6 FUN WAYS TO SPEND THE DAY IN MARYLAND

While Maryland may be small compared to bigger states like Texas or California, it still offers plenty of fun activities and things to do. So whether you want to go somewhere special with your partner, listen to music, or take your dog on an adventure, check out these six exciting things to do around Maryland.

GO SAILING ON THE CHESAPEAKE BAY

One of the favorite things for locals and visitors in Maryland is to sail in the Chesapeake Bay. You can rent your own sailboat and hoist the sails yourself, or if you want a relaxing or educational sailing experience, book a tour with one of the many sailing companies that take you out on the bay.

Learn about the history and importance of the Chesapeake Bay on a history tour, take your date on a sunset sail cruise, or take a boat that lets you go swimming in secluded coves. Here is a list of resources for you to find the perfect Chesapeake Bay sailing adventure.

EAT AN ICE CREAM CONE ALONG OCEAN CITY BOARDWALK

Take a little weekend getaway and head over to Ocean City to explore this fun seaside town. While you’re in Ocean City, take time to stroll along one of the best boardwalks in the nation to shop, eat ice cream, and people watch. As you walk, skate, or ride a bike along the 3-mile classic wooden boardwalk, you’ll pass by the sandy beach looking out over the Atlantic Ocean.

The kids will get a kick out of the carousel built in 1902, scream with pure joy as they fly up and down the roller coaster, and have fun playing arcade games. Then, after so much excitement, have the family cool down by stopping at one of the many places to get ice cream, or for more tasty treats, get some caramel popcorn, cotton candy, or hot funnel cakes.

After such an exciting day, stop by one of the seafood restaurants to enjoy Maryland crab cakes, wood-fired pizza, or a refreshing salad filled with seafood. Then, rest up for the evening because during the summer, you’ll find lots of free family activities along the Ocean City Boardwalk.

VISIT THE NATIONAL AQUARIUM

See what underwater life is like when you visit the National Aquarium located at 501 E. Pratt St. in Baltimore. The aquarium is home to thousands of species from all over the world, not just the ones that live underwater. You can see birds from tropical rain forests, amphibians that survive on land and in the water, and even colorful snakes. In addition, of course, the aquarium has hundreds of fish species from temperate seas as well as ice-cold waters.

Book a specialty tour to get up and close with some of the aquarium’s animals and sea life. See how the dolphin trainers work with these whimsical sea creatures, take a behind-the-scenes tour of the shark tanks, or let the kids participate in a supervised sleepover.

When it’s time to refuel after seeing so many exciting exhibits, have lunch at one of the inside cafes, or take your food to eat at one of the outside picnic tables. It’s easy getting caught up on all of your holiday shopping when you visit the National Aquarium Gift Shops. Pick up souvenirs, educational books, beautiful jewelry, or even housewares to brighten your home.

SEE BALTIMORE FROM THE AIR

Thrilling, exciting, and awe-inspiring is the best way to describe a Baltimore Helicopter Sightseeing Tour. You can choose a short 12-to-15-minute ride or a longer ride that lasts 25 to 30 minutes. As you soar through the sky, you can see what the Inner Harbor, Mount Vernon, and the Chesapeake Bay look like from a birds-eye perspective.

You get to learn about some of Baltimore’s historical sites and interesting facts from the narrated tour, and to make the trip extra special, book one of the helicopter rides that includes dinner. After your fantastic ride through the skies of Baltimore, you can have a fabulous dinner at one of Baltimore’s finest restaurants nearby. To find out more about scenic Baltimore helicopter rides, check out this list of resources.

TAP YOUR FEET AT THE MARYLAND IRISH FESTIVAL

If you’re a fan of Irish music, you’ll love the Maryland Irish Music Festival, held annually on the second weekend in November. This Irish celebration offers a wide variety of Irish music, dance performances, food vendors, Irish beer, and plenty of arts and crafts booths. You and your family can learn about Irish history through the Speaker Series and the cultural and historical displays and exhibits.

The kids can feel like they’re in a fairy tale with bouncy castles and kid-specific games and activities. Have a fun day listening to Irish music and feasting on traditional Irish food at the annual Irish Music Festival held at the Maryland State Fair. You can find the fairgrounds at 2200 York Road in Lutherville-Timonium.

TAKE YOUR DOG OUT ON THE CHESAPEAKE BAY

Because Maryland is known for its superior boating excursions, why not let your furry friend enjoy getting out on the water with you? Except for special events and private charters, you can bring your dog for free on most Watermark Cruises. During the summer, the dogs can enjoy the cruise in the air-conditioned inside seating area, and the friendly staff will even bring your dog water. Be sure to take lots of photos of you and your dog out on a boat in the Chesapeake Bay so you can remember the wonderful experience.

After a day of sailing with your furry friend, stay at one of these pet-friendly hotels in Baltimore.

IT’S A BREEZE SELLING YOUR CAR AT KOONS WHITE MARSH CHEVROLET

Take advantage of Koons White March Chevrolet’s True Cash Offer to sell or trade in your older vehicle today. Fall is a great time to sell your vehicle to make extra cash for the holidays or purchase a new or pre-owned Chevrolet. Our team at Koons White Marsh Chevrolet looks forward to filling you in on the details of selling or trading in your car with us today.

Image via Flickr by tmaull

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