Experience Maryland:

Dining & More

A Taste of Maryland

Maryland is known for its crabs and seafood. We’ve got the best seafood in the world, but that’s just part of Maryland’s food story. When you’re in Maryland, you’ll see how our ethnically diverse community creates endless opportunities to taste and explore specialties from other cultures and nations. Eat your way through foodie-friendly cities like Baltimore, Frederick, and Silver Spring, trying dishes from world renowned and up-and-coming chefs, or discover off-the-beaten path gems in small communities across the state.

We Take Food Seriously

As a small state, no matter where you are, you can easily check-off your list of must-try restaurants. Check out our list for seven great ways to taste and experience all of Maryland in one delicious week

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Monday: Signature Sweets

Experience farm-fresh ice cream at creameries across the state. South Mountain Creamery even delivers its signature ice cream to your doorstep. Or taste the one-of-a-kind flavor combinations that the Charmery offers from its Baltimore and Columbia locations. More of a cake person? Stacking at least eight layers, you won’t find a cake like Maryland’s Smith Island Cake anywhere else. You don’t even have to travel to Smith Island to experience it, restaurants across Maryland serve up our delicious official state dessert.

Ice Cream Options

Tuesday: Casual BBQ, Baltimore’s Way

What is Baltimore-style BBQ? Charred-to-perfection beef cooked in an open pit is sliced thinly and served on a kaiser roll. You’ll find it at mom-and-pop stands across the state or in legendary restaurants like Chaps — a Baltimore institution that caught the eye of Guy Fieri, Adam Richman and Anthony Bourdain.

Wednesday: Worldly Cuisine

In Maryland, you’ll find people of all backgrounds serving cuisines representing all cultures and nations. Indulge in elegantly elevated comfort food dining at Spanish Diner, chef José Andrés’ restaurant in Bethesda. Or, explore “Korea Way,” a five mile stretch of Ellicott City offering more than 166 Korean-owned businesses, many serving authentic and delicious dishes. And find international cuisines all across Baltimore. Experience Afro-Caribbean-Latin-influenced dishes at Papi Cuisine or French fare with a fresh twist at Duck Duck Goose.

Thursday: Thirsty

Whatever atmosphere you’re looking for, Maryland has bars to fit your mood on Friday Eve. Looking for a cold, crisp beer? There’s no shortage of places to check out. In Baltimore, Max’s Taphouse features one of the largest draft beer systems in the country with over 100 draft lines, plus a collection of 1600 cans and bottles. If a carefully crafted cocktail is more your style, check out Baltimore’s Bluebird Cocktail Room, a sophisticated cocktail bar in a sophisticated setting.

Friday: Dinner With a View

Waterfront restaurants are scattered all over Maryland’s thousands of miles of shoreline creating the most Instagram-worthy dinner spots for a Friday night outing. Celebrate the weekend’s arrival at waterfront spots like Havre de Grace’s Tidewater Grill in the North, The Pier on Solomons Island down south, and the spectacular Spain Wine Bar in Ocean City by the sea. Maryland’s Chesapeake and Atlantic coastlines are home to amazing restaurants with truly stunning views

Saturday: Brunch Time

However you brunch, Maryland has an endless list of spots for you to jump start your weekend. In Frederick, check out Showroom, a modern, casual restaurant with a menu designed by Top Chef star Bryan Voltaggio. On the Eastern Shore, dine at charming downtown Easton’s Tidewater Inn. And with four locations across the state, you’re never far from an Iron Rooster, which serves breakfast (including its signature homemade pop tarts) all day long.

Top Brunch Spots

Sundays: Picking Crabs on a Patio

Your Maryland initiation is complete when you take in your first Maryland crab feast. Whether you order some for home from a roadside vendor, or enjoy them at a crab house in Baltimore or on the Eastern Shore, fall in love with the slow, but adventurous, Maryland crab experience.

Seafood Dining

Meet the Marylanders

Grace

Favorite Brunch Spot:

Planta in Bethesda

Thinks Old Bay Pairs Best With:

Popcorn

Terry

Loves Urban Elegant Dining at:

Blvck Cow in Bowie

Loves Old Bay On:

Crabs

Jeniffer

Favorite Restauant :

Clavel in Baltimore

Favorite Old Bay Combo:

Chicken Wings

Remote Ready

Pitango Bakery & Cafe in Fells Point, Baltimore, Maryland

When remote workers look for a change of scenery, Maryland delivers. Why work at home when you can do your work while taking in the beautiful sights of Maryland? In Baltimore, remote workers post up at Pitango Bakery & Cafe, a waterfront spot in the heart of Fell’s Point. In downtown Columbia, the 3rd, a community co-working space and cafe, sits overlooking Lake Kittamaqundi. On the Western Side of the state, check out Mountain City Coffeehouse in Frostburg, offering a historic Gothic architecture building with outdoor seating.

Remote Work in Maryland

Raise A Glass

You can find beer, wine and liquor anywhere you go, but in Maryland, you’ll find unique experiences to pair with your drink of choice. Sip wine in an aesthetic and modern private greenhouse at Old Westminster Winery. Sample rum or whiskey at Tobacco Barn Distillery, the nation’s top-rated farm distillery. And breweries scattered across the state offer unique experiences, including Union Craft Brewing’s urban beer hall and Waradaca’s sprawling farm setting.

Beer, Wine & Spirits

Keep Exploring

Outdoors & Recreation

Do you want to live in a place that offers boundless opportunities for adventure everyday? Then Maryland is the spot for you. Envision weekends that include fun beach days on the coast, hiking excursions in the mountains, paddling adventures on the Chesapeake Bay, and much more.

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Art, Music & Culture

In Maryland spend your weekends catching live music, milling around museums, or experiencing the different cultural traditions. And if living in the heart of an eclectic, creative neighborhood is what you’re after, Maryland offers plenty of artist communities to call home.

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