Harmonizing Heritage
Maryland's cultural gems and premier meetings venues
By Sara Robertson
Home to Chesapeake Bay and the birthplace of the National Anthem, Maryland is a destination you won’t want to pass up. Baltimore, the state’s most populous city, is rich with history
and a vibrant art culture, housing the largest public collection of Matisse paintings in the world. Small towns, from Mount Airy to Havre de Grace, show off rolling hills and a pristine coastline.
Maryland boarders Washington, D.C., only moments from major landmarks such as the Lincoln Memorial at some points. Wherever you hold your meeting, there’s opportunity for adventure, learning and fun. The expansive selection of meeting venues make certain you’ll get business done, too.
Local Expert Tip
“If you’re looking to plan a one-of-a-kind event, meeting or convention that leaves your attendees delighted, look no further than Baltimore. As a scenic, waterfront destination along the I-95 corridor, we benefit from our proximity to major East Coast cities while providing unforgettable experiences and world-class culture for a fraction of the price.
– Al Hutchinson, President and CEO, Visit Baltimore
5 Reasons Meetings Profs Love Maryland
Glenstone Museum in Travilah, only a short drive from Baltimore, assembles post-WWII artworks that trace historical shifts in the way we understand and experience art from the 20tth and 21st centuries. Its seamless integration of art, architecture and nature creates a serene environment that inspires deep contemplation. It is open Thursday-Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. with free admission.
Bladensburg Waterfront Park, in Prince George’s County, is located on one of America’s most historic waterways: Anacostia River. Guests can enjoy a picnic, stroll or bike ride along the paved riverside walk, or, if your group is interested in some water adventure, they can rent canoes, kayaks or paddleboats. Free interpretive pontoon tours take visitors along a scenic exploration of the river.
Take a private tour with I Love Baltimore Personal Tours. A local will lead your group on your selected tour; whether you choose the Harriet Tubman Tour, the Johns Hopkins Tour, the Baltimore Civil War Tour or one of its many others, your group is certain to walk away with a deeper understanding of and connection to their meeting destination.
Annapolis, Maryland’s capital, is known for being one of the prettiest cities around. Historic London Town and Gardens is a colonial port city that has since been transformed into an interpretive village and native plant garden along the South River.
Ocean City Boardwalk has been an entertainment epicenter for over a century. Many businesses, such as Fisher’s Popcorn, have operated there for decades. All along the classic wooden walkway, guests can enjoy shopping for souvenirs, endless dining options and incredible ocean views. Don’t pass up a ride on the Herschell-Spillman Carousel, built in 1912, made up of unforgettable hand-carved animals.
5 Fantastic Places to Meet
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, in Ocean City, is only a short drive from most of the mid-Atlantic region. It boasts a powerful commitment to sustainability and offers no shortage of bayside views.
214,000 sq. ft. of meeting, event, exhibition and trade show space.
William F. Bolger Hotel & Conference Center is a historic hotel standing on 43 acres of lush gardens and Maryland countryside in Potomac and is central to all three D.C. airports.
431 guest rooms; 70,000 sq. ft. meeting and event space.
Gaylord National Harbor Resort & Convention Center stands on the shores of the Potomac River, moments from Washington, D.C., and offers unparalleled experiences from the 19-story indoor garden atrium to the elevated Post Rooftop Lounge.
2,000 guest rooms; 546,889 sq. ft. of meeting and event space and 94 event spaces.
MGM National Harbor Hotel & Casino offers a premium East Coast gaming floor, restaurants from culinary masters and is a go-to site for world-class entertainment, from musicians to comedians and more.
234 guest rooms and 74 suites; 50,000 sq. ft. of meeting and event space, 10 meeting rooms.
AMP by Strathmore stands within North Bethesda’s vibrant Pike & Rose downtown center, a hub for live entertainment and dining. The upscale, casual atmosphere is a setting for a completely unique gathering.
2,800 sq. ft. flexible event or venue space, 1,100-square-foot lounge.
This article appears in the digital-only March 2024 and March/April 2024 issues. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
