For after shopping, the spa is indulgence squared. Take a dive in the saline pool (no chemicals!), and then check in for a 50 minute Reiki Energy Healing, Self-heating Mud massage—or really hit the pampering hard with the Ultimate Day of Beauty, which is 300 minutes of a Therapeutic Massage, a European Facial, a gourmet Spa luncheon, a Deluxe Manicure with Paraffin and Deluxe Pedicure with Paraffin.  Hello!  This is called service.

Last but not least, the food here is excellent, as is the bar (very comfortable and welcoming). The name of the restaurant is unfortunate - ENTYSE—but don’t let that throw you.  The farm-to-table approach of cooking doesn’t let down—highly recommended, the Organic Amish Chicken with Potatoes Puree, Glazed Vegetables and Chicken Jus—and is accompanied by picks chosen by the very charismatic Sommelier Vincent Feraud. 

If you’re looking for the perfect Mother’s Day getaway, look no further than this Ritz property.

The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner
http://www.ritzcarlton.com
1700 Tysons Boulevard
McLean, VA 22102
Hotel (703) 506-4300
Spa (703) 506-2694

Book your ExecuCar reservation online, or call (800) 410-4444

If you’re looking for the best hotel to hit the snooze button on early in the morning to take advantage of the Smithsonian Museums, the Willard is the place to bed down.  And if you are a museum fanatic, you really will want to stay close, as the Smithsonian consists of not one museum, but 19 museums, 9 research centers and over 140 affiliate museums around the world. Lucky for the D.C. traveler, you only have to cover the first 19.

The hotel offers major indulgence, with all the basics of a luxury hotel (huge rooms, marble bathrooms, heavy wooden furniture, flat screen TVs, wired-to-the-hilt everything, and then some).  And the 17 pieces of equipment (including treadmills, cycles and weight training) in the Fitness room, followed by a spa treatment (or two or three), will help you pump up or wind down for or from the museums.

WHY STAY?  This is the real Washington, D.C., where all the Presidents have been staying or eating almost since the day it opened in 1818.  Calvin Coollidge lived here; Ulysees S. Grant took his afternoon cigar and brandy here; Abraham Lincoln was smoked in pre-inauguration by famed detective Allan Pinkerton to keep him safe from a possible assassination; and more pedestrian celebrities joined, among them, Gypsy Rose Lee, Emily Dickinson, P.T. Barnum, Houdini, Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, P.T. Barnum and more.  Perhaps the most amazing celebrity incident came when, in 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. wrote his “I Have a Dream.”

WHERE TO EAT?
Café du Parc is an amazingly authentic French bistro (they’re quite rare in the States, actually), where most D.C. natives go for their puff pastries and morning breakfast meetings.  And even though the Occidental Grill and Seafood restaurant might overpower it with history (and photos to back up that history), the food at Café du Parc is perfect for any meal… and so easily accessible from the guest rooms or off the street (plus, no stuffy suits and ties required). Highly recommended is the pate plate.

WHAT TO DO IN-HOTEL?
The Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa at the Willard offers 80 minute Swedish Massages that make leaving the hotel to visit the D.C. museums and monuments almost seem second in priority.  Why leave to go anywhere when you can be this indulged.

The Willard Washington Interncontinental Hotel
1401 Pennsylvania Ave, N.W.
Washington, D.C., 2004
1-877-270-1390
http://www.ichotelsgroup.com

This year the choreography is particularly spectacular, as if the cast and crew took some sort of magic fairy dust, because there’s not a dull step. The lighting crew deserves a special round of applause, as they backdrop and forefront the skaters, making them appear as if they’re skating inside a rainbow.

Maybe no other town loves to bring its kids to a Disney show as much as Charm City. This is a Baltimorean’s ritual. So get your tickets fast!

WHAT:
Disney On Ice—100 Years Of Magic

WHERE:
1st Mariner Arena, Baltimore

WHEN:
February 3-7

TICKETS:
Ticketmaster.com

It’s very impressive to have a chef of such standing found in a place where a traffic jam is a “Combine followed by three cars,” says George Beckett, the Tides’ official tour guide (and co-owner of the Northern Neck Heritage Tour group — nnht.com). The year round population skinnies in at around 50K, yet — thanks partially to the reputation the Tides has given the island, and partly to the island itself — high season tops out at 100k (leaving a much longer line of cars behind those Combines).

Bicycles, boats, box lunches and babysitting services queue up nicely on the to-do list for a long weekend getaway splurge here. As do croquet, nature trails and golf (the par 72 Golden Eagle Golf Club, designed by George Cobb, has beauty, wild life and a lot of water—requiring at least two different tee times to feel duffer-satisfied). And for oenophiles — not the ones who lip off vintages at parties as fast as they lap up the freebie canapes, but those who actually know how to admire legs — the vineyards around the Tides Inn are worth the exploration; which is where Beckett comes in — not only is he familiar with each vineyard, his grasp of the area’s history — along with his humorous vernacular — makes the trip a valuable frolic.
 
There are nine vineyards on the Northern Neck, with more purportedly on the way. The white wines tend to rule the day (for those who love a good Bordeaux, the reds just aren’t quite strong enough yet, but they’re getting there).  Highly recommended are the Athena Vineyards and Winery (athenavineyards.com), the Vault Field Vineyards (vaultfield.com), the Ingleside Vineyards (inglesidevineyards.com), and, most impressive of all, the White Fences Vineyard (whitefencesvineyard.com) —  it being the closest to the Tides.  Nestled in front of this particular vineyard are two gigantic corkscrew sculptures marking the entrance. (A cute off-side story. The town of Irvington doesn’t allow large signs, so Bill Westbrook, the owner, had two monuments made instead, i.e., the corkscrews.) A wine tasting with a food pairing (by genius chef, Anne Kirkmyer) here is the only reason to be pulled away from Flynn’s cooking — once.

Flynn is just that good.

The 125’ “boats” (they don’t take up the entire view of the river) and their International guests stop in from all over the world to stay and eat at the Tides. The mood here is always set for taking it easy and taking it in—it, being the sweet views and Flynn’s Tasmanian Salmon, grilled with a perfect, perfect, perfect honey glaze, and his Filet Mignon, served with cheddar grits and snappy green beans, which almost threaten to make a diner forgo the signature She-Crab soup, chock full of soft-white fresh local crab. But, it’s a simple matter — a bowl is required.

The rooms, decorated in a calming British Colonial theme (dark, enormous wooden furniture and rice beds, against creamy colored walls) seem more luxury than “family beach week,” and the big soaking tub seem more appropriate for a glass of Virginia wine than rubber duckies and toddlers.  But don’t think for a minute that children don’t belong here.  This is one of those destination resorts that magically blend families and couples, without either one’s ambiance feeling interrupted.

A family should always start their stay by walking the boardwalk from the main part of the inn to the pool — and proceed from there to join the CrabNet Kids (ages 4-12), where they can go crabbing, learn to babysit an oyster bed, build sandcastles and do arts and crafts. Suffice to say, the kids spend as much time outside as possible, with counselors there at all times (parents are invited to stay and interact with the kids, or go off and play by themselves. For girlfriend getaways, the spa beckons, and the cute little shops in the town of Irvington are within walking distance from the inn; they run the gamut from dressy clothing boutiques, to southern garb, to souvenir tee-shirts, all the way to needlework and yarn shops.  Plus, the hotel also has a roomy gift shop with everything from gorgeous handmade knits, to books, to Little MissMatched socks and more. For couples, the spa really does become the focus (it’s no surprise that the resort is becoming a major wedding destination) — the hot stone massage for two (using heated basalt river rocks and VOYA organics aromatherapeutic products), followed by a Chesapeake Seaweed Leaf Wrap, is a couple’s blessing.

Family, friend or simply favorite kisser, do take a dining companion or two for dinner in the Chesapeake Club restaurant. And for a treat, send a request into the kitchen, asking Flynn to make your dining decisions, then sit back and enjoy everything.  Expect nothing short of crabcakes that can even give Baltimore a run for its money, and some fresh fruit straight from the chef’s garden to make the trip back to Charm City seem so much closer — because, after all, you will be coming back soon.

The Tides Inn
480 King Carter Drive Irvington, Va.22480-0480
Hotel Direct: 804-438-5000 Toll free: 800-843-3746
tidesinn.com

Weekends in October will once again bring together friends and fine wine in Virginia’s Northern Neck. The Women Wild About Wine Weekends at the Tides Inn returns in time for October’s wine harvest and Virginia’s wildly popular wine month.

What the heck was I going to do with a, um, scooter? That was my first thought. The second reaction came from our eleven year old daughter, when I told her how “green” the scooters were supposed to be. She went into paroxysms. “No, Mommy, no! You can never get a motorcycle!” After having told her horror stories about drugs, alcohol and motorcycles, I was glad to see that at least one of the warnings had stuck. “Calm down. I would never get on a motorcycle, Jenkins.”

Three months later I found we were in need of another car, so we did what most people would do—we hit the car dealerships. Only—one thing kept gnawing at me. Did we really need a second car, when, for the most part, I’d only be using it to get to the Light Rail? I’m a big fan of the Baltimore Light Rail, because I’m a huge proponent for working on a better environment (and saving money… and not being stuck in traffic jams… and having an extra 20 minutes to read without everyone wanting something from me… etc.).

So, after giving it much thought, we headed down this Saturday to have brunch at Kali’s Mezze on 1606 Thames St. (they have the most delicious omelets in town—and at an exquisite cost), and for some Mr. Yogato yogurt. Then we headed in to purchase a Green Rider Motorino Electric Scooter.

The pros:

• no gas (saving me at least $10,000 a year!)
• no insurance (another big, monthly savings)
• no license registration (although you have to have a driver’s license to drive one)
• no tags or inspection (hello!)
• no parking costs (they can park on a sidewalk—just like a bike)
• can be driven on a non-highway road, just like a car
• a 10% tax credit
• the costs is between $2000 and $2300 (or approx. $125 a month for 2 years)
• not at all noisy (thereby cutting down on noise pollution)
• range of about 30 miles on single battery & 50+ miles with duel battery
• they’re cool as heck! (We bought a yellow and black XPh)

The cons—not many:

• highest speed is 30 miles an hour (average off-highway speeds)
• this isn’t Europe, e.g., less people on motor scooters means less car drivers are on the lookout

The extras:

• you will need to pony up for a helmet or two (in case you have a rider)
• you will need a chain lock
• you’ll probably want a tarp to put over it for rainy days
• you’ll most likely want an extra little lock box to hold other items than your helmet
• i.e., do factor in another $200 bucks, give or take, to the price to cover the above.

For those who want to try before they buy, owner, Ray Carrier rents the LEVs ($25 for two hours; $10 each additional hour; or $50 for the day). He also sells Pedego Electric and Electric folding bikes (called “umbrella” bikes).

It only took a few minutes for us to make the decision to purchase our new Green Rider scooter. It might take a few months to make sure our daughter understands the difference between getting on a motorcycle that can hit the highway, hard, versus a scooter that’s used for environmental purposes. Yes, there are still danger issues, but we’ll teach her these important facts about our electric scooter: we can’t go over 30 miles an hour; we are faithful helmet wearers; we don’t plan on going on any big roads; we’ll watch all driveways and intersections—as well, as the front tires of the cars in front of us—at all times.  In other words, we’ll make safety our priority—as it should be when driving anything motorized. Plus, we’ll save the big rides for the Light Rail.

Green Rider

714 S. Broadway St.

(410) 522-5857

GreenRiderUSA.com.

Style devoted an entire issue on the question “Baltimore: North or South?” a few years back, trying to touch on whether Baltimoreans thought they were southerners or northerners—with the final answer being somewhat split down the middle. But having grown up in Manhattan, where my father lived, and SC, where my mother lived, I’ve not been able to pinpoint either the south or the north into the Baltimore population. Baltimoreans are simply that—Baltimoreans. Trying to put my finger on what, exactly, being a Baltimorean means, eludes me as much as someone asking me who our daughter looks more like: her father or mother.  She doesn’t look like either of us—she has a bit of this and that from both of us, but she, plain and simply, looks like herself.

I am reminded of a quote from Colette: “You do not notice changes in what is always before you.” Perhaps because I am new to this town, I’m able to enjoy these changes more than most people who born and raised here.  During the next few weeks, Summer will segue into Fall, and our daughter will go from being an elementary school kid into a middle schooler.  These changes fairly hum and vibrate in the air around me, and as corny as this sounds, I just can’t imagine a better place to be than right here—in Baltimore—right now.

Not to name names, but I’ve met quite a few parents recently who’ve had children that were infected with the flu, and yet they let the kids out of the house to go to camp, gymnastics, birthday parties, the like. “Why?” I’d ask, bewildered. “She has a fever.” The reply, “The fever is under 100 degrees. It’s no biggee. I’ve given her Tylenol. She’ll be fine.” Um. Right. She might be fine. But come on. What about those of us with asthma? We really don’t do fine with the flu. Letting someone out in public who has been infected with the flu can have serious consequences.

It never occurred to me that I had asthma. I’ve always thought my cough was a nervous cough.  I didn’t have allergies.  I didn’t smoke.  I took in a lot of fresh air.  I’m basically a good person, etc. But a couple months ago I caught yet another cold that dragged on well beyond the one month mark. Finally my family said, “Enough of this hacking. Go to the doctor before one of your lungs flies out and hits one of us on the head!” 

When it comes to going to the doctor, I’m like a man. I’d just as soon my watch-cha-ma-call-it fall off before I step foot in a physician’s office. Nothing against doctors. I’m just not a fan of taking medicine.  Plus, I hate waiting around.

Enter Dr. Albert Digerolamo. Dr. D. to his patients. He came in to the examining room, shook my hand, and proceeded to spend a good amount of time with me, after which he asked if I’d ever been diagnosed with asthma.  “Nope,” I said, with a wracking cough, proud to be so healthy. To make a long story short, I walked out of there with prescriptions to combat an asthma that I was sure I did not have, promising myself to never ever go back to this Dr. D. guy again. My friend, who is a nurse, said, “Give him a chance. I meet doctors all the time.  He’s great.  He knows what he’s talking about. Give the medicine a try.  Just trust him on this one.”

One horrid cold, one horrible flu and one debilitating case of pneumonia later, I can honestly say that Dr. D. probably saved my life. Had I not been on the steroid inhalers early to get my lungs in better shape, I’m fairly certain my body would have closed up shop once that flu hit. As it was, I ended up in the hospital, gasping for air. But at least I was breathing. Had Dr. D. not put me on inhalation therapy… well, I just have to wonder.

Now, I’m not suggesting that we trust anything a physician tells us. I’m a huge patient advocate. My hard and firm rule about going to any doctor is the following: make a list of every question you have, and then make sure that you don’t leave the house without adding five more questions to that list.  We must take responsibility for our lives.  To ask a doctor to be solely responsible for our well-being is neither fair to the physician nor to ourselves.

Which is another why I’m a Dr. D. aficionado; his patience with me in answering all my questions, allows me to be a better patient.
I liked him so much that I set up an appointment for my ten year old daughter. He was fantastic with her. He sat her down, looked her square in the face and went over everything a good, responsible adult should go over with a kid approaching the teen years. Did we have firearms in the house? Did she sit in the backseat of the car at all times? Did she use the Internet? If someone approached her that she didn’t know,” etc. Now, I drill these types of things into my kid until she’s so bored her eyes roll into the back of her head. But, believe it or not, many parents just don’t. Many parents—although loving—can do stupid things, such as forget to talk to their kids about important things… or let them go out in public with the flu.

Which brings me full circle to where I started with this article. Did I really have the swine flu? No clue. By the time the flu did infect me, the CDC had stopped recommending the H1N1 diagnostic test. Hospitals only take nasal swabs, and those offer anywhere between a 40%-69% false negative when it comes to detecting the H1N1 flu. But had I had the swine flu, it still might not give me immunity for the next round of H1N1 that’s expected to hit soon. It’s highly possible that the strain will have mutated into something really strange and new and horrible by then. So here’s a little advice. Come the end of August, start really paying attention to this stuff. Teach your kids how to wash their hands, often, while singing Happy Birthday twice.  Work with your nail biters to get them to kick that habit (read: How To Break The Fingernail Biting Habit). If for heaven’s sakes, if your kid has a fever, keep them home. Don’t let Tylenol mask the symptoms. And if you don’t have a doctor, head on over to Dr. D.‘s office. He has late office hours, you don’t have to wait long, and in the short time I’ve known him, I can honestly say, I’m getting to where I kind of trust the chap with my life.

For More Information:

Dr. Albert Digerolamo
Family Medicine Associates
35 E Padonia Rd
Lutherville Timonium, MD 21093
(410) 683-3330

For more information about the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu), visit the CDC’s website.

FELLS POINT

Kali’s Court
The View: Lush, leafy, walled courtyard, with dramatic flaming torcheres at night.
What to Order: Opt for the grilled dorade or bronzini and pretend you’re somewhere along the Adriatic.
Details:
1606 Thames St.
410-276-4700
kaliscourt.com
Directions to Kali’s Court

Arcos
The View: Charming walled courtyard filled with intimate niches for supping and sipping.
What to Order: Whatever you order, pair it with a tasty margarita, made with a “secret house blend” and a hint of orange.
Details:
129 S. Broadway
410-522-4777
restaurantearcos.com
Directions to Arcos

Shuckers of Fells Point
1629 Thames St
410-522-5820
The View: Tourists tend to take over the wrought iron tables stationed under blue awnings with blinking neon beer signs in the windows and twinkling lights above. The water view from the tables is one of the best in Fells Point. And it’s a bit of a hidden treasure— it has little street visibility, so many people don’t realize it’s there.
What to Order: Swordfish De Gallo in a tequila infused pico de gallo with ice cold house draft after house draft after house draft.
shuckersoffellspoint.com
Directions to Shuckers of Fells Point

Bonaparte Breads
The View: The calmest area of the Harbor, with umbrella tables on an esplanade squooshed up to the very edge of the water. (Caution: breakfast and lunch, only, and the staff could benefit from a semester of Courtesy 101.)
What to Order: A pain au chocolat and a sweet iced coffee.
Details:
903 S Ann St.
410-342-4000
Directions to Bonaparte’s Bread

LITTLE ITALY

La Scala
The View: Very quaint. Two decorative wrought iron tables on a porch that’s in the heart of Little Italy.  The ambience and people watching is the thing.
What to Order: The Bruschetta is amazing and popping with fresh flavors. A glass of chianti sets the mood.  Highly recommended: the Tenuta Marchese Antinori. P.S. Slip inside for a game of authentic Bocce.
Details:
1012 Eastern Ave.
410-783-9209
lascaladining.com
Directions to La Scala

FEDERAL HILL

The Bicycle
The View: An airy garden-like spot with close-together tables.
What to Order: Nothing says summer like the water-melon salad or crab cakes with a sweet corn emulsion.
Details:
1444 Light St. #1
410-234-1900
bicyclebistro.com
Directions to The Bicycle

Rusty Scupper
The View: One of the best views of the Inner Harbor and the downtown Baltimore skyline, from the third-flood deck.
What to Order: Simple is best. Opt for the shrimp cocktail and ogle the yachts passing by.
Details:
402 Key Hwy
410-727-3678
selectrestaurants.com/rusty
Directions to the Rusty Scupper

Little Havana
The View: Once you get past the chain-link fence, it’s water, water everywhere.
What to Order: Minty mojitos, what else? Or the bottomless mimosas at Sunday brunch.
Details:
1325 Key Hwy
410-837-9903
littlehavanas.com
Directions to Little Havana

INNER HARBOR

Babalu Grille
The View: Tourists on the plaza during daylight hours, drunken college students after 10 p.m.
What to Order: Summer demands ceviche.
Details:
34 Market Pl.
410-234-9898
babalugrill.com
Directions to Babalu Grill

McCormick & Schmick’s
The View: Tourists and boats cruising the waters of the Inner Harbor.
What to Order: Wash down your sautéed soft-shells with a Black-eyed Susan martini - vodka, rum, O.J. and pineapple juice.
Details:
711 Eastern Ave.
410-234-1300
mccormickandschmicks.com
Directions to McCormick & Schmick’s

Sullivan’s Steak House
The View: You’ll be too busy watching the waitresses in their über short skirts and fishnet stockings to notice the small patio, bustling tables and harbor view.
What to Order: The Honeydew Melon. Bacardi Grand Melon, Midori, Hiram-Walker Sweet and Sound and fresh pineapple juice make any view spectacular.
Details:
One East Pratt St., Suite 102
410-962-5503
sullivansteakhouse.com
Directions to Sullivan’s Steak House

The Capital Grille Baltimore
The View: Plenty of shaded tables allow tourist and boat watching without too much squinting.
What to Order: The cold shellfish platter with a pound of baby lobster for starts, and a side order of vidalia onion rings.
Details:
500 E Pratt St. # 100
410-703-4064
thecapitalgrille.com
Directions to The Capital Grille Baltimore

Woody’s Rum Bar & Island Grill
The View: Third-floor perch overlooks the throngs on Thames Street and the harbor’s edge right across the street.
What to Order: The island wings marinated in a special grilled pineapple barbeque sauce are standing ready to pair with any good drink.
Details:
821 S. Broadway at Thames
410-555-1212
woodysrumbar.com
Directions to Woody’s Rum Bar & Island Grill

HARBOR EAST

Cinghiale
822 Lancaster St
410-547-8282
The View: These gourmet tables are under an awning and overlook the Harbor East Marina—plus, these tables can be reserved.
What to Order: Prezzo Fizzo—the Chef’s Choice of Antipasti—is perfect for outdoor noshing. And order the Cinghiale Cocktail: fresh orange juice, fresh basil, and a splash of soda on lovely Aperol liquor. Yum.
cgeno.com
Directions to Cinghiale

LOCUST POINT


The Wine Market
The View: Pretty to the nth degree. A garden setting in a courtyard, with a backdrop of historic brick buildings.
What to Order: The mediterranean lamb ”burger” on flatbread and absolutely any wine that hits your fancy. This is the grapes of mirth.
Details:
300 Franklin St.
410-575-7045
the-wine-market.com
Directions to The Wine Market

THE ART’S DISTRICT

Tapas Teatro
The View: Smack on North Charles Street under the blazing sun, bring a high count sunscreen and sunglasses, but enjoy the hustle and bustle of the street crowd.
What to Order: Sangria and tapas, tapas, tapas (slipping in some Boquerones)!
Details:
1711 N. Charles St.
410-332-0110
tapasteatro.com
Directions to Tapas Teatro

SOUTH BALTIMORE

Nick’s Fish House
The View: The underside of the Hanover Street Bridge.
What to Order: Anything from the raw bar and a few ice-cold Buds.
Details:
2600 Insulator Dr # 1
410-347-4123
nicksfishhouse.com
Directions to Nick’s Fish House

MT. WASHINGTON

The Mt. Washington Tavern
The View: The Sky Bar opens during dinner and is a partially covered roof top deck, surrounded by greenery—if you’re in need of a tropical setting, come here.
What to Order: The Chesapeake Salad with chopped apples, jumbo crabmeat and shrimp—and wet your whistle with a white Albariño Spanish wine by the glass.
Details:
5700 Newbury St
410-367-6903
mtwashingtontavern.com
Directions to The Mt. Washington Tavern

BOLTON HILL

B Bistro
The View: The shaded sidewalk tables overlook the grand town houses of Bolton Hill.
What To Order: House dill-cured gravlax salmon over tossed organic greens and a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Details:
1501 Bolton St
410-383-8600
b-bistro.com
Directions to B Bistro

UPTOWN

Gertrude’s at BMA
The View: The Baltimore Museum of Art’s lush sculpture garden.
What To Order: The mussels steamed with chardonnay, roasted garlic and caponata eggplant.
Details:
10 Art Museum Dr.
410-889-3399
coastalcookingwithjohnshields.com
Directions to Gertrude’s at BMA

Carma’s Café
The View: Quiet and shady Charles Village side street.
What To Order: “Sno-Joes,” frozen blended coffee drinks, or “Zambonis,” frozen blended smoothies.
Details:
3120 Saint Paul St
410-243-5200
Directions to Carma’s Café

Ambassador Dining Room
The View: A secluded flower-filled courtyard with a fountain.
What To Order: The gorgeous whole Goa fish tempered with a mango lassi.
Details:
3811 Canterbury Rd.
410-366-1484
ambassadordiningroom.com
Directions to the Ambassador Dining Room

CANTON

Bo Brooks
The View: Canton’s expanding waterfront and the neon signs of Tide Point and Domino’s Sugar.
What To Order: A dozen jumbo-jimmies and get crackin’!
Details:
2701 Boston St
410-558-0202
bobrooks.com
Directions to Bo Brooks

HUNT VALLEY

Oregon Grille
The View: A big garden-surrounded patio for sunny days, and a cozy enclosed porch for rainy days, all surrounded by some of Maryland’s most beautiful hunt country and horse farms.
What to Order: Why, Chilled Blue Point Oysters and a Lobster Martini, of course.
Details:
1201 Shawan Rd.
410-771-0505
theoregongrille.com
Directions to the Oregon Grille

GREENSPRING STATION

Stone Mill Bakery
The View: Shady terrace tables overlooking a quiet lawn and interesting sculptures are the place to be in the summertime.
What to Order: Lemon Pepper Salmon and leave room for the scrumptious home-made desserts!
Details:
10751 Falls Rd # 123
410-821-1358
stonemillbakery.com
Directions to Stone Mill Bakery

Tark’s Grill
The View: A little courtyard surrounded by shops, with high top tables, low top tables, a fireplace for the nippy nights and an ambience that is pure upscale liveliness.
What to Order: The Crabatini—huge jumbo lump crabmeat with Old Bay, and surprising wasabi and lemon.
Details:
2360 W Joppa Rd # 116
410-583-8275
tarksgrill.com
Directions to Tark’s Grill

OWINGS MILLS

Linwood’s
The View: The entire outdoor patio is covered in boxwoods and flowers, with huge pear trees shading the white tablecloths and gorgeously prepped meals. Reservations a must.
What to Order: A fresh Pineapple Martini (infused for 48 hours) complements the Heirloom Tomatoes with Cripsy Goat Cheese.
Details:
5 Crossroads Dr., Owings Mills
410-356-3030
linwoods.com
Directions to Linwood’s

SPARKS

The Milton Inn
The View: Next to a 260-year-old fieldstone building, on a covered terraced, surrounded by lush landscaped gardens.
What to Order: Sunday brunch a la carte and a mimosa—and for non-Sundays, the Blackened Shrimp, Jumbo Crabmeat Gazpacho and a bottle of Cru champagne.
Details:
14833 York Rd.
410-771-4366
miltoninn.com
Directions to The Milton Inn

HISTORIC HAVRE DE GRACE

Tidewater Grille
The View: Outside deck seating or the new 4-seasons porch, either way, you’ll have amazing views of the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay—and an oh la la sunset. p.s. often there’s live music.
What to Order: Fresh little neck clam steamers and a bottle of Shoofly Buzz Cut White wine makes you feel like at your annual beach vacation every night.
Details:
300 Franklin St.
410-575-7045
thetidewatergrille.com
Directions to Tidewater Grille

ELLICOTT CITY

La Palapa Grill & Cantina
The View: Enjoy the weather, plants and umbrellas on a patio and ignore the parking lot—the veiw is the vibe. The cantina turns into a club atmosphere as the night wears on.
What to Order: A house sangria or the la Palapa and some quesadillas.
Details:
8307 Main St., Ellicott City
410-465-0070
lapalapagrill.com
Directions to La Palapa Grill & Cantina
Photo of Gertrude’s at BMA.