Although much of Maryland is rugged farmland, most people associate the state with the jewel of the Atlantic—famous Chesapeake Bay—and it's here that Maryland, one of two new entries in Jim and Kelly Watt's acclaimed, high-definition filmed Discoveries…America series, takes viewers on a characteristically enlightening and entertaining tour. In addition to the teeming metropolis of Baltimore, the program stops in at Annapolis' “Chick & Ruth's Delly,” where the food is plentiful and the Pledge of Allegiance is recited every morning at 9 a.m. After a hearty meal, tourists are invited to roam the colonial streets of this quaint capital city or learn how to sail at America's oldest sailing school. Elsewhere on the Bay, the filmmakers visit a guitar-making company, the Ocean City amusement park complex, and fishermen seeking the famed Maryland Blue Crab. Viewers will also see feral horses roaming the wilds on Assateague Island and exquisite decoy ducks being handcrafted in Havre de Grace. And, while less known, western Maryland is also represented, with visits to Cunningham Falls and the Civil War battlefield Antietam, among other locations. A wonderful introduction to a remarkable state, this is recommended. Aud: P.Known to pop culture fans as the home of the slovenly Griffin family of Family Guy, Rhode Island—the smallest state in the Union—is also the site of the first armed conflict of the Revolutionary War, as well as the only state where you can spend the night in a functioning lighthouse (and actually control operations), and home to two world-famous culinary arts institutes. Although it's not mentioned in Discoveries…America: Rhode Island that the state's official appellation includes the tagline ..."and Providence Plantations," the program does highlight the many beautiful attractions in Providence, including an area where colonial buildings were meticulously restored. Whether gazing at the mansions in Newport or swilling grog in an authentic speakeasy, viewers watching this colorful and engaging travel DVD are likely to agree that Rhode Island definitely proves the adage that “good things come in small packages.” Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Carlson)
Discoveries...America: Maryland; Discoveries...America: Rhode Island
(2006) 60 min. DVD: $24.95. Bennett-Watt Entertainment. PPR. Color cover. ISBN: 1-932978-34-8. Volume 21, Issue 5
Discoveries...America: Maryland; Discoveries...America: Rhode Island
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