Maryland

Travel Advisories

Travel to Maryland

Climate

Maryland's climate varies drastically throughout the year. Summers in Maryland vary from mild to hot, with the warmest month of July experiencing average temperatures of between 85F (29C) and 89F (32C).

Summer is also the wettest season, and thunderstorms peak in July and August, bringing increased humidity between August and October, although nights are generally cooler. In Baltimore humidity averages about 60 percent between February and April, and 75 percent from August to October. Winters are snowy and cold, January being the coldest month, averaging between 20F (-7C) and 25F (-4C).

Health Notes when travelling to United States of America

There are no specific health risks associated with travel within the USA. Medical facilities are excellent, but expensive. Only emergencies are treated without prior payment and treatment can be refused without evidence of insurance or proof of funds. Good medical insurance is essential. Visitors must be fully vaccinated with the primary series of an accepted COVID-19 vaccine to travel to the United States by plane if they are non-U.S. citizens.

Safety Notes when travelling to United States of America

Travel within the United States is generally trouble-free, though travellers should be aware that the US shares with the rest of the world, an increased threat from terrorist incidents. Security has been heightened, particularly at airports. Restrictions on hand luggage apply and travellers are advised to check on the latest situation with airlines in advance. Travellers should also be alert to the dangers of car and street crime in cities and should use common sense and take basic precautions. Hurricanes are common between June and November, putting the southern USA, including the Gulf Coast and the eastern US at risk. There is a risk of wildfires in many dry areas in the US, particularly on the West Coast from March to November.

Customs in United States of America

Laws vary from state to state, including speed limit, fines and punishment. The age at which alcohol may be legally bought and consumed is 21 years.

Duty Free in United States of America

Travellers to the United States who are returning residents of the country do not have to pay duty on articles purchased abroad to the value of $800 provided their stay was longer than 48 hours and their duty-free allowance was not used in the 30-day period prior. For passengers arriving from Samoa, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, a duty-free allowance of $1,600 is allowed. The following items are included in this: 50 cigarettes and 10 cigars and 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of alcoholic beverages or 150 millilitres (5 fl. oz.) of perfume containing alcohol. Restrictions may apply to goods from Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Burma (Myanmar), Angola, Liberia and Sudan. It is prohibited to import Cuban cigars from any country.

Travellers to the United States who are non-residents do not have to pay duty on the following items: 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes and gifts to the value of $100 provided their stay in the USA is not less than 72 hours and that the allowance has not been used in the preceding six-month period.

Prohibited items for residents and non-residents include meat or meat products, poultry, narcotics, absinthe, plants, seeds, vegetables, fruits, soil, live insects and other living plants or animal pests. Fish is prohibited unless it carries disease-free certification. Wildlife and animals or their by-products carry restrictions. Dairy products and eggs from specified countries are not allowed. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed without the necessary license and permit.

Doing Business in United States of America

In such a large country, filled with so many diverse groups, business practices may differ according to each state, however rarely to any large degree. The East Coast is traditionally more formal than the West Coast, though in states such as California, dress code and conservative appearance are as common as they would be in New York. Punctuality is important throughout the country and it is considered rude to be late for a meeting. Gift-giving is uncommon as it may be construed as bribery. Appropriate titles (Mr, Mrs, Ms) are used upon introduction and until otherwise stated. Americans favour politeness and greetings of 'Hello' and 'How are you?' are often expressed with sincerity. Business hours may vary in each state, but an 8am start and 5pm finish Monday to Friday is the most common with an hour over lunch.

Status and age are not necessarily indicative of seniority, nor do they carry much weight in themselves. Those doing business in the States should be mindful of this fact; foreigners should never make assumptions about someone's position or rank. Best practice is to be respectful to all parties. That said, the US upholds a hierarchal business structure, in which 'the boss' is the ultimate decision-maker. Senior leaders have the power of the last word, and can go against the grain just as easily as they can follow popular opinion. Foreigners should concentrate on winning over this individual, even if the greater group seems unsupportive. Americans value a direct style of communication. In this fast-paced, consumer culture 'time is money', and small-talk is viewed as unnecessary and wasteful. It's best for foreigners to get to the point quickly, speak about issues in a frank and open manner, and to avoid taking offence if someone questions or challenges them outright.

Communication in United States of America

The international country dialling code for the United States is +1. Mobile networks cover most of the country, especially all urban areas, and WiFi is widely available.

Tipping in United States of America

A 15 percent tip is expected by taxi drivers, bartenders, hairdressers and waiters, but travellers shouldn't tip in fast-food or self-service restaurants. In expensive restaurants or for large parties, the tip should be 20 percent of the bill. It is normal to tip staff such as valets and porters in hotels; this is discretionary, although a minimum of $5 is expected. Most services are customarily tipped if the service is good.

Passport/Visa Note

It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from them travel destination. A visa is required for short visits unless travellers qualify for entry under the Visa Waiver Program.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) enables citizens of certain countries to travel to the US for a stay of up to 90 days without a visa. Visitors under the VWP need to register online three days before travel and have an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). This allows the US government to screen all visitors before travel. Visitors entering the country under the VWP must have a machine-readable passport (MRP) that has a barcode on the photo page. Travellers under the VWP must have passports that include biometrics if they wish to enter the country without a visa, which means that passports must contain unique personal data such as fingerprints or iris details. All passports must contain a digital photo image in order to travel visa-free. All visitors to the USA have a photograph and two fingerprints taken by an inkless scanner on arrival, including those travelling visa-free under the VWP.

As part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), all travellers travelling between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. If departing from the USA, a valid passport is required by immigration authorities. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry Requirements

Entry requirements for Canadians:

The most important requirement on entering the U.S. is providing proof of Canadian citizenship. A valid Canadian passport is the best document to prove Canadian citizenship and the right to return to Canada. However, several other documents can serve, depending on the mode of transport. Generally, Canadian citizens do not require visitor, business, transit or other visas to enter the United States from Canada, though there are some exceptions.

Entry requirements for UK nationals:

UK nationals require a passport valid for duration of stay. Most passport holders can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) through the Visa Waiver Programme, which allows travel to the US for up to 90 days. The VWP includes tourism, certain types of business visit and transit to another country.

Entry requirements for Australians:

Passports must be valid for the period of intended stay. If visiting the US for fewer than 90 days, Australian nationals may be eligible to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), and enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).

Entry requirements for Irish nationals:

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. Irish nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Entry requirements for New Zealanders:

Passports must be valid for duration of stay. New Zealand nationals can get an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) under the Visa Waiver Programme for entry into the United States.

Entry requirements for South Africans:

South Africans must hold a passport valid for duration of stay. A visa is required.

Currency

The official currency is the US Dollar (USD), which is divided into 100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are widespread and credit cards are widely accepted. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.

Exchange rate for 1 USD - U.S. Dollar
0.00 BMD Bermudan Dollar	0.93 EUR Euro	0.80 GBP U.K. Pound Sterling	152.99 JPY Japanese Yen	1.37 CAD Canadian Dollar	0.91 CHF Swiss Franc
1.52 AUD Australian Dollar	39.40 UAH Ukrainian Hryvnia	443.91 KZT Kazakhstani Tenge	93,075.00 LBP Lebanese Pound	4.86 LYD Libyan Dinar	6.86 BOB Bolivian Boliviano
0.00 NPR Nepalese Rupee	0.00 OMR Omani Rial	0.00 QAR Qatari Rial	1.35 SGD Singapore Dollar	10.82 SEK Swedish Krona	0.00 TTD Trinidad Tobago Dollar
0.00 VEF Venezuelan Bolivar	58.11 DOP Dominican Peso	0.00 HRK Croatian Kuna	16.95 MXN Mexican Peso	610.53 XOF West African CFA Franc	0.00 PGK Papua New Guinean kina
0.00 BSD Bahamian Dollar	0.00 FJD Fiji Dollar	0.00 HNL Honduran Lempira	133.87 DZD Algerian Dinar	0.00 MMK Myanma Kyat	0.00 BWP Botswana Pula
3.72 PEN Peruvian Nuevo Sol	938.44 CLP Chilean Peso	386.84 AMD Armenia Dram	23.29 CZK Czech Koruna	17.63 MDL Moldova Lei	139.89 ISK Icelandic Krona
12,582.40 UZS Uzbekistan Sum	3.72 ILS Israeli New Sheqel	0.71 JOD Jordanian Dinar	0.00 KWD Kuwaiti Dinar	38.15 UYU Uruguayan Peso	0.00 MUR Mauritian Rupee
0.00 NIO Nicaraguan Córdoba	10.88 NOK Norwegian Krone	4.03 PLN Polish Zloty	3.75 SAR Saudi Riyal	0.00 LKR Sri Lanka Rupee	36.79 THB Thai Baht
3.66 AED U.A.E Dirham	5.09 BRL Brazilian Real	4.63 RON Romanian New Leu	7.81 HKD Hong Kong Dollar	610.53 XAF Central African CFA Franc	25,405.70 VND Vietnamese Dong
878.36 ARS Argentine Peso	0.00 XCD East Caribbean Dollar	0.00 GTQ Guatemalan Quetzal	10.06 MAD Moroccan Dirham	0.00 BHD Bahrain Dinar	1.00 PAB Panamanian Balboa
1.70 AZN Azerbaijan Manat	3,920.00 COP Colombian Peso	88.42 KGS Kyrgyzstan Som	362.00 HUF Hungarian Forint	10.89 TJS Tajikistan Ruble	16,073.70 IDR Indonesian Rupiah
47.95 EGP Egyptian Pound	1,358.84 KRW South Korean Won	7,456.52 PYG Paraguayan Guaraní	4.74 MYR Malaysian Ringgit	508.31 CRC Costa Rican Colón	1.67 NZD New Zealand Dollar
277.87 PKR Pakistani Rupee	91.39 RUB Russian Rouble	18.51 ZAR South African Rand	3.13 TND Tunisian Dinar	0.00 BBD Barbadian Dollar	1.82 BGN Bulgarian Lev
32.33 TRY Turkish Lira	57.28 PHP Philippine Peso	32.31 TWD New Taiwan Dollar	1,164.84 NGN Nigerian Naira	0.00 XPF CFP Franc	0.00 GHS Ghanaian Cedi
0.00 JMD Jamaican Dollar	0.00 ANG Neth. Antillean Guilder	0.00 BND Brunei Dollar	108.90 RSD Serbian Dinar	7.24 CNY Chinese Yuan	6.94 DKK Danish Krone
3.49 TMT New Turkmenistan Manat	83.42 INR Indian Rupee

Airports in Maryland

Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI)
Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
http://www.bwiairport.com

Location: Baltimore The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) south of Baltimore and 30 miles (48km) north of Washington.

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4, from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: (410) 859 7111

Transfer between terminals: There are five concourses (A to E) within the large terminal building. All concourses are connected in the terminal by walkways, but time should be allowed in order to transfer from one concourse to another when catching a flight.

Getting to the city: The MARC train station services both central Baltimore and Washington, D.C., connected to the terminal via shuttle buses. A light rail service is also available to downtown Baltimore, Timonium, and Hunt Valley. The BWI Marshall Light Rail Station is located immediately outside the lower level of the terminal building, adjacent to Concourse E. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has a bus service to the Greenbelt Metro Station, which connects to metro stations throughout Washington, D.C., Virginia, Montgomery, and Prince Georges Counties. There are two WMATA Bus Stops. One is located on the lower level of the International Concourse and the other stop is located on the lower level of Concourse A/B.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, Alamo, Enterprise, Nextcar, Payless, and Thrifty.

Airport Taxis: The taxi stand, BWI Airport Taxi, is located just outside of the baggage claim area of the lower level of the terminal. The journey to Baltimore takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes while the journey to Washington, D.C., will take around 45 minutes.

Facilities: There are restaurants, bars, shops, duty-free, and ATMs throughout the airport. Other facilities include currency exchange desks, postal services, a meditation room, and the historical Benson Hammond House. Facilities for the disabled are good.

Parking: Short and long-term parking is available at the airport. The Hourly Garage charges $4 per hour, with a daily maximum of $22. The Daily Garage charges $12 per day; the Express Parking area charges $10 per day; and the Long-Term Parking area charges $8 per day. The long-term lots are served by shuttles.

Baltimore

As Maryland's biggest city and one of the USA's busiest ports, Baltimore's position at the end of the Patapsco River that feeds into Chesapeake Bay gives the city easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and it became an important port and shipbuilding centre.

It was home to a large number of US Navy vessels as well as the famously swift Baltimore clipper ships that destroyed or captured many of the British merchant ships during the war of 1812. Unlike Washington, D.C., Baltimore survived the vengeful attack by Britain, and with the triumphant flying of the American flag over Fort McHenry the country's national anthem was born.

Since its important role in the Revolution, Baltimore has experienced a turbulent history. Its fortunes have seesawed from post-Revolution prosperity to a city crippled by the violence of divided loyalties during the Civil War; from a railroad-rich 19th century to the devastation caused by the fire of 1904.

Nicknamed 'Charm City' for its fusion of small-town hospitality and city finesse, Baltimore combines an interesting mix of neighbourhoods, a diverse range of attractions, and delicious seafood specialities of the Inner Harbor that includes the abundant Maryland steamed blue crabs.

The distinct neighbourhoods are an attractive feature of Baltimore, among them the historic maritime district of Fells Point, the broad avenues of wealthy Mount Vernon, the village ambiance of Little Italy, and the Bohemian area of SoWeBo, or Southwest Baltimore.

Fells Point is the most popular district for entertainment, with its large selection of restaurants, cafes, bars, and nightclubs. The Power Plant Live! area near the Inner Harbor has several restaurants, bars, and clubs. Other neighbourhoods in Baltimore with good nightlife include Canton Square, Mount Vernon, Hampden, Federal Hill, and the Station North Arts and Entertainment District.

The waterfront and Inner Harbor are the hearts of this vibrant and growing city, making it a major tourist destination. It features the National Aquarium, the Maryland Science Center, the Port Discovery Children's Museum, and the World Trade Center with its 27-storey high Top of the World Observation Level.

Offerings cover everything from art to archaeology to black history. The water taxi service, besides providing an efficient means of harbour transport, is an excellent way to experience the waterfront and affords fantastic views of the city's skylines.

Getting around in Baltimore

Most visitors to Baltimore will head for the compact Inner Harbour and downtown areas, which are easy to navigate on foot or by public transport. Water taxis act like a bus service and are a cheap and convenient way to get around the Inner Harbour, connecting many attractions as well as other districts.

The inexpensive bus network connects all parts of the city and provides an easy way of getting around, although transfers are often necessary. The metro and light rail systems provide limited coverage, mainly aimed at commuters. Taxis are usually ordered by phone, but they can be found at taxi ranks or hailed on the street; Uber is also an option.

Driving in central Baltimore is unnecessary and not recommended due to difficult and expensive parking, but the layout is fairly easy and congestion limited to rush hour. The recommended option for visitors is the Charm City Circulator, which provides a free daily bus service to Baltimore's most popular areas.

Climate in Baltimore

Baltimore's climate is classified as humid subtropical, with high annual rainfall spread throughout the year. The city experiences hot, humid summers and cold, damp winters. In the height of summer, temperatures in downtown Baltimore can rise to 91F (3°C) and fall to 60F (15C), while during January, the coldest month, temperatures range between 23°F (-5C) and 41°F (5C).

The ocean moderates the weather, so it is not as cold in winter or as hot in summer in Baltimore as it is in eastern cities that are further inland. Snow does fall in winter, though, usually in the form of snowstorms that deposit a few inches on the city streets. The best time to visit Baltimore is in the summer (June to August), when the weather is sunny and warm, and the city hosts a number of events and festivals.

Sightseeing in Baltimore

Baltimore is the largest city in Maryland, with a vast and important seaport history. It draws in visitors with a range of attractions and is home to many famed places of learning, most notably the Johns Hopkins University.

There are many museums and some wonderful cultural institutions such as an eminent symphony orchestra. The Baltimore Inner Harbour is a superb place to visit, where tourists find themselves enjoying the newly renovated area and old town centre.

Surrounding the popular waterfront are several entertainment hubs suitable for the whole family. Home to more than 16,000 marine animals, the National Aquarium is a sought-after attraction, and the Maryland Science Center makes for a one of a kind educational experience for both young and old. Great family activities include the Maryland Zoo and the Port Discovery Children's Museum.

There are also a lot of vibrant restaurants and lively nightlife spots from which to choose when the children are in bed. Fells Point is the most popular district for entertainment, offering lots of nice restaurants as well as cafes, bars, and nightclubs.

Baltimore Attractions

Annapolis

Situated only 35 miles (56km) south of Baltimore, Annapolis is not only the small capital of Maryland but also considered the sailing capital of the USA. A huge concentration of recreational and racing yachts shelter in its marina. It's also a college town and has been home to the US Naval Academy since 1845. The waterfront has grown in to an attractive district, having retained its 18th century appeal despite the collection of boutiques, upmarket shops, bars, restaurants, and inns. These cater to the onshore sailing crowd and tourists drawn to the city's history, nautical outlook, and reputation as a party town. Much of Annapolis's colonial past is preserved in the thousands of historical buildings scattered along the narrow streets and brick-paved sidewalks. The concentration of original colonial-style houses and grand public buildings is greater here than anywhere else in the country. Among the elite brick manors are numerous pastel-coloured rows of wooden slatted cottages that lead down to the waterfront. At the centre of Annapolis is the Maryland State House that once served as the capitol of the country, where George Washington resigned as Commander-in-Chief and where Congress authorised the treaty ending the Revolutionary War. The city is a good base from which to explore the small towns across Chesapeake Bay on the Eastern Shore, by way of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Annapolis is also ideally situated for weekend trips to Washington DC and provides more budget-friendly accommodation for travellers to America's capital.

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Ocean City

With more than 10 miles (16km) of white sandy beaches and pounding surf, Ocean City is Maryland's number one vacation destination, with so many visitors during the peak summer months that it becomes the second largest city in the state for the season. The town is dominated by the famous old boardwalk that is lined with shops, bars and restaurants, flashing neon signs and holiday condos. Among the ice-cream stands and all-night fast-food franchises are hotels dating back to the 1920s. The fishing pier at the end of the Ocean City boardwalk has an amusement park with a huge Ferris wheel. There are plenty of activities including boating and deep-sea fishing, mini-golf courses, tram rides as well as the beaches. To escape the holiday crowds in Ocean City, the Assateague Island National Seashore is a 37-mile (60km) stretch of wild and undeveloped beach and marshland that extends into Virginia. Little brown and white ponies are the only inhabitants that roam the dunes and graze in the grassy marshes. The main roads and paths can be crowded in summer with people coming to see the legendary wild ponies, but a short way off the main routes will bring the peace one may be looking for.

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The Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore occupies more than half of the Delmarva Peninsula shared between Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, protecting the towns along Chesapeake Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. Although linked to the mainland by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, life is much slower and sleepier on this side of the bay. Miles of country lanes and Chesapeake waterways await, while old wooden farmhouses and wheat fields, waterfront towns and fishing craft, lonely wind-rusted marshes and the sound of birds give the peninsula its charming character. On the Atlantic Coast, the summer-swollen resort of Ocean City, with its lovely beaches, amusement arcades, and busy fast-food stands, is the most visited spot on the East Shore. In contrast, the quaint old towns of Oxford, the colonial college town of Chestertown, and Saint Michaels are waterfront communities that sport old-fashioned family-owned stores and are the essence of life along Chesapeake Bay. Crisfield and Smith Island are classic old-world villages in the south and home to huge numbers of soft-shelled blue crabs that are the delicious speciality of Maryland. Easton is the unofficial capital of the Eastern Shore and is the largest town with a picturesque downtown district of historical colonial buildings. The farmlands invite exploration by bicycle along miles of quiet back roads. Visitors can also explore the inlets and rivers by boat, stopping along the way to sample the fish, oysters, and crabs found here throughout the year.

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Maryland Science Center

Housed within the striking glass, steel, and concrete structure on Inner Harbor, the Maryland Science Center contains five storeys of interactive exhibits, an IMAX, the world-famous Davis Planetarium, and an observatory. Dating back to 1797, the Maryland Academy of Sciences is one of the USA's oldest scientific institutions and remains focused on education. There are imaginative and hands-on displays ranging from astronomy and space travel, to dinosaurs and general science experiments. The planetarium runs programs with stargazing at night and studying the sun during the day through the observatory telescope. Other popular attractions include The Kids Room and the National Touring Exhibit.

Website: http://www.marylandsciencecenter.org

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National Aquarium

The National Aquarium is Maryland's leading tourist attraction and one of the best aquariums in the world. Recently voted as one of the top ten family destinations in the USA, visitors can tour the tidewaters of Maryland, the Pacific coastland, or a tropical rainforest without leaving Baltimore. The aquarium offers more than just marine life. There are several special exhibits such as the Amazon Rainforest display with poison dart frogs, dwarf caiman, anacondas, sloths, colourful birds, and conehead lizards, as well as plants and fish. A sea cliffs habitat features puffins and other sea birds, while the Coral Reefs and Open Ocean tanks are walkthrough displays bringing visitors face to face with sharks and exotic fish. Permanent residents include seahorses, turtles, stingrays, and octopuses. In addition to the permanent exhibits, dolphins jump, wave, and flip in regularly scheduled shows at Dolphin Discovery. People can catch an underwater view from an atrium below the pool or watch the tricks from the stands. The aquarium also offers 4D films to immerse viewers in fascinating marine worlds. These shows have additional in-theatre sensory effects, such as smell, water spray, and moving seats. Films shown range from popular cartoons to documentaries, usually lasting for 15 minutes.

Website: http://www.aqua.org

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Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum's roster of rolling stock, historic railway buildings, and assortment of memorabilia from stations and trains makes it a must-visit for train enthusiasts. But even for those who are not railroad fanatics, this is one of the best sights in Baltimore and a fascinating place for the whole family. Housed in the huge Roundhouse is an enormous collection of locomotives, passenger cars, classic heritage trains, mail cars, and Pullman sleepers. A full-scale model of the first locomotive, Tom Thumb, is on display along with a red caboose from 1907. Other exhibits include posters, historic photographs, and newspaper cuttings, as well as a superb model railway and numerous interactive and entertaining exhibits. Some recreate experiments from the 1830s such as sail-powered carriages, hand cranks, and propulsion using dogs or horses. The museum was the first railroad in the US, dating from 1827, and the museum is located on the site of the first station in America.

Website: http://www.borail.org

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Fort McHenry

The Fort McHenry National Monument is forever associated with the US national anthem, written by poet Francis Scott Key while watching the British attack Baltimore during the War of 1812. After more than 25 hours of constant bombing by British naval forces, the fort stood with the flag flying high. Interestingly, it was the only action the brick fort had seen in more than 100 years of guarding the waters approach to Baltimore. A visit includes a short historical film and a guided tour, with exhibits recalling the siege as well as the fort's Civil War service. On summer weekends there are military ceremonies and drills, as well as a living history program simulating the daily activities during the battle. There is also a daily changing of the flag ceremony, with about 20 people required to fold the enormous Star-Spangled Banner. A short talk about the fort, flag, and anthem concludes the ceremony. The monument and its grounds are a national park and visits to the parklands are free. From the fort, there are fine views down the Patapsco River to Inner Harbor and towards Chesapeake Bay.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/fomc

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Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame

The origins of lacrosse lie within multiple Native American tribes, for whom the game had great significance in both religious observance and preparing men for war. The Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame showcases the history of this, America's oldest sport. It also displays the top male and female players of today's game, alongside coaches and contributors. More than 400,000 people in the eastern United States and Canada play the unique sport of lacrosse. Nowhere is it more popular than in Maryland, where 'LAX' stickers sit beside decals for posh private schools on fancy cars, furthering the sport's elite reputation. Since September 2016, the Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame relocated to a new location in Sparks, Maryland.

Website: http://www.uslacrosse.org/about-us-lacrosse/the-national-lacrosse-hall-of-fame-and-museum

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Baltimore Museum of Art

Founded in 1914 with a single painting, the Baltimore Museum of Art sits in the leafy neighbourhood of Charles Village. Today, the BMA is home to an internationally renowned collection of European and American fine and decorative art pieces. These range from 15th through to 19th-century prints and drawings, works by established and emerging contemporary artists as well as objects from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Its 90,000 works include the world's largest holding of pieces by Henri Matisse. Two beautifully landscaped gardens surround a grand museum building, designed by famous American architect John Russell Pope. Yoga classes and jazz concerts often take place upon the lawns in the early evening. Visitors can sample signature Chesapeake Bay cuisine on the lovely outdoor terrace of Gertrude's, the BMA's restaurant.

Website: http://www.artbma.org

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Walters Art Museum

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, two Baltimore men, William Walters and his son, Henry, amassed a diverse range of artwork. Drawn from all around the world, they then bequeathed it to their hometown. The 22,000 pieces they collected span 55 centuries, including ancient Egyptian art as well as late 19th-century European pieces and decorative objects. Some favourite works on display at the Walters include seven ancient Roman sarcophagi, judged to be among the finest in the world; a collection of Japanese arms and armour; a medieval ivory casket covered with scenes of jousting knights, one of only a dozen such items remaining; and 900 illuminated manuscripts, as well as the letters of Catherine the Great and the diary of Napoleon.

Website: http://www.thewalters.org

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Western Maryland

Western Maryland is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts in every season, thanks to its beautiful scenery, thousands of acres of parkland, lakes for swimming, fly-fishing and boating, winter skiing, and white-water rafting. Visitors can climb the state's highest mountain, hike part of the famous Appalachian Trail, or cycle and hike along the popular Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which once served as a towpath for mule-drawn barges between Washington DC and Cumberland. The state's largest freshwater lake, Deep Creek Lake, is the hub of outdoor recreation in Garrett County, with a variety of water sports, golf, and skiing. Apart from these fine activities and fantastic scenery, there are a number of quaint small towns. These include Cumberland, Frostville, and Lavale, which offer restaurants, antique shops, and bookstores in addition to their charm. The haunting plaques of the Civil War battlefield at Antietam are another popular Western Maryland attraction, and a must-see for Civil War history buffs.

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Events in Baltimore

Airports in Baltimore

Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI)
Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport
http://www.bwiairport.com

Location: Baltimore The airport is situated 10 miles (16km) south of Baltimore and 30 miles (48km) north of Washington.

Time: GMT -5 (GMT -4, from mid-March to the first Sunday in November).

Contacts: Tel: (410) 859 7111

Transfer between terminals: There are five concourses (A to E) within the large terminal building. All concourses are connected in the terminal by walkways, but time should be allowed in order to transfer from one concourse to another when catching a flight.

Getting to the city: The MARC train station services both central Baltimore and Washington, D.C., connected to the terminal via shuttle buses. A light rail service is also available to downtown Baltimore, Timonium, and Hunt Valley. The BWI Marshall Light Rail Station is located immediately outside the lower level of the terminal building, adjacent to Concourse E. The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) has a bus service to the Greenbelt Metro Station, which connects to metro stations throughout Washington, D.C., Virginia, Montgomery, and Prince Georges Counties. There are two WMATA Bus Stops. One is located on the lower level of the International Concourse and the other stop is located on the lower level of Concourse A/B.

Car rental: Car rental companies include Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Hertz, National, Alamo, Enterprise, Nextcar, Payless, and Thrifty.

Airport Taxis: The taxi stand, BWI Airport Taxi, is located just outside of the baggage claim area of the lower level of the terminal. The journey to Baltimore takes approximately 20 to 25 minutes while the journey to Washington, D.C., will take around 45 minutes.

Facilities: There are restaurants, bars, shops, duty-free, and ATMs throughout the airport. Other facilities include currency exchange desks, postal services, a meditation room, and the historical Benson Hammond House. Facilities for the disabled are good.

Parking: Short and long-term parking is available at the airport. The Hourly Garage charges $4 per hour, with a daily maximum of $22. The Daily Garage charges $12 per day; the Express Parking area charges $10 per day; and the Long-Term Parking area charges $8 per day. The long-term lots are served by shuttles.

Port of Call - Baltimore

Historically a working-class port city, Baltimore has been transformed over the past 20 years into one of America's most attractive and interesting destinations with plenty of interest for cruise passengers. Baltimore is renowned for its charming and distinct neighbourhoods, and epic draw-cards like Fort Worth and Oriole Park. Baltimore's port was founded in 1706, preceding the founding of the actual city. The port is the furthest inland US port, and cruise ships take around 12 hours to reach the Atlantic along the picturesque channel of Chesapeake Bay. Cruise ships dock at newly built South Locust Point cruise terminal, close to the heart of the city. Although conveniently located it currently has very few amenities.

Shopping in Baltimore

Head to Harborplace, within Inner Harbor, for more shops than your credit card can ever handle. The funky Hampden district has a great range of interesting stores does Charles Street in Mount Vernon. Visit Faidley's for the best crab cakes in the land - they will ship frozen to your home.

Dining in Baltimore

Woodberry Kitchen - bustling open-plan restaurant serving local cuisine

Charleston - southern cuisine in the city's most highly rated eatery

Mama's on the Half Shell - incredibly local seafood and a fun atmosphere

Things to do in Baltimore

Catch the Baltimore Water Taxi around the city's waterways

Visit former US-capital city Annapolis, 45-minutes away

Catch the train to Washington D.C.

Head to the great outdoors of Western Maryland

Browse the Baltimore Museum of Art

Maryland Port Administration 401 East Pratt Street Tel: +1 (800) 638-7519 mpa.maryland.gov

Maryland Attractions

Overview

Annapolis

Situated only 35 miles (56km) south of Baltimore, Annapolis is not only the small capital of Maryland but also considered the sailing capital of the USA. A huge concentration of recreational and racing yachts shelter in its marina. It's also a college town and has been home to the US Naval Academy since 1845. The waterfront has grown in to an attractive district, having retained its 18th century appeal despite the collection of boutiques, upmarket shops, bars, restaurants, and inns. These cater to the onshore sailing crowd and tourists drawn to the city's history, nautical outlook, and reputation as a party town. Much of Annapolis's colonial past is preserved in the thousands of historical buildings scattered along the narrow streets and brick-paved sidewalks. The concentration of original colonial-style houses and grand public buildings is greater here than anywhere else in the country. Among the elite brick manors are numerous pastel-coloured rows of wooden slatted cottages that lead down to the waterfront. At the centre of Annapolis is the Maryland State House that once served as the capitol of the country, where George Washington resigned as Commander-in-Chief and where Congress authorised the treaty ending the Revolutionary War. The city is a good base from which to explore the small towns across Chesapeake Bay on the Eastern Shore, by way of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Annapolis is also ideally situated for weekend trips to Washington DC and provides more budget-friendly accommodation for travellers to America's capital.

Ocean City

With more than 10 miles (16km) of white sandy beaches and pounding surf, Ocean City is Maryland's number one vacation destination, with so many visitors during the peak summer months that it becomes the second largest city in the state for the season. The town is dominated by the famous old boardwalk that is lined with shops, bars and restaurants, flashing neon signs and holiday condos. Among the ice-cream stands and all-night fast-food franchises are hotels dating back to the 1920s. The fishing pier at the end of the Ocean City boardwalk has an amusement park with a huge Ferris wheel. There are plenty of activities including boating and deep-sea fishing, mini-golf courses, tram rides as well as the beaches. To escape the holiday crowds in Ocean City, the Assateague Island National Seashore is a 37-mile (60km) stretch of wild and undeveloped beach and marshland that extends into Virginia. Little brown and white ponies are the only inhabitants that roam the dunes and graze in the grassy marshes. The main roads and paths can be crowded in summer with people coming to see the legendary wild ponies, but a short way off the main routes will bring the peace one may be looking for.

The Eastern Shore

The Eastern Shore occupies more than half of the Delmarva Peninsula shared between Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia, protecting the towns along Chesapeake Bay from the Atlantic Ocean. Although linked to the mainland by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, life is much slower and sleepier on this side of the bay. Miles of country lanes and Chesapeake waterways await, while old wooden farmhouses and wheat fields, waterfront towns and fishing craft, lonely wind-rusted marshes and the sound of birds give the peninsula its charming character. On the Atlantic Coast, the summer-swollen resort of Ocean City, with its lovely beaches, amusement arcades, and busy fast-food stands, is the most visited spot on the East Shore. In contrast, the quaint old towns of Oxford, the colonial college town of Chestertown, and Saint Michaels are waterfront communities that sport old-fashioned family-owned stores and are the essence of life along Chesapeake Bay. Crisfield and Smith Island are classic old-world villages in the south and home to huge numbers of soft-shelled blue crabs that are the delicious speciality of Maryland. Easton is the unofficial capital of the Eastern Shore and is the largest town with a picturesque downtown district of historical colonial buildings. The farmlands invite exploration by bicycle along miles of quiet back roads. Visitors can also explore the inlets and rivers by boat, stopping along the way to sample the fish, oysters, and crabs found here throughout the year.

Maryland Science Center

Housed within the striking glass, steel, and concrete structure on Inner Harbor, the Maryland Science Center contains five storeys of interactive exhibits, an IMAX, the world-famous Davis Planetarium, and an observatory. Dating back to 1797, the Maryland Academy of Sciences is one of the USA's oldest scientific institutions and remains focused on education. There are imaginative and hands-on displays ranging from astronomy and space travel, to dinosaurs and general science experiments. The planetarium runs programs with stargazing at night and studying the sun during the day through the observatory telescope. Other popular attractions include The Kids Room and the National Touring Exhibit.

Website: http://www.marylandsciencecenter.org

National Aquarium

The National Aquarium is Maryland's leading tourist attraction and one of the best aquariums in the world. Recently voted as one of the top ten family destinations in the USA, visitors can tour the tidewaters of Maryland, the Pacific coastland, or a tropical rainforest without leaving Baltimore. The aquarium offers more than just marine life. There are several special exhibits such as the Amazon Rainforest display with poison dart frogs, dwarf caiman, anacondas, sloths, colourful birds, and conehead lizards, as well as plants and fish. A sea cliffs habitat features puffins and other sea birds, while the Coral Reefs and Open Ocean tanks are walkthrough displays bringing visitors face to face with sharks and exotic fish. Permanent residents include seahorses, turtles, stingrays, and octopuses. In addition to the permanent exhibits, dolphins jump, wave, and flip in regularly scheduled shows at Dolphin Discovery. People can catch an underwater view from an atrium below the pool or watch the tricks from the stands. The aquarium also offers 4D films to immerse viewers in fascinating marine worlds. These shows have additional in-theatre sensory effects, such as smell, water spray, and moving seats. Films shown range from popular cartoons to documentaries, usually lasting for 15 minutes.

Website: http://www.aqua.org

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum

Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum's roster of rolling stock, historic railway buildings, and assortment of memorabilia from stations and trains makes it a must-visit for train enthusiasts. But even for those who are not railroad fanatics, this is one of the best sights in Baltimore and a fascinating place for the whole family. Housed in the huge Roundhouse is an enormous collection of locomotives, passenger cars, classic heritage trains, mail cars, and Pullman sleepers. A full-scale model of the first locomotive, Tom Thumb, is on display along with a red caboose from 1907. Other exhibits include posters, historic photographs, and newspaper cuttings, as well as a superb model railway and numerous interactive and entertaining exhibits. Some recreate experiments from the 1830s such as sail-powered carriages, hand cranks, and propulsion using dogs or horses. The museum was the first railroad in the US, dating from 1827, and the museum is located on the site of the first station in America.

Website: http://www.borail.org

Fort McHenry

The Fort McHenry National Monument is forever associated with the US national anthem, written by poet Francis Scott Key while watching the British attack Baltimore during the War of 1812. After more than 25 hours of constant bombing by British naval forces, the fort stood with the flag flying high. Interestingly, it was the only action the brick fort had seen in more than 100 years of guarding the waters approach to Baltimore. A visit includes a short historical film and a guided tour, with exhibits recalling the siege as well as the fort's Civil War service. On summer weekends there are military ceremonies and drills, as well as a living history program simulating the daily activities during the battle. There is also a daily changing of the flag ceremony, with about 20 people required to fold the enormous Star-Spangled Banner. A short talk about the fort, flag, and anthem concludes the ceremony. The monument and its grounds are a national park and visits to the parklands are free. From the fort, there are fine views down the Patapsco River to Inner Harbor and towards Chesapeake Bay.

Website: http://www.nps.gov/fomc

Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame

The origins of lacrosse lie within multiple Native American tribes, for whom the game had great significance in both religious observance and preparing men for war. The Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame showcases the history of this, America's oldest sport. It also displays the top male and female players of today's game, alongside coaches and contributors. More than 400,000 people in the eastern United States and Canada play the unique sport of lacrosse. Nowhere is it more popular than in Maryland, where 'LAX' stickers sit beside decals for posh private schools on fancy cars, furthering the sport's elite reputation. Since September 2016, the Lacrosse Museum and National Hall of Fame relocated to a new location in Sparks, Maryland.

Website: http://www.uslacrosse.org/about-us-lacrosse/the-national-lacrosse-hall-of-fame-and-museum

Baltimore Museum of Art

Founded in 1914 with a single painting, the Baltimore Museum of Art sits in the leafy neighbourhood of Charles Village. Today, the BMA is home to an internationally renowned collection of European and American fine and decorative art pieces. These range from 15th through to 19th-century prints and drawings, works by established and emerging contemporary artists as well as objects from Asia, Africa, and the Pacific Islands. Its 90,000 works include the world's largest holding of pieces by Henri Matisse. Two beautifully landscaped gardens surround a grand museum building, designed by famous American architect John Russell Pope. Yoga classes and jazz concerts often take place upon the lawns in the early evening. Visitors can sample signature Chesapeake Bay cuisine on the lovely outdoor terrace of Gertrude's, the BMA's restaurant.

Website: http://www.artbma.org

Walters Art Museum

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, two Baltimore men, William Walters and his son, Henry, amassed a diverse range of artwork. Drawn from all around the world, they then bequeathed it to their hometown. The 22,000 pieces they collected span 55 centuries, including ancient Egyptian art as well as late 19th-century European pieces and decorative objects. Some favourite works on display at the Walters include seven ancient Roman sarcophagi, judged to be among the finest in the world; a collection of Japanese arms and armour; a medieval ivory casket covered with scenes of jousting knights, one of only a dozen such items remaining; and 900 illuminated manuscripts, as well as the letters of Catherine the Great and the diary of Napoleon.

Website: http://www.thewalters.org

Montgomery Country

Although it's technically in Maryland, Montgomery County is located within the sprawling Washington, D.C. metro area. Chic and trendy, Montgomery County's population is among the wealthiest and most educated in the US. There are several large cities worth visiting in Montgomery County. The most popular is Bethesda, a lively town with plenty of restaurants and bars, and an active music and arts community. Silver Spring is just as trendy, with a newly-revitalised downtown area. Friendship Heights and Kensington have many upscale boutiques and antiques shops between them, and some quirky Victorian mansions. Kensington boasts a spectacular Christmas lights display each December, set around the interesting-looking Kensington Mormon Temple. Rockville is a quieter suburb with a historic town centre, offering historic attractions such as F. Scott Fitzgerald's grave set among many outlet malls. Wheaton is even more unremarkable from a sightseeing standpoint, but contains many excellent cheap restaurants ranging from Thai to Honduran cuisine.

Western Maryland

Western Maryland is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts in every season, thanks to its beautiful scenery, thousands of acres of parkland, lakes for swimming, fly-fishing and boating, winter skiing, and white-water rafting. Visitors can climb the state's highest mountain, hike part of the famous Appalachian Trail, or cycle and hike along the popular Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, which once served as a towpath for mule-drawn barges between Washington DC and Cumberland. The state's largest freshwater lake, Deep Creek Lake, is the hub of outdoor recreation in Garrett County, with a variety of water sports, golf, and skiing. Apart from these fine activities and fantastic scenery, there are a number of quaint small towns. These include Cumberland, Frostville, and Lavale, which offer restaurants, antique shops, and bookstores in addition to their charm. The haunting plaques of the Civil War battlefield at Antietam are another popular Western Maryland attraction, and a must-see for Civil War history buffs.

News about Maryland

Carnival Confirms Travel Documents for Norfolk to Baltimore Cruise

Carnival Cruise Line has responded to guests’ questions and confirmed what travel documents are necessary for Carnival Pride‘s May 19, 2024 departure that is now planned to leave from Norfolk, Virginia but return to Baltimore, Maryland. Typically, when a cruise ship leaves

How The Baltimore Bridge Collapse Could Impact Travel

Not long after midnight on March 26, a huge cargo ship hit the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. The hit caused the entire bridge to collapse. It took several cars, including those belonging to several construction and maintenance workers on the bridge at the

Surveying Begins on Cumberland Road

On March 29, 1803 Congress authorized the construction of Cumberland Road (known today as National Road) from what is present-day Wheeling, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland. Cumberland Road became one of

Port of Baltimore Suspends Ship Traffic After Bridge Collapse: What It Means for Travel

Travel is being impacted by Tuesday’s Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse along Interstate 695 in Baltimore, Maryland. Drivers were immediately directed to take alternate routes through the city, following the early morning incident. What’s less clear is what the

The Resignation of Spiro Agnew

On this day in 1973, Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned from office. Agnew pleaded nolo contendere to criminal charges of money laundering and tax evasion after the revelation that he accepted bribes while governor of the state of Maryland. Agnew was consequently disbarred in Maryland. His resignation created a

Edgar Allan Poe

On October 3, 1847, the great American poet, critic, and novelist Edgar Allan Poe was found delirious on the streets of Baltimore, Maryland. It was election day, and he was dressed peculiarly in another person's clothing. He died four days later at Washington College Hospital on October 7th. The cause of death is unknown and mysterious. All of the medical records from his stay in the hospital disappeared. Many have speculated that Poe was the unwitting victim of "cooping" - a practice of

Solo Trips or ‘Gramping?’ How Older Adults Travel Is Changing

This fall, Sally Matts is going to Spain. Since her retirement as a human resources professional, the Waldorf, Maryland, woman has become an avid traveler, going on several trips in the U.S. and abroad. “Don’t wait,” said Matts, 71, who is an ambassador with Road Scholar, an

Norwegian Cruise Line Returning to Baltimore With Two Ships

For the first time in years, Norwegian Cruise Line is returning to Baltimore and the Maryland Cruise Terminal. This fall, the Miami-based cruise line will send two ships to sail several different itineraries from the port, Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Sky. Norwegian Cruise Line is the third

Who Gets the Seat Upgrade if Only One Is Offered? What Most Flyers Do

If I’m not flying alone, I prefer to sit with the people I’m traveling with – whether it’s a partner, friends or my parents. It turns out I’m not alone. Rebecca Ratner, the dean’s professor of marketing at the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, told me her research shows people often

This Delaware Beach Town Has a Mile-Long Boardwalk and Is Known as the ‘Nation’s Summer Capital’ — And It’s One of the Best Places to Buy a Vacation Home

Delaware's Atlantic coastline, which stretches about 25 miles from Delaware Bay to the north to Fenwick Island to the south, has always been a quieter alternative to neighboring New Jersey and Maryland's more well-known beach destinations. However, one town that started as a permanent

Apple's TSA-Approved Digital ID Is Now Live In 4 States, Coming Soon To Many More

The days of fumbling around for your driver’s license at the security checkpoint are slowly coming to an end. Apple officially launched digital state IDs in the iPhone Wallet app last year, beginning with Arizona and Maryland. Since then, the tech giant has worked to

Surveying Begins on Cumberland Road

On March 29, 1803 Congress authorized the construction of Cumberland Road (known today as National Road) from what is present-day Wheeling, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland. Cumberland Road became one of

Chesapeake Shipbuilding Starts Work On New American Cruise Lines' Ship

Chesapeake Shipbuilding has started constructing American Cruise Lines’ fourth Coastal Cat vessel, American Legend, at its yard in Salisbury, Maryland, USA. The 100-guest American Legend will be one of 12 new small ships in the brand’s Project Blue series, which have been

11 Places to Connect With Baltimore’s Black History

This port city is home to several notable institutions, monuments, and more than 56,000 significant properties; Baltimore is a trove of African American history. Baltimore, Maryland, is distinguished by its abundance of seemingly oxymoronic characteristics. It’s charming but

Giant Indoor Waterpark Opening On East Coast In 2023: See Great Wolf Lodge's Biggest Park Yet

Great Wolf Lodge is set to open a massive 48-acre resort, it's largest yet, in Maryland later this year. The chain of indoor waterparks and family fun centers that features everything from winding water slides, obstacle courses, interactive "quests" and more, prides itself on being a one-stop shop for a

Edgar Allan Poe

On October 3, 1847, the great American poet, critic, and novelist Edgar Allan Poe was found delirious on the streets of Baltimore, Maryland. It was election day, and he was dressed peculiarly in another person's

Selfie-snapping U.S. tourist falls into Mt. Vesuvius' crater after dropping phone

A 23-year-old Maryland man was rescued over the weekend after falling into the crater of Mount Vesuvius in Italy while taking a selfie. The man, identified as Philip Carroll, visited the famed volcano, notorious for destroying the Roman city of Pompeii and blanketing it with ash in A.D. 79

5th New American Riverboat Launched at Maryland Shipyard

American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce that American Symphony was successfully launched last week at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, MD. It is the 5th ship in the new riverboat class American first introduced in 2018

The Galapagos and Costa Rica Are Creating an Underwater 'Ocean Highway'

The first step is the brand-new Galapagos Marine Reserve, which expands the total protected area in the archipelago to nearly 75,000 square miles, making it more than twice the size of Maryland.

Carnival Cruise Line says unvaccinated passengers won't be allowed on board unless they have a doctor's note

Starting August 28, unvaccinated people on Florida, Texas, Louisiana, Alabama, and Maryland-based ships must prove they are medically exempt

American Cruise Lines Accepts Delivery of American Melody and Announces the Names of the 5th & 6th Modern Riverboats

Guilford, CT— August 4, 2021—American Cruise Lines is pleased to announce it has accepted delivery of American Melody from Chesapeake Shipbuilding on time. Despite various challenges, the Maryland shipyard continued building through the pandemic and delivered American Melody, as promised and on schedule. In addition, American Cruise Lines also announced today the names of the 5th & 6th modern riverboats—American Symphony & American Serenade. The two riverboats are slated for delivery next year

American Airlines passenger uses emergency exit to jump onto tarmac after flight delayed, canceled

Flight 2396, traveling from Charlotte to Thurgood Marshall Baltimore-Washington International Airport in Maryland, was canceled Thursday even after passengers had already boarded the plane

American Cruise Lines contracts two more modern riverboats

American Cruise Lines inked contracts with Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland, to build two more modern-style riverboats in 2022

Surveying Begins on Cumberland Road

On March 29, 1803 Congress authorized the construction of Cumberland Road (known today as National Road) from what is present-day Wheeling, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland. Cumberland Road became one of the catalysts for westward expansion, the route making it possible for pioneers to move from the Eastern Seabord to the Western

Civil War Trails Blazes a New Path for History Travel in St. Mary’s County

Civil War Trails, Inc. has teamed up with the St. Mary’s County Museum Division, Visit St. Mary’s MD, Historic Sotterley, and the Maryland Department of Conservation and Recreation to revamp and reinstall eight Civil War Trails interpretive markers at historical sites throughout St. Mary’s County.

American Cruise Lines to Debut New Riverboats in 2021

American Cruise Lines will construct two additional riverboats in time for the 2021 season. The two new vessels -- which will be sister ships to American Harmony and American Jazz -- are already under construction at the Chesapeake Shipbuilding yard in Salisbury, Maryland. The as-yet-unnamed riverboats will follow the forthcoming American Jazz, which debuts this year in New Orleans. Both new

CCRA Travel Commerce Network Announces Updates and Honors Leaders at PowerSolutions National Annual Conference

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – February 17, 2020 – CCRA held its 2nd annual PowerSolutions National conference February 6-9, 2020 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center, in National Harbor, Maryland. At the conference, the organization celebrated another year of growth and shared an array of exciting new

CCRA Travel Commerce Network Announces Keynote Speaker for PowerSolutions National 2020

FORT WORTH, TEXAS – October 29, 2019 – CCRA Travel Commerce Network today announced Jessica Cox as its keynote speaker for PowerSolutions National 2020, which will take place February 7-9, 2020 at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland. Cox, who was born without arms and has

The Resignation of Spiro Agnew

On this day in 1973, Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned from office. Agnew pleaded nolo contendere to criminal charges of money laundering and tax evasion after the revelation that he accepted bribes while governor of the state of Maryland. Agnew was consequently disbarred in Maryland. His resignation

Edgar Allan Poe

On October 3, 1847, the great American poet, critic, and novelist Edgar Allan Poe was found delirious on the streets of Baltimore, Maryland. It was election day, and he was dressed peculiarly in another person's clothing. He died four days later at Washington College Hospital on October 7th. The cause of death is

Surveying Begins on Cumberland Road

On March 29, 1803 Congress authorized the construction of Cumberland Road (known today as National Road) from what is present-day Wheeling, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland.

Edgar Allan Poe

On October 3, 1847, the great American poet, critic and novelist Edgar Allan Poe was found delirious on the streets of Baltimore, Maryland. It was election day and he was dressed oddly in another person's clothing. He died four days later at Washington College Hospital

American Song, New Orleans' First Modern Riverboat, is Nearly Complete

Construction on American Song, one of two modern riverboats set to debut in New Orleans over the next year, is nearly complete. The 190-passenger riverboat owned by American Cruise Lines this week sailed from its outfitting basin at Chesapeake Shipbuilding in Salisbury, Maryland to the yard's outfitting bulkhead, where it will receive final touches, according to a news

Mid-Atlantic Bucket List: Must-see Places in Maryland, D.C, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia

Every week for a year, from May 2017 to April 2018, The Baltimore Sun's Travel Unraveled newsletter shared a new must-visit destination in the Mid-Atlantic region. Boardwalks, caverns, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and more are are collected from weeks passed.

Surveying Begins on Cumberland Road

On March 29, 1803 Congress authorized the construction of Cumberland Road (known today as National Road) from what is present-day Wheeling, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland.

Coast Guard Rescues ill woman aboard cruise ship off Maryland coast

A Coast Guard rescue crew has transported a woman from a cruise ship about eight miles off Point Lookout, Maryland, for medical attention

Edgar Allan Poe

On October 3, 1847, the great American poet, critic and novelist Edgar Allan Poe was found delirious on the streets of Baltimore, Maryland

Hurricane Irma Affecting Cruise Ships based as far away as Maryland, Texas

Voyages out of Baltimore; Galveston, Texas; and New Orleans are being affected as the storm approaches the mainland United States

Revolutionary War Cruise will Sail into History in Virginia and Maryland

American Cruise Line's newest river boat will tell the story of the nation's beginnings with stops at Mt. Vernon, Va., home of George Washington, and Colonial Williamsburg

American Cruise Lines Successfully Launches American Constitution

American Cruise Lines has announced that American Constitution was successfully launched on Tuesday morning. The ship was launched into the Wicomico River in Salisbury, Maryland

From Restaurants to Islands, 6 Boating Hangouts to Check Out this Summer

Maryland has plenty of hot spots for boating enthusiasts like Samad to dock or drop anchor, and take in water views, food and drink, and other amenities. Whether it be a newly opened hotel, a popular restaurant or a waterfront town, here are some options for those looking to enjoy entertainment via a water vessel this summer

Exploring Baltimore, a City With Style to Spare, on a Budget

My visit to Baltimore was filled with quirky fun like this: singular activities that make Maryland’s largest city a creative hotbed and thoroughly worthwhile place to visit

Surveying Begins on Cumberland Road

On March 29, 1803 Congress authorized the construction of Cumberland Road (known today as National Road) from what is present-day Wheeling, West Virginia to Cumberland, Maryland. Cumberland Road became one of the catalysts for westward expansion

Tour Maryland's new MGM National Harbor

The new casino resort boasts celebrities, local connections and intimate surroundings

The Resignation of Spiro Agnew

On this day in 1973, Vice President Spiro Agnew resigned from office. Agnew pleaded nolo contendere to criminal charges of money laundering and tax evasion after the revelation that he accepted bribes while governor of the state of Maryland

Edgar Allan Poe

On October 3, 1847, the great American poet, critic and novelist Edgar Allan Poe was found delirious on the streets of Baltimore, Maryland. It was election day and he was dressed oddly in another person's clothing

Suspect in Maryland double murder arrested in Alaska

Police have arrested a suspect on a cruise ship in Alaska and charged him with a double murder