Planning a trip to Maryland

Maryland is one of the smaller states in the Union, but contains a wide variety of terrain, weather, topography, and urban and rural areas. So a little advance planning can make your trip run smooother. This section will answer many questions you may have while preparing for your trip.

Jump to:

Entry Requirements & Customs

Passports

Virtually every air traveler entering the U.S. is required to show a passport. All persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda are required to present a valid passport. U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the U.S. at land and sea ports of entry from within the Western Hemisphere will need to present government-issued proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, along with a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license. A passport is not required for U.S. or Canadian citizens entering by land or sea, but you are highly encouraged to carry one.

Visit www.frommers.com/planning for information on how to obtain a passport. For other information, please contact the following agencies:

For Residents of Australia -- Contact the Australian Passport Office at tel. 131-232, or visit the government website at www.passports.gov.au.

For Residents of Canada -- Contact the Passport Canada, Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3 (tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca).

For Residents of Ireland -- Contact the Passport Office, Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (tel. 01/671-1633; www.irlgov.ie/iveagh).

For Residents of New Zealand -- Contact the Passports Office at tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand or 04/474-8100, or log on to www.passports.govt.nz.

For Residents of the United Kingdom -- Visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency or contact the United Kingdom Identity & Passport Service at tel. 0870/521-0410 or search its website at www.ukpa.gov.uk.

For Residents of the United States -- To find your regional passport office, either check the U.S. Department of State website or call the National Passport Information Center toll-free number (tel. 877/487-2778) for automated information.

Visas

The U.S. Department of State has a Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allowing citizens of the following countries to enter the United States without a visa for stays of up to 90 days: Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. Citizens of the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, the Republic of Korea, and Slovakia are soon to be admitted to the VWP. (Note: This list was accurate at press time; for the most up-to-date list of countries in the VWP, consult http://travel.state.gov.) Even though a visa isn't necessary, in an effort to help U.S. officials check travelers against terror watch lists before they arrive at U.S. borders, visitors from VWP countries must register online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before boarding a plane or a boat to the U.S. Travelers will complete an electronic application providing basic personal and travel eligibility information. The Department of Homeland Security recommends filling out the form at least 3 days before traveling. Authorizations will be valid for up to 2 years or until the traveler's passport expires, whichever comes first. Currently, there is no fee for the online application. Note: Any passport issued on or after October 26, 2006, by a VWP country must be an e-Passport for VWP travelers to be eligible to enter the U.S. without a visa. Citizens of these nations also need to present a round-trip air or cruise ticket upon arrival. E-Passports contain computer chips capable of storing biometric information, such as the required digital photograph of the holder. If your passport doesn't have this feature, you can still travel without a visa, if it is a valid passport issued before October 26, 2005, and includes a machine-readable zone, or between October 26, 2005, and October 25, 2006, and includes a digital photograph. For more information, go to http://travel.state.gov. Canadian citizens may enter the United States without visas; they will need to show passports (if traveling by air) and proof of residence, however.

Citizens of all other countries must have (1) a valid passport that expires at least 6 months later than the scheduled end of their visit to the U.S., and (2) a tourist visa.

For information about U.S. visas go to http://travel.state.gov and click on "Visas." Or go to one of the following websites:

Australian citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information from the U.S. Embassy Canberra, Moonah Place, Yarralumla, ACT 2600 (tel. 02/6214-5600) or by checking the U.S. Diplomatic Mission's website at http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/consular.

British subjects can obtain up-to-date visa information by calling the U.S. Embassy Visa Information Line (tel. 0891/200-290) or by visiting the "Visas to the U.S." section of the American Embassy London's website at www.usembassy.org.uk.

Irish citizens can obtain up-to-date visa information through the Embassy of the USA Dublin, 42 Elgin Rd., Dublin 4, Ireland (tel. 353/1-668-8777; or by checking the "Visas to the U.S." section of the website at http://dublin.usembassy.gov.

Citizens of New Zealand can obtain up-to-date visa information by contacting the U.S. Embassy New Zealand, 29 Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, Wellington (tel. 644/472-2068), or get the information directly from the website at http://wellington.usembassy.gov.

Customs

What You Can Bring Into the U.S. -- Every visitor more than 21 years of age may bring in, free of duty, the following: (1) 1 liter of wine or hard liquor; (2) 200 cigarettes, 100 cigars (but not from Cuba), or 3 pounds of smoking tobacco; and (3) $100 worth of gifts. These exemptions are offered to travelers who spend at least 72 hours in the United States and who have not claimed them within the preceding 6 months. It is forbidden to bring into the country almost any meat products (including canned, fresh, and dried meat products such as bouillon, soup mixes, and the like). Generally, condiments including vinegars, oils, spices, coffee, tea, and some cheeses and baked goods are permitted. Avoid rice products, as rice can often harbor insects. Bringing fruit and vegetables is not advised, though not prohibited. Customs will allow produce, depending on where you got it and where you're going after you arrive in the U.S. International visitors may carry in or out up to $10,000 in U.S. or foreign currency with no formalities; larger sums must be declared to U.S. Customs on entering or leaving, which includes filing form CM 4790. For details regarding U.S. Customs and Border Protection, consult your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate, or U.S. Customs (www.customs.gov).

What You Can Take Home -- For information on what you're allowed to bring home, contact one of the following agencies.

U.S. Citizens: U.S. Customs & Border Protection (CBP), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20229 (tel. 877/287-8667; www.cbp.gov).

Canadian Citizens: Canada Border Services Agency (tel. 800/461-9999 in Canada, or 204/983-3500; www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca).

U.K. Citizens: HM Revenue & Customs at tel. 0845/010-9000 (from outside the U.K., 020/8929-0152), or consult their website at www.hmce.gov.uk.

Australian Citizens: Australian Customs and Border Protection Service at tel. 1300/363-263, or log on to www.customs.gov.au.

New Zealand Citizens: New Zealand Customs Service, The Customhouse, 17-21 Whitmore St., Box 2218, Wellington (tel. 04/473-6099 or 0800/428-786; www.customs.govt.nz).

Medical Requirements

Unless you're arriving from an area known to be suffering from an epidemic (particularly cholera or yellow fever), inoculations or vaccinations are not required for entry into the United States.

When to Go

The resort towns on the Atlantic, especially Fourth of July through Labor Day, are most popular in summer and usually quite crowded. The fringe season, May and especially September, is a great time to find cheaper rates, comfortable temperatures, and quieter beaches. Peak season for the Eastern Shore, Annapolis, and Southern Maryland is April through October, when the weather is clear for boating and the fish are biting. Most everything is open in Baltimore year-round, though because of its boating culture and baseball season, summer is the most popular and crowded time to visit. May and fall bring the convention crowds to Baltimore, but the sunny, less humid weather makes a visit more comfortable. Western Maryland attracts visitors year-round, though spring can be too cool and soggy. Fall is magnificent, especially around mid-October; when it snows, winter is beautiful; summers are cooler here than in the rest of the state.

For Baltimore and Annapolis, check on the day's weather forecast by calling tel. 410/936-1212.

Most attractions offer festivals and events year-round. Expect summer temperatures to be slightly higher on the southern Eastern Shore and on the coast. Remember that monthly averages can be deceiving: Even though the average temperature in Baltimore during July is 77°F (25°C), days in the 90s (32°C and up) are common.

Money

Frommer's lists exact prices in the local currency. However, rates fluctuate, so before departing, consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com/convert/classic to check up-to-the-minute rates.

It's always advisable to bring money in a variety of forms on a vacation: a mix of cash, credit cards, and traveler's checks -- although lots of businesses no longer know how to handle traveler's checks and so won't accept them.

You should also exchange enough petty cash to cover airport incidentals, tipping, and transportation to your hotel before you leave home, or withdraw money upon arrival at an airport ATM.

ATMs are everywhere, even in convenience stores on street corners. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere. Checks are frowned upon, especially when they aren't local.

Tips for Senior Travelers

Most attractions offer senior discounts on admission. You'll find them listed throughout this guide.

Regions in Brief

Western Maryland

Lovers of the outdoors adore this part of Maryland. It has biking and hiking trails, lakes, and white water. It has the Catoctin Mountains and Deep Creek Lake, charming towns, and historic sites.

Everything west of Frederick County is considered Western Maryland. Although development has begun here, particularly around Hagerstown and Cumberland, the atmosphere is peaceful. You can expect a smile and a welcome from the people you meet.

It used to take hours driving over small winding roads to get to the far reaches of Western Maryland. That's no longer true since the construction of Route 68, which continues westward when Route 70 heads north near Hancock. Route 68 bypasses the small towns and slices right through a mountain at Sideling Hill.

Now skiing at Wisp Resort is just a few hours away from the more populous eastern part of the state. Hiking a trail at Swallow Falls can take longer than driving to it. And many visitors frequent Deep Creek Lake and Rocky Gap State Park and Resort.

Summer and winter are the best times to visit. Summer offers hot sunshine and cool shade for outdoor activities. State parks beckon in winter with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and rides in horse-drawn sleighs. Spring and fall are the seasons for hiking, biking, horseback riding, fishing, and sometimes boating. Colorful foliage also makes this a popular spot in fall, but sometimes spring can be a little cold and wet for activities other than shopping and limited sightseeing. The Wisp Resort keeps visitors coming year-round, with golf, a white-water course, hiking, and biking, as well as downhill skiing.

The Washington, D.C., Suburbs

A lot of territory is dumped into this region. All roads -- or at least highways -- lead to Washington, D.C., and so do many of the people who live in these Maryland counties. But the counties of Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George's, Howard, and Carroll are distinctly different. Frederick's history is tied more to that of Western Maryland, though you'd never know it if you were driving the highways around rush hour. It's part of the Civil War crossroads, so you can't go far without finding another reminder of the War Between the States. The area is also home to Camp David, the presidential retreat, and rolling hills covered with orchards and dairy farms. A drive up Route 15 toward Gettysburg offers one of Maryland's best day trips.

The other four counties have mostly given themselves over to urban sprawl. There are still some gems, such as the Great Falls of the Potomac and the home of Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross. Theme-park fans can head for Six Flags America in Prince George's County.

Baltimore Metropolitan Area

The heavily populated region around Baltimore and Annapolis is home to most Marylanders. Baltimore keeps attracting more businesses and residents as it continues to transform from aging industrial town to up-to-the-minute cosmopolitan city. Annapolis, 25 miles away, works hard at staying just the way it has always been. That Colonial style, with the U.S. Naval Academy and Chesapeake Bay as charming backdrops, still attracts plenty of visitors.

Southern Maryland

Tobacco once was king in Southern Maryland, and reminders are still evident. As you drive through Charles, Calvert, and St. Mary's counties, you can see tobacco-curing barns with the long narrow slits that open up to the air.

St. Clement's Island, where Maryland's first settlers stepped upon the New World in 1634, is still a very remote place. St. Mary's City disappeared after Annapolis became the capital, but archaeologists are rediscovering and restoring the 374-year-old buildings in a fascinating work in progress.

Surrounded by the mouth of the Potomac River and the Atlantic Ocean, this is fishing territory. At Point Lookout State Park, anglers can try their luck in both. In Calvert County, both Chesapeake Beach and Solomons offer many a fishing-boat charter.

The Eastern Shore

This is the home of corn, oysters, and geese. On a flat spit of land that stretches up the eastern side of the Chesapeake Bay, the Eastern Shore is different from the rest of Maryland. Natives have their own accent and are sun- and wind-burned from long hours on a tractor or a workboat. Towns are small, and though many are more businesslike than pretty, some have deserved reputations for charm and history. There are rivers for fishing, boating, and swimming. The wide-open spaces attract waterfowl from fall to spring, a delight if you're a hunter or a birder. And the Eastern Shore's flatness makes biking easy.

The Mid-Shore -- Talbot, Kent, and Dorchester counties -- is the most developed part of the Eastern Shore and the most tourist-friendly. Though fishing and crabbing are important, the main industry here has historically been shipbuilding.

Don't care about any of that? You'll love Route 50 because it will get you "downy ocean" in a hurry, hon.

Down the Ocean

The Atlantic rules here -- sun, beach, and miniature golf as far as the eye can see. Here, too, are the lifesaving stations and concrete watchtowers that once housed those on the lookout for sailors in distress and World War II enemy ships.

Ocean City's condos, shops, and highways dominate the state's coastline; in summer, it's Maryland's second-largest city. South of the inlet is Assateague Island, a seashore park renowned for its wild ponies and its pristine landscape.

Sustainable Travel & Ecotourism

Marylanders and Delawareans are recycling their bottles and paper. They're choosing locally produced foods and choosing "green" products.

But if you visit either state, you are going to have a difficult time recycling your own waste, as there are few recycling containers at local attractions and hotels.

There are a few steps visitors can take to protect the fragile Chesapeake Bay, ocean, beach, or mountain environments you've come to enjoy.

Most hotels now ask if you want your linens changed every day. Politely decline. (Now, you don't change your own sheets every day, do you?) Use them twice, and save gallons of hot water and energy.

Take the bus, the Light Rail, or the train. Public transportation is the way to go, especially in downtown Baltimore and at the beach. Baltimore's public buses are one option. Another is the new Charm City Circulator, which offers free transportation all around the business district. In fact, it's the cool way to go at the beach, both in Maryland and Delaware. All-day passes are available and inexpensive.

Bike paths are everywhere. If you want to leave your car alone for a day or two, you can take a bike ride from Cumberland to Washington. Or along the Allegheny Passage into Pennsylvania. Or at the beach between Lewes and Rehoboth. Or along the Underground Railroad Trail on the Eastern Shore. Even Baltimore has a bike path from north Baltimore into downtown.

The farm-to-table movement has made it into local restaurants. Look for local produce and seafood where you dine. Some shout it out loud in their menus. Others not so much.

For more ideas, go to www.ecodelaware.com. You'll find a list of earth-friendly ideas for where to travel, and when and how to tread lightly when you get there.

General Resources for Green Travel

In addition to the resources for Maryland and Delaware listed above, the following websites provide valuable wide-ranging information on sustainable travel. For a list of even more sustainable resources, as well as tips and explanations on how to travel greener, visit www.frommers.com/planning.

Responsible Travel (www.responsibletravel.com) is a great source of sustainable travel ideas; the site is run by a spokesperson for ethical tourism in the travel industry. Sustainable Travel International (www.sustainabletravelinternational.org) promotes ethical tourism practices, and manages an extensive directory of sustainable properties and tour operators around the world.

In the U.K., Tourism Concern (www.tourismconcern.org.uk) works to reduce social and environmental problems connected to tourism. The Association of Independent Tour Operators (AITO; www.aito.co.uk) is a group of specialist operators leading the field in making holidays sustainable.

In Canada, Green Living (www.greenlivingonline.com) offers extensive content on how to travel sustainably, including a travel and transport section and profiles of the best green shops and services in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.

In Australia, the national body that sets guidelines and standards for eco-tourism is Ecotourism Australia (www.ecotourism.org.au). The Green Directory (www.thegreendirectory.com.au), Green Pages (www.thegreenpages.com.au), and EcoDirectory (www.ecodirectory.com.au) offer sustainable travel tips and directories of green businesses.

Carbonfund (www.carbonfund.org), TerraPass (www.terrapass.org), and CoolClimate (http://coolclimate.berkeley.edu) provide info on carbon-offsetting, or offsetting the levels of greenhouse gas emitted during flights.

"Green" Hotels Association (www.greenhotels.com) recommends green-rated member hotels around the world that fulfill the company's stringent environmental requirements. Environmentally Friendly Hotels (www.environmentallyfriendlyhotels.com) offers more green accommodations ratings. The Hotel Association of Canada has a Green Key Eco-Rating Program (www.greenkeyglobal.com), which audits the environmental performance of Canadian hotels, motels, and resorts.

Sustain Lane (www.sustainlane.com) lists sustainable eating and drinking choices around the U.S.; also visit www.eatwellguide.org for tips on eating sustainably in the U.S. and Canada.

For information on animal-friendly issues throughout the world, visit Tread Lightly (www.treadlightly.org). For information about the ethics of swimming with dolphins, visit the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (www.wdcs.org).

International Volunteer Programs Association (IVPA; www.volunteerinternational.org) has a list of questions to help you determine the intentions and the nature of a volunteer program. For general info on volunteer travel, visit www.volunteerabroad.org and www.idealist.org.

Getting Around

By Plane

Commuter flights within Maryland fly from Baltimore and Philadelphia airports to Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional Airport (tel. 410/548-4827), 40 minutes west of Ocean City, on the outskirts of Salisbury.

Some large airlines offer transatlantic or transpacific passengers special discount tickets under the name Visit USA, which allows mostly one-way travel from one U.S. destination to another at very low prices. Unavailable in the U.S., these discount tickets must be purchased abroad in conjunction with your international fare. This system is the easiest, fastest, cheapest way to see the country.

By Car

The most practical way to see both Maryland and Delaware is by car. Depending on traffic, it takes approximately 2 hours to get from Wilmington to Lewes; from 75 minutes to 2 hours, also depending on traffic, from Wilmington to Baltimore; 1 hour from Baltimore to Annapolis; 90 minutes from Baltimore to Washington, D.C.; 90 minutes from Baltimore to Frederick; 2 1/2 hours from Frederick to Cumberland; and 2 1/2 hours from Annapolis to Ocean City.

If you're planning to drive on the Baltimore Beltway (I-695), try to avoid rush hour. Congestion, particularly at the junctions north and south of I-95, is terrible. Road widening is underway in some areas, but traffic is at its heaviest from 7 to 10am and 3 to 6pm.

The I-95 Corridor Coalition puts out a seasonal "Lane Closings, Bottlenecks, and Upcoming Events" brochure that lists interstate trouble spots for both states with a few alternate routes listed. You'll find the brochure at welcome centers, visitor centers, and online and in real time at www.i95coalition.org.

The tourism agencies in Maryland and Delaware both produce good free maps. However, if you plan to do any extensive driving on Maryland's Eastern Shore, you'll need more detail than the state maps provide. Contact the county tourism agencies (especially Somerset, Dorchester, and Talbot) for free county maps. There are a couple of special-interest maps, too. The best is the Maryland Scenic Byways map and guide, which offers some off-the-beaten-path routes with scenic stops. (Get them just so you can see what the black-eyed Susan signs along the road are referring to.) The state also puts out an excellent bicycle map.

If you're visiting from abroad and plan to rent a car in the United States, keep in mind that foreign driver's licenses are usually recognized in the U.S., but you should get an international one if your home license is not in English. Check out Breezenet.com (www.bnm.com), which offers domestic car-rental discounts with some of the most competitive rates around.

By Train

International visitors can buy a USA Rail Pass, good for 15, 30, or 45 days of unlimited travel on Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL [872-7245]; www.amtrak.com). The pass is available online or through many overseas travel agents. See Amtrak's website for the cost of travel within the western, eastern, or northwestern United States. Reservations are generally required and should be made as early as possible. Regional rail passes are also available.

By Bus

Bus travel is often the most economical form of public transit for short hops between U.S. cities, but it's certainly not an option for everyone. Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) is the sole nationwide bus line. International visitors can obtain the Greyhound North American Discovery Pass from foreign travel agents or through www.discoverypass.com for unlimited travel and stopovers in the U.S. and Canada. Passes can be activated at the downtown Baltimore bus terminal, 2110 Haines St. (tel. 410/752-7682), or the Baltimore Travel Plaza, off I-95 (tel. 410/633-6389). Both are open 24 hours.

You can travel in Baltimore on the Metro, Light Rail, or bus, all operated by the Maryland Transit Administration (MTA; tel. 410/539-5000; www.mtamaryland.com). In Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, DART First State (tel. 302/577-3278; www.dartfirststate.com) runs buses between the downtown business section and suburbs and tourist attractions.

Health & Insurance

Common Ailments

Lyme Disease -- Maryland and Delaware don't pose any unusual health risks to the average visitor. If you're hiking or camping, be aware that this is deer-tick country, and deer ticks can carry Lyme disease. Wear long sleeves and pants tucked into your socks, cover your head, and inspect yourself for ticks later. Insect repellent containing DEET also helps repel ticks. After your trip, watch for a bull's-eye-shaped rash that can appear 3 days to a month following infection (but be aware that not everyone who is infected will get the rash). There is now a vaccine available for Lyme disease; consult your doctor if you're planning to take an extensive trip to deer tick-infested areas.

Respiratory Illnesses -- Baltimore's air quality can be hard on a person suffering from asthma or other lung ailments, especially in the hot, humid summer. Weather reports provide alerts whenever the air quality index is so poor that people are advised to stay inside.

Sun Exposure -- Visitors should keep applying sunscreen and wear a hat whenever outside as they would at home. This is especially important near the water, where cool breezes or cloudy skies can lull visitors into believing the sun isn't strong.

What to Do If You Get Sick Away from Home

If you face a life-threatening illness, call tel. 911 anywhere in Maryland. Every hospital has an emergency room whose staff won't turn anyone away. Bring your health insurance card, if you have one.

If you suffer from a chronic illness, consult your doctor before your departure. Pack prescription medications in your carry-on luggage, and carry them in their original containers, with pharmacy labels -- otherwise they won't make it through airport security. Visitors from outside the U.S. should carry generic names of prescription drugs. For U.S. travelers, most reliable healthcare plans provide coverage if you get sick away from home. Foreign visitors may have to pay medical costs upfront and be reimbursed later.

Safety

While most of Maryland enjoys relatively low crime rates, Baltimore has a nagging problem with property and violent crime. The major tourist areas of both cities are fairly well policed, but be alert and follow common-sense precautions.

If you're using public transport, it's best to travel during the day and to keep valuables out of sight. It is safer and smarter to drive or take a cab between neighborhoods (unless otherwise noted) than to walk, even when the distance is not too great. Keep a good city map at hand to help you out if you're lost. Neighborhoods can go from safe to scary in a matter of a few blocks. It's best to keep on the main routes and turn around if anything looks worrisome.

Tips for Gay and Lesbian Travelers

In Baltimore, the main resource for gay men and lesbians is the Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Baltimore, 241 W. Chase St. (tel. 410/837-7748). The center also produces the Baltimore Gay Paper (www.glccb.org), available free at area restaurants, nightclubs, bars, and bookstores.

Calendar of Events

For an exhaustive list of events beyond those listed here, check http://events.frommers.com, where you'll find a searchable, up-to-the-minute roster of what's happening in cities all over the world.

January

Historic Annapolis Antiques Show (Medford National Guard Armory, Annapolis, Md.; tel. 410/267-8146; www.annapolis.org): Fine country and period furniture and decorative arts are displayed and sold to benefit London Town Foundation. Second weekend in January.

Chesapeake Bay Boat Show (Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Md.; tel. 212/984-7000; www.discoverboating.com): Dream of summer while climbing aboard the boats. Nine days in mid-January.

February

Hunt Valley Antiques Show (Timonium, Md.; tel. 410/366-1980; www.huntvalleyantiquesshow.org): As good as Annapolis's show . Call for tickets. Last weekend in February.

March

St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival (Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, Md.; tel. 800/OC-OCEAN [626-2326]): The second-largest parade in Maryland features floats and live Irish dancing and entertainment. Saturday nearest the actual day.

Maryland Day (Historic St. Mary's City and Annapolis, Md.; tel. 800/762-1634 for St. Mary's, or 410/267-8146 for Annapolis): Special tours and ceremonies at historic sites. On or near March 25.

April

My Lady's Manor Steeplechase Races (Ladew Topiary Gardens, Rte. 146 and Pocock Rd., Monkton, Md.; tel. 410/557-9466): Annual running of the steeplechase. Saturday in mid-April.

May

The Maryland Film Festival (tel. 410/752-8083; www.mdfilmfest.com): Venues around Maryland showcase original as well as restored films. First week in May.

Decoy and Wildlife Art Festival (Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, Havre de Grace, Md.; tel. 410/939-3739; www.decoymuseum.com): Auctions, retriever demonstrations, and carving competitions. First weekend in May.

Preakness Week (Baltimore area, Md.; tel. 410/542-9400; www.preakness.com): The Preakness Stakes, the second jewel of horse racing's Triple Crown, is held at Pimlico Race Course. Gates open at 8:30am. The celebration begins the previous week with a parade and other events. Third Saturday in May.

Wine in the Woods (Symphony Woods, Columbia, Md.; tel. 410/313-7275; www.wineinthewoods.com): Maryland wines and gourmet foods, entertainment, arts, and crafts. Preakness Weekend (just by coincidence) from noon to 6pm.

Flowermart (Mount Vernon, Baltimore, Md.; tel. 410/323-0022; www.flowermart.org): A charming tradition known for its flowers, lemon sticks, and crab cakes. First weekend in May.

Chestertown Tea Party Festival (Chestertown, Md.; tel. 410/778-0416; www.chestertownteaparty.com): Bostonians weren't the only ones throwing tea overboard in the 1770s. This festival has a reenactment of the 1774 Tea Party, a parade, a crafts show, entertainment, and food. Last weekend in May.

U.S. Naval Academy Commissioning Week (Annapolis, Md.; tel. 410/263-6937): Activities include an air show by the Blue Angels, several dress parades, and graduation. The air show stops traffic near the Severn River and attracts lots of spectators. Other events are closed to the public. Mid-May.

June

Arts Alive (Northside Park, Ocean City, Md.; tel. 800/0C-OCEAN [626-2326]): Juried art contest and exhibition. First weekend in June.

Columbia Festival of the Arts (Lake Kittamaqundi, Columbia, Md.; tel. 410/715-3044; www.columbiafestival.com): Celebration of the arts with local and national stars of theater, music, dance, and visual arts. Ten days in mid-June.

July

Salute to Independence (Antietam National Battlefield, Sharpsburg, Md.; tel. 301/432-5124; www.nps.gov/anti/salute.htm): The Maryland Symphony Orchestra's annual concert, with cannon fire and fireworks. Saturday after July 4th.

Artscape (Baltimore, Md.; tel. 410/837-4636; www.artscape.org): A weekend festival celebrating the visual and performing arts. Nationally known performers join local artists; children's activities are also offered. Mid-July.

J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake (Crisfield, Md.; tel. 410/968-2500): An all-you-can-eat celebration of crabs, clams, and corn. Wednesday in mid-July.

August

Kunta Kinte Celebration (Annapolis, Md.; tel. 410/349-0338): African-American cultural heritage festival with music, dance, arts, and crafts. Mid-August.

Maryland State Fair (Timonium Fairgrounds, Md.; tel. 410/252-0200; www.marylandstatefair.com): Eleven days of farm animals, crafts, produce, rides, entertainment, and thoroughbred racing. From the week before Labor Day through the holiday weekend, daily from 10am to 10pm.

September

Duck Fair (Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, Havre de Grace, Md.; tel. 410/939-3739; www.decoymuseum.com): A celebration of wildlife art, along with food, entertainment, and children's activities. Weekend after Labor Day.

The Star-Spangled Banner Weekend (Fort McHenry, Baltimore, Md.; tel. 410/962-4290; www.nps.gov/fomc): Reenactments of the War of 1812, with musket firing and children's activities. Fall weekend near Defender's Day, September 12 (a Baltimore City holiday).

Maryland Wine Festival (Carroll County Farm Museum, Westminster, Md.; tel. 800/654-4645): Maryland wines, food, entertainment, and tours of the farm museum. Mid-September.

Baltimore Book Festival (Baltimore, Md.; tel. 888/BALTIMORE [225-8466] or 410/837-4636): Features local bookstores and publishers, authors and storytellers, art, entertainment, and food. Weekend in mid-September.

Maryland Million (Laurel Park, Laurel, Md.; tel. 410/252-2100; www.mdhorsebreeders.com): Maryland's own are celebrated in this race of Maryland-bred thoroughbreds. Late September or early October.

October

Fells Point Fun Festival (Baltimore, Md.; tel. 410/675-6756): Largest urban festival on the East Coast. First weekend in October.

United States Sailboat Show (City Dock, Annapolis, Md.; tel. 410/268-8828; www.usboat.com): Nation's oldest and largest in-water sailboat show. Columbus Day weekend.

United States Powerboat Show (City Dock, Annapolis, Md.; tel. 410/268-8828; www.usboat.com): Nation's oldest and largest in-water powerboat show. Weekend after sailboat show.

Autumn Glory Festival (Oakland, Md.; tel. 301/387-4386; www.autumngloryfestival.com): State banjo and fiddle championship, crafts, and antiques. Second week in October.

Catoctin Colorfest (Thurmont, Md.; tel. 301/271-4432): Arts and crafts and the beauty of the mountains. Second weekend in October.

Tilghman Island Day (Tilghman Island, Md.; tel. 410/886-2677): Local seafood, music, watermen contests, and rides on skipjacks and workboats. Saturday in October.

November

Waterfowl Festival (Easton, Md.; tel. 410/822-4567; www.waterfowlfestival.org): An Eastern Shore celebration of decoys, artwork of waterfowl, duck-calling contests, kids' activities, and food. Second weekend in November.

December

New Year's Eve Spectacular (Inner Harbor, Baltimore, Md.; tel. 888/BALTIMORE [225-8466]): Party suitable for families, featuring entertainment, food, and fireworks. December 31.

Staying Connected

Many convenience stores and packaging services sell prepaid calling cards in denominations up to $50; for international visitors, these can be the least expensive way to call home. Many public pay phones at airports now accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards. Local calls made from pay phones in most locales usually cost 50¢. Most long-distance and international calls can be dialed directly from any phone. For calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For other international calls, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and the number you are calling.

Calls to area codes 800, 888, 877, and 866 are toll-free. However, calls to area codes 700 and 900 (chat lines, bulletin boards, "dating" services, and so on) can be very expensive -- usually a charge of 95¢ to $3 or more per minute, and they sometimes have minimum charges that can run as high as $15 or more.

For reversed-charge or collect calls, and for person-to-person calls, dial the number 0 then the area code and number; an operator will come on the line, and you should specify whether you are calling collect, person-to-person, or both. If your operator-assisted call is international, ask for the overseas operator.

For local directory assistance ("information"), dial 411; for long-distance information, dial 1, then the appropriate area code and 555-1212.

Cellphones

Just because your cellphone works at home doesn't mean it'll work everywhere in the U.S. (thanks to our nation's fragmented cellphone system). It's a good bet that your phone will work in major cities, but take a look at your wireless company's coverage map on its website before heading out.

You can rent a cellphone from Roberts Rent-A-Phone (tel. 800/964-2468; www.roberts-rent-a-phone.com).

Internet & E-Mail

With Your Own Computer -- Checking e-mail and getting online is easy just about everyplace in Maryland and Delaware. Wireless connectivity is available throughout both states -- a little more difficult to find at the beach and a few B&Bs, but only just a little. Free Wi-Fi is most often available in the less expensive chain hotels, B&Bs, and small business hotels. Even in the pricier places, free Wi-Fi is usually available in the lobby or other public spaces. Most larger hotels also have business centers with printers and computers, so visitors can check their e-mail and print out their boarding passes to go home. Internet connectivity is listed with each hotel throughout this guide, if it is available.

Most laptops sold today have built-in wireless capability. To find public Wi-Fi hot spots at your destination, go to www.jiwire.com; its Wi-Fi Finder holds the world's largest directory of public wireless hot spots. Many hotels in the U.S. now also offer free high-speed Internet access.

Wherever you go, bring a connection kit of the right power and phone adapters, a spare phone cord, and a spare Ethernet network cable -- or find out whether your hotel supplies them to guests.

Without Your Own Computer -- Most major airports have Internet kiosks that provide basic Internet access for a per-minute fee that's usually higher than cybercafe prices. Also check out such copy shops as FedEx Office, which offers computer stations with fully loaded software (as well as Wi-Fi). Public libraries are also good places to get online.

For help locating cybercafes and other establishments where you can go for Internet access, visit www.cybercaptive.com and www.cybercafe.com.

Tips on Accommodations

Accommodations in Maryland can be found for everyone from the rock star to the budget traveler.

In Baltimore, your best bet is one of the big hotels in the tourist and business sections of town on a weekend or special package. These are pricier than the motels outside of town, but you'll be closer to major attractions.

Baltimore has three Marriotts, a Hyatt, a Sheraton, and a few independent hotels offering comfortable accommodations near the Inner Harbor.

If you prefer the suburbs, you can find chain hotels and motels near BWI, along Route 40 and I-95, and around the Beltway that circles Baltimore City. Two hotels near the airport are within walking distance of the Light Rail -- with stops in downtown Baltimore. That's a good way to avoid the hassles of renting a car, driving in an unfamiliar city, and finding an expensive parking space. The suburbs are home to several Sheratons, a Hilton, and an Embassy Suites. You can usually count on a clean, comfortable room at a Holiday Inn or Best Western, often with a simple continental breakfast included. In most cases, children stay in their parent's room at no extra charge.

For bed-and-breakfasts, head for Annapolis, Frederick, or Western Maryland. These areas are rich in B&Bs. Because they are old and often have delicate furnishings, innkeepers require children to be well behaved, if they are welcome at all. There may be no TV or hair dryer -- but the bread will be fresh from the oven, and the furnishings usually reflect the locale. Lots of these places now have their own websites, which are accurate, if a bit flowery.

In addition, many B&Bs have made their accommodations as accessible as possible. Call ahead and check to see what can be done for you. Some innkeepers admit they haven't figured out how to accommodate a wheelchair while preserving a fine old house, but they're clearly working on it.

Smokers should be aware that their cigarettes are usually not welcome in the house, not even on the porches.

If you're going to a beach resort in Delaware or Maryland, you've got lots of choices: chains, local hotels, or home and condo rentals. The chains offer predictable accommodations, while the local hotels range from clean and comfy to dazzling. What makes resort destinations really comfortable and economical for families are house and condo rentals. Real-estate agents in each resort (listed in specific chapters) can help you find a place big enough for a family reunion or cozy enough for newlyweds. At the beach, you'll have to pack linens, towels, and paper products, as these aren't provided. But you can count on a pretty well-equipped kitchen, living areas with TVs -- and often VCRs -- sleeping space, and bathrooms. House rentals have become more popular in Deep Creek Lake as well. Firms in both Annapolis and on the Eastern Shore have lined up an impressive array of homes available to the tourist, as well. In every place, there are lots of choices, many with hot tubs, boat piers, or beach access. Here linens are provided, so just bring paper products.

Fast Facts

Area Codes -- Maryland has four area codes: 301 and 240 in the western half of the state, 410 and 443 in the eastern half, including Baltimore and Annapolis. In Maryland, you must always dial the area code first.

Automobile Organizations -- Motor clubs will supply maps, suggested routes, guidebooks, accident and bail-bond insurance, and emergency road service. The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the major auto club in the United States. If you belong to a motor club in your home country, inquire about AAA reciprocity before you leave. You may be able to join AAA even if you're not a member of a reciprocal club. For membership information or for emergency road service, call AAA (tel. 800/222-4357; www.aaa.com).

Business Hours -- Most businesses are open every day. Store operating hours are usually 10am to 5pm or later. Mall stores close at 9pm or later. Many tourist attractions, however, have had to cut back their hours and quite a few have eliminated opening hours on Monday, Tuesday, and sometimes Wednesday. Winter hours at the beach may be even more limited, Saturday and Sunday, if they open at all.

Drinking Laws -- The legal age for purchase and consumption of alcoholic beverages is 21; proof of age is required and often requested at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, so it's always a good idea to bring ID when you go out.

Do not carry open containers of alcohol in your car or any public area that isn't zoned for alcohol consumption. The police can fine you on the spot. Don't even think about driving while intoxicated.

Beer, wine and liquor are available only in licensed liquor stores. In Ocean City, beer and wine are sold more widely than hard liquor, which is available only from a county-run outlet. In most areas, alcohol sales are permitted on Sunday though in Bethany Beach, Del., Cambridge, Md., and Garrett County, Md., Sunday sales are restricted to those drinking alcohol with a meal. There are no package sales on Sunday in Cambridge and Garrett County. Bars may not sell alcohol in Maryland and Delaware after 2am.

Electricity -- Like Canada, the United States uses 110-120 volts AC (60 cycles), compared to 220-240 volts AC (50 cycles) in most of Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. Downward converters that change 220-240 volts to 110-120 volts are difficult to find in the United States, so bring one with you.

Embassies & Consulates -- All embassies are located in the nation's capital, Washington, D.C. Some consulates are located in major U.S. cities, and most nations have a mission to the United Nations in New York City. If your country isn't listed below, call for directory information in Washington, D.C. (tel. 202/555-1212) or check www.embassy.org/embassies.

The embassy of Australia is at 1601 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20036 (tel. 202/797-3000; usa.embassy.gov/au).

The embassy of Canada is at 501 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20001 (tel. 202/682-1740; www.canadianembassy.org). Other Canadian consulates are in Buffalo (New York), Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, and Seattle.

The embassy of Ireland is at 2234 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/462-3939; www.irelandemb.org). Irish consulates are in Boston, Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and other cities. See website for complete listing.

The embassy of New Zealand is at 37 Observatory Circle NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/328-4800; www.nzembassy.com). New Zealand consulates are in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, and Seattle.

The embassy of the United Kingdom is at 3100 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202/588-7800; http://ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en). Other British consulates are in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Seattle.

Emergencies -- Dial tel. 911 for any emergency requiring police, firefighters, or ambulance.

Gasoline (Petrol) -- Gas prices tend to be at or below the national average. Taxes are already included in the printed price. One U.S. gallon equals 3.8 liters or .85 imperial gallons.

Holidays -- Banks, government offices, post offices, and many stores, restaurants, and museums are closed on the following legal national holidays: January 1 (New Year's Day), the third Monday in January (Martin Luther King, Jr., Day), the third Monday in February (Presidents' Day), the last Monday in May (Memorial Day), July 4 (Independence Day), the first Monday in September (Labor Day), the second Monday in October (Columbus Day), November 11 (Veterans Day/Armistice Day), the fourth Thursday in November (Thanksgiving Day), and December 25 (Christmas). The Tuesday after the first Monday in November is Election Day, a federal government holiday in presidential-election years (held every 4 years, and next in 2012).

Insurance -- For information on traveler's insurance, trip cancellation insurance, and medical insurance while traveling please visit www.frommers.com/planning.

Internet Access -- Internet access is available in most hotels, as well as at a number of coffee shops, including Panera Bread and Starbucks. Local libraries offer computer access and Wi-Fi free of charge. FedEx Office also offers computer and Internet access. Cybercafes are difficult to find; try www.cybercafe.com.

Legal Aid -- If you are "pulled over" for a minor infraction (such as speeding), never attempt to pay the fine directly to a police officer; this could be construed as attempted bribery, a much more serious crime. Pay fines by mail, or directly into the hands of the clerk of the court. If accused of a more serious offense, say and do nothing before consulting a lawyer. Here the burden is on the state to prove a person's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and everyone has the right to remain silent, whether he or she is suspected of a crime or actually arrested. Once arrested, a person can make one telephone call to a party of his or her choice. International visitors should call your embassy or consulate.

Mail -- At press time, domestic postage rates were 28¢ for a postcard and 44¢ for a letter. For international mail, a first-class letter of up to 1 ounce costs 98¢ (75¢ to Canada and 79¢ to Mexico); a first-class postcard costs the same as a letter. For more information go to www.usps.com.

If you aren't sure what your address will be in the United States, mail can be sent to you, in your name, c/o General Delivery at the main post office of the city or region where you expect to be. (Call tel. 800/275-8777 for information on the nearest post office.) The addressee must pick up mail in person and must produce proof of identity (driver's license, passport, and so on). Most post offices will hold your mail for up to 1 month, and are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 6pm, and Saturday from 9am to 3pm.

Always include zip codes when mailing items in the U.S. If you don't know your zip code, visit www.usps.com/zip4.

Newspapers & Magazines -- The Sun and the Washington Post are Maryland's major newspapers. In Annapolis, look for the Capital, and in the Mid-Shore, the Star Democrat. You'll find the Wilmington News-Journal and the Philadelphia Inquirer in Delaware. They are easy to find in drug stores, supermarkets, and convenience stores.

Police -- Dial tel. 911 in an emergency anywhere in either Maryland or Delaware.

Smoking -- Smoking in restaurants, bars, and other public places is illegal in Maryland and Delaware. A few Delaware hotels offer rooms for smokers -- but the majority of bed-and-breakfasts do not.

Taxes -- The United States has no value-added tax (VAT) or other indirect tax at the national level. Delaware has no sales tax but does have an 8% to 10% lodging tax. Maryland's sales tax is 6% on everything except groceries, and lodging taxes range from 4.5% to 7.5%. These taxes will not appear on price tags or quoted prices.

Telephones -- Public phones are getting harder to find in Maryland and Delaware, with very few available on the street.

Many convenience groceries and packaging services sell prepaid calling cards in denominations up to $50; for international visitors these can be the least expensive way to call home. Many public pay phones at airports now accept American Express, MasterCard, and Visa credit cards. Local calls made from pay phones in most locales cost either 25¢ or 35¢. Most long-distance and international calls can be dialed directly from any phone. For calls within the United States and to Canada, dial 1 followed by the area code and the seven-digit number. For other international calls, dial 011 followed by the country code, city code, and the number you are calling.

For local directory assistance ("information"), dial 411; for long-distance information, dial 1, then the appropriate area code and 555-1212.

Time -- Maryland and Delaware are situated in the Eastern Standard Time zone. The continental United States is divided into four time zones: Eastern Standard Time (EST), Central Standard Time (CST), Mountain Standard Time (MST), and Pacific Standard Time (PST). Alaska and Hawaii have their own zones. For example, when it's 9am in Los Angeles (PST), it's 7am in Honolulu (HST),10am in Denver (MST), 11am in Chicago (CST), noon in New York City (EST), 5pm in London (GMT), and 2am the next day in Sydney.

Daylight saving time is in effect from 1am on the second Sunday in March to 1am on the first Sunday in November, except in Arizona, Hawaii, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. Daylight saving time moves the clock 1 hour ahead of standard time.

Tipping -- In hotels, tip bellhops at least $1 per bag ($2-$3 if you have a lot of luggage) and tip the chamber staff $1 to $2 per day (more if you've left a disaster area for him or her to clean up). Tip the doorman or concierge only if he or she has provided you with some specific service (for example, calling a cab for you or obtaining difficult-to-get theater tickets). Tip the valet-parking attendant $1 every time you get your car.

In restaurants, bars, and nightclubs, tip service staff and bartenders 15% to 20% of the check, tip checkroom attendants $1 per garment, and tip valet-parking attendants $1 per vehicle.

As for other service personnel, tip cabdrivers 15% of the fare; tip skycaps at airports at least $1 per bag ($2-$3 if you have a lot of luggage); and tip hairdressers and barbers 15% to 20%.

Toilets -- You won't find public toilets or "restrooms" on the streets in most U.S. cities but they can be found in hotel lobbies, bars, restaurants, museums, department stores, railway and bus stations, and service stations. Large hotels and fast-food restaurants are often the best bet for clean facilities. Restaurants and bars in resorts or heavily visited areas may reserve their restrooms for patrons.

Visitor Information -- In Maryland, contact the Maryland Office of Tourism Development (tel. 866/639-3526 or 410/767-3400; www.visitmaryland.org). Its website has links to county websites as well. For information on Baltimore and the vicinity, contact Visit Baltimore (tel. 877/BALTIMORE [225-8466] or 410/659-7300; www.baltimore.org). Annapolis visitors should contact the Annapolis and Anne Arundel County Conference and Visitors Bureau (tel. 888/302-2852 or 410/280-0445; www.annapolis.org).

For information on parks, forests, and wildlife refuges, contact the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (tel. 877/620-8DNR [8367] or 410/260-8DNR [8367]; www.dnr.maryland.gov).

In Delaware, contact Delaware Tourism Office (tel. 866/2VISITDE [284-7483] or 302/672-6834; www.visitdelaware.com). For beach and Dover information, contact Southern Delaware Tourism (tel. 800/357-1818 or 302/856-1818; www.visitsoutherndelaware.com). For information on Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley, contact the Greater Wilmington Convention and Visitors Bureau (tel. 800/422-1181 or 302/652-4088; www.visitwilmingtonde.com).

Weather -- For Baltimore and Annapolis, check on the day's weather forecast by calling tel. 410/936-1212. In Wilmington, dial tel. 302/429-9000 for weather, time, and a few ads.

Getting There

By Plane

The gateway to Maryland is Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), 10 miles south of Baltimore and 20 miles north of Annapolis. Hundreds of domestic and international flights arrive daily, and it's a hub for several airlines. Most cities and towns are also convenient to Washington Dulles International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, both major international airports but deep in the heart of many D.C. traffic jams.

Most major airlines fly into BWI, including Air Tran (tel. 800/247-8726), American (tel. 800/433-7300), British Airways (tel. 800/247-9297), Continental (tel. 800/525-0280), Delta (tel. 800/221-1212), Northwest (tel. 800/225-2525), Southwest (tel. 800/435-9792), United (tel. 800/241-6522), and US Airways (tel. 800/428-4322).

Commuter flights fly into Salisbury-Ocean City-Wicomico Regional Airport, near Ocean City, Maryland.

By Car

International visitors should note that insurance and taxes are almost never included in quoted rental car rates in the U.S. Be sure to ask your rental agency about additional fees for these. They can add a significant cost to your car rental.

The Eastern Seaboard's major north-south link from Maine to Florida, I-95, passes through Wilmington and Newark in Delaware as well as Baltimore and central Maryland. Other interstate highways that traverse Maryland are I-83, which connects Baltimore with Harrisburg and points north, and I-70 and I-68, which connect Western Maryland to the rest of the state and to Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Ohio. There are no other interstates in Delaware, but to access the state from Maryland and points south, use U.S. Route 13 or Route 113.

Maps and brochures are available at visitor information centers on I-95 and I-70. Most are open only from 9am to 5pm. Some locations even offer hotel reservations services.

By Train

Amtrak (tel. 800/USA-RAIL [872-7245]; www.amtrak.com) offers frequent daily service to Baltimore, at both Pennsylvania Station (downtown) and BWI Airport Rail Station. There's also daily service to Newark, Delaware; and Aberdeen and New Carrollton, Maryland. Amtrak has limited service to and from the west at Cumberland and Rockville, Maryland. The high-speed Acela train runs along the Northeast Corridor.

MARC (tel. 800/325-RAIL [7245]) commuter service runs between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore during the week. MARC also serves Western Maryland in Brunswick and Frederick.

By Bus

Greyhound (tel. 800/231-2222; www.greyhound.com) serves major points in Maryland and Delaware, including Wilmington and Dover, Annapolis, Baltimore, Ocean City, Easton, and Frederick, with express service from New York City to Baltimore (at South Baltimore and East Baltimore's Travel Plaza).

By Boat

All cruise vessels depart from the Port of Baltimore's South Locust Point Marine Terminal, 2001 E. McComas St., about 5 miles from the Inner Harbor, where many of the best attractions and hotels are located. To get to Baltimore, follow I-195 west to Route 295 north, which will take you into downtown. Taxis to downtown attractions run about $22.

Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

Visitors with disabilities can count on finding accessible hotels, restaurants and attractions throughout Maryland and Delaware. A few B&Bs have found ways to outfit their buildings for the needs of disabled guests, though most would pose a challenge.

Curbs in almost every town have been cut to assist visitors, but brick sidewalks can be difficult in the historic areas of Annapolis.

That having been said, efforts have been made at a majority of attractions to be accessible for travelers with disabilities. Baltimore's buses have "kneeling" buses for wheelchair users and Light Rail stops have ramps.