Maryland vacations are fun to plan: here are some great trip ideas and travel destinations.

Maryland is a land of endless possibilities. Her beautiful wild places beckon nature lovers and city dwellers alike. Skiing, biking, riding the rapids, sailing, kayaking, bird watching, hiking, biking, fishing, camping, hunting, and so much more are available for the hands-on nature lover. For those who want to take a more passive role reveling in her beauty you can visit the many parks, a number of which have services for all, including those who need handicapped access.

Maryland has been part of the tapestry of American history, with sites relating to the War of 1812, the Civil War, the underground railroad, and of course the Revolutionary War. Four signers of the Declaration of Independence are from Maryland; and the nickname the “Old Line State” stems from the name “Maryland Line”, in honor of the soldiers who fought at the Battle of Long Island in 1776 who stood their line while surrounded by British troops to allow the rest of the American Army to withdraw safely. The country’s oldest statehouse still in legislative use is in Annapolis: site of the signing of the Treaty of Paris and temporarily doubling as both capital of the state and of the foundling nation.

Centrally located on the eastern seaboard, Maryland is an easy drive from New York City, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Richmond.

Maryland has 12 commercial wineries, all of which offer free tours and tastings. These wineries produce 140 different varietals, and some of the labels are Deep Creek, Fiore and Cygnus. Microbreweries are becoming more and more popular and can be found at Annapolis, Bethesda, Cumberland, Ellicott City, Frederick and Westminster.

Sports fans will appreciate the land where Babe Ruth started out pitching for his hometown Baltimore Orioles in the International League, where Seabiscuit became a legend, lacrosse (originally an American Indian game called “bagataway”) became a regional obsession, home of the 2001 Super Bowl Champions-the Baltimore Ravens and the 2002 NCAA titlists-the Terrapins basketball team of the University of Maryland College Park., and pro golfing events such as the U.S. Senior Open, Kemper Insurance Open and Greater Baltimore Senior Classic.

Maryland’s people will welcome you, her food will entice you, and her history will enchant you.