The scent of Old Bay dusted steamed crabs. The roar of a home run celebration at Camden Yards. The image of Deep Creek Lake sparkling in the sun. The sensation of Ocean City sand between your toes. The irresistible flavor of a Smith Island Cake.

“The sheer diversity and volume of natural beauty, geography, culinary delights, outdoor recreation, arts venues, shopping and authentic personalities found in Maryland offer visitor experiences that stimulate every sense,” said Bill Pencek, Acting Assistant Secretary, Division of Tourism, Film and the Arts.

The campaign, created in partnership with the Office of Tourism’s advertising agency, Siquis, features fast-paced edits of Maryland tourism-related sights and music composed and performed by local musicians. The ads will run on television in Baltimore, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C.; and print and digital versions will run in outlets within 400 miles of the state’s borders through the end of June.

The state has also launched a new website, emphasizing stunning visuals from around the state and offering new ways to help visitors plan their trips and navigate through Maryland’s many attractions once they have arrived.

A citywide curfew that had been in effect has been lifted, all major tourist attractions are open, and Baltimore is ready for visitors. Restaurants and other businesses that had closed during recent protests are open once more and eager to welcome customers. Many previously postponed events are back on, and events scheduled for the upcoming weeks will continue as planned. Many businesses are offering special incentives to show their appreciation and Charm City is open and ready for business.

Please go to the official Visit Baltimore website for the latest tourism news and information.

Construction of the visitor center buildings is nearing the halfway mark and completion of the physical structures is on target for this year. State agencies including the Maryland Park Service, the Department of Natural Resources, Maryland State Archives and the Maryland Office of Tourism are working in conjunction with Haley Sharpe Design, the National Park Service and a team of dedicated Harriet Tubman scholars on developing exhibits and interpretive content. Exhibits are expected to be completed and ready for a mid-2016 park opening. The state park will complement the established Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway and a new Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park that will help preserve the unique landscape associated with Tubman’s life on the Eastern Shore.

“The leadership, cooperation and strong efforts of private citizens, local businesses and stakeholders, and state and federal agencies has been truly a model for tourism development,” says Marci Ross, Assistant Director, Maryland Office of Tourism. “Together, the byway and State and National parks will be a powerful tourism draw for the Eastern Shore while serving as a fitting tribute offering insights into the life and work of Tubman, one of the key conductors on the Underground Railroad.”

PRS Guitars, the largest employer in Queen Anne’s County, is expanding its range of acoustic guitars using grant funding and interest free loans provided by DBED. “Growing from a small operation more than 30 years ago to one of the top electric guitar makers in the world, PRS is certainly one of the rock stars of Maryland’s business community,” said Mike Gill, Secretary, Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. “We are pleased to continue to play a role in the company’s growth and success.” The expansion, which will provide 20 new, full-time jobs at PRS’s Queen Anne’s County facility, follows the 2013 launch of the successful S2 line of affordable, Maryland Made guitars, which was also made possible in part by leveraging assistance from DBED.

PRS recently opened to tour groups and hopes to become an important tourism destination on the Eastern Shore. For more information on PRS guitars and tours, visit their website.

Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore is putting on its finest in preparation for the 140th Preakness Stakes on Saturday, May 16. The Preakness is the famed middle jewel in Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown, and the highlight of the fantastic Preakness week celebration that also includes the 96th running of Friday’s Black-Eyed Susan Stakes featuring this season’s fastest three-year-old fillies. All eyes will be on Kentucky Derby winner and early Preakness favorite, American Pharaoh as racing fans root for the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed won the Derby, Preakness and Belmont Stakes in 1978.

Of course, Preakness week means more than just racing; Black-Eyed Susan Day and Pimlico’s legendary InfieldFest have become traditions of their own. Flavors of Maryland will be on hand, bringing together 15 local restaurants and eateries with something for every pallet. This year, the Black-Eyed Susan Day concert includes alternative music icons The Gin Blossoms, Fuel, The Reagan Years and others. InfieldFest is headlined by the world’s most popular electronic music DJ Armin van Buren, rapper Childish Gambino, country music star Easton Corbin and more.

Named for “The First Lady of American Theater,” since its inception in 1983 the Helen Hayes Awards have recognized and celebrated the best of Washington, D.C. area theater, and this year Montgomery County’s Olney Theater Center wowed the judges. The center won five prestigious Helen Hayes Awards, matching The Kennedy Center and exceeding all other theaters. The Olney Theatre has been a Montgomery County institution since its founding in 1938. The Olney Theatre Center now provides a permanent home to the Summer Shakespeare Festival, educational programs, student shows and more.

Travel Information Specialists from across Maryland came to Turf Valley Resort to learn from The Maryland Office of Tourism about trends in Maryland travel, consumer communications, outreach efforts and customer interface. Additionally, representatives from the Maryland Wineries Association, Maryland Horse Association and the Maryland Department of Natural Resources showcased their various tourism products and how they are an important, and growing, component of the visitor experience.

Each week, the Maryland Minute provides highlights and insights on this weekend’s events around the state. Maryland Minute is featured on CBS radio stations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C. and on Baltimore’s WBAL-AM 1090.