Maryland: Good Morning Baltimore
- Kaitlen Daigle
- May 30, 2024
- 3 min read
One of my favorite musicals was set in Baltimore, Maryland. "Hairspray" tells the story of Tracy Turnblad, a teenager in 1960s Baltimore who dreams of dancing on "The Corny Collins Show," a local TV dance program. Sadly, Maryland is another state that I've been to but I can't remember too much about my experiences there. My brother lives in Washington D.C. so sometimes we would be exploring the city and just end up in Maryland because it's so close. I definitely need to go back to Maryland.
Some interesting facts about Maryland:
Maryland is home to a significant portion of the Chesapeake Bay, the largest estuary in the United States. The bay is renowned for its seafood, particularly blue crabs, and it plays a crucial role in the state's economy and ecology.
The first railroad in the United States, the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O), was chartered in Maryland in 1827. The B&O Railroad Museum in Baltimore showcases the history of this pioneering railway.
Francis Scott Key, the author of the American national anthem, "The Star-Spangled Banner," was from Maryland. He was inspired to write the lyrics after witnessing the bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore Harbor during the War of 1812.
If you want to visit Maryland, here's a list of possible things to see and do:
Inner Harbor, Baltimore: Explore Baltimore's Inner Harbor, where you can visit attractions like the National Aquarium, the Historic Ships, and the Maryland Science Center. Take a stroll along the waterfront, dine at one of the many restaurants, or take a boat tour of the harbor.
Annapolis: Visit the charming city of Annapolis, Maryland's capital, known for its historic architecture, cobblestone streets, and maritime heritage. Explore the United States Naval Academy, tour the Maryland State House, or take a cruise on the Chesapeake Bay.
Assateague Island: Discover the natural beauty of Assateague Island, home to pristine beaches, wild ponies, and diverse wildlife. Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, birdwatching, or camping in this scenic coastal park.
Antietam National Battlefield: Learn about Civil War history at Antietam National Battlefield, the site of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. Explore the battlefield, visit the visitor center, and pay your respects at the Antietam National Cemetery.
Ocean City: Relax and have fun in Ocean City, Maryland's premier beach destination. Enjoy miles of sandy beaches, boardwalk attractions, water sports, amusement parks, and vibrant nightlife.
Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum: Immerse yourself in Chesapeake Bay's maritime heritage at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels. Explore historic ships, exhibits on boatbuilding and seafood harvesting, and waterfront activities.
Hiking and Outdoor Activities: Maryland offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking in places like Cunningham Falls State Park, Patapsco Valley State Park, and the Appalachian Trail. You can also enjoy kayaking, fishing, and camping in various state parks and natural areas.
Historic Sites: Visit historic sites such as Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine in Baltimore, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, and the C&O Canal National Historical Park, which offers scenic trails and canal boat rides.
Arts and Culture: Explore Maryland's vibrant arts scene by visiting museums like the Walters Art Museum and the Baltimore Museum of Art. Attend performances at venues like the Strathmore Music Center or the Hippodrome Theatre.
Wine and Food Tours: Take a wine tour in Maryland's picturesque wine country, such as the Frederick Wine Trail or the Chesapeake Wine Trail. Sample locally produced wines and enjoy farm-to-table dining experiences.
If you want more suggestions on what to do in Maryland, I suggest you check out their tourism website.
Comments