Historic London Town & Gardens

London Town is just minutes away from Annapolis, Maryland. It is one of Maryland's earliest settlements on South River that has a museum and park and features history, archaeology and horticulture in a 23-acre area of space.

One of our tour experience was a chance to get a free taste of a dessert unique to Maryland; - the 10 layer Smith Island Cake. It was superb! ( I should have taken a photo of it...ugh!, but you can easily find one online if you get curious how it looks! )

Here is one: (photo is not mine:)

They offer a colonial hearth cooking demonstration to visitors, so this was actually the highlight of our tour! :)

There is a garden sanctuary on the South River at the crossroads of the Chesapeake Bay, but due to time constraints, we didn't visit the gardens.

We were able to visit one of the historic areas though, - the Lord Mayor's Tenement. It's an old colonial house and inside of it showcases the lifestyle routine of a daily living in a typical colonial home. Quite an interesting experience!

Annapolis Harbor & US Naval Academy Boat Cruise

This is just yet another quick way to catch up a nice relaxation by the Chesapeake Bay. Annapolis cruises depart at City Dock. There are few small cruise boats from the City Dock that offer 40-minute narrated cruises equipped with beverage and snack service available on board except for water taxis.

This short cruise talks about historic Annapolis, the culture and fun of the Chesapeake Bay region and the history of the US Naval Academy.

You will get to enjoy seeing downtown Annapolis from the water and even getting the chance to catch a glimpse of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge while cruising the Annapolis Harbor and the banks of the US Naval Academy.

I and my husband enjoying the cruise ;)

A Visit to the Maryland State House

The Maryland State House is the oldest state house in America still in continous legislative use, and the first peacetime capitol of the US, and the only state house ever to have served as the nation's capitol.

There are many thins to see and learn about inside, history wise.

I visited the Senate and the House Chambers, the stairwell rooms and did a quick glimpse of the Rotunda (unable to take a photo) and the newly restored Old Senate Chamber with a statue of George Washington.

inside Old Senate Chamber

On November 26, 1783, the Congress started meeting in the Old Senate Chamber until August 13, 1784. Gen, George Washington at that time came to the Congress to render his resignation as commander-in-chief of the Continental Army, and so the Treaty of Paris was ratified which marked the official ending of the Revolutionary War. 

Congress then appointed Thomas Jefferson minister to France, the first diplomatic appointment by the new nation.

The Maryland State House became a National Historic Landmark by the Department of the Interior, the year 1960, the same day as Mt. Vernon and Monticello. It was the first state house to win such designation.

Tours are self-guided mostly, although they can also help you provide a tour guide depending on your preference.

A valid ID with photo is required if you are visiting...part of security measures!

Crab Feast at Fisherman's Crab Deck

Fisherman's Crab Deck is one restaurant worth visiting in summer for the "all-you-can-eat" crab feast! It is located off the Kent Narrows Bridge in Grasonville, MD.

It has a waterfront view situated across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge where you can enjoy the beautiful shoreline with boats docked outside of the restaurant.

This place is ideal for everybody, from singles to family hang outs! - one awesome summer experience to enjoy!

St. Michael's, Maryland - A Charm of Chesapeake Bay

St. Michael's is a scenic town in Talbot County on Maryland's eastern shore ,located halfway between the Susquehanna source and the Atlantic mouth of Chesapeake Bay. It nestles on the beautiful Miles River full of historical homes and wildlife.

The town itself is proud of its colonial, federal and Victorian homes, churches and historic maritime heritage showcasing its pleasant southern culture.

St. Michael's got its name from St. Michael's Parish of the Episcopal church founded in 1696. Things to do as past times are shopping and dining along its historical streets. Fishing and guided hunting are also available for those who love doing them which are offered year round. Boat rentals are also available as hourly rentals during summer for those who love to be on the water.

Inside of one of the buildings at the Maritime Museum

The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum is a must-visit when you are in St. Michael's. The museum was founded in 1965, located on 18-waterfront acres. It exhibits, trace the geological, social and economic history of the Chesapeake Bay through the age of sail and the steamboat era to the advent of gasoline and diesel-powered engines. Don't miss visiting the museum's collection of authentic Chesapeake Bay watercraft with 11 vessels on floating display at the museum docks.

Shopaholics can explore the quaint shops and boutiques, visit the St. Michael's Winery, the historic Christ Church and more.

St. Michael's known as "the town that fooled the British" has its own story to tell behind that title. When the British attacked St. Michael's in 1813 to destroy their shipyards, the town residents already forewarned, hoisted lanterns to the masts of ships and in tops of  the trees. This was a trick to the British by causing the canons to overshoot the town. Only one house was struck; - "the Cannonball House" due to a cannon ball that penetrated the roof, then rolled down to the staircase. The house still exists up to the present as a private residence.

The Early Golden Day Age of Railroading at the B & O Railroad Museum

The B & O (Baltimore & Ohio) Railroad Museum is located at the historic site of B & O Railroad's old Mt. Clare Shops/Station in Baltimore, Maryland. Mt. Clare is considered to be the birthplace of American railroading. (Shops are already gone). It's here that you can relive the golden age of railroading with 40 acres of railroad history!

A self-guided tour is the most convenient way to completely explore the entire area, although a guided tour is also offered by some staff workers upon request.

As you enjoy your self-guided tour, you can get the chance to explore the rail history through 7 buildings and train platforms, including the magnificent Roundhouse, allowing you to see, touch, and hear the most important American railroad collection in the world!

You can as well choose to venture on a 20-minute round trip train ride on the Mile One Express, along the first commercial mile of railroad track laid in America, recognized as the birthplace of American railroading.

Me inside the Mile One Express train (with a big foot of my photographer!)LOL!

America's symbol of industrialization from the earliest days of railroading were steam engines. As steam technology got better, engines also changed and increased dramatically in size to become powerful locomotives in the 19th century; - from the 1900 to the late 1930's-1950's where diesel engines became on the rise.

The B & O Museum offers one-of-a-kind collection of 20th century steam engines today! The exhibits inside the museum include both originals and replicas. Part of those exhibits are also available for viewing outdoors in which a number of large collection of a variety of steam locomotives are in the parking lot close to the museum entrance.

Buffet Lunch Experience at Rusty Scrupper

I live close to Baltimore but I wasn't even aware there is such a good waterfront dining restaurant like Rusty Scrupper!

At the waterfront

I happened to eat a buffet lunch here with my husband together with a tour group we signed up on while visiting downtown Baltimore.

Rusty Scrupper Restaurant is voted as Baltimore's Best Waterfront Dining by Baltimore Magazine, which sometimes is being frequented by VIP's.

I couldn't complain about the food...in fact, I wanna go back and have that yummy crab soup with their mouth-watering Ceasar salad and lemon garlic roasted chicken! :)

The American Visionary Art Museum (AVAM) can be easily spotted when you're around Baltimore area located at the Federal Hill neighborhood at 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, Maryland. 

The giant Whirlgig is highly visible as its outdoor sculptural landmark.

If you're an art lover, it is here where you will discover various amazing art collections created by intuitive, self-taught artists. It is also a national museum and an educational center where it showcases outstanding original works of various artists.

While some exhibits are being changed at times, it still has its permanent collections always on display with approximately 4,000 pieces.

The AVAM's specialty of art is called outsider art also known as "raw art", "art brut" or "intuitive art".

Photography isn't allowed inside, but are allowed outside the building. The museum's main building has 3 floors of exhibition space.

While more than 40 museums of visionary arts are already open around the world, it has been considered that AVAM is still the largest and continues to influence and inspire all over the world.

Re-Visiting Fort McHenry

It has been 5 years since my last visit to Fort McHenry. I and my husband did a visit on our own in 2011, and now we came back, this time with a tour group ;).

year 2011

May 29, 2015 visit

Of course, each visit is still a different experience and the fun is still the same. :)

Our self-guided visit is still enjoyable setting our feet on the famous star-shaped fort which is best known for its role in the war of 1812 when it successfully defended Baltimore Harbor from an attack by the British Navy in the Chesapeake Bay.

It was during the bombardment of the fort that Francis Scott Key was inspired to write "The Star Spangled Banner." As you enter the museum, don't miss watching the orientation film at the theater, right at the museum's entrance, and then visit the exhibits and the gift shop at the Visitor Center.

There are also outdoor exhibits as you walk around the fort, and get the chance to participate in the daily flag change program being held regularly every 4:30PM.

Brookside Gardens - A Random Visit!

Brookside Gardens located in Wheaton, Maryland at Glenallan Ave., is worth the visit every spring, because the garden is always rich in colorful blooms from January to December.

In the winter (Dec.-Feb.), there might be a limit of plants to be seen depending on the snow and really below freezing temperatures, but still they have plants that thrive like paperback maple which has interesting bark, hollies and flowers such as snowdrops, lenten roses, witchhazel and winter jasmine. 

But still you can see four regular seasonal displays and exhibits throughout the year inside the conservatories of the garden. ;) You can discover more about the additional garden features when you visit. It's a nice experience discovering them with your own eyes while admiring the floral beauty and nature at the same time.

Spring season is probably one of the busiest season in the garden as it becomes crowded due to the colorful tulips!

It's a common instinct for many that spring is the season for the most colorful blooms in the gardens, where many various florals are at their peak blooms.

Brookside Gardens spans almost 50 acres wide, and was opened as early as 1969 with gardens that surround the conservatories, offices and library. In the later years, many gardens were added along with additional features and wider landscapes complemented by changing displays of interesting and new plants and gardens every change of the season.

I've visited various botanical gardens in various places, and although I find Brookside Gardens a bit smaller in area than others, the entrance is FREE!

Bigger gardens with really super huge acres usually have entrance fees.

There are also guided tours offered to groups who are interested in gardening and horticultural aspects by making an advance reservation by phone. (301-962-1407)

The Hagerstown Premium Outlets - MARYLAND

There are always ideal places to find impressive deals when it comes to shopping items without compromising the quality, like the Premium Outlets in Hagerstown, MD. ;)

I usually go to this outlet when I need some items from my favorite signature brands ;).

There are at least more than 100 stores in this outlet mall which is situated along interstate 70, which is 3 miles east of the highway's junction with interstate 81 in Hagerstown, MD.

It's one of the major shopping malls in Washington County, opened in 1998 and was formerly called Prime Outlets - Hagerstown.

It was then in 2010 that its name was changed to Hagerstown Premium Outlets after the mall has been acquired by Simon Property Group.

The mall is open-air which means, there will be a lot of walking outside. It has a village-style lay out, without upper floors, but has cemented path walks all throughout.

Exploring Ocean City, Boardwalk (Maryland)

Ocean City is considered to be the East Coast's favorite family vacation destination, particularly during summer wherein it becomes the 2nd most populated town in Maryland as vacationers would flock the area making its visitors go up to 8 million at least in a year.

Its world famous boardwalk stretches up to 10 miles of clean beautiful beaches from the inlet to the Delaware state line.

The Ocean City Boardwalk is at the southern tip of the strip. It is where the main shopping district is, as well as an entertainment area of the town. The boardwalk has also amusement parks and recently a museum, namely the Trimpers Rides and The Pier.

Along the strip are now full of hotels, apartments, condos and shopping centers.

Experience wise, I and my husband only explored along the boardwalk, where the shopping districts are mostly located ;). Take note that Ocean City also has a downtown neighborhood marked by Victorian style houses and some other buildings, and the city is still continously expanding for more business establishments and attractions.

Exploring the boardwalk involves a lot of walking, so if you plan to be in the area for shopping, be sure you can walk at a long distance. There is a trolley that runs back and forth along the boardwalk for those who want to skip the long walks, but the trolley has a charge of $3. per person.

Otherwise you can still opt to stop fora rest. Benches are situated along the edge of the boardwalk. It's ideal to still walk if you are a shopaholic, :).

The Capital Wheel at National Harbor

One of the main reasons why I got interested to visit the National Harbor is to get up close with the Capital Wheel, - the harbor's newest iconic attraction.

I don't have plans on getting up into the wheel since I have fear of heights, but I was able to acquire some facts about the Capital Wheel.

The wheel has a climate-controlled gondolas that can seat 8 people in each. It can hold a total of 336 passengers and is 180 feet tall.

At the top of the Observation Wheel is a bird's eye view of the Washington Monument, US Capitol including Alexandria and Prince George's County which can be seen from a distance. Other visible sights include the White House, the National Mall, Arlington Cemetery and the lush parklands of the DC-MD-Virginia regions.

The wheel recently had its debut in May 2014 and set to operate year-round which is a good chance to see the four-seasons changing from a bird's eye-view! ;) 

Feels Like Home at Skycroft Conference Center

Trip Dates: June 28-30, 2013

Being a first timer to visit this place for a church family camp, I can say it was such an awesome place to experience feeling like we're home away from home! :)

Skycroft Conference Center has a breathtaking view located on a mountain top south of Frederick county, Maryland. It extends as far as 300 acres and is operated by the Baptist Convention of Maryland/Delaware which was opened in 1977. It can accommodate more than 300 guests overnight year round, equipped with various lodging/room accommodations depending on your preferences.

You can definitely enjoy the beauty of a scenic nature with various recreational facilities for both indoors and out. Dining options?...I agree it's an excellent place to have one. Good nutritious food, - in a buffet style banquets. It has 2 dining halls equipped with a seating capacity of more than 400 people.

Recreation centers such as the Nelson Center and The Barnes Reception Center give you endless choices of worthwhile activities.

Both indoor and outdoor activities are at The Nelson Center such as volleyball, basketball and racquetball courts located in a full gymnasium, a table tennis game room, plus huge outdoor spaces for softball, soccer, and football fields, an outdoor basketball court, tetherball, a Gaga court and campfire sites.

The Barnes Reception Center is an ideal place to visit the gift shop, and the Hebrews coffee cafe! This area also houses the guest registration area. Small shopping area is located in this area as well if you're thinking of buying gifts like books or clothings.

For team building recreational facilities, an indoor rock climbing wall, and a water slide are provided for an extra cost. There are high ropes course and confidence course as well.

The surrounding neighborhood of Skycroft is uniquely perfect to check like historic sites which reflects significant parts about the battle of South Mountain in 1862; - which can be within an hour drive from the place, some hiking trails, outlets, antique malls, river trips and even snow skiing (for the season).

Conference rooms are available in almost most of the areas of Skycroft.

If you are planning for a church retreat, or any related church activities check their website at skycroft.org.

A Visit To The US Naval Academy

Annapolis, Maryland's capital for more than 300 years now - is the home of the United States Naval Academy. One of the many reasons why I am always proud to be a Marylander :)

The academy is not only an educational institution but also well known for history, culture, recreation and fine arts.

The US Naval Academy has an outstanding location, surrounded by the Chesapeake Bay, Severn and Magothy Rivers.

The scenic grounds of the Naval Academy, known as the Yard has an amazing contrasts in architecture reflecting its distinguished history. It offers tree-shaded monuments commemorating courageous graduates and non-graduates and their contributions to naval history. The first Naval School was established by George Bencroft, Secretary of the Navy at Fort Severn, Annapolis in 1845. There were 50 students taught by 4 officers and 3 civilian professors. The school became the United States naval Academy in 1850, the undergraduate college of the US Navy.

During the Civil War, the Academy moved to Newport, R.I. and was re established in Annapolis in 1865.

In 1933, an act of Congress authorized the Academy to confer the bachelor of science degree. As it grew over the years, the Academy expanded from 10 acres to a 328-acre complex, from 50 midshipmen to a brigade of more than 4,400 midshipmen.

That's me fronting the Bancroft Hall

Bancroft Hall is named after George Bancroft, the founder of the school in 1845. It is now the current home for more than 4,400 midshipmen, containing approximately 1,700 midshipmen rooms, has actually 5 miles of corridors and about 33 acres of floor space. All facilities for recreation and all basic facilities of midshipmen's daily living needs are found in this hall.

pretty architectural design!

At the Memorial Hall

Some areas of Bancroft Hall are off-limits to visitors but other areas such as the vast Rotunda and Memorial Hall dedicated to alumni who gave their lives in the war are open for the public.

It was such a miss not being able to visit the Naval Academy Chapel which was unfortunately closed that day due to holiday :(.