Exploring Maryland: What to do and see in ‘Little America’

Maryland, "America in Miniature," possesses a remarkable array of experiences that attract history buffs, nature lovers, foodies and adventure seekers alike.

Although the state is geographically small on the map, Maryland appears expansive due to its diverse landscape and abundance of activities. 

With well-known cities like Baltimore and its Inner Harbor, as well as museums, theaters and art galleries in abundance, Maryland offers a robust cultural experience. 

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The state connects its people to the country's history through locations such as Fort McHenry, where the national anthem was born, and pivotal Civil War battlefields like Antietam.

For those visiting to enjoy the culinary experiences Maryland offers, the state is famous for its fresh seafood. Maryland's culinary scene expresses its cultural heritage, especially with the blue-shelled crab of the Chesapeake Bay. 

Additionally, visitors often come to the state with a specific event as the focal point. Annual events like the Preakness Stakes horse race and diverse music, art and food festivals manifest Maryland's vibrant spirit and historic culture. 

Maryland is often called "America in Miniature" or "Little America" because of its diverse landscape. Visitors can see almost every type of geographical terrain during a trip around the state, except for the desert. 

With just 10,460 square feet, the state consists of the Eastern Seaboard's sun-kissed beaches, the marshes of the Chesapeake, the ancient peaks and dense forests of the Appalachian mountains and rolling, verdant farmland.

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For a well-rounded taste of Maryland's historical significance, natural beauty, cultural offerings and recreational opportunities, here are just some of the must-see stops for any visitor to the state:

Guests to Maryland often flock to Baltimore for its beautiful waterfront views, thriving restaurant scene and variety of attractions. Baltimore has a reputation as "Charm City" due to its residents, experiences and scenic views. 

Food enthusiasts will have no shortage of fresh seafood throughout the city, including fresh steamed crab.

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Baltimore's Inner Harbor is a popular tourist destination to spend a day. The revitalized waterfront area has something for everyone in the family, including the National Aquarium, Maryland Science Center, fresh seafood restaurants and historic ships available to tour.

The Maryland Science Center sits across the harbor with floors of science demonstrations and hands-on exhibits for children and adults. 

Oriole Park at Camden Yards, home of the Baltimore Orioles, is another popular attraction. It is a retro-classic Major League Baseball ballpark with a unique two-tiered layout.

Baltimore is home to the historic Francis Scott Key Bridge that collapsed in March 2024.

Annapolis, Maryland's capital, is recognized as the "Sailing Capital of the U.S." It is home to the U.S. Naval Academy, a historic district filled with colonial architecture, and a waterfront teeming with sailing experiences and other water activities.

The U.S. Naval Academy, founded in 1845, is not only a remarkable piece of the country's history but also a stunning campus. 

Some of the unique sites worth visiting include the copper-domed Cathedral of the Navy, the Athletic Hall of Fame, the sarcophagus of the father of the U.S. Navy, John Paul Jones, and the bronze statue of Bill the Goat, the academy's mascot.

Guests to Annapolis often join in for the annual Annapolis Oyster Roast & Sock Burning, a celebration to welcome in the spring.

Summer means traveling across the Chesapeake Bay for Maryland residents and visitors and spending time in Ocean City, a premier beach destination. Ocean City is a 10-mile stretch of sandy beaches with a boardwalk with good food, entertainment and activities for visitors of all ages. 

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The beach town draws in vacationers with its beautiful coastline, abundant watersports and summertime fun. 

A National Park Service-protected area, Antietam National Battlefield is a pivotal Civil War site that marks the single bloodiest day in American military history. 

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The battle, fought between the armies of Union Gen. George McClellan's and Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee, was a pivotal point in President Abraham Lincoln's issuance of the Emancipation Proclamation.

A visit to the battlefield merges educational opportunities with an opportunity to pay respects to those who gave their lives to shape the nation. 

It's also an area of pastoral beauty that can be explored by foot, bike or vehicle. 

The visitor center also offers museum exhibits on the Civil War. 

Those in search of a magical destination can head to Assateague Island. Known for its wild horses that roam free on the sandy shores, it is designed for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. 

Assateague Island National Seashore visitors can enjoy the 37-mile-long barrier island through camping, wildlife observation and relaxation on the pristine beaches.

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MTG responds to House Dem planning to hawk merchandise using 'bleach blonde' insult used against her

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene responded to Rep. Jasmine Crockett on Monday for seeking to profit off her dust-up with the Georgia Republican during a chaotic House hearing last week.

Crockett’s campaign filed a trademark application on Sunday for the phrase "bleach blonde bad built butch body," to be used for hats, hoodies, socks, and t-shirts, among other things, according to a document viewed by Fox News Digital.

"I’m very happy with myself. I turn 50 on Monday, and I’m so excited that I’m still alive and healthy and have done so much in life. And I think no matter what shape, size or how we look, we need to be ourselves, not telling women the only way to be attractive or accepted is to have fake boobs, fake hair, fake lashes, and injected faces," Greene told Fox News Digital. "I mean, we all wear makeup and do lashes and stuff sometimes, but it’s out of control. Women need a better message for women."

Tensions ran high at last week’s late night House Oversight Committee meeting to advance a contempt of Congress resolution against Attorney General Merrick Garland.

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At one point, Crockett criticized Greene’s line of inquiry to fellow Democrats on the committee, to which Greene responded, "I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what you’re reading."

It prompted a flurry of jeers from Crockett’s fellow Democrats, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., who forced the panel to vote on whether Greene could speak further. 

Just as Greene was recognized, Crockett asked Comer for clarification, "I’m just curious, just to better understand your ruling, if someone on this committee then starts talking about somebody’s bleach blonde bad built butch body, that would not be engaging in personalities, correct?"

A day later, Crockett announced "A Crockett Clapback Collection" that would "feature various swag that includes random things I’ve said."

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"The money will go to ensuring that we have a Democratic House!" she wrote X, formerly Twitter, accompanied by a photo of a male model wearing a black shirt emblazoned with her remarks about Greene.

Greene appeared to indirectly respond with a video of herself on the platform lifting weights, lauding herself as "built and strong."

Crockett, meanwhile, accused Greene of racism during a recent CNN interview. She mentioned Greene's comment about her eyelashes.

A spokesperson for Greene said, "The only person who has made this about color is Jasmine Crockett when she attacked MTG’s hair."

The spokesperson also pointed out that Crockett’s new fundraising venture comes after multiple Democrats accused House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., of fundraising off of that hearing and other committee proceedings.

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At one point, Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., the top Democrat on the committee, said in the hearing, "There is an ethics principle that no solicitation of a campaign or political contribution may be linked to an action taken or to be taken by a member or employee in his or her official capacity. That's just a reminder to my side. I hope that nobody is linking specific actions that you’re taking on the Oversight Committee to campaign contributions or solicitations."

The Greene spokesman accused Democrats of "pure hypocrisy."

But Crockett's office responded to Fox News Digital, "The condemnation of Comer’s email was not merely because it referred the Committee, but rather because the content within it that clearly violates ethics rules."

"In contrast, Rep. Crockett did not engage in an official act merely by saying these six words and one would be hard pressed to find how these six words could be found as one," Crockett’s office added.

Fox News Digital reached out to Raskin’s office to ask whether his comments extended to Crockett as well. Fox News Digital also reached out to Crockett’s campaign for a response to Greene.

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