Maryland prides itself on its diverse range of adventures, from official experiential tours to self-guided explorations.
For groups, adventure can be on a raft in whitewater, or it can be found in the archival pages of a beloved author, a stroll across the putting green or in the cobblestone under the wheels of an electric eCruiser.
Adventure in the Free State can be sweat and endorphins, but it can also be stillness and wonder; the magic of discovering a connection with a place you’ve never been.
Baltimore
“Visit Baltimore has a signature collection of 14 immersive and behind-the-scenes tours,” said Al Hutchinson, president and CEO of Visit Baltimore. “We created them to showcase our city by engaging attendees in hands-on, authentic Baltimore experiences.”
The offerings were specifically designed to accommodate meetings and conventions of various sizes, price ranges and interests, according to Hutchinson.
“For example, at Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, groups can join a National Park Service ranger in unrolling the 30-by-42-foot replica Star-Spangled Banner flag on the site where it flew 200 years ago, inspiring Francis Scott Key to write our national anthem,” Hutchinson said.
The B&O Railroad Museum’s interactive tour takes visitors inside a private luxury railroad car used by railroad executives and U.S. presidents.
To explore the literature and legacy of Edgar Allan Poe, participants are able to view the Enoch Pratt Free Library’s collection of rare artifacts from the celebrated author’s life as well as set foot in his Baltimore residence.
Groups can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the National Aquarium to learn how the aquarists take care of the animals and maintain the exhibits, according to Hutchinson.
“You’re able to see some of the aquarium’s most popular exhibits before they open to the public,” he said.
Other area offerings include an immersive examination of Maryland’s African-American history at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, the science of wine-making at the Maryland Science Center and an intense range of teambuilding activities from Terrapin Adventures.
Annapolis
Historic Annapolis is an experience unto itself, and visitors will find that this “Museum Without Walls” both satisfies and whets curiosity at every turn of its cobblestone streets.
For first-timers in Annapolis, attendees can check out some of the city’s Golden-Age architecture. The William Paca House, a five-part Georgian mansion and 18th century pleasure garden, offers daily tours for individuals as well as groups.
The James Brice House, one of the most historically significant surviving structures from colonial times, is undergoing a multiyear, multimillion-dollar restoration to exactly how it would have looked in 1774.
“It’s like a piece of the fabric of Annapolis,” said Susan Seifried, vice president of communications for Visit Annapolis. “We live with all these 18th century buildings, we’re breathing in all this history on a daily basis. We’re going to get to see the transformation of the Brice House over the next few years, and I’m excited to see what we’re going to learn, because I know it’s going to be pretty darn educational.”
Annapolis Urban Adventures, renowned for its all-electric eCruiser tours—Explore the Heart of Annapolis and Original Annapolis Seafood Crawl—added a third tour to the itinerary this summer. Called Annapolis at Night, the evening excursion promises history with mystery.
PageBreakLast spring, the U.S. Naval Academy started offering its own narrated riding tour in an electric GEM car. The five-passenger vehicle tour is ideal for people with mobility issues, Seifried said. As an added bonus, it features several locations the Academy’s walking tour misses.
Weekends in late August through October, the Maryland Renaissance Festival in Crownsville provides a captivating experience complete with live entertainment, handcrafted wares and finger foods. The festival offers discounted admission for groups of 20 or more.
Owned and operated by the Light House Homeless Prevention Support Center and centrally located in the historic district, the Light House Bistro combines social enterprise and fine dining in a distinctly Annapolis experience. Patronizing the bistro helps support the center.
“The restaurant has been packed since it opened in February,” Seifried said. “The people who work there are so tremendously gracious. They want to provide you with an exceptional dining experience.”
Ocean City
On Maryland’s Eastern Shore, Ocean City also offers a full slate of experiential adventures, namely along the water.
“Ocean City is great for groups of two, 20 or much more,” said Jessica Waters, communications manager for the Ocean City CVB. “Whether you want a leisurely weekend of relaxing on the beach, action-packed water sports, golf outings or true coastal Maryland experiences, there is truly something for everyone.”
Located one mile north of Ocean City on Little Assawoman Bay, water sport outfitter Coastal Kayak caters to groups and can accommodate up to 100 attendees. Offerings including eco-tours, rentals and lessons for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and sailing.
Talbot Street Watersports provides a number of boat tours, from the educational Assateague Adventure eco-cruise to the Duckaneer, an interactive pirate-themed adventure. All Talbot Street’s boats are available for private charters, including signature OC Rocket Speed Boat for groups of up to 100 in a breathtaking ride along the coastline.
For a truly unique perspective, J&J Shop Heliair offers scenic helicopter tours, including charter flights, highlighting everything from downtown Ocean City to nearby Assateague Island. Excursions are limited to two passengers each, though can be scheduled back-to-back. Tours are available year-round, weather permitting.
Western Maryland
The Rocky Gap Casino Resort in Flintstone is an experience unto itself. Situated in Rocky Gap State Park, the resort is surrounded by striking mountain vistas. Visitors can experience the Western Maryland landscape by day and return to the group-friendly resort in the evening for its casino, spa, three restaurants and comedy club.
The venue has an on-site conference and event center as well as the only Jack Nicklaus Signature golf course in the state.
