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You’ll get a new perspective of Maryland as you kayak through tidal marshes, skim across the Chesapeake Bay on a catamaran, fly across treetops on a zip line, or go rock climbing. Should you prefer to stay on land, Maryland also affords you plenty of biking and hiking opportunities – along rail trails, the C&O Canal or the Chesapeake Bay; through state parks; and in and around one of the state’s wildlife preserves. August is a great time to tap into your inner desire for adventure. And, Maryland – land of adventure – is there for you to discover. |
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Top image: Tim Tadder
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Bike trips – diverse landscapes
Join Tour de France champion Greg Lemond in Catoctin Challenge Bike Ride, July 30-Aug. 1, for a 115-mile trip from Frederick to Gettysburg and back through the Catoctin Mountains. On Aug. 7, pedal across Eastern Shore countryside in Ride to See – Bicycle Tour of Kent County. Select one of four routes between 15- and 100-miles long – longest one offers Bay vistas. On Aug. 14, try one of five routes of varying distances at Eat a Peach Challenge Bike Ride – starts and ends in Westminster. Back in Frederick County, Brunswick Bicycle Festival, Aug. 21, welcomes cyclists traveling along the C&O Canal Towpath with food and music.
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On the water – marlin, bass
For fishing enthusiasts, here are two signature tournaments. White Marlin Open, Aug. 2-6 in Ocean City, attracts hundreds of boats competing for $3.5 million in prize money. Watch daily weigh-ins at Harbor Island Marina. Rocky Gap Bass Tournament, Aug. 14 and Aug. 28, takes place at Rocky Gap State Park. |
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Seafood festivals – summer pleasures
Tasty adventures await when you experience Maryland seafood. The 31st annual Seafood Feast-I-Val, Aug. 14 at Sailwinds Park in Cambridge, is an Eastern Shore tradition. At the top of the Chesapeake Bay, visit the free Havre de Grace Seafood Festival, Aug. 14-15. Following weekend, head to National Harbor – located on the edge of the Potomac River – for Chesapeake Crab and Beer Festival, Aug. 21. |
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Family fun – on a farm, in a park
Watch steam engines, antique tractors and cars, and rock crushers in action at the 50th annual Wheat Threshing, Steam and Gas Engine Show, Aug. 6-8 near Federalsburg on the Eastern Shore. Free admission, free parking. Take a ride farther east to Snow Hill (near Ocean City) for annual Blessing of the Combines celebration, Aug. 7. Parade at 11. Enjoy live music, antique car and truck show, and hay rides. Annmarie Garden Sculpture Park in Southern Maryland presents its yearly Sidewalk Chalk-a-thon, Aug. 7-15. |
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Cinema al fresco – popcorn at dusk
Enjoy dinner and a show in Baltimore’s Little Italy. Free outdoor movies every Friday night through Aug. 27. Live music at 7, movie at 9. Annual Comcast Film Festival, benefiting NIH Children’s Charities, runs Aug. 13-20 at a new location this year – on grounds of The Universities at Shady Grove in Rockville. On-site eateries open at 6:30 and movies begin at 8:15. And, Frederick County’s Middletown hosts Family Movie Night in Middletown Park, Aug. 28, starting at 7. |
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Maryland tradition – atop a trusty steed
Maryland’s official sport, jousting, has been going on here since colonial days. Visit Talbot County on the Eastern Shore for the St. Joseph’s Jousting Tournament and Horse Show, Aug. 4 at St. Joseph’s Church in Cordova. Later in the month, attend the 144th annual Calvert County Jousting Tournament, Aug. 28 at Christ Church in the Southern Maryland town of Port Republic. |
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