The Chesapeake Bay region is an astounding place, boasting more miles of shoreline than the entire West Coast. It’s home to a thriving community of water-loving creative spirits and one of America’s oldest capital cities—beautiful Annapolis. With 100 Things to Do in Annapolis and the Eastern Shore Before You Die as your guide, locals and visitors alike will unlock the many treasures this region has to offer. Go back in time on remote and disappearing Smith Island, whose residents trace their lineage to the 1600s. Run in the world’s shortest foot race: a heart-calming 0.5K. Sample the fare at a haunted tavern once frequented by Ben Franklin. And no visit to the region would be complete without a bushel of blue crabs, served the Eastern Shore way. Author and reporter Susan Moynihan’s own childhood sailing on the Bay helped her turn her love for her hometown into this insider’s look at the region. Whether you’re coming to tour the Naval Academy, wander Colonial-era streets, or get out on the water, you’ll be amazed by the diversity awaiting you in Annapolis and Maryland’s Eastern Shore. With this indispensable guide, you’ll never run out of new things to do “by the Bay.”

As unique as the city it describes, Annapolis, City on the Severn builds on the most recent scholarship and offers readers a fascinating portrait into the past of this great city.

What really goes on behind the wall that surrounds the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis? What are all those midshipmen, future officers in the U.S. Naval and Marine Corps and leaders of our society, thinking as they stand in neat ranks at the parades beloved by tourists? What are their professors actually educating them to do. In Annapolis Autumn, Bruce Fleming, professor of English for nearly two decades at the academy and a prizewinning author, captures the sights, sounds, colors, and conversations of this tradition-steeped institution. In other classes, the cadets learn how to assemble guns, control armored vehicles, man battleships, and kill other human beings. Nothing is ever less than “outstanding, sir!” In English class, however, Fleming introduces his students to nuance and subtext, to the gay poets of World War I, and to the idea that not every piece of literature is designed to be “motivational.” Sharing stories from his twenty years at the academy, Fleming explores questions about teaching, the labels “liberal” and “conservative,” and the ultimate purpose of higher education—issues made all the more gripping at a time when many of his students will graduate from the classroom to the battlefield.

As the second largest country in the world, Canada boasts an incredible variety of experiences for the twenty million or so visitors who come to enjoy it each year. From natural wonders and outdoor adventures, to vibrant cities with bustling arts and entertainment scenes, the only challenge for the discerning tourist might be narrowing down all their options. With 100 Things to Do in Canada Before You Die as your guide, you’ll discover a multitude of ways to explore the Great White North. Canadians and visitors alike will benefit from the insider tips and curated itineraries, from the scoop on where to find delectable butter tarts to the best times to be dazzled by the Northern Lights. Check out Dinosaur Provincial Park and discover the fossils of dinosaurs that roamed the world over seventy million years ago. Explore the Bay, where you can kayak on the world’s highest tides or walk on the ocean floor during low tide. Tour North America’s only walled city or ride the rails through the Rocky Mountains. Born and raised in Southwestern Ontario, author Sheri McDonald’s love of her country and its vast offerings comes through on every page. Her tips will ensure that visitors discover that Canada is much more than poutine and snow, while the incredible sights and experiences she recommends will augment any Canadian adventure.

“An epic history of piracy . . . Goodall explores the role of these legendary rebels and describes the fine line between piracy and privateering.” —WYPR The story of Chesapeake pirates and patriots begins with a land dispute and ends with the untimely death of an oyster dredger at the hands of the Maryland Oyster Navy. From the golden age of piracy to Confederate privateers and oyster pirates, the maritime communities of the Chesapeake Bay are intimately tied to a fascinating history of intrigue, plunder and illicit commerce raiding. Author Jamie L.H. Goodall introduces infamous men like Edward “Blackbeard” Teach and “Black Sam” Bellamy, as well as lesser-known local figures like Gus Price and Berkeley Muse, whose tales of piracy are legendary from the harbor of Baltimore to the shores of Cape Charles. “Rather than an unchanging monolith, Goodall creates a narrative filled with dynamic movement and exchange between the characters, setting, conflict, and resolution of her story. Goodall positioned this narrative to be successful on different levels.” —International Social Science Review

“Adkins’s insightful assessments are right on the mark . . . The historical references and insider’s tips made me want to pack my luggage immediately.”—Connie Yingling, Maryland Office of Tourism Development Maryland offers an abundance of natural and cultural riches. Limitless exploration and entertainment opportunities await travelers and residents alike, and this thoroughly revised edition of Explorer’s Guide Maryland is the perfect companion for every excursion. The best restaurants, places to stay, and activities for every budget and interest are laid out in an easy-to-navigate guide as useful on the bookshelf as it is in the glove compartment. Descriptions and listings cover the whole state, including the quiet Eastern Shore; picturesque, historic Annapolis; the heart of downtown Baltimore; the many historical sites dotting the southern region; and the scenic northwestern mountains. Detailed maps and a “What’s Where” subject guide will aid in travel planning. Author Leonard Adkins spent months traveling to research hundreds of inns, B&Bs, vacation cottages, museums, historic sites, special shops, fishing areas, and much more. Want to know where to find the quintessential crab feast? The finest five-star restaurant? All the Maryland reviews and recommendations you’ll ever need are right here. Features include: hundreds of dining and lodging reviews, from soft-shell crabs to four-star cuisine; opinionated listings of inns, B&Bs, hotels, and vacation cottages; up-to-date regional and downtown maps; an alphabetical "what's where" guide for trip planning; handy icons pointing out places that offer best value, cater to families, welcome pets, and provide handicapped access; calendar guides to annual events and celebrations.