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.

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