11 Small Things About Maryland You Never Thought Would Make You Homesick

Here are 11 small, unexpectedly meaningful things about Maryland that often make people feel nostalgic or homesick after leaving:

1. Old Bay Seasoning on Everything — The iconic spice blend is so beloved locals even put it on non-seafood snacks like popcorn or fries.
2. Crab Feasts as Sacred Rituals — The messy, communal tradition of cracking steamed blue crabs with mallets is unforgettable.
3. Wearing the Maryland Flag Proudly — Marylanders decorate clothes, cars, and accessories with the bold and unique state flag colors and patterns.
4. Saying “Going Downy Ocean” — The quirky local phrase meaning going to the beach, especially Ocean City, carries a warm, familiar feeling.
5. Cheering for Maryland Terrapins — Passionate support for UMD’s sports teams creates a communal sense of pride and belonging.
6. Natty Boh and Crab Chips Combo — The classic snack and beer pairing is a nostalgic taste that’s hard to find anywhere else.
7. Unique Rural Terms like “Smarters” and “Squinches” — Old-fashioned local words subtly evoke the state’s culture and history.
8. Baltimore’s Morning Radio Shows — The distinct voices and humor of shows heard during commutes or bus rides linger in memory.
9. Discussion about Oysters — Marylanders’ deep love and knowledge of local oysters is a recurring, endearing conversation topic.
10. Diverse Landscape from Bay to Mountains — The surprising contrast from beaches to mountains symbolizes Maryland’s unique “America in miniature” character.
11. The Feeling of Community and Tradition — From crab feasts to state pride to shared history, Maryland offers a foundation of cultural connections always missed.

These small details reflect the rich and unique character of Maryland that often stays with people far longer than expected after they leave.

SOURCES

(https://wheninyourstate.com/maryland/12-things-people-from-maryland-do-that-seem-insane-to-everyone-else/)
(https://www.movoto.com/guide/md/people-from-maryland-love/)
(https://thoughtcatalog.com/chelsea-fagan/2013/10/23-things-you-miss-when-you-leave-maryland/)(https://www.gousa.in/state/maryland)
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iMnF1utFNs)