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5 ways to take a Maryland day trip this summer

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5 ways to take a Maryland day trip this summer


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If you’re looking to beat the crowds of Delaware beaches this summer, there are plenty of new adventures right next door.

Maryland’s Eastern Shore has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a quaint town, boutique shopping, outdoor adventures or a new dining scene. And there are other fun places in the state a bit further away that are fun to check out for weekend trip.

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Here are just some of the places to keep in mind:

Easton

Easton, Maryland, located around 90 minutes from Wilmington and the beaches, is a small, historic town on the Eastern Shore with a lot to offer.

The town itself dates back to the 1700s, with historic walking tours and museums like the Talbot Historical Society Museum and the Academy Art Museum, which highlight the area’s history.

If an educational tour isn’t quite your speed, Easton is also home to one of the top public golf courses in the country, Hog Neck Golf Course. Biking and walking trails surround the scenic town, and the flat terrain makes for perfect sightseeing conditions. The town is also located close to the coastal town of St. Michael’s.

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Dining destination: Easton, Maryland, is a must-visit dining destination just 90 minutes from Delaware

Despite its low-key nature, Easton’s dining scene is not to be overlooked. Delaware Online recently took a trip to one of the town’s most well-regarded luxury eateries, Bas Rouge, a contemporary, European-style restaurant with a James Beard-winning executive chef.

Check out more to do in Easton at discovereaston.com.

Zoos in Maryland

Animal lovers, this one is for you. Maryland is home to some of the most well-known and most unique zoos on the East Coast, all of which make for a perfect day trip destination.

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Catoctin Wildlife Preserve

13019 Catoctin Furnace Road, Thurmont, catoctinwildlifepreserve.com

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve is home to more than 600 animals on its 50 acres, with more interactive experiences than any other zoo in the region.

This zoo requires a slightly longer drive, around two hours from Wilmington, but the experience is well worth it. Catoctin offers a guided, ride-through safari ride through 25 acres near four exotic animal paddocks. Guests can get close to bison, camels, zebra and more.

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The zoo is open from 9 a.m. from 5 p.m. daily and parking is free. Tickets are just under $30 for adults, and just over $20 for children between the ages of 3 and 12.

Maryland Zoo

1 Safari Place, Baltimore, marylandzoo.org

Baltimore’s Maryland Zoo is one of the most well-known spots for zoo enthusiasts. The third-oldest zoo in the country, the 135-acre site is located in Baltimore’s Druid Hill Park adjacent to the Baltimore Museum of Art, about a 90 minute drive from Wilmington.

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Maryland Zoo offers feeding experiences for animals like otters and giraffes, up-close meetings with endangered penguins, goat grooming and more activities perfect for families.

The zoo is open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. every day. Tickets for guests aged 12 and up go for $27 per ticket and tickets for children between the ages of 2 and 11 go for $23. Parking is free at the zoo.

Plumpton Park Zoo

1416 Telegraph Road, Rising Sun, plumptonparkzoo.org

Just over 45 minutes from Wilmington is the Plumpton Park Zoo, right off Route 273.

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The park is home to over 180 animals from owls to brown bears. Guests have the chance to feed many of the animals in Plumpton Park including giraffes, goats, alpacas and donkeys, a perfect activity for the family to enjoy.

The park is open from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. every day in the summer. Adult tickets are $20 and tickets for children over the age of 2 are $15.

Great Wolf Lodge and Hollywood Casino

1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway, Perryville, greatwolf.com/maryland

Maryland’s Great Wolf Lodge is the newest and biggest in the national water park chain. Its water park, attractions park and over 700-room resort opened last summer to great fanfare from around the region.

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Great Wolf Lodge is located just off I-95 at 1240 Chesapeake Overlook Parkway in Perryville, less than half an hour from Newark. The location sits adjacent to Perryville’s Hollywood Casino.

BOOKING GUIDE: Guide to booking at Great Wolf Lodge Maryland, with summer deals and more

There are 22 individual slides varying in intensity, including two slides new to the resort’s repertoire: the High Paw Holler and Forest Flume.

A booking will automatically grant access to two days in the resort. Room check-ins are at 4 p.m. and check-out is typically at 11 a.m., but the water park can be accessed from opening time on the day of your arrival until closing time on the day of your departure. Mid-week stays typically have the best rates on rooms, and it also helps to book a trip further in advance.

Havre de Grace

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Just an hour down I-95 from Wilmington, Havre de Grace is the center of some of Maryland’s best natural features, with over 3,000 acres of parkland surrounding it for people to enjoy.

It’s situated near the Susquehanna State Park, which has 15 miles of trails and direct access to the Susquehanna River.

The Havre de Grace Promenade is a short boardwalk that overlooks the river, perfect for enjoying good weather. Right next to it is the nearly 200-year-old Concord Point Lighthouse. It’s only open on the weekends, but free educational tours are offered as well as a chance to climb to the top of the structure.

Small businesses and boutiques dot the town’s main streets and there are plenty of breweries and wineries to enjoy while you’re down. On top of that, every Friday there are free summer concerts in Millard E. Tydings Park overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.

Check out more things to do in Havre de Grace online at explorehavredegrace.com.

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Berlin

If you’re looking for a quieter getaway further from the bustle of Ocean City, check out Maryland’s small town of Berlin.

Less than 10 miles from Ocean City and Assateague National Seashore, Berlin is just an hour from Rehoboth and filled with quirky shops and activities to explore. It was voted as the best town for shopping by USA Today in 2018 and 2020, and for good reason.

MORE MARYLAND FUN: 8 great day trips to take to Maryland, from Assateague Island to the Salisbury Zoo

Berlin’s Main Street is full of eccentric boutiques and antique shops, galleries, live music venues and 47 structures on the National Historic Register. Berlin is not a place that shies away from the oddities. There is a Mermaid Museum that explores the history of the mythical creature and an annual bathtub race that you have to see to believe.

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Berlin is also where the Julia Roberts hit “Runaway Bride” was filmed, and a walking tour of the different set locations is offered. There is also the Berlin Farmers Market that is held every Sunday.

Keep up with daily happenings in Berlin online at berlinmainstreet.com.

Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety





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Gas prices surge in Maryland, provoking debate on what to do about it

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Gas prices surge in Maryland, provoking debate on what to do about it


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  • Gas prices in Maryland are rising following joint U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran.
  • The average price for gasoline in Maryland has reached $3.86 per gallon, an increase of over 25 cents in the last week.
  • Maryland officials are debating a potential gas tax suspension to provide relief to consumers.

Gas prices are surging in Maryland, and state officials are beginning to weigh in on a potential gas tax suspension.

The price jump occured after the United States and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran beginning on Feb. 28, 2026.

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Average gasoline prices in Maryland have risen 25.2 cents per gallon within the last week, now averaging $3.86/g, according to GasBuddy’s survey of 2,167 stations in the state.

Prices in Maryland are 87.7 cents per gallon higher than one month ago, and stand 85.1 cents per gallon higher than one year ago, GasBuddy shared.

As of March 25, gas prices in Salisbury are between $3.73/g and $3.99/g. The current lowest reported cost, $3.73/g, was found at Sam’s Club at 2700 North Salisbury Boulevard.

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“Gas prices continued to rise nationwide over the last week as seasonal factors, combined with ongoing supply concerns tied to the continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, pushed both gasoline and diesel prices sharply higher,” Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, said.

“It now appears increasingly likely that the national average price of gasoline will reach the $4-per-gallon mark — potentially as early as this week — for the first time since 2022, while diesel prices are surging to multi-year highs, with some markets nearing record territory,” De Haan continued.

Gas price averages in Maryland over the last five years

Here’s a closer look at the historical gasoline prices in Maryland and the national average within the last five years, according to GasBuddy:

  • March 23, 2025: $3.00/g (U.S. Average: $3.08/g)
  • March 23, 2024: $3.56/g (U.S. Average: $3.53/g)
  • March 23, 2023: $3.26/g (U.S. Average: $3.42/g)
  • March 23, 2022: $3.79/g (U.S. Average: $4.23/g)
  • March 23, 2021: $2.84/g (U.S. Average: $2.86/g)

Will Maryland suspend its gas tax? Officials weigh in

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Ammar Moussa, a spokesperson for Maryland Govenor Wes Moore, weighed in on the state’s potential gas tax suspension:

“Marylanders need real relief, not a 30-day gas tax suspension that would blow a $100 million hole in our transportation budget at the same time we’re working to close Maryland’s budget shortfall. If Maryland Republicans are serious about lowering costs, they should pick up the phone and call Donald Trump and tell him to end this missionless war — instead of asking Maryland taxpayers to help pay for it.

“This war is costing more than a billion dollars a day and driving up the price of oil, fuel, and everyday goods. The best way to bring prices down is to address the source of the pain, not shift the cost of Donald Trump’s war onto Maryland families.”

Nicole Beus Harris, Chairwoman of the Maryland Republican Party, shared her thoughts next with Delmarva Now:

“We know Wes Moore thinks about the White House 24/7, but his responsibility, just like Republicans in the General Assembly, is to make state policy. A temporary pause of the state gas tax is a commonsense solution to this temporary crisis, but we’ll never see meaningful tax relief under this Governor.”

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Are other states suspending their gas tax to cut prices?

As of March 2026, Georgia has become the first and only state to temporarily suspend its gas tax.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, suspended the state’s motor fuel tax for 60 days on March 20. The excise tax on gasoline is currently 33.3 cents per gallon, and a few cents higher on diesel, USA Today reported.

Olivia Minzola covers communities on the Lower Shore. Contact her with tips and story ideas at ominzola@delmarvanow.com.

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Rachel Morin’s mother criticizes Gov. Moore for opposing ICE detention center in Maryland

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Rachel Morin’s mother criticizes Gov. Moore for opposing ICE detention center in Maryland


A legal fight is underway in Washington County over plans to convert a warehouse into an immigration detention center, with Gov. Wes Moore opposing the project and securing a temporary pause in construction.

The Trump administration wants to convert the warehouse into an immigration detention center. Moore has taken the issue to court and obtained a temporary halt. In a public service announcement, Moore called the center “concerning.”

“This is being done without transparency, without public input or accountability. And it’s raising serious concerns from Marylanders, all across our state,” Moore said.

ALSO READ | What’s next for the planned immigration detention center near Hagerstown?

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Not all Marylanders agree. Patty Morin criticized Moore on social media and said he is out of touch, also speaking with FOX45 News about her concerns.

“First off, I was just really angry because he is misrepresenting the people of Maryland,” Morin said.

“Last time I looked, statistics said 1.3 million immigrants in Maryland. And you know that some of those are here illegally,” Morin said.

Morin’s daughter, Rachel Morin, a mother of five, was killed by an illegal immigrant in Harford County in August of 2023.

Moore said his administration is prioritizing residents’ concerns as the federal government moves forward.

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“While the Trump administration is moving forward without any consideration for Marylanders, we’re putting your concerns front and center,” Moore said.

ALSO READ | Emergency order seeks to stop Washington County ICE detention facility construction

Morin said Moore is not listening to residents and argued the detention center is about enforcing the law, not targeting a specific group.

“He is totally politics over people. He genuinely does not care about the people of Maryland or the constituents that he represents. I all the time, Marylanders are like, what is the matter with this governor? Why is he doing this? It’s ludicrous,” Morin said.

“The very word itself, illegal means against the law or not lawful. And they have broken a federal law. Federal law supersedes state law,” Morin said.

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It’s not rocket science.”

Morin also said Moore should consider all Marylanders when making decisions about the proposed facility.

“Marylanders that are here want ICE, want law enforcement to protect us. That’s what we’re paying our taxpayer dollars for. Not for a Governor Moore to go to the courts and fight this imaginary battle because he’s trying to, I don’t know, maybe make points with the Democrat party or something. He’s completely out of touch with Marylanders and it’s just, it’s very upsetting,” Morin said.

The court-ordered pause remains in effect until mid-April. Federal officials will announce next steps after the pause is lifted.



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‘Mattresses all over the place’: Maryland begins yearly operation to clean state highways – WTOP News

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‘Mattresses all over the place’: Maryland begins yearly operation to clean state highways – WTOP News


In 2025, Maryland spent $16.5 million on litter pickup and debris removal, Charlie Gischlar of the Maryland State Highway Administration said, calling the trash problem “an immense problem.”

This week, the Maryland State Highway Administration is rolling out its yearly “Operation Clean Sweep,” a weeklong program aimed at cleaning up state highways.

The program runs through Friday.

Charlie Gischlar, the deputy director of communications for MDOT SHA, told WTOP, “It’s all hands on deck.”

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“It’s going to be SHA crews, contractors and the Department of Corrections folks as well,” Gischlar said. “We do this before the start of the mowing season.”

Gischlar said the program was started a couple of years ago in an effort to deal with “the immense litter problem that we have in the state on the state highway system.”

“We spent last year, in calendar year 2025, more than $16.5 million on litter pickup and debris removal,” Gischlar said. “We’ve gotten about five million pounds of litter and debris last year.”

Crews are picking up more than just fast food bags and water bottles; Gischlar said they found 32 tires and a wooden kitchen table in Howard County.

Along with toys, dolls and sofas, Gischlar pointed out another item that might surprise you: “Bedroom mattresses all over the place.”

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“So, you can see that’s an immense problem,” he added.

The state also cleans the state’s highways before big holiday weekends, including Memorial Day, Labor Day and Thanksgiving.

“We bring everybody together to beautify the roadsides,” Gischlar said.

If you are driving and see the work crews, Gischlar asks you to “move over when (you) see our crews and slow down.”

“Every year when we see our folks out there picking litter from the side of the road, somebody’s not paying attention or they’re going too fast, and one of our attenuator trucks always gets hit,” he said.

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