The Maryland Office of Tourism Development is planning to transform the Sideling Hill Rest Area into a one-of-a-kind gateway attraction that promotes Maryland’s mountains, valleys and waterways, from the Catoctin Mountains and further west, with exhibits, programming and on-site transactional opportunities. The Maryland Office of Tourism Development and the Maryland State Arts Council held a workshop at Frostburg State University in January 2019 with tourism and arts partners in the region to begin the conversation about what defines the region’s differentiators, identifying the must-see destinations and experiences, and determining the best ways to inspire visitors to stay longer and spend more in the region. Notes from the workshop’s working groups are available online and open for public comment. The public comment period will be open until April 15, 2019.

OTD and partners recently showcased Maryland’s rich portfolio of hunting and fishing assets at the annual Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA. This year Maryland expanded its presence at the show, maintaining display booths in both the hunting and the fishing pavilions. “This is the single largest consumer event dedicated to fishing, hunting and outdoor traditions in the country,” said Rich Gilbert, travel trade sales manager, OTD. “We receive support from many of our partners at this event. And for many of them, this event can make a big difference in their business for the year. Through our participation in events like this, we are directly supporting our partners.”

Pictured, left to right: Maureen Scott-Taylor, manager, Bay Country Welcome Center; and Kristin Seymour, general manager and sales director, Wylder Hotel, Tilghman Island.

Visit Baltimore’s new "We'd Love to Meet You" campaign is aimed at C-suite executives and the meeting planners who help them choose a location for their next convention. The ads tell stories of visitors who come to Baltimore on business but who also discover the city's arts and culinary scene while there. Featured destinations include the American Visionary Art Museum, Sagamore Spirit distillery and Harbor East speakeasy The Elk Room. "Visitation is not just about hotels and convention centers — they want to get the experience of your community," said Al Hutchinson, Visit Baltimore President & CEO, of today's business travelers. The campaign will include print, digital and email elements, and will run for at least 18 months in the mid-Atlantic region, the Northeast and Chicago.

Whether you’re looking for classic cooking, an only-in-Maryland seafood extravaganza, or cutting-edge vegan dishes, Maryland’s Winter Restaurant Weeks are cooking up something just for you. Baltimore City’s Vegan Restaurant Week continues through February 17. Upcoming: Annapolis (March 2-10) and Frederick (March 4-10). Check out our Winter Restaurant Weeks page for more details.

Arts and Tourism advocates are planning their annual industry days in Annapolis, with Maryland Arts Day set for February 14 and Maryland Tourism Day set for February 15. Produced by Maryland Citizens for the Arts (MCA), Maryland Arts Day brings stakeholders together with lawmakers to provide an opportunity for dialogue on the importance of arts and arts funding to Maryland. The event also features the presentation of the Sue Hess Arts Advocate of the Year Award and an address by keynote speaker Stephanie Ybarra, Artistic Director, Baltimore Center Stage. For more information, Arts Day Scholarship Opportunities, and to register, follow this link to the MCA website.

Maryland Tourism Day is sponsored by the Maryland Tourism Coalition (MTC) and the Maryland Association of Destination Marketing Organizations, and provides an opportunity for tourism advocates to meet with their representatives to discuss the importance of tourism to the Maryland economy. To register, and for a full schedule including information sessions, door-to-door visits with legislators, and the presentation of the Tourism Advocate Award, follow this link to the MTC website.

For the latest on events and everything going all around Maryland, view the latest edition of Visit Maryland Now! here.

Each week, the Maryland Minute provides highlights and insights on this weekend’s events around the state. Maryland Minute is featured on iHeart radio stations in Maryland and Washington, D.C. and on Baltimore’s WBAL-AM 1090.