Maryland is a state rich in culture, history, and unique local quirks. Whether you grew up there or have lived in the Old Line State for years, some of its small, everyday things can unexpectedly tug at your heartstrings. Here are 10 little things about Maryland that might just make you feel homesick when you’re away.
1. The Glorious Chaos of Route 295
The Baltimore-Washington Parkway, known as Route 295, is famous for its daily traffic jams, unpredictable speed traps, and those moments of camaraderie among drivers. Even the construction near BWI Airport somehow becomes a nostalgic shared experience, making you miss the familiar frustrations and quirks of Maryland roadways.
2. The Utz Girl and Salt & Vinegar Chips
You might not expect a snack brand mascot to form such a nostalgic connection, but the Utz Girl on potato chip bags is practically family. The specific crunch of Utz salt and vinegar chips is something only Marylanders deeply appreciate, along with the scattered Utz billboards along highways that remind you of home.
3. Maryland’s Whimsical Weather
Maryland weather keeps you on your toes with sunny spells interrupted by sudden showers. You’ll miss the odd days where you need sunscreen and an umbrella simultaneously and the lighthearted grumbling when schools close over just an inch of snow that northern states would shrug off.
4. Old Bay Everything
The iconic Old Bay seasoning is almost sacred in Maryland. From sprinkling it on steamed crabs, corn on the cob, to even rim a Bloody Mary, your relationship with Old Bay verges on religious. Carrying a mini Old Bay shaker in your bag might seem odd elsewhere, but in Maryland, it’s completely normal.
5. Crab Feasts and Crab Picking Traditions
The speed and skill of Marylanders at crab feasts—picking crabs with your hands and the unspoken rules like saving the mustard for last—are homesick triggers. The communal joy, the mess, and the tradition of smoky chalkboard crab houses are uniquely Maryland and deeply missed when away.
6. The Baltimore Oriole and Black-eyed Susan
Maryland’s state bird, the Baltimore Oriole, with its bright orange feathers, and the cheerful Black-eyed Susan flower bring back scenic memories of home’s natural beauty emblematic of the state’s spirit.
7. The Maryland Flag Everywhere
The distinctive Maryland flag, with its bold yellow, black, red, and white quadrants, is a source of pride. Seeing it proudly flown on cars, homes, and in various merchandise evokes a warm feeling of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere.
8. Local Small Town Charm
Small towns like Berlin and Emmitsburg, with their quaint main streets, historic buildings, monthly art strolls, and community festivals, offer a comforting sense of home. The charm of these places and the local traditions frequently leave you longing for their friendly atmosphere.
9. Sports Culture — Ravens and Orioles
Cheering for the Baltimore Ravens in football and Orioles in baseball is more than a pastime. It’s a community experience full of passion, pride, and shared identity. The crack of the bat at Camden Yards or the roar at M&T Bank Stadium is a special kind of homesickness trigger.
10. The Blend of Northern and Southern Culture
Maryland’s unique position blending elements of both northern and southern cultures creates a distinct vibe that feels like nowhere else. The locals’ pride in this fusion and their friendly, genuine nature make you miss the social warmth and distinctiveness of the place.
These small, everyday things capture the essence of Maryland in ways both big and small, reminding you of the special place it holds in your heart. The unique quirks, traditions, and rhythms of life in Maryland are the kinds of things you never expect to miss—until you do.
Sources
[1] https://wheninyourstate.com/maryland/11-small-things-about-maryland-you-never-thought-would-make-you-homesick/
[2] https://storiesofourboys.com/2020/07/14/indulging-the-homesick-feeling/
[3] https://www.visitmaryland.org/regions-cities/small-towns
[4] https://www.hotels.com/go/usa/must-visit-small-towns-maryland
[5] https://traveltriangle.com/blog/small-towns-in-maryland/
