July 30 - August 2, 2026

With

Hey Locals! 👋🏽\

This week I'm helping you save money, meet new people, and plan your weekend. 👇:

👀 Inside This Week:

⛽ Save money on gas

🕯️ Candlelight Date

🍰 Half off Cheesecake Today

👋 Come to Skip the Small Take With Me

🚓 Free National Night Out events

🟨 Lisa's Money Saver

I almost spent $75 filling up this week and refused to accept that.

If you're driving around Maryland this summer, the Dash In Rewards app has honestly become one of the easiest ways I've found to save. New Dash In Rewards Members can save up to 45¢ per gallon, plus they have discounts on food and car washes too. It's become part of my routine before every road trip. Start Saving Here

🟦 Trying something new completely outside my comfort zone this week.

It's called Skip the Small Talk. Instead of awkward networking, they give everyone conversation prompts so it's easier to meet new people.

If you've been wanting more local friends, this honestly sounds pretty cool.

🟦 Free Event

One of my favorite free events every summer is National Night Out.

On August 4th more than 116 Maryland communities will be participating this year with free food, music, games and a chance to meet your local police officers and neighbors. Google the one nearest you for a fun night out.

My Picks for August:

🌺 Aug 2 | The Island Luau | Island Green, Westminster, MD
Was so much fun last year and not one to miss — Polynesian fire dancers who do some seriously crazy tricks, hula dancers, live music & Hawaiian food. 6–8pm. $45/person.

🚔 Aug 4 | National Night Out | 116 Cities across Maryland
The nationwide community policing event is back — free food, live music & fun activities happening in neighborhoods across Maryland. Find your local event and show up!

👩‍💼 Aug 8 | Working Mom Conference | Boordy Vineyards, Baltimore, MD
An empowering full-day conference for working moms — speakers, workshops, networking, wine tasting & more. Theme this year: Power Moves Only. I'll be speaking at this one! 🎤

🎨 Aug 8 | Summer Colors Day Party | Baltimore, MD
A vibrant summer day party — call Yvonne for tables at 443-955-2898.

📖 Aug 14 | Words, Wings & Wine | Baltimore, MD
A beautiful blend of spoken word, live butterflies & wine — one of Baltimore's most unique summer experiences.

💪 Aug 15 | Charm City Wellness Expo | Baltimore, MD
A full wellness experience — vendors, workshops & community resources all under one roof.

😂 Aug 29 | You Know What's Funny Comedy Series | Baltimore, MD
A comedy night that lives up to its name — good laughs, good vibes, good people.

🌴 Aug 29–30 | Caribbean & Soul Music Festival | Aberdeen, MD
Two days of Caribbean and soul music in Aberdeen — great lineup, great vibes & only $12 per ticket. Worth every penny!

Click tops below for more details

It's Somewhere Local • Somewhere Spotlight

🏠 Western Maryland is Worth the Drive

Boonsboro • Sharpsburg • Thurmont • Rocky Gap

I'm going to be honest — I didn't know what to expect, but Western Maryland completely surprised me. The mountain views alone are worth the trip. Add in caves, battlefields, waterfalls, and a free giant slide and you have yourself a full day of memories.

Here's exactly where we went:

 
🪟

Stop 1 • Boonsboro, MD

Crystal Grottoes Caverns

Over 100 years old and the only public cave system in Maryland. We did gem mining while we were there and the kids were absolutely obsessed.

 
⚔️

Stop 2 • Sharpsburg, MD

Antietam National Battlefield

This is where the Confederates tried to push north and the Union held the line. 10 stops throughout the battlefield, plus a short film and museum on-site.

$20/car
 
🌊

Stop 3 • Thurmont, MD

Cunningham Falls State Park

One of the most beautiful parks I've ever been to — a stunning lake in front with mountain views behind it. A walking trail leads you straight to an amazing waterfall.

 
🎿

Last Stop • Cumberland, MD

The Big Slide — Rocky Gap State Park

I had the time of my life — this thing goes fast and best of all it's free! There's a playground right there too, so it's an easy quick stop for some thrilling adventures.

✓ FREE

📌 Pro tip: You'll pass through a few small charming towns along the way — perfect for an ice cream stop or a quick lunch!

Find more hidden gems every Thursday at ItsSomewhereLocal.com • Follow @itssummerssomewhere

🍑 Jul 31 | Sudlersville Peach Festival | Sudlersville, MD
Fresh peaches, farm fun & Eastern Shore summer vibes at Godfrey's Farm — a sweet tradition worth the drive.

📚 Aug 1 | Black Books Matter Fest 2026 | MahoganyBooks, National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD
MahoganyBooks' 3rd annual celebration of Black literature — 50+ authors, author signings, kids storytime, crafts, library card sign-ups & local vendors. 11am–4pm. FREE to attend, RSVP required.

🎶 Aug 1 | 13th Annual Wine & Jazz at Marietta | Glenn Dale, MD
A beloved Prince George's County tradition — live jazz, wine & a beautiful historic setting. FREE

🍷 ADULTS ONLY (21+)

💬 Jul 30 | Skip The Small Talk | Checker Spot Brewery Company Baltimore I want new friends and dislike small talk so trying this event where they direct your conversation through prompts…would love for you to join me if your available.

🎵 Jul 31 | 90s Finish the Lyric Game Night | The Blue Lagoon, Reisterstown, MD
90s R&B throwback game night powered by Kahoot — prizes, free appetizers, icebreakers & all your favorite lyrics. 7–10pm. Free parking.

🍷 Jul 31 | Live Jazz & Wine Tasting | 402 N Howard St, Baltimore, MD
A chill evening of smooth jazz & wine samples — exactly the vibe you need to close out the week right.

🎂 Jul 31 | Baltimore's Birthday Bash 2026 | Baltimore War Memorial, Baltimore, MD
Baltimore turns 297! The 12th Annual Birthday Bash brings 1,000+ residents together for an open bar featuring local craft beer, cocktails & wine, lite bites, birthday desserts from local vendors, a dance party with DJ Tanz & birthday surprises. 7–11pm. Good Neighbor VIP from 6:30pm.

🥁 Aug 1 | Pink & Dutty J'ouvert Coolerfete! | Baltimore, MD
A pink & dutty J'ouvert vibes party with coolers, Caribbean energy & all the summer fun. Come ready to move.

🦀 Aug 1 | HBCU Crab Feast 2026 | Martin's Crosswinds, Greenbelt, MD
All-you-can-eat crabs & dinner buffet hosted by the WDC Alumni Chapter of NC A&T — HBCU pride, good food & great company. 1–5pm.

🚢 Aug 1 | Glow Boat Ride: Date Night Edition | National Harbor, Oxon Hill, MD
LED glow accessories, music, scenic Potomac River night views & romantic waterfront vibes — wear glow, neon or all-white. 7pm. Spots are limited.

👠 Aug 2 | Beginner Heels Class | Towson, MD
Strap on your heels and learn the basics in a fun, judgment-free class — confidence included.

🌺 Aug 2 | The Island Luau | Island Green, Westminster, MD
Polynesian fire dancers, hula dancers, live music & Hawaiian-style food under the summer sky. 6–8pm. $45/person.

🎤 Aug 2 | 106 & Bullpen ft. Trina & Free | The Bullpen DC, Washington, DC
A legendary lineup — Trina and Free bring that 106 & Park energy to DC's hottest outdoor venue. 21+ Sunday vibes you don't want to miss.

🕯️ Aug 1 | Candlelight Groove: Symphony & Soul | Gwynns Falls / Leakin Park, Baltimore, MD

As the sun sets and hundreds of candles begin to glow, relax under the stars while enjoying a soulful performance by Aja Marie in one of Baltimore's most beautiful park settings.

Bring your blanket or lawn chair, gather your friends or that special someone, and make a night of it! Enjoy delicious food from Adam's Halal, complimentary wine tastings from Hux Wine, and bottles of wine available for purchase.

Support Somewhere Local

It's Somewhere Local

Support Somewhere Local 🤝

Black & Minority-Owned Businesses Worth Knowing

Every week, Support Somewhere Local spotlights Black and minority-owned businesses across Maryland ready to serve you. Save this. Share it. Start here first.

👗 Apparel & Branding

🪡 SisterCood

Premium embroidery & apparel printing for small businesses, startups, and creators — no minimum order required.

10% off — mention It's Somewhere Local

📚 Education & Child Development

🌱 Blooming Hearts and Minds

Play-based learning center for ages 2–8 in Montgomery County. Summer openings now available.

Now Enrolling

🎉 Events & Celebrations

💍 All Things Romance LLC

Wedding officiant & event curator bringing your love story to life with elegance, intention, and heart.

Book by July 31 — 10% off officiant services

🎈 Balloon Galore by Ash

Luxury balloon styling for your next celebration — baby showers, birthday parties, graduations, anniversaries and more. Ash creates stunning displays that make every moment unforgettable.

10% off — mention you saw it in It's Somewhere Local

🚌 The Black Bus

Luxury party bus with karaoke, playlists, and more — for birthdays, bachelorettes, and every celebration in between.

10% off — mention It's Somewhere Local

🎵 Music & Entertainment

🎧 Raise Nation

DJ'ing and beat making workshops with locations in Baltimore & DC. Perfect for creatives of all ages.

15% off — use code "Summers15"

Follow us @itssomewherelocal for weekly updates

Here are the top deals you can’t miss this week!

Great Wof Lodge $84 sale is on 8/4…

Dine in tonight for a slide of Cheesecake 50% off at The Cheesecake Factory.

Thanks for being one of the Locals. Send this to someone who needs to go out in August, they'll thank you later.

Hope to See You.…….Somewhere Local!

Lisa Summers

Disclaimer: I do not host any of these events or have any affiliation with them.

*There are affiliate links on this page that I can make a small profit from so thank you for purchasing through those links to support the time it took to make this newsletter and continue to bring you the videos/reels you love!

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