The state, the second wealthiest in the USA, exhibits influences of both Northern and Southern cultures due to its history as a border state. Maryland has one of the largest African American populations in the nation, and the south’s second largest Korean-American population.

At Baltimore, one can find the National Aquarium and the Maryland Zoo. The Baltimore Basilica (built in the early nineteenth century) is the oldest catholic cathedral in the USA. Also of importance is the National Great Blacks in Wax Museum which is dedicated solely to Black heritage. The Maryland State House is known for its large wooden dome (built entirely without nails), while the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum at St Michaels has an impressive collection which even includes historic buildings like the Hooper Straight Lighthouse. Also visit Bowie City, known for its horse-breeding and railroading heritage.

A premier event in Maryland is the Maryland Renaissance Festival, a recreation of a sixteenth century English village which draws nearly 225,000 people per season. Equally popular is the Maryland Wine Festival in September, offering a range of wine tasting and arts and crafts. Also of particular interest is the annual four-day Chestertown Tea Party Festival, which commemorates colonial resistance to English rule.