Shop Small for These Summer Travel Essentials

couple sitting on beach wrapped in a Maryland flag towel

It’s almost summer, and we can’t stop daydreaming about packing up the car and hitting the road. We’re sharing five travel items made in Maryland to make sure you have what you need as you get out and explore.

An attention-grabbing towel

Let everyone know how much you love the Old Line State with a beach towel featuring a crab and the Maryland flag!

A tasty gift

Need to grab a gift on the road? Whether you’re looking for a hostess gift, Father’s Day gift, or a just-because gift, fresh coffee from a local roaster is always a hit.

Basecamp Coffee Exterior Street scene — Photo Credit: Chris Vandergrift

Make a stop at Basecamp Coffee in Cumberland if you’re heading to Western Maryland, or, if you find yourself on the Eastern Shore, stop at one of Rise Up Coffee’s many locations.

A soothing balm

Nothing can ruin a road trip faster than poison ivy or skin covered in bug bites. Keep this handmade salve from Twin Oaks Farm in Harford County handy and explore in comfort!

A healthy snack

Road trip snacks often consist of whatever you can grab at the gas station. Plan ahead and order Michele’s Granola online or pick it up at one of the many Maryland retailers carrying her products.

bag of granola in front of beach scene — Photo Credit: Michelle’s Granola

As if you needed more reasons for munching, check out these fun facts about Michele’s Granola: the bakery runs on wind power and every product is recyclable, the company donates a percentage of all sales, and they’re passionate about creating a team diverse in age, race, and orientation.

A gripping book

What could be better than reading while road tripping? Reading books set in Maryland! Our editorial manager is eager to read the novel Inn Significant, written by one of our very own contributors, and set in the small town of Oxford, Maryland.

double scoop of ice cream in one held in front of dock — Photo Credit: Scottish Highland Creamery

“I love including real places in my work to make it feel authentic, such as the Scottish Highland Creamery, one of the best ice cream joints on the Eastern Shore,” says Stephanie Verni, author of Inn Significant.

You can grab the book on Amazon, but why not pop into an independent bookstore along your travels? Find Inn Significant and other books by Verni at Park Books in Severna Park and Mystery Loves Company in Oxford.

Lead Photo: Studio24E