Wes Moore 2023-11-22 06:46:00
Dear Friends, I am pleased to share with you this new edition of Destination Maryland, your guide to all of the unique places to see and things to do in our great state. I encourage you to take time to explore our five regions — Western Maryland, the Capital Region, Central Maryland, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore — each with its own exceptional beauty, world-class attractions and restaurants, historic sites, and events and activities for people of all ages. Maryland is home to one of the nation’s most valued treasures — the Chesapeake Bay. The bay and its tributaries offer a variety of recreational experiences, from sailing and boating to fishing and crabbing to paddling on the state’s many water trails. One of the best ways to enjoy the bay’s rich heritage is with a visit to our Chesapeake Bay Storytellers. These men and women make their livings on the water and know how to bring you into their worlds while bringing the Chesapeake Bay experience to life. Seafood lovers will be right at home in Maryland, with our famous Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, oysters and rockfish. I encourage you to sample our other culinary favorites, like stuffed ham from St. Mary’s County or our official state dessert, Smith Island Cake. Maryland also boasts numerous wineries, distilleries and breweries. And Maryland’s commitment to agri-tourism and value-added agriculture means that visitors can get an up-close, authentic experience unlike any other on our farms, dairies, fisheries and other manufacturing sites. Maryland also has a wealth of historic sites and activities to highlight the unique role we played in our nation’s history. Plan a visit to Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine — known for its pivotal role in the War of 1812 — or tour Antietam National Battlefield, site of one of the most dramatic battles of the Civil War. Follow in the footsteps of heroes such as Harriet Tubman and Frederick Douglass, whose stories of bravery and sacrifice make Maryland the Most Powerful Underground Railroad Storytelling Destination in the World. Our beautiful and diverse 18 Scenic Byways offer ready-made tours of our state. In fact, one-third of our byways received accolades from our federal partners as best in class! If you are looking for a more active way to get around Maryland, I encourage you to check out our unparalleled trail system. From traditional hiking trails for every level of experience to biking and water trails and more, you will get to enjoy all the natural beauty our state has to offer. We also boast one of the nation’s most vibrant arts communities rich with folk traditions. From our famous painted screens in Baltimore’s rowhouse windows to the exquisite craftsmanship of hand-carved decoys on display at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum to our dozens of world-class museums and art collections statewide, Maryland offers an exceptional cultural experience. When you visit, be sure to stop by one of our 10 Welcome Centers dotted around the state. Our knowledgeable travel counselors can give you recommendations on the best way to make your time in Maryland memorable. If you’re looking for more Maryland travel inspiration, I invite you to explore our web site, VisitMaryland.org, and follow us on social media at #VisitMaryland and #MDinFocus for regular updates and exciting things to do and see. I hope this Destination Maryland magazine helps you plan the perfect getaway to our state. We look forward to your visit because you’re always welcome in Maryland. Sincerely, Wes Moore Governor
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