Shopping, world-class entertainment, and the historical appeal of Baltimore and Annapolis will make your visit unforgettable.
The Old Line State is steeped in Civil War and colonial history and boasts a rich culture. Located close enough to the District of Columbia for a day trip, enjoy the following activities while exploring Maryland.
Visit the National Harbor
Walkable streets lined with restaurants, shops, and hotels make this waterfront area a great place to spend the day. Highlights include the Capital Wheel, a 180-foot-tall Ferris wheel with stunning views of neighboring Alexandria, and DC Boating, a kayak and catamaran rental station. Nighttime entertainment includes living (and dining) as if you were in Las Vegas at MGM National Harbor.
Medieval Times
Watch champion knights in colorful armor battle on horseback and with swords in the “castle” arena in this extended dinner theater show that pits the warriors of Camelot against each other in fierce and entertaining battles. The experience also includes a four-course dinner (think chicken legs and pints of ale), falconry demonstrations, dancing horses, and plenty of selfie opportunities.
Visit Baltimore
Just 40 miles from the District of Columbia, Baltimore is renowned for its maritime history, interesting neighborhoods, museums, and abundance of seafood. The city’s oldest neighborhood, Fell’s Point, dates back to the colonial era and features cobblestone streets, quaint pubs, crab restaurants, and water taxis that will take you from the shore to downtown. The city also has a number of attractions, including the National Aquarium, the American Visionary Art Museum, and the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum.
Stratmore Concert Hall
A multitude of music venues make Maryland a real treat for the ears. During the warmer months, Merriweather Post Pavilion hosts rock, country, and indie performances on 40 acres of park-like grounds. North Bethesda’s Strathmore The renowned concert hall hosts classical, jazz, and popular performances year-round, with free shows on the green in the summer. The Baltimore Symphony Orchestra is the resident orchestra, with performances throughout the year.
Go from the Silver Screen to Creole cuisine in Silver Spring
In a restored 1938 Art Deco movie palace, watch contemporary and vintage films or check out the annual AFI Docs Festival, a summer salute to documentary film. Three elegant theaters host film screenings nearly every day of the year, as well as frequent festivals dedicated to classic American or new foreign works.
Movie-goers won’t have to go far to enjoy a star-studded dinner before or after the film—the magic of New Orleans’ culinary scene awaits just beyond the cinema at Miss Toya’s Creole House. Led by chef Dauda Coulibaly, the kitchen uses local seasonal ingredients to prepare Cajun and Creole cuisine, as well as signature cocktails such as the Lady Voodoo.
Friendship Heights – Washington, D.C.
Located on the border between Washington and Maryland, Friendship Heights (also known as Chevy Chase) offers some of the most upscale shopping in the area, just off the intersection of Wisconsin Avenue and Western Avenue. Notable luxury stores include Neiman Marcus, Tiffany & Co., and Jimmy Choo, as well as Saks Fifth Avenue, which is located in a building on the northern edge of the “hood.” Smaller shops worth seeking out include Julia Farr (on the DC side) for women’s holiday and workwear, and Santa Maria Novello, a perfume shop specializing in Italian perfumes and potpourri.
