Maryland reminds me of the Shakespeare quote, "Though she may be but little, she is fierce." It's one of the smaller states in the U.S., but also one of the greatest. People from other states roll their eyes and say, "What's so great about Maryland?" because they don't understand. They scoff at our proud displays of our unique flag and give weird looks when we yell, "Oh!" during the National Anthem. Maryland may be small, but anyone from here values the reasons why we call this little state "home."
1. Blue Crabs
"I want crabs" isn't something people usually say in other states. But it's a common phrase in Maryland. If you grew up here, you've probably known how to crack open a crab since you could walk. Marylanders see crabs as not only a good meal but also a time to sit around with family and friends and have a good time.
2. Chesapeake Bay
The Chesapeake Bay is the largest of its kind in the U.S. It's the perfect spot for boating, kayaking, jet skiing, swimming, and every water activity you can think of. It's home to Maryland's famous blue crabs, as well as so many other creatures. It's also home to the Bay Bridge, aka the scariest bridge in the country.
3. Baltimore
Baltimore was founded in 1729 and is a hotspot in Maryland. It has the Inner Harbor, the National Aquarium, M&T Bank Stadium, Camden Yards, and much more.
4. Ocean City
If you haven't vacationed in Ocean City at least once in your life, are you really from Maryland? If you're from MD, Ocean City is most likely your second home.
5. The flag
The Maryland flag is bright, colorful, crazy, and everything a flag should be. No matter what state you're from, you can't deny that it's a pretty cool flag. Maryland is probably the only state where you'll see people wearing the flag on their clothes.
6. Berger cookies
One bite and you'll fall in love.
7. National Anthem
The National Anthem was written in Maryland, so it's even more special to us. Combine that with the fact that our baseball team is the Orioles, aka the O's, and ever Marylander yells "Oh!" during the Star-Spangled Banner.
8. Annapolis
Contrary to popular belief outside of Maryland, Annapolis is the state capital (not Baltimore). It's beautiful, historical, and has tons of things to do.
9. Landscape
Marylanders get to experience all four seasons (sometimes all within the same week). Maryland has every different type of landscape you can think of, from rural farms to beaches, to mountains and cities.
10. Old Bay
There's only one explanation needed: It goes with everything!
11. Birdland
Baltimore is home to the Ravens and the Orioles, two professional sports teams. Through the good seasons and the bad seasons, Marylanders stick by these teams and always bleed purple and orange.
12. Ledo Pizza
I'm a little biased because I work at Ledo Pizza. But we make some of the best pizza. The reason why this pizza stands out against the rest is its shape. It's square. Our motto says it all, "We don't cut corners." Which might be why it's one of the best pizzas to eat.
13. The history
Maryland was one of the 13 colonies; Annapolis was the nation's capital for a short time in 1783; it's the location of Fort McHenry and where Francis Scott Key wrote the Star-Spangled Banner; Annapolis is home to the U.S. Naval Academy; location of the Battle of Antietam; home to Johns Hopkins, one of the best hospitals in the country; and much, much more.
14. Northern and Southern
Are we from the North? Or the South? No one really knows the answer to this question but we embrace the fact that we're both Northern and Southern while being neither at the same time.
15. Snowballs
No, these are not balls of snow in the wintertime. They are not snow cones. They are cups of ice drenched in any flavor of syrup you could possibly want. Even flavors you wouldn't want are available: dill pickle, tequila, Harry Potter (I'm not sure what Harry Potter would even taste like), etc. Snowballs are the best summer treat in Maryland.
16. Most pride in the U.S.
The rest of the world looks right past Maryland and forgets its existence. But every Marylander knows why it's such a great state and we're not afraid to shout it to everyone we meet.
