8 Of The Most Adorable Small Towns In Maryland
The Mid-Atlantic state of Maryland, occupying the core of the Eastern Seaboard, is truly “America in Miniature,” thanks to its incredibly diverse topography, ranging from the western sylvan Appalachian foothills and mountains to the eastern low-lying, aquaphilic Atlantic Shore and Chesapeake Bay region. Nevertheless, beyond the Old Line State’s aquatic allure and urban agglomerations like Germantown, Columbia, Baltimore, and the capital city, Annapolis, there are numberless adorable communities having the biggest hearts where both residents and tourists get to soak in some everyday happiness. So, if you wish to spend your extended breaks away from urban chaos, head straight to these tight-knit towns, promising every visitor a perfect mix of bewitching natural scenery, rich culture, and small-town neighborliness.
Saint Michaels
An entrancing seaside town in Talbot County, Saint Michaels sits along the Miles River on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, exactly one and a half hours' drive from the District of Columbia. Christened after a rural Anglican Church that antedates the town’s founding, this ‘Heart & Soul of the Chesapeake Bay’ conscientiously maintains the feel of a 19th-century seaport with its cobblestone streets and harbor views creating a charming ambiance. Sightseers who want detailed information about Saint Michaels’ maritime heritage must drop by the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum on Navy Point, which houses interactive exhibits and the biggest collection of Chesapeake Bay boats in the world. Also, visit the National Register-listed Cannonball House, a Federal-style building constructed in the early 19th century and the sole standing structure to withstand bombardment by the British fleet during the War of 1812. Take pleasure in an unforgettable 2-hour daytime Chesapeake Bay cruise aboard the upscale sailing yacht Selina II, and pamper yourself at the spa at St. Michaels Harbour Inn, Marina & Spa.
Havre de Grace
Set at the meeting of the Susquehanna River and the massive Chesapeake Bay, Havre de Grace, named after Le Havre, the French port city, is a spotless Harford County town approx. 40 miles northeast of Baltimore. This alluring vacation spot invites holidaymakers to explore the Havre de Grace Promenade, a quaint waterfront boardwalk that allows one to take a pleasant stroll from the Millard Tydings Memorial Park right to the Concord Point Lighthouse & Keeper’s Museum. Located adjacent to Concord Point Lighthouse, the Havre de Grace Maritime Museum is the best place to learn about the region’s rich nautical heritage. Additionally, at the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, find out about the art of decoy making and waterfowl hunting traditions that make the town - ‘The Decoy Capital of the World.’ For an extended stopover, book your stay at the award-winning Vandiver Inn.
North Beach
North Beach is a family-friendly beachside destination on the Chesapeake Bay’s western shores at the northern extremity of Calvert County. Travelers sojourning in this serene town should take scenic walks down the North Beach Boardwalk, enjoying matchless Chesapeake vistas, perusing art galleries like ArtWorks@7th, and dining in at restaurants like Ketch 22. The North Beach Pier and Beach area is a popular spot for fishing, boating, purchasing North Beach souvenirs from the Shirt Shack, or simply unwinding on the beach. Note the exhibits at the Bayside History Museum that tell stories about the natural wealth and ethnic heritage of North Beach. Likewise, rediscover the beauty of the outdoors at the Wetlands Overlook Park - a hotspot for observing migratory fowl, abundant wetland fauna, and rambling the peaceful trails.
Thurmont
A teeny Frederick County settlement, Thurmont, is set at the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains’ Catoctin spur by the U.S. Route 15 Highway, around 10 miles from the Maryland-Pennsylvania state line. As “Gateway to the Mountains,” Thurmont’s closeness to the Catoctin Mountain Park, where excursionists get to observe unsullied streams, spectacular panoramic views of Monocacy Valley and the Catoctin Mountain ridge range, and excellent trekking and camping areas, has made the town a repeatedly explored destination for adventure enthusiasts. Just close by is the Cunningham Falls State Park, celebrated for the greatest cascading waterfall in the Old Line State - the Cunningham Falls, a 43-acre artificial lake, and the vestiges of a vintage iron furnace that provided ammunition during the American Revolutionary War. Every fall, turn up at the Catoctin Colorfest - a juried arts and crafts festival held in Community Park, featuring renowned artisans from all over the US and considered one of the largest festivals of its kind on the East Coast.
Berlin
Oftentimes lauded as ‘America’s Coolest Small Town,’ Berlin, situated exactly 10 miles inland from the Assateague Island National Seashore in Worcester County, forms a part of Salisbury, MD, Metropolitan Statistical Area. Berlin’s historic Downtown is one of the nation’s most lively Main Streets, where the inviting tree-lined streets are packed with boutiques like Victorian Charm, family-owned restaurants like The Sterling Tavern, and a significant number of painstakingly preserved late 19th-century commercial buildings, such as the 1895-built Atlantic Hotel in the National Register-listed Berlin Commercial District. History mavens ought to visit the Calvin B. Taylor House Museum, a beautifully renovated green-shuttered Federal-style house displaying antiques and local memorabilia. Nature aficionados must stop at the Assateague State Park - Maryland’s lone oceanfront park, proffering pristine habitats, miles of ocean beaches, wildlife viewing opportunities (especially feral Assateague horses), and camping sites.
Chesapeake City
Home to just 736 residents, Chesapeake City is the only community in the Free State to be located by the side of a working commercial canal, the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Partitioned into northern and southern sections following the C&D Canal construction, this Cecil County town’s southern section captures tourist attention with the countless well-kept 19th-century properties lining the brick-paved streets, which currently house gift shops like The Mercantile at Back Creek, and classy bed & breakfasts like The Blue Max Inn. Replete with riveting exhibits, including pumping engines and a waterwheel, the C&D Canal Museum flawlessly illustrates the history and operations of the canal. Moreover, the town’s largely residential northern section is recognized for the many canal-side restaurants like the Schaefer’s Canal House, besides the Ben Cardin C&D Canal Recreational Trail that connects with Delaware’s Michael Castle Trail at the state boundary, and offers outdoor lovers walking, biking, and hiking opportunities.
Mount Airy
Extending across the eastern portion of Frederick County and the southwestern corner of Carroll County, Mount Airy constitutes a part of both the Washington Metropolitan Area and Baltimore-Columbia-Towson Metropolitan Statistical Area. During a visit to the town, wander through the Mount Airy Historic District, surveying the multitudinous late 19th to early 20th century structures, inclusive of the iconic Baltimore and Ohio Railroad station, typifying the town’s beginnings as the region’s initial transportation center. Pay a visit to the Mount Airy Museum in the historic Mount Airy Station to acquire knowledge about the town’s colorful backstory via local artifacts and an operational HO scale model of the Downtown railyard. Consumerists can indulge in a shopping spree at the Mount Airy Shopping Center while wine experts long for wine sampling opportunities at the family-run Linganore Winecellars, which produces more than 30 wine varieties.
Bel Air
Bel Air, harmoniously fusing small-town charm and state-of-the-art facilities, is a vibrant town situated precisely 32 miles north of Downtown Baltimore and serves as the administrative center of northeast Maryland’s Harford County. Stuffed with one-of-a-kind shops like The Nest on Main, art galleries like Harford Artists Gallery, and New American restaurants like One Eleven Main, Downtown Bel Air - one of Maryland’s designated arts and entertainment districts is a wonderful place to spend all day. Drop round to inspect Liriodendron - the summer residence and estate of American gynaecologist Dr Howard Kelly, and nowadays used as an event venue and arts facility. Addedly, hike portions of the old Ma and Pa Railroad on the 6.25-mile-long Ma and Pa Trail, and engage in ample open-air activities at the Rockfield Park.
From Thurmont, an appealing alpine hamlet, to Berlin, the coolest small town, each delightful community most succinctly captures the true spirit of ‘Little America.’ Provided you wish to spectate firsthand otherworldly mountains and beach sceneries, languidly walk past colonial structures in the historic districts, sample fresh seafood at the restaurants along the bay, and partake in limitless out-of-door activities in the green spaces, these fantastic Maryland locales are where you step away from the mundane hustle and bustle on your family outings or solo escapades and embrace the warm hospitality of friendly communities.
