pull up at the park. Landlubbers will enjoy shopping and dining in town, then stroll through the park and enjoy views along the water's edge. www.somd.com/leonardtown, Business Route 5, Leonardtown
301-475-9791 (Contact: Julie Lemmon, Events and Public Relations, Commissioners of Leonardtown, 301-475-9791, E-mail Julie.lemmon@verizon.net)

Guided Mountain Buggy Tours at Wisp Resort

Opened Spring 2008
These oversized go-carts bring a whole new dynamic to touring Wisp Mountain. Guided tours traverse over 6 miles of mountainous terrain including an off-road technical course. Tours are offered day and night. www.wispresort.com , 296 Marsh Hill Road, McHenry, MD 21541, 301-387-4911 (Lori Epp, Wisp Director of Marketing, Wisp Resort, e-mail lepp@wispresort.com)

Black Ankle Vineyards

Tasting Room Opened October 4, 2008
Adding to Maryland’s growing list of wineries and vineyards, Black Ankle grows both red and whites grapes on the 146-acre farm. The newly opened tasting room is eco-friendly; framed with locally-milled wood harvested from their forest, the walls are insulated with straw bales grown on site and finished with handmade plasters that are formulated largely with their own clay and water. It has a passive solar design, with supplemental heat provided by a clean-burning masonry fireplace, and a living roof to capture and use rain water. www.blackankle.com, 14463 Black Ankle Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771, 240-464-3280 (Contact: Sarah O'Herron & Edward Boyce, Proprietors, E-mail info@blackanklevineyards.com)

Friday’s Creek Winery

Located in the farmlands of Southern Maryland and opened in 2006, Friday’s Creek Winery is following in the rich agricultural history of Calvert County. A Staltey old barn where tobacco once hung now houses barrels of oak. Those fertile farms now produce premium wine grapes. Located at 3485 Chaneyville Road, Owings, MD 20736,

For more information, check web site www.fridayscreek.com

American Red Cross Museum

The Frederick County Chapter of the American Red Cross, in operation since 1917, recently consolidated their sizable collection of Red Cross memorabilia, uniforms, medals and badges dating from the Spanish-American War to present day into a one-room museum. Featured are letters by founder Clara Barton, “the Angel of the Battlefields” www.frederickredcross.org/museum.html 2 East Frederick Street, Walkersville, MD 21793, 301-662-5131