Maryland is a Mid-Atlantic state of striking contrasts: historic Chesapeake Bay crab country, Appalachian mountain ridges, Civil War battlefields, and the vibrant harbor city of Baltimore. Flanking Washington DC on three sides, the state blends federal grandeur with blue-collar charm, colonial waterfront towns, and some of the East Coast's finest seafood.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Maryland's most powerful cultural identity is the Chesapeake Bay — watermen, blue crabs, and Old Bay seasoning are treated with near-religious reverence. Expressing genuine appreciation for local seafood traditions is the fastest way to connect with locals.
Baltimore has a fiercely independent civic identity separate from Washington DC. Baltimoreans often define themselves against the capital; referring to Baltimore as a 'DC suburb' is considered mildly offensive.
The state's border-state history (slaveowning Union state in the Civil War) creates complex conversations about race and history. The Underground Railroad history on the Eastern Shore is taken seriously and discussed with nuance.
Maryland is a politically Democratic-leaning state, though western rural counties are more conservative. Political discussions at crab feasts and bars are common and generally good-natured among strangers.
The Preakness Stakes (third Saturday in May, Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore) is one of the state's biggest cultural events — a combination of horse racing, fashion, and community celebration. Reserve tickets at pimlico.com months in advance.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Do try eating crabs with your hands at a traditional crab house — asking for utensils at a crab feast table will draw confused looks from locals
- Do say 'Baltimore' correctly — locals pronounce it 'Bawl-mer' or 'Bmore'; over-enunciating every syllable marks a visitor immediately
- Do explore neighborhoods beyond the Inner Harbor — Fells Point, Hampden, Charles Village, and Federal Hill offer a truer picture of Baltimore
- Do buy an America the Beautiful Pass ($80 at store.usgs.gov/pass) if visiting multiple national parks — covers entry to Antietam, Assateague, Great Falls, C&O Canal, and Fort McHenry
Don't
- Do not refer to Maryland crab cakes that have bread filler as 'authentic' — real Maryland crab cakes are almost entirely jumbo lump crab with minimal binder
- Do not leave rental car windows open or valuables visible in parked cars anywhere in Maryland, including beach parking lots
- Do not approach or feed the wild ponies on Assateague Island — federal fine of $150 applies and the animals are dangerous when habituated to human food
- Do not underestimate Bay Bridge (US-50) traffic on summer Friday evenings — delays of 2-3 hours are common; plan to cross early or late
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
Bmore / B-more
Affectionate nickname for Baltimore used by residents
Hon
Term of endearment used in Baltimore diners and shops — short for 'honey'
The Bay
Always refers to the Chesapeake Bay; no other body of water requires a definite article in Maryland
Going to the Shore
Going to Ocean City or Eastern Shore beaches
Jimmies and Sooks
Male and female blue crabs; jimmies are typically meatier
Old Bay everything
The seasoning is used on crabs, shrimp, fries, popcorn, and even some cocktail rims
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Maryland.
Items:
- Faith
- Protestant Christianity
- Overview
- The majority religion in Maryland, with numerous Methodist, Baptist, Episcopal, and Lutheran congregations statewide
- Faith
- Roman Catholic
- Overview
- Maryland was founded as a Catholic refuge; the Baltimore Basilica (Baltimore) was the first Catholic cathedral in the US; large Catholic community statewide
- Faith
- Jewish
- Overview
- Significant Jewish community in Baltimore (Pikesville, Owings Mills) and Montgomery County; synagogues throughout the DC suburbs
- Faith
- Muslim
- Overview
- Growing Muslim community in Baltimore and suburban Maryland; masjids in most urban areas
- Faith
- Other faiths
- Overview
- Hindu, Buddhist, and Sikh communities are present in Howard County and Montgomery County due to tech and government workforce demographics