Editor’s Letter James

October—like most months—

IS GREAT FOR MAKING MEMORIES.

And the beauty of a great memory is that they’re easy to recall.

THE DETAILS ALMOST CRYSTAL CLEAR IN MIND.

Earlier this year, my family and I sat ’round the dinner table bouncing ideas off one another about where to take a fall trip. Each year, we like to try a different destination—a place that’s unique to us but has some familiar accommodations. We’re into camping these days, so state parks and small towns with natural and historic significance usually get top billing.

A couple falls ago, we chose Gambrill State Park, which lies a skip away from Frederick, where Maryland’s Piedmont Plateau begins to kiss the Blue Ridge portion of the Appalachian Mountain range. This park is adjacent to Cunningham Falls State Park and Catoctin Mountain Park, making a contiguous three-park system that’s rich for exploration, discovery, and—you guessed it—memory making.

First day in, and after setting up camp, I took to family to the prominent overlook in Gambrill to catch the sunset scenery. And the view delivered the first great memory of that trip. Looking over the expansive panorama of the valley below, dotted with tiny towns, church

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steeples, and round-top mountains that met the far distant horizon, my daughter asked in wide-eyed fascination, “Daddy, is that the whole State?”

Can’t beat that kid query. Good for a laugh.

You can read about Gambrill State Park and several more, as well as gobs of seasonal activities, destinations, and attractions in this issue’s “Autumn Adventures” feature. It’s packed with great ideas—and enough new ones—to make a few memories this fall.

Of course, there are still plenty of community events, entertainment, and personalities to follow and enjoy, as our “Out on the Towne” section demonstrates. Though we’re cautiously navigating the obstacles of the resurgent pandemic (as of press time), there’s still much to look forward to and, I think, autumn will feel more familiar than it did last year.

This issue also presents one of our publication’s most prominent and important endeavors of the year. Our annual “Leading Medical Professionals” section introduces many of the region’s Top Docs and hospital systems; the doctors who have been nominated by their medical peers as the very best at practicing their chosen medical specialty. Truly an honor, and a valuable service to our readers. If you’re updating your primary care or need a specialist, this provides a base from which to start your search. You can also learn more about doctors practicing on the other side of the bridge (yes, the Bay Bridge), by visiting Whatsupmag.com and searching “Top Docs.”

Our “Health & Beauty” content amplifies this issue’s dedication to all things medical, fitness, and memorable (including “Candy Season” and how to navigate the sweet gluttony), while the “Home & Design” department showcases sweet homes with panoramic views of their own.

I hope this magazine finds you in good spirits and ever mindful of the many good reasons we’ve chosen to live in the Chesapeake region. I like to think this issue presents a good number of them. As for where exactly my family chose it’s fall “trip,” James Houck, we kept it simple, ditched the Editorial Director tent, and have stayed closer to home. Annapolis—a town that’s ripe to rediscover with its many museums, historic properties, large-scale artistic murals, and activities (lighthouse cruise anyone?) will surely make memories.