By Joe Duley

Long before everyone knew the names at Cheers, there was McGarvey's Saloon & Oyster Bar in Annapolis.

The green and white hue of McGarvey's Saloon has been a warm, welcoming beacon to locals and tourists alike for the past 40 years.

Whether seeking camaraderie, conversation, crab cakes or cold "locals" (McGarvey's verbal shorthand for beer), McGarvey's Saloon is the place to find it – all while enjoying lively conversation about anything from politics to propellers to thrust versus drag.

What else would one expect from a saloon and oyster bar nestled in the shadow of the U.S. Naval Academy at 8 Market Space and helmed by a maritime-loving pilot in the nation's "Sailing Capital"?

Arrive early for the last free Friday Night Concert Series performance this summer at Annapolis Towne Centre Aug. 28 and you could win a Rockin' Raffle prize basket, valued at $400. From 5-7 p.m., before the 1980s tribute band The Reagan Years takes the stage, purchase $1 raffle tickets. Then stay until after the concert ends at 8:30 p.m. to see if you're one of the lucky winners.

There's no better way to revive the romance in your relationship than spending time together on the water, and Maryland provides plenty of opportunities.

Chris and Meghan Farrell discovered this past June, that spending time together on the water is something truly special. The couple, from Lancaster, Pa., celebrated Meghan's birthday with a sunset sail and "boat and breakfast" overnight on the Schooner Woodwind, which sails from Annapolis.

"Being on Woodwind, having cocktails, learning about the area and seeing the sunset was amazing," Meghan says. "Then, as an added bonus, sleeping on the boat and waking up for breakfast on the deck, overlooking the Chesapeake, was just beautiful."

With its many on-the-water activities, the Chesapeake region has a maritime date for every couple, from history buffs and sports enthusiasts to those who just want to spend a relaxing few hours in each other's company. Here are some of our favorite dates for seafaring sweethearts.

Chef Zack Mills of Wit & WisdomThree Baltimore restaurants have teamed up to present the Fork & Cork Dinner Series, highlighting each restaurant's executive chef and sommelier. The four-course dinner and wine pairing events are offered at each featured restaurant: Wit & Wisdom, A Tavern by Michael Mina, AGGIO and Fleet Street Kitchen.

The executive chefs will rotate which courses they serve during the series, with the host chef and sommelier responsible for the entrée and pairing and the host pastry chef and sommelier presenting the final course. Guests will be able to enjoy the full experience at each restaurant.