|
|
|

What
do Queen Latifah, Elton John, Eva Longoria and
Maryland have in common? Give up? They all have birthdays in March. This year
is the state’s 375th. Historic St. Mary’s City – where English
settlers arrived in 1634 – and Annapolis are hosting celebrations. In
fact, festive occasions that celebrate just about everything – from chocolate
to topiary – spring up in March. It’s a season of renewal. Take
in the fresh scenery at two prominent gardens – Annemarie and Ladew.
Get outside. Visit the state’s glorious sanctuaries for wildlife. It’s
a new season in Maryland. And, it’s all Pretty. Close.
 |
Arts & Entertainment – Artwork
in bloom
Looking for signs of spring? How about the Calvert
Artists’ Guild Spring Art Show and Sale, March 14-15, at Annmarie
Garden in Solomons? Annmarie Garden is a 30-acre sculpture park and
art center in a scenic Southern Maryland waterfront town. Among Annmarie’s
collection are outdoor pieces on loan from the Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn
Museum and Sculpture Garden. Annmarie has year-round events. |
 |
Collectibles – Two
venues for antique weaponry
If
you collect – or just appreciate – antique arms, swords
and military artifacts, circle the March 20 weekend and head to
Baltimore County. The March
Collectible Arms and All Militaria Show and Sale is at the
Maryland National Guard Armory in Pikesville, March 20-22. Also
that weekend: ‘Original
Baltimore’ Antique Arms Show – 1,000 tables of
exhibits – at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium,
March 21-22. |
 |
Culinary
Corner – Chocolate
and more chocolate
“There are four basic food groups,” someone once said, “milk
chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate and chocolate truffles.” Satisfy
chocolate cravings, experience culinary pleasure at the Downtown
Bel Air Chocolate Festival, March 7. Mingle with professional chocolatiers.
Indulge your senses with chocolate. “A Chocolate Affaire” precedes
festival on Friday night, March 6, featuring all things chocolate, live music. |
 |
Family
Fun – Walk through wildlife habitats
Get an up-close look at Maryland’s wild side. Two opportunities on
March 14 – 9th annual Eagle Festival at Blackwater National Wildlife
Refuge near Cambridge on the Eastern Shore and the Refuge System Birthday
Celebration at Patuxent Research Refuge in Laurel. Activities for everyone.
Known as “Everglades of the North,” Blackwater has one of the
nation’s largest populations of breeding bald eagles. Also at Patuxent,
20th annual Patuxent Wildlife Art Show & Sale, March 28-29. |
 |
Great
Outdoors – Racing through the gardens
Thanks to Harvey Smith Ladew II – “gardener, sporting art patron
and good companion" (as described by the English magazine Tatler) – Maryland
has one of the world’s premiere topiary gardens in northern Baltimore
County. The season opens March 28 at Ladew. On March 29, equestrians discuss
a centuries-old Maryland tradition – fox chasing – during a
special program, Tally Ho! Horses & Hounds. |
 |
History & Heritage – 375
candles on the cake
Celebrate Maryland’s birthday. It’s a special one this year – the
375th. Visit the St. Clement’s Island Museum in St. Mary’s
County on Maryland Day, March 25. That’s where the Ark and the Dove – two
small English ships – landed with the settlers of Maryland in 1634.
On March 29, mark another Maryland Day at the state’s only two capitals:
Historic St. Mary’s City and Annapolis. Free programs, exhibits and
living history interpretations. |
|