Marina Harrison Cooper's Maryland

Marina Harrison Cooper
Neighborhood: Guilford
Occupation: Spokeswoman for the Towson University president
Self-description: A newly married military brat who was born in Oklahoma but raised mostly in North Carolina and Maryland; an advocate for quality public education; a not-so-secret-anymore-admirer of Fox News Channel’s Megyn Kelley: a lover of dogs; and yes, a former Miss Maryland.
Age: 27

FAVORITE RESTAURANT

Miss Shirley’s

WHERE: 513 W. Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore

INFO: Miss Shirley’s offers breakfast, lunch and appetizers. The cafe is named after longtime area chef Shirley McDowell; www.missshirleys.com.

“My parent’s southern North Carolina roots have completely shaped my taste buds and my recipe arsenal. I love Miss Shirley’s brunch, as it is great mix of Southern comfort food with Maryland specialties. Plus, it’s not far from home.”

HIDDEN GEM

Sherwood Gardens

WHERE: Bordered by East Highfield, Underwood, Stratford and Greenway roads in Baltimore City

INFO: The 80-year-old, six-acre tulip garden has 80,000 bulbs planted annually.

“The Sherwood Gardens in Guilford are pretty incredible.”