The New Year is here, and has arrived. Now is the time to plan major activities that you must do this year. From perfect weekend getaways to interesting exercise classes, this list will have your 2016 jam packed that you won’t know what to do first!
Renwick Museum – Wonder Exhibit
You have heard all about it, probably have seen the long line of people waiting to get in. Or, your friends have mentioned it in passing, saying, “Yeah, it’s really good…you should go!” Well, you should listen to your friends. You have until May 8th to see the wonder that is Wonder. Need more information? Check out the Renwick’s site for times, and no need to check out for the price of admission, it’s FREE!
Western Maryland Scenic Railroad
Want to get away this winter? Want to see the scenic views without having to drive them? Your answer is the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad. It is fun for the whole family seeing the lovely mountains of Western Maryland. Check out this site for all the information you could need, shopping, lodging, eating…everything!
National Aquarium
Something fun and educational seems like an oxymoron right? Well, not when it comes to the National Aquarium. Get lost in your imagination and learn all the wonders of the deep blue sea. And the best part? You can experience this year round! Even in the dead of winter, you can go. Get more information at the National Aquarium’s website and start planning your day!
Ladew Topiary Gardens
When the weather is nice, walking through gorgeous topiary gardens sounds like the perfect thing to do. Named one of the top 5 topiary gardens in North America, Ladew offers more than just atheistically pleasing foliage; there are gorgeous gardens, a butterfly house, and a lovely Manor House. Check out Ladew’s website today and schedule your garden-themed weekend!
Preakness Celebration Balloon Festival
When the weather starts getting warm…and the days get longer, that means one thing; PREAKNESS! Now, the day of Preakness might not be the event for everyone, but the balloon festival before is something not to be missed. This event is a great family-friendly event to attend and it’s right “around the corner” in Ellicott City’s Turf Valley. Check out the website for more information on the days, times, and tickets for the event.
Paddleboard Yoga
Last year, the big thing was paddleboarding down a river/lake/ocean. Well, this year, up the ante with adding yoga to that activity. It’s the new workout craze that you are sure to enjoy. Where else will you get to experience yoga on the water? It adds just that little bit extra to your workout, and you get to be on the water in the process. Check out FloYo’s website for more information on locations, classes, and cost.
Wine in the Woods
Even though Merriweather is undergoing some serious renovations, they will be open for their annual Wine in the Woods Celebration on the weekend of May 21. You get to taste many local wines, listen to music, eat yummy food, and hang out with your friends. This is definitely not a child-friendly event; so plan a day with your friends with this one. Here is Wine in the Woods’ website for more information.
Tubing Down a River
On a hot summer day, nothing is going to beat the heat better than sitting on an inner tube and floating down the river with your friends. You get nature, friends, and fun! It’s also a family-friendly event, for children as young as 5, as long as a life vest is involved. There are multiple locations around Maryland, but instead of searching all over the Internet for them, this site here has that taken care of, as well as many questions you may have.
Annual Antietam National Battlefield Memorial Illumination
At the end of the year, mark your calendars, and plan to attend the Memorial Illumination at Antietam National Battlefield. It’s a great history lesson with a luminous honor to all of the fallen soldiers during the historic battle. Keep this website bookmarked and keep an eye out on when this event will occur.
The list really could go on an on, as there are so many things for you to do this year in Maryland. We managed to limit it down to a good few. So, start planning your 2016…it’s going to be exciting!