By Emma Moore
School's out and summer is in! This Thursday, June 21st marks the annual Summer Solstice and the longest day of the year, signifying the official beginning of summer 2018. Cele ate the beginning of the new season and soak up the sun's rays this weekend in the Annapolis area! Maryland has lots of fun events and activities to offer during the summertime. Whether it be boating or beaching, exploring the charming cities and towns, or just relaxing with friends and family, take advantage of warmer temperatures and the never-ending daylight in these ways:
Take a Walking Tour of Annapolis:
Become a tourist in your own town this weekend and re-familiarize yourself with our state's capital on a walking tour of Annapolis, led by guides dressed in colonial garb! Grab your family and friends, and take in the city's rich and immense history, all while enjoying Annapolis' beautiful waterfront views along the way. There's truly no better time to enjoy a walk around town than summertime. Tours occur daily from 10:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Book your tour today! For more information, visit Annapolistours.com or call 410-268-7601.
Take Me Out to the Ballgame:
Nothing says “Happy Summer” quite like a baseball game with friends and family. Make the trip to Nationals' Park in Washington D.C. Thursday, June 21st to see the Washington Nationals take on the Baltimore Orioles at 7:05 p.m. This game is perfect for all Maryland baseball fans—Nats and Orioles supporters alike. Enjoy some friendly competition between these two local teams with a hot dog in one hand and an ice cream cone in the other!
Can't make this game? Following their matchup against the Orioles, the Washington Nationals begin a new series with the Philadelphia Phillies Friday, June 22nd, Saturday, June 23rd, and Sunday, June 24th. Head to Nationals.com for times and ticket info.
Spend a Summer Night on the Bay with Wine and Music:
Looking for a classy and enchanted summer evening for just the adults? Yacht Charters on the Bay by Watermark and the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra are teaming up on Thursday, June 21st to offer a special Summer Solstice event: Symphony Solstice: Musical Cruise on the Severn. Beginning at 6 p.m., enjoy a music-filled night with a live performance by the Annapolis Symphony Brass Quintet, accompanied by stunning views of the Chesapeake Bay as the sun sets over the water. This starry summer night on the Catherine Marie yacht includes a wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $125 each. For more information, visit Whatsuptix.com
Pack a Picnic and See a Play:
Catch a performance of William Shakespeare's mystic and magical play, A Midsummer Night's Dream by the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company at Patapsco Female Institute Historic Park on Thursday, June 21st or Saturday, June 23rd at 8 p.m. Enjoy this local theater company’s take on this dreamy play, filled with magic and fairies, at their summer outdoor venue. Bring a date, a friend, or your family, and pack a picnic to see this special summer-only performance. For ticket information, check out Chesapeakeshakespeare.com
Attend a Local Music Festival:
Eat, drink, and be merry, all while enjoying live music from 37 bands at the Eastport-A-Rockin' Outdoor Summer Festival on Saturday, June 23rd on Back Creek and Second Street in Eastport! From 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., check out the local sounds, and support Annapolis-based services and initiatives including the Annapolis Maritime Museum, the Annapolis Musicians Fund for Musicians (AMFM), the Eastport Volunteer Fire Department, and Eastport Elementary School. This event is fun for the whole family and provides all that Annapolis has to offer with great food and drink, and an array of musical entertainment all by the picturesque Annapolis waterfront. Kids 12 and under are admitted free, general admission tickets $15 in advance and $20 onsite. Tickets can be purchased at Whatsuptix.com. Check out the Eastportarockin.com for the list of performers, food vendors, and expansive drink list.
Get Active in the Summer Sun:
Register for Waterfront Wellness Series free Yoga classes at West Shore Park along the Inner Harbor of Baltimore, Maryland. Start your summer off with some stress-relieving exercise by the water, great for with friends or with members of the family. At 7 a.m., the Vinyasa All Levels Yoga with Yogaworks teaches moves appropriate for every level of experience, whether you're a first-time yoga participator or a seasoned pro. Following this class, at 8 a.m., the Family Yoga with Yogaworks class takes place, meant for beginners and children accompanied by a parent or guardian. To sign up, go to Baltimorewaterfront.com
If you're an Annapolis local and looking for another way to get active this summer, sign up for the 5K or 10K (you choose!) Race to Stop the Bleeding at Quiet Waters Park this Saturday, June 23rd. You can choose between the 5K or 10K course or even partake in the 5K Family Fun Walk, all beginning at 9 a.m. Following the race, enjoy a complimentary cookout with friends and family at the Sassafras Pavilion. Support the Hemophilia Foundation of Maryland and register today at Hfmonline.org
Indulge in a Seasonal Wine Tasting;
Bin 201 Wine Sellers in Annapolis will host Binology 103: Summer Sparklers on June 23rd from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. to showcase the best summer sparkling wines! Taste an array of refreshing Italian wines with your special someone or best friend, and discover your favorites for your dinner parties and meals this summer! Tickets are $39 and include a 10% discount offer on the selected wines in this tasting. Check out this event to kick off your summer with fine wines and friends. To buy tickets, go to Bin201.com
Enjoy Some Summer Sounds:
Check out Boatyard Grille's Reggae Night with Orlando Phillips on Thursday, June 21st from 5–8 p.m. Experience the good vibes and take advantage of this special deal with $3 Red Stripe bottle beer on this night only. No summer vacation planned yet? Pretend you're in the Caribbean this Thursday with a Happy Hour priced drink and some tropical live music. For more info, head to Boatyardbarandgrill.com
