10 outdoor things to do in the Baltimore area as spring appears

You’ve been cooped up for almost a year. You’ve cleaned the basement, ordered groceries online and worn more masks than most superheroes. Now spring is nigh, vaccinations are on the rise. There are no guarantees, to be sure, but is it time to start the long road back?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people should “prioritize attending outdoor activities over indoor activities and stay within your local area as much as possible.” Here are 10 outdoor things to do as fears start to ease:

If you’re squeamish about sitting in the stands at Camden Yards, grab an outdoor table at the pub across the street and give a listen. The atmosphere will chase those blues. 520 Washington Blvd. 410-752-1784. picklespub.com. — Take in an Orioles game at Pickles Pub

The antics of prairie dogs and polar bears are a hit anytime. Chances are they’re as anxious to see you as vice-versa. Come May, yoga classes will be offered at the zoo, under the watchful eyes of the penguins, lions and elephants. 1 Safari Place. 410-396-7102. marylandzoo.org. — Visit the Maryland Zoo

Drive through Dorchester County and peruse the evocative and historic murals painted on the walls of buildings and even a train caboose. Download the audio app for a guided tour. 410-228-1000. visitdorchester.org. — Take the Chesapeake Country Mural Trail

If you binge-watched the acclaimed TV series during the pandemic, visit the sites where “The Wire” was filmed in Baltimore. It’s a four-hour tour past 54 locales that will have you looking for characters like Bubbles, Snot Boogie et al. wikitravel.org/en/The_Wire_Tour — Give yourself ‘The Wire' tour

Bundle up, if you must, and go 18 holes at Pine Ridge (pictured), Clifton Park or any of the Baltimore Classic Five courses. Go early, see the wildlife on the fairways and take that deep breath you’ve been loathe to take for months. 410-444-4933. classic5golf.com. — Play a round of ‘classic’ golf

Stretch your legs and clear the cobwebs with a jaunt through the Gwynns Falls Trail, Patapsco Valley State Park or any of the many of hiking venues around. gwynnsfallstrail.org or dnr.maryland.gov/publiclands/pages/central/patapsco.aspx. — Take a hike

Skittish about going downyoshun this summer? Grab the kids and hit Ocean CityOC now, before the beach and Boardwalk get busy. The spring trip may satisfy your craving for sand and salt air. — Head to the beach

Visit Fort McHenry

Walk hallowed ground, climb the ramparts and help hoist the flag at Baltimore’s outdoor living history museum. 2400 E. Fort Ave. 410-962-4290 ext. 250. nps.gov (Kim Hairston/Baltimore Sun )

Take a nature walk through the 22 acres of manicured flora, including more than 100 sculptured shrubs shaped like everything from a running fox and hounds to Winston Churchill’s top hat. Opens April 1. 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton. 410-557-9466. ladewgardens.com. — Explore Ladew Topiary Gardens

Frankly, there’s no better time to visit the Civil War site — of one of the bloodiest days in American history. Nearly 21,000 soliders died or were wounded there on Sept. 17, 1962. Their sacrifice weighs heavy during a pandemic that has exposed the fragility of life. 301- 432-5124. 5831 Dunker Church Rd., Sharpsburg. nps.gov/anti — Tour Antietam Battlefield