See Maryland from Sea to Ski

It only takes about 5 1/2 hours to cross the State of Maryland from east to west, but the difference of terrain is well worth the trip. From Ocean City and the Atlantic Coast beaches to Deep Creek Lake in the mountains, Maryland has a little bit of history and adventure for everyone in its 10,460 square miles. Drive down Maryland’s Eastern Shore and take a trip across the expanse of rural farmlands surrounded by water and barrier islands.

For the sports enthusiast, there is much to see and do. Horse racing is available at several tracks, including locations in Laurel, Ft. Washington and Ocean City. Perhaps the most famous of these is the running of the Preakness Stakes, part of the coveted Triple Crown, in Baltimore.

Several Maryland universities support sports teams alongside sharp academics. Among them are Towson State University and the University of Maryland The U. S. Naval Academy is located in Annapolis, the state capital.

Spring is always a good time to check out Camden Yards, home to the Baltimore Orioles baseball team. While you’re there, stop by Baltimore Aquarium and see the amazing shark exhibit. Walk down a ramp into the depths and you are surrounded on four sides by sharks and other marine life swimming in circles around you behind a wall of glass.

Summertime is prime time to hit the beach at Ocean City after a scenic drive over the William Preston Lane, Jr. Memorial Bridge, affectionately known as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Activities along the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay include fishing, crabbing and surfing.

In the fall, take a ride to the Catoctin Mountains. Stop and pick some apples or sip some cider at local roadside stands. While you’re in the Emmitsburg area, visit Mount St. Mary’s University or the Shrine to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton.

During winter months, the mountains alone offer lots of adventure. Wisp Resort has a variety of downhill trails for skiing and snowboarding. Garrett County boasts more than 25 miles of cross-country skiing terrain. Deep Creek Lake is prime ice fishing territory. State parks nestled in the mountains feature snowmobiling, hiking and snowshoe trails. For an enchanting view, check out the tremendous waterfalls that drop more than 50 feet as you cruise through Sallow Falls State Park. Garrett County’s Backbone Mountain is the highest point at 3,360 feet.

With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and Chesapeake Bay, Maryland is famous for its fresh seafood, especially anything featuring the blue crab. Crab cakes are taken seriously here. They are broiled, baked, fried and grilled with every secret ingredient you can imagine. Whether served on a bun with fries on a platter, as a salad accompaniment or an appetizer with fruit, crab cakes are perhaps the most recognizable fare.

For those who prefer their crabs steamed whole, a favorite Maryland pastime is the crab feast. It’s usually an all-you-can-eat affair held outdoors in warm, sunny weather with cold beer, newspaper-covered tables and lots of paper towels and melted butter.