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U.S. state
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Maryland is a Mid-Atlantic state in the USA. Nicknamed America in Miniature, Maryland has sea and mountain, urban and rural, historic and modern. It ranges from some of the nation's most densely populated areas around Washington, D.C., to bucolic rural areas in the east around the Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore, and in the Appalachian Mountains in the west. Baltimore is the state's biggest city, with literal boatloads of tourist attractions around its Inner Harbor; Annapolis, with its historical maritime charm, is its capital.
The population core of Maryland—the affluent, diverse and cosmopolitan suburbs and exurbs of Washington, D.C. are arguably the most diverse part of the state and home to some of the most diverse communities in the country. As a result, there are plenty of excellent cuisines worth sampling in the area.
Including the quintessentially Maryland cities of Baltimore and Annapolis. Home to the oldest, most historic cities in the state, with a strong maritime heritage, historic architecture and diverse neighborhoods.
Maryland's lowlands east of the Chesapeake, home to the beach resort Ocean City as well as Assateague Island. If Maryland is famous for its crabs, you'll find some of the best here.
A solidly Chesapeake region with charming bed & breakfasts and bay island destinations, an easy drive from D.C.
Where Maryland gets mountainous and rugged, with some charming, laid-back, smaller cities, and outdoor opportunities at Deep Creek Lake and on the Appalachian Trail
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Crownsville, MD. Celebrating its 45th year as of 2021, the Renaissance Festival is held every fall on the weekends (and Labor Day) between the last weekend of August and the third weekend of October. Probably your only chance to view the Maryland state sport of jousting.
Timonium, MD. Livestock shows, entertainment, a vast midway full of thrill rides and carnival attractions, and even a horse race all make up the Maryland State Fair, held the last weeks of August through the first days of September.
Baltimore, MD. The second jewel in the legendary Triple Crown of thoroughbred horse racing happens every May at Pimlico Race Track in northwest Baltimore. Parties, parades, and other events throughout the Baltimore area lead up to the anticipated race.
By train
Maryland is well served by rail.C. to the largest city in Maryland, Baltimore as well as to the BWI Marshall Airport.
By car
Maryland is served by several main Interstate highways, and a number of other routes enter the state. Interstates 68 and 70 are the main east-west interstate highways in the state.
By foot
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Baltimore · International · BWI
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the quaint state (and one-time national) capital, with strong maritime, naval, and seafood traditions
Maryland's largest city, right on the Chesapeake, home to the Inner Harbor, a magnificent Aquarium, Camden Yards, Johns Hopkins University, lots of history, and a vibrant music scene.
the urban-upscale hotspot in the D.C. inner suburbs, with over 200 restaurants and fine architecture
a vibrant college town just outside the D.C. city limits, loaded with cheap eats
railroad town in the Appalachian Mountains and the C&O Canal terminus
Bustling historic city near Harpers Ferry, famous for its antiques
Historic city near Antietam Battlefield at the foot of the Appalachians, famous for its outlets
very popular seaside resort city on a barrier island, with loads of restaurants and night clubs
a small historic town and popular weekend getaway on the Chesapeake at the mouth of the Patuxent River
site of the bloodiest single day in American History, at the first battle of the Civil War in the North
the great Appalachian Trail passes through the Maryland panhandle for a mere 40 miles (60 km), but that includes one excellent and easy hike to the ever popular rock-climbing mecca of Annapolis Rock—it's also just fun to be able to say that you walked across the state of Maryland, which you can do in just a couple of days
a beautiful national park of a barrier island, populated by wild ponies
a big, rugged park centered around Catoctin Mountain, and home to the Presidential retreat of Camp David
the Great Shellfish Bay is a whole travel region of its own, offering fishing, crabbing, swimming, boating, sailing, unique island communities, placid bed & breakfasts, and just plain beautiful sunsets
Maryland's mountain/lake resort and spa
the spectacular Great Falls along the Potomac River, plus endless walking/biking trails along the historic Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
Maryland's original colonial capital and one of the very first British settlements in North America
a big state park with over 32 miles (51 km) of well-marked trails leading to historic and natural sites of interest, all just a half-hours drive away from Baltimore
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