Part 1: Daytripping to Northwest Baltimore
Trying to figure out what to do this weekend?
There are so many unique places to visit in our small state of Maryland. From the mountains to the ocean, they don't call us "Little America" for nothing! Our favorite giant crab, Buddy C. Weed has traveled the state to find the best daytrips for you. He's also hooked up some special deals at area dispensaries on the way!
Buddy's first trip was spent in and around Baltimore. With such a big area and so much to do, we've broken it down geographically.
Part 1: Northwest Baltimore & Baltimore County
Hot August Music Festival:
Are you ready fo music festivals to come back? Us to! Come to Oregon Ridge on August 28 for the Hot August Music Festival, an all day musical lineup on 2 stages. Between sets, wander through the marketplace to grab a bite and browse the unique artisan and crafts booths (including yours truly) Tickets available now!
What else to do in the area:
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Dutch Market (Cockysville): Experience an authentic, old-time Amish market packed with stalls and shops serving homemade fresh foods and Amish-made furniture.
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Oregon Ridge Park (Hunt Valley): Featuring over 1000 acres of hiking trails, a nature center, picnic areas, and a quarry-turned-freshwater swimming area, this beautiful park was built on existing iron ore and marble quarries dating back to the 1830s.
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The Northern Central Railroad Trail (NCR Trails): Officially known as the Torrey C. Brown Trail, NCR Trails cover nearly 20 miles in Maryland, stretching from Hunt Valley to the Mason-Dixon Line. The converted rail trail is 10 feet wide with a stone dust surface— perfect for hiking, running, biking and horseback riding. The trail also provides access for fishing and tubing along the Gunpowder.
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Maryland State Fairgrounds (Timonium): Who doesn't love a state fair? This year, the Maryland State Fair will be held between August 26 - September 6. But, if fried foods and farm animals aren't your thing, check out the Calendar of Events for other interesting events held at the fairgrounds like the Gem and Jewelry Show and the Baltimore County Farmers Market.
Where to eat?
There are tons of fantastic restaurants in the area, so we asked the staff at local dispensaries for their favorite places to eat. Here are some of their recommendations:
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John Brown General & Butchery: Grab some lunch or just shop their adorable market. Offering fine meats and tasty treats (including spirits!), this whole-animal butcher provides sustainably farmed meats from the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.
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Cafe Spice Restaurant: Awarded the Best Indian Food in Baltimore, owners Girish and Rani Garg serve up delicious, authentic Indian fare.
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Red Pepper Bistro: If you're a fan of spicy food, this authentic Sichuan restaurant has you covered. Come with a group so you can try tons of different dishes. The Baltimore Sun says, "This new Sichuan bistro in Towson serves tongue-numbing dishes and you'll love every bite."
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Andy Nelson’s Barbecue: Andy’s not famous just for his championship years with the Baltimore Colts; he’s also famous for his hickory smoked BBQ. Ask Andy and he’ll tell you that one of the secrets is slow cooking. “Our BBQ is smoked for many hours over hickory logs until it falls off the bone, and then it’s simmered in our own heirloom sauce.”
Local Dispensary Promotions:
One of the best parts of your roadtrip is getting to visit dispensaries that might not be on your regular route. Below are some of our favorites... all of whom carry the new 2021 XL Limited Edition Map tray. Check out one, or hit them all!
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Chesacanna (Cockeysville): In addition to daily and weekly specials, Chesacanna offers a new patient discount of 20% off. Mention daytripping and get a $1 preroll! And, if it's your birthday, you'll get a free pint of Taharka ice cream! Chesacanna also has a large retail store selling all kinds of clothing and wellness items (including Crabcakes & Cannabis gear!).
- Curio Wellness (Timonium): A total wellness destination, Curio offers a medical cannabis dispensary, a holistic pharmacy where you can stock up on vitamins, supplements and CBD, and a full-service spa! First-time patients receive a 20% discount and if you visit Curio on your birthday, you will get a % off your order that is equal to half your age. Check out daily specials on their website.
- Harvest of Towson (Towson): Mention “Daytripping & Crabcakes” and get a $0.01 pre roll with $20 purchase. (Limit 1 per patient) They also have a fun New Patient Special. On your 1st Visit, get $5 off every $50 spent. On your 2nd visit, Spin the Wheel to see your prize. And on your 3rd visit, you get 20% off your whole order!
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Zen Leaf (Towson): In addition to daily discounts, loyalty rewards program, and home delivery program, Zenleaf will be celebrating patient appreciation one day every month with 25% off everything in store—including Crabcakes and Cannabis Gear!
Have fun, enjoy the weather, and every now and then, turn off your GPS and get lost. And if you find any great hidden spots along your way, let us know!
Check out our other daytrips: