• View the skyline from the Top of the World Observation Level at Baltimore's World Trade Center.

• Tour the Baltimore Museum of Art (website: www.artbma.org), Walters Art Museum (website: www.thewalters.org) and the American Visionary Art Museum (website: www.avam.org) for a cultural treat.

• View the star-shaped, brick-built Fort McHenry National Monument (website: www.nps.gov/fomc), whose bombardment in 1814 inspired the writing of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner' and where special drills and military ceremonies are performed.

• Begin in Frederick (website: www.fredericktourism.org) for a tour of Civil War sites. A town of quaint brick buildings and parks, it is an excellent starting point to view the region's history.

• Drink in outstanding panoramic views from the Catoctin peaks in Gambrill State Park (website: www.stateparks.com/gambrill.html).

• Catch a glimpse of Camp David Presidential Retreat, near Thurmont. It is the traditional retreat for US presidents. The public is not allowed inside, but visitors can experience the same lovely landscape in Catoctin Mountain Park (website: www.nps.gov/cato), which surrounds it.

• Drive over the famous Bay Bridge (website: www.cbbt.com) to St Michaels, a quaint town that highlights life along Chesapeake Bay, Crisfield and Smith Island - home to huge populations of Maryland blue crabs.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.