Arlington County, a suburb of Washington, D.C. across the Potomac River, is connected to the capitol by four bridges. At just under 26 square miles, the county is the third smallest in the U.S. and packed with history. An array of ethnically diverse restaurants with tempting menus, live music at places such as the restored State Theatre and a multitude of shops compliment visits to this area's historic sites.

Located on the eastern shores of Maryland, the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, encompasses 27,000 acres of land. The refuge provides a sanctuary for the endangered Bald Eagle, and the peregrine falcon. Many other species of fowl, and mammal call this refuge home, including otters, foxes, elk and deer. The refuge features a butterfly garden, and a visitor center complete with wildlife exhibits, films, an auditorium for special programs and a gift shop.

The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal runs parallel to the Potomac River for approximately 185 miles from Washington, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland. In the early 70's it was made into a National Historic Park. The park is nearly 20,000 acres, and offers good camping, hiking and biking opportunities. Between Georgetown and Seneca lies a 23 mile stretch of canal navigable via kayak or canoe. At nearby Fort Frederick State Park, additional hiking and biking trails, along with fishing and cross country skiing are available.

The Chesapeake Bay is the largest estuary in the U.S. Surrounded by Virginia and Maryland, the bay has more than 150 rivers and streams flowing into it, including the Potomac, the Susquehanna and the Patuxent. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge is a marvel of modern engineering, and is a main thoroughfare for people traveling between Virginia and Maryland. The Chesapeake Bay is famous for its Striped Bass, and is considered the country's best source of eel.

Nestled between the mainland and Assateague Island, Chincoteague Island is the largest community on the Eastern Shore and home to plenty of water sports, seafood restaurants and salty breezes. The most famous semi-residents of the island may be the wild ponies from Assateague.