One of the smaller states, Maryland nevertheless contains a great deal of diversity within its borders. While the Atlantic shoreline and Chesapeake Bay have quaint villages and unspoilt islands to explore, the area around Washington DC has become a centre for technology with military and civilian government establishments. A slim western ‘panhandle’ part of the state includes the forested Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains and numerous
resorts.
Baltimore is a bustling city, with a vibrant, restored harbourfront, many fine shops, galleries and museums, and historic Fort McHenry, where in 1814 Francis Scott Key was inspired to write the words of America’s national
anthem. The Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Museum has recently reopened and is home to the oldest and largest collection of railroad artefacts in the Western Hemisphere.
Annapolis, Maryland’s charming capital and the ‘sailing capital of the USA’, has cobblestone streets, buildings of great historical interest, and the famous US Naval Academy, where visitors may view midshipmen on parade. Maryland’s colonial history is also recalled at St Michaels, home of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, and at St Mary’s City, founded in 1634 as Maryland’s first capital.
Ocean City is a delightful family resort with three miles of boardwalk fronting a wide Atlantic beach, an amusement park and all the fun of the seaside. Nearby Assateague Island is the home of the famous Chincoteague wild ponies. Civil War history buffs should request a copy of the Maryland Civil War trails brochure before their visit.