Maryland, My Maryland & Why I Love It

Maryland Day

March 25, 2017, Maryland will be celebrating it’s 383rd annual Maryland Day.  On this day in 1634, the first European settlers landed in the Province of Maryland; the third English colony to settled in British North America.  I could ramble on for pages about the history of Maryland but I won’t bore you with details.  Here is a link if you would like to learn more.  I was born and raised in Maryland and I have lived here my entire life so I know what I’m talking about.  In honor of this day, I would like to share with you why I love Maryland and some of the best things about living here.

Assateague Island National Seashore

Wild horses roaming the beach, need I say more?  They have survived on this barrier island since the early 17th century.  The Assateague horse is beautiful, strong and is one of my favorite animals.

Maryland Blue Crab

In my opinion, a blue crab is best steamed fresh with Old Bay and enjoyed outside on a warm summer day.  Served with sweet corn on the cob from the Eastern Shore, slathered with butter and fresh tomatoes from the garden.

Baltimore Ravens Football

Everyone that knows me, knows that I bleed purple.  Football is my favorite sport.  It is wonderful having a home team that I am proud of and cheer on through good times and bad.  Go Ravens!

Ledo Pizza

There is just something about that square pizza. Easily recognizable to any Marylander.  A thin crispy biscuit-like crust, and a slightly sweet tomato sauce topped with smoked provolone cheese.  Ledo’s first pizzeria was opened in 1955 in Adelphi Maryland near the University of Maryland, College Park.

Winter Spring Summer Fall

I can honestly say that I love something about every season that we enjoy here in Maryland.  From several feet of snow in winter to several inches of rain that bring spring flowers.  To the gorgeous warm summer days; and my favorite season of pumpkin picking and apple cider drinking in fall.

Black Eyed Susan

Marylands beautiful state flower that attracts tons of butterflies and is easy to grow.

Location Location Location

Maryland is the center of the east coast.  A few hours in any direction and you can be laying on the beach, in the mountains or in Time Square of New York City.  I love being able to do road trips to our nation’s capital or grabbing a Philly cheesesteak all in a days time.

Who Doesn’t Like Under Armour?

Under Armour was created in 1996 by Keven Plank a then 23-year-old former special teams captain of the University of Maryland football.  This business was started in Keven’s grandmother’s basement and has since grown to a 8.2 billion dollar company.

Maryland Favorites

Otterbein’s since 1881, started as a traditional German bakery near Fort McHenry.
Fisher’s Popcorn first opened on the corner of Talbot Street and the Boardwalk in Downtown Ocean City in 1937.  Old Bay seasoning was created in 1939 and is still used to this day to season our steamed crabs
Dolle’s Salt Water Taffy is Ocean City, Marylands original candy maker since 1910
Jeppi Nut & Candy Company is a Baltimore institution whose snacks date back to 1884

Thrasher’s

Thrasher’s french fries have been around since 1929.  It’s not the salty air; it’s the smell of these salty fries that lets you know you’re “down the ocean hon.”  The lines are long but worth the wait.  I like mine served up with extra vinegar.

 More Crab Please

We know how to do crab right here in Maryland.  Jumbo lump crab cakes are simply the best, serve them plain or with crackers and yellow mustard.  Accompanied by a side of cream of crab soup and I’m in heaven.

Bergers Cookies

I have saved the best for last.  Bergers cookies are my number one favorite cookie of all time.  Since their modest start in 1835; Bergers has grown into one of the most recognized and beloved cookie companies in the Mid-Atlantic region.  They maintain the original recipe to this day and every cookie is hand dipped with homemade fudge.

Happy Maryland Day!