With a width of only 101 miles and a length of around 250 miles, Maryland is dubbed "Little America" because you can find nearly every feature of the country within its compact borders, including a diversity of terrain that makes it a haven for those who love the outdoors.
"Our outdoor adventure far exceeds any of the states around us," says Sandy Fulton, director of tourism for the Wicomico County CVB. "Whether it’s skiing, mountain climbing or surfing off the coast of Ocean City, you can do it all within two hours."
Taffy Rice, director of sales for the Conference and Visitors Bureau of Montgomery County, agrees.
"Because the state is not wide, you can be in the mountains of Western Maryland and then be in the ocean within a few hours," she says. "You can get everything in this state."
In addition to the many active adventures, Maryland is an ideal place for groups to simply get outside and enjoy the refreshing ambience—from the waterfront to the mountains.
Baltimore
By its very nature, Baltimore lends itself to outdoor activities. Situated on the Chesapeake Bay, "Charm City" is a waterfront destination with a wealth of aquatic as well as land-based pursuits for groups to enjoy, starting with a simple stroll through the Inner Harbor.
"We are a very walkable, outdoor city," says Tom Noonan, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore (formerly Baltimore Area Convention and Visitors Association). "Whether it is winter or summer, you always see thousands of people walking around the Inner Harbor. Our temperate climate helps as well."
Groups can reserve a special spot on the Inner Harbor by renting out Pier Six, an outdoor concert venue available for up to 4,100 people.
"The venue looks like it is made of sails—it has a roof, but no walls," Noonan says. "In the summer, there might be a concert going on, and people will pull their boats up and listen."
For those who would prefer to meet on the water, groups can book receptions and group outings aboard seafaring vessels with Watermark Cruises.
According to Noonan, groups can utilize the Baltimore Convention Center’s outdoor space for a healthy dose of fresh air. Gatherings can also take place on top of historic Federal Hill, overlooking the entire city.
Large-scale events can even block off a portion of Utah Street, Noonan says.
"The area between Camden Yards and the Hilton can be blocked off and completely controlled," he says. "It is about three blocks long and about 50 yards wide and is perfect for outdoor events. "
Adventurers can rent a bike or Segway for a Baltimore go-round or learn about local history with nighttime ghost walking tours of Fells Point and Mount Vernon.
Outdoor dining is another popular way to enjoy Baltimore’s sea breezes. Restaurants with group-friendly outdoor options include Alizee (located at the Inn and Spa at the Colonnade), Cinghiale and Meli Patisserie & Bistro.
Just outside Baltimore, groups can take part in team-building activities such as zip lining, a ropes course and obstacle courses at Terrapin Adventures in Savage, or enjoy a picnic and tennis tournament at Circle D Farm in Woodbine.
Annapolis
From racing sailboats on the Chesapeake to hiking along wooded paths, Annapolis and Anne Arundel County have plenty of outdoor activities to offer.
Like Baltimore, Annapolis features a compact package of attractions, making it easily accessible to meeting attendees.
"Annapolis is a three-mile-by-three-mile area, which makes it very walkable; you don’t need a car to get around," says Bill Adams, director of sales for the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau. "Walking tours are very popular and they give you a sense of the history of the city. We call Annapolis a museum without walls. You can walk up to places where historic things took place without the velvet rope. It is very unique."
Groups can incorporate history into their gathering at the historic William Paca House & Garden, former home of one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence.
Dubbed the "Sailing Capital of the World," groups can take pleasure in an afternoon on the water with companies such as Schooner Woodwind Cruises, offering team-building racing options; Watermark, offering luxury yachts for events; and Annapolis Bay Charters, offering sailboats charters.
Just outside Annapolis, groups can stop at the Historic London Town and Gardens, a 23-acre museum and park in Edgewater. The location offers year-round rental options and features a deck overlooking the South River as well as an outdoor pavilion.
For a post-meeting jaunt, groups can head to the charming village of Galesville, just 14 miles south of Annapolis. Delegates can stroll around town and visit The Galesville Heritage Museum or just enjoy a view of the water and marina from a local restaurant.
Suburban Maryland
About an hour west of Annapolis, travelers will find themselves in Montgomery County, home to towns such as Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Silver Spring and Rockville.
Rice, of the Conference and Visitors Bureau of Montgomery County, says there is plenty to keep outdoor-seeking groups busy.
"There are more than 33,000 acres of parkland throughout the whole county," she says. "We also have 10 public golf courses."
Inside the Rockville Civic Center Park sits Glenview Mansion, a historic 19th century home with outdoor space for groups.
Groups can visit The Great Falls of the Potomac, a series of gushing waterfalls, or go to the Chesapeake and Ohio National Historic Park to go hiking, fishing and horseback riding, according to Rice.
Nearby in Clarksburg, groups regularly flock to the 150-acre High Point Farm for outdoor events. The venue offers pavilions as well as horseshoe pits and basketball courts for the actively inclined.
In Dickerson, delegates can strap on their boots for a hike through Sugarloaf Mountain.
Just three miles north of Silver Spring in Wheaton sits Brookside Gardens, a 50-acre public garden within Wheaton Regional Park—a popular spot for group gatherings.
Nearby Prince George’s County, consisting of cities such as College Park, Laurel and Mount Rainer, is another great place for outdoor fun.
Groups can host picnics at several of the county’s parks, such as Acredale Community Park in College Park, Hillantrae Community Park in Clinton and Hillcrest Heights Community Center Park in Temple Hills.
Belair Mansion, located in Bowie, is a popular place for groups, as is Montpelier Mansion in Laurel.
Eastern & Atlantic Shores
Moving east, travelers will hit Talbot County, a beautiful slice of land located on Eastern Bay.
Home to towns such as St. Michaels, Easton, Oxford and Tilghman Island, the area is a great place for outdoor adventure, says Debbi Dodson, director of the Talbot County Office of Tourism.
"Talbot County is oftentimes referred to as the ‘Hamptons of the Chesapeake Bay,’" she says. "There are incredibly picturesque waterscapes here. We have 602 miles of shoreline with five rivers, two bays and hundreds of creeks and tributaries."
Recently, cycling has picked up in popularity.
"We have 180 miles to cycle," Dodson says. "This year we introduced a new bicycle map with six themed trails such as Chesapeake water views and farmland, and one even goes around a one-room school house."
Water-based activities also highlight the area, and groups can reserve a boating event with companies such as Chesapeake Bay Skipjack Charters, Dockside Express Cruises & Tours and Patriot Cruises.
Farther south is Dorchester County, home to inviting locales such as Cambridge, where scenic settings and fresh-air pursuits go hand in hand.
Wicomico County, with its 69 parks, is another outdoor hot spot.
"Boating, kayaking and bird watching are very popular," says the Wicomico County CVB’s Fulton. "We are only 30 minutes from the beach, and it is more reasonable to stay here than the beach."
Groups can enjoy a nice glass of red at Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery in Eden, complete with space for events, or have an indoor/outdoor gathering at The Fountains Wedding and Conference Center in Salisbury.
Groups can enjoy a nice glass of red at Bordeleau Vineyards & Winery in Eden, complete with space for events, or have an indoor/outdoor gathering at The Fountains Wedding and Conference Center in Salisbury.
Take Ocean Gateway (U.S. Route 50) east and in no time you will roll right into Ocean City, a boater’s and golfer’s dream destination.
"We have 18 championship golf courses within 20 minutes of the convention center," says Fred Wise, director of sales and marketing for the Ocean City CVB. "This is also a great fishing place."
When not on the green or on the water, delegates can amble along Ocean City’s Boardwalk, where they can find shops, restaurants and nightlife overlooking the water as well as bike and rollerblade rentals.
"Everyone wants to go on the boardwalk," Wise says. "In the dead of winter people are down there."
The Ocean City Convention Center has space for outdoor gatherings, as does Seacrets Resort, a hotel and nightclub on the water.
Western Maryland
Near the Appalachian and Allegheny Mountain ranges on the western side of the state, planners can find a wealth of outdoor venues.
Sitting on 230 acres in Mt. Airy, Linganore Winecellars offers team-building activities as well as spaces for meetings and receptions.
Only 25 minutes away in Buckeystown is The Claggett Center, a 266-acre retreat center with space for groups.
For more retreat options, planners can head to Thorpewood, a mountainside oasis near Thurmont. The rustic atmosphere lends itself well to confidential corporate retreats or private business meetings.
—Katie Morell is a Chicago-based freelance writer and former Meetings Media editor. Her fondest Maryland memory is spending a day in Annapolis walking along the waterfront and then going to a fancy dinner and donning a red plastic bib to eat delicious king crab legs.
