Things to Do in Essex

Since 1996, the staff at Seadog Cruises has welcomed explorers aboard sophisticated, open-air speedboats for city tours. Over the years, they’ve led more than two million sightseers through Baltimore and Chicago on cruises that elucidate city histories, paying special attention to landmarks such as Baltimore’s Naval Reserve Center and Chicago’s Tribune Tower. Their fleet of sea crafts uses low-sulfur diesel and a four-stroke engines that produce lower emissions than older models, allowing eco-conscious passengers to rest easy and fish to finally open their windows for some fresh water.

Since 1996, the staff at Seadog Cruises has welcomed explorers aboard sophisticated, open-air speedboats for city tours. Over the years, they’ve led more than two million sightseers through Baltimore and Chicago on cruises that elucidate city histories, paying special attention to landmarks such as Baltimore’s Naval Reserve Center and Chicago’s Tribune Tower. Their fleet of watercraft uses low-sulfur diesel and four-stroke engines that produce lower emissions than older models, allowing eco-conscious passengers to rest easy and allowing fish to finally open their windows for some fresh water.

Upper Chesapeake Bay Charters' USCG-licensed captains and career fishermen know the Chesapeake Bay waters like the back of their hands. They use this knowledge to ferry small groups on charters aboard one of the company’s two vessels, helping clients to snag catfish and use trotlines to mine blue crabs. During all trips, the expert fishermen supply equipment, clean catches, and snap pictures of people holding fish while looking quietly triumphant, like a cat who just learned how to flush a toilet.

Additionally, Upper Chesapeake Bay Charters' crew uses their watercraft to embark on sightseeing tours. They point out wildlife as well as Baltimore landmarks such as the USS Constellation.

The Taste of Pikesville brings together more than 30 of the area's assorted eateries, whisking guests on a culinary voyage to Latin America, Asia, the United States with savory and sweet fare. Pairs can wander the room making conversation as they nibble on bite-size portions of samples such as charred steaks and chops made famous by Ruth's Chris Steak House or simmering Peruvian-style chicken or Cuban-inspired meat dishes from Mari Luna Latin Grille. Area enophiles from Boordy Vineyards showcase wines that may include bottlings from their Landmark Series, sourced from 100% Maryland-grown grapes. Sweet treats will also be on hand, such as red velvet cakes and fruity rainbow cupcakes from Many Mini Cakes. Dessert bites can be paired with a brewed cup of locally roasted or organic coffee poured by Coffee with T.

A portion of the evening’s proceeds benefit the Baltimore County Police Community Relations Councils (PCRC). The councils harbor an open forum between the police and the community, a dialogue that occasionally leads to ride-along programs that allow community members to ride along in police cars and turn on the siren any time they witness a squirrel jaywalking.

Not many events can combine puzzles, obstacle races, and charitable giving-all while filling the downtown area with people in gorilla suits. Gorilla Challenge accomplishes all of these things in a single afternoon. With annual events held across the country, it is quickly becoming the premier event for raising fun and social responsibility. Several of the event's clues are designed to bring awareness to topics such as literacy, poverty, environmental concerns, animal welfare, and elder care. Amid these consciousness-raising events, the company's gorilla-suit-clad staffers make surprise appearances to award participants prizes and collect bribes in the form of fresh bananas or sign-language-speaking kittens.

Since its first event in 2008, the Chesapeake Bay Wine Festival has steadily added to its multisensory feast of libations, food, and live sounds. Originally conceived to highlight Maryland's wines, beers, and local delicacies, the festival now brings wines from around the world to its bayside location. White tents shield tasters from rain, sunburn, and any curious fish who might try to leap into their goblets. Each year, the festival benefits an array of community- and family-focused organizations.