This post covering august ideas for autumn getaways in Maryland is excerpted from my article in the September 22 edition of the Washington Post Magazine.
Think fall travel and leaf peeping springs to mind. But around Maryland, there’s a lot more to do come autumn than simply watch trees change color.
It is said that Maryland has more shoreline than any other state in the Lower 48. Thus, centering a trip around water is an easy seasonal optional. In fact, fall is the perfect time to head to the Eastern and Western Shores of the Chesapeake, or to Maryland’s Atlantic coast. Skies are sunny, waters are warm, fishing’s fine, and traffic is trivial.
Ocean City’s 10 miles of white-sand Atlantic beaches beckon throughout the fall. The resort’s boardwalk bustles with activity, as do the waters within its sight. This is the time to go boating or try out paddle boarding. It’s also a prime time for fishing in The White Marlin Capital of the World.
Golfers will be quite happy teeing off as temperatures cool off. There are numerous championship courses in the area, surrounded by scenery ranging from preserved wetland to pristine woods..
Special events during October involve family fun and food. Gourmands can indulge during Ocean City’s Fall Restaurant Weeks. Yes, that’s weeks, as in two The table is set this year from October 13-27. OCtoberfest, held the weekends of October 19-20 and 26-27, is a combination celebration of Halloween and the hallowed beach.
Although Ocean City may be the best known city in Worcester County, the area offers an intriguing collection of smaller burgs. Located only seven miles from the Atlantic Ocean, Berlin’s downtown is a National Register Historic District. But don’t let its historic nature fool you. It’s a trendy hot spot, with cool shops, outdoor eateries, and art galleries featuring modern and classic works.
On October 19, the streets of downtown go, appropriately, German-style. Berlin’s Octoberfest features a beer garden blooming with beer, bratwurst, strudel, and live music. No lederhosen required.The county’s European heritage is also on show in Snow Hall. On October 5 and 6, Furnace Town hosts the Chesapeake Celtic Festival, complete with bagpipes and Celtic grub and grog.
