Visiting Maryland

Any visitor to Washington DC has likely found themselves in Maryland at some point, as DC sits on land that was originally Maryland's. Maryland is a diverse state in its geography as well as population and industry. Cumberland and Hagerstown, in Maryland's far western tip, sit in the ridges and valleys of the Appalachian Mountains. Ocean City lies on the white sand beaches of the Eastern Shore. This diversity of landscapes provides visitors seemingly unlimited possibilities for travel.

Baltimore, Maryland's largest city, is the urban and cultural center for the state. The city welcomes visitors with world-class restaurants and shopping, professional sports and cutting edge theater and music. Annapolis, the state capital, was once temporarily the capital of the United States and is home to the United States Naval Academy. Situated on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis is a mecca for sailing enthusiasts.

Western Maryland welcomes spring with a bloom of events. The Spring Thyme at Sycamoe Heights Farmhouse Craft Show is held the latter part of March in Hagerstown. In April, just west of Hagerstown, in Big Pool is the 18th-Century Market Fair held at Fort Frederick State Park. This craft fair features artisans, craftsmen and sutlers working in a 1700s era encampment. This region of the state showcases quaint early American towns filled with americana and history.

Frederick hosts Pangaea Frederick, early May. The festival in only its third year, honors the diversity of Frederick's residents and their various heritages. The celebration begins with a naturalization ceremony welcoming new immigrants and continues from there with an exciting schedule of entertainment, international crafts and displays and foods from across the globe. The 2010 celebration will be held in Baker Park allowing more room for fun and activities.

Frederick is a wonderful place to stroll through the quaint shops and antique stores for a weekend. Stop for a nice lunch or dinner at top notch restaurants, like the Tasting Room, and people watch passersby on Market Street. Downtown Frederick is a wonderful mix of urban sophistication amidst the charms of thoughtfully restored and carefully maintained buildings.

There is no excuse to stay home the last weekend in June. The Baltimore area has a full schedule of festivals. There is the Regional Toddler Fair, LatinoFest 2010, the Rock'n Roll Wine Festival and the Summertime Blues Festival. Take your pick, load up friends and family and head out for the weekend.

For traditional fun, the Maryland State Fair is held in August and September in Baltimore county. Enjoy the Swifty Swine Pig Racing, Thoroughbred Horse racing and professional chainsaw sculptors kid will love the animal birthing center and Milk it Yourself event where they can learn how to milk a cow. Of course the midway, carnival rides and food will all be there too.

Don't forget Ocean City this summer - Maryland's most popular beach destination. Check out the variety of events from Springfest, to the Labor Day Weekend Arts and Craft Festival. Bring your swim suit and sunscreen for the best activity of all relaxing on the beach.

Best Western Hotels in Maryland span the state with locations as diverse as the state. From the western tip to the eastern shore Best Western Hotels await your visit. With convenient locations and affordable prices, Best Western is perfect for your travels.