27. Maryland

I was genuinely surprised by Maryland when I visited. I don’t know exactly what I expected, but it was certainly more than any image I had of the state before I went.

I feel like the panhandle of the state is often not talked about compared to the much more populated areas closer to DC and Baltimore. But I was shocked at how gorgeous it was! While such a small part of the state (and it’s a small state to begin with), it offers the wooded forests and Appalachian hills that make West Virginia so special. It is definitely worth a drive if you have the chance.

Frederick, Maryland

I was also surprised as I got to the population centers by how unique they were compared to other suburban and exurban areas in the US. The civilization somewhat stays out of sight and is so well ingrained into the wild and farms that it makes them feel so much less dense than they actually are.

I have not yet been to any major Maryland cities, but I really want to. I think Maryland really takes advantage of how much of the state is on the coast and integrates it into the entire feel of the state, way more so than the rest of the coastal states. I need to take advantage of the opportunity and go have some crab cakes on Chesapeake Bay while I remark on the centuries-old architecture and gaze upon incoming sail boats.

It’s great getting to this part of the list where I don’t have much negative to say about the states, and we’re only halfway through the list. I can’t say it is exactly the vibe I appreciate the most, but that’s okay! Maryland is a great example of how every state in this country is unique, and I’m excited to visit again someday.