|
Paul Hartgen, president and CEO of the Restaurant Association of Maryland, said: "Restaurants across the state are back open and ready to welcome all Marylanders suffering from cabin fever.” He suggested that patrons check for restaurant updates on Facebook and Twitter during inclement weather. He also said that two Restaurant Weeks are running this week: in Annapolis, Feb. 15-21; and at National Harbor in Prince George’s County, Feb. 15-28.
Noting that Valentine’s Day is a time for people to spend together, Margot Amelia, director of the Maryland Tourism Office, said: “We have hundreds of romantic lodging options – from B&Bs and small inns to urban hotels and relaxing resorts.” She also suggested opportunities for winter sports and recreation that families can enjoy, especially in Western Maryland. Oakland, for instance hosts Winter Fest, Feb. 20-21, and Wisp holds the Maryland Open, Feb. 20.
Tourism industry brings message to Annapolis
More than a hundred tourism professionals gathered in Annapolis and met with state legislators, Feb. 5, to advocate for the tourism industry. The Maryland Tourism Council and the Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations organized the event, which was designed to show the Maryland General Assembly that the promotion of Maryland as a travel destination is vital to the state’s economy.
DBED Secretary Christian S. Johansson spoke reinforcing the message that tourism delivers $36 for every $1 of general funds invested in tourism marketing and promotion. He also reminded participants at the event that small businesses account for 96 percent of all tourism-industry enterprises.
Wini Roche, director, Harford County Tourism, and one of the event organizers said: “It was a great day. Legislators saw the faces of tourism and learned that tourism generates almost $2 billion in state and local taxes, and that the industry employs nearly 150,000 people. The Governor believes in tourism as an economic engine and now, I believe, so do many more of the legislators here in Annapolis.”
African-American tradition on display across state
In recognition of the state's African-American heritage and Black History Month, the Maryland Tourism Office has designated February as a time to call attention to this rich cultural tradition.
“Throughout the history of our state and our nation, African-Americans have made significant contributions in fields as diverse as sports, music, law, and civil rights,” said Gov. Martin O'Malley. “Their achievements have helped improve our quality of life, secure a better future for our children, and expand opportunity for generations yet to come. It is our proud distinction to be home to so many African-Americans who have played such integral roles in shaping our nation.”
“Visitors to Maryland can explore the lasting heritage of a long list of distinguished citizens from our African-American communities,” said Margot Amelia, director of the Tourism Office. “Visits to significant places linked to this thread of our history will provide travelers with opportunities to enjoy Maryland's diverse landscape – from the waterfront villages along the Chesapeake Bay to engaging urban centers to magnificent mountain scenery.”
Arts Council to distribute $250,000 for artist awards
Gov. Martin O’Malley announced that 98 Maryland artists have been selected to receive Individual Artist Awards (IAA) totaling $250,000 from the Maryland State Arts Council. The Arts Council received 619 applications for the $1,000, $3,000 and $6,000 awards.
“Maryland’s creative community is a vibrant force that strengthens the state on both cultural and economic levels,” Gov. O’Malley said. “These awards are a tribute to the work of Maryland artists and represent a solid investment in an industry that continues to pay dividends.”
The annual IAA program has categories that alternate yearly. Award categories for this cycle (FY 2010) are: digital/electronic arts; fiction; media; solo dance performance; solo musical performance; solo theatrical performance; visual arts (painting); and visual arts (works on paper). Out-of-state judges used an anonymous process administered by the Mid Atlantic Arts Foundation to review the work of the applicants.
Maryland Arts Day draws crowd despite weather
During a short break between snow storms, about 120 arts advocates convened in Annapolis, Feb. 9, for Maryland Arts Day – an annual event coordinated by Maryland Citizens for the Arts. The event gives advocates a forum to discuss the economic, cultural, educational and social values of the arts during the opening weeks of the new Maryland General Assembly session.
Liz Lerman, founder and artistic director of Liz Lerman Dance Exchange (Takoma Park), was the keynote speaker. Nancy Haragan, founding director of the Greater Baltimore Cultural Alliance, also spoke after receiving the Sue Hess Maryland Arts Advocate of the Year award.
Additional speakers at the event included: Matt Gallagher, chief of staff for Gov. O’Malley; DBED Secretary Christian S. Johansson; Maryland Senate President Mike Miller; House Speaker Mike Busch; Speaker Pro Tem Adrienne Jones; and Del. John Bohanan.
New Bay guide available in print, digital formats
Charms of the Chesapeake – the Tourism Office’s newest publication – provides information about the Chesapeake Bay’s coastal communities and Maryland’s 23 lighthouses, along with trip suggestions for the Bay region.
“The Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure,” said Gov. Martin O’Malley. “We hope that Charms of the Chesapeake will encourage our millions of visitors each year to experience the beauty of the Bay and join in our efforts to preserve this unique environment so that it can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
To receive this free publication, call 800-719-5900 or request it online at VisitMaryland.org as part of the Maryland Vacation Travel Kit. Charms of the Chesapeake is also available in a new digital format, allowing readers to virtually flip through the book online.
Frederick spotlights ice in monthly celebration
Downtown Frederick Partnership has rescheduled its February First Saturday event Fire in Ice for Saturday, Feb. 20, 5-9 p.m. Stroll through downtown Frederick with hot cocoa where you’ll find 30 ice sculptures, an ice-carving demonstration and an interactive ice playground and other attractions. More than 80 shops, galleries and restaurants will be open to 9 p.m. or later.
Living-history project depicts lives of runaways
Historic Annapolis Foundation’s 2nd annual Black History Month Seminar is Saturday, Feb. 20, at the Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center in Annapolis. The seminar will introduce and launch the foundation’s Project Run-A-Way – a comprehensive look at the lives of runaway slaves and servants based on detailed descriptions in 18th- and 19th-century newspaper advertisements.
Maryland Traditions grantee performs Saturday
Jazz saxophonist Carl Grubbs – a recipient of a Maryland Traditions grant for his work as a jazz master in mentoring other musicians – will be the featured performer at An Die Musik LIVE! in downtown Baltimore, Saturday, Feb. 20. Last year, Grubbs teamed with Lafayette Gilchrist to produce The Traditions Project: Marylanders in Jazz – a CD that celebrates the music of Eubie Blake, Chick Webb, Billie Holiday, Albert Daily and Grubbs.
|
