• Maryland State flag.Maryland State Flag image by dwight9592 from Fotolia.com
  
  Destinations throughout Maryland seek to entertain visitors with an eclectic display of history, fun and tradition. For those seeking a short respite from daily responsibilities, Maryland weekend getaways can be the perfect way to recharge, relax and explore the various regions of the state. Historical Civil War battlefields, refreshing ocean-side beaches and a jam-packed entertainment district are among the options for weekend getaways in Maryland.
  
  

Explore History in Frederick

• Frederick, Maryland, is a weekend getaway worthy of the attention of history buffs and novices. Serving as an important staging area leading up to several battles in the Civil War, including Antietam in 1862 and Gettysburg in 1863, Frederick is steeped in Civil War history. It is situated on the Mason Dixon Line, and guests can tour several battlefield sites, including those of the Battle of South Mountain and the Battle of Monocacy, and visit the National Museum of Civil War Medicine. Aside from the rich Civil War history of the area, Frederick also features three covered bridges, including Roddy Road Covered Bridge and Loy's Station Covered Bridge, circa 1800. Picnic areas provide a scenic environment for an afternoon lunch along one of the bridges.
  
  History buffs may enjoy Frederick, but so will shoppers. Downtown Frederick offers an eight-block area of antique shops with over 200 dealers offering antiques ranging from large pieces to glassware. The downtown area also offers B&Bs, such as Hill House and Hollerstown Hil,l for overnight accommodations.
  
  

Play in Ocean City

• Ocean City, Maryland, offers visitors a chance to frolic along the beach and get their feet wet in the ocean water. The Ocean City Boardwalk is a three-mile-long entertainment, dining and shopping mecca. Arcades, souvenir shops and a carousel can all be found on the boardwalk. Of course, the boardwalk wouldn't be complete without such offerings as crab cakes, saltwater taffy and French fries to tempt the senses. Fishing enthusiasts can book a deep-sea-fishing excursion where they can try to lure yellowfin tuna and mahi-mahi. The area features 17 championship golf courses and more than 40 outlet stores. Along the beach, accommodations, including hotels and B&Bs, offer guests a place to rest their heads and conjure up dreams of the next day's adventure.
  
  

Experience Baltimore's Inner Harbor

• A major U.S. seaport since the 1700s, Baltimore's Inner Harbor offers weekend travelers a variety of attractions to fill the days and nights. Enjoy lunch or dinner on a harbor cruise, visit the Baltimore Aquarium--which features 16,000 creatures and a dolphin show, or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants that offer fresh Chesapeake Bay catches. Harborplace has over 120 boutiques and restaurants, and also provides live entertainment. All of this is within walking distance of several hotels along the Inner Harbor. Baseball fans can enjoy America's favorite pastime at Camden Yards, located just minutes away, and cheer on the home team, the Baltimore Orioles.