One of the best parts of blogging is connecting with new people from all around the world. One of the first bloggers that I became a fan of is fellow Marylander, Bee, from Mind. Beauty. Simplicity. A few weeks ago, she organized a bunch of us to share our favorite in our hometowns. When I first started thinking of my favorite places to visit in Maryland, I was stumped. Even though I lived right outside Baltimore for years, there is so much more to Maryland. But, after lots of thinking and brainstorming, I came up with a few places to visit. If you’ve been to any of these places let me know your thoughts on them, or let me know which places I missed!
There are over 20 bloggers taking part in this collab. All their links at the end of this post- make sure you send all of them some love!
If you missed my last post, you can read it here.
Deep Creek Lake
Deep Creek Lake is located in the western part of Maryland, and, it’s a must if you’re an outdoorsy person. But, Deep Creek Lake is an area that has a little something for everyone. And, you can find a place to stay on sites like airbnb or vrbo.
During the summer, boats are always out, and you’ll see people water-skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. If that’s not your thing, you still have tons of options. There are also calmer areas where boats are not allowed that are perfect for kayaking. Deep Creek is also loved for fishing, hiking, mountain-biking, and camping.
In the winter, you can go skiing or snowboarding at Wisp Ski Resort. There are 34 different slopes, and a good variety for all skill levels. If you’ve never been skiing or snowboarding before, don’t worry, there are instructors that can help you learn the basics. Cross-country skiing is another popular winter activity. I’ve also heard that when the lake freezes over and snow settles on the ice, you’ll see skiers taking advantage of the flat surface.
National Aquarium in Baltimore
The National Aquarium in Baltimore is easily my favorite place in Baltimore City. When I was younger, I wanted to work with Orca whales (basically I wanted to live the plot of Free Willy). Later on, I wanted to become a marine biologist and monitor the pods of Orcas that live off the west coast of the U.S. Needless to say, I’ve always loved going to aquariums, even if they don’t have Orcas.
While they’re not Orcas, I love seeing the dolphins, and that’s always the highlight of any visit for me. Seeing the dolphins is an absolute must if you visit the aquarium. There are multiple events that you can pre-book that will give you different experiences with the dolphins, including watching a training session and a 4D film. Overall, the aquarium has over 20,000 animals and 800 different species. There’s so much to see, and I recommend planning on spending at least half a day there.
*I completely understand that the animals at zoos and aquariums are in captivity. I am mentioning the aquarium because it truly is one of my favorite places to visit in Maryland. If anyone would like me to write about my thoughts on animals in captivity, let me know in the comments.
Fort McHenry
Fort McHenry is known for being successful in its defense of Baltimore City in 1814. After British troops burned Washington D.C. in August of 1914, they headed north towards Baltimore City. But, the citizens of Baltimore and its’ militia had been preparing to protect the city for over a year, and the British were unable to take the city. While being held captive on a British warship, Francis Scott Key watched the bombardment and assumed that the fort had been taken. When the flag was raised in the morning, signaling victory, he was inspired to write the poem, “The Defense of Fort McHenry.” Now, that poem is the American National Anthem.
Visiting Fort McHenry will always have a special place in my heart. If you enjoy history, you’ll love visiting. It’s not one of the most talked about places to visit in Maryland, but my family and I had a very unique experience there.
I’ve only been to Fort McHenry once in my life. When you visit Fort McHenry, there is a self-guided tour of the fort, and several inside areas, including the barracks. When you arrive, there is a film you can watch that tells the basic history of the fort. At the end of the film, the Star Spangled Banner plays, and a curtain opens up revealing the American flag flying in the breeze outside.
Now, imagine this happening at sunset, when the sky is beautiful. You’re hearing the national anthem, and the flag is flying high. Then, a man walks into the room and announces that the United States has just bombed Afghanistan. It was October 7, 2001. To say everyone had chills would an understatement. I was only 10 years old, but I will never forget that moment. Even now, as I write this it feels like it was yesterday, and all of those emotions are still there.
So what about you- have you visited any of these places in Maryland? What was your favorite?
Before you go, don’t forget, check out all of these talented bloggers and share their posts! I am so grateful to have connected with them, and this collab has been so much fun to do.
Bee- thanks again for organizing all of this!
Mind. Beauty. Simplicity
Jessica Lasa
Maryland is beautiful. My favorite spot is the Deep Creek Lake. This place offers everything for those with an adventurous spirit. One can choose any activity out of the myriads and satiate his/her quench for adventure.
Thanks so much for reading!
Ooh! I’ve love to visit Deep Creek Lake! Looks so beautiful and probably the best in the summer too. Thanks for sharing this guest post xx
Lynn | https://www.lynnmumbingmejia.com
It’s a great spot to relax for a weekend! I hope you enjoy the other collab posts just as much as I do!
I’ve never been to Maryland (and I’ve only been to the US twice in my life) but if I ever get a chance to go, I’d definitely look up these places! I’d especially like to visit Deep Creek Lake, it sounds beautiful x
I hope you get to go one day! Thanks for reading!
That lake looks absolutely stunning! I’d love to visit Maryland one day xx
I highly recommend it! There’s so much to see and do in Maryland. It’s so diverse, and a short drive can make you feel like you’re in a different state.
All of these sound so fun! I love aquariums and this one sounds incredible. I love seeing dolphins and it’s great that you can book events xx
Hannah | https://luxuryblush.co.uk/
Thanks for reading!
These are some great places! ? I like being outdoors, so Deep Creek Lake sounds ideal for me! I’d love to explore the area while on a boat, don’t think I have the coordination for water-skiing.
Thank you for sharing these places in Maryland. ?
I couldn’t water ski either! Tubing is much more my speed- you can just sit back and enjoy the ride. Can’t wait to read your collab post!
Maryland is so beautiful. I hope someday, once it’s safe again, I can visit all the amazing places you shared. I got chills reading about your experience at Fort McHenry. Wow! I read so much about U.S. History and places like Maryland have so many incredible spots I would love to experience.
It was so fun being a part of this collab. It was such a delightful experience and interacting with a lovely community filled with wonderful people is so inspiring. I can’t wait to read the rest of the posts!
Have a lovely rest of the week.
Estée
There are so many historical landmarks in Maryland, and there are so many in our neighboring states, and Washington D.C. I’m so glad you appreciated my Fort McHenry experience the same way that I do when I think about it now! It was such a surreal experience, and I will never forget it.
I agree- this collab has been so much fun, and it’s been a unique way to get to know each other. I hope you have a good rest of the week and a fun weekend!
Great post. I would especially enjoy visiting the National Aquarium. Thank you for sharing three of your favorite places in Maryland. Would love to visit one day. This was a lot of fun collaborating with each one sharing some of their favorite hometown places.
I agree, this collab has been so much fun. I feel as if I know everyone a little bit better now!
Wow these are such beautiful places! Maryland is such a nice city! I’d love to visit Deep Creek lake and the national aquarium!
Let me know if you ever visit! Like every city Baltimore has good things and bad things. But it definitely is only one portion of the state- there are so many other things that make Maryland great.
Even as a fellow Marylander I have only visited the aquarium. And I am shocked to learn that someone else was just as obsessed with aquamarine life as me. I was definitely inspired by free willy and not only did I love the orca whales but I was also obsessed with dolphins. The dolphin shows were always one of my favorites.
I haven’t visited in years but I do have plans of planning a family trip soon.
I would love to visit Deep Creek.
Fort McHenry is definitely on my to-do list. I love history.
Yay! So glad I know another aquarium lover! Deep Creek is a great spot for a weekend away, and you’d love Fort McHenry!