It is a gorgeous day, a high of 80 degrees with a gentle breeze. You are dressed in your spring attire, your sunglasses are on, but you've no place to go. You're had enough of the "beach." You're tired of trespassing President Brody's garden. And the tables outside the library just aren't cutting it. If you are finding yourself in this position, don't be discouraged. There are actually several great outdoor activities just a few minutes outside of campus.
For the athletic type there is a range of possibilities. If you are into biking, there is a great trail nearby called the North Central Railroad (NCR). It is an old railroad paved over providing great bikeways. The trail starts on the tip of Baltimore County and continues into Pennsylvania. It runs along Gunpowder Reservoir, ensuring a scenic route.
Or if you perhaps find pleasure in windsurfing, you may want to check out Hammerman Park, also located along Gunpowder Reservoir, a place that provides an inexpensive way to get out that windsurfing urge.
Also, if you are interested in looking buff in those sleeveless spring shirts, there is an excellent kayaking source located around the Chesapeake Bay. It is known as Amphibian Horizons and it promises to have the best sea kayaking in all of Baltimore.
And if kayaking is not your forte, you may enjoy horseback riding located at Clay Hill Stable, just outside of Washington, D.C.
But if you are not a horse-lover and perhaps a fish fanatic instead, for you there is a place known as Gunpowder Falls State Park.?It offers some of the best fishing around. In addition you can stay for the weekend if you and that special someone want a romantic getaway, cabin style. If you are not a fisher or a lover, but enjoy some solitary time amongst nature, try out Patapsco Valley State Park. Both parks are located 30 minutes away in southwest Baltimore and are known for their beautiful tree-lined trails.
If you like to run trails, but don't have a car, there are some excellent ones even closer to campus. Both Wyman Park and Druid Hill Park are in walking distance of campus. Druid Hill Park also offers tons of fun activities. There you can find plenty of baseball fields and tennis courts. The park also houses one of the biggest golf courses on the east coast.
For those who aren't athletically inclined, there are still more options. One activity includes the Baltimore Zoo, also conveniently located in Druid Park. While your friends are playing sports, you might go for a stroll around the zoo. The Baltimore Zoo contains about 2250 animals and is the third oldest zoological park in the nation.
If spending an afternoon with hairy animals isn't your cup of tea, a stroll in Mount Washington Village may suit your needs instead. The village contains lots of little shops and you can take your pick from hairdressers, small jewelry shops, cute cafes, bike shops, make-your-own pottery places and wine shops. ?
If you want to make some purchases, but want them to be unique, for you there are two great places. One is the Antique Row Shops, also known as The Avenue of the Arts, conveniently located on North Howard Street near the Inner Harbor. The other is The Evergreen House located across from Loyola University.
The house is an old mansion containing over 25 acres of land. The property several small gardens and promises a great place for some private, romantic fun.
If you tend to think old mansions are haunted, there is also another great source for flowers. One is Sherwood Gardens in Guilford. It is a beautiful, big garden known for its tulips in the spring and is a great place to picnic.
If you like eating outdoors, but do not like bugs crawling in your salad, try some of Baltimore's best outdoor restaurants. Sit outdoors at Gertrude's, conveniently located behind the Baltimore Museum of Art, and taste celebrity chef John Shields' ultimate dinner platters or Sunday brunches.
If you already have been to the BMA, try the Joy America Caf??, located atop The American Visionary Museum. The caf?? promises good food, a breathtaking view and a new museum underneath to explore. ?
Once you have tried all the above options, you may be a little tired. And what a better way to relax than revisiting that virtual beach and sprawling out for a little nap?
