Extend your stay in the Baltimore region to take in some of Maryland's sites. From the ocean to mountains, colonial beginnings to state of the art technology, Maryland has it all!   

Pre-Conference Tour to St. Michaels

Wednesday, 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

This pre-conference tour transports you across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge to historic St. Michaels, MD, the Heart & Soul of the Chesapeake Bay. This quaint waterfront village on the Eastern Shore is situated on a picturesque peninsula between Tilghman Island, Easton and Oxford.

You will visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum which is dedicated to the preservation of the Bay's maritime history.  The waterside museum on Navy Point consists of 26 buildings on approximately 17 acres of land. Attractions include the Hooper’s Strait Lighthouse (100 years old), At Play on the Bay (newest exhibit exploring how the Bay has changed over the last 100 years from primarily a place of work to a place where people come to play), oystering exhibit, floating fleet and so much more.

After touring the museum, you are on your own to stroll down quaint streets to sight-see, shop or enjoy lunch at one of the many charming restaurants.

Some may wish to cruise the Bay aboard the climate-controlled PATRIOT, a St. Michaels' Tradition Since 1969! This will help you become familiar with the area as you cruise up the beautiful Miles River, part of the Chesapeake Bay Estuary which is the largest in the Western Hemisphere. Learn about the local beginnings of this area, view historic homes and wildlife, and watch local watermen harvest clams, oysters and the famous Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab during their respective seasons.  A 90-minute cruise departs at noon, a 60-minute cruise departs at 2:30 pm.  Rate is $24.50 or $20.75 (62+).

Join us as we escape for one day to St. Michaels on the beautiful Eastern Shore of Maryland. 

Cost:  $45 per person, $55 per person after May 15;  includes museum admission, bus transportation and refreshments.

(www.stmichaels.org)

Post-Conference Tour to Annapolis

Saturday, 1:00 - 7:00 pm

Welcome to Annapolis! Founded in 1649, Annapolis is a city which offers a delightful combination of history and a zest for living. Walk along the old brick sidewalks much as George Washington or Thomas Jefferson did in the days when Annapolis was the Capital of the United States. Architecturally, Annapolis boasts some of the finest 17th and 18th Century buildings in the country - including the residences of all four Maryland signers of the Declaration of Independence.

Annapolis is the home of the United States Naval Academy founded in 1845 and also the home of St. John's College, founded in 1696 as King William's School and the third oldest institution of higher learning in the United States.

Stroll along our famed waterfront or sit at City Dock and imagine what Annapolis must have been during the 1700's, when the City was a bustling seaport with vessels sailing in to trade from all over the world.

This tour will bring history to life as you walk side-by-side with Annapolis’ most experienced costumed guides.  Visit the State House built in 1697 which is the oldest building continuously used as a state house in the United States.  Here in 1783, Gen. George Washington tendered his resignation.  Learn about the history of Annapolis, its customs, dress and society life.  Included in the tour is a special visit to the U.S. Naval Academy – home to 4,000 midshipmen - and the Naval Academy Chapel where John Paul Jones is buried. Experience the diverse places and traditions that Annapolis has to offer.

Additionally, you may purchase tickets for a narrated 40 minute ride on the Harbor Queen which departs every hour on the hour, for $12.  Stroll the quaint streets to shop or enjoy some culinary delights at one of the local restaurants.

Tour participants will need to have a picture ID available to get onto the Naval Academy grounds.  The tour takes about 2 hours and involves a little over a mile of walking.

Cost:  $45 per person, $55 per person after May 15;  includes admission to walking tour sites, bus transportation and refreshments.

(www.annapolis.gov)