Photo credit: @ohheywheresshae

Hike. Scoop. Stay.

Ready for a sweet summer adventure? Thanks to a partnership between the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and AllTrails, you can pair your favorite frozen treats from Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail with a nearby hike. Sign up for the Maryland’s Best Ice Cream Trail free app to get the scoop on participating creameries, earn chances to win prizes, and use the AllTrails app to discover scenic hikes near every cone. With so many delicious flavors to sample and beautiful trails to explore, it’s the perfect excuse to slow down and stay awhile. Book a unique place to stay, explore more of Maryland, and make it your sweetest getaway yet.

Savor Summer’s Best During Buy Local Week

Join Maryland's annual celebration of local farmers, food producers, and hometown businesses during “Buy Local Week,” July 17–27. Challenge yourself to buy at least one locally grown or locally made item every day to support Maryland producers throughout the week. On July 25–26, explore Montgomery County's Annual Farm Tour & Harvest Sale, a self-guided tour featuring 26 participating farms. Turn your tour into a local getaway by booking a stay at a Montgomery County hotel or inn. Then, wrap up “Buy Local Week” on July 27 at the Buy Local Challenge Celebration at Lyon Family Farm in Mechanicsville.

Want a chance to win? Share a photo of your local purchase or favorite place to shop on social media using #BuyLocalChallenge26. Ten lucky participants will be selected to receive a reusable shopping bag filled with delicious Maryland goodies!

Photo credit: National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation

Climb Aboard a Family-Friendly Rail Adventure for America’s 250th

Celebrate America’s 250th in Baltimore, where the nation's railroad story began. Explore the iconic National Museum of Railroad History & Innovation, catch an Orioles game at Camden Yards, tour the majestic Evergreen Museum & Library and see where Frederick Douglass began his journey to freedom at the President Street Station Museum. Bike the scenic Torrey C. Brown Rail Trail, then dine and sleep in style at Hotel Monaco, in the former B&O Railroad headquarters.

Photo credit: @jameson_harrington

Make It a Maryland Summer

Summer is festival season in Maryland, and there's no shortage of fun to fill your calendar. From delicious food festivals and restaurant weeks to can't-miss annual events, there's something for everyone.

Start planning for favorites like Plein Air Easton’s Quick Draw Competition (July 18), the White Marlin Open (August 3–8), the Maryland State Fair (August 27-September 13), (August 29–October 25) and county fairs from the mountains to the coast. Whether you're painting a masterpiece, enjoying the local food scene, or eating funnel cake on the midway it's the perfect time to explore the state. Turn your festival outing into a summer getaway by booking a stay at one of these cozy places.

Photo credit: Pocomoke State Park, Cameron Whitman Photography

Join the “America in Miniature: 2026 State Park Adventure Challenge”

From sparkling sandy beaches to lush mountain trails, Maryland packs an amazing variety of landscapes, history, and adventure into one great state. Known as "America in Miniature," our state offers a little bit of everything for everyone. This summer, join the Maryland State Park Service’s “America in Miniature: 2026 State Park Adventure Challenge” to explore every corner of the “Land of Pleasant Living.” Snap photos or selfies at participating locations, check them off your list, and rack up points as you go. Earn 250 points to score your exclusive challenge patch. Rest up for another day of exploring in a cabin or campsite at one of Maryland’s beautiful state parks.

Photo credit: Mitch Lebovic

Help Maryland Bring Home the Blue Ribbon

The Maryland State Fair is in the running for a USA TODAY 10Best Award, and your vote can help put this beloved Maryland tradition in the spotlight. Show your state pride and cast your vote today to help our state fair earn the recognition it deserves. You can vote once per day until voting ends on Monday, July 27. Winners will be announced on Wednesday, August 5.

Photo credit: @jarvinphotography

"See Yourself Here"

Photo: One of Maryland’s Most Peaceful Places. Janes Island State Park is the perfect place to slow down and reconnect with nature. From peaceful marshes to endless waterways, it’s easy to see why this is one of Somerset County’s hidden gems..⁠⁠..." @jarvinphotography

Use #MDinFocus to give us permission to share and repost your photos of Maryland.

Get the Destination Maryland Magazine

Destination Maryland Magazine is not only the official guide to Maryland travel, it’s a fun, informative, and beautiful look at destinations from Maryland’s coast to the mountains out west. Oh, and did we mention, it’s free, it’s awesome, and it’s just a click away.

Maryland Minute

Each week, the Maryland Minute provides highlights and insights on events around the state. Maryland Minute is featured on Audacy radio stations in Baltimore and Washington, D.C., WERQ-FM 92.3, and on Baltimore’s WBAL-AM 1090.