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FALL TRAVEL
I N
MARYLAND
Serves Up Surf & Turf
M
arylands tourism slogan used to be America in Miniature. It has since changed,
but the former moniker still rings quite true. After all, this is a state that has coastline, mountains (albeit diminutive ones),
a big city, suburbia, and farmland. About the only thing missing is desert, although Maryland does have several of those
special places where you can feel deserted amidst nature.
So, lets take a tour around this microcosm of America, starting at the shining sea.u
pSunset Nanjemoy Creek
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www.CharlesCountyMD.gov
800-766-3386
Saturday October 27, 2012
1:306:30 p.m.
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No crowds, no trafc, low prices. This is
Ocean City in the fall. This time of year,
the weather remains mild and the beach
still beckons, but most sun worshippers
have closed up shop for the season.
Still, the big star is the axis of Ocean
Citys top fall festival, taking place next
weekend. Sunfest is jam-packed with
fabulous food, a top art and crafts show,
and continuous live entertainment on
two stages. Headliners include Lonestar
and Bret Michaels. If thats not enough
to keep you occupied, you can high-
tail it to the Sunfest Kite Festival taking
place the same weekend. Master kite
yers from around the world showcase
aerial displays of art, while amateurs can
participate in kite-making workshops
and kite battles. The following weekend,
Winefest at the Beach features Mid-
Atlantic vintages, cuisine from the
Delmarva peninsula, and local regional
microbrew beers.
New on the OCs fall calendar is
OCtoberfest. As you might guess fromthe
spelling, this does not nave a Germanic
theme. Indeed, its a G-rated affair, with
a Halloween-themed beach maze, music,
and costume parades for families and for
pets. OCtoberfest takes place Oct. 19-21
and 26-28.
The event coincides with Ocean City
Restaurant Week. Thats actually a
misnomer, as the promotion more lasts
a fortnight. From Oct. 12-28, foodies can
sample Ocean City cuisine at special prices.
Hotel rooms are specially priced all
fall long. Rates have already taken
a signicant dip from their summer
peak and they keep dropping as fall
progresses. For example, weekday rates
at the Holiday Inn Oceanfront now start
at $134. A month from now, the same
room goes for only $94. The same
propertys two-night, three-rounds-
of-golf package is only $310 now, but
come late October, it sinks to $216. Also
starting later in October is a Weekdays
Gone Wild deal at the Hilton Suites
Oceanfront. $129 buys a room with a
view and dinner. Another thing to look
for is a stay two nights, get the third
free deal, like the one offered by the
Quality Inn Oceanfront. u
pSunfest 2011 in Ocean City, Maryland
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Just a few miles down the road from Ocean City is a place with a totally different
vibe. The quaint town of Berlin features its annual Fiddlers Convention from Sept.
21-23. Top bluegrass musicians from around the country ock to the burg to
compete for best of show prizes.
Berlin also hosts its version of Oktoberfest on Oct 13. This one is German (note
the k), complete with accordions playing polka and lederhosen-wearing Oom-
Pah bands. Plus, there will be beer, brats, and other German treats.
Scotland, Ireland, Wales and homelands of other clans will be showcased during
the Chesapeake Celtic Festival on Oct. 6 and 7. Being held at Snow Hills Furnace
Town Living Heritage Museum, there will be bagpipes, border collies, Irish step
dancers, a Highland Heptathlon and men in kilts.
p2011 Taste of Bethesda in Bethesda, Maryland
W
ater,Water
Everywhere
Of course, the Atlantic Ocean isnt the only game
in town. Maryland is renowned for the Chesapeake
Bay. Its Eastern Shore is a perennial favorite for
Washingtonians looking for a bucolic break.
Talbot County contains plenty of those idyllic small
villages weekend sojourners love. For example,
theres St. Michaels. On Sept. 30, its Chesapeake
Bay Maritime Museum hosts Concours dElegance,
featuring award-winning automobiles from the
Golden Age of Motoring (1900-1942) and from the
post-war (1948-1962) era. A collection of classic
wooden speedboats from the same period will
also be on display. u
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ococean.com
Visit us online or call 1-800-oc-ocean to book your fall getaway today!
The days are warm, the nights are cool and the beach is quiet. Its the perfect time to visit ocean city,
mD. With 200+ restaurants, 17 championship golf courses, spas and shopping, theres always
something to do. and right now, youll nd excellent prices on our many accommodations. So welcome
the new season with a new fall destination. Welcome to oc.
Sunfest Winefest on the Beach Harbor Day at the Docks Fall Restaurant Week
Sept. 20 23 Sept. 28 29 oct. 6 oct. 14 28
Rethink your
-
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pThe Promenade in Havre de Grace.
If small skiffs oat your boat, though, best to come to St.
Michaels during the Mid-Atlantic Small Craft Festival, being
held Oct. 5-7. Amateur and professional boat builders come to
display skiffs, kayaks, and canoes. Take part in demonstrations
or watch these one-of-a-kind vessels race.
Easton is another classic Eastern Shore town. The historic
Talbot County seat has evolved into a dynamic cultural hub
during the past two decades. Its rich history and physical
attractiveness has even earned Easton recognition as one of
the top ten best small towns in America.
Ladies, if you are looking to escape your hectic, daily lives, if
only for a fewdays, mark your calendars for Oct. 5-7. Eastons A
Womens Event is a retreat designed to enhance knowledge of
the arts, nature and wellness. There are more than 30 options
for classes, workshops, tours and speakers.
Meanwhile, on the upper Eastern Shore, Kent Countys annual
Watermans Crab Feast and Historic Chestertown House Tour
both take place Oct. 6. More than three centuries of American
history are reected in the homes and buildings of what was
once the center of international trade for the colonies. The
following Saturday, FallFest in Rock Hall is paying homage to
the oyster. But shucks, even if you dont dig the bivalve, there
will be other food, plus music and family fun, to enjoy.
The Sultana Projects Downrigging Weekend, also known as
the Tall Ships and Wooden Boat Festival, is one of the largest
tall ship gatherings on the East Coast. Being held Oct. 25-28
in Chestertown, the event affords visitors the chance to step
aboard and/or sail on about 40 historic vessels, including the
Kalmar Nyckel and the Pride of Baltimore. u
Two- and three-night package guests receive exclusive perks.
Book your holiday getaway today!
ChristmasOnThePotomac.com
or call (301) 965-4000
Celebrate beloved traditions and make newones
in beautiful National Harbor, MD! November 16 January 6
Make it a Christmas to remember at Gaylord National, where two million twinkling
lights, amazing indoor snowfall and the stunning spun-glass Tree of Light create
a holiday atmosphere like no other. Delight in ne dining, eclectic shopping and
festive entertainment, including ICE! two million pounds of colorful, hand-
carved ice slides and sculptures featuring DreamWorks Animations Shrek the Halls.
Its a holiday celebration youll never forget.
Shrek, Madagascar, Kung Fu Panda and all related characters and properties 2012 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C.
Shrek the Halls 2012 DreamWorks Animation L.L.C. 2012 The Coca-Cola Company. Coca-Cola is a registered
trademark of The Coca-Cola Company. All rights reserved.
November 16 January 6
FeATuring
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Over on the less-celebrated Western
Shore of the Chesapeake, Harford
County has its own appeal. Historic
Havre de Grace provides an authentic
Chesapeake Bay experience, with its
mix of home-grown restaurants, bed
and breakfast inns, boutiques, and art
galleries. Activities include a visit to
The Decoy Museum, a stroll along the
waterfront promenade, or a cruise on
the Skipjack Martha Lewis.
In Aberdeen, fall is still baseball
season. Thats thanks to local son
Cal Ripken, who created The Ripken
Experience. The facility consists of a
youth-sized version of Oriole Park at
Camden Yards, along with replicas
of Wrigley Field, Fenway Park, and
Memorial Stadium.
Fall events in Harford County include
the Darlington Apple Festival on Oct. 6
and the Colonial Craftsmen Weekend
& Market Fair in Historic Jerusalem
Mill Village on Oct. 13 and 14. The
latter recreates an 18th century rural
market and encampment. Artisans will
demonstrate old-school craft-making,
and historic re-enactors will provide
context to the activities.
S
urf & Turf
Charles County combines surf and
turf like nowhere else in the state.
Located at the southern end of the
Washington Metro region, it borders
the Potomac to its west and south.
As a result, the county has 300 miles
of shoreline to be enjoyed for boating,
shing, kayaking and waterfront dining.
Its been almost 300 years since British
troops stormed the shores here during
the War of 1812. In fact, it was from
Benedict in 1814 that the Redcoats
started their path of destruction which
culminated at The White House. The
small town is included in the 300-mile
land and water Star-Spangled Banner
Trail, which traces key battles ar that
made Francis Scott Key famous.
Theres more history on hand during
Harvest Time at The Thomas Stone
National Historic Site on Oct. 7. In
case the name doesnt ring a bell, Mr.
Stone was one of the signers of the
Declaration of Independence. Harvest
Time includes music from the 1700s, u
pDarlington Apple Festival draws thousands each year.
Discover Marylands only
seaside: Miles of beaches in
Ocean City and Assateague
Island National Seashore;
charming coastal towns,
shopping, dining and walking
tours. Plan your escape today!
BEACHANDBEYOND.ORG
800-852-0335
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dancing, demonstrations, and colonial
games. Also in Port Tobacco, the local
theater is putting on To Kill a Mockingbird
from Sept. 21 through Oct. 7.
Agritourism is a popular pastime in
Charles County. There are more than
400 farms in the area, and during this
season, farm stands dot the landscape.
Farmers markets are held in La Plata and
Waldorf on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Flocks of farmers will congregate at
Celebrate Charles Fallfest, being held at
the Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf
on Oct. 27. The festival will feature local
bands, artisans, and a Trick or Treat Trail
for kids to get an early start on collecting
their Halloween booty.
Frederick County is nothing if not farm-
fresh during fall. The countys event
calendar is jam-packed with farm and
food festivals. Any number of local farms
are offering all-American homegrown fun
during October. Farmers will welcome
visitors to check out the harvest, while
providing activities such as hayrides, pig
races, corn mazes, and pick-your-own-
pumpkin patches. The culmination of it all
takes place during the weekend of Oct. 20
and 21, when Festival @ the Farm opens
the barn door. Twenty-seven farms are
open for self-guided tours and are offering
special family-friendly activities.
Frederick is rich with German heritage
and thus, Oktoberfest at the Schifferstadt
Architectural Museum is a festival with
great oomph. The event features a beer
tent, German food (including wurst from
the purveyor to the German Embassy),
German cultural activities, living history
demonstrators, and childrens fun. It also
takes place the 20th and 21st. u
pAt Catoctin Mountain Orchard, visitors can
take a wagon ride to pick their own pumpkins
or browse the selection of fresh fall produce at
their large farm market.
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ENJOYBALTIMORECOUNTY.COM
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Once you head back into the city center,
stop by the new Frederick Visitor Center,
which provides the big picture of all the
county has to offer. There are maps for
self-guided tours of downtown, outdoor
scavenger hunt for kids, andinformationon
unique tours (hot air balloon ride, anyone?),
and fall foliage viewing opportunities.
U
topia in
Suburbia
If you dont feel like going as far as
Frederick to get a whiff of agriculture,
check out the farmland in Montgomery
County. For example, Butlers Orchard
in Germantown has a Pumpkin Festival
going on every weekend from Sept. 29
through the end of October. City slickers
can attempt picking pumpkin; taking
a hayride; exploring a straw maze; or
tasting hand-dipped caramel apples.
Closer to D.C., the ever-popular Taste
of Bethesda takes place during the day
on Oct. 6. The food and music festival
celebrates the diverse cuisine offered by
Bethesdas thriving restaurant community.
Five stages showcase musical and
cultural performances, and a childrens
area offers art and craft activities, balloon
sculpture, and face painting.
Other events around the county
include Oktoberfest at the Kentlands
Village Green in Gaithersburg on Oct. 14;
Wheatons World of Montgomery Festival
on Oct. 21, showcasing the diverse
cultural heritage in the county: and the
Rockville Antique and Classic Car Show
Oct. 20 (rain date October 27).
Over at National Harbor, Gaylord
National Resort is inviting parents to dress
up their little monsters for a frightfully
fun Halloween. On Oct. 20, the rst-
ever Scared Shrekless Family Halloween
package is available. It includes overnight
accommodations and a Trick-or-Treat
Trail through the resort atrium. The treats
are passed out by DreamWorks movie
characters from Shrek, Kung Fu Panda
and Madagascar.
Throughout October and into November,
guests can save 15 percent on rooms
by asking for the Fantastic Fall Getaway
package. The deal i ncl udes a $50 u
Hh
WgGw
The Atlantic Ocean is at its warmest
and the beach is yours alone.
Ss
ocean city, md reservations
800.638.2106
www.ocmdhotels.com
Choose from 10 Unique Oceanfront Hotels.
Hotel amenities include fully-equipped efficiency units, oversized
all-suite luxury units w/jacuzzi tubs, spacious guest rooms, private
balconies or terraces, high-speed internet access, HBO, the Disney
channel, indoor heated pools, saunas, hot tubs, jacuzzies, tennis
courts, exercise rooms, tanning beds, childrens indoor & outdoor
play areas, outdoor pools, and complimentary coffee, tea, fresh
fruit and the morning newspaper.
Amenities vary at different hotels.
-.
OCEAN CITY, MAYLAND
Visit the award-winning Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard in
Dickerson and enjoy a leisurely afternoon wine tasting.
Afterwards, take a driving tour along the Civil War Trails and
the Montgomery County Agricultural Reserve. For an adventure,
try hiking or biking on Sugarloaf Mountain. Explore all of the
possibilities just minutes from Washington, D.C.
visitmontgomery.com
877-789-6904
240-777-2060
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breakfast credit for boating, shing,
kayaking and waterfront dining.
Speaking of Shrek, the movies cast
of characters will be taking center
stage during Gaylord National Resorts
Christmas on the Potomac. This years
event, running from Nov. 16 through
Jan. 6, 2013, is themed Shrek the Halls.
Once again, a two-million pound ice
sculpture will be a star of the show.
Guests can walk through jaw-dropping
scenes carved entirely of ice and can
slide down two-story-tall ice slides. Other
returning holiday traditions include the
60-foot-tall glass Christmas tree, indoor
snowfalls, two million dazzling lights, and
gingerbread house decorating.
But whoa, Nellie. Its not Christmas
yet. In fact, in Baltimore County, its still
horse-racing season. In Cockeysville, the
signature event at Shawan Downs, the
Legacy Chase, takes place Sept. 29. This
rst-class event is as much about live
music, wine tasting, and socializing as it
is about the thrill of steeplechase racing.
The Asian Arts and Culture Center at
Towson University serves the Baltimore-
Washington communities as a museum
and as a performing arts center. This
under-explored treasure features a 1,500
-square-foot gallery showcasing works of
art in ivory, wood, and jade. There are also
paintings and textiles from throughout
Asia, ranging from the days of antiquity to
the early days of the 21st century.
For a bit of viniculture, Boordy Vineyards
in Hydes is open every Sunday in October
to celebrate its 2012 vintage. There will
be performances by local musicians,
wine making demonstrations, and tractor
rides through the vineyards.
The great outdoors of Baltimore County
can be enjoyed with a hike or a bike ride
along The Northern Central Railroad Trail.
Ofcially known as The Torrey C. Brown
Trail, it covers nearly 20 miles, stretching
Hunt Valley to the Mason-Dixon Line. Its
a perfect place to take in cool autumn
breezes and the beautiful fall foliage, and
to contemplate an autumnal Maryland
state of mind.p
About this section: This special advertising
section was produced by The Washington
Post Custom Content department and did not
involve The Washington Post news or editorial
staff. This article was written by Laura Powell,
a freelance writer, hired by The Washington
Post Custom Content department.
www.historicfrederick.org
301.600.4047
Historic Downtown
Frederick, Marylands
Open House &Tour of 1862
Civil War Hospital Sites
One Vast
Hospital
One Vast
Hospital
Friday, September 21
from59 pm
Saturday, September 22
from14 pm
A scenic peninsula on the
Chesapeake Bay, offering shing,
boating, kayaking, small beaches,
awesome sunsets, theaters,
museums, the arts, farmers
markets and boutique shopping,
and home to Eastern Neck Island.
KENTCOUNTY.COM
410-778-0416
David R. Craig, Harford County Executive
Follow the Video Blog at
www.harfordmd.com
Just 25 miles north of Baltimore along I-95 experience Historic Havre
de Grace, three state parks, Marylands best golf, fall festivals and so
much more!