Tourism By Region

Maryland … Welcome Seize the opportunity for a complete vacation experience – one filled with hiking, history, kayaking, culture, big-city excitement and Main Street memories. Enjoy an unforgettable journey through Maryland, from Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Eastern Shore hideaways to our historic state capital of Annapolis and the majestic Allegheny Mountains. Drive along a network of Civil War Trails, explore the Historic National Road, pause in Baltimore at the birthplace of “The Star-Spangled Banner,” and indulge in the state’s rich, multicultural heritage. Maryland is also the home of the Preakness and other action-packed spectator sports, as well as four seasons of recreational pursuits like sailing, golfing and skiing. Pack your days with tons of family fun and your nights with a variety of entertainment options. Along the way, the Old Line State invites you to enjoy the legendary taste of great local seafood before relaxing at friendly, convenient accommodations that range from quaint bed-and-breakfasts to luxurious hotels. Old Line Lore Capital:Annapolis Statehood: April 28, 1788 (The Seventh State) Origin of Name: Henrietta Maria, wife of King Charles I Nicknames: “Old Line State” (General Smallwood’s “Maryland Line” stood firm against British troops during the 1776 Battle of Long Island) and “Free State” (Coined during Prohibition by a Baltimore Sun editor who argued against prohibiting the sale of liquor) Area: 12,193 miles, ranks 42nd in the nation and includes the Chesapeake Bay, America’s largest estuary (source: Maryland Geological Survey) Highest Point: Backbone Mountain, 3,360 feet above sea level in the Allegheny Mountains Time Zone: Eastern, Daylight-Saving Time Sales Tax: 5% (A 1% to 13% lodging and amusement tax also may be imposed) Phone Calls: Dial the three-digit area code (240, 301, 410 or 443) plus the seven-digit phone number. State Symbols State Flag: Black and gold quarters (the arms of Lord Baltimore’s family, the Calverts) along with red and white quarters (the arms of his mother’s family, the Crosslands) State Song: “Maryland, My Maryland,” written by teacher James Ryder Randall after a Civil War riot in Baltimore State Dog: Chesapeake Bay Retriever, a hunting breed with webbed paws and a waterproof coat State Cat: Calico, with colors resembling the Maryland flag State Bird: Baltimore Oriole, with black and gold coloring State Fish: Striped bass, also known as rockfish State Crustacean: Maryland blue crab State Boat: Skipjack, the last working boat under sail in North America, used for dredging oysters in the Chesapeake Bay State Flower: Black-eyed Susan, with black and gold coloring and a blossom of 13 petals State Tree: White Oak State Sport: Jousting, which requires horseback riders to spear small, suspended rings State Folk Dance: Square dancing State Drink: Milk State Dinosaur: Astrodon johnstoni, “star tooth,” which lived between 95 and 130 million years ago State Fossil Shell: Ecphora quadricostata, an extinct Chesapeake Bay snail State Insect: Baltimore Checkerspot Butterfly, with orange and white spots on a black base State Reptile: Diamondback terrapin, also the University of Maryland College Park mascot Driving Distances to Baltimore In miles – Toronto ONT (715), Montreal QUE (564), Boston MA (392), Columbus OH (392), Cleveland OH (343), Albany NY (333), Pittsburgh PA (218), New York NY (196), Philadelphia PA (96), Gettysburg PA (75), Washington DC (37), Harpers Ferry WV (80), Richmond VA (143), Williamsburg VA (205), Norfolk VA (243), Raleigh NC (273), Charlotte NC (444) Travel & Lodging Reservation Services Want help planning your visit to Maryland? Call toll-free 1-877-333-4455 and speak with a Maryland Travel Specialist. You can also make lodging reservations and receive additional travel assistance online at http://www.visitmaryland.org Maryland Store Order State of Maryland merchandise like shot glasses, polo shirts, T-shirts, and Maryland Civil War Trails memorabilia from the “Maryland Store” online at www.visitmaryland.org, or the Celebrate Maryland! web site, www.celebratemaryland.com. You can also call 1-800-999-8330 or visit Celebrate Maryland! locations at BWI Airport and in Columbia. Passport Savings Be sure to take advantage of terrific Maryland Welcome! Passport savings at more than 200 participating attractions, restaurants, shops and accommodations. The National Trust for Historic Preservation describes cultural heritage travel as "Traveling to experience the places, artifacts and activities that authentically represent the stories and people of the past and present." In Maryland, that means embarking on journeys of exploration and discovery that include history culture, recreation and scenery. So pick a theme, pack up the kids, and enjoy by car, foot, bike canoe, kayak, or snowshoe...you might even learn something along the way! Maryland's National Parks Maryland boasts 23 national park units, which display a collection of the state's best scenery, nature, culture, history and recreational opportunities. Visit and experience the parks, battlefields, historic sites, scenic trails, a national monument and a national seashore that make Maryland unique. At the Atlantic Ocean, Assateague Island National Seashore is famous for its wild ponies and offers sparkling white sands beaches amid dunes and marshes for a natural seashore experience. National Battlefields, such as Antietam and Monoacy, interpret the bloodiest day in the Civil War and a battle that became the Civil War's turning point. Historic sites honor Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross and Thomas Stone, the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence. But, perhaps Maryland is best known for the battle that inspired Francis Scott Key to pen "The Star Spangled Banner" during the defense of Baltimore from Fort McHenry, now a National Monument and Historic Shrine. Camp at Greenbelt Park while visiting Washington, D.C., located just a few miles away. Or enjoy the splendor of fall color changes at Catoctin Mountain Park while staying in an authentic 1930's log cabin. Take in a scenic view of ridge tops and valleys along the Appalachian Trail that runs from Maine to Georgia, or bike the Potomac River valley on the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal towpath in the C&O Canal National Historical Park. In Maryland's National Park Service sites, you can immerse yourself in the stories of preserving America, experience our national culture, or jest get away from it all! Check out this site: www.nps.gov Scenic Byways In Maryland, there are 31 state Scenic Byways that reflect the rich heritage of the region surrounding each of the routes. By driving these byways, our visitors and residents can explore the roads less traveled and appreciate Maryland even more. Each byway has a theme and must meet at least one of the six intrinsic qualities required in order to be a State Scenic Byway: historical, scenic, cultural, recreational, archeological, and geological. For more information, visit www.sha.state.md.us/exploremd/oed/scenicByways/scenicByways.asp or call 877-MDBYWAY. Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network: Your Chesapeake Connection In Maryland, the Chesapeake Bay is a national treasure. Its wonders unfold along winding rivers, in deep forests, in lush marshland, in sheltered coves, and on open water. The Gateways Network connects you to the authentic Chesapeake including museums, sailing ships, paddling trails, parks, wildlife refuges, and more. The Gateways are where you encounter the stories, discoveries, and adventures the Chesapeake Bay offers. For more information, visit www.baygateways.net or call 866-229-9297. Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail In Maryland, the Potomac River corridor has long been referred to as the "Grand Canyon of American history and culture." The Potomac River begins near Thomas, West Virginia and winds its way as Maryland's southern border all the way to its confluence with the Chesapeake Bay. For thousands of years, the Potomac River has served as a "leeway" for Native Americans. For hundreds of years, it has served as a place for freedom and strife for european settlers and enslaved Africans. Today, there are countless ways to enjoy the River's land and waterscapes. Among the best are driving scenic byways and hiking, biking an paddling on the many trails found within the region. Stop, enjoy the many working farms and take home fresh-cut flowers, locally-grown produce or home-made preserves. So, come to the place that the Algonquin Indians named "where something is brought" and take away a Maryland memory. For more information on the Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail, visit www.nps.gov/pohe . For water trail and paddling information, visit www.baygateways.net Agricultural Tourism In Maryland, agriculture has played a part ever since the first explorers and settlers traded the indians goods for food. Today agriculture continues to be a vital to Maryland. For more information and places to visit: Ag-Tourism in Maryland.

Your Maine Vacation starts here! Whether it's a luxury coastal resort or a serene mountainside cabin you're looking for, it's here in Maine. Nowhere else will you find such a variety of attractions - fall foliage, snowmobiling, harbors, state parks, beaches, white water rafting, shopping, lighthouses, mountains, arts and heritage, ocean or lake cruises, unique festivals -and hospitality- hotels, inns, bed and breakfasts, campgrounds and award-winning restaurants serving Maine lobster and dozens of ethnic specialties. Explore our State through the Maine Tourism Association Web Site, then book your Maine vacation and experience it for real! We hope to see you soon and often!

Winter Activities While you can’t predict for certain how much snow the next big storm is going to drop, one thing that is a sure bet is that there is never a shortage of things to do during Maine’s winter months. When the snow starts flying, it’s time to get moving. Some grab their skis and snowboards and take to Maine’s ski slopes where there are plenty of wide open trails carpeted with pure powder. Hit the lift and head back up the mountain to do it again. Others prefer lacing up their cross-country ski boots, clicking into their skinny skis and setting off across the more than 600 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails Maine offers. While gliding across the smooth snow, skiers revel in the stillness of the woods and the swooshing of freshly-waxed skis sashaying over the packed powder is the only sound within earshot, save for the footsteps of an occasional deer or even a moose. Snowmobiles are the source of some great winter fun, too. Maine features more than 12,000 miles of interconnected sledding trails, well maintained by local clubs and organizations. Snowmobiling is an ideal way to cover some serious ground, and see the scenic side of Maine that lies off the beaten path in the thick forests and alongside massive lakes. Many towns are known as snowmobiling hubs, and winter brings festivals and events celebrating this popular pastime including the Snodeo in the Rangeley Lakes Region (January 18-20) and the International Snowmobile Festival in Madawaska and Edmundston, New Brunswick (February 2-4). Other outdoor winter activities include snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating and sledding, but there is also much to do inside including visiting Maine’s many museums, cultural centers and performing arts centers, and of course, shopping. With so much to do, you’ll be ready to come back for a summer vacation. Related Travel Articles Shopping in Freeport Ski the World-Class Nordic Trails of the Maine Winter Sports Center Toboggan and Turbo Tubing Trend Sweeps State Majestic mountains. Deep snow. Short lines. Fast lifts. Impeccably groomed trails. Sound like a dream come true? It’s time to stop dreaming, shift your winter into high gear, and plan your incredible Maine skiing and riding vacation. Maine’s legendary mountains offer everything from 2,000-foot verticals, snowboard parks, state-of-the-art snowmaking and grooming, to trailside lodging and magnificent inns just a snowball’s throw from some of the most challenging ski terrain in New England. When you add it all up, it’s easy to understand why skiers and snowboarders always give Maine ski resorts rave reviews.

Cities & Towns City of Kentwood Mayor Harold Smith Kentwood City Hall 308 Avenue G P. O. Box 559 Kentwood, LA 70444 Phone: 985-229-3451 Kentwood, incorporated in 1891, and named after settler Amos Kent, is a beautiful area that encompasses acres of dairy and grain farms. Kentwood is well known for its spring water. Village of Tangipahoa Mayor C. J. Fultz P. O. Box 156 Tangipahoa, LA 70465 Phone: 985-229-8300 The first settlers of the Village of Tangipahoa traveled to the area by wagon train in 1806. Arriving from South Carolina were Mrs. Rhoda Holly Singleton Mixon and her daughter, Martha Singleton. Mrs. Mixon purchased about six sections of land now comprising the site of the Village of Tangipahoa and vicinity. In the year 1854, the I.C. Railroad was completed from New Orleans to Jackson, Mississippi. The Village was later incorporated and according to the 1995 census, had 624 residents. Town of Roseland Mayor Charles Bracey P. O. Box 302 Roseland, LA 70456 Phone: 985-748-9063 Roseland is nestled against the northern city limits of Amite and was incorporated in 1892. The town was named after the Cherokee Rose, a white rose that grows wild in the area. City of Amite Mayor R. E. Goldsby Amite City Hall 212 East Oak Street Amite, LA 70422 Phone: 985-748-8761 Amite, incorporated in 1861, is the parish seat. Located in the center of Tangipahoa Parish, it is easily accessible from any location within the area. Amite is well known for its oyster industry, dating back to 1949, and hosts the annual Oyster Festival each March. Town of Independence Mayor Phillip Domiano Independence City Hall 473 West Railroad Avenue P. O. Box 812 Independence, LA 70443 Phone: 985-878-2930 Independence, located just south of Amite, is the ethnic culture focal point in the parish, with such attractions as the Italian Festival, attracting thousands of visitors each year and Amato's, a Louisiana Native Winery. Village of Tickfaw Mayor Anthony LaMonte P. O. Box 249 Tickfaw, LA 70466 Phone: 985-542-9249 Tickfaw is an Indian name meaning "Rest Among the Pines." The Village was founded in 1852 and was incorporated in 1957 under the leadership of Joe Greco who later became the Village's first mayor. The governing body consists of the Mayor, Board of Aldermen, and an elected Chief of Police. According to the 1995 census, the Village of Tickfaw had 616 residents. City of Hammond Mayor Mayson Foster Hammond City Hall 310 East Charles Street P. O. Box 2788 Hammond, LA 70404 Phone: 985-542-3400 Hammond, the commercial hub for Tangipahoa Parish is located near the intersection of interstate highways 55 and 12. Over 20,000 residents of this area enjoy fine restaurants, several modern shopping centers and many beautiful parks for the entire family. Hammond is the home of Southeastern Louisiana University, which is the fastest growing University in the Nation. City of Ponchatoula Mayor Robert F. "Bob" Zabbia Ponchatoula City Hall 110 West Hickory Street P. O. Box 312 Ponchatoula, LA 70454 Phone: 985-386-6484 Ponchatoula, the oldest incorporated city in the parish, is host to the popular Strawberry Festival every spring. The city derives its name from the Choctaw Indian language meaning "hair to hang" because of the abundance of Spanish moss on the trees surrounding the area. America's Antique City, Ponchatoula, is stocked with numerous art, antique and hand crafted items in the many restored old buildings in the downtown area.

NOTMC's Mission Statement The mission of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation is to promote the city as a leisure tourism destination throughout the year with special emphasis on developing visitation during the traditionally slow months of summer and the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. We do this through a comprehensive program of research, public relations, promotions, advertising and other marketing strategies. These strategies are designed to maintain and improve the city's image as a great place to visit, to attract increased numbers of travelers, and to increase tourist spending in New Orleans. NOTMC is a private economic development corporation, created under Louisiana state law. Its purpose is to foster jobs and economic growth by developing the New Orleans tourism industry. It is funded by a hotel room occupancy tax and the City of New Orleans general fund and receives additional funding from the Regional Transit Authority/hotel tax. Click here to view/watch ads and commercials produced by the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation.

Welcome to Southwest Louisiana! It's all right here in Southwest Louisiana. With over 75 fairs and festivals, it's a year round celebration of food, music and culture. From the adventure of the Creole Nature Trail All-American Road and the scenic beauty of SW Louisiana lakes and beaches to casino gaming and horseracing, with this Louisiana travel guide, you're sure to find something for everyone. Casino Entertainment It's gaming and the great outdoors, culinary delights, rhythm and blues that make Louisiana travel exciting. Its good company and quiet reflections, historical sites and luxurious accommodations. It's a tropical climate and Southern hospitality. Southwest Louisiana is named the "Festival Capital" of Louisiana with over 75 annual festivals from the glittering splendor of Mardi Gras to the swashbuckling days of the Contraband Days Pirate Festival, there is something going on nearly every weekend. For the perfect family trip, group tour, reunion or full-fledged convention, it's Southwest Louisiana and its six cities: Lake Charles Sulphur Westlake DeQuincy Vinton Iowa Calcasieu Parish Click Here for a Map of Calcasieu Parish Moving to Southwest Louisiana? Check out the Home Finder's Guide! Whether your next gathering is for business or pleasure, you'll enjoy the wide range of opportunities that Southwest Louisiana tourism has to offer. Your event can only be enhanced by the natural splendor of our region, innumerable recreational activities, a thriving arts community and a quality lifestyle that is unsurpassed. So what are you waiting for? Come experience Southwest Louisiana travel, where we laissez les bons temps rouler-let the good times roll!