The Paw Paw Tunnel in Allegany County, Maryland, is one of the most remarkable engineering accomplishments along the C&O Canal. Designed to eliminate the need for six additional miles of canal along a stretch of the Potomac River, the tunnel became one of the canal’s most significant construction challenges. Work on the Paw Paw Tunnel began in 1836 and was expected to take just two years. Instead, due to labor disputes, fights amongst workers, funding…

Christmas Village in Baltimore has become a beloved seasonal tradition. Each year the Inner Harbor transforms into a festive replica of a traditional German Christmas market. Since its opening in 2013, the market has drawn visitors from across Baltimore and throughout Maryland. Modeled after Nuremberg’s historic 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt, Christmas Village features dozens of vendors offering unique gifts, handcrafted goods, and delicious traditional holiday foods. The market includes both indoor and outdoor areas, along with a…

Thanksgiving traditions and foods vary across the country, and Maryland is no exception. One particularly unique holiday staple can be found in Baltimore. While sauerkraut is typically associated with hot dogs, brats, or Reuben sandwiches, in many Baltimore households it’s also a beloved Thanksgiving side dish. By the late 19th century, European immigrants passed through the Port of Baltimore, an estimated 25 percent of the city’s residents were German. Although sauerkraut didn’t originate in Germany,…

The American Discovery Trail (ADT) is the nation’s only coast-to-coast, non-motorized trail. The trail passes directly through Caroline County, connecting 15 states between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The ADT connects together a network of local, state, and national trails, many designed for walking, hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Along its path, the trail connects scenic and historic routes, national parks, forests, and countless sites of natural, cultural, and historical significance. Visitors along the trail…

Jefferson Patterson Park and Museum in Calvert County hosts its annual American Indian Heritage Day on November 1. Visitors are invited from near and far to celebrate and learn about the rich history and culture of American Indian communities in Maryland. Located along the scenic Patuxent River and St. Leonard Creek, Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum is a 560-acre state park and home to the Maryland Archaeological Conservation Laboratory. Visitors can enjoy the park’s public…

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge stretches from Anne Arundel County, crossing over Sandy Point State Park before reaching Stevensville in Queen Anne’s County. Each year, one span of the bridge closes to host the popular Bay Bridge Run. The original span of the bridge opened in 1952, with a parallel span added in 1973. Spanning nearly 4 miles across the Chesapeake Bay, the bridge provides the perfect backdrop for one of Maryland’s most unique and exciting…

OysterFest is held each year in Talbot County at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The event celebrates the Chesapeake Bay’s beloved oyster while also offering visitors a variety of historical demonstrations and educational presentations. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will host its annual OysterFest on Saturday, October 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The community is invited to join in a fun-filled day celebrating the Bay’s favorite bivalve with activities for all ages. Guests…