Baltimore Ravens Games

Photo Credit: Moe Epsilon

In lieu of the recent NFL draft I'll bring up a series of looming events, The Baltimore Ravens season. I briefly touched on this in my blog about M&T Bank Stadium which is where they play but I didn't go much into depth. The reigning Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens begin their season in August of 2013. As you can tell, that is right around the corner. It feels like just yesterday that we were celebrating the Super Bowl victory!

The schedule for the upcoming season was recently released and is set to be a fantastic year.  As you can see from that link they have 9 home games. A home game in Baltimore is an experience unlike any other. I love attending Ravens games and the events that transpire before and after kickoff. No matter what the weather or temperature, the Ravens faithful will be out in the parking lots tailgating and going strong. The tailgates are a blast. You can't take in a deep breath without smelling delicious food being cooked, and everyone is willing to give it away.

While in the stadium, you are guaranteed to have a blast. For blocks around the stadium you can hear the exuberant fans singing the Seven Nation Army tune which has become a staple at Ravens games. The sea of purple and black is a beautiful site on game day. Like most stadiums, the prices at M&T Bank Stadium are not as favorable as one would like but still reasonable. Depending on the game, the ticket prices vary. Although most games are sold out the availability for tickets is still pretty high which is always nice for people who make up their minds at the last minute.

Ravens QB Joe Flacco 

The Fan Zone outside the stadium is a great time as well. Games, vendors, merchandise, food and even players are the big draw here. It provides a more family oriented, kid based atmosphere which some of the other tailgate spots might not.

Another great way to tailgate for the games is at The Gameday Warehouse located two blocks from the stadium. This is always a popular location especially during poor weather. They serve food and alcohol in the Warehouse and also have a wide selection of flat screen t.v.s where you could watch the pregame activities or another game that might be happening.

I love attending Ravens games because they are my favorite football team but also because they are a great time. If you don't like the Ravens but are a fan of some other team, maybe you can get lucky with them coming to town. Following the draft this year is set to be another promising season. For all things Ravens, check out their website where you can find tickets, news, the schedule, roster and anything else you could desire about the Baltimore Ravens!

The National Zoo: Washington, D.C.

For 364 days out of the year there is a place right in our background that provides free entertainment. The National Zoo in Washington, D.C. is a 163 acre zoological park in the heart of the city. Featuring over 2000 animals from 400 different species you can spend all day there and not make it to each exhibit.

Photo Credit: Steve

Zoo's are a great time for all especially one as big as The National Zoo. You can bring the whole family or your friends and enjoy yourself. I love the fact that it's free as well. Most thing's I have blogged cost money and aren't as inclusive as the Zoo. The Exhibits at the Zoo vary widely with a few like the Bird House, Panda Habitat, Great Cats, and even Lemur Island.


So if you're looking for something to do at anytime throughout the year head down to Washington, D.C. and have a special day at the National Zoo.

For more information about exhibits, animals, how you can help, education, travel plans or anything else zoo related go to the website.

Below are special occasions held at the Zoo that offer a different experience for those attending:

• Woo at the Zoo - A Valentine's Day talk by some of the Zoo's animal experts discussing the fascinating, and often quirky, world of animal dating, mating, and reproductive habits. All proceeds benefit the Zoo's animal care program.
• Earth Day: Party for the Planet - Celebrating Earth Day at the National Zoo. Guests can find out about simple daily actions they can take to enjoy a more environmentally friendly lifestyle.
• Easter Monday - Easter Monday has been a Washington-area multicultural tradition for many years. There is a variety of family activities, entertainment and special opportunities to learn more about the animals. Admission is free, and this event traditionally welcomes thousands of area families. The celebration began in response to the inability of African Americans to participate in the annual Easter Egg Roll held at the White House, until the Dwight Eisenhower presidency.
• Guppy Gala - This annual family-friendly event offers guests animal encounters, food and a variety of activities. This event is ticketed and open to FONZ Members only. All proceeds benefit the Zoo's animal care program.
• Zoofari - A casual evening of gourmet foods, fine wines, entertainment and dancing under the stars. Each year, thousands of attendees enjoy delicacies prepared by master chefs from 100 of the D.C. area's finest restaurants. All proceeds benefit the Zoo's animal care program.
• Snore and Roar - A FONZ program that allows individuals and families to spend the night at the zoo, in sleeping bags inside of tents. A late-night flashlight tour of the zoo and a two-hour exploration of an animal house or exhibit area led by a zoo keeper are part of the experience. Snore and Roar dates are offered between June and September each year.
• Brew at the Zoo - Guests can sample beer from a variety of microbreweries at the Zoo. All proceeds benefit the Zoo's animal care program.
• Fiesta Musical - FONZ celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with an annual fiesta at the National Zoo. Animal demonstrations, Hispanic and Latino music, costumed dancers, traditional crafts and Latin American foods are offered.
• Grapes with the Apes - Visitors toast to wildlife conservation and learn about great apes at the Zoo's wine tasting event. All proceeds benefit the Zoo's animal care program.
• Rock-N-Roar - An event featuring live music, food and drink, and viewings of lion and tiger enrichment.
• Autumn Conservation Festival at Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) - Visitors talk with scientists one on one and learn about their research that spans the globe. Scientists are also on hand to help visitors explore the tools and technology they use to understand animals and their environments. Guests can get behind-the-scenes looks at some of the SCBI's endangered animals.
• Boo at the Zoo - Families with children ages two to 12 trick-or-treat in a safe environment and receive special treats from more than 40 treat stations. There are animal encounters, keeper talks and festive decorations. All proceeds benefit the Zoo's animal care program.
• Zoolights - The National Zoo's annual winter celebration. Guests can walk through the Zoo when it is covered with thousands of sparkling environmentally-friendly lights and animated exhibits, attend special keeper talks and enjoy live entertainment.

 (Source: Wikipedia.com)

Photo Credit: InSapphoWeTrust

Artscape Festival: Nations Largest Free Art Festival

Photo Credit: Kamau Collins

Attracting over 350,000 people over 3 days, ignoring Artscape as an activity for Maryland is impossible. Artscape is July 19-21 this summer. Held in the heart of Baltimore City on Mt. Royal Avenue, the Artscape Festival is crazy and awesome experience. It features hundreds of individual art vendors who come from all over the country to present and sell their works. You can find anything out there. I've been to Artscape for the past 4 years and each time is different and better than the last. The festival completely shuts down a huge section of streets in the city.

The art work on the streets are absolutely fantastic. The vendors compete and pay for spots all year because having the opportunity for hundreds of thousands of people to walk around and see and buy your products doesn't exactly present itself that often. Even if you don't consider yourself an artsy person (I don't) you can still find something that sparks your interest. The pieces vary drastically from sculptures, to pottery, to clothes, to paintings, to purses, to jewelry to who knows what. There are hands on activities you can participate in to make your own art works.

Another great part of the festival are the performances. Periodically throughout the streets you can catch a street performer, showcasing their interesting or usually strange talent. There are also 3 or 4 different musical stages with a wide variety of musical acts. Usually their is a pretty big name performer to headline the even with a bunch of other groups playing during the day. Another attraction this past year was added as the festival coordinators stepped it up with a Ferris wheel.

Photo Credit: Kamau Collins

Artscape also features delicious food from diverse international vendors and catering companies. The food is honestly some of the best I've ever had. Just like the art showcases, vendors come from all over to show off their special foods and make some money. One of the best parts of it all is that alcohol is served and you can walk around and casually drink all day.

Overall Artscape in Baltimore City is a great time and an experience anyone should be able to enjoy, so this summer bring the whole family or your friends out and have a good time! Below is a video showing some highlights from one of the days last summer! For more information about the event feel free to check out the Artscape Website as it will be updated regularly until the event.

Maryland State Fair

One of the best ways to wrap up the summer is at the Maryland State Fair. The fair is always held right before school starts and it was a nice to close out the summer activities with a little more than a week of events. This summer the fair is from August 23rd to September 2nd. The Maryland State Fair is located at the Timonium Fairgrounds in Lutherville. It is a fun, relaxing, and entertaining vacation destination within the state.

There are a wide range of activities to keep guests entertained throughout the course of the Fair. From looking at the Fair's website, it appears that the country group The Band Perry will be performing at some point during the week, probably towards the end. The actual dates of the events are still tentative because we still are so far away from the actual event.

This video is a few years outdated but still shows the overall scene!

One of the big staples of the Maryland State Fair is the draw on the "country" side of the state. Many of the events revolve around livestock showing or bull riding or pig racing, etc. Some of the cooler more popular things to watch are the different kind of races whether it be pigs or also horses, and also the "Masters of the Chainsaw" competition.

Fun for everyone not interested in the livestock can come from the delicious food and rides in the carnival like atmosphere.

Deep Creek Lake

Deep Creek Lake in Garrett County is a bit of change of scenery for most Maryland folk, but it is a beautiful change of scenery at that. Tucked in to the Western corner of the state, Deep Creek Lake is the biggest inland body of water in the state at 3,900 acres. 

What makes Deep Creek so special is the year round entertainment. Clear water lakes, rivers, and snow capped mountains provide enjoyment throughout the entire year. In the area there are tons of houses available for rent and there's also a four season resort called Wisp. 

You can do all the things you'd imagine you could do at a huge state park with a giant lake. Fishing, boating, hiking, hunting, biking, skiing(during the right season), waterskiing, tubing and there is even a golf course.

I prefer to visit during the summer because I more enjoy the warm weather, swimming, and water sports atmosphere. It truly is a majestic place during the warmer months and is a great getaway in the state. So this summer look into a trip to Deep Creek and stay for a few days or longer and explore your inner outdoorsmen. 

Preakness: The Biggest Party in the Region

May 18th is right around the corner and that is the day of the annual Preakness race. The Preakness race is a huge occasion for locals and visitors alike. 50,000 people can't be wrong year after year, after 137 running's of the race.

The Preakness race is held on the third Saturday in May at the Pimilico Race Track in Baltimore. It is the second leg of the US Triple Crown and usually the second largest crowd for a horse race in North America, behind only the Kentucky Derby.

You may be thinking, but Tom, I don't care even the slightest about horse racing. To be honest neither do I, but I love large crowds partying together. The horse race is only about 2 minutes of the entire day. The concert in the Infield is a great time and the lineup this year will definitely not disappoint. The headliner is Pitbull who will bring the house down with his upbeat party music. Macklemore and Ryan Lewis are also headlining and are sure to get the crowd into party mode too. A country group, Florida Georgia Line are also performing on the Infield. Check out the video above to get an idea of what it looks like to be in the Infield on the day of Preakness.

Ticket prices vary depending on where you want to sit or if you just want to go on the Infield or if you want to get the Preakness Mug, but I think the cheapest ticket starts at $50. You can purchase tickets or check out travel information, or any variety of things on the interactive Preakness website.

Six Flags America: Only Theme Park in the Old Line State

With the weather heating up you'll be looking for places to get away and have a blast with friends and family and Six Flags America is that place for Marylanders. The only theme park in the state is located in Prince Georges County, in Bowie. Now don't let that scare you. The park is closer to D.C. but is also not far from Baltimore and is an easy travel for anyone. There are a few available travel options to get to the park so that shouldn't be any issue.

Going on a nice, hot day is definitely your best bet, that way you can experience the water park as well as the regular rides. The park offers some awesome roller coasters, the best in the state. Six Flags is the best and closest option for Marylanders in search of a thrill.

The newer themed rides are the best bet and guaranteed to be the most fun, so like any theme park that's where you'll find the longest lines. The Batman and Superman are the most fun ones that I went on while I was there. It wasn't nice enough for the water park when I had went but it looked pretty sweet. Everyone I know who has been there loved it.

Joker Roller Coaster, Photo Credit: Phaesia2011  

Six Flags America is the most convenient location for Maryland folk like myself. It's a good outing and a nice experience on a nice day. The price is very affordable and you can even buy season passes that could be worth it if you like it enough the first time you go.

The Greene Turtle: A DMV Treat

     If you're in search of an inexpensive night out with some friends and some delicious food, look no farther than the Greene Turtle. Located only in Maryland, Upper Virginia, Delaware and the District of Columbia, The Turtle is a restaurant every Marylander can take advantage of.

Mmmm Wings! Photo Credit: Stef Yau

     In Maryland there are 25 locations and they are spread throughout the whole state. In my opinion its an underrated restaurant. The places are always very family friendly atmospheres and always offer a great opportunity for a night out. The Greene Turtle is a greats sports bar scene as well. For local Maryland sports it's almost there will be a crowd gathered supporting whatever team may be playing.

     The menu is pretty deep and offers a bunch of seafood options which is my favorite part about eating there.They also have delicious "bar food" type dishes as well, wings, burgers, pizza, etc. As you can tell if you read my blog from a few posts ago, you can see that I love crabs. Being a Maryland based restaurant they have no shortage of crab featured dishes.

     Depending on your mood I don't think you can have a bad meal at The Greene Turtle. Personally I recommend the Chicken Chesapeake or the Chesapeake Burger (Both have bacon and crab meat....no brainer's.) Choosing the right appetizer is often the toughest choice you are faced with at the restaurant. The Crab Dip is to die for!

Crab Dip        Photo Credit: Imjustmatthew

     Enjoy all of your meals with a wide variety of alcoholic beverages if you're of age of course.

  

Photo Credit: Burt Everson

The Greene Turtle also has a genius business idea of weekly, competitive trivia with good prizes which keep a steady crowd of regulars. 
 
 


View the whole menu here and get a head start on ordering, but it will still take you a minute to decide once you are there and see the wait staff carrying the other dishes around. You can also see which restaurant is closest to you because it shows you the exact mileage from your zip code! Be sure to get one of their great shirts while you're there!
  
     Whether you're in the mood for a nice family dinner, gathering your friend group for a sporting event, or a night out in a slow town The Greene Turtle is an inexpensive option for all of the above. So go out and try it for yourself!

M&T Bank Stadium

College Football Game at the Stadium

     M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore is most commonly known as the home of the recently crowned Superbowl Champions, The Baltimore Ravens. The stadium is a majestic place. It is beautifully structured and the turf is new and is great looking. The sea of purple seats make me feel at home whenever I'm there because I am an avid Ravens fan.

     I had the pleasure of visiting the stadium a few times over this past NFL season, including Ray Lewis' last home game in the playoffs vs. The Colts. As a fan, there is nothing more awesome than attending a home game. The atmosphere is unreal.

     Along with Raven's games the Baltimore stadium holds home to a few other events. Around the state it is the hallowed grounds for high school football state championships. I never made it to play there but I did get to watch my high school play for it when I was a freshman. As a high school football player that's the ultimate goal, to play down at M&T Bank. To see my older friends playing out there was an unreal experience that I'll never forget and I can't imagine how they felt being out there.

Army vs. Navy Lacrosse Game at M&T Bank

     Besides the state championships the stadium has held the Men's College Lacrosse National Championship multiple times as well. This is a great location for the event as Maryland is a hotbed for the sport and the fans come out in huge numbers over Memorial Day weekend. They also host a few other lacrosse events which vary every year and season. On a warm day as a lacrosse fan it's a great scene to catch some good games.

Jay-Z and Justin performance! Photo Credit: Linda Marie

     Over the past few summers the stadium has hosted a few international soccer matches and this year is no different. In late July there are two days of soccer games at M&T Bank Stadium. Also this summer there is even a Monster Truck Rally in July.

     In August the stadium brings the Jay-Z and Justin Timberlake concert to town. This by music standards is a huge concert which will likely be sold out.

     M&T Bank Stadium is a great Maryland Treasure that should be experienced by all. Even if you don't like the Ravens maybe your team is playing them and you want to check them out, do it! Maybe you're a fan of soccer, or lacrosse, or high school football, or Monster Trucks, or Jay-Z whatever it is, M&T Bank is a great venue and a guarantee to be a great experience. 

Maryland Blue Crabs: The State Food

Photo Credit: Tony Weeg

     With summer quickly approaching and warm weather right on the horizon, in Maryland, that means one thing, CRABS. The Maryland Blue Crab is a delicacy and revered as a God like substance in the state. On a weekend in the summer you can surely smell the aroma of steamed crabs and old bay rising from the backyard picnics of about half of every house in any given neighborhood.

     To an outsider, the Crab eating process is tedious, complicated and God forbid you have any small cuts on your fingers because the Old Bay burn would wish you were an amputee. But to a local, the way you break the shell and what meat you eat is unique to the individual. Also to a local, it is something to look forward to for weeks and even months. The winter is death anticipating the arrival of crab season. It is the best season.

     Unfortunately the price for a bushel or two isn't as cheap as a college kid would hope for. That's why buying a bushel is a great bonding experience and an excellent opportunity to gather family and friends for no reason at all except to eat delicious food.

     If you're born and raised in the state you probably even have a friend or two who own a boat and go crabbing for their own keeps. Not only is dragging the line and pulling up the cages a fun time that gives you the satisfaction of catching your own food, but it also saves you the money of having to buy any crabs. Catching them is obviously the hard part, once you have them you just throw them in a large metal pot over a flame in boiling water and a mixture of other unique ingredients. Each crabber has their own blend of whatever makes the crabs they catch delicious.

Photo Credit: Mary Hollinger

    If you can't get out to the Chesapeake area to catch your own bushel, finding a place that sells them is as easy driving around or using the phone book (people still use those right?) or the Internet. Wherever you are I'm sure there's a place close enough to you that has them for a reasonable price.

     With crabs coming back into the food chain in the summer I can't wait to get back to Maryland to chow down on the finest thing the Chesapeake bay has to offer. If you stop in Maryland in the summer be sure to try it for the first time. There's no shame in not knowing how to pick a crab or use a wooden hammer although you might get a few strange looks from the locals. Enjoy the state food!

The National Aquarium in Baltimore

Photo Credit: National Aquarium

     One of the coolest things to experience in Maryland is the National Aquarium. It is an absolutely breathtaking and amazing location. The National Aquarium is located in the Inner Harbor in Baltimore City. If you're in the Harbor it's impossible to miss the Aquarium because of it's unique architecture (see above photo)!

Photo Credit: National Aquarium

     Any visitor can surely find an exhibit or animal that interests them at this aquarium. It offers 16,000 animals in 12 different exhibits, and is soon to be 13! The 16,000 animals come from 660 different species and come from all over the planet.

     The most popular draws to the Aquarium is the Dolphin Discovery. Dolphin discovery used to be a dolphin "show" but now the dolphin trainers focus more on teaching the audience about the dolphins and there are set times during the day that the audience can witness feeding, play time, and training. It is a very interactive and cool exhibit that brings a lot of visitors to the aquarium.

     Two of the other popular exhibits are the Australian: Wild Extremes, and the Upland Tropical Rain Forest. The Australian exhibit won the "2008 AZA Exhibit of the year." It features crocodiles, turtles, pythons, obviously fish and even exotic birds. The Rain Forest section offers frogs, birds, sloths, spiders and even monkeys!

Photo Credit: Captmondo

     One of the newer exhibits is the Jelly Fish Invasion, seen to the right. Don't worry all you danger seekers, of course there is a shark exhibit for you.

     Another awesome thing offered at the National Aquarium is the 4-D movie experience. You might ask, Tom, 4-D how's that possible? The 15 minute shows give the audience a closer look into the sights, smells, atmospheres, and smells of whatever the subject matter is.  The effects range from wind, mist, lights, leg ticklers and even snow!

mist, wind, snow, bubbles, leg ticklers, scents, enhanced lighting, and seat vibrations! - See more at: http://www.aqua.org/explore/baltimore/exhibits-experiences/4d-theater#sthash.mP5VVshO.dpuf

Winner of the 2008 AZA Exhibit of the Year

Winner of the 2008 AZA Exhibit of the Year

Winner of the 2008 AZA Exhibit of the Year

Photo Credit: National Aquarium

     The National Aquarium is a huge field trip destination for Maryland students. My high school even had our prom there! Along with the information provided during field trips the Aquarium is very involved in community outreach. They have educational programs along with environmental programs.

     Just blogging about the Aquarium and looking at the beautiful pictures makes me want to go now! The price for the entire day and all exhibits included is a reasonable and well worth it 29.99 and the 4-D movie experience is an additional 5 dollars. The National Aquarium contains a one of a kind look into the exotic life this wonderful planet has to offer. If you can't make it to Baltimore, there is also an Aquarium in D.C. but it is much smaller and less extensive. Baltimore is definitely the best bet for an unforgettable experience.

Photo Credit: National Aquarium

Ellicott City, Maryland

     Hello there, my name is Brandi Cockerham and I would like to take a moment to thank Tom for allowing me to write this guest post for him. Although I am not a Maryland native like Tom, I am a blogger and I have spent a lot of time in the Old Line State over the past three years. My boyfriend and his family live in a suburb of Baltimore so I have gone to visit him multiple times since we began dating in 2010. This past summer I actually lived with him because I had an internship at the National Aquarium (which Tom will hopefully be blogging about later). I have grown quite fond of Maryland over the years and hope to move there following graduation. 

     One of my absolute favorite places to go while in Maryland is Ellicott City. This tiny, historic town within Howard County is full of life year round and has something to offer for everyone. Free parking is something everyone loves, but I am not nearly as excited by a toy store as I am by a vintage clothing store. Lucky for me, Ellicott City had both. Each time (I’ve been about four times) I venture to Ellicott City I have been the only female in the group. Usually I go with my boyfriend and his brother and they have two stores that we have to go in each time we are in town. The All Time Toy Store and I Love Theatre are their favorite shops. The All Time Toy Store has a huge selection of collectible toys, video games, game systems, Legos, and action figures. The I Love Theatre store obviously has theatre memorabilia, but the store also sells tons of sports souvenirs and has a huge collection of National Bohemian (locally made beer) products. 

An original NES from All Time Store

A Natty Boh Shirt from I Love Theatre

 

     I honestly feel that my boyfriend and his brother keep these stores in business. Every time we are in Ellicott City they are buying some kind of game or game system from All Time Toy Store and stocking up on t-shirts at I Love Theatre. 

     On the other hand, I would rather spend time looking at the antique stores and vintage clothing stores. My favorite store in Ellicott City is a tiny vintage boutique called A Journey from Junk.  The store is jam packed with clothes, boots, home décor, hand-made jewelry and soaps, accessories, and even some furniture. One of my most memorable purchases at A Journey from Junk was when I bought a spoon ring there this past November. I had been searching for the perfect spoon ring since the summer and of course, I found the most beautiful one at A Journey from Junk! 

My spoon ring from A Journey from Junk

Go find them on Facebook to see some pics of what they sell.

     No matter if you are older or younger, male or female, interested in sports or theatre- there is something for everyone in Ellicott City. Prepare to spend the whole day there though, there is so much to see and do!

Take a trip to Washington D.C.

     One of the great things about Maryland is that it is located so close to our nation's capital, Washington, D.C. If you're ever feeling bored and you've got a little gas in the car hop in and take it to the city. It doesn't matter when you decide to go, winter, spring, summer or fall, there are always things to do and see.

     Washington D.C. really is a majestic city. It has metros and subways which make getting to extremely simple because often times parking is an issue. D.C. has many great things to offer. Museums, restaurants, theater, sporting events, monuments, THE WHITE HOUSE, D.C. has it all!
   
     Obviously one of the reasons why you should go to D.C. is to see all the beautiful, historic structures. The Washington Monument, the Lincoln and Jefferson Memorial, the White House, the Capital building, and the Library of Congress, are just a few of the many, many sites available for tourists.

     One of the things that not many people have probably experienced is a play at the Kennedy Center. It was unbelievable. The theater was absolutely beautiful and the performance was magnificent.
    
     The museums in the city are world renowned and are spectacular. A huge draw to the city is also sporting events. D.C. is home to the Washington Nationals of the MLB, the Washington Redskins of the NFL, the Washington Wizards of the NBA and the Washington Capitals of the NHL. No matter what the sports season, D.C. probably has a sports game going on.
    
     There really is something for everyone in D.C. So don't sit around playing video games complaining that there's nothing to do, go to D.C. and make something happen. Whether it's go hang out on the Mall or getting something to eat at an upscale restaurant, or going to a museum, or see the sites, or catch a game, there's always something to do! Make the trip, go whenever, it's worth it! 

   

Baltimore Orioles: Fun For the Whole Family

Camden Yards
Photo Credit: Kevin Farner

     As baseball season quickly approaches, an option of something to do in Maryland presents itself. Orioles baseball games at Camden Yards in Baltimore City on Charles Street are a Maryland tradition that anyone can enjoy.
  
    Even I, who am not even really a baseball fan, can I hop on the metro and have a great time in the city on game day. The good thing about baseball games, is that there are a ton of them throughout the spring and summer! There are plenty of opportunities to enjoy yourself.
   
   The Orioles tend to tailor the games towards the fans, offering crazy specials on tickets and plenty of door buster/give aways to keep the faithful entertained. This upcoming season should offer some great entertainment and huge crowds, following the overwhelming success of last season. Student games I think are every Friday and with a student I.D. tickets are only 5 or 10 dollars! On a beautiful Friday, summer evening going out to Camden Yards can be a majestic experience.
    
     The first home game is April 5th and it's looking like there is about 2 or so home games a week for the rest of the summer. One of the great things about the Yard is that there isn't a bad seat in the house. Whether you're in the upper deck, outfield or on the hot corner, you are guaranteed a good time, regardless of the outcome.

     If you're heading to Baltimore it's usually convenient to take the subway or metro which only will run you about 3 dollars no matter where you are coming from. The train station is in the shadow of the stadium which makes it very easy. The atmosphere around the stadium is amazing too. Plenty of bars and restaurants surround the stadium, in walking distance of course.
  
     Also, the Oriole's are actually good now and made the playoffs last season after a long hiatus. Sporting events where the team is winning and has playoff aspirations are always more exciting than a team with a losing tendancy. The Oriole's have young, budding allstars who will make the experience that much more exciting for the viewers.
   
     So if you're in the mood to get out of the house this summer, check out the Orioles schedule and bring the whole family to Baltimore. A cheap but worthwhile time is for sure to be had. Whether you're a die hard O's fan, someone in search of a fun night out, or just wanting to head to the city for a bit, head to Camden Yards and root for the Orioles. Buckle Up!

Check out the 2013 schedule here: Oriole's Schedule

The Rusty Scupper

View of the Harbor

     If you are looking for an upscale dinner date location in Maryland, look no further than The Rusty Scupper. The Rusty Scupper is in Baltimore City, which might sound slightly dangerous but it is in Federal Hill which is an upper class part of the city. Right on the Inner Harbor, the restaurant hosts one of the most beautiful views I've ever seen. If you're lucky you can get seated up against the all glass wall that puts you just right about over the water and offers the best view, although there isn't really a bad seat in the place.
    
     The view is stunning, but the food is also pretty decent also! Kidding, the food is absolutely delicious, but it better be for the price. The Rusty Scupper is definitely not an every night restaurant, at least not for people like me. For a special occasion, the Scupper is a perfect location. If you are planning a special evening out in Baltimore, which I highly encourage, The Rusty Scupper is a great place to start.
    
     The specialties and what drew me to the restaurant were the wide variety of seafood options. Seafood is one of my favorites so I'm a stickler for the taste, and boy did this not disappoint. I tried a couple different things that were recommended to me and I'm glad I did. It made me wish I had two stomachs so I could keep eating. I had an oyster sampler that was amazing and also some crab cake sliders that were also fantastic. I also tried some steak, salmon, seafood pasta, and soup with the group I was in, and any would have been as equal of a choice as I had made. I don't think there is a bad option for food honestly. For those of age, they also have an awesome bar and drink menu

Photo Credit: Jules Morgan

     I would definitely encourage making reservations as the restaurant seems to fill up fairly quickly especially at dinner. Here is The Rusty Scupper's website where you can find beautiful pictures, see the menu with prices, and make reservations: The Rusty Scupper It's making me hungry just looking over it!
    

Merriweather Post Pavilion: A little bit of Everything Tucked into Columbia

O.A.R. lead singer on stage at MPP

      For all your concert desires in the DMV area, you can look no further than Merriweather Post Pavilion (MPP).  The concert's at Merriweather vary so greatly that every sort of crowd can be found there at some point during the summer. The atmosphere at Merriweather is an unbelievable one. During a sold out show, the lawn and pavilion are completely packed, standing room only,  

      Maryland is fortunate too have such a great music venue insides it's confides. Howard County in MD holds home to Merriweather Post Pavilion, a beautiful, outdoor, music venue. The amount of artists that can be heard at MPP is unbelievable. The range of artists in one summer differs from rappers, to jazz, to comedy, to classic rockers, to alternative bands.Variety is something that is definitely seen. There is literally something for everyone, which is cliche but it's so true. 

      Huge names on tour have come through Merriweather in the past couple of years. Last summer the Beach Boys had a concert there, The Beach Boys! Also MPP is lucky enough to host Virgin Mobile Fest which is a gigantic, free all day festival that attracts about 40,000 unique fans. They also host Vans Warped Tour which attracts about 25,000 fans.

     A sold out show at Merriweather is usually about 19,000 people unless the parking lots are opened up as stages. The shows that are most commonly sold out are the country shows because that's what the majority of Marylanders seem to listen to.

     Throughout the course of the summer the concert's offered are catered to attract a variety of audiences. As a lover of music, I enjoy the variety. In a given summer I can hear the leaders in each genre of music which is a great draw. You might not be able to experience that at some other concert venue's throughout the country. To see the complete lineup of Merriweather's summer concert schedule, keep checking the website throughout the spring and summer. The website is Merriweather Post Pavilion. For the best local Maryland entertainment, check out Merriweather Post Pavilion!

Ocean City: More Than Meets the Eye

      If you live in Maryland, you know what Ocean City is and you have probably been there. If you haven't been there you are either younger than a senior in high school (senior week is at Ocean City) or have the luxury of going out of state to a different location, but pretty much everyone I know has been. Seeing as most states are not touching an ocean, having the choice of going to a beach with a short drive in your own state is a luxury in itself.

Aerial View

  
      There are many draws to Ocean City especially for someone my age. I love the beach no matter what beach but there's something about being able to take a trip with a bunch of your friends in the middle of the week that is enticing to me. You can find a motel, that might not be the nicest quality, but on the beach nonetheless, for 40 bucks a night in the middle of the summer. The most crowded time to try to go down and the time where hotels/houses will be the most expensive is during senior week.


      No matter what your age you can find something to do in OC.  Obviously the beach is the main attraction. Miles and miles of beautiful sand beaches give you a tropical feel far from the equator. For the older crowd the bar scene is usually a good reason to make the trip. Bars get wild during the summer's weekends and holidays. If you go and are of legal age, you must head to Seacrets if the weather is nice. For the younger folks you can spend time mini-golfing, swimming at the beach, strolling down the boardwalk or heading to one of the 18 and under dance clubs. Fun for any age can be found on the boardwalk. Games, shops, food, ocean view, rides and many other things are accessible year round.

Photo Credit: NotYourBroom

   
 As a lover of food, the restaurants in Ocean City are worth the trip on their own. Numerous all you can eat crab buffets are littered throughout the area. While down there everyone must make a point to pick and eat as many delicious Maryland crabs as you can, you have to get your money's worth. You can get a good meal on any block.

Photo Credit: NotYourBroom

 


      Another draw to OC is the fishing charters. For a decent fee you can go out on a boat with a captain and reel in some huge fish. The charter boats have everything provided so all you are responsible for is showing up and having a great time. Fishing is huge there. Every year a Blue Marlin tournament is held, and it's one of the biggest in the world.