A Travel Guide to Maryland
Maryland sits on Chesapeake Bay – the largest estuary in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Maryland has borders to the south with Virginia and West Virginia including the capital of the United States – Washington DC. Pennsylvania tops Maryland on its northern border and Delaware borders it to the east on the generous portion of the bay that Maryland plays a significant host to.
The capital of Maryland and the largest city: Annapolis and Baltimore respectively share the Chesapeake Bay alongside the towns that run through the 15 park beaches ran by the State’s Department of Natural Resources (MDDNR). The beaches are enjoyed throughout the warm summer and as it is a long inland estuary it provides excellent waters for all kinds of fish that will certainly delight the avid angler whether they are reeling from the shore or baiting out on the boats available for charter. There are also boats available for daily tours around the Bay and also for those who want to learn how to sail.
Naturally, there are also many restaurants that serve excellent fish dishes including locally caught fresh crabs and scallops: A rewarding break from visiting the Naval Academy and Maritime Museum in Annapolis. Or for that matter visiting the harbour at Baltimore and taking in the Baltimore Museum of Art or the Maryland Science Center located here. Besides the obvious attractions of the capital and Baltimore, there are also regular events held within the Chesapeake Bay area which can involve a host of sports as well as fishing and sailing such as hiking, biking and horseback riding during the warmer months. And in the colder months these change to snow sports including in and outdoor skating in the winter.
Five of six areas of Maryland offer access to Chesapeake Bay. However this should not discourage tourists from visiting Western Maryland where Deep Creek Lake offers the largest inland body of water in the state. It is also a great place for anglers but instead of the salt of the estuary this creek gives way to some of the best freshwater fishing in Maryland. There are also areas for canoeing and kayaking and another great place for a winter vacation with the lake freezing up giving way to cross country skiing and snowmobiling. On the southern border for the kids there is the Six Flags Theme Park in Mitchellville; it has plenty to keep them occupied. It is also located within half an hour’s drive from Washington DC.
There is plenty of scenic delight in Maryland with over three dozen state parks, ten state forests and not forgetting the large amount of areas dedicated to preserving the flora and fauna habitat with refuges, hatcheries and wildlife management areas located throughout. Naturally, the vacation rental accommodation varies from rustic log cabins located in rural settings to townhouses and condos located in the urban areas on the Bay or more inland. In the major cities like Annapolis and Baltimore there is also the luxury of apartments fitted generously with expected essentials and other in-home items.
