Fun Fact: Autumn is for Apples

Apple orchards are located in most areas of Maryland with a concentration of orchards in Washington, Frederick, and adjoining counties. Baugher's Orchards and Farm in Westminster, MD Autumn is for apples, and there are 205 apple orchards in Maryland, with many that offer pick-your-own. There are over 15 varieties grown in the state, and they are harvested between August and November each year. However, growing apples is a year-round process. Growers plant the trees in…

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Fun Fact: The Oldest Winery in Maryland

Bonded in 1945, Boordy Vineyards in Baltimore County is Maryland's oldest winery. Courtesy Boordy Vineyards Boordy Vineyard was originally owned and operated by Philip and Jocelyn Wagner of Baltimore. The first legal vintage of Boordy wine was bottled by Jocelyn in 1945, and it was the first vineyard to import Vidal Blank grapes into the U.S. Their Landmark Series wines are made in limited quantities and are sourced from 100% Maryland grown grapes, principally from…

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Fun Fact: A Beacon of Hope

The new Harriet Tubman sculpture "Beacon of Hope" was dedicated in Dorchester County this month. Image courtesy I Love Dorchester County Harriet Tubman was known as the Moses of her people. As a conductor on the Underground Railroad, she led nearly 70 slaves to freedom, making 13 separate trips to Maryland. Tubman also served as a scout, spy, guerrilla soldier, and nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War. Artist Wesley Wofford wanted to…

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Fun Fact: What’s the Story Autumn Glory?

Celebrate autumn at the 55th annual Autumn Glory Festival in Oakland, Garrett County. The five-day Autumn Glory Festival celebrates the beauty of local fall foliage and will take place October 12-16, 2022. The festival was listed as one of the top fall festivals in the world, and the Town of Oakland is one of the best small towns in the U.S. to see fall foliage. The festival has transformed over 55 years, with its beginnings…

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Fun Fact for Beer Lovers: Tap and Pour Tour

In case you missed it, National Beer Lovers Day was Thursday, September 7. But do not fret, Allegany County has a Tap and Pour Tour good for any day of the week. Named the “Best Beer/Wine/Spirits Trail” by Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine’s 2021 “Best of” awards, the Tap and Pour Tour features stops at six breweries, distilleries, and wineries in Mountain Maryland. Stops include Allegany County’s first farm brewery (1812 Brewery), first winery and distillery…

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Fun Fact: Find the World’s Oldest Crab Company Here

Founded in 1890, The J.M. Clayton Company in Dorchester County is the oldest working crab processing plant in the world. Image courtesy J.M. Clayton website The J.M. Clayton Company began as a small oyster shucking and packing operation in Hoopersville, Maryland, packing seafood and fresh vegetables for delivery by steamboat to Baltimore. In search of better access to supplies, telephone service, and transportation, Captain John Morgan Clayton “Captain Johnnie” moved the operation and his labor…

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Fun Fact: In Which Counties Will You Find the Highest and Lowest Points in Maryland?

This week, a fun fact from the archives! Bloody Point Bar Light At 3,360 feet above sea level, Hoye-Crest in Garrett County is the highest point in Maryland. The peak is located 12 miles south of Oakland on Backbone Mountain and was named after Capt. Charles E. Hoye, a World War I veteran whose passion for history and genealogy led to his founding of the Garrett County Historical Society. The lowest point in Maryland is…

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Fun Fact for Chocolate Lovers: The Baltimore Bergers

It’s world chocolate day and possibly one of the tastiest chocolate treats traces its origins to Baltimore City. Berger cookies are soft, cake-like cookies covered with hand-dipped fudge icing. Courtesy Berger Cookies German immigrant and baker Henry Berger arrived in the United States in 1835, with dreams of opening a bakery. He was successful, opening a bakery in East Baltimore which he owned and operated with his sons George, Henry, and Otto. Open air markets…

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Fun Fact: Potomac Jazz and Seafood Festival Is Held in This County

The award-winning weekend features fantastic national jazz artists, amazing seafood and lots of related events July 8-10, 2022. As one of the mid-Atlantic's signature jazz events, this three-day festival is held at two superb locations - along the shores of the beautiful Potomac River and in the charming Town of Leonardtown in St. Mary's County, Maryland. A free concert featuring a nationally-renowned jazz group, an exclusive opening party where attendees dress in their best all-white…

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Fun Fact: An OC Original – Atlantic Hotel

The original Atlantic Hotel was the first hotel ever built in Ocean City, Worcester County. Courtesy: Atlantic Hotel Opening on July 4, 1875, the Atlantic Hotel was the founding establishment of the Grand Boardwalk Hotels that started Ocean City’s hospitality industry. Originally owned by the Atlantic Hotel Company, it was purchased in 1923 by Dr. Charles W. Purnell and is still owned and operated by the Purnell family today. The four-story, wooden structure could accommodate…

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