6 Can’t Miss Maryland Experiences

Even though I grew up in Maryland, I didn’t necessarily get the most out of the state in my youth.  But recently, I’ve had the opportunity to explore more outside the DC-Metropolitan area.  Sitting so close to Washington, DC, most of Maryland can get overlooked. But it is a truly beautiful state with a lot to offer that you can’t get anywhere else.  Here are a few things outside of the typical DC suburbs to check out no matter when you visit.

Deep Creek Lake

In the western-most corner of Maryland sits a large, beautiful lake near the base of Marsh Mountain.  During the summer, rent a boat from one of many local companies, lather on some sunscreen and spend the day tubing and water-skiing on the lake.  When winter comes around, make some hot cocoa and strap on the snow skis or snowboard and head to Wisp Ski Resort.  Make sure to explore the adventure courses and local shops and restaurants!

Chestertown

A colonial-turned-college town on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. Chestertown has a lively history and close knit community, and is always happy to welcome visitors.  It is a Maryland “Arts and Entertainment District,” and is home to many galleries and artists studios.  Memorial Day weekend, residents celebrate the Chestertown Tea Party, which like its Boston cousin, involves throwing tea in the harbor.  In October, the town hosts a Harry Potter Festival with local businesses getting in on the fun and the theme.  Check out local wineries and antique shops nearby, or book a boat ride on the Chesapeake Bay.

Great Falls

Okay, so this one IS pretty close to Washington, DC, but it is frequently overlooked!  You can view the Falls from both Maryland and Virginia. On the Maryland side, you can walk along the C&O Canal and hike the Billy Goat Trail along the Potomac River.  It’s beautiful all year around, but especially magnificent when the leaves begin to turn in autumn.

Maryland Renaissance Festival

I see you rolling your eyes, but hear me out.  The Maryland Renaissance Festival is one of the oldest and largest of such festivals in the United States.  It runs from mid-August to mid-October every year, so spend a weekend day at the end of summer:

• Watching knights joust for the royal family’s (and your) entertainment.
• Being entertained by jugglers, magicians, mimes, and more performing on one of multiple stages.
• Eating, drinking, and being merry whether you are in costume or not.
• Shopping the handmade wares of talented artisans.
• Enjoying the best people watching this side of a pop culture convention.

No matter your age or interests, the Faire gets all types, from toddlers to frat boys, and everyone enjoys the general ambiance of a day’s entertainment.

Crab Feast

Maryland has a state crab!  I don’t know if that’s a thing in other states, but I think Maryland Blue Crabs are the best crabs.  Crab feasts are Maryland’s version of a New England clam bake. All you have to do is bring your own Old Bay.  Find a crab shack where the tablecloths are newpaper and there’s a bucket in the middle of the table.  Baltimore, Annapolis, Kent Island– if you can see the Chesapeake Bay, you can find a crab shack.

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

If you like bridges, give this one a drive.  The bridge is a 4+ mile (9 km) suspension bridge outside Annapolis that takes you to the Eastern Shore.  According to Wikipedia, it is one of the scariest bridges in the world to drive. I’ll admit that fact surprised me, I don’t find it scary. This bridge created a shortcut to the Eastern Shore, making it much more accessible to DC and Baltimore. On a clear day you can see across the bay for miles. Once you’re on the Eastern Shore, you can head south to St. Michael’s and Ocean City, or north to Chestertown (see above).

I could go on, but I’ll let you discover the rest of Maryland on your own.  If you are visiting Washington, DC, or road-tripping along the East Coast, don’t just drive through Maryland!  Make some time to explore this state outside of the DC suburbs.