The Seasonal Benefits of Living in Maryland

Just a few days ago, it was 91 degrees and sunny as we scurried to our classes, feeling the intense heat upon us. And now, as I sit outside writing this post, it's a chilly 52 degrees with a cold wind blowing upon me.

This crazy and ever changing State College weather reminded me of Maryland and its unique weather and landscape. Although it may seem odd, one thing I really appreciate about my home is the opportunity to fully embrace and enjoy each season.

In the winter, Maryland obtains its fair share of snow and ice. We all get enjoy a few snow days where we can go sledding, build a snowman, or sit inside with a good book and cup of hot chocolate. One of my favorite winter activities is skiing, which is an easy thing to do when living in Maryland. We are fortunate to live in close proximity to several resorts in the Appalachian Mountains.  Western Maryland, Central Pennsylvania, and the Poconos all offer great ski trails and plenty of winter sports. A quick car ride will take you to beautiful ski resorts such as Whitetail, Ski Liberty, and Roundtop. These resorts are convenient and fun for everyone; if you don't enjoy skiing or snowboarding you may enjoy snow tubing, great restaurants, and winter festivals.

Roundtop Ski Resort

Another winter activity that I thoroughly enjoy is outdoor ice skating at the rink in Baltimore’s Inner Harbor. Decorated with lights and located in the heart of the city, this ice skating rink is one of my favorite attractions. It's a great way to have winter fun and embrace the beauty of Baltimore.

Personally, I am a big fan of summer, and Maryland has all the ingredients for an amazing summer. If you enjoy being out on the water, the Chesapeake Bay is the perfect place to boat and enjoy the sunshine and wildlife that calls this waterway its home. One of my favorite adventures is the ecological tours of the Bay. Sailboats, equipped with knowledgeable guides, take passengers onto the Chesapeake Bay, teaching them all about the creatures that inhabit this ecosystem.  Learning about the Bay and its lifeforms help promote conservation and protection of this valuable resource. Both educational and fun, this is a great experience that I highly recommend. Save the Bay, is Marylanders calling!

Alas, my absolute favorite part of summer is the beach. Just a three hour car ride and you can enjoy the hot sand and salty air of Ocean city, MD. With water parks, mini golf courses, jet skis, and a world famous boardwalk, Ocean City is the perfect summer getaway.

Ocean city draws beach goers from all over the East coast! Every summer vacationers enjoy the fabulous restaurants, numerous attractions, and of course, the clean and beautiful beaches. There's a stretch of boardwalk with shops, games, and even roller coasters and other exhilarating rides.

My favorite place in Ocean City is the bayside restaurant, Fager’s Island.  This first class restaurant offers a tropical theme with and palm trees right on the bay.  One can enjoy delicious food while sitting around fire pits, listening to live music, and enjoying the nature.  Every evening the sun sets right on the bay offering memorable vistas.

My sister and I enjoying the sunset at Fager's Island.

Although winter and summer definitely offer the most activities, there are still plenty of things to do in the fall and springtime. For example, because Maryland is located very close to Washington D.C., many Marylanders make the journey to our nation’s capital spring to see the beautiful cherry blossoms and their vivid colors.

Furthermore, the best thing about fall in Maryland is the intense beauty of the foliage that, year after year, leaves Marylanders in awe. The leaves turn into dazzling shades of yellow and orange, creating amazing scenery for all to enjoy.

Although it may not seem like a big deal, I think it's amazing that one state can experience all four seasons, have easy access to beaches and mountains, and provide activities for people with all kinds of different interests. Some people have never seen snow or the ocean, but living in Maryland makes these wonders easy, accessible, and convenient to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for salty smell of summer’s ocean, fall’s brilliant colors, or a snow covered mountain Maryland will exceed your expectations!