MARYLAND - Maryland, often called "America in Miniature," is a state sharply defined by its geography: the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Pinpointing the single "most Maryland" thing its residents do comes down to embracing its unique maritime culture, its proud colonial and Civil War history, and an absolute devotion to a specific spice blend.
MARYLAND - Maryland, often called "America in Miniature," is a state sharply defined by its geography: the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Pinpointing the single "most Maryland" thing its residents do comes down to embracing its unique maritime culture, its proud colonial and Civil War history, and an absolute devotion to a specific spice blend.The most quintessentially Maryland thing a resident does is participate in a Blue Crab Feast.
1. The Ritual of the Crab Feast
The communal consumption of the Maryland blue crab is more than a meal—it's a summer ritual and the defining social activity of the state.
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The Setting: A true crab feast takes place at a crab house, waterfront restaurant, or in a backyard, where the picnic table is covered with brown paper (or newspaper).
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The Star: Hot steamed blue crabs, fresh from the Chesapeake Bay, are piled high.
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The Spice: The crabs are liberally dusted with Old Bay seasoning (a Baltimore-born blend of celery salt, pepper, and paprika). Marylanders put Old Bay on everything, from popcorn and French fries to chicken and even cocktails (the Bloody Mary).
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The Tools: The only utensils needed are a mallet and a small knife for cracking the shells. The process is slow, messy, and requires focused concentration, making it a uniquely social and bonding experience.
2. Fierce Regional Pride (Baltimore & the Bay)
Marylanders hold strong loyalty to their regional staples and institutions.
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Baltimore Staples: The largest city maintains a fierce identity centered on institutions like the Baltimore Orioles (baseball) and the Baltimore Ravens (football). Culturally, this includes celebrating local treats like the Berger Cookie (a shortbread cookie with a famously thick layer of chocolate frosting) and the uniquely pit beef barbecue.
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Annapolis & the Navy: A secondary hub of pride is the state capital, Annapolis, home to the U.S. Naval Academy. Residents take great pride in the city's colonial architecture and its status as the nation's sailing capital.
3. The Bay and the Watermen's Culture
Life in Maryland revolves around the Chesapeake Bay.
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Oysters and Rockfish: Beyond the crab, Marylanders fiercely defend the quality of their Bay seafood, including oysters (often eaten raw or roasted) and the state fish, the Rockfish (striped bass).
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Maritime Heritage: Engaging with the Bay's heritage means visiting historic seaside towns on the Eastern Shore or taking a Watermen's Heritage Tour to learn about the people who harvest the Bay's bounty.
4. Historical Engagement
Maryland's location made it a crucial battleground and crossroads during pivotal moments in American history.
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The Civil War: Visiting sites like Antietam National Battlefield, the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, is a necessary, sobering experience for Marylanders who understand the state's role as a border state.
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The National Anthem: Marylanders proudly celebrate Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, where the defense of Baltimore during the War of 1812 inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."
In conclusion, the most Maryland thing a Marylander does is combine these elements: gathering with friends for a messy, social crab feast on the Bay, using a mallet and knife, all while liberally dusting everything in sight with Old Bay.
