Maryland is home to many tried-and-true attractions. From historic homes and urban aquariums to water pursuits and ecotourism, the state is also a treasure trove of unique—oftentimes unexpected—experiences. Following are eight of the most interesting ways for groups to sample the Old Line State's diversity.
1. Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine - Baltimore
You probably remember from your history classes that Francis Scott Key, who penned the national anthem, The Star-Spangled Banner, was inspired by the emergence of an American flag over a plucky American fort that withstood bombardment by the British navy throughout one eventful night in 1814. That battle was a turning point of the War of 1812, and that fort, which coincidentally is shaped like a star, stands in Baltimore Harbor.
"We're coming up on the 200th anniversary of the War of 1812," says Tom Noonan, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore. "The fort is right on the waterfront, making it an amazing experience for groups."
Special events at the fort include twilight tattoo ceremonies and a concert series. The summer months include daily ranger talks and living history presentations. The Fort McHenry Guard performs drill, musket and artillery demonstrations.
Since the late 1700s, the fort has served important functions. During the American Civil War, the area where the fort sits served as a military prison, confining both Confederate soldiers as well as a large number of Maryland's political figures who were suspected of being Confederate supporters. The site around the fort served as a hospital during World War I. The Coast Guard used the fort during World War II to defend the port of Baltimore from German attack. The original fort has been preserved and restored to essentially its condition during the War of 1812.
2. Geppi's Entertainment Museum - Baltimore
Groups can explore 250 years of American pop culture in this unique museum located on the second and third floors of the historic Camden Station building in Camden Yards in Baltimore. The facility includes toys, movie posters, comic books, dolls, trading cards, cereal boxes and a whole lot more. The museum is owned by Stephen A. Geppi, president and CEO of Diamond Comics Distributors.
"The collection is just a fraction of Mr. Geppi's private collection," says Visit Baltimore's Noonan. "It's got everything from Batman figurines to war bonds."
The museum will appeal to groups of varying demographics thanks to exhibits such as America Tunes In (which looks at iconic TV shows from 1946 to 1960), Revolution (which chronicles pop culture from 1961 to 1970 with a look at Star Trek, The Beatles collectibles, G.I. Joe toys and more) and Expanding Universe (which features Atari video games and of course, plenty of Star Wars merchandise).
The museum level has a hallway with hardwood floors and mahogany paneling. This space can accommodate a cocktail reception for 400 or a seated dinner for up to 150. A grand staircase leads to the private gallery space that accommodates up to 100 guests.
3. Sailboat Races (www.annapolisyc.com) - Annapolis
Groups will soon find out why Annapolis is called "America's Sailing Capital" if they're in town on a Wednesday night during the summer. They can grab a seat dockside and watch a sailboat race in the Annapolis Harbor every Wednesday night from late April through early September.
Some 150 sailing yachts race around several markers then back into Spa Creek for the finish in front of the Annapolis Yacht Club. A number of venues offer space to watch the races, including the Annapolis Yacht Club. For groups with a sense of adventure, opportunities are available to board some of the sailboats and become a part of the crew during the amazing race.
"I've never seen anything like it, and I consider myself pretty well-traveled," says William Adams, director of sales for the Annapolis & Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau. "It's an incredible spectacle with all the colors of the sails and the speed of the boats. For groups who can participate on the boats or even watch it from land, it's something they'll never forget."
The Woodwind and the Woodwind II offer guest crew opportunities during the races and at other times. The crew is also offered rum punch on board and drink vouchers at the Boatyard Bar & Grill, where they can watch videos of that night's racing on large flat-screen TVs.
Many locals consider the Wednesday Night Races the official start of the weekend. Enough said.
4. U.S. Naval Academy - Annapolis
Another uniquely Maryland experience for groups is a tour of the U.S. Naval Academy, aka "the Yard."
The entire campus is a National Historic Landmark. The history tour includes exploration of Lejeune Hall, Bancroft Hall, Tecumseh Court, Herndon Monument, the chapel and the crypt of John Paul Jones, the naval hero of the American Revolution. Another program is available for groups of 16 or more that includes a special tour of the campus and its museum and tea at the Officers' and Faculty Club.
Insider tip: Don't miss noon meal formation as the midshipmen undergo uniform inspection before lunch.
5. Go Ape - Rockville
Go Ape is a U.K.-based treetop forest adventure company that opened its first location in the U.S. this spring in Rockville at Rock Creek Regional Park. And it's the hottest thing right now for groups convening in suburban Maryland.
The highly interactive adventure gets participants equipped with harnesses, pulleys and carabineers for a 30-minute training session before they are turned loose into the forest canopy. This is not simply a series of zip lines. Spanning a length of more than seven football fields and with obstacles 40 feet above the ground, the course includes zip lines, Tarzan-style swings, rope ladders, bridges and trapezes.
"Rockville is a perfect setting for the course because there are these gorgeous trees and natural beauty in what people have just thought of as the Metro D.C. area," says Taffy Rice, director of sales for the Conference and Visitors Bureau of Montgomery County. "It caters to all skill levels and is great for corporate team building or a group just looking to have fun and do something really different. And they're getting out in nature, which is what groups want to do more and more."
Adds Dan D'Agostino, managing director of Go Ape USA: "It takes participants beyond a traditional canopy tour or ropes course by empowering them with the skills needed to complete the course and then giving them the freedom to manage their own adventure."
6. Ocean City Boardwalk - Ocean City
A number of group activities are possible at the famous Ocean City Boardwalk, aka Atlantic Avenue, which runs for three miles along Ocean City's pristine beaches and has been an important part of the culture of the barrier island since 1902.
"Many venues can host groups for a special dinner. I recommend dinners that include crab cakes, of course," says Fred Wise, sales and marketing director for the Ocean City CVB. "We've also hosted groups at Trimpers Rides and Amusement Park."
At the park, Wise says groups have driven bumper cars, gone on scavenger hunts and participated in other fun team-building activities.
The boardwalk is the place for the famous Fisher's kettle corn, saltwater taffy at Dolle's Candyland (made on the premises since 1910) and French fries from Thrasher's Fries. The fries are known for their distinctive crunch and served with apple cider vinegar on the side. Insider tip: "BYOK," meaning, bring your own ketchup. The large size is great for a group since it's as big as a bucket of fried chicken. (You've been warned!)
7. Assateague Island National Seashore - Assateague Island
Assateague Island near Ocean City is one of the most breathtaking places in Maryland. On this little barrier island that is shaped constantly by ocean winds and waves, bands of wild horses freely roam.
The horses are split into two main herds, one on the Virginia side (called the Chincoteague ponies) and one on the Maryland side (the Assateague ponies). The horses are more accurately called feral horses because they are descendents of domestic herds that have reverted to a wild state.
"The island has so much natural, rugged beauty because it's protected land," says Fred Wise of the Ocean City CVB. "And it's so close to Ocean City, only around eight miles away."
A number of programs are available, including trips to view the horses, birding tours and photo tours.
8. National Museum of Civil War Medicine - Frederick
Western Maryland is renowned for its natural beauty, including waterfalls located in the Catoctin Mountains, verdant farmland, covered bridges, creeks and rivers. Like the rest of Maryland, the region packs in plenty of history.
One of the most intriguing historical attractions in this region is the National Museum of Civil War Medicine in the city of Frederick, which is situated near the major Civil War sites of Antietam, Gettysburg and Harpers Ferry. Groups will hear dramatic stories of the war, along with the developments that set medicine on the path toward the modern era. ME
