Southern Maryland Trails Accepting Applications for Next Guidebook

Posted by chris on March 5, 2010

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) is looking for artists, farmers, vintners, chefs and owners of eligible local business who would like to be included in the upcoming edition of Southern Maryland Trails: Earth, Art, Imagination, a popular local guidebook featuring things hand made, home grown and authentically Southern Maryland.

The fourth edition of the guidebook will be printed in late summer of 2010 and will showcase the region’s culture, heritage, cuisine and natural beauty. The book features four Trails across the five Southern Maryland counties (Anne Arundel, Calvert, Charles, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s) and highlights art galleries, art studios, farms, B&Bs, wineries, eateries, lodgings, parks and natural areas along these Trails. It includes maps, photos and detailed descriptions of Trails sites, along with suggested itineraries and a calendar of special events at the sites. It is distributed free at Trails sites, visitors centers, county fairs, festivals and via the Web.

Businesses that feel they meet the Trails criteria may submit an application between now and March 31, 2010. Applications and a list of criteria are available at www.somdtrails.com/partners.html or by calling SMADC at 301-274-1922.

Owners of current Trails sites must submit a renewal form before March 31 to have their listing continued in the new book. There is a fee to apply for or renew a Trails membership. Applicants may submit an application or renewal form after March 31 if they pay a late fee. No applications will be accepted after April 23, 2010.

The upcoming edition of the book will feature, for the first time, full color ads for local businesses and organizations. Those interested in advertising in the Trails book, whether they are partner sites or not, can download the application which has an advertising contract attached.

For more information about the Southern Maryland Trails, visit www.somdtrails.com. Information about all of SMADC’s programs, including the Trails, is available at www.smadc.com.

The Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (SMADC) was established to promote diverse, market-driven agricultural enterprises, which coupled with agricultural land preservation, will preserve Southern Maryland’s environmental resources and rural character while keeping the region’s farmland productive and the agricultural economy vibrant.

To learn more about additional programs and resources, contact SMADC, P. O. Box 745, Hughesville, MD 20637; phone: 301-274-1922; fax: 301-274-1924; email cbergmark@smadc.com or visit www.smadc.com.