People Live Their Whole Lives in Maryland and Somehow Miss These 5 Places

Over the course of five years, I worked on a popular cable network show in the Baltimore area. On weekends while living in the city, I would make it a point to visit someplace I'd never been to before. However, there's so much more to see than what I could in just five years, so I can only imagine that lifelong residents have also missed visiting many of the state's finest natural and man-made attractions. If you're a resident, here are five must-visit places in Maryland you may have missed:

1. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - Cambridge

Along Maryland's quiet and scenic Eastern Shore is a tranquil oasis that many seem to miss. With over 20,000 acres that beckon nature lovers to explore year-round, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge offers over 5 miles of hiking trails, 17 miles of paddling trails, and a 3.6-mile scenic Wildlife Drive that visitors can enjoy via bicycle or from the comfort of their own cars. With a mix of forest and tidal wetlands, diverse species of birds and mammals call this wildlife refuge home.

2. Historic St. Mary's City

First settled in 1634, St. Mary's City was the first colonial capital in Maryland (Annapolis became the capital just 60 years later). A National Historic Landmark, archaeological park, and living history museum, Historic St. Mary's City is dedicated to preserving its rich history. Throughout its 800 acres along the St. Mary's River, the park features costumed characters and reconstructed buildings, including the Brick Chapel and State House, as well as a replica of the ship Maryland Dove, modeled after the original Dove of 1634. Visit the Historic St. Mary's City website for hours, exhibits, ticket information, and more.

3. Weverton Cliffs - Knoxville

To view the dramatic scenery of the Potomac River winding through rolling hills covered in a forest of verdant trees, taking a 2-mile, round-trip trek to Weverton Cliffs, which tower 500 feet over the river, is a must. You'll be on a steep portion of the Appalachian Trail to get to the cliffs, but it's worth it for the views of the river as well as the C&O Canal. The views are bucket-list worthy, to say the least!

4. Solomons Island

Also referred to as "Solomons," Solomons Island is a charming, remote coastal town where the Patuxent River meets the Chesapeake Bay. This is a fantastic day trip destination in Maryland, featuring attractions such as the Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, Spring Cove Marina, the Calvert Maritime Museum, and Drum Point Lighthouse. There are also several fantastic seafood and casual restaurants, including The Lighthouse Restaurant & Dock Bar, known for its crab cakes, and the CD Cafe, which offers home-cooked food and friendly service.

5. Antietam National Battlefield - Sharpsburg

Part of the National Park Service, Antietam National Battlefield is a historic site where the Battle of Antietam took place on September 17, 1862. Preserving its Civil War history, your first stop should be the Visitor Center, showcasing historic artifacts from this significant era. Other notable sites around the battlefield include the Dunker Church of Antietam and the Antietam National Cemetery. You can also take a scenic 9-mile driving tour through the park or a self-guided hike. Visit the National Park Service website to help plan your first visit to this historic battlefield, a must-visit attraction for anyone living in Maryland.

I have a long list of places to visit when I finally return to Maryland. If you grew up here or are a resident, what are some must-visit attractions that you still haven't had the chance to visit? Please submit your picks through our nomination page, and tell us all about your selections.

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