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With rushing rivers and mountain vistas, city centers and country escapes, the Capital Region truly is a place for all seasons. While the Capital region of Maryland surrounds Washington, D.C., it isn’t directly on the Chesapeake Bay, yet it still has plenty to offer the crab and oyster lover. Waterfront restaurants on the wide and lazy Potomac River provide an ambiance similar to those on the Chesapeake. As you visit restaurants along the Crab &[...]

Seeing the peaceful Appalachian foothills and fields along Antietam Creek, it’s hard to imagine “The Bloodiest Day in American History” took place on these hallowed grounds. A Union victory here inspired President Abraham Lincoln to issue the Emancipation Proclamation, freeing thousands of slaves throughout the South. Today, a visit to the Antietam National Battlefield and visitor center is a must-do for history enthusiasts and families interested in events that shaped our nation. With hiking trails[...]

Just one look at the Baltimore skyline and you’ll know this is a beer town. Gazing out over the city from high atop the Natty Boh Tower is the glowing, mustachioed face of Mr. Boh, the iconic mascot of the old National Brewing Company, founded in the 1870s. With that brewing tradition in place, you’d expect Maryland’s craft beers to be plentiful and good, and they are. From heralded microbreweries to bigger brew houses, you’ll[...]

Native Americans The first inhabitants of Maryland were Paleo-Indians who came more than 10,000 years ago from other parts of North America to hunt mammoth, great bison and caribou. By 1,000 B.C., Maryland had more than 8,000 Native Americans in about 40 different tribes. Most of them spoke Algonquian languages. They grew corn, peas, squash and tobacco. They also hunted, fished and traded with tribes as far away as New York and Ohio. We do[...]

We’re going to let you in on a little secret, when it gets hot, we Marylanders know how to stay cool. Sure, you can jump in the Bay or dive into the ocean, but sometimes it’s better to beat the heat with an only-in-Maryland summer treat. Sweet, Syrupy Snowballs For more than a century, we’ve been keeping cool with the iconic snowball. Snowballs started out as a Baltimore tradition in the 1800s, and during the[...]

Maryland's Many Nicknames Maryland has been called "America in Miniature" because so much is packed into its 10,460 square miles of land and water. You can find just about any kind of natural feature here, except a desert. That's because water is almost everywhere in Maryland. The "America In Miniature" title also applies to the role Maryland has played in our nation's history, from the founding of the United States to the present. And like[...]

In Maryland, the saying “there’s nothing to do” doesn’t compute, because there is always something to do year round, no matter what the season. Summer of Fun: Family Things to Do in Summer One of Maryland’s big summer treats is Oregon Ridge Nature in Hunt Valley with hiking trails and nature courses run by enthusiastic staff. Another hot spot is Terrapin Adventures in Savage. Terrapin offers a zip line, giant swing, high ropes challenge course[...]

The aroma of Chesapeake spice permeates the mountains of Maryland too. If you are looking to combine a number of signature Maryland experiences together, head west to the mountains for a scenic drive or hike, and end your day with a traditional Maryland crab feast. As you visit restaurants along the Crab & Oyster Trail be sure to look for the “True Blue” symbol to support Maryland’s local crab industry. Click here for a list[...]

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[...]