Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Independence Day Celebrations

Image courtesy Pixabay
This Saturday, July 4, the United States of America will celebrate its 239th birthday! Because we live in an area of such strong historical significance, there is no shortage of ways to celebrate this Independence Day in the Baltimore area. With an extended weekend ahead, get ready to do some celebrating, American style!

Fireworks
What would the Fourth of July be without a fireworks spectacular to dazzle the night sky? The fireworks show at the Inner Harbor never disappoints! The show, which is choreographed to music, is scheduled to begin at 9:30 PM. Live music and entertainment will take place from 7 PM through 10 PM at the harbor. If you don't want to be amongst the crowds at the Inner Harbor, your apartment home at McHenry Row should offer a first-rate view of the show! 

According to Baltimore Magazine, other fireworks shows in our area on July 4th are scheduled in Annapolis, Loch Raven, Catonsville and at the Baltimore Museum of Industry.

Fort McHenry
Just minutes away from your home at McHenry Row lies Fort McHenry. Francis Scott Key was inspired to write "The Star-Spangled Banner" during the Battle of Baltimore, which took place at Fort McHenry in 1814.

On Saturday, July 4 and Sunday, July 5, Fort McHenry will offer free deck tours to visitors, and from 3-5 PM on those days, visitors may participate in a day sail. Day sail admission fees are $49 for adults and $35 for children. 

Run to the Fort
Charm City Run is sponsoring the July 4 Independence Day Run to the Fort, which begins Saturday at 9 AM. The race begins at Charm City Run's Baltimore location, and the race continues to Fort McHenry and back. Winners will be treated to breakfast upon their return! Participants are encouraged to dress patriotically! 

BBQ
Fire up the grill and host an all-American cookout at your apartment home!  Before of after your barbecue, you and your guests can take a stroll along the water and throughout McHenry Row! 

Of course, there will be many more events taking place in our area over the long weekend, but these are just a few ideas to inspire your celebration! Where will you be on Independence Day? Share your plans with McHenry Row on social media by visiting our Facebook and Twitter pages! Happy Independence Day! Have a safe and happy holiday!

Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Weekend Beach Getaways

Image courtesy Pixabay
Definitely one of the best perks of Baltimore's location is its close proximity to other large cities, the mountains and the ocean! Now that summer has officially begun and July 4th weekend is near, it is time to start planning a weekend getaway to the beach! Luckily, we have many different options, all within driving distance. Here are several ideas to inspire your next beach trip:

Assateague Island, Maryland and Virginia
Assateague Island offers a myriad of attractions and outdoor experiences, including kayaking, bird watching, crabbing, fishing, hunting and biking! If you looking for an experience other than laying on the beach, Assateague Island is your ideal location for a weekend trip. Of course, laying out on the beach is still an option, as there is more than 37 miles of beach on the island. Assateague Island is located in Berlin, MD and is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes away from Baltimore, by car.

Cape May, New Jersey
No, Cape May is not where "Jersey Shore" was filmed. Rather, Cape May is located on the southern tip of the New Jersey shore and is home to a beachside "promenade," as opposed to a traditional boardwalk. Local attractions and adventures include parasailing, fishing, whale watching, skydiving, wineries and more! The drive to Cape May is approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Ocean City, Maryland
If you live in Maryland, visiting Ocean City is a rite of passage! Ocean City's first boardwalk was constructed in 1900 and quickly became a tourist destination, with visitors reaching OC by railroad. Ocean City shores stretch 10 miles up to the Delaware/Maryland border. Today, the boardwalk offers 3 miles of food, fun, shopping and more! The drive to Ocean City is 2 hours, 45 minutes.

Rehoboth Beach, Delaware
Not only is Rehoboth Beach known as "The Nation's Summer Capital," but it has been named "The Best Family Beach on the East Coast" and "America's Best Boardwalk." Tree-lined streets, beach boardwalks and shopping await visitors at Rehoboth. A road trip to Rehoboth Beach is around 2 and a half hours.

The shores of the Atlantic Ocean await you, so what are YOU waiting for? With so many beaches within driving distance of your apartment home at McHenry Row, all you need to do is fill up the tank and hit the highway! 

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival

Image courtesy Pixabay
Whether you're in search of the perfect Father's Day gift or simply something exciting to do this weekend in the greater Baltimore area, look no further. We have the solution - the Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival is coming to the National Harbor! The event is fairly self-explanatory, there's beer, bourbon and barbecue, but what sets this festival apart is that it's like three festivals in one. One ticket price, one event!

The festival takes place Friday and Saturday, June 19 and 20 at the National Harbor and tickets are selling quickly! All guests who attend will receive an event beer glass for tastings, and the first 100 guests in line for each session will receive a free t-shirt. Sessions include the "Whole Hog Friday Night Pig Pickin'" from 6-10 PM, "VIP Saturday Bacon" from noon to 6 PM and "Regular Saturday Session" from 2-6 PM. More than 60 types of beer and 40 varieties of bourbon will be available to sample during the event. What better way to wash down some of the area's best barbecue than with an ice cold beer? As guests chow down on delicious dishes, they may enjoy live entertainment from the Main Stage, including rock and blues music. Guests who have attended this event in the past will also find a larger VIP area and a new 5,000 sq. ft. games area! Another exciting attraction is the Wild Turkey Tour Bus.

Ticket prices range from a $99 two-day festival pass to $39 advance/$45 on-site regular Saturday admission. There are also VIP admission and designated driver admission tickets available. This event will take place rain or shine, so make sure you pack an umbrella and a blanket to sit on! 

The drive from your apartment home at McHenry Row to this event is a little under an hour, so if you plan to attend, make sure you have a designated driver! Street parking and lots are available, in addition to valet parking.

Spend a summer afternoon along the Potomac River, sipping beer and sampling barbecue and bourbon. Can you think of a better way to spend an afternoon with dad and family? If you have attended this event at other locations or plan to attend this weekend, we want to hear from you! Share your tips on McHenry Row's Facebook and Twitter pages!

Additional sources consulted:
AXS

Thursday, June 11, 2015

McHenry Row Summer Block Party

It is summertime at McHenry Row and the living is easy! One of the best aspects of life at McHenry Row is the opportunity to bring all members of our community together, from residents and employees, to businesses and pets! Next Friday, June 19, we invite YOU to join our McHenry Row community for an official start to summer at the annual McHenry Row Summer Block Party! If you enjoy beer, live music, food trucks and spending time outdoors with friends, you will love this event! 

Entertainment for the evening will be provided by Caffeine, a modern and classic rock band from Maryland. The band will be rocking in front of World of Beer at 6 PM. If you're hungry after a long day at work, there will be a few food trucks on site for your dining pleasure! Harbor Que will be serving up Carolina-style barbecue, Madame BBQ will bring the pork and Iced Gems Baking will bring the dessert, baked fresh from scratch! With all this delicious food, you need some cool refreshments to wash it down with. World of Beer will be serving outdoor drafts, to guests ages 21 and over of course, throughout the evening, including drafts from Bell's Brewery.

After eating some incredibly good food, you'll want to relax and enjoy the music! Bring a blanket or chairs to enjoy the evening with family and friends. The kids can have their faces painted and the dogs can lounge or play! 

Many thanks to our Summer Block Party sponsors, Charm City Run, Massage Envy, Rev Cycle, dogma: life, with your pet, Umi Sake and The Greene Turtle

Both parking and the event itself are free! You will however need money for the food trucks and other refreshments. Stay the duration of the party, from 6 - 10 PM, or hang out for a quick bite after work, either way, we would like to see you on Friday! If you plan to attend, RSVP to our Facebook event page and spread the word to all of your friends in our area!

After the event, we would love to see your pictures and share your moments from the evening! Share yours on the McHenry Row Facebook or Twitter pages! Happy summertime!

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

National Running Day


Today, June 3, is National Running Day! Whether you regularly get in a run in the morning before work or if you run on the treadmill at the gym, today is the perfect motivation to get running! National Running Day, as the name implies, is a nationwide celebration of running. It is annually held on the first Wednesday in June, and many cities throughout the United States get in on the holiday by organizing runs. 

If you would like to celebrate National Running Day today, or any other day, there are many area locations where you can get in a run. On the property at McHenry Row, you can work out in the apartments' fitness center, or you can join the rest of the Locust Point community at Charm City Run at McHenry Row. Charm City Run now hosts a weekly "fun run," which takes place Thursdays at 6:15 PM. Runners of all abilities are encouraged to participate in the 3-6 mile runs. These runs are free, but registration is encouraged so that participants receive any relevant email updates. 

Charm City Run is celebrating National Running tonight at 6:30 PM by raffling off a pair of Nike shoes at each of its locations, and will be donating 10% of today's sales to TNT Maryland Leukemia and Lymphoma Society! If you've been thinking about purchasing a new pair of shoes or other running gear, today is the perfect day to do so! For more information on the celebration, visit Charm City Run's Facebook page.

If you don't like participating in group runs, try a run in one of our area's parks. Nearby parks and outdoor spaces include Latrobe Park, Fort McHenry and Leone Riverside Park. McHenry Row is only a 90 second jog away from the water, so if you like to take a break to stretch, along the water is a fine place to do it! 

If you're still not feeling the motivation to go running, this will surely do the trick - 92  year-old Harriette Thompson of North Carolina completed her 16th marathon in San Diego's Rock n Roll Marathon last weekend! Pretty inspirational, right?

If you consider yourself an expert runner, what advice would you give to those who are just starting out? Where are your favorite local spots to squeeze in a good run? Share your thoughts with us on McHenry Row's Facebook and Twitter pages! Now lace up your shoes and get running!

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Live Fit at McHenry Row

Image courtesy Pixabay
In a recent article published by Forbes, Baltimore ranks #20 in the top 20 healthiest cities in the country, and Washington DC ranks #2. When you live at McHenry Row apartment homes, staying fit and healthy is something that can be achievable! 

Fit Life
From our fitness center to local trails and attractions, it is relatively simple to incorporate a regular fitness routine into your life at McHenry Row. Love to practice yoga? Take your mat up to our rooftop terrace and practice while you enjoy beautiful harbor views! If it's a rainy day, take your mat inside to our fully-equipped fitness center, and get in some cardio, too. Our gym is equipped with cardio and resistance equipment, virtual bicycles ad free weights.

If biking is more your style, you can keep your bike in McHenry Row's covered storage area. Take a ride down to the water or to Fort McHenry. If you own a dog, you'll certainly want to keep them in shape, too! It's only a 5-minute walk to the Locust Point dog park! 

Do you workout better in a group setting? Visit Charm City Run at McHenry Row! Every Thursday at 6:15 Charm City Run holds a 3-6 mile "Fun Run," which includes runners of all paces and skill levels. It's free, to boot! To view more ways you can get involved, visit their events calendar.

The McHenry Row of Harris Teeter offers a wide variety of healthy foods fit to meet your dietary restrictions. You can even view "yourwellness recipes" on the site if you need some meal inspiration.

Events
It is not uncommon for there to be fitness and wellness events held in the Locust Point area. On Tuesday, June 2 at 4:30, you can visit "Live Well: A Family Health & Fitness Expo."  The event includes a fun run, yoga, health screenings and more! 

This Saturday, May 30, is Rev Cycle's 2nd Annual Rev on the Row! Celebrate spring with healthy lifestyle and fitness tips, classes and more! 

Whether you're on the property or exploring nearby stores and Locust Point, our area is very fitness-friendly! Do you find that living here lends itself well to your fit lifestyle? How have our amenities helped you to accomplish your personal goals? Share your stories with us on McHenry Row's Facebook and Twitter pages!

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Memorial Day Weekend Events


The Baltimore/Washington DC metro area is the place to spend any national holiday, and Memorial Day is certainly no exception. Much of our country's most historical events and places are just a short drive away. On the upcoming three-day weekend, take some time to not only participate in events that honor the men and women who gave up their lives in defense of our freedom, but to enjoy the way of life that these men and women fought for. From concerts and parades to races, these are just some ways to enjoy the long weekend ahead.

Washington DC
National Memorial Day Concert 
The National Memorial Day Concert takes place on the West Lawn of the US Capitol on Sunday, May 24 at 8 PM. This year's concert hosts are actors Gary Sinese and Joe Mantegna. The 26th annual concert will feature performances from Gloria Estefan, the National Symphony Orchestra and appearances by Laura Benanti, General Colin L. Powell, USA (Ret.) and Laurence Fishburne. American Idol winner Nick Fradiani will be performing "The Star-Spangled Banner." The concert is free to attend, but will be broadcasted live on PBS if you do not have the opportunity to make it to the Mall.

National Memorial Day Parade
The American Veterans Center's National Memorial Day Parade is Monday, May 25 at 2 PM. The parade begins at Constitution Ave. and 7th St. and runs along Constitution to 17th St. The parade began in 2005 and started being broadcasted to soldiers around the world in 2008. Participants include Memorial Day Concert hosts Gary Sinese and Joe Mantegna, Miss America 2015 Kira Kazantsev,  Food Network  chef Robert Irvine, The Smashing Pumpkins and  American Idol winner Caleb Johnson. The parade's Grand Marshals are dozens of surviving World War II Veterans.

Baltimore
Maryland Center for Veterans Education and Training 5K/10K
The 20th annual 5K/10K will be held Sunday, May 24 in Baltimore's War Memorial Plaza, in front of City Hall. The 5K begins at 7:30 AM and the 10K at 8:30 AM. The races' routes travel through historic Inner Harbor. The 5K loops back at Harbor West, while the 10K continues to Fort McHenry. Proceeds from the race go towards the center's aid for homeless veterans and other veterans in need. To learn more about race fees and registration, click here. From your apartment home at McHenry Row to War Memorial Plaza, it is about a 10-minute drive and 25-minute bus ride.

Baltimore Orioles v. Houston Astros

On Memorial Day, May 25, the O's play right here at home versus the Houston Astros at 1:35 PM. The first 20,000 fans ages 15 and up to enter Camden Yards will receive an Orioles BBQ apron! Since this is a Monday home game, this game is included in the Orioles Alumni Autograph Series. For tickets and additional information, click here. Camden Yards is about an 8-minute drive or a 30-minute bus ride away from your home at McHenry Row.

Additional sources consulted:

Baltimore Magazine

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