MARYLAND: THE OLD LINE STATE
BY CLAY LARROY
Do
you feel like it is time for a short vacation? Once you decide to travel, how good you plan the trip will help
you feel comfortable and be comfortable at your destination. Not only will you
feel less anxiety before the trip, but you can rest assured that once you
arrive where you're going you will have a good understanding of what's going on
there.
When you need
to plan a vacation contact me! Maryland, one of the
original 13 states of the USA, was founded by Lord Baltimore in 1634. Its
Atlantic Plain, divided by Chesapeake Bay, rises through the rolling hills and
scenic farmland of the state's heartland to the Allegheny Mountains of the
northwest.
Its tourist destinations range from the 16km (10 miles) of white,
sandy beaches at Ocean City to Baltimore's bustling Inner Harbor. Chesapeake
Bay's 6,400km (4,000 miles) of shoreline, including its tributaries, separate
the Eastern Shore area of Maryland from the rest of the state. The twin-spanned
Chesapeake Bay Bridge is the major link between the two sections.
Annapolis is home to the United States Naval Academy, and the
Chesapeake the busiest sailing destination on the Eastern Seaboard. It is also one
of the ports of call for yachts on the famous Volvo Ocean Race, formerly the
Whitbread Round the World Race. Baltimore is a mere 60km (40 miles) northeast
from Washington, DC.
Maryland has a very large sports culture, with
many different professional and college athletic teams. Two National Football
League teams play in the state, the Baltimore Ravens and the Washington
Redskins. The Baltimore Orioles are the Major League Baseball franchise in the
state, and the Washington Capitals represent the National Hockey League.
Because of the multitude of professional sports franchises in the state, many
across the state are diehard fans of one team or another.
Maryland is often recognized for its fresh, delicious blue crabs. They are also known for their specific preparation of the crab; they are often steamed and seasoned with Old Bay seasoning (a special herb and spice blend developed in Maryland).
Maryland is often recognized for its fresh, delicious blue crabs. They are also known for their specific preparation of the crab; they are often steamed and seasoned with Old Bay seasoning (a special herb and spice blend developed in Maryland).
Things
to see and do in Maryland
Annapolis Sailing School
Sign on for sailing
lessons at the world-renowned Annapolis Sailing School (www.annapolissailing.com).
Baltimore museums
Tour the Baltimore Museum
of Art (www.artbma.org),
Walters Art Museum (www.thewalters.org) and the American Visionary Art
Museum (www.avam.org)
for a cultural treat.
Bay Bridge
Drive over the famous Bay
Bridge (www.cbbt.com) to
St Michaels, a quaint town that highlights life along Chesapeake Bay, Crisfield
and Smith Island - home to huge populations of Maryland blue crabs.
Camp David
Presidential Retreat
Catch a glimpse of Camp
David Presidential Retreat, near Thurmont. It is the traditional retreat for US
presidents. The public is not allowed inside, but visitors can experience the
same lovely landscape in Catoctin Mountain Park (www.nps.gov/cato),
which surrounds it.
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historic Park
Hike or bike the old
towpath once used by mule-drawn barges in Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National
Historic Park (www.nps.gov/choh), stretching 295km (184 miles)
from Washington, DC to Cumberland in Western Maryland, and visit the
headquarters where George Washington began his military career.
Deep Creek Lake
Enjoy a variety of
water-based activities at Deep Creek Lake (www.deepcreeklake.com),
the state's four-season resort, or play 18 holes of golf on two scenic
championship courses.
Fell's Point
Take a water taxi ride to
the neighbourhoods of Fell's Point (www.fellspoint.us)
and Little Italy (www.littleitalymd.com).
Fort McHenry
National Monument
View the star-shaped,
brick-built Fort McHenry National Monument (www.nps.gov/fomc),
whose bombardment in 1814 inspired the writing of 'The Star-Spangled Banner'
and where special drills and military ceremonies are performed.
Frederick
Begin in Frederick (www.fredericktourism.org)
for a tour of Civil War sites. A town of quaint brick buildings and parks, it
is an excellent starting point to view the region's history.
Gambrill State Park
Drink in outstanding
panoramic views from the Catoctin peaks in Gambrill State Park (www.stateparks.com/gambrill.html).
National Aquarium
Tour the National Aquarium
(www.aqua.org),
home to more than 560 species of sub aquatic life. Start your day by having
breakfast with the dolphins, or sign up for a sleepover with the sharks.
Ocean City
Soak up the sun at Ocean
City (www.oceancity.org),
a lovely beach resort boasting an expansive white sand beach, a 5km- (3-mile-)
long boardwalk, amusements, tram rides, boating and deep-sea fishing.
Pier Six Concert Pavilion
Listen to the music at the
beautiful Pier Six Concert Pavilion (www.piersixpavilion.com)
where concerts are hosted during the summer months (June to late September).
Preakness Stakes
Admire some of the world's
best racehorses during the week-long activities celebrating the annual running
of the Preakness Stakes (www.preakness.com) in May. It is the second event
in thoroughbred racing's prestigious Triple Crown.
Washington Monument
Climb the Washington
Monument (website: www.nps.gov/wamo)
in the heart of Washington, DC for a panoramic view.
World Trade Center skyline
View the skyline from the
Top of the World Observation Level at Baltimore's World Trade Center.
REFERENCE SITES:
Our story, Maryland's story,
is the story of better choices and better results.
Martin
O'Malley
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