Every Friday in 2013, the Let’s Fly Away Across the USA series will feature a different state, documenting the things we love about each sate and what you should do or see when you visit. Want to submit your photos or travel tips? Visit the Across the USA page.
I’m not going to lie, Maryland is another state I never gave a second thought. I really didn’t realize how diverse it is — as Betsy says, you can experience urban, nautical, and outdoor life in the state, with great history to boot! I think that’s what I love about this series — finding all these unexpected things about each state that you just wouldn’t know unless you lived in or visited the area.
Betsy says
I’m Betsy, and I blog at Betsy Transatlantically. I live in Silver Spring, in the heart of the DC suburbs – I grew up here and, after a few years in New York and Paris for college and a few more in London for graduate school and then work, I moved back! No matter where else I live, Maryland will always be home.
BETSY LOVES // Maryland is the best because it offers so may different options for every lifestyle. You can experience the city in urban Baltimore; you can try out the nautical life on the Chesapeake Bay along the Eastern Shore; and you can have adventures hiking, camping, and rafting in the Appalachian Mountain region.
BETSY RECOMMENDS //
1. Annapolis. The state capital, Annapolis, has a quaint historical district and a lovely harbor and, if you’re lucky, you’ll catch sight of the boys from the Naval Academy wandering around in uniform!
2. Assateague Island. Besides the famous herds of wild horses, Assateague Island boasts beautiful beaches that are perfect for canoeing on the Bay side and surfing on the Atlantic side.
3. Antietam National Battlefield. Maryland was the site of some of the Civil War’s fiercest battles, and the history and culture of this era comes movingly to life at Antietam National Battlefield.
FOR BONUS POINTS // CRABCAKES AND FOOTBALL! THAT’S WHAT MARYLAND DOES!
More recommendations
Thank you to the Maryland Office of Tourism for providing the photos for this post and the following recommendations!
1. Baltimore City. From the vibrant, foot-friendly Inner Harbor area to a host of eclectic neighborhoods like Mount Vernon, Federal Hill, Fells Point, Canton, Hampden and Harbor East, Baltimore entices visitors with unique attractions, chic boutiques and restaurants, inspirational performances and acclaimed museums. This is also the home of the National Anthem, and a key site for War of 1812 bicentennial commemorations.
2. Annapolis. Maryland’s capital city, known in some circles as “America’s Sailing Capital,” has several launching points for boating, fishing, and other Chesapeake Bay-based recreation. Check in with one of several professional charter operations in the area, and then expand your knowledge of the bay with a visit to the Annapolis Maritime Museum.
3. Ocean City. Beyond a 10-mile strand of white Ocean City sand, you’ll find roller coasters, water slides, speedboat rides and miniature golf. It’s not uncommon to while away entire days on the world-famous, Victorian style boardwalk, eating ice cream, buying T-shirts and playing amusement park games. Golfing, antiquing and outlet shopping are popular pursuits all year long, followed by dinner at a seaside restaurant.
For more info on any areas in Maryland, go to www.visitmaryland.org.
woohoo Maryland! Thanks for having me, Lisa
My grandparents lived in Annapolis when I was growing up- it was always such a cool place to visit! I have such good memories of eating ice cream and feeding ducks around the harbor. Loved reading this post!
I’ve always wanted to visit Assateague Island. I might have to plan that this summer!
Small world, Betsy, I live in Silver Spring as well!
I love Annapolis as a recommendation, I grew up 45 minutes away so I’ve spent a lot of time there.
I’d also recommend North Beach/Chesapeake Beach. You can hangout on one of the boardwalks, spend time on the beach or rent kayaks there in the summer.
I lived in Cumberland, Maryland for a couple of years (up in the mountains in the western part of the state) and that part of the state is not really thought of much, but it’s worth a visit. Cumberland used to be the second largest city in Maryland and the downtown is adorable with lots of cute shops and the amazing Queen City Creamery for the best ice cream ever. The Emmanuel Episcopal Church there has actual Tiffany windows and was part of the underground railroad. They do tours. Also you are about 1.5 hours from Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater over the border in Pennsylvania. Head even further west and you are way up in the mountains with cool air and lovely scenery. Here’s a blog post I did years ago with pictures I took around Cumberland http://spryonthewall.blogspot.com/2009/03/lets-go-cumberland-maryland.html
And island with wild horses and beaches sounds amazing! Who knew?