Maryland Honeymoons
Honeymooning in Maryland
Article By: Jessica Gardner
When you think of the word “honeymoon” a euphoric feeling takes over and you dream of beautiful, exotic places…but before you choose some overly-crowded resort, why not check out the great places in-state? This guide to Maryland honeymoons will help you to find the best trip locations and save money and time during your stay. Get ready to see a whole new side of Maryland!
Travel Agents:
While you may not feel the need to use an agency, it can be helpful if you want to maximize your time and get the inside scoop to the best lodging, food, and entertainment. So with the abundant agencies in Maryland where do you begin? As with many other of life’s choices, word-of-mouth is the best place to start. Ask family and friends who they went through or ask other trusted wedding venders who their clients went with. Once you have some options in mind, visit or call to set up an interview with them, asking key questions. As you listen to their responses, try to identify how much attention they are giving you. If they take up most of the conversation and are not listening to your opinions, chances are you will end up with a vacation that suits their preferences and not yours.
Here is a list of things to think about while you are on the search:
- Beware of any agent that tries to push you over your budget or only shows you expensive packages
- Are they trying to discover your interests? A good agent will inquire where you have vacationed in the past and what type of traveler you are
- They should do their homework on your behalf and present a variety of options to select from that reflect your budget, style, and priorities.
- They should cover any health concerns, dietary needs, etc.
- Before choosing an agency, ask them to put together a package for you. Compare the prices of that package with other agencies as well as the internet to see if the price is fair
- Ask if they are a member of the American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA) or the Association of Retail Travel Agents (ARTA). Are they are a certified travel counselor?
- What kind of travel do they specialize in, business or leisure?
- Don’t be afraid to shop around! It’s perfectly alright to hop from agency-to-agency to check prices and interview them.
Maryland has a lot to offer couples; it’s no wonder why people travel near and far to visit the many attractions this state has to offer. With eclectic ethnic neighborhoods and multiple attractions, everything from the beach to the mountains is at your fingertips. Here are some off-beat and interesting places to enjoy your honeymoon. Look below to find the type of trip that suits you.
Types of honeymoon trips:
Cruises
Manors/Hotels
Adventure
Historical
Cruises
Cruises can be educational, entertaining and romantic with glistening sun lit water or dark, twilight waves. With the Harbor, Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean all accessible to Maryland residents, many fun and exciting options await on the decks of these fine vessels.
American Cruise Line- Tour the historic Chesapeake with a cruise aboard one of three Cruise Vessels available. A truly intimate experience you won’t have to worry about overcrowding- each ship will take 100 passengers maximum. On-board lecturers, experts and naturalists make the trip fun as well as educational, preparing you for each of the stops. Enjoy, music, culture and food served to flavor the destination of your voyage.
1-800-814-6880
http://199.237.204.14/index.php
The Bristol Goose- Aboard this yacht you can relax for an afternoon during a sail around the harbor with plenty of time to see the rest of the city or stretch your sea legs for a full 2-5 days with a trip to Annapolis or other destinations.
Blue Goose Charters
P.O. Box 433
Severn, MD 21144
410-647-2583 / 1-800-874-6673
mothergoose@bluegoosecharters.com
www.bluegoosecharters.com
Manors And Hotels
Manors provide a touch of luxury and beauty to your honeymoon and in MD, there are multiple choices for couples to enjoy. Activities for every type of person can be found in these gorgeous locations.
Lighthouse Club Hotel- Are you ready to be pampered? This hotel is one that caters to just about every want and need. With its clean, crisp colors and amazing details, you can relax and not worry about a thing at your stay here. Complete with Jacuzzis, marble bathrooms, whirlpools, wet bar, turn-down service and more, it provides an indoor interior as amazing as the outdoor view. Enjoy all the scenery, shopping and nightlife of Ocean City in comfort and style.
Fager's Island
201-60th Street in the Bay
Ocean City, MD 21842
410-524-5400 / 888-371-5400
References:
Lisa Challenger
Worcester County Tourism
www.visitworcester.org
Kent Manor Inn-
With a long and interesting history behind the property, Kent Manor is a beautiful Victorian estate in Maryland’s Eastern Shore with beautiful furnishings and over 220 acres of woodland for a stunning setting. During your stay you will have access to balconies overlooking a magnificent waterfront, golfing, birding, an in-house fine dining restaurant, sporting clays, nature trails water sports, outlet shopping and more.
410-643-5757/ 1-800-820-4511
Alan@kentmanor.com
References:
Judy E. Edelheit
Queen Anne’s County Office of Tourism
Jedelheit@qac.org
Schrader’s Bridgetown Manor-
Beauty, nature, sports and elegance all in one! When you stay at Schrader’s, you can go hang-gliding, hunting, play 3-D archery and digital dart games, stay at the bed and breakfast or go sightseeing and shopping. Feel like staying in? The manor is complete with a library and balcony.
410-778-1895 or 410-758-1824
References:
Natalie
nchabot@tourcaroline.com
Caroline Office Of Tourism
Adventure
Assateague Island-
One of the last natural places where you can view the spirited wild ponies in the US, this island has an untainted beauty and charm that is unique. Reconnect with nature by camping and boating or stay at one of the incredible surrounding hotels like Lighthouse Club Hotel (above), the Merry Sherwood, etc. Here you can see birds of prey, dolphins, shore-birds, sting-rays and other fascinating animals along with the abundant wild ponies.
Find more information on traveling to Asseteague or call 1-866-PONY SWIM
Hershey Park- Not just for kids, you can let loose your inner child with this fun-filled amusement park. Located in Hershey Pennsylvania, this is a “sweet” experience for chocolate lovers and thrill seekers alike! Enjoy the rides and water park by day and grand lodging by night. Hotel Hershey is one of the top resorts in America with it’s chocolate spa experience for her and golf and lawn games for him, it has complete amenities and activities for guests of all ages. Don’t want to be indoors? Try the Hershey Highmeadow campground.
Hershey Park Lodging Information
Washington County Trails- Have an urge to jump straight into the wild outdoors? You will love the trails of Washington County! There is a full range of activities surrounding the area:
· C&O Canal Towpath- Complete with 56 scenic miles for biking, horseback, riding, boating and fishing.
· Western Maryland Rail Trail- Walk or bike through this paved, 23 mile long trail which features Woodmont Natural Resources Management area and the Sidelong Hill Wildlife Management Area.
· Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park- Located between the Potomac and Shenandoah River, water sports steal the spotlight. Kayaking, Canoeing, tubing and rafting are all available during good-weather. Need equipment? River Riders and River and Trail Outfitters are both nearby to offer equipment and guided trips.
Bed and Breakfasts, hotel rooms, camp grounds and rustic retreats are all available in Washington County. To learn more and schedule your trip contact:
Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau
16 Public Square
Hagerstown, MD 21740
301-791-3246
Toll Free at: 888-257-2600
info@marylandmemories.org
References:
Charissa Stanton
Hagerstown-Washington County Convention & Visitors
Historical
Washington County-
(Anteitim Pictures By Keith Snyder)
Probably best known for its part in the American Civil War, the “crossroads” as it is commonly referred to, hosts tours of the South Mountain Battlefield, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and Antietam. In the town of Sharpesburg there are several bed and breakfasts that include a view of the battlefield: Antietam’s Jacob Rohrbach Inn, Antietam Overlook Farm, and the Inn at Antietam.
Monocacy National Battlefield- Located closer to Frederick, this is where Lieutenant General Jubal Early and 15,000 soldiers marched in July 8th 1864, on their way to the North. In addition to the new state of the art visitor center and driving tour, you will also learn about the people who inhabited Frederick long before the war, the Native Americans and even the wildlife.
References:
Charissa Stanton
Hagerstown-Washington County Convention & Visitors
Don’t Forget Ocean City!
Many couples choose to fly off to far destinations for their honeymoon without ever glancing at anywhere closer to home. Lovingly dubbed “The Ocean” by many Marylanders, Ocean City may not seem as beautiful or picturesque as the Caribbean, Mexico or other popular destinations but its individual beauty lies in its charm, seafood and fun atmosphere. The relaxing beach and many choices of resorts, food, and activities make this destination a state favorite. While there, you can even visit other attractions nearby like Assategue, Bethany Beach in Delaware, Rehoboth, and Fenwick Island.