Elkton, MD

Perched on the north end of the Elk River and adjacent to Elk Neck State Forest, Elkton provides amazing natural beauty -- it is also located about halfway between Philadelphia and Baltimore, with just under an hour to each. In addition, it is about halfway between Washington, DC and New York City, with roughly two hours to each.

This ideal location has even more to offer with its charming and historic downtown shopping district, home to wide, brick-paved sidewalks; historic buildings filled with boutiques, restaurants, and cafes; period lighting; and colorful murals. Elkton was first settled in 1694 and played a role during the American Revolution, acting as a landing point for troops heading for Brandywine and later, Philadelphia.

It was much later when Elkton gained its claim to fame, however; when other northern states began passing strict marriage laws early in the 20th century, Maryland became a haven for those wanting to marry quickly and without restrictions. Since it was the first county seat south of the state line, Elkton became the place to be for engaged couples. During the 1920s and 1930s, Elkton became known as the "elopement capital of the East Coast."