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During the Civil War, both Union and Confederate cavalry units cut through swaths of the county from Westminster to Taneytown up into the landmark battle of Gettysburg, Pa. After the Civil War, the Carroll County Agricultural Society was formed in 1869 and in 1897 the first Carroll County Fair was held, featuring equestrian exhibits and activities. It was during this period starting in 1872 that Long Islander Robert Wyndham Walden moved to Middleburg between New[...]

Day 1: Baltimore is home to the Star-Spangled Banner and the birthplace of American Railroading. Arrive late morning and begin with a visit to Fort McHenry National Historic Monument & Shrine. Here students will meet with their guide and learn the story behind the writing of our National anthem by Francis Scott Key. Then travel to the Star-Spangled Banner Flag House to see where the 30’ x 42’ flag was sewn. Dinner can be enjoyed[...]

Beach Break at the Eastern Shore If you’re not going to let summer slip into fall without kicking and screaming, then you need to beeline to the beach communities. Since it’s about to be sweater weather, go ahead and indulge in the crab-filled delights and oysters that define the region at an authentic Maryland crab house—paired with a crisp local brew, of course. Be sure to dig your toes in the sand, stroll the iconic[...]

Old Line State Eats Everyone knows that Marylanders love Old Bay Seasoning on everything—but there are plenty of other quintessential flavors of Maryland to enjoy. There’s nothing quite like a day spent on the Boardwalk in Ocean City, enjoying Fisher's Popcorn and Thrasher's French Fries. And if you’re in Western Maryland, don’t miss out on the award-winning goat cheese at FireFly Farms. Stop into the cheese company’s retail store in Accident for pairings and tastings[...]

State Flag: Black and gold quarters (the arms of Lord Baltimore’s family, the Calverts) along with red and white quarters (the arms of his mother’s family, the Crosslands) State Song: “Maryland, My Maryland,” written by teacher James Ryder Randall after a Civil War riot in Baltimore State Gem: Patuxent River Stone. The Patuxent River Stone is actually an agate, a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. Found only in Maryland, the Patuxent River Stone's colors of red[...]

Pet-Friendly Maryland Parks may be the obvious destinations that come to mind when you imagine spending a day with your dog. Fortunately Maryland State Parks offer many pet-friendly options. In some cases, pets are allowed in undeveloped sections of parks. Other parks allow pets in day use and picnic areas, but not on the beach. Check the DNR website about the park that interests you. Maryland State Parks also offer guidelines for responsible pet ownership[...]

Rails, Sails, Tales & Fishtails Day 1: Arrive in the Baltimore area, check into hotel. Enjoy an evening dinner cruise on Spirit of Inner Harbor. Day 2: Start your day with a Narrated City Tour to hear some of the city’s best known stories and see some local movie and television sites. Enjoy a memorable tour highlighting the city during its growth and see the statuary and historic homes in Mount Vernon Place, the Basilica[...]

Enjoy a great day or evening out with friends or family, playing games, enjoying rides, food, live entertainment, contests and much more. Local produce and livestock will create a great agricultural learning experience for all. Check out the Maryland Department of Agriculture's full list of county fairs and agricultural expos. The Maryland State Fair This is usually the summer's crescendo offering great food, fun and family entertainment including: tame and thrilling rides, classic fair and[...]

Mrs. Kitching’s Original Smith Island Cake Smith Island Layer Cake With Traditional Chocolate Icing A beloved Maryland tradition, the official Maryland State Dessert is a standout on any table. With its thin layers of delicate yellow cake each slathered in a decadent schmear of icing, Smith Island cake would be too beautiful to eat… if it weren’t so darned delicious! No one is quite sure where this delicious dessert got its start, but many folks[...]