The requested article is no longer available  Story Archives Play Top Courses on Indoor Simulator at Ocean Resorts Golf Club Just because you can’t leave town for Florida, Arizona or California doesn’t mean you have to retire your golf clubs until spring. Head over to the Ocean Resorts Golf Club in Berlin, a few miles west of Ocean City, and test your mettle against 10 top courses on the club’s indoor simulator. A Walker's Guide to Annapolis Sights & History Every street in Annapolis contains homes with distinctive architecture and interesting stories. These tours describes a number of the noteworthy houses and streetscapes of Annapolis. Dazzling Castles Rise on OC's Beach Spectacular creations emerged from the sand at the 3rd Annual Ocean City Sand Castle Contest on June 12. Twenty-nine teams competed under sunny skies, joined by three master builders and the knights of Medieval Times. To see some of the creations, visit OceanCity.com's photo gallery. What’s New, What’s Hot in Ocean City This Summer New Ocean City hotels and restaurants open their doors to beachgoers. Our annual OC update will help you plan your 2006 visits to Maryland’s beach capital. Sand, Sea and Summer Fun Beckon Kids to OC Special activities and events lure little ones to Ocean City where sand and sea are just the beginning of a fun-in-the-sun visit. Carousel Rebounds, Dazzles Again What a long, strange trip it's been for the Carousel Resort Hotel & Condominiums. A few years back, it had fallen into such disrepair, even some of the hotel's biggest fans figured it would never recover. Baltimore: A Charming Place to Visit Nicknamed "Charm City," Baltimore is the 12th largest city in the U.S. Baltimore has as much to see and do as many larger cities but with less hassle or expense. Tidewater Maryland: Sailing and Serenity The Tidewater region boasts the Chesapeake Bay, the largest inlet on the Atlantic seaboard that offers visitors thousands of miles of shoreline for exploration. Blues Rock Boat on WRNR Cruises the “Damian’s Blues Cruise” series, operated by WRNR Radio 103.1 and Watermark Cruises, blends a little barbeque, a little beer, lots of locals and superb live blues by some of the region's best musicians. Festival Takes Visitors to 16th Century Travel back in time – to a 16th-century English village – at the 26th annual Maryland Renaissance Festival. All the world’s a stage here, it seems, as even many of the visitors don costumes and play the roles of lords and ladies, jesters and Benedictine monks. Chick and Ruth's: An Annapolis Classic At Chick and Ruth's deli, the waitresses look like extras from a Barry Levinson flick. Customers recite the morning Pledge of Allegiance. And the oversized sandwiches are named after politicians. Artists Sculpt Dreams In Sand Building sand castles - and all manner of other creations from grains of sand -- has become a sophisticated, if ephemeral, art form. Check out some local artists' amazing creations. Seacrets: OC's Jamaica By the Bay Seacrets is just off Ocean City's neon-soaked Coastal Highway. But once you've entered the sprawling night club, you'll swear you're on a tropical island. A Hometown Boy Celebrates The Less-Traveled Baltimore Few know - or write about - Baltimore as well as Rafael Alvarez. Join our newest columnist on a journey through his beloved hometown. Welcome to 'Bawlmer,' Hon Baltimore's booming amid a billion-dollar-plus development blitz. But the old port city retains its small-town charm and prides itself on history, tradition and quirkiness. Chesterown Preserves Small-Town Feel In Chestertown, “Norman Rockwell would have plenty to paint,” a journalist once wrote of this small town 47 miles northeast of Annapolis in Kent County, “and Sinclair Lewis would be busy taking notes.” A Bit of Ireland Comes to Annapolis The Irish have come to Annapolis in a big way. Check out some of the Irish-run businesses in town: pubs, restaurants, a hotel, a shop selling hand-woven clothing. Glimpses of Colonial Past Historic London Town offers a journey into the colonial past with archaeological ruins, a small visitor's center, a woodlands garden and the William Brown home. Pilgrims Flock to Shrine of Patron Saint of Hopeless Causes From neighborhoods of Baltimore and from across the nation, pilgrims come to the Shrine of Saint Jude, the patron saint of hopeless causes. Science Center Exhibit Fascinates as it Educates BodyLink at the Maryland Science Center provides fascinating looks at genetics, immunology and ways to improve your health. Mister Baltimore Goes to the Movies Mister Baltimore gives his take on Stanley Kubrick, enjoys a grilled Spanish sausage and bleeds for the city he loves in Crabtown's cultural arts district near Pennsylvania Station. Mr. Baltimore's Night on the Town On any given night of the week in Baltimore, a world of good music is available to the man or woman willing to look for it. This month, Mr. Baltimore and friends take us on a wop-bop-a-loo-op-wop-bam-boom tour of waterfront rock and roll. Birdwatching in Worcester County, Maryland State and national parks in Worcester County offer camping, nature trails and guided tours, inviting you to share the beauty of the native landscape. Mister Baltimore Anticipates Summer on the Waterfront In Amsterdam, there are bustling neighborhoods of people living on barges and house boats. In Baltimore, entire families of sea dogs living on the water year-round is rare. The exception, just a crab shell's throw from Key Highway, are the Marshalls. Mr. Baltimore pays them a visit this month. Mister Baltimore Sheds A Tear for the old Thames Street Rope Shop There are lots of good things going on in Crabtown these days and Mr. Baltimore and I will introduce you to a few of them today – most spectacularly the re-opening of the fabled Patterson Theater in Highlandtown as a cultural arts center. Escape to Tilghman Island A getaway to the Wood Duck Inn overlooking Dogwood Harbor on tranquil Tilghman Island (just 14 miles past St. Michael's), spells relaxation-- with gourmet fare to boot. Trimper Savors Childhood Delights Granville Trimper, the 73-year-old owner of Trimper's Amusement Park, can't seem to get enough of it. He prides himself on his hands-on management style, and he's often at the park until after midnight. In Search of Vistas, Waterfalls and Isolated Forests With ninety thousand acres of publicly owned parklands, this mountain area has more than any other county in Maryland. With great waterfalls, big rocks, and the oldest Hemlock grove in the State of Maryland, Swallow Falls State Park is a Mecca for outdoor enthusiasts visiting Garrett County. Highlights of Baltimore Baltimore offers several nationally recognized attractions to lure visitors, including the Harborplace, Port Discovery and the Walters Art Museum. Mister Baltimore Goes to the Ballgame Mr. Baltimore takes a seat in the stands to root for the home team and remember the O's glory years of his youth. Mister Baltimore Goes Down the Ocean Always a day late and a dollar short, Mr. Baltimore takes time out from shucking oysters on South Broadway to remember his Labor Day vacation in Ocean City, walk down memory lane at Frontier Town and page through a new biography. Local Treasures off the Beaten Path The Helen Avalynne Tawes Garden, Maryland Avenue, the Banneker-Douglass Museum, and Quiet Waters Park are worth a visit but are often overlooked. Where History Meets the Chesapeake A year-round waterfront community with a deep sense of history, Galesville welcomes those who want to help preserve its quaint atmosphere. On Kent Island, Pride and History Run Deep A landlocked village on a heavily populated island, Stevensville holds fast to charms of past generations. While developers eye its perimeter, Stevensville's cozy downtown section offers visitors a quiet side trip and a stroll back in time. Word Spreads About Gem on Shore Hollywood and active retirees have both discovered Berlin, Maryland. Can this small turn-of-the-century community, only ten minutes from Ocean City, keep its quaint village atmosphere in tact? Mr. Baltimore Haunts Gotham City Mr. Baltimore hops a bus on O'Donnell Street and follows Rafael Alvarez to New York where they watch protestors rant and rave in Union Square and sample some of the world's best coffee at Joe Rinaldi's joint on Graham Avenue in Brooklyn. Maryland's Regional Highlights Check out highlights of the Eastern Shore's waterfront towns and attractions, Central's Capital area, Westerns's Civil War Heritage, DC Metro's thriving communities, the historic Southern Region and much more. Vibrant Silver Spring lures visitors across the District line Easy access to D.C., ethnic eateries, off-price shops and colorful street festivals draw visitors to Silver Spring. Downtown Bethesda is a happening place close to D.C. Bethesda offers D.C. area visitors big-city perks in the 'burbs—upscale restaurants, sophisticated shops, and plenty to do. Kent Island Serves Meals with a View No time for a day trip to the Eastern Shore? Relax over lunch or dinner at a waterfront restaurant on the "near" side of the Eastern Shore, just over the bridge on Kent Island. Charter Your Own Boat Before going overboard for a charter, check the company's credentials carefully. Ask the hard questions up front to ensure a safe and relaxing boating experience. Sail in a Floating Classroom Men,women and kids learn to sail the Chesapeake at Annapolis's prestigious sailing schools. Cruise Annapolis Harbor, Bay Discover Annapolis at its most photogenic from a head boat. Cruise the harbor and beyond on a sailboat or powerboat. Ride the water taxi, board a launch, or take a cruise of 40 minutes or longer. All-day excursions travel to St. Michael's and Rock Hall. Eastern Shore Outdoor Activities Maryland's Eastern Shore offers a wealth of opportunities to watch birds, hike, bike, canoe, kayak,fish and camp. In fact, you can do most everything--except downhill skiing. OC Emerges as Top Golf Destination Think golfer’s paradise – offering everything from moderately priced executive courses to championship links designed by legends – all within minutes of the beach, Boardwalk, hotels and restaurants. Seafood and Serenity Star in Rock Hall Rock Hall, a true waterman's village, welcomes visitors with its picturesque Bay setting on the Eastern Shore and its relaxed pace. Draws include the fresh, locally caught seafood, rich waterman's tradition, old-fashioned Main Street and growing artist's colony. Rafael Alvarez bids a brief adieu to Mr. Baltimore Giving Mr. Baltimore the slip, Rafael Alvarez hits the road in early autumn to witness the final out in the history of the Montreal Expos. Along the way, as always, he crosses paths with someone who just won't be content until they share their "Baltimore story" with the wandering scribe. Mr. Baltimore Meets a Girl A summer night in 2004 with Mr. Baltimore and a young girl behind the wheel for whom he has flipped his ever-lovin' lid. With Alvarez in the back seat, Mr. B slappin' skin against the dash board and a Pop Tart at the wheel, our heroes cruise Charles Street north to Roland Park where they sup at the Petit Louis Bistro and meet a rock star in pig tails. Maryland Event Sites Blanket the Beach, Bay and Beyond Maryland conference centers and reception sites offer picturesque settings and plenty of extras for business meetings and social occasions throughout the state. On the Boards, Timeless Lures Beckon Take a journey along Ocean City's Boardwalk, named one of the nation's best this spring by the Travel Channel. On the boards, so much has changed, and yet so much defies change. Chestertown is steeped in history The past meets the present in historic Chestertown, about 45 miles northeast of Annapolis as the gull flies. Enjoying one of the most scenic riverfront settings on the entire Chesapeake Bay, Chestertown is an ideal destination for half a day or longer. Packagers save O.C. visitors time and energy. Golf packagers save golfers the hassle of calling and/or surfing the net for info, weighing the options, reserving tee times and booking rooms. And they save money in the process. Snow Hill has scenery, solitude and sights. Snow Hill, in Worcester County on the southern Delmarva peninsula, lies less than 30 minutes from Ocean City. Yet it is worlds away in ambiance. Visitors to Snow Hill can visit the ocean beaches, golf, kayak or fish on the Pocomoke River, crab on Chincoteague Bay, bicycle and spot more than 300 species of birds on country lanes, revisit history or kick back under a willow with a good book. In Snow Hill friendly folks, fauna and farms far outnumber traffic lights, strip malls and razzle-dazzle. Baltimore Charms the Kids "Charm City" charms families with its kid-friendly Inner Harbor attractions, cruises and restaurants. You could easily spend a week here with kids in tow. But you can cover a lot of ground in a day or two. Weathering Storms for Three Centuries Can the waterman’s way of life survive the storms, real and metaphorical, that Smith Island has weathered for more than three centuries? West Street Wears A Pretty New Face A short walk from downtown’s historic district, once seedy West Street wears a pretty new face thanks to au courant boutiques and restaurants. St. Mary's County: Where the Potomac Meets the Chesapeake Visit now and again in 2009, when St. Mary’s kicks off a year of celebrations for Maryland’s 375th birthday. Maryland begins here! You should too! Western Maryland Highlights Western Maryland offers all sorts of diversions – a major Civil War battlefield, a scenic railroad that chugs through the mountains, a carriage museum, a beautiful park set amid one of the world's oldest mountain ranges. Check out Maryland.com’s Southern Maryland highlights Itinerary Helps in Planning Annapolis Visit Make the most of an Annapolis visit by having a plan. Armed with an itinerary,you'll save shoe leather and time and retain your good humor. The 2004 Boat Shows Cruise into Town The 34th annual U.S. Boat Shows cruise into Annapolis in October, transforming the harbor into boat-lovers' heaven. New luxury yachts and cruisers will debut, along with more affordable models 12' and up. The latest nav equipment, accessories and furnishings, and must-have gear for the captain and crew, will be housed in several tents. The back-to-back shows are Oct. 7-11 (Sail) and Oct. 14-17 (Power). Waterfront restaurants beckon diners Pick crabs on a waterfront deck or dine indoors on jumbo lump crab cakes. Whatever your style, from now until next fall, a view of the Bay or one of its tributaries enhances any dining experience. DC Metro Region Highlights In the D.C. Metro Region, you'll find the thriving community of Bethesda, fascinating attractions and thousands of acres of scenic parkland. Check out Maryland.com's highlights of the region. New Eateries Broaden Beach Fare New restaurants open their doors to Ocean City beachgoers in 2005. Some old-timers have moved or dished their last. St. Mary’s County: Celebrating Maryland’s 375th Birthday at Maryland’s Birthplace Central Maryland Highlights Central Maryland is home to the Maryland State House, the 18th-century William Paca House and Garden, the U.S. Naval Academy, and the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum. Check out Maryland.com's Central Maryland highlights. Eastern Shore Highlights Waterfront towns and attractions, a giant wildlife refuge and the unspoiled Atlantic beaches of Assateague beckon visitors to Maryland’sEastern Shore. Check out Maryland.com’s Eastern Shore highlights. Southern Maryland Highlights In Southern Maryland, you can visit the colony's recreated,l7th-century capital, see a superb maritime museum and collect fossils dating back 15 million years. Check out Maryland.com's Southern Maryland highlights. Ocean Speedboats Create Big Splash Sea Rocket and OC Rocket, the oversized speedboats that cruise the coastline, offer a wet, wild and exhilarating way to see the beach from the ocean. Hundreds of passengers head out to sea on the boats every day during the summer. OceanCity.com sent out a skeptical writer and his son to see what all the fuss is about. Read about their trip. Grab Your Putter, Journey to Enchanted Lands At 81, Old Pro Golf founder Herbert J. Schoellkopf has lost none of his remarkable ability to turn the products of his fertile imagination into miniature golf wonderlands. Annapolis Walking Tour Annapolis is a very walkable city. The tour includes historic St. Anne's Church, the State Capitol, and the shops of Maryland Avenue. Several fine colonial homes and the Naval Academy are also part of the tour. Bethesda: An Historical Perspective Bethesda is an important historical crossroads that has grown to encompass a variety of vibrant neighborhoods. Prince George's County: 300 Years of American History Prince George's County history goes back over 300 years. It is home to numerous estates and museums including Montpelier Mansion, Riversdale House Museum, Surratt House Museum and the College Park Aviation Museum. St. Michaels, Maryland: The Eastern Shore's In(N) Town An inn experience on the Maryland's Eastern Shore is unlike any other to be found in the United States. It's a sensory barrage of interesting locals, charming accommodations, history, savory fare, as well as excellent antiques and crafts shopping. Cambridge: Dorchester County Seat Quirky off-the-well-beaten-path attractions -- the well beaten path being the long north-south segment of US Route 50 on Maryland's Eastern Shore -- are part of the appeal of unsung Cambridge, the Dorchester County seat on the southern bank of the Choptank River. Solomons for Summertime Explore the pubs and eateries, galleries and shops, and a variety of nameless nooks and crannies. Oakland’s Restored Treasure The train station was purchased by the town of Oakland and has undergone an historically accurate restoration. At one time the train station in Oakland was the busiest place in town. Garrett County: Land of Seven Lakes Few people outside the local area ever heard of Westernmost Maryland's magnificent 3900-acre mountain lake. Deep Creek Lake State Park: Nature Tourism at its Best Located in Garrett County, at the westernmost edge of Maryland, lies one of the state's best nature attractions. The National Road Western Maryland is one of the prettiest and most historic places in the mid-Atlantic area. It's perfect for a few days of country road exploration. Wicomico County: Chesapeake Pleasure At the heart of the Eastern Shore lies Wicomico County, home to historic towns and picturesque fishing villages where Chesapeake traditions were born. Wedding Bells and Sounds: A guide to ceremony music A discussion of music for each part of the wedding ceremony, first by describing the role of music, and then by recommending selections that most successfully accomplish it. 10 Top Romantic Getaways in Maryland The perfect romantic escape is closer than you think. Maryland offers it all, whether you want to be surrounded by mountains, look out over a waterfront view, or just want to stay put in your room in the height of luxury, it will be an experience you won't soon forget. A Winter Wonderland Not everyone who comes to Garrett County is looking for outdoor adventure. Some find more pleasure indoors, relaxing by a roaring stone fireplace or gazing out at inspiring scenery from a sunny picture window. Uncork the Holidays at Maryland Wineries Maryland's 11 wonderful wineries are hosting more events and seasonal celebrations than ever before. Maryland Wineries are a Perfect Getaway on Valentine's Day More and more, Valentine's Day is becoming a stressing hassle instead of the romantic day with your loved one it is meant to be. Why not try something different this year? Easy Recipes That Will Hit the Heart of Your Valentine Seems these days, while the adage of hitting the heart of your love through his or her stomach may very well still hold true, there's rarely enough time in the hustle and bustle of life to really spend hours in the kitchen trying to give Martha Stewart a run for her money. 10 Top Maryland Malls What are the best shopping centers in Maryland? Maryland.com took a look and picked the centers we feel have gone out of their way to make your shopping experience as easy, safe and enjoyable as possible. How to Shop When Refinancing Your Mortgage Huge Crab Feast Set for Friday This year’s 57th annual Annapolis Rotary Crab Feast beckons Friday evening with a tasty smorgasbord: 360 bushels of jumbo crabs, 3,600 ears of corn, 75 gallons of crab soup, 1,800 hot dogs, 150 pounds of beef barbecue. 50,000 Expected at 33rd Annual Sailboat Show Sailboats from around the world -and about 50,000 sailing enthusiasts - will descend on Annapolis for the U.S. Sailboat Show. The nation's oldest and largest in-water sailboat show runs from Oct. 10 to Oct. 14. Frightening Sights & Sounds at Fright Fest 2002 Six Flags America welcomes one and all – from pint-sized pumpkins to scary skeletons and beyond – to join in the biggest and best Halloween celebration in the region: FRIGHT FEST 2002! 2003 Holidays on the Eastern Shore Christmastime on the Eastern Shore promises to be as festive as ever with unique celebrations that focus on the water. Visitors to Tilghman Island will witness its annual lighted boat parade followed by one of the biggest fireworks displays in all of Talbot County. Santa Claus arrives in Kent County by boat to kick off Rock Hall's town festivities. In Annapolis, Special Events Abound Year-Round Flight demonstrations by the Navy's Blue Angels, the world's largest crab feast, and waterfront festivals are but of a few of the special events drawing visitors to America's Sailing Capital. Upcoming Maryland Family Events The summer is filled with wonderful events throughout Maryland. Upcoming events include the Frederick Festival of the Arts, the Maritime Heritage Festival in St. Mary's City and the Antique and Classic Boat Show in St. Michael's among many others. Tourney: Big Fish, Big Boats, Big Bucks Anglers head to sea Monday with big dreams of the big catch, which translates into big bucks in the White Marlin Open. This year, prize money is expected to top $2.2 million. Showtime Under the Stars The Little Italy Open-Air Film Festival features movies al fresco on Friday nights. The movies are projected from the tiny window of a row house onto a billboard-turned-screen in the heart of Baltimore’s old Italian enclave. Resort Plans July 4 Bashes Huge celebrations, culminating with fireworks, will commemorate the nation’s birthday this year at both ends of Ocean City. OC Touts Cicada-Free Vacations Ocean City proudly proclaims that it's cicada-free. A new advertising campaign touts the resort as the place to go to get away from the winged, red-eyed critters so prevalent in the region. The campaign has attracted widespread attention, creating just the sort of buzz the resort seeks. Baltimore Charms the Kids "Charm City" charms families with its kid-friendly Inner Harbor attractions, cruises and restaurants. You could easily spend a week here with kids in tow. But you can cover a lot of ground in a day or two. Don't Ski? Other Ideas for Winter Fun Downhill skiing and snowboarding are swell if you know what you're doing. Take lessons at local ski areas. Or, if it's not your cup of cocoa, try cross-country, snowshoeing, snowtubing, sledding or ice fishing. Ideas for Celebrating New Year's Eve Annapolitans celebrate New Year's in a variety of ways. Some dress up, dine out and greet the sunrise. Others choose non-traditional ways to celebrate. First Night Annapolis is a family-pleasing alternative. Some couples go to the movies and grab a bite. Others feast on a lobster dinner at home.

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