Nothing defines Maryland as the Chesapeake Bay. With fishing, shipping, boating and flourishing tourism, the largest estuary in the United States has been the commercial and cultural capital of the state for centuries. Watch the famous Maryland blue crab and a staple of menus across the Mid-Atlantic.

Agricultural runoff has taken a toll on the Chesapeake’s crabs, clams and oysters, but you can still see leathery old watermen piloting crab boats and skipjacks in harbors.

For a real Chesapeake experience, you should rent a boat near Annapolis and sail over to the Eastern Shore, where the energy is much slower and the shoreline has rivers, islands and crabs at waterside eateries. They’re best eaten with Old Bay seasoning, cold beer of course, and plenty of patience.