The 7 Can't-Miss Towns In Maryland
Although more people may know it as the "Old Line State," another of Maryland's nicknames is "America in Miniature." So much diversity is found throughout the state's 10,460 square miles of land and water, with almost every kind of natural feature available (except a desert), that Maryland truly can be described as a mini-America. Some small towns across Maryland exemplify this quality more than others. Whether you visit the mountain hamlet of Oakland in the state's far western area, or check out some of the eastern shore towns near the water, like Berlin and North East, these seven towns in Maryland should not be missed.
Berlin
The small town of Berlin, population just over 5,000, lies in Worcester County, near the rowdier resort town of Ocean City. Many prefer Berlin, however, as its charm and quieter atmosphere are a welcome change from the usual beach crowds. Budget Travel magazine named Berlin one of "America's Coolest Small Towns" in 2014. The nearby Ocean City Municipal Airport can access Berlin. It is easy to reach by highway from Baltimore (132 miles away), Washington, DC (133 miles), and Philadelphia (145 miles).
For a small town, Berlin is packed with things to do. Berlin's Main Street has its own Berlin Main Street & Maryland Welcome Center, which can help you plan your visit to the town. The town is home to over 60 shops, galleries, antique stores, and more than 15 dining establishments. Check out Uptown Emporium on Main Street for antiques and treasures. Thirsty travelers should stop by Atlantic Hotel Bistro Bar, known by locals as Drummer's Cafe, for food and drink. If sweets are more to your liking, visit Rayne's Reef Soda Fountain & Grill, serving frozen treats and burgers.
Oakland
Just past the breathtakingly beautiful, man-made Deep Creek Lake, you'll find Oakland in Garrett County. Home to just over 1,800 residents, Oakland is an undiscovered gem on the border where Maryland meets West Virginia. The town sits at an elevation of 2,451 feet in the Appalachian Mountains and welcomes all who visit this iconic small town. It is within easy access of Pittsburgh (102 miles away), Washington, DC (156 miles), and Baltimore (162 miles). The small Garrett County Airport also sits about 13 miles northeast of Oakland's central business district in the town of Accident.
Oakland's Garrett County Historical Society Museum on Second Street is a great place to start your town tour and learn more about the area's history. Nature lovers won't want to miss Swallow Falls State Park, with hiking trails and the spectacular 53-foot-high Muddy Creek Falls. For a combined shopping and dining experience, check out Englander's Antiques Grill and Soda Fountain on Alder Street, an antiques shop, 1950s-style grill, and soda fountain all in one.
Havre de Grace
With a name meaning "Harbor of Grace," how could the town of Havre de Grace, home to just under 15,000 residents, be anything but welcoming? This historic town, founded in 1781, marks the spot where the Susquehanna River meets the Chesapeake Bay in Harford County. It was recognized by Smithsonian Magazine as one of the "Best 20 Small Towns to Visit in 2014." The town can be reached easily from Baltimore (40 miles away), Philadelphia (63 miles), Wilmington, Delaware (40 miles), and Washington, DC (74 miles). Havre de Grace Airport is a seaplane base in town. The Harford County Airport is in nearby Churchville, about five miles away.
Being a historic town, Havre de Grace has many museums. One of the most interesting is Concord Point Lighthouse and Keeper's House Museum, at the corner of Concord and Lafayette Streets. Built in 1827, this lighthouse is the oldest in the Chesapeake Bay that is publicly accessible. If shopping is more convenient, check out boutiques such as Anita's Treasures on St. John Street. Havre de Grace is welcoming to art lovers, too. Arts by the Bay: An Artists' Cooperative Gallery, also on St. John Street, showcases original works by regional artists. Dining options in town are plentiful. If you'd like to eat somewhere with a view of the water, head to MacGregor's Restaurant on St. John Street, with breathtaking views of the Susquehanna River while you dine.
North East
Sitting at the head of the North East River, which flows into the Chesapeake Bay, the town of North East in Cecil County is home to just over 4,000 residents. It was the first permanent settlement in Cecil County, settled by the English in 1658. The town itself was formed in 1850. The Northeast is less than an hour's drive from Philadelphia and Baltimore. It is home to a small, privately-owned airport, High Valley Airport, but is also less than 40 minutes from the public Wilmington Airport in Delaware.
Many boaters visit the Northeast to launch their boats from Elk Neck State Park, at the southern end of town. The park contains 2,370 acres of land between the Chesapeake Bay and Elk River, and is also popular among hikers, campers, and hunters. North East's Main Street is filled with shops and eateries to keep you busy during your visit. It is fun to peruse various goods at the 5 & 10 Antique Market. After working your way down Main Street, stop for a homemade donut and refreshing iced or hot coffee at Chesapeake Bay Coffee Co. Choices for dining in North East are many. If you want to eat where the locals enjoy fresh seafood and drinks, check out Snatcher's Creekside at 510 S. Main Street.
Hancock
Hancock, one of the oldest towns in Western Maryland, was founded in Washington County and settled in the 1730s along the Potomac River. Today, it is home to just over 1,500 residents and is known as "Maryland's Trail Town" for its abundant hiking and biking trails (such as the Western Maryland Rail Trail, 28 miles of paved trail through town). Hancock is about 30 miles from Hagerstown, 60 miles from Frederick, 88 miles from Baltimore, and 100 miles from Washington, DC. The nearest airport is the Hagerstown Regional Airport.
If you are more interested in sales than trails, Hancock's downtown area is for you. The Blue Goose Family Market on Main Street is a produce store with a bakery selling 30 flavors of gourmet pies. Loaves & Fishes Thrift Store on High Street offers bargains galore. When you've worked up an appetite from either hiking the trail or shopping, check out Buddylou's Eats, Drinks, and Antiques on Main Street, where you can even continue shopping if you haven't had your fill.
Oxford
Oxford, home to just over 600 people along the Tred Avon River in Talbot County, was founded in 1683 and is one of Maryland's oldest towns. It attracts visitors who are drawn by the scenic waterfront and quiet atmosphere of this truly small town. It is just 11 miles from the larger town of Easton, 67 miles from Baltimore, and 85 miles from Washington, DC. The nearest airport to Oxford is the Salisbury Regional Airport, about 56 miles away.
Begin your tour of Oxford with a visit to the Oxford Museum on Morris Street, housing artifacts from the town's historic past. If you're up for a water jaunt, take the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, which started as a tobacco route in 1836 and now provides a leisurely river ride between the two towns. However, Oxford is a small town, and some interesting independent shops exist, such as Mystery Loves Company Booksellers on Morris Street. Check out Capsize on Tilghman Street next to the new town boat ramp if you're hungry for local seafood and a refreshing drink.
Sykesville
Uniquely located in two counties (Howard and Carroll), the town of Sykesville, home to just over 4,300, is conveniently accessible from Baltimore (just 20 miles to the east) and Washington, DC (just 40 miles south of Sykesville). Its proximity to major cities makes Sykesville a favorite among Maryland towns. Baltimore-Washington Airport is just 34 miles away.
Parks with hiking and biking trails are found throughout town. The Linear Trail, a 1.5-mile trail from Obrecht Road to the Patapsco River, is a popular spot. Check out The Gate House Museum on Cooper Drive for information on the town's history. Kids will enjoy Little Sykes Railroad, a 12-gauge children's train modeled on a 1949 diesel engine and passenger train that is free for children age three and up to ride on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. They can hop on at the station on Main Street. Afterwards, take the family to Main Street Bistro for comfort food and cocktails.
Take to Maryland's roads to discover these quaint, charming, can't-miss small towns. Visit Oxford and marvel at its waterfront, maritime atmosphere. Take a trip to Hancock for a natural, small-town experience. Whether you visit one or all of these seven small towns, you will be sure to uncover something new in your travels across "America in Miniature."
