Destination Maryland: The Guide to Maryland Travel 2016 Tourism Guide for Maryland Now Available
 APtravelnews-BALTIMORE (this release from OTD-January 20th – Just in time to plan for a year’s worth of travel, The Maryland Office of Tourism Development (OTD) released the 2016 edition of Destination Maryland: The Guide to Maryland Travel. This free travel publication highlights the regions of Maryland and includes trip suggestions as well as listings of attractions, state and national parks, lodging and services. |
| “The text and images in the newly released guide were designed to be inspirational,” said Liz Fitzsimmons, executive director, Maryland Office of Tourism Development. “New this year, Destination Maryland includes the “indulge all 5 senses in Maryland” photo essay that highlights a variety of things to see, taste, touch, smell and hear throughout the state. The guide also delves into seasonal and regional activities throughout Maryland.”
This full-color magazine also contains editorial features and itineraries, and listings for more than 2,000 tourism attractions, state and national parks, lodging, and tour and travel services. The guide also includes special interviews with Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter, mountain bike hall of famer Marla Streb and several of Maryland’s celebrity chefs. Destination Maryland is produced in conjunction with Miles, a leader in travel publication and content development. With more than 183 travel marketing experts, Miles is 100 percent dedicated to marketing travel destinations, and creates award-winning, innovative, integrated online and print solutions that result in increased visitation. Copies of Destination Maryland are available at Maryland Welcome Centers or by calling 800-719-5900. Orders can also be placed on the Office of Tourism’s web site, visitmaryland.org, which is also where the guide is available in a flip-book version. |
A Few Great Days In Florence, AL. Part 1 of 5
APtravelnews-October 23rd—Florence, AL. and Lauderdale, County is quite progressively moving forward with offering locals and visitors some of the best historical, modern as well as iconic music entertainment and even spiritual attractions, excellent restaurants and accommodations that AL. has to offer. Barb and I, thanks to the very professional, yet extremely friendly, Georgia Carter Turner from Florence and Lauderdale Tourism Development Council, brought us in to familiarize us with many opportunities that all visitors can take advantage of as well.
We stayed at the Marriott Shoals Hotel & Conference Center, which offered excellent buffet breakfasts, lunch and dinners at Swampers Restaurant (see images of our meals) comfortable rooms and even an indoor and outdoor impressive swimming pool and spa. The staff was very pleasant and friendly; the elevator never kept you waiting- it was as fast as any I have ever experienced. The beds were perfect! It’s tough to be comfortable traveling and bed-hopping, but here we slept comfortably and bedded down on the 6th floor watching vast sunsets and sun-ups over a panoramic view of hill and dale, viewing the nearby waters of Muscle Shoals and the Tennessee River. www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/msimc-marriott-shoals-hotel-and-spa/
Early Monday morning, writer Rebecca McCormick from Hot Springs Arkansas and I were scheduled to fish Pickwick Lake with Guide Lance Walker. It sure was cool traveling at 75-miles per hour with his Skeeter Boat powered by a 250-hp Yamaha, but we got to cover plenty of water and with a bit of a cold-front, the fish had a bit of lockjaw. Fortunately, we carried Click-It Hot Hand Warmers. Lance loved using these near instant reusable units in his hands and on his back too. Fortunately we had the right guide. Lance knew where they lived and we popped a 9-pound largemouth, a 4-pound smallmouth and a few additional bass in the 4-pound range. Plenty of great fish to photo and release (see images). Overall a fabulous fishing adventure! www.scout.com/outdoors/wired2fish/story/1466300-pickwick-bass-fishing-showing-out-again
After a wash-up, we headed for lunch and ice cream at Trowbridge’s on Main Street in Florence. The diminutive place is an iconic, very reasonably priced lunch spot with ice cream to cry for “more. Along with the lively crowd, we enjoyed sharing this long-time fun-spot that felt like a throw-back to the 50’s. Pimento Cheese sandwiches were long time favorites, and I had a Butter Pecan Milk Shake that I can’t wait to taste again-WOW! www.yelp.com No there was more to come: Stay tuned for our dinner at Ricatoni’s Italian Grill and later; Arx Mortis Haunted attraction, back door tour. It was so spooky and really scary! Note: See lots more in next posts about our whirlwind adventures in Florence and Muscle Shoals, AL. Check out their website at: www.visitflorenceal.com We’re Going back for sure!
