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1608 – Captain John Smith explores the Chesapeake Bay 1631 – English trading post established on Kent Island 1632 – Maryland Charter granted to Cecilius Calvert by King Charles I 1633 – Ark and Dove sail from the Isle of Wight, England 1634 – Ark and Dove arrive at St. Clements Island; St. Mary's City founded 1649 – "An Act Concerning Religion" passed; Puritans founded Providence (now Annapolis) 1664 – Slavery allowed by law in[...]

When you shop along Maryland’s Main Streets, you’re supporting local businesses and the historic properties they steward. If window shopping by foot, dining at new spots, antiquing and collecting art sounds like a great day out, you’ll absolutely adore these Main Street destinations. Shop the Shore in Berlin’s Unique Stores With a population of about 4,900, Berlin is small but packs a lot of charm. This Eastern Shore gem, known for its great jewelry, gift[...]

Wondering where to begin your shore-combing among Maryland’s 7,719 miles of coastline? Read on for suggestions to get started. Cool Off at the Swimming Hole: Maryland Beaches and Lakes At Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, you can fish, crab, hike and rent a boat on the northwestern shore of the Bay. Stroll the boardwalk and enjoy the low salinity at Betterton Beach. If you prefer lake swimming, try Cascade Lake in Hampstead, which features[...]

Spring There are plenty of things to do in Deep Creek during the spring. Trophy trout and bass await with Maryland Mountains Fly Fishing, a fantastic resource to help you cast your troubles away. Bring the whole family for an unforgettable afternoon learning to fly fish, all equipment provided, in the pristine rivers of the Appalachian Mountains. Away from the lake, fish for local treasures at the year-round Mountain Fresh Farmers Market or Simon Pearce[...]

Railroads transformed American life in the 1800s and 1900s, and Maryland played an integral part in the creation of the railroad industry—the Baltimore & Ohio, the first intercity railroad in the Western Hemisphere, was begun in Baltimore in 1827. Visit these museums, attractions and sites of interest to learn more about the history of railroading in America. Baltimore: Where Railroading Started The first 12 miles of track laid in the U.S.—part of the first intercity[...]

Western Maryland Western Maryland is a great place for outdoor adventures. You can climb Maryland's highest mountain, swim in numerous lakes, hike the Appalachian Trail, brave white-water rapids or enjoy all kinds of winter sports from skiing to ice fishing. The three counties of Western Maryland, where fall foliage arrives first and winter usually stays the longest, were Maryland's last frontier. One of the most important events in Western Maryland in the early 1800s was[...]

Surprise him with a chocolate and beer pairing or indulge her with a romantic spa getaway. Escape to a quiet cottage by the Chesapeake or a Western Maryland mountain cabin or fall in love all over again over a candlelit meal prepared by a celebrity chef. Valentine’s Day is in the heart of FeBREWary, visit our craft beer lover’s events page to find the perfect craft beer retreat, set out to explore a Maryland Wine[...]

Follow the Historic National Road Scenic Byway from Hagerstown to Grantsville Shop for old-time candy at Wilson’s Store Explore the unique stone fort that served as Maryland’s frontier defense during the French and Indian War at Fort Frederick State Park Bike, hike or skate the Western Maryland Rail Trail, along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal Pick up some apples at the Blue Goose Farm Market & Bakery Explore the rugged mountains or the 243-acre lake[...]

Carved through the countryside and spanning 184.5 spectacular miles from Washington D.C. to Cumberland, consider the C&O Canal a canvas waiting for you to paint your picture-perfect getaway. Take it easy and stroll a few miles, then stop at one of the welcoming towns along the way. Load up your panniers and bike the whole length of this “Grand Ol’ Ditch.” Or pack up the car for an afternoon or a long weekend and explore[...]