6 Little Known Places to Visit In Maryland this Weekend
Summer is just getting started - have you planned out your adventures yet? If you are short on annual leave, or even short on funds, this list will help you channel your explorer mojo into planning an exciting series of day trips in Maryland. Have a solo experience, or even bring friends and family along for the ride!
Walk in Her Shoes - Harriet Tubman Byway
Not only was Harriet Tubman the frontwoman of the Underground Railroad (a network of safe houses and individuals dedicated to helping enslaved black men and women escape and gain their freedom) but she was also a nurse employed by the Union Army during the American Civil War and later -- a spy, scout, and militia commander.
Believe it or not, much of Tubman's "railroad conductor" work happened right in Maryland. While leading others to freedom, she traveled through Dorchester and Caroline counties in Maryland before heading into Deleware, and then into Pennsylvania.
This summer, walk a mile or two along the same route Harriet Tubman used while exploring The Tubman Byway. According to their website, the byway is the only self-guided tour that "preserves and interprets the places where Harriet Tubman was born, lived, labored, and where she fled from." The trip is 125 miles and can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete. Your time would be best spent driving through Maryland's scenic eastern shore and stopping to visit the 36 sites associated with the Underground Railroad including the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center. Learn more or download the driving guide here.
Explore Maryland's Eastern Shore
Take in all the Chesapeake Bay has to offer by visiting Maryland's eastern shore. If you don't consider yourself a beach person, but still enjoy a lovely waterfront stroll I would encourage you to spend the day exploring St. Michael's Island. The towns are beautiful and quaint, perfect for a scenic drive or bike ride. There is a variety of top-tier eateries and wineries for every foodie and wine connoisseur, too. Personally, my favorite winery (for sweet wines especially) is St. Michael's Winery located on South Talbot Street.
The area also has a number of museums and historical sites to explore. If you are a fan of lighthouses (like I am!) I would recommend a trip to Hooper Straight Light at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Consider joining a walking tour or boat tour to get the full eastern shore experience!
Would you prefer a nice quiet moment to be with nature? Walk, run, or bike St. Michael's nature trail, which extends 2.5 miles across the western edge of the town. According to traillink.com, the path starts on South Talbot Street just north of Heathington Farm Road. From there, the trail runs northwest through a dedicated parking lot (located across from the Bay Hundred community swimming pool) before coursing through the woods past some of the town's residences. A short covered wooden bridge takes trail users across San Domingo Creek, which is a popular spot for fishing. The nature trail then travels past a horse farm and cemetery before reaching its end at Bradley Park on Railroad Avenue.
However you decide to begin your eastern shore journey, I see a relaxing day trip in your future!
Meditate & Reflect at Secluded Shrine - Shrine of St. Anthony
Located in Ellicott City, Maryland, the Shrine of St. Anthony offers a peaceful place for visitors to pray, meditate, or simply enjoy a bit quiet time. The structure was built in 1930 and has been kept in pristine condition ever since. The grounds of the shrine expand 310 acres and include woodland trails, a stunning stone courtyard, and manicured gardens. The shrine is open to the public daily from 9AM-5PM. The Secret Garden was my favorite movie as a child and St. Anthony's looks like it could have been a part of the film's set.
Have a Birding Adventure - Patuxent Wildlife Refuge
During your travels in nature, how often do you pay attention to the wildlife? I love to see animals while visiting parks. Birding is a great hobby to incorporate your love of animals into your next day trip, and the Patuxent Wildlife Refuge is a great place to try it out! Birding only requires a few items to get started including a field guide, weather-proof journal, and binoculars. The Scarlet Tanager is a species known to thrive at the refuge. Do a little research on native birds (including listening to their songs) and lead your own bird quest right in Laurel, Maryland.
History Hopping Around Town - Annapolis, MD
Whether you are a hardcore history buff, or in search of educational opportunities for your little ones, Annapolis is a great place to spend the day exploring. Start your day at the Visitor's Center in Downtown Annapolis to get an overall look at the history of the city.
Next, take a short walk to the Banneker-Douglass Museum located on Franklin Street. It is housed in the former building of Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church, which is now a historic landmark. Take the opportunity to learn about black scientist Benjamin Banneker, as well as black activist and abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
From there, take your pick of visiting little-known area landmarks such as the Alex Haley sculpture (all the way down Main Street, right in front of City Dock) or Middleton Tavern - a bar which still stands today and known as a common slave auction site during the 1750's. Research your own historical sites within walking distance to Main Street and create your own itinerary!
Go Chasin' Waterfalls - Swallow Falls State Park
Located in Garret County, Maryland, Muddy Creek Falls is notably the tallest waterfall in Maryland at a whopping 53 feet! Enjoy a reasonable walk of a little over a mile up a conveniently placed staircase. As with any whitewater rapids, or waterways in general, exercise caution when navigating possible deep pools, slippery rocks, and swift currents. This park is a great place for a picnic or even outdoor camping for the expert adventurer. Admission is $3 per in-state car and $5 for out-of-state vehicles. Take your book, bike, or both - and have a fun day being at one with nature.
What other little-known sites would you add to this list?
Happy traveling!
-Jasmine (The Invincible)
Walk in Her Shoes - Harriet Tubman Byway
 |
| Image from Visit Maryland |
Believe it or not, much of Tubman's "railroad conductor" work happened right in Maryland. While leading others to freedom, she traveled through Dorchester and Caroline counties in Maryland before heading into Deleware, and then into Pennsylvania.
This summer, walk a mile or two along the same route Harriet Tubman used while exploring The Tubman Byway. According to their website, the byway is the only self-guided tour that "preserves and interprets the places where Harriet Tubman was born, lived, labored, and where she fled from." The trip is 125 miles and can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days to complete. Your time would be best spent driving through Maryland's scenic eastern shore and stopping to visit the 36 sites associated with the Underground Railroad including the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center. Learn more or download the driving guide here.
Explore Maryland's Eastern Shore
 |
| Image from Chesapeake Wine Country |
Take in all the Chesapeake Bay has to offer by visiting Maryland's eastern shore. If you don't consider yourself a beach person, but still enjoy a lovely waterfront stroll I would encourage you to spend the day exploring St. Michael's Island. The towns are beautiful and quaint, perfect for a scenic drive or bike ride. There is a variety of top-tier eateries and wineries for every foodie and wine connoisseur, too. Personally, my favorite winery (for sweet wines especially) is St. Michael's Winery located on South Talbot Street.
 |
| Image from Lighthouse Getaway |
The area also has a number of museums and historical sites to explore. If you are a fan of lighthouses (like I am!) I would recommend a trip to Hooper Straight Light at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. Consider joining a walking tour or boat tour to get the full eastern shore experience!
Would you prefer a nice quiet moment to be with nature? Walk, run, or bike St. Michael's nature trail, which extends 2.5 miles across the western edge of the town. According to traillink.com, the path starts on South Talbot Street just north of Heathington Farm Road. From there, the trail runs northwest through a dedicated parking lot (located across from the Bay Hundred community swimming pool) before coursing through the woods past some of the town's residences. A short covered wooden bridge takes trail users across San Domingo Creek, which is a popular spot for fishing. The nature trail then travels past a horse farm and cemetery before reaching its end at Bradley Park on Railroad Avenue.
However you decide to begin your eastern shore journey, I see a relaxing day trip in your future!
Meditate & Reflect at Secluded Shrine - Shrine of St. Anthony
 |
| Image from Waymarking |
Located in Ellicott City, Maryland, the Shrine of St. Anthony offers a peaceful place for visitors to pray, meditate, or simply enjoy a bit quiet time. The structure was built in 1930 and has been kept in pristine condition ever since. The grounds of the shrine expand 310 acres and include woodland trails, a stunning stone courtyard, and manicured gardens. The shrine is open to the public daily from 9AM-5PM. The Secret Garden was my favorite movie as a child and St. Anthony's looks like it could have been a part of the film's set.
Have a Birding Adventure - Patuxent Wildlife Refuge
 |
| Image from Find Your Chesapeake |
 |
| Scarlet Tanager |
History Hopping Around Town - Annapolis, MD
 |
| Image from Google |
Whether you are a hardcore history buff, or in search of educational opportunities for your little ones, Annapolis is a great place to spend the day exploring. Start your day at the Visitor's Center in Downtown Annapolis to get an overall look at the history of the city.
 |
| Image from Joseph Ross |
Next, take a short walk to the Banneker-Douglass Museum located on Franklin Street. It is housed in the former building of Mount Moriah African Methodist Episcopal Church, which is now a historic landmark. Take the opportunity to learn about black scientist Benjamin Banneker, as well as black activist and abolitionist Frederick Douglass.
 |
| Image from Capital Gazette |
From there, take your pick of visiting little-known area landmarks such as the Alex Haley sculpture (all the way down Main Street, right in front of City Dock) or Middleton Tavern - a bar which still stands today and known as a common slave auction site during the 1750's. Research your own historical sites within walking distance to Main Street and create your own itinerary!
Go Chasin' Waterfalls - Swallow Falls State Park
 |
| Muddy Creek Falls at Swallow Falls State Park |
Located in Garret County, Maryland, Muddy Creek Falls is notably the tallest waterfall in Maryland at a whopping 53 feet! Enjoy a reasonable walk of a little over a mile up a conveniently placed staircase. As with any whitewater rapids, or waterways in general, exercise caution when navigating possible deep pools, slippery rocks, and swift currents. This park is a great place for a picnic or even outdoor camping for the expert adventurer. Admission is $3 per in-state car and $5 for out-of-state vehicles. Take your book, bike, or both - and have a fun day being at one with nature.
What other little-known sites would you add to this list?
Happy traveling!
-Jasmine (The Invincible)
Comments
Post a Comment