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43: Maryland Regional Soft
Shell Spring Fair
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“Wine
is sunlight, held together by water,” said
Galileo, the notable Italian scientist and philosopher. It’s
a viewpoint that still applies today. Just ask any of the Maryland
winemakers at the nearly three dozen wineries in the state. Better
yet, sample some of their products – they make more than 300
different wines. Now
is a great time to get familiar with Maryland wineries. Enjoy
a casual excursion along the Frederick and Mason-Dixon wine trails.
New trails – Patuxent (Southern Maryland) and
Chesapeake (Eastern Shore) – are opening this month. Visit
the Great Grapes Festival at the Anne Arundel Fairgrounds
in Annapolis, May 2-3. The Calvert Wine and Arts Fest in
Southern Maryland is May 9. Wine in the Woods, an
annual celebration of Maryland wines in Columbia, is May 16-17. The Howard
County Conservancy Wine in the Garden is May 28 and the Chesapeake
Bay Wine Festival in Queen Anne’s
County is May 30-31. Get
a full listing of upcoming wine events and festivals at the Maryland
Winery Association online. (Large photo above courtesy
of Loew Vineyards, small photo courtesy of Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference & Visitors
Bureau.)
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Spectator
Sport– Riders up at world-class events Maryland and horses. Two championship events this month fortify that tradition. America’s Polo Cup, May 8-9 in Montgomery County, showcases an international match between the U.S. and Australia. Weekend includes culinary tastings, fashion show and fireworks. On May 16, some of the best Thoroughbreds in the land come to Pimlico Race Course for the Preakness Stakes, Triple Crown racing’s middle jewel. The new InfieldFEST at Pimlico features three top rock groups in concert. And, Bowie Heritage Day, May 17, marks 100 years of horseracing at an historic Maryland location. |
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Arts & Entertainment – Rhythm
across the state Classic rock, big-band sounds, cool jazz and soulful blues are sure to grab your attention at three vibrant music festivals in May. Ocean City Springfest, May 7-10, features The Fabulous Hubcaps, Gary Puckett, Zim Zemeral Orchestra and a tribute to Elvis. In Cambridge, the Groove City Jazz and Blues Festival, May 9, presents Junkyard Saints, Deanna Bogart, Lafayette Gilchrist and others. Western Maryland Blues Fest, May 28-31 in Hagerstown, offers a weekend of blues concerts, including a “Downtown House Party” and “Family Blues Picnic.” |
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Family
Fun – With a Highland flair Dust off your kilt and take the family to a celebration of Scottish culture – Celtic music, bagpipes, parades, traditional dancing, crafts, and old-fashioned competitions. Watch Highlanders toss trees, stones and weighted burlap bags. Frederick Celtic Festival is May 9 at the Frederick Fairgrounds in Urbana. A week later, May 16, the Scottish Games at Fairhill Racetrack and Fairgrounds in Cecil County – more than a wee bit of fun. |
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History & Heritage – Rolling
along the pike Hitch up to the 40-mile Western Maryland segment of the National Pike Festival and Wagon Train, May 15-17 in Washington County. Friday night encampment at Plumb Grove in Clear Spring, Saturday night at Ralph Henderson’s Ag Center in Hagerstown. Trail ends in Boonsboro’s Shafer Park. Take in town festivals along the route – on the road that expanded the country. |
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Through
the Gardens – Spring
color in bloom "Never yet was a springtime, when the buds forgot to bloom," wrote American poet Margaret Elizabeth Sangster. Immerse yourself in colors and scents of spring while strolling through magnificent gardens. Maryland House and Garden Pilgrimage is a series of six tours, from April 25 to May 17, which guide you through historic and extraordinary properties. On May 9, the AMC Private Garden Tour visits locations in Harford County. Beyond the Garden Gates Tour, May 16-17, reveals elegant and alluring gardens in Historic Downtown Frederick area. |
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Hidden
Gems – Get
advice from an expert Travel around the state and you’ll come across these gems without looking too hard. The only thing hidden (not intended to be) is the extent of their services. They’re the Maryland Welcome Centers. Knowledgeable travel consultants are available to offer you information, suggestions for getting the most out of your trip. Visit a Welcome Center during the second week of May and you may come across a National Travel and Tourism Week celebration. Maryland’s 11 Welcome Centers are open seven days a week. Restroom facilities, 24/7. |
| VisitMaryland.org | Things
to Do | Places
to Stay | Events | Itineraries |
Martin O'Malley, Governor Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor |
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