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[...]
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In Maryland’s many museums, you’ll find enlightening exhibits for all ages and interests, from fine art and science to history and maritime culture. Family Fun at Inner Harbor Museums At the family favorite National Aquarium in Baltimore, get up close and personal with sharks and 17,000 other fish, birds, amphibians, reptiles and mammals in habitats that include replicas of a coral reef and tropical rain forest. Across the harbor, bring the kids (or the kids-at-heart)[...]
Take your time experiencing the special beauty of this tidewater region with its pristine waterways and vibrant historic waterfront villages. The lifestyles and livelihoods of generations of watermen, shipbuilders and farmers have been shaped by a landscape that, even to this day, makes it easy for visitors to imagine when goods were shipped to “faraway Baltimore” in wooden barrels lashed aboard schooners. The pace of life is slower here. Charming small towns are often accessed[...]
Join Capt. Phil Langley for a storied tour of the Lower Chesapeake. He comes from a long family line that worked the water and land, and he’s ready to share his experience on your charter fishing tour, authentic watermen’s heritage cruise, sunset cruise or lighthouse tour. Off-shore lighthouse photo opportunities. Let us customize a Chesapeake Charter for you. Reservations required. Creekside lodging available. A Recognized Chesapeake Bay Storyteller, trained by the Maryland Office of Tourism.
“Bartender, I’ll take a Maryland Whiskey” was once the call in bars and saloons across America. Everyone wanted Maryland Whiskey—rye whiskey. So how did this sweet, smooth whiskey become the darling of the country? During the Revolutionary War—on top of everything else, the British stopped importing rum—Americans needed a new spirit that matched their new America and American spirit. Rye whiskey was the answer—a spirit totally grown and produced in America. And Maryland rye whiskey[...]
Exploring Two Capital Cities At the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African-American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., you’ll find exhibitions that explore the complex story of slavery and freedom. Visitors see how the actions of ordinary men and women demanded freedom and transformed the country. Elsewhere in Washington, D.C. you’ll find one end of the nearly 200-mile long C&O canal towpath. The path—which runs all the way to Cumberland, Maryland—was used by freedom seekers like[...]
The Chesapeake Wine Trail is a must-do Eastern Shore escape where handcrafted wines are thoughtfully grown to complement Maryland’s legendary seafood, stunning waterfront views, and warm hospitality. Journey through the region’s wide-open landscapes, unwind at an easy pace, and savor distinctive varietals like Barbera that have helped put the Atlantic Coastal Plain on the wine map. Between tastings, discover the Eastern Shore’s rich heritage and culture—from stories of Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass to skipjack[...]
A Dangerous Journey Escaping bondage and running to freedom was a dangerous and potentially life-threatening decision. Making the choice to leave loved ones, even children behind was heart-wrenching. Surviving exposure without proper clothing, finding food and shelter, and navigating into unknown territory while eluding slave catchers all made the journey perilous. At Maryland’s Network to Freedom sites and programs, you can discover personal stories about the ways enslaved people struggled for freedom and how others[...]
From Western Maryland’s Deep Creek Lake to the Chesapeake Bay, and with rivers and lakes in between, there are ample opportunities to get on—or in—the water in Maryland. Here are some highlights from around the state. Deep Creek Lake Water Sports If you are looking to zip around the water on a powerboat, water-ski or go tubing, head to Deep Creek Lake . You can also rent a pontoon boat, kayak, or paddleboard and just[...]
Discover the Chesapeake Bay’s unique story through its prehistoric past, natural environments and maritime heritage. Experience the Patuxent River’s history and ecology on a cruise on one of our iconic Chesapeake Bay wooden work boats, the Wm B. Tennison, a log-built bugeye, or the Dee of St. Mary’s, a Skipjack. The museum hosts day-long Lighthouse Adventure Cruises aboard a private charter vessel. Recognized Chesapeake Bay Storyteller, trained by the Maryland Office of Tourism.