7 Maryland Towns With A Slower Pace Of Life

Although many Maryland residents commute to major metropolises like Washington DC and Baltimore, its small towns couldn’t feel farther from the culture of these large surrounding cities. On weekends, you will find sailboats gliding across the bay, runners along the canals, and locals sipping beer at their neighborhood breweries. Many of these towns also have tight-knit communities, hosting weekly farmers markets and annual wine festivals. If you are looking to escape the city for a while and slow down, these seven calm towns serve as a peaceful reminder of a quieter pace of life.

Smithsburg

Smithsburg is surrounded by orchards, farms, and wineries, offering a relaxing destination for visitors wanting to unwind with a locally produced cider or wine. Travelers can visit orchards like Lewis Orchards, open seasonally with fresh apples, cherries, peaches, strawberries, nectarines, plums, and pears. The orchard also hosts an annual fall festival to get visitors in the fall spirit. Open from Thursday to Sunday, travelers can also stop by Red Heifer Winery to try a flight of dry and sweet wines while looking out over the forested countryside from the outdoor patio. Situated along the Appalachian Trail, travelers should not miss the chance to hike while in the area. The Raven Rock Trailhead, part of the Appalachian Trail, is a popular starting point, with a roughly 6-mile route that includes two scenic overlooks along the way.

Brunswick

Brunswick has a rich railroad history that the community continues to honor today. On the first full weekend of October each year, the town hosts the Annual Brunswick Railroad Days, which celebrates the town’s history and heritage through live music, local artisans, food vendors, and model train displays. Brunswick is also one of the towns along the C&O Canal National Historic Park, where a picturesque canal stretches for over 184 miles through the countryside. Visitors can enjoy a relaxing bike ride or walk along the canal's section in town. After a morning walk along the canal, consider grabbing a sandwich and cider from Beans in the Belfry, a charming cafe located in a restored historic church building.

Chesapeake City

Home to the only operating commercial canal in the state, Chesapeake City is a port town with lots of good seafood, beer, and waterfront trails. In the northern section of the city along the canal, travelers can enjoy a walk, run, or hike along the Ben Cardin C&D Canal Trail, which stretches 17 miles from one end of the canal to the other. From April 15th through October 15th, visitors can also appreciate the canal by hopping aboard the Chesapeake City Ferry Service, which connects the northern and southern sides of the city. For a craft beer, stop by Bayheads Brewing Company, which has a rotating list of beers, along with bourbon, cider, and wine, that guests can enjoy in its cozy taproom. If you are craving some fresh seafood, grab a bite at Schaefer's Canal House, a waterfront seafood restaurant that serves dishes like crab mac n cheese, breaded scallops, and fish and chips.

St. Michaels

St. Michaels is particularly well known for its sailing culture, with sailboats often dotting the horizon. Travelers wanting to have their own relaxed afternoon of sailing can sign up with one of the town’s sailing charters. Sail Selina II is a great option, offering a variety of experiences ranging from two-hour day sails, sunset sails, moonlight sailing cruises, and wine-tasting sailing cruises. They also offer private sailing lessons for those hoping to learn the ropes. If you prefer paddling, you can also rent a kayak or canoe with Shore Pedal & Paddle, which will deliver the kayaks, canoes, or paddle boards directly to your ramp of choice. After a day on the water, travelers can unwind at Limoncello Restaurant and Wine Bar, a southern Italian-style restaurant and wine bar that serves fresh seafood, pastas, char-grilled flatbread, and other delicious dishes.

Centreville

Centreville, lying along the banks of the Corsica River, is a popular spot for paddling, fishing, and cycling. Kayakers and canoers can launch from the Centreville Wharf, which provides access to all of the area’s water trails, including the Mill Stream Trail that winds through scenic wetlands and oak trees. Dating back to 1794, visitors can explore the town’s history at sites like the Tucker House, one of the town’s original homes, built in the 1790s. On the weekend, residents are often found at one of the town’s local breweries or distilleries. Old Courthouse Distilling is a town favorite, producing in-house rye whiskeys, agave spirits, and rum.

Sykesville

A tight-knit community in central Maryland, Sykesville comes to life in spring and summer with a variety of community festivals. Each May, the town hosts the annual Art & Wine Festival, featuring Maryland vineyards, a selection of national and international wines, live entertainment, and artwork from local and regional artists. From May through October, travelers can also experience the close-knit community spirit of Sykesville at the Sunday farmers markets, where they can buy fresh produce, artisan goods, and crafts. Make sure to dine at one of the local restaurants or pubs along Main Street, such as E.W. Becks Pub and Restaurant, a local spot founded in 1992 by two brothers that serve burgers, nachos, clubs, and other traditional pub food.

Leonardtown

Upon arriving in Leonardtown, travelers will find it easy to leave their cars behind and explore the walkable downtown district. In fact, Leonardtown is home to the only Arts & Entertainment District in Southern Maryland, making it a great spot to spend the afternoon perusing art galleries. North End Gallery is a great starting place, located in the heart of town and operating for nearly 40 years. Here, visitors will find ceramics, jewelry, photography, and paintings, among other types of media. To go kayaking or canoeing along the water, head to the Leonardtown Wharf, a gorgeous waterfront area with a playground, floating dock, and boardwalk to explore. The Butterfly Trail is another beautiful place to visit. It features original artwork, such as banners and flags, by local artist Eric Clark Jackson.

Final Thoughts

These towns in Maryland are rare examples of communities that have preserved their slower pace and tight-knit bonds, reminding us all that it is still possible to slow down. Travelers wanting to connect with the arts can stroll through the Arts & Entertainment District of Leonardtown, while those wanting to relax on the water can sail or paddle along the waters of St. Michaels. Whatever you consider relaxing, you're sure to find your peace here in Maryland.