By Cate Reynolds
It's officially mid-July, and summer is in full swing. The hustle and bustle of summer can be exhausting, and sometimes it feels like you need a vacation from your vacation. Instead of packing up the car this weekend, take a eak from the travel and play tourist in your own back yard. Here are a few ways to spend your staycation weekend:
Grab a meal at a local restaurant:
Maryland's dining scene is constantly growing. You may be surprised by the number of delicious restaurants that are just a short drive, walk, or boat ride away. Our Summer Dining Guide features restaurants around the Chesapeake region that offer water views, outdoor seating, and a place to dock the boat. Sip a cold cocktail and enjoy a meal with a waterside eeze. You can check out our Summer Dining Guide here.
Looking for the best crab cake, sushi, steak, or barbeque? Our readers voted for the best restaurants and dishes in over 50 different categories. Check out What's Up? Magazine's Best Of Food and Dining winners for Annapolis, Eastern Shore, and West County to find the best dining experiences in the area.
Hit the Water:
Explore Maryland by boat! Cruises on the Bay by Watermark offers several sightseeing cruises around Annapolis. Whether you prefer a short 40-minute cruise of the Annapolis Harbor, or a full-day cruise to St. Michaels, Chesapeake Bay Cruises offer a fun and unique way to explore and learn about the Annapolis and Eastern Shore region. For more information, visit Cruisesonthebay.com.
This weekend cruise for a cause on Thursday, July 19th, 6 p.m. Grab your furry friend and join the Anne Arundel County SPCA for its Dog Days of Summer Cruise. This event features music, a silent auction, a cash bar, refreshments for the pups, a doggie pool, and food from Graul's Market. Proceeds benefit the SPCA. For more information, including ticket prices, click here.
Take a Dip:
Pack a picnic and spend a day with the family at Sandy Point State Park. Admission for the park is $5 per person for Maryland residents, and $7 per person for non-Maryland residents. Tip: arrive early! Sandy Point reaches capacity quickly, especially on hot days. For more information, including hours of operation, click here.
If the pool is more your style, check out the Arundel Olympic Swim Center. No need for sunscreen! This pool is located indoors, away from the heat of the sun. Admission is $4 for Anne Arundel County resident youth, $8 for non-resident youth, $6 for county resident adult, and $10 for non-resident adult. For more information, including hours of operation, click here.
Explore Local Art:
Get out of the heat and check out a new exhibit at a local museum. Cool off with Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts' newest exhibit A Breath of Fresh AIR, featuring work by Maryland Hall’s current and past artists-in-residence. Or, head to the Academy Art Museum for opening day of its new exhibit Reflections: Natural and Imagined¸featuring a juried selection of work in various mediums inspired by the theme “Reflections”. Admission for Maryland Hall is free, and admission for the Academy Art Museum is $3 for adults and free for children under 12. For more information, visit Marylandhall.org or Academyartmuseum.org.
Explore even further and venture into Baltimore for Artscape 2018, the country's largest free arts festival. Artscape will feature over 150 fine artists, fashion designers, and craftspeople; visual art exhibits; dance, theater, and music performances, and plenty of food and drink. This year's headlining concerts include TLC, Toots and the Maytals, and ZZ Ward. For more information, visit Artscape.org.
See a concert:
Enjoy a concert at one of Maryland's many fantastic music venues. This weekend, Rams Head on Stage welcomes The Kingston Trio (7/19), Ronnie Milsap (7/20), The Idol Kings: A Tribute To Tom Petty, Journey & John Mellencamp (7/21), Chatham County Line (7/22), and Spyro Gyra (7/22). For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit Ramsheadonstage.com.
Or check out one of the free concert series happening at various locations around the region. On the Eastern Shore, enjoy music from Bay Jazz Project at Muskrat Park, St. Michaels (7/19 at 6:30 p.m.); Wheel House at Chesapeake Heritage & Visitors Center, Kent Narrows; Barren Creek at Vienna Waterfront Park (7/21 at 4 p.m.); and the Eastport Oyster Boys at Tidewater Inn, Easton (7/21 at 7 p.m.).
On the other side of the idge, check out the Timmie Metz Band at Annapolis Maritime Museum (7/19 at 7 p.m.); Ruthie and the Wranglers at Annapolis Towne Centre (7/20 at 7 p.m.); Eastport Oyster Boys at Maryland Hall (7/20 at 7 p.m.); Folken Phunk Band at Quiet Waters Park (7/21 at 6 p.m.); and Priceless Advice at Waugh Chapel Towne Centre (7/21 at 7 p.m.);
