Sipping Tea at Bertha's (Baltimore, Md.; tel. 410/327-5795): Bertha's tea is an afternoon delight. Cup after cup of Earl Grey with scones and clotted cream, Scotch eggs, and an assortment of savories and sweets are perfect in the shabby-chic dining room of this Fells Point eatery.
Raising the Star-Spangled Banner at Fort McHenry (Baltimore, Md.): The park rangers ask visitors to help with the raising and lowering of the huge flag each day. The nooks and crannies and views keep young ones interested. Outside the fort, the sprawling waterfront park is perfect for families and picnics.
Going to Any Baseball Game: Maryland has baseball's most beautiful stadium -- Oriole Park at Camden Yards -- and the best team in the world (the Orioles, of course!). Players toss balls to kids in the stands, and the Oriole Bird has been known to loft T-shirts and even (wrapped) hot dogs to the fans. The many minor league teams are also fun, and more affordable.
Attending the Preakness (Baltimore, Md.): If you're young and want some serious partying, check out the infield. If you actually want to see the second jewel in the Triple Crown, head for the grandstand. The race is held the third Saturday in May. If you want grandstand tickets to the Preakness, held at Pimlico Race Course (tel. 410/542-9400), it's best to call up to a year ahead. Infield tickets are available up to the week before and are sold at some area gas stations.
Rafting the Yough: The Youghiogheny (generally just called the "Yock") is Maryland's great white-water river. Its churning waters race through class III/IV rapids, with names like Gap Falls, Bastard, Triple Drop, Meatcleaver, Lost and Found, and Backbender. The water levels are controlled by dam release, so the river can be ridden almost year-round.
Taking in the View from the O.C. Ferris Wheel (Ocean City, Md.): Fork over the $5 for a ticket and climb aboard the vintage wheel. Go just before sunset and you won't wait in line. It's the perfect time to watch the charter boats heading in for the night and to see the sun set over Assawoman Bay. As darkness falls, you can watch the boardwalk light up.
Going "Downy Ocean": Head for the crowded beaches of Ocean City, Maryland (with all those restaurants, shops, and golf courses), or to the quiet public beaches of Rehoboth or Bethany, Delaware. Both have their charms. The sand is white and clean; the waves can be gentle or furious (watch for the red warning flags). The sand crabs are used to being dug up, and the seagulls will keep an eye on your snacks. (Don't give in and feed them -- it can be pretty scary.)
Off-Roading on Assateague Island (Md.): Most people who visit Assateague see only the 4- or 5-mile stretch of guarded beach and the federal and state camping facilities. They've missed the best part: the 20 miles of undisturbed beaches. This part of the island is only accessible on foot, by canoe or kayak, or over off-road-vehicle trails, the fastest way to get to those secluded areas.
