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Next Monday is Labor Day, the symbolic end to the summer season. Many of us will enjoy time off from work to honor those who make it possible for the American economy to thrive.

There is no shortage of events taking place in the DC Metro area over the long weekend in honor of the holiday. So grab your family and friends and plan a trip into the Capital City for one of these fun activities.

Labor Day Events in DC

DC Blues Festival Saturday, Aug. 30 from 12 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. at the Carter Barron Amphitheatre (located at 16th Street & Colorado Ave. NW). The 26th annual edition of this well-loved festival offers blues enthusiasts the chance to see seven local acts on stage. The lineup includes the 2013 winners of the DC Blues Society Battle of the Bands and the 2013 International Blues Challenge.  Workshops will be available for adults and children throughout the day. Admission is free.

Labor Day Capitol Concert Sunday, Aug. 30 from 3 p.m.- 11 p.m. on the Capitol West Lawn. The National Symphony Orchestra will perform is annual concert featuring Conductor Steven Reineke and musical selections from composer, vocalist and pianist Tony DeSare. Concert-goers will enjoy patriotic classics, as well as music that highlights the American landscape, from Stephen Flaherty's American River Suite to Casey at the Bat, narrated by Michael John Casey. Admission is free.

Glen Echo Park Arts Show and Irish Festival Saturday, Aug. 30-Monday, Sept. 1 at Glen Echo Park (MacArthur Blvd., Glen Echo, MD) This historic amusement park-turned-National Park will hosts its annual Labor Day Art Show in the Spanish Ballroom from noon to 6 p.m. each day. Art from more than 150 regional artists will be for sale. In addition, a wide variety of Irish musicians and dancers will be performing traditional Irish dancing and Irish folk songs the park’s Bumper Car Pavilion. Admission is free.

Greenbelt Labor Day Festival Friday, Aug. 29 -Monday, Sept. 1 at the Roosevelt Center (101 Centerway, Greenbelt, MD) One of the largest volunteer-led organizations in Maryland will host its 60th annual festival this year. Featuring classic carnival rides and games, festival food, art exhibits, live music, a Miss Greenbelt pageant and a festival parade, this event is a one-stop spot for old-fashioned entertainment. Visitors should review the festival’s website before arriving for specific times of events and activities. Although there are fees for rides, food and carnival activities, admission to the fairgrounds themselves is free.

War of 1812 Alexandria Signature Event Saturday, Aug. 30-Sunday, Aug 31 from noon-5 p.m. at Waterfront Park (1-A Prince St. in Alexandria, VA) Following a nearly year-long observation of the ending of the War of 1812, the city of Alexandria celebrates the bicentennial of the city’s involvement in the war with exhibits, food vendors and waterfront activities set against the Potomac River. Guests will also have the chance to witness a rematch between Alexandria residents and the British Embassy. A detailed schedule of events is available online.

Travel Safely with a Baltimore Car Service

No matter which of these Labor Day festivities you choose to partake in this weekend, make your day trip full of fun by securing a car service from Baltimore. With a trusted, Baltimore executive car service provider, you will enjoy the convenience of traveling through the D.C. Metro area without the hassle of navigation, traffic and parking.

Car service from companies like Z Best allow you to enjoy your weekend with family, friends and guests without worrying about the logistics of transportation. Contact us today to arrange your weekend trip to enjoy Labor Day weekend in Washington, D.C.

Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is a hotspot for tourism, activities and exploration. With the opportunity to explore everything from historic boats to live fish to American monuments, there is no shortage of activities for visitors to explore, with the added benefit of a lovely water view.

The Inner Harbor is a popular destination for diners, as well. With dozens of restaurants ranging from simple sandwiches to elaborate multi-course meals, the variety of options that fit everyone’s tastes and budgets.

We have compiled a list of some popular Inner Harbor dining spots for every price point (and, no, there are no crab shacks on this list!):

Budget Friendly Bites ($)

Tin Roof If you’re looking for a quality meal on a budget, with a side of live music, the Tin Roof located on Market Place is the perfect option for you. This menu offers more than your standard bar food fare of chicken fingers and nachos, with local favorites like Chicken ‘n Waffle Nuggets and Pimento Crab Dip.

For heavier options, choose from the Tin Roof’s variety of wrapped sandwiches or creative quesadillas featuring local ingredients. There are also salads for those wanting to load up on veggies. Most menu items average $10, making this a great option for lunch or a lighter dinner with drinks on the side.

Shake Shack A favorite from NYC and DC is moving to Charm City in early 2015, much to the delight of Shake Shack fans. Featuring burgers, dogs and frozen treats from a small roadside stand, Shake Shack offers affordable fare (burgers start around $4) that is also good for you.

The menu is comprised of all-natural, vegetarian-fed and responsibly-sourced ingredients that are free of hormones, so you can feel good about eating their All-American fare. The Shake Shack will be situated on Pratt Street and will be the perfect grab-and-go option, so you can continue to site-see your way through the Harbor.

Affordably Nice Meals ($$)

Miss Shirley’s Cafe For breakfast or lunch in the Inner Harbor, Miss Shirley’s is a go-to. A variety of cleverly-named breakfast cocktails that range from $7-9 will get your brunch started right. The menu features a variety of lighter sides and small plates, elaborate omelets (with the option to create your own combination), waffles and pancakes and heavier breakfast entrees.

The House Specialities offer updated versions of classic Southern brunch dishes like shrimp and grits, chicken and waffles, French toast and sliders. Omelets will set you back about $15, while entrees range from $12-20.

Talara For a delicious meal with a Latin American feel, Baltimore residents turn to Talara on President Street. One of the main attractions of the Best of Baltimore winner is its seviche bar, offering 15 fresh sushi-quality seafoods prepared seven different ways. In addition to the seviche, Talara offers small plates, salads and entrees that range in price from $11-30.

Creative South American cocktails like mojitos and Caipirinhas are crafted with handmade ingredients and complement the flavors in the food perfectly. If you are looking for a festive vibe that differs from the traditional crab cakes common in the Harbor, look into Talara.

Worth the Splurge ($$$)

Fleet Street Kitchen This classy restaurant run by popular Baltimore chef Chris Becker serves up American cuisine locally sourced and prepared fresh each day. Most ingredients are grown by Fleet Street staffers on the nearby Cunningham Farms in Cockeysville. Located on Fleet Street between Little Italy and Harbor East, this restaurant’s menu changes seasonally to ensure its guests are offered the best options.

Diners can choose their dining experience, opting for the formal Dining Room for a more  elegant meal or the Tavern Room for a little more casual evening.Main courses in the Dining Room are priced between $30-40, or guests can choose a four-course meal from the menu for $65. The Tavern Room offers similar courses, with prices ranging from $18-30 instead.

Regional tastings in the Tavern Room highlight a certain cuisine each month. (This month focuses on Italy.) For a true taste of Baltimore, make a reservation at Fleet Street Kitchen.

Charleston James Beard Award finalist Chef Cindy Wolf has been at the helm of this fine dining destination, located on Lancaster Street in Harbor East, since 1997. The menu combines both French fundamentals South Carolina’s Low Country favorites and changes regularly to offer the best of what is available.

Charleston’s tasting menu is prix fixe, offering guests the choice of three to six courses ranging in price from $79 for three courses to $114 for six. Wine pairings from an extensive menu can accompany the courses for an added fee. While dining at Charleston is most certainly an experience (and somewhat of an investment), its growing list of accolades prove it is a worthwhile experience for local and visiting food fanatics.

Regardless of your tastes and budget, the Inner Harbor has much to offer visitors for breakfast, lunch or dinner--and this list barely scratches the surface of what is available.

Baltimore museums cater to all interests

The city of Baltimore was founded in 1729. In the last 285 years, Charm City has amassed a rich, storied history. And the city has done a great job of displaying that history at its more than 40 museums.

No matter your hobbies or interests, Baltimore City likely has a museum for that. Whether you consider yourself a history buff or simply want to learn more about what has shaped the Chesapeake Bay area, Baltimore’s museums offer engaging ways to explore your interests.

When planning your trip to Maryland, consider including one or all of these museums in your itinerary. Below are our 5 recommendations for museums and exhibits to visit based on what you love most.

American History

If you are an American History buff:  This year marks the 200^th anniversary of the ending of the War of 1812, during which Francis Scott Key penned “The Star-Spangled Banner” after spying the flag still standing at Fort McHenry. The city has planned a series of special events and exhibits this summer and running through Sept. 1. Among those are the “Fort! Flag! Fire!” exhibit at Fort McHenry, which includes a tour of the fort, the hoisting of a massive flag over the fort and firing of the fort’s cannons. A full list of star-spangled events can be found on Visit Baltimore’s website.

Museum hours and admission fees vary.

Sports

If you love the thrill of the game: For those who love America’s pastime, the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum and the Sports Legend Museum at Camden Yards are must-see spots in Baltimore. This museum pays homage to one of the sport’s greatest heroes, George Herman “Babe” Ruth. Situated just 3 blocks west of Camden Yards, the birthplace of Babe Ruth traces the life and times of the Babe from his humble beginnings to his place in baseball and American history as one of the greatest players of the game. In celebration of the 200^th anniversary of the War of 1812, The Babe Ruth Birthplace Foundation has joined Baltimore’s celebration of “Star-Spangled Summer” and is currently featuring a special exhibit called “’O’ Say Can You See: The Star Spangled Banner in Sports.”

The Sports Legend Museum at Camden Yards is home to artifacts and items of interest for all Maryland sporting events, not just baseball. Though baseball is a focus, the museum also pays tribute to Baltimore’s Olympic champion Michael Phelps, the various stadiums and arenas in the state and hosts the Maryland State Athletic Hall of Fame.

Both museums are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through the month of September. Guests can enjoy extended hours on nights when the Orioles play at home; the museums are open until 7 p.m. on home game nights. Combo tickets to both museums can be purchased for $12 for adults and $5 for children.

Historic Travel

If you miss the glory days of rail travel: Baltimore lays claim to being the “birthplace of American railroading”. Located at Mt. Clare Shops, the site where the B&O Railroad line began construction in 1829 to become the first commercial long-distance rail, the B&O Railroad Museum commemorates the bygone area of early American railroading. Nearly 200 pieces of locomotives and rolling stock trace the history of railroad technology from the 19^th century to present day, while the hundreds of smaller artifacts on display give guests a glimpse of the glamour of railroad travel. As a National Historic Landmark and a part of the Smithsonian Museum system, the B&O Railroad has much to offer guests, even those who prefer planes and automobiles over trains.

The B&O Railroad museum is located just about 10 minutes from Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on West Pratt Street and is open Monday-Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. -4 p.m. Admission is $16 for adults and $10 for children.

Civial War History in Baltimore

If you’re still fascinated by the Civil War: The Civil War shaped our nation’s history, and the impact of the war can still be found in cities across the country. For states like Maryland that found itself caught in the middle of the North-South divide, the history is even more interesting. Museums like the Baltimore Civil War Museum-President Street Station depict the violence and division of loyalties Maryland experienced during the War. Housed in what was originally the Philadelphia, Wilmington & Baltimore Railroad, the museum contains exhibits that recount the events leading to mob violence that spawned the war’s first bloodshed and lead to the writing of the poem “Maryland, My Maryland,” now our state song.

The museum is located on President Street in the Inner Harbor and is open weekends from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tours are available by appointment. Admission to this museum is free.

Baltimore's Inner Harbor

If you love to watch the boats go by: Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is one of the most popular spots in the city. Throughout our history, the Inner Harbor has hosted ships that fought against the Transatlantic slave trade, rescued others stranded in the Chesapeake Bay and protected our shores in battles during several historic wars. Historic Ships in Baltimore showcases an impressive collection of these important military vessels right here in the Inner Harbor. From the warship USS Constellation to submarine called the USS Torsk to the Seven Foot Knoll Lighthouse, the ships and lighthouse included in the Historic Ships exhibition offers a glimpse into the maritime history of both Baltimore and the US. Explore the boats and learn their history from the uniformed crewmembers.

Hours of operation at The Historic Ships vary by location, so be sure to check the website before you arrive. Guests can purchase tickets to one, two or four ships for $11, $14 or $18, respectively for adults. Children’s tickets are available for $5, $6 or $7, depending on the number of ships visited.

Eliminate the hassle of public transit

As you plan your trip to Maryland, consider including a Baltimore car service to navigate through the city. A car or limo service like those provided by Z Best can offer you an easy, convenient way to explore our city. Visit as many museums and sites as you wish without worrying about memorizing the Light Rail schedule or finding a taxi when or where you need one.

However you choose to spend your time in Baltimore, we hope you find Charm City charming.