Experiences
Located just off US-50 and less than 10 miles from Ocean City, the little town of Berlin is big on Eastern Shore charm. We’re sharing four things to do in Berlin, MD,…
After a long year of work and stress, my husband and I were finally on vacation and ready for a week of relaxation and historic exploration in Southern Maryland. As we arrived…
Dear Readers, This month marks our one-year anniversary. Through captivating experiences and specially curated road trip itineraries written by 41 different contributors, our website is the heart of Maryland Road Trips. We’ve…
There is a sense of calm that being close to water brings. I tend to forget whatever worries are on my mind and concentrate on the smells, sounds, and beauty around me.…
Fall is a season you can smell and taste. No other season is as synonymous and wrapped up with a type of food as fall is to pumpkins, apples, and warm aromas…
Like so many of my fellow Americans, I find myself returning time and again to the Civil War period as a gripping era in our history. I’m most interested in the human…
Ever find yourself wishing for a time machine to whiz you back in time? (Is that just me?) Living history sites like Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia and Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts…
My husband Scott and I were both raised by parents who believed in the value of family camping. It’s a great way to introduce children to the natural world without the distractions…
What herbs send you trippin’? No, I don’t mean that type of trippin’! I’m talking about road tripping to some fantastic Maryland herb farms. Herbs have been used for thousands of years…
The leaves will start changing before we know it, which makes now the perfect time to plan ahead on where you’ll view fall colors in Maryland. There’s something truly magnificent about fall…
If you live in Baltimore and follow Dave Portnoy’s Pizza Reviews, you might wish the Barstool Sports founder would make a visit to the city and take a bite of pizza at…
The joy of finding something old and giving it new life is a delightful bonus of vintage and antique shopping. Tapping into characters and personalities of years gone by—not to mention the…
In 1849, Harriet Tubman liberated herself. Born into slavery about 27 years before on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, she heard rumblings that her enslavers planned to sell her, so she risked a severe…
Huzzah! Noble Lords and Ladies, the Maryland Renaissance Festival hath returned! After closing in 2020 due to the pandemic, Crownsville’s Revel Grove kicked off the season on August 28. The Festival will…
As a lifelong Marylander, it was surprising to realize I hadn’t spent much time exploring the western part of the state. Since we have been wanting to keep our travel local, it…
As a life-long band geek, I have grown to appreciate a wide variety of music and the work it takes to make chords/lyrics into a jam. For me, driving is an activity…
Charming and friendly Middletown was founded in 1767, and modern-day visitors can enjoy family fun along with its fascinating history and bucolic setting. Its history is intertwined with that of the Revolutionary…
Sandy beaches, stunning waterfront views, picturesque gardens and resort stays might sound out of reach if you’re planning a wedding close to home, but if you live in or around Maryland, you…
Get to know three more female winemakers in our second installment of The Women Behind Maryland’s Booming Wine Industry. Read part one here! Lauren Zimmerman — Port of Leonardtown Winery Leonardtown, MD…
I learned to drink wine in my twenties in the Napa Valley. Living in San Francisco, I took for granted the hundreds of wineries at my disposal within an hour drive and…
Summer in Maryland is absolutely a thrill. Beautiful beaches, exciting cities, and mountain views entice us all to go explore our state. But fall is really when Maryland’s vibrancy awakens. We’ve found…
If you’ve only visited Maryland’s Eastern Shore to go “downy ocean,” you’re missing out. The bucolic Upper Shore, including Cecil, Kent, and Queen Anne’s counties, is a tapestry of rivers and farms.…
I’ve never organized my travel plans around a checklist—such as summiting the highest point in every state or making it to every national park—but I know many people who love this type…
It’s not just the city centers in Maryland that have become home to award-winning craft spirits. The cities and towns surrounding DC and Baltimore can be plumbed for your next craft quaff.…
It’s no surprise sunflower fields have gained popularity throughout the years. When your Instagram feeds fill with rows upon rows of bright petals, you can’t help but feel the draw to experience…
Live! Casino & Hotel Maryland has undergone a stunning makeover. Nine years ago, the casino adjacent to Arundel Mills Mall in Hanover opened its doors for Marylanders to try their luck at…
Picture it: You live in the nation’s capital in the early twentieth century. It’s August, and the heat and humidity are unbearable. You want to escape to the country for a hike,…
The whirr of electric tools and thwack of hammers sound from the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s waterfront campus in St. Michaels as the museum’s shipwrights craft the components of a 17th-century type…
My husband and I love to take our two young daughters on adventures. Sometimes those adventures make for the best days ever, and sometimes they fall flat. Kids are unpredictable, and going…
Standing 240 feet tall, the tied-arch Chesapeake City Bridge towers over its namesake town, like an ever-present rainbow made of steel and concrete. The span carries cars over the Chesapeake & Delaware…
There is no doubt that books bind us together. What we read offers us new perspectives, entertainment, and the feeling that we are not alone. Independent bookstore owners suggest books with a…
Road tripping with loved ones inevitably involves a series of negotiations — where to stop, what to listen to, how much to go above the speed limit, what should be the speed…
Hub City Vinyl is hard to miss. A prominent 20,000-square foot building painted mint green and pastel purple in art deco style, it’s a beacon to those passing through Hagerstown, Maryland. I…
Whether your travels take you into the District for business or pleasure, you can still scratch your craft spirits itch. Just as you’d expect from DC itself, the surrounding suburbs boast a…
Back in the heyday of the C&O Canal, boats carrying every imaginable foodstuff were towed by mules up and down the man-made waterway. The canal was built specifically to enable the movement…
The pop of the starter’s gun sounded across the water to signal the start of the Miles River Yacht Club’s Centennial Cup 4th of July Series. I was among the approximately 20…
“You want me to hand you that rope?” An abrupt silence fell across the stern of the boat. All eyes turned to me like when a stranger enters a tavern in an…
Legend has it that Havre de Grace got its moniker from an eighteenth-century French military officer currently enjoying an extended run on Broadway. Mais oui! The picturesque town perched on the banks…
When you’re enjoying summer days on the water, whether it’s sharing a cold one with the boys on a Saturday float down the river, kicking back with dad as he teaches you…
I scream, you scream, we all scream for Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail—oh, and to be named the 2021 Champion Trailblazer, of course. From Western Maryland all the way to the Eastern…
I can’t help it, I’m obsessed with being outdoors. Whether it’s hiking, kayaking, camping, or simply taking a long walk outside, being in nature has a way of soothing my soul. So…
Do you hear that sound? The road is calling you to enjoy some outdoor fun across Maryland. Whether you decide to go for a hike, visit a park, or hit a drive-in…
I stepped onto the glistening wood floor and retrieved a ball from the chrome ball return machine installed shortly before Kennedy was president. I tossed the grapefruit-sized ball in my hand as…
Pickle pizza, pickle ice cream, pickle fried Oreos? Maybe these draw up memories of walking through a fair or carnival, where the delight was that vendors would fry almost anything and come…
As someone born and raised in Maryland, I felt spoiled growing up having both beaches and mountains only a short drive away. It’s one of the things I love about this state,…
Summer in Maryland is already in full swing, with roadside stands serving up a classic egg custard snowball, families and friends gathering amidst a pile of crabs and Natty Bohs, and seagulls…
I’ve lived in the Baltimore area for over four years and have a confession to make… I’ve never had a true snowball before this summer. I’ve had snow cones before, and Rita’s…
As “Hot Vax Summer” moves into full swing, don’t just spend all your time at the beach and inhaling crab. Hit up these distilleries-on-the-bay that will ensure your next trip to Southern…
It’s Friday afternoon. You can feel it creeping up your back, like a bit of cracked glass sliding up your spine. You have to get the hell out of town. You’re hungering…
There’s nothing that a sunny day spent strolling on a boardwalk and eating on the deck of a waterfront café can’t cure. Located only 20 minutes south of Annapolis and 35 miles…
Running through the center of Maryland is hallowed ground – a term drawn from President Abraham Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address – where thousands of Civil War soldiers spilled blood, thus rendering it sacred.…
Sometimes we need that weekend getaway where we don’t have to drive too far or board an airplane. An escape that makes us feel like we’re far away, even if we’re close…
My first drive-in movie is a surprisingly vivid memory considering it was roughly 30 years ago. I remember the neon glow of the sign, the sense of awe at the enormity of…
We all have those days where KFC, Taco Bell, or McDonald’s just hit the spot. They’re the comfort foods we grew up with, and we can always count on them when we’re…
Maryland is defined by its waterways. The Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay, the Potomac and Susquehanna Rivers—even the man-made C&O Canal—are central to the lives and livelihoods of Marylanders. Then there’s the…
Hikes and craft beer go together like Old Bay and blue crabs… except when your adventure partner is recovering from a sprained ankle. That’s when you hop to hops instead! My wife,…
On a quest to broaden my biking horizons, I set off for the Fair Hill NRMA in Elkton, Maryland. It must’ve been my quixotic desire for adventure that led me to choose…
Hello, summer! Maryland’s diverse topography lends itself to the quintessential small-town summer experience: swimming holes. These quiet, secluded spots make a great place for your family and friends to spend the day.…
Frederick Law Olmsted Sr., the titan of American landscape architecture, was born in 1822, and celebrations are underway to mark the bicentennial of his birth. Best known for his first project, a…
Bringing Grandma and Grandpa along for vacation can be a win for everyone in the family. Mom and Dad have another set of grownups to pitch in (and maybe provide some much-needed…
If you had to describe the ultimate landscape for driving with your windows down while listening to an upbeat playlist blaring, what would it be? For me, it’s lush, green countryside with…
We’ve dug down into the distilling roots of Maryland and shown you the best and brightest distilling stars in Baltimore. Now it’s time to head down distilleries in Eastern Maryland state to…
Among the many alluring cities and small towns on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, few can match Chestertown’s unique mix of rebellious history, African American heritage, collegiate atmospherics, and window-shopping charms. A forty-minute drive…
My husband and I used to take road trips around Maryland all the time. We’d often turn a trip to the beach or the mountains into an opportunity to explore small towns,…
Ask any birder and they’ll tell you: a good birdwatching trip is measured by two things — the birds they see and the food they eat. Our trip to Garrett County, Maryland…
As a marine biologist dating a fly fisherman, you can imagine I spend nearly every weekend on or near water. From the rivers of Western Maryland to the marshes of the Eastern…
My 11-year-old eyes had never seen mountains other than the rolling blues of the Blue Ridge, and they could hardly make sense of the snow-capped Rockies that loomed in front of the…
Maryland’s ties to horse racing run deep. Racing’s association in the state, the Maryland Jockey Club, was founded in 1743, making it the oldest sporting organization in the United States. Save for…
Ellicott City, a historical suburb located in Howard County, is well known for its charming downtown. But Ellicott City is also home to “Korean Way,” a five-mile stretch of Route 40 filled…
Imagine you are driving along busy Jarrettsville Pike among the verdant scenery of Harford County’s horse country, just 20 miles north of Baltimore, enjoying the warm breeze from your window and the…
“Brother against brother” is a common term used to illustrate the often divided loyalties of families during the Civil War. This division was common in border states like Maryland, which claimed both…
Growing up in the wilds of Maine gave me an appreciation for the great outdoors that I brought with me to the mid-Atlantic. In my work as a photographer, specializing in nature…
I’ve made the journey across the Bay Bridge many times — for summer vacations, day trips in early fall, and most recently, for a delicious diversion of Bloody Marys in the dead…
Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie seeking your next outdoor adventure, or a family looking for a relaxing afternoon in the sun, the outdoors in Howard County are chock-full of fun things to…
The weather is finally changing, birds are chirping, and the sun is staying out longer; that’s right, spring has sprung. There’s nothing quite like grabbing a brew and soaking up the sunshine…
At the promise of a clear day with temperatures reaching the 60s, I decided it would be an opportune time to tempt my taste buds yet again with some road trip food…
The National Park Service (NPS) joins forces with the National Park Foundation to celebrate national parks and programs across the country every year during the month of April. National Park Week is…
One of my favorite parts of living in Maryland is getting to experience all four seasons, and spring is especially glorious. With temperatures hanging out in that perfect t-shirt-and-jeans territory, now is…
One of the best ways to explore a new location is in running shoes. By logging miles in nearly every state in the country, I’ve gained access to areas often unreachable by…
The Chesapeake Bay is the pride of Maryland. Who among us doesn’t love seafood pulled directly from its waters? But the bay doesn’t yield its catch easily. For centuries, watermen (and women)…
Your social media feeds may be looking like a jungle lately. Maybe you’ve seen the declaration that “pets are the new children and plants are the new pets,” or you’ve been following…
Ocean City was always a big part of my childhood. My family made it our annual vacation spot each summer, but we never braved the cold Eastern Shore in its off-season. In…
I cast my fly into the mountain stream. All was silent in the autumnal forest save for the mini waterfall that fed the living room-sized pool. As I dragged my fly (an…
The warm spring air is beckoning you outside and it’s time to get reacquainted with nature. Although spring in Maryland is glorious everywhere, it is worth a trip to the western portion…
With a central location in the heart of our beloved state, Howard County, Maryland is not only a destination unto itself, but most roadtrippers driving to Baltimore, Washington DC, the Chesapeake Bay,…
If you’re driving through Baltimore at the corner of E. Pratt Street and S. Patterson Park Avenue at sunset, your eye might be drawn to the golden light playing across the stained…
Last month, in Part 1, we learned about how our state has always had one foot solidly planted in our nation’s distilling traditions. And while those storied distilleries have long since shuttered…
“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” You’ve seen it on memes, shirts, and bumper stickers. When historian Laurel Thatcher Ulrich coined this phrase, she wasn’t advocating mischief, but it does seem true that…
If you’re looking for a spot to celebrate Maryland Day (March 25th, 2021), we’ve got you covered with some of our favorite places in Maryland! Before we introduce you to our list…
To say that I love Ocean City, Maryland would be the understatement of the century. I might be so bold as to say that Ocean City is my favorite place on the…
If there is one thing us Marylanders are known for, it is our pride for our state (and Old Bay of course)! March 25th is Maryland Day, so celebrate by taking a…
History buffs, rejoice: you can be transported to the 1600s through a visit to St. Mary’s City. Located two hours south of Baltimore, the site of Maryland’s first capital has many layers…
It’s a miracle I didn’t get pulled over last year. I was trying not to be late for a meeting with our realtor, so I hit the gas and set my focus…
On a cool February morning, I decided to grab my friend Corby (normally on the road with me to a concert) and go for the next best thing: a road trip to…
In Maryland, when the days start to shorten and the letter R once again appears in the name of the month, it is time to treat your tastebuds to the sensual and…
Looking to spice up your date nights? Whether you’re vacationing in Maryland, just driving through, or a long-time local, we’ve got you covered! We first met at a restaurant in Florida and…
As avid food and beer enthusiasts and proud Marylanders, we’ve made it our mission to explore all the nooks and crannies of the state to see what it has to offer. We’ve…
My favorite museum is a 15-minute drive from my parents’ house in Potomac, Maryland, but until recently I didn’t know it was there. The first time I visited Glenstone was a little…
Hey, you (yes, you)! I see you there, feeling overworked and stressed out, your brain going a million miles a minute, your tense shoulders up to your ears, your to-do list a…
When my husband was unexpectedly laid-off in late 2018, we were forced to quickly come up with a plan for our multi-generational family. One afternoon, about two weeks before we officially hit…
As I’m typing this, I’m wondering if I’ll regret my decision to share the magical secret that is Green Ridge State Forest (GRSF). But there’s another voice in my head that wins…
Baltimore, Maryland’s largest city, has been the home to many prominent Black Americans who have left an indelible mark on the history of both their city and the nation through their hard…
Winter birdwatching, especially in the marshes and estuaries of the Eastern Shore, is all about water birds. Migratory ducks, swans, and over-wintering wading birds await the birder in a range of locations.…
It’s been nine months, three weeks, and five days since we’ve had a home. In April my husband and I moved out of our apartment, a high rise off of one of…
Don’t let the cold get you down! With the growing popularity of igloos, tents, and fire pits, you can imbibe outside without freezing your buns off. Check out five of the craft…
There’s nothing quite like the perfect love song. For me, a love song has to give me the warm and fuzzies, remind me of old crushes, current loves, or even sweet memories…
One of my favorite things about craft breweries is how they bring people of all walks of life together. So, when I heard about Patuxent Brewing Company creating a space for genuine…
When the winter blahs began to sink in after the holidays, I knew it was time to take to the road and offer my daughters some fun outside the four walls of…
On a spring Tuesday in 1745, a group of tipplers met in Annapolis. Over punches and whiskies, Alexander Hamilton (not that one) put down the purpose of what would become known as…
Picture this: you’re with your family or a few friends. Your bags are packed with sweaters, boots, and gloves. You’re off to a cabin in the woods with wine and cheese in…
I think it’s safe to say that we are all getting a little bit stir crazy these days. We are ready to get out of the house and experience something a little…
With so many museums and galleries shuttered for public health reasons, few places are as welcoming and safe right now as outdoor art galleries. The Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center in…
Do you ever catch a glimpse of yourself in the rearview mirror and realize just how deep your frown lines have gotten? The car can (and should) be a place of respite,…
I first heard of Smith Island when I read Tom Horton’s memoir “An Island Out of Time,” for an assignment during my first year of college. I learned about an island in…
In Sykesville and Mt. Airy, trains are everywhere. Today the two Maryland towns’ historic railroad cars sit dormant, serving mostly as useful backdrops for photo-snapping tourists. But from the early nineteenth century…
I will staunchly defend myself to this day – the weather report strongly suggested unseasonably mild temperatures for that particular late-winter weekend in 2011. And that’s just what I needed to finally coax…
History isn’t just my day job, but my passion in life and one of the main reasons I’ve put down roots in Baltimore rather than moving back to my hometown of Seattle.…
I returned home to Hanover, Maryland, this summer after three years of living in Germany and exploring Europe. I loved my fast-paced lifestyle of seemingly never-ending adventures, but the familiarity of the…
Let’s face it, the year 2020 was anything but fun. From stay-at-home orders, canceled vacations, becoming an instant homeschool parent, and everything in between, we became more stressed and more on edge…
On a sunny morning, my husband (vegan) and I (not vegan) hopped into our Prius for a day of vegan eats, crisscrossing Montgomery and Howard Counties. Thankful that the mild weather would…
Several of my friends have taken advantage of plummeting international flight prices to visit Mexico and enjoy scenic water backdrops and authentic Mexican cuisine during the pandemic. I, on the other hand,…
Do you remember the first podcast you ever listened to, and what you were doing while you listened? Years ago I needed something to keep me company while I painted a bedroom.…
The weather outside may be frightful, but a road trip is always delightful. Stay warm, fed, and fashionable during your drive with these items, all of which are either made in Maryland…
When it comes to holiday music, I’m a stubborn devotee to the classics. Out of the thousands of renditions of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” to me there’s none better than…
It happened fast. One minute, we were an adventurous newlywed couple working our first professional jobs while renovating a home on the weekends. The next minute, we found our world flipped upside…
As a passionate foodie, I enjoy finding inspiration in the creative and exciting creations that chefs and mixologists come up with. The recent release of holiday cocktail menus gave me a great…
Whether you are traveling over the river or through the woods this winter, colder temperatures generally bring clearer skies, making winter a perfect time to pull over and celebrate the season with…
Nothing lights up a child’s face (or an adult’s for that matter) like looking at holiday lights. The twinkle and amazement as the lights blink and shimmer, or the palpable joy when…
The Chesapeake Bay comes to life in summer. But those who know the Bay best will tell you not to miss the holiday-themed fun to be found every December at points along…
COVID is putting a crimp in everyone’s weekend plans. My husband and I love to go out exploring and are always looking for ways to do so safely. We were familiar with…
Raise your hand if you’re ready to kick off the holiday season a little early this year! Instead of reaching for the same tunes you always listen to, mix things up the…
Instead of putting holiday shopping off until the last minute and relying on quick shipping, I took a new approach this year and combined holiday shopping with my love of travel. Though…
Thanksgiving holiday traditions abound in Maryland, and the state’s food serves as a chronicle of its customs, people, and varied landscapes. Native local produce such as corn, bean, squash, wildfowl, oysters, and…
As many baseball-loving Marylanders know, Babe Ruth was born in Baltimore (at 216 Emory Street, to be specific). He was deemed “incorrigible or vicious” at age 7 and sent to Saint Mary’s…
After taking several road trips out of state to make up for the lack of travel during the COVID-19 lockdown, my fiancé and I found ourselves back in Baltimore without plans for…
Whenever I get the chance to take a trip somewhere, I will always use that opportunity to explore some new-to-me historical spot. As a literature teacher and history-lover, I can’t imagine a…
As you sleep peacefully in a lockhouse nestled beside the C&O Canal, you’ll experience what life was like for the lock keepers who lived there over 100 years ago. (Except every time…
If you are looking for a family-friendly activity that will delight and educate any car enthusiast, the Classic Motor Museum of St. Michaels is your answer. I stumbled upon the museum when researching…
Heading into the great outdoors for a family hiking adventure is a wonderful way to nurture an appreciation of nature while creating lasting memories. Time in nature makes you happier and healthier,…
Did you know that women own, operate, or brew the beer in over twenty breweries scattered across Maryland? Four women-led breweries are right on the way to some of the state’s most…
To celebrate the start of fall, a friend and I decided to take the opportunity to get out and explore a part of the state unfamiliar to us. We hopped in the…
The sacred shadows of Antietam loom large here in Washington County. Travelers from the east who move westward just over the cusp of the Blue Ridge Mountains often can sense a powerful…
A great bookstore is not a place where you can find everything. It’s a place where you can lose yourself. The Greyhound in Berlin, Maryland, is just such a bookstore. Conveniently located…
There’s something truly magnificent about fall in Maryland. It’s an absolute delight for the senses — from Mother Nature putting on a show with her vibrant display of leaves ranging from ocher…
Whether you believe ouija boards are powered by those from beyond the grave or are a simple result of the ideomotor effect — there’s no denying the eerie, paranormal feeling they’re known…
Thanks to an obsession my youngest son developed some time during his third year of life, donuts are a big deal in my house. They have become the go-to dessert option when…
There’s nothing that can compare to the thundering sound of galloping horses racing along the dirt track—the tense energy, the flying dust, the quaking ground—and, it’s all been part of Maryland’s history…
When people think of Maryland’s Eastern Shore, they likely picture boats on the bay, tables heaped with steamed crabs, screw-pile lighthouses, waterfront views, and other images of maritime life. That vibe is…
Your bags are packed, the snacks are selected, the gas tank is full, and you are ready to hit the open road. But there is one road trip essential that sometimes gets…
Did you know Maryland has an official state exercise? It’s the easiest, most inexpensive way to move, get healthy, and stay fit, and you do it simply by putting one foot in…
Being born and raised in Frederick, Maryland, I grew up hiking and exploring the Catoctin Mountains. Now that I have a family of my own, we make sure to venture to the…
When you think of an art museum, what comes to mind? Probably an impressive neoclassical building with large pillars and marble steps leading to a cavernous entryway where the only sound you…
Do you ever wish you could say sayonara to 2020 and slip back in time? We could all use a dose of magic right now, and stepping into the past might be…
It’s no secret that this year has been a stressful one. If you’re one of the many who are looking for opportunities to get away and decompress, look no further than The…
Did you know you can follow the footsteps that Harriet Tubman took when she helped dozens of people escape from slavery? The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway is a 125-mile stretch from…
The idea of getting away has never been on my mind more so than in 2020. We’ve all been cooped up at home long enough, trying to stay safe while our offices…
I scream, you scream, we all scream for Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail—oh, and to be named Champion Trailblazer, of course. From Western Maryland all the way to the Eastern Shore, this…
The dog days of summer are winding down, the evenings are getting cooler, and soon enough, the mountainsides will explode with an array of fall colors. And should you find yourself cruising…
Food is arguably one of the most fundamental and enlivening aspects of traveling—especially when getting to try something new somewhere new. From sampling unique dishes and cocktails to reveling in novel atmospheres…
What destinations will you be driving to this fall? Perhaps you have a mountain getaway planned, or you’re hoping to enjoy the Eastern Shore free from summer crowds. Wherever you’re going, you’ll…
Nestled along the western shoreline of the Chesapeake Bay lies a hidden gem that’s been millions of years in the making. Boasting coastal cliffs, forested trails, sprawling wetlands, and a fossil-filled beach,…
