10 Things That Will Always Make Maryland Natives Think of Home

It's true what they say—there's no place like home. And if you're from Maryland, there's no better statement. Whether you were born and raised in the Old Line State, or recently moved here or moved away, there are so many things about our beloved state that remind us of home.

From our iconic sports teams to our autumn season and delicious crabs, here are 10 things about life in Maryland that will always transport us back to time spent here.

1. Purple

Whether you're a Ravens fan or not, there's no doubt that purple is associated with Maryland's football team. Most natives can't even wear purple during the fall without someone assuming we're dressing up for a game. (We might be heading to M&T Stadium for a home game, though, you never know.)

2. Orange and Black

Orange and black are an iconic color combination for those who grew up in Maryland. No matter how the Orioles are doing, they're still our team. No matter where we are in the country, if we see these colors paired together, we're thinking of our beloved baseball team.

3. The National Anthem

The National Anthem was created in the Old Line State in the early 1800s, and Marylanders have even made it their own by yelling "O!" during the song. So anytime we hear the Star Spangled Banner in other parts of the U.S., we're reminded of our state's special twist on the iconic anthem.

4. The Beach

For most Maryland natives, being at the beach brings up nostalgic memories of trips to Ocean City. Between the vibrant boardwalk, sandy shores, and a bucket of salty Thrasher's Fries, nothing compares to a beach trip in our home state. But if we've moved away, other beach towns will have to do.

5. Steamed Crabs

Sure, surrounding states may try to steam crabs like us, but it's just not the same. The Old Line State is known for its unique way of cooking crustaceans, which locks in tenderness and buttery flavor with each bite. And we can't forget the Old Bay seasoning, which we can find at any grocery store, no matter where we live.

6. Crab Cakes

While we may find an okay steamed crab outside of Maryland, we never order a crab cake anywhere else but here. Unless, of course, you enjoy being thoroughly disappointed. Some of our favorite spots to get a delectable crab cake are G&M Restaurant in Linthicum Heights and Nick's Fish House in Baltimore.

7. Christmastime

Christmas brings up a lot of memories—many of them from the places we used to visit in Maryland as kids. Between the Christmas Village in Baltimore and the Winterfest of Lights in Ocean City, we'd always prefer to be home celebrating the holidays. If we do happen to find ourselves away from home, however, most light shows will transport us back.

8. Autumn

New England may be known for spectacular fall foliage, but Maryland has its impressive autumnal spots, too. Something is comforting about crunching leaves under my feet, even as an adult. Sure, we can find beautiful fall leaves and scenery in many parts of the U.S., but it just has a different vibe in our home state.

9. The Chesapeake Bay

Where would Maryland be without the bay? We can't even imagine it (and don't want to). While there are plenty of other gorgeous bodies of water across the country, nothing compares to a boat day on the Chesapeake Bay out of one of Maryland's stunning marinas. Anytime we're near a quiet, beautiful lake or waterfront, we'll be thinking back about our home turf.

10. The Maryland Flag

In our opinion, our flag is the most colorful and unique of all the states. It's bold, it's beautiful, and it feels like home. We may not catch the flag waving outside of Maryland, but when we do come upon it (either planted in a front yard, on a bumper sticker, or just around town), we know a fellow Marylander is in our midst.

What are some other things that make you think of Maryland? Are there any other fun facts or inventions that came from the Old Line State that remind you of home? Discover more of Maryland's history for yourself by taking a homecoming (or first-time!) trip, and use Only In Your State's itinerary planner to guide your days.