Living in Maryland means embracing a blend of history, odd traditions, and local quirks—from crab feasts to unexpected oddities in small towns. Here are eight quirky and unusual things few outsiders realize about life in the Old Line State.
The Flag Is a Fashion Statement
Marylanders have a fierce devotion to their state flag. It’s not just flown outside homes; it adorns shirts, hats, shoes, and even swimsuits. Locals proudly wear Maryland flag-themed clothing all year, turning a historic symbol into an everyday fashion icon.
Crab Obsession Is Real
Blue crabs are the backbone of Maryland cuisine and crab feasts are serious social events. Residents gather to pick crabs, sprinkle Old Bay seasoning, and debate the correct method for eating them. Many homes have backyard steamers for impromptu crab boils.
“America in Miniature”
Marylanders love calling their state “America in miniature.” Despite its size, the state packs beaches, mountains, forests, and farmland into one compact area. This local nickname is a point of pride and repeated with surprising frequency.
Quirkily Named Towns
Some Maryland towns have unique names—and stories to match. There’s Boring (named after its first postmaster), Accident, and Funkstown. Residents get a kick out of these names and the history behind them, often surprising newcomers.
Everyone Wears Old Bay
Old Bay isn’t just for seafood—locals sprinkle it on popcorn, fries, eggs, and pizza. The seasoning’s distinctive yellow-and-red canisters are a kitchen staple, and you’ll even see themed merchandise and festivals devoted to Old Bay.
You’ll Need a Car Everywhere
Maryland is surprisingly car-dependent. Unless living in dense downtowns like Baltimore or Silver Spring, public transit is limited. Commuting by car is the norm, and locals bemoan high tolls on highways like I-95 or the Bay Bridge.
Wild Ponies Roam Free
The beaches of Assateague Island are home to wild ponies—a surreal sight to locals and visitors alike. These ponies wander freely, and their presence is a charming detail of coastal life that surprises first-timers.
Local History Runs Deep
From haunted Civil War fields to the birthplace of baseball legend Babe Ruth, Maryland’s sense of history is everywhere. Even small communities have unique museums or stories—such as Baltimore’s Green Mount Cemetery, home to Ouija board inventor Elijah Bond’s grave, which is shaped like a Ouija board.
Maryland’s peculiar local traditions and surprising attractions shape daily life, making it one of the most character-filled states in the country.
Sources
(https://thehonestlocal.com/living-maryland-moving/)
(https://jmoreliving.com/2024/07/31/23-random-and-little-known-facts-about-maryland/)
(https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/state-pride/maryland/weird-things-md)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kwm3XpX0xUI)
(https://blog.njm.com/13-fun-facts-about-maryland)
