Maryland Main Streets offer distinctive shopping experiences

11-25-2009

BALTIMORE (November 24, 2009)–Imagine holiday shopping knowing that you can find a selection of uncommon gifts at shops run by local merchants. That’s just one of the benefits, says the Maryland Tourism Office, of shopping along Maryland’s designated Main Streets – 23 revitalized downtown communities across the state.

"These communities have established vibrant commercial districts through the restoration of historic structures, along with new construction – all in an effort to promote local commerce downtown,” says Gov. Martin O'Malley. “And, every one of the 23 communities has unique charm."

Recognizing the appeal of Main Street areas – especially during the holiday season – has led the Tourism Office to showcase them in its Maryland Spotlight campaign for December. The monthly promotional effort highlights individual aspects of Maryland tourism.

"Traveling to different Main Streets around Maryland is a great way to see the state," says Margot Amelia, executive director of the Tourism Office. "The fact that you can shop for the holidays in the process makes it even more appealing."

"Main Street Maryland downtowns not only offer great holiday events, but a variety of shopping – from funky, one-of-a-kind gifts to art and antiques," says Amy Seitz, state coordinator for the Main Street Maryland program. "To encourage more people to shop downtown, we have created the Magic of Main Street – each of the 23 communities has select shops and restaurants offering special discounts and promotions until January 1."

Here's a list of Main Streets and some of the special attractions that visitors can find there during December. Counties are indicated in parentheses. For additional information, check the Maryland Main Street page on the Tourism Office's web site, VisitMaryland.org. Brochures that describe special offers are available in all of the Main Street communities.

• Annapolis (Anne Arundel): Midnight Madness, Dec. 3, 10 – annual shopping event; Eastport Yacht Club’s Parade of Lights, Dec. 12 – decorated boats on display in Annapolis Harbor.
• Bel Air (Harford): Christmas Celebration, Dec. 6 – concert, holiday procession, bonfire, caroling, refreshments and tree lighting.
• Berlin (Worcester): Victorian Christmas – month-long celebration includes carriage rides, high tea, concerts and holiday movies at The Globe.
• Brunswick (Frederick): Hometown Holidays , Dec. 12 – holiday festivities in a Western Maryland town known for its railroad heritage.
• Cambridge (Dorchester): Christmas Parade, Dec. 5 – one of the state’s largest nighttime parades; Old-Fashioned Christmas, Dec. 12.
• Chestertown (Kent): Buy Local, running through December – unique, artistic gifts in an historic town.
• Cumberland (Allegany): carriage rides through downtown, Dec. 4, 11, 18; New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, Dec. 31.
• Denton (Caroline): Miracle on Market Street, Dec. 4 – carriage rides, gingerbread-house silent auction.
• Dundalk (Baltimore): Handel Children's Choir of Baltimore, parade, merchant cookie-tour at Dundalk Village Shopping Center, Dec. 4.
• Easton (Talbot): Old Tyme Holiday Parade, Dec. 5 (evening); Arts in Easton Banner Auction, Dec. 12.
• Elkton (Cecil): Shopnopoly holiday game offers cash prize and Main Street Money; Finale, Dec. 11 – carriage rides, carolers, live entertainment.
• Frederick (Frederick): First Saturday, A Holiday Recipe Tour, Dec. 5 – merchants hand out recipes, carriage rides, carolers, live entertainment.
• Frostburg (Allegany): Storybook Holiday, Dec. 5 – breakfast with elves, parade, Elf Olympics, cookie contest, dining specials, holiday movie at Palace Theater.
• Havre de Grace (Harford): Light-Up Night, Dec. 4 – Santa arrives on fire truck with marching band, tree and downtown decorations lit together.
• Middletown (Frederick): Christmas in the Valley, Dec. 4 – tree lighting, caroling, holiday music at Zion Lutheran Church.
• Mount Airy (Frederick): Main Street Christmas , Dec. 4-5 – tree lighting, local choirs; Shop, Sip and Stroll; free kids activities, parade on Saturday.
• Oakland (Garrett): A Great Small Town Christmas, through Dec. 24 – shopping discounts and specials; Dec. 11- free horse-drawn sleigh rides.
• Princess Anne (Somerset): Ol’ time Winter Wonderland, Dec. 4-5 – Teackle Mansion tours, reduced rates at B&Bs, tree lighting, parade and movie (Saturday).
• Salisbury (Wicomico): Christmas parade, Dec. 6; Third Friday, Dec. 18 – art, music, crafts.
• Takoma Park (Montgomery County): Annual Pajama Party, Dec. 6 – significant savings for shoppers wearing pajamas or nightgowns, 7-10 a.m.
• Taneytown (Carroll): tree lighting, Dec. 5 – merchants open til 8 p.m.
• Thurmont (Frederick): Old-fashioned Christmas celebration with marching band, dancers, Dec. 5 – merchants stamp special map that becomes eligible for prizes.
• Westminster (Carroll): Annual Festival of Wreaths , Dec. 2-5 – more than 200 uniquely-decorated wreaths available through silent auction; Charlie Brown Jazz Christmas, Dec. 3,4 – film and live jazz at Carroll Arts Center; holiday concert, Dec. 19, features Appalachian music.

Main Street Maryland was created in 1998 by the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) as a comprehensive downtown revitalization plan. DHCD also partnered with the National Trust Main Street Center, which has developed a widely-used approach for commercial revitalization. The center is part of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Using a competitive process, Main Street Maryland selects and assists communities that have committed to improving the economic assets, appearance and image of their downtown business districts. The communities adopt "Smart Growth" plans that promote sustainability.

Previous monthly themes
Last month, the Tourism Office spotlighted “Art of the Chesapeake” – carvings, sculpture, paintings and photographs that depict life on and around the Chesapeake Bay. Previous monthly themes have included: hiking and biking; educa-tours; buying local; and Maryland wine.

To receive a free Maryland travel information kit - Destination Maryland, Maryland Calendar of Events and a state highway map - by mail, call 800-719-5900. Information may also be found at www.visitmaryland.org.

About Maryland tourism
The Maryland Office of Tourism is an agency of the Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts within the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. Maryland’s latest visitor data confirms that in 2007, the state welcomed more than 27 million visitors who generated more than $13.6 billion in visitor spending. That figure is up from $13.2 billion the previous calendar year. During 2007, the Maryland tourism industry generated more than $1.7 billion in state and local taxes and provided more than 140,000 jobs to Maryland residents.

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