In conjunction with Small Business Saturday, the Maryland Department of Commerce encourages Maryland residents to explore their neighborhoods and support local businesses. Show us how you shop small on Twitter with #ShopSmall and #BuyLocalMD @MDBiz.

On November 24, people throughout the nation will visit their local main streets and business communities as part of Small Business Saturday.

Here in Maryland, residents have 30 main street communities and numerous small towns available for shopping, in addition to the bustling Baltimore and Washington, D.C. Metropolitan areas. No matter which region you choose, your support benefits the state’s local economies and directly impacts the surrounding neighborhoods.

Plan your #ShopSmall experience now. Here are our top picks for Small Business Saturday around Maryland.

Capital Region
Main Street Takoma is encouraging shoppers to spend $10 at a local business this Saturday. While you’re in the neighborhood, get your family photo taken for the upcoming holidays or in preparation for sending out your holiday cards. Silver Spring and Wheaton have a variety of businesses participating in this year’s Small Business Saturday – dine out for some global cuisine at El Pollo Rico or Cristina Ristorante Italiano, or visit the family-owned and operated Chuck Levin’s Washington Music Center for a new hobby.

Central Maryland
Now more than ever, Ellicott City retailers need your support during the holiday season. The historic community’s 65+ businesses won’t let a little cold weather keep them down… check out specials for Small Business Saturday here. In Annapolis, shoppers will receive three free hours of parking just in time for Small Business Saturday. Find additional parking deals online and find participating #ShopSmall retailers on Facebook. Westminster also has a dozen main street businesses getting in on the fun this Saturday.

Bonus pick: Are you looking for a space for your business? Check out the Remington Storefront Challenge, a city-wide competition offering two rent-free pop-up spaces in Baltimore City. This time next year, you could be participating in Small Business Saturday!

Eastern Shore
In Ocean City, the Holiday Shoppers Fair is happening at the convention center from November 23-25. With more than 150 vendors, there are plenty of opportunities to pick up holiday gifts, including candles, photographs, ceramics, handmade products, and household items. Caroline County is sharing a self-guided tour guide of local artists and shops, featuring everything from craft beverages to a lavender farm. Finally, stop by Stevensville to receive a 2018 Passport, filled with participating shops and prizes up for grabs.

Southern Maryland
Continuing its yearly small biz tradition is the La Plata Business Association; the organization is encouraging shoppers to get their retail passports stamped for a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree. The St. Clements Island Museum and the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum are also participating in the #ShopSmall trend by discounting memberships, books, and more, and also offering complimentary holiday ornaments. If you visit the Calvert Marine Museum in Solomons, mention Small Business Saturday to get 20% off.

Western Maryland
Small Business Saturday is the favorite shopping day of the year in Frostburg. Check out City Place for the town’s third annual Handmade Holiday Fair, before scanning the streets for sales and special offers. Retailers, a shopping guide, and more are available on Downtown Frostburg’s website. Cumberland and Rocky Gap have plenty to offer the family in between shopping trips, including an excursion on the Western Maryland Scenic Railroad as well as the Lights by the Lake premiere. Check out Mountain Maryland’s guide to #ShopSmall Saturday.

Find additional shopping destinations by searching on the American Express website.

For previous years and even more suggestions, read through our Small Business Saturday archive.

Looking for specific local gift giving suggestions? Click here.