March getaways in Maryland offer escape from winter
03-07-2012
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Spas, golfing, wine trails present early-spring options
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BALTIMORE (March 7) – March is a transition into a season of renewal, a time to revive body and spirit. Emerge from the doldrums of winter, says the Maryland Office of Tourism, and experience new adventures this month.
"It's a great time to plan a Maryland getaway – especially one that reflects a desire to try something out of the ordinary," says Margot Amelia, executive director of the tourism office. "Indulge in an overnight visit to a spa, plan a golfing outing in a part of the state where you've never been, or enjoy local scenery as you follow one of Maryland's wine trails."
The tourism office further points out that local restaurant weeks are a good way to "dine at places where you've never been, but always wanted to try." Frederick (County) Restaurant Week is March 5-11 and Talbot (County) Restaurant Week is March 25-31. A one-day event,Taste of Solomons (Calvert County), is March 31.
Here are a dozen destinations (a sampling of what's available) across Maryland that can provide an early-spring getaway:
Western Maryland
- Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park (Western Maryland) – Travelers can stay at one of six lock houses available for overnight guests along the 184.5-mile C&O Canal towpath, which stretches from Georgetown in Washington, D.C., to Cumberland.Canal Quarters runs the program. Each of the six houses has been restored to depict living conditions for a lock keeper's family during different eras – from the 1830s to 1950s. Visitors can also stay at one of the canal towns on the route: Point of Rocks; Brunswick; Williamsport; Hancock; and Cumberland. These towns offer targeted services for towpath travelers.
- Rocky Gap Lodge and Golf Resort, Flintstone (Allegany County) – Located in the foothills of Rocky Gap State Park by a 243-acre lake, the resort provides guests with access to a range of outdoor activities – tennis, boating, hiking, horseback riding, rock climbing, paintball and geocaching. Rocky Gap also has a Jack Nicklaus-signature golf course. The Garden Spa offers dozens of skin-care and massage treatments.
- Wisp Resort Hotel and Conference Center, McHenry (Garrett County) – A four-season mountain resort near Deep Creek Lake, Wisp has golf-getaway packages for its own championship course and nearby Lodestone Golf Club. Packages that include services at Sewickley Spa are also available. For outdoor adventure, the Flying Squirrel Canopy Tour offers a challenge course above the trees.
Capital Maryland
- Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor (Prince George's County) – Located on the edge of the Potomac River, this luxury hotel with an 18-story glass atrium is a cornerstone of the National Harbor complex. It offers an array of dining and shopping options, and has a 20,000-square-foot spa and fitness center.
- Go Ape, Rockville (Montgomery County) – "Get some tree time," say the proprietors of this 40-feet-high obstacle course in the Maryland section of Rock Creek Regional Park. Course includes ladders, walkways, bridges, tunnels, Tarzan swings and zip lines.
Central Maryland
- Carroll County bike tours – The county has a collection of 10 looping bike routes made up of more than 150 miles. The routes – requiring a range of skill levels – allow cyclists to explore Carroll's scenic, historical towns. Cyclists get to ride through a region that abounds with Civil War history. Bed and breakfasts are also abundant.
- Terrapin Adventures, Savage Mill (Howard County) – Guides will take visitors through outdoor courses that include zip lines, a giant swing, a high-ropes challenge and a 43-feet-high climbing tower. Off-premises excursions offer horseback riding, nature hikes, geocaching and rappelling. Water-based activities start later in the spring.
Southern Maryland
- Chesapeake Beach Resort & Spa (Calvert County) – Established as the Rod 'N' Reel Restaurant and Marina in 1946, this waterfront destination is now a luxury hotel with two marinas, the Chesapeake Beach Salon & Spa and three eateries. Charter fishing and slip rentals are available. Twin Shields Golf Club and the town of Solomons are nearby. During the early 20th century, visitors flocked to Chesapeake Beach by steamship and rail.
- Leonardtown Winery, Wharf and Water Trail (St. Mary's County) – Port of Leonardtown Public Park, site of the Port of Leonardtown Winery, is the starting point for a three-mile canoe and kayak trail along McIntosh Run, which winds through a 58-acre bird habitat. The trail ends at Leonardtown Public Wharf Park, near Leonardtown Square. First Friday in Leonardtown is April 6, when the town's galleries, shops and eateries offer evening entertainment and specials.
Eastern Shore
- Ayers Creek Adventures, Berlin (Worcester County) – A tour guide takes groups in the early morning or late afternoon to observe a variety of waterfowl and other wildlife that reside along regional waterways. Close-up views offer photographic opportunities. Ayers operates a selection of other eco tours, depending on the season, through wetlands and saltwater marsh.
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