Well, if you're reading this on Friday afternoon, you're most likely not at the Orioles home opener. But if you're still tied to your desk, don't despair! There is still plenty to do this weekend outside baseball, and the weather looks like it's going to cooperate for the most part. So what are you waiting for? Grab your coat and let's get going.
  1. Mushroom hunting. April means it's morel season, especially after thunderstorms. While mycologists are by nature pretty shifty when it comes to talking about their favorite hunting grounds, you want to look for hilly, heavily forested areas with deciduous trees (Tulip Poplar and Beech are good). You might check out the Catoctin Mountain and Gambrill State Parks, although you didn't hear that from us.
  2. It's the first Friday of the month, which means there's plenty of good stuff going on over the bridge in the Eastern Shore. St. Michaels gallery owners keep their doors open a little later, and there are several decent happy hours that extend a little later into the evening. Check it out.
  3. History buffs will be interested in the War of 1812 dedication ceremony that's happening in Queenstown on Sunday. This summer, Queen Anne's County will establish a heritage trail featuring 14 sites between Kent Island and Sudlersville that have deep connections to the war. You can brush up on your knowledge of Maryland's' involvement in the war by attending the dedication to remember the hijacking of Queenstown passengers by the Brits. For more info, call (410) 604-2100 or click on easternshore1812.org.
  4. This weekend, the U.S. Naval Academy is hosting one of the world's best Safety at Sea seminars in the country. It used to be that SAS was only required for sailors going offshore, but we're quickly learning that Mother Nature can make things real when you're just off the dock. New this year is a Power Safety through Seamanship course that will cover some valuable information. You never want to regret not taking these courses, you know? Sign up while it's still available.
  5. The Rockville Sail and Power Squad is hosting a free Basic Coastal Navigation seminar at the West Marine in Rockville, MD. Contact West Marine at (301) 230-0945 for more info.