Howdy tbassplayer,
It would be helpful if you put more info in your profile!
What part of Maryland are you in?
Also, what kind of playing are you interested in pursuing? Classical, jazz, psychobilly, folk, all of the above? This will not only be important in bass selection, but also in determining "where it's happening" musically speaking.
Robert Kurtz has a shop called Bob's House Of Basses located in Bowie Maryland.
http://www.bobshouseofbasses.com/home.asp
Joe