From the Severn River Scenic Overlook (near Annapolis, Md.): On Route 450 outside of Annapolis, a beautiful stone porch offers stunning views of the Severn River and the U.S. Naval Academy. It's also now the site of a World War II Memorial, with summaries of the major battles and obelisks bearing the names of Marylanders who gave their lives in World War II.
At Great Falls of the Potomac (near Potomac, Md.): On a sunny Sunday, the walkways will be crowded, but who cares? Just outside of Potomac, a Maryland suburb north of Washington, D.C., on the C&O Canal, a series of walkways will take you over the Great Falls of the Potomac. Stand above the piles of jagged rocks as the Potomac River rushes over them and down to the sea, the steepest and most spectacular fall line rapids of any Eastern river.
On the Bay Bridge (Md.): When you get to the middle of this bridge, you'll have a wonderful view of the Chesapeake. Maryland's Eastern Shore stretches down one terminus, while the view of the Western Shore includes Annapolis south of the bridge and two lighthouses north of the bridge. The closest is the Sandy Point Light, and the farther one is the Baltimore Light. Believe it or not, state officials considered obstructing this view because motorists keep slowing down!
Atop the Mountain at Wisp Resort (Western Md.): Ride the ski lift to the top, and before you go schussing down, take a good look. You'll see snow-covered slopes, the vast white expanse of Deep Creek Lake lined with the tracks of an occasional snowmobile, and a sky as blue as it can be.
From the Brandywine River Museum (Chadds Ford, Pa., in the Brandywine Valley): While the art at this museum is dazzling, don't forget to look out the windows: The view of the river meandering under the canopy of trees is peaceful, though in fall a riot of color.
