Blue crabs, the Baltimore oriole, and black-eyed Susans are all well-known symbols of Maryland, but did you know the state's official drink is milk? In 1998, the Maryland General Assembly officially designated milk as the state drink to recognize the lasting contributions of Maryland's dairy industry and the generations of farmers who have helped shape the state's agricultural heritage. At the time, dairy farming was one of Maryland's leading agricultural industries, with hundreds of family-owned…

If you've ever watched Disney's Tuck Everlasting, you've already seen one of Maryland's most beautiful natural treasures on screen. Several scenes from the 2002 film were shot throughout the state, including one of the most memorable and iconic at Kilgore Falls in Harford County. There, the waterfall serves as the backdrop for the unforgettable scene where Winnie Foster and Jesse Tuck go swimming—a peaceful moment that captures the wonder and magic of their extraordinary story.…

In Allegany County, the mountain town of Frostburg adds a high-speed tradition to its Independence Day festivities: homemade derby cars racing down historic Main Street. Every Fourth of July, locals and visitors gather for the Frostburg Elks Derby Day, a beloved tradition that has become one of Allegany County's most unique celebrations. Now in its 49th year, the Frostburg Elks Derby Day transforms downtown Frostburg into a lively racecourse as more than 60 handcrafted derby…

When most people hear the name "Washington," they think of the nation's capital or America's first president. But Maryland made history by creating the first county in the United States to bear George Washington's name. Washington County was officially established on September 6, 1776, just two months after the Declaration of Independence was adopted. At the time, George Washington wasn't president—he was serving as commander of the Continental Army and leading the colonies through the…

Visitors have plenty of reasons to flock to Denton in Caroline County, and the town's new Bird City Maryland designation has just added another. The historic town of Denton is well-positioned for birding in every season. For many outdoor explorers and birders, the town serves as an obvious starting point for experiencing the county’s natural beauty. This year (2026), Denton has been officially recognized as Caroline County’s first “Bird City Maryland” community. Denton is earning…

One of history’s most famous figures nearly had a connection to Maryland’s Eastern Shore. After Napoleon’s final defeat at Waterloo in 1815, the British exiled him to Saint Helena. Despite heavy guards, family and supporters continued discussing escape plans. By then, Bonaparte's connections spanned influential Americans from Maryland to the rest of the United States. One escape plan would have taken Napoleon to America. He would first be spirited away to Beverly House, a secluded…

Few characters are more recognizable than Jim Henson’s Kermit the Frog, and his origins trace back to Prince George’s County and the University of Maryland. A graduate of Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Maryland, Jim Henson cultivated his creativity in the puppetry club. He was able to further explore this creativity as a student at the University of Maryland. He entered the university as a studio arts major but ended up with a degree in…

Memorial Day weekend in Maryland will gallop into a new tradition this year with the debut of the Fair Hill Turf Showcase. The inaugural Fair Hill Turf Showcase is a two-day horse racing event bringing Thoroughbred turf racing and steeplechase competition to Cecil County. Featuring the first all-turf Thoroughbred racing program in the region held at a nationally recognized course, the event highlights Fair Hill’s distinctive dual focus on flat and jump racing—a rarity in…

To celebrate America’s 250th, the Maryland Park Service is encouraging visitors to explore the outdoors and hike 250 miles through the “Miles for Maryland” Trail Challenge. The challenge encourages visitors to hike a total of 250 miles in Maryland State Parks during 2026 — one mile for every year since the founding of the United States.  From the beaches of Assateague State Park to the mountain views at Deep Creek Lake State Park and the…