“Maryland has wisely invested in its arts, cultural, heritage, natural and recreational infrastructure through state-funded programs like Maryland Heritage Areas, Maryland Byways, Main Streets and Arts and Entertainment Districts, which significantly enhance our quality of life and attract visitors,” said Gov. O'Malley. “Promoting these assets to the consumer, both Maryland residents and visitors, is a priority.”

Developed by the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts in collaboration with the Maryland Department of Planning, the map will have two additional phases. The second phase includes lodging and restaurant options, wine trails, water trails, and sports venues. A third phase highlights national historic trails, events, public art, monuments and signature Maryland destinations, such as Smith Island and Baltimore's Little Italy.

New Calvert aquatic center features competition pool
A new swimming venue that has the capacity to host regional and national competitions opened earlier this month in Calvert County. Edward T. Hall Aquatic Center in Prince Frederick includes a 50-meter competition pool and diving area. The pool has a moveable bulkhead that provides official configurations for multiple competitive-swimming events.

The 41,000-sq.-ft. facility also has a leisure pool, therapy pool, spa/hot tub, fitness room and two conference rooms. An aluminum structure supports translucent-fiberglass roof panels that can be opened above the pool area. A mezzanine gallery will accommodate 260 spectators. Total seating capacity is 1,600.

Edward T. Hall was a native of Calvert County. He was a member of the Maryland Senate from 1958 to 1978.

Maryland Traditions plans to honor small businesses
Maryland Traditions, the Maryland State Arts Council's folklife program, is working to establish awards that recognize small businesses involved in the perpetuation of cultural traditions and experiences in the state. The small businesses (less than 25 full-time employees) must disseminate cultural knowledge through their food products and services, musical or visual arts, or occupational and religious activities.

“Traditional small businesses – especially ones that have operated in communities for multiple generations – often serve as the public places where residents and visitors can experience living traditions in context,” said Theresa Colvin, the Arts Council's executive director. “These businesses and the cultures they strengthen are worthy of both recognition and celebration.”

Maryland Traditions will solicit nominations from its regional partners; county tourism offices and arts councils; heritage areas; arts and entertainment districts; and from the general public. Businesses can also nominate themselves. Categories include: family business; artisan; entertainment; creative design; food, service; merchandise; agricultural; maritime; recreation; and textiles.

Rest areas re-open along I-70 at South Mountain
Rest areas and restroom facilities open today at two South Mountain sites on eastbound and westbound I-70 in Western Maryland. New welcome centers will open later this summer at these two locations to service travelers. The original welcome centers were closed two years ago for complete renovations, paid in part with federal funds.

The South Mountain sites are the first “green” rest centers in Maryland. Energy consumption will be less than before, which will reduce operating costs. Geothermal heat pumps supply heating and cooling. The lighting design maximizes natural outdoor light. Toilets and faucets are designed for low-water usage and are equipped with sensors for automatic use.

Each center also has expanded parking, and new children's play and pet areas. Both the original restrooms and parking areas were built in 1972. The welcome center buildings were added in 1978.

Job growth in state's leisure and hospitality sector ranks no. 2 in U.S.
Maryland's rate of job growth in the leisure and hospitality sector is among the best in the nation. Only Connecticut has a higher rate. The data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report on May job growth (compared to May 2009) in the leisure and hospitality industry across the U.S.

Preliminary estimates from the BLS for May indicate a net gain of 6,900 jobs in Maryland's leisure and hospitality sector over last year. The food services sub-sector accounted for 6,700 new jobs. Leisure and hospitality employment at the national level was down slightly with the loss of 23,000 net jobs. Reports show modest declines in arts, entertainment and recreation, and accommodations.

For more information about visitor activity, advertising response and trends in state travel, check the Maryland Office of Tourism's monthly online report, the Maryland Tourism Monitor .

Ocean City shark tournament turns 30

 

Canal Place Live plans finale of talent show
Six contestants are still in the running to win the We've Got Talent show at Canal Place in Western Maryland and collect a $1,000 grand prize. The competition, which started with 44 acts, ends Thursday, June 24, 6-8 p.m., at the Canal Place Festival Grounds. Admission is free and open to the public. Call 301-724-3655 for more information.

AFTA conference features artists' marketplace
Regional artists will display and sell their work at the Americans for the Arts (AFTA) Convention Artists' Market, Saturday, June 26, along the promenade next to the Baltimore Marriott Waterfront in Baltimore's Harbor East. The free show (open to the public) runs from noon to 8 p.m. AFTA – a prominent U.S. arts advocacy group – is celebrating its 50-year anniversary conference in Baltimore, June 25-27, at the Marriott Waterfront. Visit AFTA's web site for more information. On-site registration is available.

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