February In Maryland 2010

Most months have a holiday or two. February – despite its brevity – has an ample supply of days to celebrate. Visit Maryland and take advantage of these occasions. For starters, Maryland’s rich African-American heritage affords numerous ways to observe Black History Month. In addition to such places as the Reginald F. Lewis Museum, Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center and The National Great Blacks in Wax Museum – where you’ll find year-round displays and events that depict the African-American experience – many attractions pay tribute to the month. Also, February in Maryland is a great time to mark Valentine’s Day, Presidents’ Birthday Weekend and Winter Restaurant Weeks.

History & Heritage – Celebrate Black History Month
Maryland’s rich African-American tradition dates back to Colonial times. Visit these special events for a taste of this tradition:

• African-American Influences – Exhibition runs throughout February at Catoctin Mountain Park Visitor Center in Frederick County.
• African-American Heritage Walking Tour – Stop by Annapolis City Dock for a tour that includes such sites as the Thurgood Marshall Memorial and the Kunta Kinte-Alex Haley Memorial. Runs Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27.
• Stories and Songs from the Slave Cabin – Hear the a capella group Sombarkin sing spirituals and folk songs at Hampton National Historic Site in Towson, Feb. 14.
• Concert fundraiser for Doleman Black Heritage Museum – The Maryland Theatre in Hagerstown presents Coppin State University Choir (Baltimore) and students from Barbara Ingram School for the Arts in concert, Feb. 27.

Culinary Corner – Dine out during Restaurant Weeks
Savor 10 types of oysters – raw, steamed, roasted and more – at the annual Chesapeake Oyster and Beer Festival, Feb. 19-20 at National Harbor in Prince George’s County. Oyster shuckers, along with 20 restaurants, serve up an array of oyster dishes. February is also a time to sample different cuisines. Restaurant Weeks in Baltimore, Jan. 22-Feb. 7, and Annapolis, Feb. 15-21, offer chance to try new culinary experiences at special prices.

Winter Pleasures – Get out of the house
Take your sweetie to the Cabin Fever Festival, Feb. 13-14 at the Frederick Fairgrounds – in six buildings and heated tents. Festival features professional artists, juried craft exhibitors, demos, food and entertainment. Rolling countryside of Frederick County is known for Civil War history and Frederick Wine Trail. Historic downtown Frederick, nearby, offers cluster of eateries and galleries.

Great Outdoors – Experience 'Bay Country'
Celebrate the Chesapeake Bay Country lifestyle of Dorchester County at the 65th annual National Outdoor Show, Feb. 26-27 in Church Creek. Event showcases regional wildlife and the county’s trappers, watermen and sportsmen. Also features Little Miss and Mr. Outdoors, game-cooking demos, duck carving and Maryland seafood.

Wheels on Display – Start your engines
Choose your pleasure for the open road. See the latest in autos, trucks, hybrids, motorcycles and RVs. The Motor Trend International Auto Show at the Baltimore Convention Center, Feb. 11-14, opens first. The Timonium International Motorcycle Show at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Baltimore County runs Feb. 12-14. Then, it’s the Maryland Recreational Vehicle Show at the State Fairgrounds on two successive weekends, Feb. 19-21 and Feb. 26-28.

Arts & Entertainment – Bring dancing shoes
"Nobody cares if you can’t dance well," said Dave Barry. “Just get up and dance.” Dance Bethesda, Feb. 26-27, is the perfect opportunity. Various dance studios in downtown Bethesda offer free lessons and parties. Saturday night, Round House Theatre showcases the artistry of six dance companies.

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Martin O'Malley, Governor
Anthony G. Brown, Lt. Governor