United States Of America
Maryland
Country
Continent
North America
Best Cities to Visit
- Baltimore
- Annapolis
- Potomac
- Ellicott City
- Bethesda
Size
32,133 KM2
Population
6,050,000
Spending Budget
$143 - $542
Famous For
- The state is known for its great diversity in landscapes from the low laying water oriented Eastern shore and Chesapeake Bay area, through the bustling metropolitan of Baltimore, to the forested Appalachian foothills and mountains on the western reaches.
Best Time to Visit
- January
- April
- May
- June
- August
- September
- October
History
Maryland was named in honour of Henrietta Maria, the wife of King Charles I, by a grateful Cecilius (Cecil) Calvert, 2nd Baron Baltimore, who was granted a charter for the land in 1632. After the Civil War, Maryland prospered. The state was first an important entrepôt for raw materials from, and consumer goods to, the South and Midwest and became a growing centre of industry that rarely was controlled from within the state. The port of Baltimore flourished as the most inland port on the East Coast with the most-direct links by railroad to the growing Midwest. Excesses that had won Baltimore the epithet “mob town” gradually were quieted. Increasingly, the character of Maryland began to change because of its proximity to the seat of national government. The state became a major centre for federal installations, both military and civilian, during World Wars I and II and afterward; most famously, it found itself home to the presidential weekend retreat called Camp David, in Catoctin Mountain Park. But most important was the radically different face of the Maryland suburbs of Washington, D.C., which reflected change not only in the greater numbers of people but also in their unusually high educational and economic status. For many years Maryland remained, for all its lack of size, as close to a median or model for the whole 50 states as any other state can claim to be; it is sometimes called “America in miniature.” H.L. Mencken spoke of these qualities of Maryland in an essay describing it as the most “average” of states.
Present Day
Maryland, constituent state of the United States of America. One of the original 13 states, it lies at the centre of the Eastern Seaboard, amid the great commercial and population complex that stretches from Maine to Virginia. Its small size belies the great diversity of its landscapes and of the ways of life that they foster, from the low-lying and water-oriented Eastern Shore and Chesapeake Bay area, through the metropolitan hurly-burly of Baltimore, its largest city, to the forested Appalachian foothills and mountains of its western reaches. The state has taken an increasing interest in the well-being of the private sector, particularly through its Department of Business and Economic Development. The agency encourages outside firms to locate in Maryland, promotes tourism, and keeps a close watch on the economy of the state. Maryland’s biotechnology, aerospace, information technology, and other high-technology industries made it one of the leading states in the knowledge- and information technology–based “new economy” of the late 20th and early 21st centuries.
Future
These are comprehensive plans for various parts of a county or municipality. Several counties in Maryland are divided into sub-areas for planning purposes. The plans for those sub-areas are generally much more detailed than the comprehensive plan for an entire county or municipality because they concentrate on smaller areas. These contain recommendations for future development, land use maps, etc., much like the county-wide or municipality-wide plans discussed above, however they are intended to provide more detailed guidance. The sector plans for certain counties, such as Montgomery and Prince George’s counties, also carry legal significance in that future zoning and water/sewer plan amendments must be consistent with these documents.
Deep Creek Lake
In the verdant forests of Maryland, there is a manmade lake known as Deep Creek Lake. The area surrounding the lake goes by the same name, and it is an outdoor recreation hub for locals and visitors alike. During the winter, the mountains around Deep Creek Lake are wildly popular for skiing. During the summer, you can play golf at more than a half dozen regional courses. All kinds of water-based activities are available, but one of the most enjoyable ways to pass the day is on land. On the Amish Miller Farm, you can set off for the afternoon on a horse-drawn carriage ride, exploring the daily life on a traditional Amish farm.
Chesapeake Bay
One of the largest estuaries on the planet is the enormous Chesapeake Bay, which was once known as Great Shellfish Bay. Countless destinations throughout Maryland are located right on the waters of the bay, meaning there are a large number of ways to experience the location. You might admire the waters while driving over the Chesapeake Bay Bridge from Sandy Point, or you could immerse yourself in the Methodist community found on Smith Island.
Frederick
If you’re a fan of antiques, then there is no better place to visit than the small city of Frederick. Founded in the middle of the 18th century, Frederick retains its historic atmosphere, and there are several great antique malls, local dealers and artists in the area. There are also lots of historic homes that you can visit, such as the Barbara Fritchie House. This house is furnished in period decor, and Barbara Fritchie was a known hero for bravely flying the Union flag even as General Stonewall Jackson marched past.
Antietam National Battlefield
The Battle of Antietam is known as the bloodiest day in America’s military history. That means that the Antietam National Battlefield is an important landmark worth exploring. The best way to visit the large battlefield is to start at the Visitor Center. From there, there’s a nearly nine-mile route complete with audio tour. For the serious Civil War enthusiast, this can’t be beat.
Swallow Falls State Park
Outside of Oakland is Swallow Hills State Park. The Youghiogheny River flows right through the park’s borders, creating lots of stunning rapids and beautiful gorges. A highlight of any visit to Swallow Falls State Park is the Muddy Creek Falls, a 50-foot waterfall that makes a serious splash. An easy one-mile hike takes you to the falls, and you’ll pass through beautiful hemlock trees along the way. If you’re in the mood for a longer, more strenuous hike, you can walk from Swallow Falls to Herrington Manor State Park, a clearly marked hike that is just longer than five miles.
Assateague Island
Off the coast of Maryland lies the barrier island of Assateague. This uninhabited island is divided, with half being a state park and the other half being a United States National Seashore. The beautiful island is best known for its wild ponies, which make an awesome sight as they run along the sandy dunes of the shoreline. A stroll along the Life of the Dunes Trail is a wonderful experience, allowing you to admire the landscape, listen to the waves of the ocean and spot the many birds that call the area their home
Annapolis
As the capital of Maryland, Annapolis is a big city with a lot of worthwhile attractions. In the downtown area, much of the architecture is historic, and a significant portion dates back to the 17th, 18th or 19th centuries. The Annapolis City Dock is a popular place to spend some time. In addition to watching the Naval Academy midshipmen performing exercises in uniform, the dock is home to lots of live music and, of course, enormous ships coming in and out daily.
Chesapeake and Ohio Canal
The C
Ocean City
As the name might suggest, Ocean City is a city located on the water’s edge. Being on the Atlantic Ocean means that the 10-mile sandy beach, and all accompanying recreational activities, are a big reason to visit. The historic boardwalk is a must-see attraction, and it is found in the southern end of Ocean City’s beach. Along the boardwalk, you can stop to play games, watch live performers, go shopping, dine on delicious beach favorites and even stop in at the Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum.
Baltimore
The city of Baltimore is an exciting place to visit in Maryland, and its Inner Harbor is the center of the action. The National Aquarium in the Inner Harbor is the city’s biggest attraction, and it is packed with more than 17,000 species ranging from seahorses to sharks. You can see entire marine ecosystems within a single enormous glass tank, and you can watch 4D films that showcase the depths of the ocean. Also in the Inner Harbor is the Top of the World, an observation deck that allows you to admire the city from a 27th floor vantage point