
What's your secret?
Tell us about an insider spot in your hometown.For more travel tips visit Amy Ziff's monthly column,
Travel Trends & Advice from A to Z, or visit IgoUgo to get recommendations from other travelers.

United States
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington D.C.
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Canada
Return to Local Secrets, Big Finds homeView 2005 Local Secrets, Big Finds
Savage River Lodge: Middleton Evans
Jimmy Cantler's Riverside Inn
Annapolis
410.757.1311
Waterfront Jimmy's "is an institution" where you just might find yourself seated next to the guy who plucked your oysters from the bay--it's an "authentic" Maryland-style "elbow-to-elbow, get-to-know-your-neighbor, crab-feast experience." Giving testament to quality seafood and the "rich Chesapeake Bay history," most of the area's watermen have been coming here for over 30 years by boat to engage in the "local custom of eating hard-shell crabs." So stop on by this humble place and spend "a few hours of relaxation with friends or family" over "nice cold beers or iced tea." Read more.

Wine in the Woods
Columbia
410.313.4700
Bring your picnic blanket to this "really lovely event under a canopy of trees" in Symphony Woods, but don't get too distracted by the roving entertainers on stilts, balloon artists, and mimes. The real focus here is "featured wineries from across the state," and visitors can participate in wine demonstrations and tastings. Along with two stages of live music, there are "unique arts and crafts" including hand-made soaps, birdhouses, and quilts. This festival always occurs during the third weekend of May, and special rates are available for designated drivers. Read more.
Sanders' Corner
Parkville
410.825.5187
"Dam" is not a curse word at this "small restaurant located in the watershed for the Loch Raven reservoir." During World War II, the Maryland State Guard lived in the building's basement to ensure the nearby dam's safety. The building dates back to 1886, and there are "three dining rooms" as well as a "fireside bar and lounge." If you order one of the "outstanding breakfasts," you can't go wrong with the "Big Dam Breakfast" or the crab cakes. Featuring "loads of charm," the restaurant "is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner." If the weather's nice, dine on "the covered deck" to take in the view. Read more.

Swallow Falls State Park
Oakland
301.334.9180
River gorges, rushing rapids, and a 53-foot waterfall conjure up images of the wild west, but you can travel the globe and "never find the combination of nature, peaceful scenery, and natural activities" that you'll find in the mountain setting of Swallow Falls in Maryland. The virgin hemlock forest is a "natural wonder" that is filled with huge pines," and nearby is a freshwater lake, as well as a "small town with great character, and antiques." There are also five large state parks in the immediate area, all of which offer "something special." Read more.
Savage River Lodge
Frostburg
301.689.3200
If you pitch a fit at the thought of pitching a tent, "even the worst outdoor hater will love this lodge" set on 700 acres of Maryland's Savage River State Forest. This "hideaway bed and breakfast-type lodging" offers two-storied private log cabins, which provide a resting place to "enjoy outdoors without sacrificing luxury." Despite the amenities, the focus is on nature--there are no TVs, but the rocking chairs are a great place to sit back and be entertained by the great outdoors as it "rolls on by." There is also upscale dining room and a bar. Read more.

Before you make plans to experience these local secrets for yourself, we suggest that you contact them to confirm dates, times, and locations. We are not responsible for the information submitted to us, and disclaim any liability for the information. Additionally, the addresses for or links to third party Web sites are provided for your convenience only. These Web sites, their owners, and operators are not affiliated or associated in any way with Travelocity, and we assume no responsibility for the content of such sites, or for any of your transactions or experiences with the owners and operators of such sites.


