Saying Goodbye to Summer
We are almost a week into September, and around this time of year, we are all starting to say goodbye to summer. However, it doesn’t seem like summer wants to say goodbye to us here in Baltimore! We have been dealing with a heatwave the past few days, which has brought us temperatures in the 90s. Today in Baltimore is supposed to be 100 degrees, but feel like 107! As someone who is always sad to let summer go, I am looking forward to the cooler temperatures coming our way. Even with these balmy temperatures, September is a great time of year to spend time enjoying outdoors. If you’re looking for ways to spend the last few weeks of summer outdoors in Baltimore, look no further. I’ve got you covered!
5 Best Outdoor Activities in Baltimore
#1-Hammerman Area of Gunpowder State Park
Number one on my list of best outdoor activities in Baltimore is the Hammerman area of Gunpowder State Park. This has definitely been my most visited outdoor location of the summer. For just $3 on the weekdays and $5 on weekends, you can enjoy a day on the water. The 1,500 foot beach allows for individuals and families to swim, enjoy water sports, picnic, grill, and enjoy the peacefulness of the Gunpowder River. The reason Hammerman beach tops my list is because its located in Middle River, which is super convenient to Baltimore City. I also love the diversity of the people who spend time here. You’ll hear all different languages being spoken, and folks from many different nationalities. My only warning is to beware if you’re planning to visit on a holiday. I had the bright idea of spending the day at the beach on the 4th of July, and the park was full at 9:00 am!
On my first visit to Loch Raven Reservoir, I knew that this would be a location I would come back to over and over again. Located in Central Baltimore County, there are many opportunities for hiking and biking, with its over 1600 acres of land and water. The Loch Raven Reservoir is open to hiking, rowing or paddle boating, bird watching, horseback riding and nature photography year-round, and for archery hunting during a regulated season. The reservoir is also managed for warm, cool, and cold water fish species and offers fishing opportunities. My favorite thing about visiting the reservoir is seeing the wildlife. I love seeing the birds, turtles, deer, frogs…it makes me feel at peace and connected to nature. There is so much to love about this outdoor paradise right in Baltimore County.
Sherwood Gardens is one of my favorite places in Baltimore to spend time outdoors. I used to live in Pen Lucy, within walking distance, and it was my favorite place to take my dog on a stroll (rest in peace, Sancho). The Garden is located in the middle of Guilford, and was created in the 1920s by John Sherwood, whose home bordered the park. In the spring, more than 50,000 tulips and other bulbs are in bloom, which makes for a spectacular visual experience. While most feel that the best time to go to Sherwood Gardens is in the spring when all the tulips are blooming, going in September can be just as good! Going in late summer is great because there aren’t as many people there, so you can have some meditative time in the garden. My favorite late summer activity is to bring a blanket, some snacks, something nice to drink and to enjoy a picnic with my friends or all by myself. If you haven’t been yet, it’s not too late to check it out!
Ok, this one is not technically in Baltimore…but is on the Baltimore County line with Harford County, so I think that counts! The first time I visited this outdoor oasis in the Baltimore Metro, I was blown away with the size of the property and the variety of gardens, nature trails, and historic buildings all on one property. Ladew Topiary Gardens is located 20 miles north of Baltimore and has 22 acres of topiary gardens, flower gardens, a nature trail, and a historic house. It also has a native butterfly house offering a close-up view of the life cycle of native butterflies and caterpillars. The cost of admission is $17 and is well worth it. I would recommend getting there early and spending the day. You are able to pack a lunch and have a picnic on the grounds!
With a convenient location and beautiful atmosphere, Boordy Vineyards is my 5th pick for best outdoor activity in Baltimore. Visitors are welcome at the winery Monday through Sunday, buy my favorite time to go is on the weekend when they have wine flights, food trucks, and live music. It’s another outdoor location in Baltimore where you can bring your own food, so it would be a fabulous idea to have a picnic on the grounds. The location is truly picturesque.
What did we miss?
I know there are so many more outdoor gems to be enjoyed in the Baltimore Metro area. What places did I miss? Send me an email at [email protected] and I will be sure to add to this list!
