Anne Arundel Colonial Tour
Anne Arundel County

This scenic drive in Anne Arundel County "puts you in touch with Maryland's colonial and maritime heritage." It begins and ends in Annapolis, connecting the historic capital to quaint, small towns and fishing villages. Head south and travel across the South River Bridge through Edgewater to the "rediscovered town of London." This 40-mile route that parallels the Chesapeake Bay "has the largest contiguous area of historic rural countryside in the region." Get a glimpse of the rural communities and fields of strawberries and tobacco farms on this loop, less than an hour from metropolitan Washington, DC. Read more.

Kenwood Cherry Blossoms
Bethesda

Springtime in the nation's capital bursts with blossoming cherry trees, attracting thousands of visitors each year. About 15 miles from DC in Bethesda, Maryland, you'll find more of the same trees in full bloom. The streets of the Kenwood neighborhood are "lined with hundreds of blossoming cherry trees" which rival the famous trees around the Tidal Basin. There are "more varieties of blossoms and much smaller crowds" than in Washington, so it's perfect for a leisurely stroll or scenic drive. It is "fabulously beautiful!"

Chesapeake Wine Company
Baltimore

Featuring a "hand-picked selection" of wine, beer, top-shelf liquor, cheese, and other "fine-food items," the Chesapeake Wine Company is "an upscale version of 'Cheers.'" The staff is "personable and knowledgeable" and will help you discover "just the right wine for dinner, a special gift, or something new to add to your collection." First Fridays of each month are "great, with an original band" playing old-school Rock and Roll. A store-sponsored wine tasting takes place every Tuesday, but of course, every day is a wine tasting day here. Read more.

The Eyler Stables
Thurmont

The Thurmont Horse Auction is held on the first and third Friday of each month. It is a "unique event" for both local residents and visitors. It is an "old-fashioned activity that remains active today." Anything and everything "horse-related" is here, from leather and metal goods to "homemade and delicious" food. The best time to come is in the fall because "north-central Maryland is truly a beautiful sight." Make time for an "afternoon excursion to buy apples from the local mountain orchards." Read more.

Zorba's
Baltimore

This is "a true gem" that lies amid a "hoard of Greek restaurants," in the "heart of Greektown." "It's not a fancy place, just superb Greek food" with "traditional music" and some dancing. There's no secret why this authentic restaurant attracts native Greeks. Upon entering Zorba's, the irresistible scent of true Greek cooking wafts through the air, and the sight of fresh meat revolving on the spit grill is mesmerizing. The lamb chops are "to die for," the fresh fish is "unbelievable," and the portions are "very generous." Plus, the friendly owner John "mingles with guests, usually speaking in his native tongue."

Amish Farmer's Market
Burtonsville

Visit this authentic Amish farmer's market midway between Baltimore and Washington, DC. The Amish market sells "the best, fresh produce, meats, and baked goods from Amish farms in Pennsylvania and Maryland." It's open Thursday through Saturday until 3pm, and usually runs from May through October. A visit here is a "unique experience," emphasizing "high-quality foods," plus it is an opportunity to get an "up-close look at the Amish and Mennonite people." Read more.

Glen Echo Park's Spanish Ballroom
Glen Echo

Glen Echo Park is an "old-style, Art Deco amusement park" that's conveniently located near DC. The Spanish Ballroom is a magnificently restored 1930s Mediterranean-style building and is on the National Register of Historic Places. One of the best dance halls on the east coast, it is an "open-air space" that hosts a different dance style every Saturday night. The evening can be "romantic or friendly," so it's good for a date or taking out-of-town visitors. The first hour is a free dance lesson, and beginners are welcome, "everyone just has fun." The crowd is eclectic--"many come in jeans, some in gowns." Read more.

Ann's Dari-Creme
Glen Burnie

Some say it's got the "best hot dogs and milkshakes in Maryland." Although the name may seem a bit misleading, there is no doubt that this is "a foot-long hot dog joint"--you can even order two foot-longs in a bun! Plan your visit for when "you want to sit on the outside benches or in your car" because there is no indoor seating. In fact, "locals go anytime." The women behind the counter exude that diner charm, "between calling you 'hon' to remembering every order down to 'hold the onions please.'"

Bengies Drive-In Theater
Baltimore

The historic Bengies Drive-In Theater, which opened on June 6, 1956, is an "amazingly fun place?for family entertainment." Children ages 11 and under in cars are free, and "kid-friendly movies" are shown first, "followed by more adult-themed films." A well-stocked snack bar serves everything from pizza and nachos to hamburgers and veggie egg rolls, which makes "mid-movie treats a cinch." Outside food is welcome with the purchase of a $7 permit. The theater is about 90% restored and is home to the largest screen on the east coast. Read more.

Laurel's Main Street
Prince Georges County

From the 1898 railroad station near First Street to the 1830s Laurel Museum near Ninth Street, Main Street in Laurel's historic district offers a trip back in time. This quaint thoroughfare with churches, specialty shops, and cafes is "just so unique because there aren't many authentic 'main streets' anymore." A stroll along Main Street is ideal for window-shopping too. It "has great little shops," including "a bookstore, meat market, antique shops, theatre, coffee shop, art store, and several great restaurants."