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Excursions

For a Half Day

Ellicott City:
First settled in the 1700s and tucked up against the steep hills about 16km (ten miles) west of Baltimore, this is an old mill town on the banks of the Patapsco River upstream from Baltimore. It is a popular destination for people from Baltimore itself as a taste of small-town Maryland. As the original destination of the first railroad built out of Baltimore it has the distinction of being the first, non-depot railway station in the country and has been restored to its original look. Main Street is pleasing not only because of its granite buildings and mix of shops and restaurants but also because it is not a dead straight line like so many American streets. Ellicott City can be reached via the Patapsco Valley State Park, driving southwards on the I-95 to junction 47.

Cider Mill Farm: Cider Mill Farm, Landing Road, Elkridge (tel: (410) 788 9595; website: www.cider@farmmd.com). This historic farm is halfway to Elliott City along the I-95 and I-29. Apple cider has been made here since 1916 and it has developed into a full farm experience, where animals can be handled - including trying to milk a cow - crafts bought, ponies ridden and all kinds of country produce consumed. As a full day out, it can be combined easily by moving onto Elliott City afterwards.

For a Full Day

Washington, DC:
The country's capital, of course, merits more than a single day's visit but, being only 56km (35 miles) away, it is at least possible to get a feel for it. The major sights to consider are the White House, Capitol Hill, the Smithsonian Institution Museums, the Washington Monument and the Memorials to Lincoln and Jefferson. To get a sense of the more bohemian side of the city, the Adams Morgan district, along 18th Street and Columbia Road is a good place to visit, especially for bookshops, restaurants, music shops, cafÉs and bars. MARC (website: www.mtamaryland.com) trains go from Baltimore's Penn and Camden stations to Washington, DC (journey time - 35 minutes) for US$5.75. Tourist information is available (tel: (202) 789 7000; website: www.washington.org).

Annapolis: Although much smaller than Baltimore, Annapolis (tel: (410) 280 0445; website: www.annapolis.org), with around 40,000 population, is not only the original and current capital of Maryland, it is also regarded as the sailing capital of the USA. Its 30km (17 miles) of waterfront, home to over 2500 watercraft, can be explored both from the water and on foot. The town has more original colonial-style homes than any other in the country, for example, along Duke of Gloucester, Prince George and Shipwright Streets. The State House, set upon the hill overlooking the city, is where George Washington resigned his commission as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army. Apart from museums, tours and its charismatic waterfront, Annapolis is a good base from which to explore the small towns and countryside on the opposite side of Chesapeake Bay, by taking the Memorial Bridge, just northeast of the town. Annapolis is only about 40km (25 miles) from Baltimore, directly south along the I-97.



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