{thanks, Corey Harris}

Baltimore newlyweds Corey and Nicole Harris traveled to Dubai for their honeymoon. They share their experiences with b readers:

For him, a chance to wow his new bride:

My wife, Nicole, and I made an agreement: I would not interfere with wedding plans, and she would not interfere with honeymoon plans.

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Want good travel on the cheap? Think autumn.

“The fall can be a tremendous time to travel as rates are low, crowds are down, lines are shorter, and service personnel have a little more time to tend to each guest,” says Christine Delise, spokeswoman for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

But wherever you head, make sure to add “cancel for any reason” insurance coverage. Booking with this option, says Delise, allows travelers who lose their job, see a storm on the horizon, or simply change their mind to cancel up to the time of departure with a full refund.
If you’re having trouble deciding, here are six excellent East Coast options: three in the city and three in the country.

Pine Creek Gorge, Pa.
visitpa.com
Called the “Grand Canyon of the East,” this 45-mile gorge is known for exceptional hiking, canoeing and camping.
See: The Overlook Trail, Colton Rim Trail, Barbour Rock Trail, Pine Creek Gorge Rail Trail or the West Rim Trail offer scenic views and outdoor adventures.
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thanks, AP

It’s officially fall tomorrow, but we’re not ready to let go of summer vacations and road trips.

Where you go guys escape to during the fall? Some place warm or where there’s amazing foliage?

Autumn leaves are a’comin’ {thanks, stock.xchng}

Fall’s Top 5’s: Our favorite events, sports and concerts this season

FESTIVALS/EVENTS
Baltimore Book Festival
Take a look, because this year’s annual ode to tome love features celebri-authors such as Buzz Aldrin, Ralph Nader and Maureen McCormick (Marcia Brady!). Plus, there are loads of local authors, book sales and readings on topics ranging from cooking to hip-hop. Noon-8 p.m. Sept. 25 and 26, noon-7 p.m. Sept. 27 // Mount Vernon Place, 600 block of North Charles Street // Free // baltimorebookfestival.org

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Just as I was starting to miss taking the bus, subway or light rail around town — because transit a) saves money on gas, b) removes the stress of being behind the wheel and c) is a pretty neat way to see the city — came word of a reason not to take mass transit.

At midday Monday, there was word of plans for MTA officials to not just watch what commuters do but also listen to just about every word they say.

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What’s happening in Ocean City this weekend? The Amish Outlaws, that’s what. Check it out:

NIGHTLIFE AT SEACRETS
Friday-Sunday
seacrets.com
Friday’s lineup is Jim Long Band, 5 p.m.; Jah Works’ dancehall/reggae at 9; and the highlight, Amish Outlaws, the “Amish” cover band at 10 p.m. Saturday is more Jim Long Band at 5 p.m.; Jenny Boyle at 6; Jah Works at 9; and the funky Lost in Paris at 10. Sunday is Power Play with Jim Long at 5 p.m.; Storm at 9; and Annapolis’ own Jimmie’s Chicken Shack at 10. 117 W. 49th St.

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Stock Photo

Yes, it’s official I spend too much, way to much time on the road with bad drivers. 

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Inner Harbor {Thanks, The Baltimore Sun}

As a lifelong Baltimorean, it never ceases to amaze me how many visitors list the best thing about Baltimore as the Inner Harbor.

Yes, it’s a major attraction, but thankfully it isn’t nor should it be seen as the only spot to get a real sense of all that Baltimore has to offer.

Luckily there are bloggers like Auni Husted who work hard to make sure the best of Baltimore is highlighted.

Husted who recently returned from studying abroad is now once again unearthing some of Baltimore’s hidden charms.

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Baltimore development cooperative’s geodesic dome {thanks, bma}

best, brightest The Sondheim Prize Finalists
BALTIMORE MUSEUM OF ART
Every year we look forward to the Sondheim showcase. It’s free, always has wonderful, local art (last year: a large giraffe!) and reminds us that Artscape, which this exhibition is part of, is a mere month away.

And this year’s work from the six finalists looks as impressive as usual. Not to miss: Finalist Baltimore Development Cooperative, which has been busy building an outdoor geodesic dome (we hear it has a mobile kitchen (?!).

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I hit Ocean Downs near Ocean City for the first time (and its opening day) June 13 to experience what all this chariot racing hype was about. Here are 10 things I learned about the racetrack while betting on the ponies.
[1] The starting gate is an old, but very clean, white Cadillac. I’m not kidding. It’s driven in front of the horses up to the starting line then the car speeds up and collapses its gates. It’s worth the trip down to see the Caddy in action.

[2] Seats in the stands have four visible layers of different colored paint: red, yellow, black, and off-white.

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