What are your plans for the first weekend of 2022?

Maryland is renowned for its fantastic beaches, excellent trails, and proximity to Washington DC. And if you’re a travel buff, winter is the best time to explore the several offbeat nooks and corners of the Old Line State. If you want to explore new places while avoiding the crowd, a winter excursion is a must on your bucket list!

The 7 Best Places in Maryland for a Winter Escapade

We’ve compiled a list of the seven most eccentric places in Maryland to visit this winter. How many are on your bucket list?

Annapolis

While the town’s charm is best felt during summer, there is something exciting about visiting Annapolis during the winter. The city turns into a magical wonderland with fewer crowds during the Holidays. And this is a treat for avid shoppers.

Head downtown and immerse yourself in a shopping spree. And if you want more, visit Arundel Mills Mall, Maryland’s largest outlet mall. Annapolis’s other notable shopping districts are Maryland Avenue, Main Street, and City Dock.

When you’re done shopping, head over to the Jolly Express cruise on the river. Ticket prices include a 45-minute cruise, hot cocoa, great music, and everything you need to have a good time.

Cumberland

Cumberland is a terrific place to visit if you love exploring the great outdoors. Home to 70,000 acres of plain land, the town hides some of the best trails in the state. Visit Rocky Gap State Park and explore 3,000 acres of rugged mountainous terrain.

You can enjoy a hike, head out on a bike trail, or visit Lake Habeeb, a 243-acre reservoir. The lake freezes during winter, which is perfect for ice fishing. If you’re in town, don’t miss Green Ridge State Forest. The place has over 50 miles of hiking trails and is a traveler’s paradise.

Enthusiasts can also spend a day at the Allegany Museum, home to the county’s rich heritage and Appalachian Maryland’s geographical, cultural, and commercial heritage.

Chesapeake Beach

Located on Maryland’s coastline, Rod ‘N’ Reel Resort is one of the most prominent places for vacationers. The resort has over 72 cozy and exquisitely decorated rooms for guests. While the restaurant serves some of the most lip-smacking delicacies from the region.

If you’re looking for the ultimate relaxation, the Chesapeake Beach Salon & Spa is where you should be headed next. Spend a relaxing evening with an exclusive massage and feel the tension evaporate.

The nearby North Beach is a major attraction and is famous for ice fishing during the winter. If you’re into casual gambling, there are two casinos in the resort where you can try your luck. Other nearby attractions include the Bayside History Museum and the Chesapeake Bay Railway Museum.

Frederick

Located in central Maryland, Frederick is a historical town with several interesting places. From WWII-era structures to magnificent natural wonders, Frederick never ceases to amaze travelers.

If you’ve never visited before, Cunningham Falls State Park, Rose Hill Manor Park, Children’s Museum, and the National Museum of Civil War Medicine must be on your bucket list. And if you have time, don’t forget to check out Clue IQ escape rooms, Maryland’s #1 escape room.

Clue IQ hosts fantastic room escape games that offer an immersive, family-friendly experience. Take your pick from an expansive escape game selection and start gaming today!

Baltimore

Baltimore has several fascinating winter escapades for the adventurous bunch. You can plan a romantic date with your significant other or take the kids out on an epic adventure to Mimi DiPietro Ice Skating Rink or Pandora Ice Rink.

If ice-skating is not your forte, visit the Baltimore World Trade Center Observatory to soak in the breathtaking views of the skyscape. Tickets are priced at $5 for kids and $8 for adults. Other notable attractions include the Inner Harbor of Baltimore and the Maryland Science Center.

See the historical USS Torsk and the USS Constellation up close and familiarize yourself with American history. Astronomy enthusiasts will love the Ramsey Observatory and its countless temporary and permanent exhibits.

Eastern Shore

Two things are constant on Maryland’s Eastern Shore – water and seafood. Winters on the Eastern Shore offer several novel options for a fun-filled vacation. While seafood lovers won’t be disappointed by the fresh oysters available in the region, the vineyards along the Chesapeake Wine Trail are the ideal place to try some of America’s finest wine.

Bay Wolf, The Harrison House, and Chesapeake Landing are three of the top restaurants in the region and a must-visit on any foodie’s map. Don’t miss the opportunity to try raw, steamed, or fried oysters when you’re in town.

If you like spending time amidst nature over a glass of local wine, Costa Ventosa Winery, Bordeleau Vineyards, and St. Michael’s Winery are the top three picks. Take a road trip to nearby Virginia and Chincoteague for some of the best-tasting brews in the region.

Sandy Point State Park

Located near the Chesapeake Bay, Sandy Point State Park is a public recreational area famous for its swimming beach. However, the crowds are thinner during winter, making it the ideal time for exploring the area.

The park isn’t massive and can be explored on foot. So, wear your walking shoes if you plan on taking a scenic hike. Among the several scenic trails in Sandy Point, Blue Crab Tail and Symbi Trail stand out. While the former is perfect for birdwatchers, the latter doubles up as a cycling trail that takes you through an old pine forest and marshes.

Sandy Point State Park is the hub of social activities during winter. And with over 60 unique displays during the holiday season, the park is brimming with activity. Take the Polar Bear Plunge, for instance. Participants contribute $75 each for a chance to leap into the freezing waters of Chesapeake Bay in January to support Maryland’s 7,782 athletes.

Have you Planned Your Trip to Maryland Yet?

Maryland might not be the largest state in the country, but don’t let its size fool you. Packed with some of the most exciting activities for travelers, a trip to Merry-land can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. From conventional vacation activities to novel experiences, several adventures await in Maryland.

One such excursion starts in Frederick. Clue IQ escape rooms offer the most advanced escape room experience in Maryland. Get your squad together and experience 60-minutes of unadulterated thrill. So, what are you waiting for? Book your slot today!