Happy Maryland Day to all my peeps!
Let’s face it, Maryland is a pretty great place to live – and you will no doubt see lots of lists and articles about the best things Maryland has to offer. On these lists you’ll no doubt see our amazing flag, delicious crabs, great sports teams and wonderful historical places.
In honor of Maryland Day, I’m going to offer my own list of 5 things I love about my home state. I’m hoping to highlight some things you may not have thought of or will see on the other lists. Because there is so much more to Maryland than Natty Boh and Old Bay. (Not that those aren’t important!)
Mountains or Beach? You don’t have to choose!
My absolute favorite thing about Maryland is that you can be skiing or sunbathing in a mere few hours. Boating one day, boarding the next. Okay, maybe not quite that extreme, but I think you see where I’m going here. With Ocean City and the islands like Assateague to the east and a resort like Wisp to the north, you never have to be a beach or mountain person. Here in the Old Line State we like to have a little of everything so you can’t ever be bored when looking for something to do in the great outdoors.
Creative Local Arts Scene
If you didn’t know it, you are in the land of makers and artists. I’m telling you, if filling your home with the wares of those living inside your state lines is a goal you could hardly find a better place to reside. From amazing jewelry by The Broken Plate and Sun Ah Blair to kick ass painting by Mowgli and Close Call Studios you’ll find everything you need to make your personal style shine. We even have great places to browse for your needs like Found Studio/Shop and MADE in Baltimore so you can find all the things you didn’t know you needed.
Hit a Trail from Anywhere!
If you haven’t guessed I adore the outdoors. Put me in a park or field and I’m one happy Marylander. And I’m telling you, no matter where you live, you can find a trail or park to enjoy some of Maryland’s great outdoors. Need to use the light rail? Stop off at Lake Roland for a stroll. Heading to Annapolis? Go spend some time on the Full Annapolis Waterworks Trail. In Carroll County? Head to Morgan Run. I could go on. No seriously, I could since All Trails has 1,074 trails in Maryland rated and ranked for all of your needs. Grab your shoes, a friend or a dog (or both!) and get moving!
Trash Wheels Brighten the Bay
To say that I’m in love with the Trash Wheels of Baltimore would be an understatement of the greatest proportions. When I first saw those googly eyes and trash eating smile I had found my soulmate. The family of four is made up of Mr. Trash Wheel, Professor Trash Wheel, Captain Trash Wheel, and the newest wheeling: Gwynnda the Good Wheel of the West – and they all have my heart. These great googly-eyed gobblers have gulped 1,561 tons of trash from the Harbor waters. And they were all born and raised in Maryland! Trust me, no other state can say that.
Smorgasbord of Food (and Drink) Options
Okay, I couldn’t actually make a list and NOT include the food that Maryland has to offer. But I’m not talking just the familiars like snowballs and Berger cookies. I’m talking, farmers markets from under 83 to Oakland where you can meet your Maryland farmer. And what would be a drive around Maryland without stopping by at least 3 different farm stands? Or seeing people selling their fresh caught crabs on the side of the road? Speaking of crabs, we all know you don’t need to live by the Bay to get your hands on our favorite crustacean. I bet you have the number of your favorite local crab house programmed into your favorites. (It’s cool, so do I!) Then we have all the little local places like Taharka Brothers ice cream or the great restaurants like Friendly Farm Restaurant and…honestly, I would need to dedicate an entire other website to do justice to Maryland food.
And there you have it. My 5 favorite things about Maryland. It’s not a complete list, but really no list ever can be for a state this great.
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