"These communities have established vibrant commercial districts through the restoration of historic structures, along with new construction – all in an effort to promote local commerce downtown," says Gov. Martin O’Malley. "And, every one of the 23 communities has unique charm."
"Traveling to different Main Streets around Maryland is a great way to see the state,” says Margot Amelia, executive director of the Tourism Office. “The fact that you can shop for the holidays in the process makes it even more appealing."
Arts Council gallery opens new show
A sculpture exhibition opens at the James Backas Gallery with a free reception open to the public, Thursday, Dec. 3, 5-7 p.m. The Language of Objects, curated by Beverly Ress, features work by six Maryland artists: Brent Crothers, Steven Dobbin, Mary Frank, Breon Gilleran, Ryan McKibbin and Betsy Packard. Ress is an artist who works in drawing and sculpture. She is also a Maryland State Arts Council Individual Artist Award recipient. The gallery is at the Arts Council's office in South Baltimore, 175 W. Ostend St. Free parking. Call 410-767-6555 for details or visit the
Arts Council web site.
1812 conference set in Harford, Cecil counties
The Maryland War of 1812 Commission presents the third in a series of conferences designed to familiarize stakeholders in the upcoming War of 1812 bicentennial with Maryland’s historic involvement in the war. Head of the Bay: Star-Spangled 200 Conference will be in and around Havre de Grace, Thursday, Dec. 10.
The day-long meeting opens at Havre de Grace Maritime Museum at 9:30 a.m. Participants will also visit the Concord Point Lighthouse, Historic Rodgers Tavern, Principio Furnace and Historic Elk Landing. Conference sponsors are: Cecil County Tourism, Harford County Office of Tourism and Lower Susquehanna Heritage Greenway. For information or to register, call or e-mail Kate Marks at 410-767-6974.
Reductions force welcome center closings
Three Maryland Welcome Centers – Chesapeake House (Perryville), Mason-Dixon Discovery Center (Emmitsburg) and Youghiogheny Overlook (Friendsville) – will suspend operations on Dec. 2. Budget reductions at the state's Tourism Office prompted the closures.
The four remaining welcome centers will reduce their schedules (until Memorial Day 2010) to four days a week, Thursday through Sunday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Those four centers are: I-95 South and I-95 North (Savage); Crain Memorial (Newburg); and U.S. 13 North (Pocomoke City). Also, two welcome centers at South Mountain in Western Maryland are expected to re-open in May, following federally-funded reconstruction projects.
Federal dollars fuel increased inquiries
The latest issue of the Maryland Tourism Monitor – the Tourism Office's monthly report that measures visitor activity, advertising response and trends in state travel – is available online. Among its findings for September: An advertising campaign focusing on the Historic National Road – funded in part by the Federal Highway Administration – has contributed to 45 percent more consumer inquiries, compared to September 2008. Also, more than 37,000 prospective visitors responded to online advertising during September.
ARTvantage informational workshop
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 4-5:30 p.m.
Maryland State Arts Council office
175 W. Ostend St. (MSAC office)
Baltimore
Maryland Small Business Summit
Monday, Dec. 7
Presented by Greater Baltimore Committee and Gov. Martin O’Malley
Sheraton Baltimore City Center Hotel
Gov. O'Malley’s keynote address: Creating jobs, expanding opportunities for small businesses
More information, registration
Sign this petition to show your support for bringing the FIFA World Cup to the U.S. By signing, you can help Maryland host a World Cup match.
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