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!