Frommers ShortCuts - Wilmington, Delaware

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ISBN 9781118427835 (ebk); ISBN 9781118427842 (ebk)

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About the Author

Maryland native Mary K. Tilghman is a journalist and editor and has lived and worked all over the state, from small towns to a farm on the Eastern Shore. She and her family have seen just about every corner of their home state and Delaware, by land and on their sailboat on the Magothy River. She lives in Baltimore.

Frommers Star Ratings, Icons & Abbreviations

Every hotel, restaurant, and attraction listing in this guide has been ranked for quality, value, service, amenities, and special features using a star-rating system. In country, state, and regional guides, we also rate towns and regions to help you narrow down your choices and budget your time accordingly. Hotels and restaurants are rated on a scale of zero (recommended) to three stars (exceptional). Attractions, shopping, nightlife, towns, and regions are rated according to the following scale: zero stars (recommended), one star (highly recommended), two stars (very highly recommended), and three stars (must-see).

In addition to the star-rating system, we also use eight feature icons that point you to the great deals, in-the-know advice, and unique experiences that separate travelers from tourists. Throughout the book, look for:

special finds those places only insiders know about

fun facts details that make travelers more informed and their trips more fun

kids best bets for kids, and advice for the whole family

special moments those experiences that memories are made of

overrated places or experiences not worth your time or money

insider tips great ways to save time and money

great values where to get the best deals

warning travelers advisories are usually in effect

The following abbreviations are used for credit cards:
AE American Express
DISC Discover
V Visa
DC Diners Club
MC MasterCard

The Best of Maryland & Delaware

Maryland and Delaware may be small but dont sell them short. What they lack in acreage they make up in beauty, style, history, and achievement. Thanks to the always-dazzling Chesapeake Bay, ocean beaches, and gently rolling hills and mountains, these two states offer plenty of outdoor charms. The cities of Baltimore, Maryland, and Wilmington, Delaware, are filled with intriguing museums, sophisticated restaurants, and delightful waterfronts that make for a romantic summer evening stroll. Add charming small townsincluding Marylands capital, Annapolis, and Delawares capital, Doverfriendly people, and a wealth of historic sites, and youve got two states worth a visit whether you have a day, a weekend, or a whole week.

These two states have been shaped by history, from the Colonial days and the American Revolution to the War of 1812 to the Civil War; by industry, from the commercial fisheries of ocean and bay to high-tech banking and information technology; and even by sportswhat would NASCAR do without Dover twice a year? And what Baltimoreans dont keep up-to-date with their beloved Orioles, gather for Ravens football, or stop whatever theyre doing for the Preakness Stakes?

Every corner of Maryland offers something for those who look. Get off I-95 a little below the Mason-Dixon line and youll find scenic Havre de Grace. Wander through the Eastern Shore and stop for a tableful of hot steamed crabs. Park the car outside Frederick, and youll find the leafy glens that surround Cunningham Falls.

And dont be fooled by Delawares small size. Its got beaches and NASCAR, and mansionscastles, reallytucked in the hills of the Brandywine Valley, good food and wine on quiet Wilmington nights, and the charming town of Leweswhere the ocean is just a short walk across a bridge.

Marylanders and Delawareans look toward the future but remember where theyve been. They remember their fallen friends with monuments, battlefields, and aging forts that recall battles in 1776, 1812, 1917, and 1945. You can see places where George Washington stood, where brothers died, and where slaves ran for freedom. You can get a glimpse of how people lived when these states were once colonies, or when the Gilded Age made industrialists millionaires.

Whether you visit Maryland and Delaware while on your way to someplace else or because youre drawn to their charm and friendliness, you wont be disappointed.

Frommers Favorite Maryland & Delaware Experiences

Raising the Star-Spangled Banner at Fort McHenry (Baltimore): Park rangers ask visitors to help with the raising and lowering of the huge flag each day. The nooks and crannies and views keep young ones interested. Outside the fort, the sprawling waterfront park is perfect for families and picnics.

Attending the Preakness (Baltimore): If youre young and want some serious partying, check out the infield. If you actually want to see the horses race for the second jewel in the Triple Crown, head for the grandstand. The race is held the third Saturday in May at Pimlico Race Course. Order grandstand tickets up to a year in advance. Infield tickets are available up to the week before.

Rafting the Yough : The Youghiogheny (generally just called the Yock) is Marylands great white-water river. Its churning waters race through class III/IV rapids, with such names as Gap Falls, Bastard, Triple Drop, Meatcleaver, Lost and Found, and Backbender. The water levels are controlled by dam release, so the river can be ridden almost year-round.

Kayaking Among the Cypress Trees (Southern Delaware): A paddle on an early fall day in the cypress swamp of Trap Pond is a peaceful, exhilarating way to get some exercise. The changing leaves are gorgeous, the water is still warm, and most bugs are gone. Coastal Kayak offers tours.

Going to a Baseball Game: Maryland has baseballs most beautiful stadiumOriole Park at Camden Yards and the best team in the world (the Orioles, of course!). The many minor-league teams are also fun, and more affordable. See The Best Baseball in Maryland.