Maryland

8 Most Eccentric Towns in Maryland

Published

1 year ago

December 7, 2024

Although Maryland is the ninth smallest state by size, it is surprisingly diverse in festivals, history, and natural landmarks, particularly in its small towns. Antique auctions, bathtub races, banjo competitions, waterfall hikes, and alpaca farms are just a few of the exciting experiences that await. If you want to mix up your routine and visit a town with one-of-a-kind attractions, keep reading to discover your next adventure.

Berlin

Historic buildings in the town of Berlin, Maryland. Editorial credit: Kosoff / Shutterstock.com

Named by the Smithsonian as one of the “20 Best Small Towns to Visit”, bathtub races, honkey tonks, and colonial mansions are just a few of the attractions that set Berlin apart. One of the town’s strangest traditions takes part on July 7th, a bathtub race where competitors dash through the streets in tubs and barrels, vying for the title of fastest tub racer. The Globe is another unbeatable attraction, serving as a restaurant and bar while doubling as a live music venue, comedy club, or movie theater, depending on the night.

The Rackliffe House is a fascinating historic landmark, a brick mansion over 300 years old that has witnessed the passing of Barbary Pirate Ships, Spanish Galleons, and the Revolutionary War, serving as a museum today. Keep your eye out for funky shops and restaurants downtown, including Fins Ale House and Raw Bar, Blacksmith Restaurant, and Jeffery Auxer Designs Glass Studio.

Oakland

There is always something going on in Oakland, with the town hosting countless annual events throughout the year. The Maryland State Banjo, Mandolin & Fiddle Championships, Oakland Winter Fest, Little Yough Summer Music Festival, and Autumn Glory Grand Feature Parade are just a few to check out.

Ever dreamed of meeting an alpaca? You can do so at Alpaca Acres Farm and Fun by scheduling a meet and greet, as well as enjoy the farm’s family-friendly activities and gift store. To see the tallest free-falling waterfall in the state, spend a day hiking at Swallow Falls State Park, home to 53-foot tall Muddy Creek Falls.

Chestertown

Those who love eclectic finds and antiques must spend a few days at Chestertown, home to the renowned Dixon’s Crumpton Auction. Crumpton’s, a third-generation auction company, hosts fast-paced antique auctions. It is not uncommon to sell 200 antique items per hour, allowing visitors to nab a vintage treasure.

Chestertown’s arts & entertainment district is another great place to walk away with a one-of-a-kind souvenir, full of art studios, galleries, and art centers. Barn Artist Studio, Hegland Glass Gallery, and Garfield Center for the Arts are just a few artsy spots worth checking out. Those wanting to get some exercise can start their morning off running, walking, or biking on the 2-mile Wayne Gilchrest Rail Trail.

Leonardtown

Leonardtown can be divided into several diverse districts, the Leonardtown Wharf, Fenwick Street, Leonardtown Square, and the Arts & Entertainment District, being just a few. At the Wharf, visitors can admire waterfront views and rent a kayak or canoe to explore the waters.

Fenwick Street is home to eclectic shops and boutiques, Board & Brush, North End Gallery, and David’s Flowers being just a few to check out. Check out the War Memorials Garden in Leonardtown Square, one of the few provincial town squares remaining, while the Arts & Entertainment District is perfect for attending a class, workshop, or occasional town market.

St. Michaels

Located on a narrow strip of land along the Miles River, near the Chesapeake Bay, St. Michaels is a lively coastal town. Visitors can explore the harbor by renting a paddleboard or kayak, going on a sailing charter, or enjoying an afternoon cruise. To learn more about the Chesapeake Bay, travelers can spend a morning at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum, situated on an 18-acre waterfront campus.

For a meal with a view, there are several waterfront restaurants to choose from, including Stars and Blu Miles. All December long, visitors can enjoy St. Michael’s holiday events, including a Christmas and Lighted Boat Parade, Breakfast with Santa, and New Years Eve celebrations, so keep your eye on their calendar!

Sykesville

Sykesville boasts one of the state’s most fascinating downtown districts, recognized as both a National Trust for Historic Preservation District and a National Main Street District. A few of the historic landmarks to check out include the Old Main Line Visitors Center and Post Office, the Sykesville Town House, and the Sykesville Gate House Museum.

The Little Sykes Railway Park is another fun attraction, a miniature train from 1949 that runs through Sykesville’s 2-acre park. Those wanting to head outdoors can make their way to the Patapsco River, popular for both tubing and fishing.

Thurmont

Locals in Thurmont often refer to it as being Maryland’s “Gateway to the Mountains”, conveniently situated near the Catoctin Mountains. Those wanting to explore these nearby mountains must visit Catoctin Mountain Park, home to 25 miles of hiking trails, historic exhibits such as the Sawmill and Blue Blazes Whiskey Still, and places to camp, picnic, rock climb, and fish.

The historic village of Catoctin Furnace is another one of Thurmont’s attractions, featuring 65 houses, a church, a school, and a store to explore. To see a 78-foot cascading waterfall, Cunningham Falls State Park is another outdoor recreational option, also home to a 43-acre man-made lake.

Chesapeake City

Located along one of the world’s busiest canals, Chesapeake City is a lively waterfront town with many bars, 19th-century historic buildings, and a brewery to discover. Explore the canal up close along the Ben Cardin C&D Canal Trail, a 17-mile trail that winds along the entirety of the canal.

Bayheads Brewing Company, founded in 2016, is a local brewery with a rustic-style taproom where visitors can enjoy craft beer, cider, whiskey, or wine. For luxury chocolates and candies, check out Chesapeake Candy Works. Want to get on the water? Consider a tour with Chesapeake Water Tours, who will take you on an exciting cruise through the bay.

Final Thoughts

Concluding our tour of these eight eccentric towns, it is clear that Maryland has a unique side that sets it apart. No matter where your interest lies, whether it be in hiking, maritime history, or souvenir shopping, each of these towns will give you an unforgettable vacation or weekend away. So, dust off your suitcase and prepare to explore the quirky, unforgettable side of Maryland!

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Maryland

Maryland family wants answers after boy with special needs breaks leg in class

Published

12 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Maryland family wants answers after boy with special needs breaks leg in class

HYATTSVILLE, Md. — The parents of a 7-year-old first grader with autism are demanding answers from Prince George’s County Public Schools after their son suffered a severe leg fracture while at school — an injury no one has been able to explain.

Daevian Donaldson, a student at Felegy Elementary School in Hyattsville, is recovering from surgery after his femur was snapped and displaced during class last Friday, according to his parents, Daechele Kaufman and Anthony Donaldson.

RELATED | Prince George’s schools faces $150 million budget realignment: Superintendent explains

Kaufman said the day began normally as she dropped Daevian and his twin brother off for first grade. Around 9 a.m., she received an alarming phone call from the school.

“They just said he was on the floor screaming and didn’t want anyone to touch him,” Kaufman said.

She rushed to the school and found her son with obvious trauma to his leg. Neither staff nor Daevian — who communicates differently because he is on the autism spectrum — could explain how the injury occurred, she said.

Doctors later confirmed the severity of the injury through X-rays.

“When I saw the X-ray and one of the nurses said he was going to need surgery, all these wheels started turning,” Kaufman said.

Daevian Donaldson, a student at Felegy Elementary School in Hyattsville, is recovering from surgery after his femur was snapped and displaced during class, according to his parents. (7News)

The parents said they later learned Daevian’s regular teacher was attending a meeting at the time, and the special-needs classroom was being supervised by a substitute. They said no clear explanation has been provided for how a child could suffer such a serious injury without staff noticing what happened.

“It’s definitely neglect,” Kaufman said. “You can’t turn away and come back and say, ‘Oh, you fell,’ for a major injury like that. That’s not acceptable.”

After the family raised concerns publicly, Prince George’s County Public Schools issued a statement saying the district is investigating the incident and has placed the staff member involved on administrative leave.

Anthony Donaldson said that response does not go far enough.

“It needs to be more than one person on administrative leave,” he said. “Several people need to be evaluated on how they’re trained, or they need to be fired.”

Daevian is continuing to recover after surgery but is still experiencing pain, his parents said. As the interview concluded, the 7-year-old quietly asked for his medication.

The family said they want accountability — and assurances that other children, especially those with special needs, will be kept safe.

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Man killed in Maryland barn fire believed to be ‘The Wire’ actor Bobby J. Brown

Published

24 hours ago

February 27, 2026

Press Room

Man killed in Maryland barn fire believed to be ‘The Wire’ actor Bobby J. Brown

The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that a 62-year-old man died in a barn fire at his home in Chaptico, Md. It’s believed that the victim was actor Bobby J. Brown, who starred on “The Wire.”

Posted February 27, 2026 12:59am EST

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Maryland litigator convicted of tax evasion over income from high-stakes poker

Published

1 day ago

February 26, 2026

Press Room

Maryland litigator convicted of tax evasion over income from high-stakes poker

MARYLAND (WBFF) — A prominent Supreme Court litigator who also published a popular blog about the nation’s highest court was convicted Wednesday of tax evasion and related charges stemming from his secretive lifestyle as an ultra-high-stakes poker player.

A federal jury found SCOTUSblog co-founder Thomas Goldstein guilty of 12 of 16 counts after a six-week trial in Greenbelt, Maryland. Jurors deliberated for approximately two days before convicting Goldstein of one count of tax evasion, four of eight counts of aiding and assisting in the preparation of false tax returns, four counts of willful failure to timely pay taxes, and three counts of false statements on loan applications.

Goldstein was charged with failing to pay taxes on millions of dollars in gambling income. Justice Department prosecutors also accused him of diverting money from his law firm to pay gambling debts and falsely deducting gambling debts as business expenses.

Goldstein argued more than 40 cases before the Supreme Court before retiring in 2023. He was part of the legal team that represented Democrat Al Gore in the Supreme Court litigation over the 2000 election ultimately won by Republican President George W. Bush.

Goldstein’s indictment a year ago sent shockwaves through the legal community in Washington, D.C. Many friends and colleagues didn’t know the extent of his gambling.

“He lied to everyone around him,” Justice Department prosecutor Sean Beaty said during the trial’s closing arguments.

Defense attorney Jonathan Kravis said the government rushed to judgment and failed to adequately investigate the case. Goldstein made “innocent mistakes” on his tax returns but didn’t cheat on his taxes or knowingly make false statements on his tax returns, Kravis told jurors.

“A mistake is not a crime,” he said.

Beaty described Goldstein as a “willful tax cheat.” Goldstein raked in approximately $50 million in poker winnings in 2016, including roughly $22 million that he won playing in Asia, according to Beaty. The prosecutor said the tax evasion scheme “fell apart” when another gambler, feeling cheated by Goldstein, notified the IRS about a 2016 debt owed to the attorney.

“It was a textbook tax-evasion scheme,” Beaty said. “And Mr. Goldstein executed that nearly flawlessly.”

The trial, which started Jan. 12, included testimony by “Spider-Man” star Tobey Maguire, an avid poker player who enlisted Goldstein’s help in recovering a gambling debt from a billionaire.

Goldstein, who testified in his own defense, denied any wrongdoing. He has said he repeatedly instructed his law firm’s staff and accountants to correctly characterize his personal expenses. In a 2014 email, he told a firm employee that “we always play completely by the rules.”

Goldstein also was accused of lying to IRS agents and hiding his gambling debts from his accountants, employees and mortgage lenders. He omitted a $15 million gambling debt from mortgage loan applications while looking for a new home in Washington, D.C., with his wife in 2021, his indictment alleges.

“He was thinking only of his wife when he left off the gambling debts,” Kravis said.

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