6 Quirky Little Towns In Maryland

Maryland, known as the storied "Old Line State," is dotted with communities whose warmth is matched only by their wonderfully unexpected quirks. Some of these communities have unique attractions and interesting quirks, whether located on the Chesapeake Bay, in the Appalachian Mountains, or near major cities. These unusual attractions and one-of-a-kind quirks are something you have to see to believe. They're the kind of discoveries that become unforgettable stories to share with friends and family for years to come. Perhaps you'll even share the stories with future neighbors after being drawn in by the irresistible charm of these remarkable towns.

Berlin

Berlin has been described as the state's coolest town, thanks to its unique quirks that make it an exciting community to explore. An especially interesting place to visit in town is the Mermaid Museum, dedicated to the iconic fictional sea creature and its folklore. Additionally, visitors can take photos in a bathtub with a mermaid tail. A fun and unconventional event that takes place on Main Street is the annual Berlin Bathtub Race, which occurs in June and features teams of people in homemade bathtub-inspired vehicles, all wearing creative costumes, as they race the length of Main Street.

Another not-to-miss unique attraction in town is the Ghost Museum, which was inspired by paranormal stories of spirits said to wander the earth. It explores the history of ghosts rather than being a haunted house. A historic and fun hotel to spend the night or weekend in is the Atlantic Hotel, which has been open since 1895. It offers incredible amenities, including access to Drummer's Cafe, and can host memorable events such as weddings and corporate gatherings.

Monkton

In northern Baltimore County is the unincorporated community of Monkton, a peaceful town with plenty of interesting quirks that make it a special place to explore. A unique destination for the arts is Manor Mill, a former grist mill that has been restored and converted into an art center. The mill hosts workshops, live musical performances, and has beautiful art on display for everyone to enjoy. Another special local landmark to visit is the Ladew Topiary Gardens, a historic 22-acre sanctuary with 100 topiary sculptures, a beautiful manor house, and an elegant nature walk. The garden also hosts wonderful events, including garden festivals and holiday-related activities.

A historic landmark to visit and spend a night or weekend in is the Monkton Hotel, built in 1858 as a stop along the North Central Railway between Baltimore and York, now offering short- and long-term rentals in a historic setting. The hotel also features its own cafe, where guests can enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee and a delicious breakfast or lunch.

Port Deposit

On the east bank of the Susquehanna River lies the town of Port Deposit, known as "Granite Town" due to the quarrying of granite in the town during its early days. Aside from granite, the community is also known for hosting a fun annual September event called "The Pirate Takeover," where people dress up as pirates and head to Marina Park. During the day, there are reenactments, live musical performances, and much more to keep people entertained.

Downtown is situated right on the river, offering its residents incredible views of the surrounding landscape and scenery. A fun restaurant to enjoy in town is Lee's Landing Dock Bar, which serves its patrons tasty seafood and exciting drinks and hosts various local events for the community to enjoy. The USNTC Bainbridge Museum is also located in the heart of downtown, educating its visitors on the history of the United States Navy and the training center's history from its inception in 1942 until 1976.

Sharpsburg

Not far from the Potomac River lies the town of Sharpsburg, where the Battle of Antietam took place during the U.S. Civil War, resulting in a Union Army victory despite heavy casualties. The Antietam National Battlefield is reputed to be haunted, with eyewitnesses claiming to have seen ghosts of soldiers who lost their lives there. The town offers the Sharpsburg Ghost Tours in downtown for those brave enough to chance an encounter with an ancient spirit.

On the intersection of Main Street and South Mechanic Street is Nutter's Ice Cream, which is the coolest place in town for some freshly made local ice cream. Next door to Nutter's Ice Cream is the Sharpsburg Museum of History, where visitors can learn more about the town's past, see artifacts, and admission is free for everyone to enjoy.

Havre De Grace

Just south of Port Deposit is Havre De Grace, which sits on the mouth of the Susquehanna River and on the Chesapeake Bay. The town is known as the "Decoy Capital of the World," featuring the Havre De Grace Decoy Museum, where visitors can learn more about the intricately crafted figurines that deceive geese and other game birds. Another unusual and offbeat attraction to see in town is Dr. Gloom's Crypt of Curiosities, which features Fiji mermaids, mummified remains, and other mysterious sights, all on display at the First Call Paranormal and Oddities Museum.

On the western end of town is the Bulle Rock Golf Course, a scenic and well-maintained 18-hole course, giving golfers a challenging yet fair environment to play on. Bulle Rock is also regarded as one of the top public golf courses in the state. Back in downtown, visitors can enjoy a night or weekend at the Spencer Silver Mansion bed and breakfast. The mansion is a wonderful place to unwind for the night, with its historic rooms and modern amenities, and has a lovely dining room with a fresh breakfast to get the day started.

Boonsboro

Just northeast of Sharpsburg lies the town of Boonsboro, a historic community renowned for its rich Civil War history and special attractions. A quirky spot that is a must-see is the Crystal Grottoes Cavern, which features glittering calcite formations in a limestone cavern discovered by construction workers in 1920. Visitors to the cave can explore winding pathways and see breathtaking formations. Within the heart of downtown, visitors can explore the Boonsboro Museum of History to learn more about the town's ties to the Civil War and view well-preserved artifacts from the 1860s.

Another museum to visit in town is the National Road Museum, where you can learn about the country's first federally funded highway, the expansion of the national highways westward, and more Civil War history. A quaint hotel to spend the night or weekend in town is the Inn BoonsBoro, where its guests have access to wonderful local restaurants and shops in town, like Stone Werks Coffee and Sweets next door. There's also easy access to the museums mentioned earlier, and you can enjoy the hotel's excellent amenities for a relaxing evening.

Final Thoughts

These towns gain their charm and character from their offbeat and quirky landmarks and events, making them uniquely interesting places to visit and explore. They also highlight the towns' histories, reveal their more natural sides, and provide visitors with great stories to share with friends, co-workers, and family. Besides the historic sites, the annual local events are consistently fun and memorable, and some of these quirky towns are set in beautiful locations where people can possibly call home.