We have never been to the East Coast but are planning to visit the Maryland area this July. Nothing captures the spirit of Maryland like a summer crab feast, and there's no better place for that than the Eastern Shore, the area to the east of Chesapeake Bay. There are countless crab eateries scattered throughout the state, and it's hard to go wrong with any of them, but my favorite is the Crab Claw, a festive, informal restaurant perched on a pier overlooking the Miles River.
Some local folks arrive by boat, hitch up their vessels to the pier, and walk on in.
The crabs are succulent and abundant, and instructions for cracking them open are printed right onto the place mats, so even a novice can quickly get the hang of things. New Design Rd. Antietam National Battlefield preserves this historic site. Also available is a self-guided walking tour to direct visitors through the grounds. About 2,500 pounds of ice cream are consumed each day of the event, with dozens of vendors selling cones, sundaes, special flavors manufactured just for the event, and every topping you can imagine.