7 Affordable Destinations In Maryland For Budget Travelers
Maryland is known for its scenic, natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. The state also offers an array of affordable travel destinations for those who are budget-conscious. Maryland has grown and flourished since King Charles I of England granted the charter establishing the Maryland colony in 1632, naming it after his wife, Queen Henrietta Maria. From quaint, historic towns like Cumberland, once the second-largest city in the state after Baltimore, to picturesque natural wonders, such as those found in Emmitsburg, the Old Line State provides something for everyone without breaking your budget. Lodging is affordable in these destinations, as well, with many rooms available for less than $150 per night. Check them out, then hit the road to experience these reasonably priced getaways for yourself.
Cumberland
Called the "Gateway to the West," Cumberland, in Allegany County, sits on the banks of the Potomac River at the base of the Appalachian Mountains. This historic town is the perfect affordable mountain getaway in Maryland. Begin your tour at the Cumberland Visitor Center in the Western Maryland Railway Station, where you can learn the history of the C&O Canal. Take a historical walking tour of the historic downtown area. Check out Cumberland's Arts and Entertainment District in the historic downtown area, featuring the Saville and Schwab Galleries, the Cumberland and Embassy Theatres, and the Allegany Museum.
Hungry? Grab a bite at City Lights American Grill & Bar, where Maryland seafood is prominently listed on the menu. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner at reasonable prices. Just want a sweet treat? Drop in Caporale's Bakery or visit their stand at the Downtown Cumberland Farmer's Market on Thursday mornings. While the downtown area of Cumberland is walkable, the Allegany County Transit Bus operates on weekdays, running from Frederick Street to the nearby town of LaVale.
The Cumberland Inn and Spa on Greene Street offers affordable lodging, with rooms averaging $99 per night.
Lusby
Bordered by the Chesapeake Bay and the Patuxent River, the small town of Lusby in Calvert County is just 60 miles from the Washington, DC, area. While you might not be familiar with Lusby, you might have heard of one of its most famous attractions, Calvert Cliffs State Park. It is named for its massive cliffs, which are found along 24 miles of the bay's shoreline. This day-use park features a beach, fossils, fishing, marshland, and 13 miles of hiking trails. Admission is just $5 per vehicle per day.
However, the park is not the only draw to Lusby. Many visitors enjoy touring Cove Point Lighthouse in the summer months. Drum Point Lighthouse, just 10 minutes down the road in Solomons, is open year-round. Feel like shopping? Three shopping centers are in the Lusby area, including Lusby Town Square. Restaurants in Lusby include Buckets Bar and Grill, which offers affordable American fare, and the Frying Pan, which serves homestyle food.
When you are ready to turn in for the night, the Hilton Garden Inn Solomons, just off Dowell Rd., rents rooms for under $200 per night. The Lusby Shuttle operates on weekdays to take riders around town.
Emmitsburg
Looking for a truly affordable Maryland trip? Head to Emmitsburg, in Frederick County, just 0.3 miles from the Pennsylvania state line. There is much to see and do here, without spending a lot. Start your trip at the National Shrine Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes. Even those who are neither spiritual nor religious will appreciate the statues, grotto, and artwork at this Catholic shrine. Tour the grounds and the grotto cave, light a candle, and fill a container with natural spring water, all for free.
Head 10 minutes up the road and you will come to Catoctin Mountain Orchard. Open daily, here, you can pick your own fruit, and pick your own flowers in season. The farm market sells affordable fresh produce, jarred goods, and a bakery.
Up the road in Smithsburg is High Rock, a scenic overlook just off the Appalachian trail, with no hiking required. Besides being a scenic landmark, High Rock is a popular hang-gliding site, so you might get more entertainment than you bargained for if you stop here.
Your best bet for lodging in Emmitsburg is Sleep Inn & Suites on Silo Hill Parkway at less than $100 per night. Stop by Ott House for a bite to eat, featuring pub fare at reasonable prices. The Emmitsburg/Thurmont Shuttle runs Monday through Saturday, going from one town to the next.
Havre de Grace
Situated where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay in Harford County, Havre de Grace is a delightful, affordable small town to visit. It is completely free to walk along the town's promenade, running for a quarter mile along the Susquehanna, enjoying the view. You will be within walking distance of free historic sites such as Concord Point Lighthouse and Keeper's House Museum.
Head into the town's downtown area, and you will find Bahoukas Antique Mall & Beer Museum on Union Ave. Housed in an 1880 historic building, this mall includes collectibles, antiques, and artifacts dedicated to Havre de Grace's history. It is free to browse through these items, but don't be surprised if a trinket catches your eye and you end up pulling out your wallet!
When you want to spend time outdoors, visit Susquehanna State Park, just a few miles north of town. Fishing, hiking, picnicking, and camping are all popular pastimes here. Entrance to the park grounds is free.
The Promenade Grill on Commerce Street serves traditional American fare, with awesome waterfront views, at reasonable prices. The Spencer Silver Mansion Bed and Breakfast on Union Avenue is the perfect place to lay your head, with prices averaging $120 per night. Harford Transit will take riders all over Harford County, Monday through Friday, with stops in Havre de Grace.
Williamsport
The C&O Canal runs through the town of Williamsport, located in Washington County. This unique feature is associated with many one-of-a-kind historical landmarks that draw visitors to the small town.
The Williamsport C&O Canal Visitor Center on Potomac Street is the best place to start your tour of Williamsport. Here, you will learn that Williamsport is the only place on the canal where examples of canal structures can be seen within a half-mile area. One of these is Lock 44, a scenic area along the canal with free parking, where hikers, bikers, and horse riders are often spotted. Another famous landmark is the Western Maryland Railway Lift Bridge, which once operated like an elevator, lifting the railroad tracks to allow canal boats to pass under it.
Along North Conococheague Street, you will find small-town shops such as Sweet Notes Bakery, Lotus Moon Cafe, and Still Smokin BBQ, as well as the town hall and local post office. When you get hungry, head to C&O Grill and Pub, serving burgers, sandwiches, and light fare at affordable prices. Washington County Transit buses operate on weekdays with stops in Williamsport, making transportation around town even easier.
One of the most unique forms of lodging is located just 15 minutes from Williamsport off Rt. 56 in Clear Spring, near the West Virginia border. Lockhouse 49 is an actual canal lockhouse in which visitors may stay overnight (with a three-night maximum). It features two bedrooms, a kitchen, heat, electricity, and an outhouse, all for an average of $125 per night. Staying here can be a fun, affordable family adventure or couples retreat.
Berlin
If you want to visit the Eastern Shore but hate to spend an arm and a leg, the small, quaint, historic town of Berlin is your best bet. Walking through the town's historic district, you will see 47 structures that are on the National Register of Historic Places. You can download the Berlin History Walking Tour Map online and conduct your own free walking tour of the area, passing stately structures such as Thompson House, Presbyterian Manse, and Calvin B. Taylor House Museum. A small admission fee is charged for entrance to the museum.
Berlin's Main Street houses more than 60 shops, such as antique stores, like Coconut Bay Trading Company. Browsing the shops is, of course, free, but be prepared to want to purchase something. Check out Rayne's Reef Soda Fountain & Grill on Main Street for affordable diner-style food.
If you want to check out the hustle, bustle, and sights of Ocean City, it lies just 10 miles to the east of town. Assateague Island is just 15 miles south. Rooms at the historic Atlantic Hotel on Main Street average $150 per night and allow you to stay right in the heart of Berlin's historic downtown area. Worcester County Shore Transit buses conveniently stop in Berlin on weekdays on their way to Pocomoke and Ocean City.
Rock Hall
Nicknamed the "Pearl of the Chesapeake," the tiny town of Rock Hall is on the National Chesapeake Scenic Byway in Kent County, at the end of Route 20. This historic marine town is filled with natural beauty, marine history, and a quaint downtown area.
Check out Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, established in 1962 as a haven for migratory birds. With gorgeous views of the Chester River and the Chesapeake Bay, the refuge includes seven trails for hiking among its 2,285 acres. Fishing is permitted in certain areas. Wildlife, including 240 species of birds and a variety of reptiles, mammals, and amphibians, can all be seen here.
The town provides an interactive walking map online to help you get around the downtown area. An easily walkable loop takes you down Main Street and past sweet shops such as Grammy's Goodies, gift shops like The Tangerine Shop, and a performing arts venue, Mainstay.
The Flying Decoy Bar and Grill on Rock Hall Road offers delicious Maryland seafood at reasonable prices. The newly refurbished Mariners Motel on Hawthorne Avenue has comfortable rooms available for about $150 per night. Rock Hall Rides, a shuttle service, operates on weekends in the summer months and provides free rides around town.
Visiting These Towns Won't Break the Bank
Memorable travel experiences do not have to carry a hefty price tag, as these small Maryland towns prove. From idyllic parks to charming waterfronts, the state offers many affordable travel experiences that cater to travelers who are watching their pennies. If you are looking for outdoor fun, a learning experience, or just to relax and get away from it all, these seven towns in Maryland display the best of the state's diversity and charm. Pack your bags, hit the road, and discover these destinations that deliver maximum enjoyment at minimum expense.
