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Food just tastes better when you dine on the water! Whether you are arriving via sailboat, powerboat or car, there’s something special about dining on the water. The Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries provide endless options ranging from urban dining in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor and hip and historic Annapolis to waterside dining along the many rivers, creeks and inlets that make up the Chesapeake Bay. Here a few options to make your mouth water. Baltimore[...]

Escape to the Chesapeake The treasure that is the Chesapeake, the welcoming heart of Maryland. Whether it’s a five-star resort on the shores of the bay, the rich flavors of traditional Chesapeake cooking, or the warm faces of the people you’ll meet along the way, the healing waters of the mighty Chesapeake Bay are waiting to carry you on your journey. Find the wellness journey just right for you on The Great Chesapeake Bay Loop[...]

Native Americans The first inhabitants of Maryland were Paleo-Indians who came more than 10,000 years ago from other parts of North America to hunt mammoth, great bison and caribou. By 1,000 B.C., Maryland had more than 8,000 Native Americans in about 40 different tribes. Most of them spoke Algonquian languages. They grew corn, peas, squash and tobacco. They also hunted, fished and traded with tribes as far away as New York and Ohio. We do[...]

From Western Maryland’s Deep Creek Lake to the Chesapeake Bay, and with rivers and lakes in between, there are ample opportunities to get on—or in—the water in Maryland. Here are some highlights from around the state. Deep Creek Lake Water Sports If you are looking to zip around the water on a powerboat, water-ski or go tubing, head to Deep Creek Lake . You can also rent a pontoon boat, kayak, or paddleboard and just[...]

Maryland State FlagState Flag: Black and gold quarters (the arms of Lord Baltimore’s family, the Calverts) along with red and white quarters (the arms of his mother’s family, the Crosslands) State Dessert: Smith Island Cake, made by the ladies of Smith Island for years, has achieved national recognition. With impossibly thin layers of cake and icing stacked high, Smith Island cakes are a unique treat State Dog: Chesapeake Bay Retriever, a hunting breed with webbed[...]

Steamed Hard Crabs Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay Blue Crab is iconic--and tasty! A summer must-do is hand picking your own hard crabs at a waterside crab house and sampling the succulent, sweet and tender crab meat. Topped with Old Bay, a traditional seasoning of the Chesapeake region, this unique mix of crushed pepper, paprika and celery salt, among other spices, adds flavor and heat to your fresh, piping hot steamed crabs. Chesapeake Blue Crabs get their[...]

The Appalachian Mountains Features include: The Allegheny Mountains Deep Creek Lake, Maryland's largest lake Backbone Mountain, Maryland's highest point of land Mountains, valleys, lakes and streams Forests, farms, orchards and vineyards Sub-arctic swamp 350-million-year-old rock formations The Piedmont Plateau Features include: Rolling hills, pasture and fertile farmland Quarries and iron pits Susquehanna and Monocacy rivers Great Falls of the Potomac River Fall line, where the Piedmont Plateau flattens into Atlantic Coastal Plain The Atlantic Coastal[...]

Maryland Fried Oysters You used to have to wait for months with an “R” in them to enjoy this Chesapeake staple, but with more and more Maryland oyster farmers working the bay, this is a dish best served year round! Total time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 Ingredients: ☐ 1 pint shucked Maryland oysters ☐ 1 cup unbleached white flour ☐ 2 tbsp corn starch ☐ 1 tbsp Old Bay Seasoning or J.O. Crab Seasoning ☐[...]