This state was nicknamed by George Washington as the "Old Line State" for its regular "line" troops who served proudly in the Revolutionary battles.
Maryland is situated in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States. Annapolis is its capital and the largest city is Baltimore. Maryland has a varied topography including sandy dunes, low marshlands, gently rolling hills of oak trees and pine groves. The Chesapeake Bay nearly divides the state in two. The District of Columbia also known as Washington D.C is located in the middle region of this state but is not considered as part of this state. The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the USA.
Important cities in Maryland include Bethesda, Bowie, and Chesapeake city, College Park, Cumberland, Ellicott City, Frederick, Gaithersburg, Hagerstown, Laurel, Ocean City, Rockville and Silver Spring. International airports in the state are Baltimore-Washington International and the Salisbury-Ocean Wicomico International Airport. Other airports in close proximity are Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
The weather in Maryland depends on the geography as well as proximity to water, the elevation and down slope winds. The eastern part of Maryland lies near the Atlantic and so it has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild to coo winters. In the piedmont region, the winters are more extreme without the effect of the Atlantic Ocean and snowfalls average 20 inches or more every year. The higher parts of the region have colder winters and more snow. Rarely, Maryland is also vulnerable to tropical cyclone and major hurricanes because of its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. April through October is a good time to visit this state.
In the capital city of Annapolis, visitors can go to the Banneker-Douglass Museum (84 Franklin St – MD 21401) which houses a collection of African-American culture with rotating exhibits, tours and learning activities. Also visit the Chase Lloyd House (22 Maryland Ave, MD 21401) where Samuel Chase, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, lived.
Hammond-Harwood house is the finest example of Georgian Architecture. Art exhibits include art collections, handicrafts and textiles. Annapolis is well known for its Naval Academy. Visitors can enjoy strolling through the beautiful gardens of this historic academy which was created in 1845.
Art enthusiasts will enjoy the William Paca House and Garden (186 Prince George St, MD 21401) where Paca, also a signer of the Declaration of Independence chronicles the “Golden Age” of Annapolis. Two acres of formal gardens enthrall the visitor along with a dazzling view of the city of Annapolis.
The Baltimore National Aquarium is a must-see. It has interactive, hands-on, learning methods where the children can touch, feel, hear and get close with many marine animals. The outdoor sea lion pool and Marine Mammal Pavilion with its bottle-nose dolphins provide hours of entertainment.
The American Visionary Art Museum is for the daring and unconventional artists. Soulful exhibits undeterred by rigid tradition and rules are the main exhibits in this “visionary” museum which uses a variety of media such as paint and sculpture.
Port Discovery is another kid friendly attraction. At this museum which was designed by Disney “Imagineers”, children can touch, feel, smell and play with all kinds of child proof attractions.
The capital of the United States of America, Washington District of Columbia, is near this city. There are many attractions in the DC area including The White House, Jefferson Memorial, The Smithsonian Institution, The United States Capitol and Supreme Court of the United States.
