In celebration of Maryland Craft Beer Lovers Month in February, Governor Larry Hogan issued a proclamation and offered an official toast on February 1 at the Federal House Bar & Grille in Annapolis to kick off FeBREWary. FeBREWary is a partnership between the Brewers Association of Maryland and the Maryland Office of Tourism, a division of the Maryland Department of Commerce, that showcases breweries across Maryland hosting special love-themed events, launching new beers, and offering unique culinary pairings.

"Pint by pint, craft beers continue to benefit Maryland through economic impact and vitality," said Governor Hogan. "In 2016, Maryland craft brewers generated more than $637 million in economic output and supported more than 6,500 jobs. FeBREWary is a way for us to raise a glass to Maryland brewers by celebrating this growing industry and encouraging visitors and residents alike to experience the breweries, ale houses, and brew pubs across the state." Follow this link to WMAR TV’s coverage, including video of the toast, and head here, to Vistmaryland.org, for FeBREWary events, hotel packages, beer releases and more.

Pictured: Governor Hogan celebrates FeBREWary with OTD staff and tourism partners.

It’s a great time to be a foodie, with lots of great restaurant weeks on the menu for February. Enjoy seasonal specials, prix fixe menu options, good times with friends and selections from amazing Maryland chefs. Follow these links to Baltimore’s Black Restaurant Challenge running now through Feb. 25; Calvert County Restaurant Week running Feb. 16-25; Havre de Grace Restaurant Week running Feb. 19-25; the Maryland Chili & Beer Festival in Glen Burnie, Feb. 24; Annapolis Restaurant Week running Feb. 25-March 3; and Frederick Restaurant Week set for March 5-11.

Pictured: Lt. Governor Boyd K. Rutherford and Casey Jenkins, Maryland Tourism Development Board member, kick off Baltimore’s Black Restaurant Challenge. Photo Credit: Joe Andrucyk & Pat Siebert

Meet your legislators, network with tourism professionals, and share stories about tourism’s impact on Maryland’s economy at the industry’s annual advocacy event. Don’t miss this once-a-year opportunity to support Maryland tourism. Follow this link to register today.

OTD and partners showcased Maryland’s rich portfolio of hunting and fishing assets at the annual Great American Outdoor Show in Harrisburg, PA, last weekend. “This is the single largest consumer event dedicated to fishing, hunting and outdoor traditions in the nation,” said Rich Gilbert, travel trade sales manager, OTD. “And for many of our partners, this event can make or break their year. So through our participation in events like this, we are directly supporting our partners.”

Maryland Arts Day is the largest annual gathering of arts professionals in Maryland. With more than 500 participants, representing every county in the state and Baltimore City, this statewide arts advocacy event connects artists, educators, administrators, volunteers and trustees with lawmakers from every legislative district in Maryland. Maryland Arts Day needs your participation to show strong support for the arts in Maryland and the impact they have on the economic and cultural vitality of the state. Follow this link for more info and to register.

The Maryland Office of Tourism and the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom Program are hosting a series of “Network to Freedom” workshops this spring. The workshops will inform attendees as to the benefits of Network to Freedom membership; help attendees write successful nominations for sites, programs and facilities; and the use of archival collections to uncover Underground Railroad stories.

With renewed interest in the Underground Railroad and OTD’s Underground Railroad enhanced marketing and promotion program on tap for 2018, now is the perfect time to get your sites included in the Network to Freedom. Workshops are scheduled for Wednesday, February 21 in Baltimore, and Wednesday, March 21 in Hughesville. RSVP here, or contact Anne Kyle (anne.kyle@maryland.gov or 410 767-0696).