Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Visit Maryland

Maryland has the affectionate nickname of ‘America in Miniature’ due to its smallness of size but the variety of its climates and landscapes. 

As the restrictions of the pandemic recede and travel gets well and truly back on the agenda, there’s never been a better time to visit Maryland – and we round up exactly why below!

Opportunities For Outdoor Adventures 

Maryland is rich in natural attractions and sublime scenery, making it the perfect destination for an outdoor adventure. The state is home to forty miles of the Appalachian Trail, which runs from Georgia to Maine, so whether you choose to explore the entire length of this section of the route, which takes about a week, or opt to enjoy a day trail, you can expect epic scenery of the Potomac River and gentle, easy-walking terrain, making it a great choice for a family adventure.

Assateague Island offers excellent opportunities for outdoor exploration, too: with its miles of pristine coastline and teeming wildlife – the island is an important seashore ecosystem and home to more than three hundred different species of birds – this is a very special destination. Assateague is also home to herds of wild ponies that freely roam the landscape to the delight of visitors, and cruises regularly launch that offer visitors the chance to get up close and personal with some of the marine life.

Maryland boasts numerous lakes, creeks, and rivers, which also provide plenty of scope for kayaking, swimming, yachting, fishing, and white water rafting.

Iconic Eating

Maryland is a state that’s well known for its food! Blue crabs are the main stars of the show, and crab soup is a year-round favorite, served hot or cold, depending on the season –  Smith Island Cake is also a regional culinary icon, with its ten mouth-watering layers. When you’re visiting Maryland, be sure to try Stuffed Ham, too, which is a traditional dish in the south of the state and most often incorporates greens and onions.

Maryland is home to an abundance of fabulous restaurants and eateries. The Charleston in Baltimore is one such well-visited establishment and has collected a plethora of positive reviews and awards for its sublime food. 

The Hobbit Restaurant in Ocean City is another destination restaurant that’s well worth a visit during a trip to the state. The relaxed ambiance of the dining space, with its perfectly placed restaurant chairs overlooking the water, will have you happy to linger over a delicious meal, soaking up the vibe and the scenery.

Craft Fayres and Events

Maryland has a vibrant roster of annual events, and, with lockdown having put paid to these in recent times, this year they’re back and are bigger, better, and more numerous than ever, making 2022 perfect for a visit.

Ocean City will host a range of arts, crafts, and kids fayres over the Easter period, while May sees the return of the Sheep and Wool Festival, which will take place over two days. Wine in the Woods events are scheduled to take place in May and will feature live music, local crafts, food stalls, and – of course! – the opportunity to try some fabulous vintages. The 2022 Salisbury Pride Parade and Festival will be held in June, and visitors to Maryland in August may be lucky enough to catch the State Fair on the 26th of the month; expect carnivals, rides, a range of live entertainment, exhibits, vendors, and much more.

As well as this selection of events running throughout the year, Maryland also hosts regular regional farmers’ markets and local vendors’ exhibits.

History and Heritage

Maryland is a state that has a rich heritage, and a visit here is well worth it for the opportunities to learn about its history alone. The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail immerses travelers in the details of The War of 1812, which was fought predominantly on the Chesapeake, while the Baltimore and Ohio Transportation Museum encompasses part of the oldest railway yard in America and is the site of the very first telegraph message and the first passenger rail service.

Head even further back in time by taking a trip to Accokeek Creek, the archaeological site of a palisaded village that was occupied from about 1300 AD onwards.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Maryland?

So  – now we’ve been through some of the best reasons to visit this very special state, you may be ready to plan your trip! If this is the case, then it’s important to consider the time of year to choose. 

To enjoy pleasant weather without the crowds, then March through to May and September through to November are likely to be your best options. Summer weather in the state tends to remain on the comfortable side, with some rain, but you can expect to pay higher rates to visit in these months.

December, while very cold in Maryland and usually snowy, does mean fewer crowds and cheaper accommodation, so you can wander leisurely around town enjoying the festive lights.

Whenever you choose to visit, with its year-round attractions, events, and stunning landscapes, Maryland is sure not to disappoint.