Welcome to Maryland We invite you to enjoy this edition of Destination Maryland Magazine . It provides an engaging overview of all that our state has to offer—from the Appalachian Mountains in the west to the sandy shores of the Atlantic Coast, and all our vibrant cities and charming towns along the way. We hope it’ll be a valuable resource when you are open to planning your Maryland vacation. Maryland boasts a rich, diverse collection of experiences and landscapes, and we want to encourage you to explore all five of our regions. No matter where you choose to venture, you will find exceptional beauty, unique attractions, historical sites, inviting restaurants, and events and activities for people of all ages. The Chesapeake Bay, one of Maryland’s most valued treasures, offers myriad experiences on the water: sailing and boating, fishing and crabbing, paddling on water trails—the variety is endless. And one of the best ways to get out on the water is with one of our Chesapeake Bay Storytellers. These men and women make their living on the bay, understand its history, culture and ecology, and know how to bring you into their world while bringing your Chesapeake Bay experience to life. When you visit, be sure to stop by one of our ten Welcome Check out our vibrant arts and folk traditions, such as the famous painted screens in Baltimore’s rowhouse windows, the exquisite craftsmanship of hand-carved decoys on display at the Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury, or any of our world-class museums and art collections all around Maryland. Our history is another thing that makes Maryland unique. 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. Plan a visit to Antietam National Battlefield, site of one of the most dramatic battles of the Civil War. Tour Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, known for its pivotal role in the War of 1812. If you’re looking for more Maryland travel inspiration, please visit our website, visitmaryland.org, and follow us on social media at #VisitMaryland and #MDinFocus. Let this Destination Maryland Magazine help you to plan your perfect trip. We can’t wait to see you! Centers around the state. Our knowledgeable and helpful travel counselors can make sure you get the most out of your time in Maryland. They can direct you to the perfect adventure, such as exploring the charming towns around the Chesapeake Bay, historic sites along the Underground Railroad Scenic Byway, and our unique Crab & Oyster Trail, with more than 100 seafood destinations to tempt you. Looking for a more active way to get around Maryland? Our Trail System Second-to-None offers myriad types of trails to engage you. Traditional hiking trails for every level of experience, biking trails, water trails and more let you experience all the natural beauty Maryland has to offer. And with road trips being more popular than ever, our beautiful and diverse 18 scenic byways offer practically endless opportunities to explore Maryland from your car. We encourage you to look for and patronize the variety of stores, restaurants, attractions, and hotels along the way. Seafood lovers will be right at home in Maryland, with our famous Chesapeake Bay blue crabs, oysters, and rockfish. Sample our other culinary traditions, like stuffed ham from St. Mary’s County, a snowball or pit-beef sandwich in the central region, or our official state dessert, Smith Island Cake. Maryland also boasts numerous world-class wineries and distilleries, and has a thriving craft beer culture, including the Guinness Open Gate Brewery and Barrel House, the company’s only brewing operation in the U.S. 2 / VISITMARYLAND.ORG