12 Things You Miss When You Leave Maryland

For many who enjoy travel, there are often small comforts of home that they miss when they leave. For people from Maryland, or even those who visited for a brief time, here are some of the things you’re sure to miss.

Crab Cakes

Everyone who visits Baltimore should try an authentic Maryland crab cake. Baltimore, in particular, is known for its fresh and tasty crab cakes made without fillers and often seasoned with original Old Bay and other spices that bring out the flavor of the crab meat. Natives of Maryland know better than to order a crab cake when they’re traveling. If you’re not from Maryland, and you’ve never had a crab cake here, it’s time to plan your trip.

Old Bay Seasoning

To native Marylanders, Old Bay seasoning is a natural favorite, akin to how many people love salt and pepper. This seasoning is a part of Baltimore history and is a cooking staple. Sprinkle Old Bay on chicken wings, tuna salad, French fries, fish, and, of course, crab cakes to bring some zest to any dish you prepare.

Chicken Box

Who doesn’t appreciate a chicken box every now and then? The Baltimore tradition consists of a Styrofoam container filled with fried chicken that is often sprinkled with salt and pepper and slathered in ketchup. You can purchase them at any America’s Best Wings or Chick ‘N Trout. Don’t forget your half-and-half (sweet tea and lemonade) and French fries, too.

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens are Baltimore’s official NFL team. Whenever the Ravens play a home game at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimoreans swarm downtown. For away games, fans watch the game unfold from the comfort of their homes. Usually, true football fans and lovers of the sport are glued to a TV in some form or fashion, even when they’re traveling.

Fresh Bakery Cupcakes

Bakery, Pastry Shop, Pastelaria, Dessert, Pastries, American, Vegetarian

Fresh Bakery cupcakes are absolutely delicious and are made fresh daily with only the freshest ingredients. These square cupcakes always stand out and smell delightful. When you leave Maryland, it’s hard to find cupcakes that taste as sweet, fresh, and moist. Other cupcakes will pale in comparison.

Captain Crunch French Toast

Cafe

Avid Sunday brunchers who move from Maryland always miss Blue Moon Cafe and their specialty Captain Crunch French Toast. People travel from all over to give this fantastic dish a try. It’s not only sweet, but it’s also freshly made and topped with fruit and whipped cream.

Bergers Cookies

Bergers Cookies are a Baltimore tradition with a German background. These shortbread cookies are full of fudgy-goodness and then topped with chocolate fudge. The small, hand-dipped cookies are a delightful snack that everyone enjoys.

Hubcap Margaritas

Restaurant

Baltimore is home to Nacho Mama’s, where you’ll find the hubcap margarita, which is exactly as it sounds—a margarita served in a hubcap. This restaurant also has some of the best quesadillas in town and will have you wanting more, perhaps with another hubcap margarita.

Ocean City, Maryland

Natural Feature

With a wonderful boardwalk that has so many delicious treats, you’re sure to miss Ocean City, Maryland. The boardwalk is home to the famous Thrasher’s French Fries, which always has a long line with hot fries awaiting you at the end. Many people top off their fries with salt and vinegar, which only add to the savory and salty taste. The boardwalk also has a fudge shop and another small storefront with hot and fresh funnel cakes.

The Baltimore Inner Harbor

Natural Feature

Baltimore Inner Harbor | © Nickel Lietzau/Flickr

The Baltimore Inner Harbor is a great place that brings commerce, industry, and tourists to the city. At the Inner Harbor, there are many restaurants right on the water, along with The Gallery, which has plenty of shopping and things to see. It’s also the perfect place to just walk around and enjoy the fresh and cool downtown air.

Power Plant Live!

Music Venue

Power Plant Live! is the perfect place to go to when you want to spend a night out on the town. With multiple bars and permission to venture outside with a drink in your hand, it’s easy to bar hop. They also hold many events, such as taco festivals, happy hour specials, and more. Power Plant Live! is definitely missed when you leave the state.

Wine Bars

Bar, Restaurant, Wine Bar

Maryland has many wine bars that provide an elegant and sultry adult vibe. One such bar, 13.5% Wine Bar, is in downtown Hampden in Baltimore City and offers an amazing array of wines that are perfectly paired with a seasonal menu. 13.5% has marvelous food with an even better wine selection that is on display in the restaurant and covers an entire wall.

About the author

Jasmine Eppes

Freelance Writer

Jasmine Eppes is not only an accomplished copywriter, but she also enjoys the finer things in life such as traveling through the friendly skies and long walks to the wine fridge! She works as a Freelance Writer and enjoys taking on new creative projects whenever she has the chance.