Maryland is a small state with big vacation options. The Old Line State's varied topography offers different landscapes, each with their own unique appeal, while its mild climates are perfect for traveling almost any time of year. History, arts, culture, and activities only add to Maryland's vacation appeal.
Geography and Climate
Maryland is made up of 12,407 square miles, and is divided into two sections by the Chesapeake Bay. The section that lies east of the Bay is known as the East Shore, while the western area is called the West Shore. Although Maryland is the eighth smallest state in the U.S., it can be divided into five distinct geographical regions: the Atlantic Coastal Plain, Piedmont region, Blue Ridge Region, Appalachian Ridge and Valley, and Appalachian Plateau.
Stretching from New Jersey to Florida, the Atlantic Coastal plain covers both the East and part of the West Shore of Maryland, which is technically considered a part of the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Plain. The Atlantic Coastal Plain begins at Maryland's northeastern tip and covers the southeastern part of the state, extending almost to the District of Columbia. The land in this region is flat with some marshy areas on the East Shore, like the Pocomoke Swamp. The land on the West Shore has been used for farming since colonial times, particularly for producing tobacco.
Running from New Jersey in a southwest direction to Alabama, the Piedmont takes up about a 50-mile wide area in Maryland. The region is characterized by low rolling lands and valleys with rich soil. The Piedmont also features two ridges, the Dug Hill Ridge (1,200 feet) and the Pars Ridge (880 feet) which run in a southwesterly manner through the state. There are also a number of waterways in the Piedmont including rivers and streams that run into the Potomac River on the east of the ridges, and those that run into the Chesapeake Bay.
West of the Piedmont region is the Blue Ridge Region, continuing down the southern part of Pennsylvania and into the northern region of Virginia. Maryland's Blue Ridge Region covers a narrow, mountainous piece of land situated between the Piedmont and Appalachian Ridge and Valley regions. The elevation in the Blue Ridge Region is mostly over 1,000 feet, home to South Mountain and Catoctin Mountain.
The Appalachian Ridge and Valley features prominent orchards and farmlands to the east, with forested ridges in the west reaching up to 2,000 feet in elevation. The most western part of the state consists of Maryland's Appalachian Plateau. A triangle of land, the region is mostly covered by the Allegheny Mountains, including Backbone Mountain, which is the highest point in Maryland.
The climate in Maryland is moderate for the most part. The temperatures in the summer range from mild to hot, while winter temperatures are moderate in the east and south and very cold in the western mountainous regions. Yearly, average temperatures are about 55 degrees Fahrenheit, with the highest temperatures occurring in July when it can get into the mid and upper 80s. The coldest month in Maryland is January, with averages in the low to mid-20s. The rainiest time in the Old Line State is between July and August, when you can expect thunderstorms once every five days. Snowfall averages about 20.6 inches, ranging from 10 inches on the lower Eastern Shore to 110 inches in Garret County.
Looking Back
Maryland's human history dates back to its indigenous tribes of Native Americans, including the Nanticoke, Powhatan, and Susquehanna. The first peoples of the region were hunters and gatherers who lived in semi-nomadic groups. The native people made spears for hunting wild game such as deer and smaller animals. As food resources increased, particularly the availability of oysters, Native American settlements increased in complexity. In 1498, John Cabot was the first European to explore the area, and in the 1600s, European immigrants first encountered the area's Native American people. Maryland's first European settlements were erected in 1645, and within a century the settlers drove the Native Americans out of the state.
Maryland was chartered as the Maryland Colony in 1632, named for Queen Henrietta Maria. Under the govern of Lord Baltimore, Maryland was one of the few predominately Catholic regions in the English colonies. In 1664, slavery was allowed by law in colonial Maryland, and in 1695, Annapolis was made the capital city of the state. Maryland gained its statehood in 1788, becoming the seventh U.S. state. Maryland saw much war in its state history, including bloodshed in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.
To experience the events, sites, and stories of the Old Line State's history, visit any of Maryland's historic sites, monuments, or museums. The Maryland Civil War Trails allow travelers to walk in the footsteps of those who were actually a part of the conflict, including generals and assassins. The trail starts at the Kennedy Farm, where John Brown planned his attack on Harpers Ferry in 1859, and takes you through such sites as Abraham Lincoln's 1865 funeral train. Maryland's Heritage Areas are regions of the state where notable events in history took place. Such areas include the Canal Place Heritage Area, Montgomery County Heritage Area, and Stories of the Chesapeake Heritage Area, to name a few.
Active Pursuits and Entertainment
For each of its four seasons, Maryland has plenty of outdoor activities to offer. Backpacking, birdwatching, camping, boating and canoe trips are only a few of the active pursuits you can enjoy during your stay in the Old Line State. And if it's arts and culture your heart desires, no problem. Maryland has an assortment of museums, galleries, orchestras, and more to add a little pizazz to any vacation outing.
Maryland's wildlife habitats like forests and waterways feature thriving animal life, making perfect spots for nature observations. In the western part of the state, the Dans Mountain Wildlife Management Area is a 9,500-acre preserve that is home to the largest contiguous state-owned forest in Maryland. Here you can find bird species like the scarlet tanager, yellow-throated vireo, and ovenbird. Oceanside camping is the ideal outdoor adventure on the Eastern Shore, where beaches are open almost year-round at Assateague Island National Seashore and Assateague Island State Park. Or if hiking and biking are more your thing, Maryland boast plentiful biking and hiking trails through verdant forests and country lanes.
For cultural endeavors, Maryland has a variety of arts and entertainment that is sure to please. Check out Arts at the Canal Place for local crafts displays, or the Baltimore Museum of Art for fine visual arts. Performing arts like theater and dance are also available in the Old Line State at places like the Church Hill Theatre. And for music, enjoy the classic sounds of opera at the Lyric Opera House or more contemporary tunes at a variety of music venues.
Boasting mild climates, fascinating history, gorgeous natural landscapes, and plenty of activities year-round, Maryland is the ideal vacation destination for an exciting East Coast getaway.
