Miranda & Shaun
Things To Do
National Aquarium in Baltimore
Where it all started! The Aquarium is near and dear to our hearts, even excluding the fact that we met here. The NAIB (Baltimore Aquarium) is continually ranked as one of the top in the nation and is the top tourist destination in the entire state of Maryland. Tripadvisor lists it as a must-see in their top 15 aquariums around the country. And it's right next door to where Miranda earned her Ph.D.! The Aquarium is home to thousands of animals including hundreds of species of fish, stingrays, sharks, dolphins, a green sea turtle, puffins, poison dart frogs, jellyfish, tamarins, sloths, frogs, turtles, snakes, electric eels, octopus, and a wonderful Amazon rainforest greenhouse exhibit at the top most floor of the building. Can you tell we like this place? (Note: As of the time of this writing, the NAIB was still implementing timed-entry reservations for their tickets. Please consult their website for up-to-date information when planning your visit.)
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Another frequent early date location, we have always loved perusing the Natural History Museum! From undersea creatures and dinosaurs, to African charismatic megafauna (mammals) and early humans, this museum has it all. With free admission, easy access to the Metro (subway system), and amazing location on the National Mall, one day isn't enough to spend here. (Note: As of the time of this writing, the museum was still implementing timed-entry reservations. Consult the website for up-to-date info about visiting as our big day approaches.)
Yama Sushi Bar
Our favorite sushi place still across numerous locations sampled around the state, Yama still boasts the best quality sushi at the best prices as well in our opinion. Despite moving away from it after our discovery of Yama, we frequently made the 40+ minute trek to indulge in our favorite meal.
Downtown Annapolis Partnership
A beautiful waterfront city, Annapolis is home to our first "date" as described in how we met! After a 3 hour dinner, we spent nearly two more hours hanging out in the parking garage talking ad nauseum about Harry Potter, which helped solidify our nerdy attraction to each other. In addition to our nauseating personal details, Annapolis also sports a relatively old and rich history. It has the oldest State legislative house still in use today in the nation, as well as serving as the young United States' National Capital from 1783-84. Come down to this town for a relaxing meal, a beautiful sunset stroll down brick boulevards, or a night out on the town in "DTA" as the locals call it (DownTown Annapolis).
Patapsco Valley State Park - Avalon Area
A beautiful, rocky hike that we enjoyed many times that is relatively close to the venue! Waterfall views, combined with other spectacular views, Patapsco Valley State Park is a surprising find amid central suburban Maryland. Normally you need to travel well away from the cities to find hikes like these. And hiking is one of our favorite hobbies so this recommendation doesn't come lightly!
National Mall
There are too many DC (Don't call it Washington while you're here, it's not a State!) locations to name, so we are just recommending that you hit the Mall! For those not in the know, despite its namesake, the Mall is actually just the large grassy field separating the U.S. Capitol and the Washington Monument in downtown DC. Lining the edges along Constitution Ave and Independence Ave are numerous museums to pique your curiosity amongst nearly every interest. The Air & Space Museum, the African American History Museum, the National Gallery of Art, the American History Museum, and the Hirshhorn Museum are just a few amongst dozens within a short walk of the Mall. Not to mention the White House, the Supreme Court, the Library of Congress, and pretty much every other US government building being nearby as well.
Smithsonian National Zoological Park
One of the top zoos in the nation, the Smithsonian National Zoo is a wonderful day to spend wandering amongst the animals! In addition to the standard sights at most zoos, the National Zoo is one of only three zoos in the nation you can spot a Giant Panda and maybe even catch a glimpse of Xiao Qi Ji, the zoo's most recently born panda cub! By the time our big day arrives, he will be a little over 13 months old and recently made his public debut in May 2021. If you're even luckier, you might catch a glimpse of one of Miranda's favorite animals: the Red Panda!
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore
The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore hosts thousands of animals in a gorgeous location amongst the city in Druid Hill Park. If the weather cooperates, we highly recommend taking a trip here to appreciate the diversity of animal life on this planet! If you don't want to make the trek to DC, this is a great alternative closer to the venue and the airport.
Sandy Point State Park
While an October date most likely won't be conducive to a dip in the Bay, Sandy Point State Park offers spectacular views of the Chesapeake Bay (Shaun's primary office location) and the Bay Bridge! Ships en route to the Port of Baltimore pass within less than 1 mile of the point, offering stunning close-ups. In addition to the scenery, the park offers hiking trails, fishing access, a nature center, and Maryland's best attempts at a local "beach" for relaxing.