Greece is a popular summer destination, but with recent concerns about the nation's economy and threats of a strike by air traffic controllers there, some travelers may have crossed it off the list this year.
No worries. It turns out you can experience a little piece of Greece just by crossing the Bay Bridge this weekend for the 21st annual Greek Festival in Ocean City.
Yes, I know it will be hard to make it all the way to Friday without calling in sick, but this fun festival is worth the wait.
The plan: Eat, shop, dance, make merry. (Not necessarily in that order.) The festival offers plenty of traditional Greek food, including moussaka, pastitsio, stuffed grape leaves, baklava, rice pudding and more.
Vendors will offer art, jewelry, clothing and other uniquely Greek items. A Greek band will play music along with traditional dance performances by the Hellenics.
The details: Greek Festival at the Convention Center, 40th Street and the Bay, 410-524-0990; stgeorgebythesea.org. 12 p.m.-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m.-9 p.m. Sunday. Free. The festival is presented by St. George Orthodox Church.