Maryland has always held a special place in my story, even though I never actually lived there. I was born in Elkton simply because it was the closest hospital at the time. We actually lived just across the state line in Newark, Delaware, and if you’ve ever driven through Delaware, you know that if you blink, you might miss the whole state! That’s exactly why the hospital in Elkton was the closest choice.
While I may not call Maryland home, much of my family does, so the state has always been a place filled with familiar faces and family memories.
After our family moved from the East Coast to Arizona, trips back to Maryland became few and far between. We only returned a couple of times during my teenage years, and as an adult, most of my visits have been for family gatherings or special events rather than sightseeing.
That finally changed when Tracey and I traveled to Annapolis for the Naval Academy’s home opener football game with some of his military friends. We spent time walking through the historic Naval Academy, exploring the charming streets and waterfront of downtown Annapolis, and—of course—eating as much Maryland crab as we possibly could! It was the first time we experienced Maryland as travelers instead of simply visiting family, and it gave us a whole new appreciation for the state’s history, beauty, and incredible seafood. We know we’ve only scratched the surface, and we’re looking forward to returning to discover even more of what Maryland has to offer.