Maryland Official Visitors Guide - 2020 Maryland Official Visitors Guide
Dream Along the Eastern Shore
2020-01-07 10:56:51
Dream Along the Eastern Shore
Open for iconic towns, beaches for sinking toes in the sand and culinary delights with treasures straight from the bay and the Atlantic.
With its lush, wide farm vistas laced with meandering rivers and dotted with warm, welcoming waterfront towns, the Eastern Shore is one truly unique American destination. Touch the water, taste the flavors, meet the people and experience a life and a place like no other.
Eat & Drink: Five Ways to Get a Taste of the Shore
1 Taste the Chesapeake
No trip to the Eastern Shore is complete without a sampling of the bay’s bounty. Red hot, spicy steamed crabs fresh out of the pot make for an unforgettable, only-in-Maryland feast. Just make sure to ask a local to show you the ropes because picking crabs is an art form all its own.
2 Dig into Crabcakes
If you’ve had a crabcake but have never been to Maryland, well, you’ve never had a crabcake. And on the shore, crabcake bragging rights are a hard-earned honor.
3 Delight in Local Delicacies
Indulge in decadent Crab Imperial-stuffed shrimp at Captain’s Table in Ocean City, a favorite of tourists and locals for more than 40 years; or try the legendary soft crabs at the Bayside Inn Restaurant on Smith Island. Just make sure you save room for the densely layered and life-changingly delicious Smith Island Cake.
4 Always Try the Oysters
Don’t miss Chesapeake oysters—fried, steamed, raw or in a stew. Try signature Baked Oysters at Hemingway’s Restaurant, just over the Bay Bridge in Stevensville; stuffed with bacon, crab, spinach and cheese, they are a true delight.
5 Cheers to the Beer Selection
The Shore has become one of the nation’s leading locations for iconic craft beers. Evolution Craft Brewing (EVO) in Salisbury may be the granddaddy of them all, but that hasn’t stopped them from innovating. Lot #6 Double IPA is a hop lover’s dream, and the Pine’hop’le IPA is an amazing tropical take on a classic.
See & Do: Thirteen Authentic Maryland Experiences
6 Set Sail on a Skipjack
Go for a sail on a historic skipjack, Maryland’s state boat, such as the Rebecca T. Ruark. She’s been oystering on the Chesapeake for 122 years, making her the oldest skipjack in the fleet. Skipjacks are known for their sleek, white hulls and tall, broad sails. The races off Deal Island during the annual Labor Day weekend Skipjack Festival are a unique opportunity to see the whole fleet under sail.
7 Charter a Fishing Boat
Head out on a fishing charter. There’s no better way to get in touch with the bay than a day on a Chesapeake Bay deadrise with a captain who knows the waters; cast a line out over a school of big, beautiful rockfish, and bring home supper and a story.
8 Reach the Dreamy Beach
For generations, people have made the scenic trip across the Eastern Shore to Ocean City, the quintessential American beach town. Plunge into the cool waters of the Atlantic and body surf the waves. Take an evening stroll and spot some of Ocean City’s famous sand sculptures.
9 Indulge at the Boardwalk
Stroll the white, sandy beach all day and walk the iconic boardwalk by night in Ocean City. Take a spin on the carousel at Trimper’s Rides, built in 1912. Or scream your head off on the thrilling AquaLoop at Jolly Roger Splash Mountain.
10 Go Where Wild Horses Roam
Maybe your summer means a visit to the pristine beaches of Assateague Island National Seashore and State Park. Camp by the dunes and wake to the hoof beats of wild horses on the sand accompanied by the crash of waves and gulls calling overhead. It truly is a magical place.
11 Trace American Heroes
Birthplace of American icons of freedom Frederick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, Maryland’s Eastern Shore is deeply rooted in American history. Follow the Frederick Douglass Driving Tour and Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway and walk in the footsteps of two of America’s inspiring freedom fighters.
12 Unearth the Story of Freedom
Visit the Bucktown Village Store near Cambridge and place your feet on the same boards where Harriet Tubman made her first, valiant stance for freedom, or take in the new Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center. Surrounded by the unimaginably beautiful Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, the museum offers an intense and intimate window into the life of one of America’s greatest heroes.
13 Find Art Inspired by Nature
The Ward Museum of Wildfowl Art in Salisbury captures the craft and artistry of decoy carving with a collection of contemporary masterpieces and centuries-old, indigenous works of art.
14 Go Wild at the Zoo
Capture a closeup of animals from near and far at Salisbury Zoo in Salisbury and Plumpton Park Zoo in Rising Sun. Kids love watching the wild peacocks roam, meeting Jimmy the giraffe and handfeeding alpacas.
15 Spend a Day at the Races
On your mark, get set, go... to the races! Ocean Downs in Worcester County was built in the 1940s as a harness racetrack, and with the bonus of an onsite casino, it remains a bustling place to watch the horses take off down the track, place your bets or explore slots and table games.
16 Meet the People & Experience Bay
Traditions The romance of this region comes from its people and their traditions. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels, home of the iconic Hooper Strait Lighthouse and a working shipyard, is where the bay tradition of wooden boat making lives on.
17 Piece the Past Together
The Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore (FACES) in Denton displays the history of the Chesapeake captured in quilts. With a museum, classes and resources for fiber artists, FACES is a working home for the continuation of the Eastern Shore’s quilting tradition.
18 Learn What a “Real Ale” Is
RAR Brewing in Cambridge has made a big name for themselves already. Their dedication to “Real Ales”— cask-conditioned and as old-school as it gets—sets them apart. The brewery in beautiful, walkable downtown Cambridge is a must-stop.
Places to Stay: A Way to Unwind
19 Make Yourself at Home
Slow the pace for leisure days and pampering in luxurious settings with the Inn at Perry Cabin resort and spa in St. Michaels. From recreational amenities, like boating and golfing, to warm, welcoming service and beautiful water views, time along the Miles River is quiet and well spent.
Cities & Towns: Three Spots Ready to be Explored
20 Discover Iconic Bay Towns
Take the Ferry from Crisfield to Smith Island, a working waterman’s enclave in the heart of the Chesapeake. Peruse the boutiques and cafés of St. Michaels. Paddle out from the center of downtown Chestertown or watch the Colonial Tea Party Festival take to the streets like it’s 1774.
21 Unwind at the Shore
Set sail out of Chesapeake City or picnic in waterfront Sailwinds Park in Cambridge. These iconic Eastern Shore towns are each a world of their own, but they all share two things: the waters of Chesapeake Bay and the welcoming spirit of the shore.
22 Drink Down a Local Favorite
No one takes vodka more seriously than the Cook Brothers—Jon and Chris, founders of Blackwater Distilling in Stevensville. Their Sloop Betty Vodka has become a regional favorite, so sample it on the distillery tour or in a refreshing Orange Crush served dockside at the Big Owl Tiki Bar in Kent Narrows.
Shop: Three Places to Pick Up a Souvenir
23 Small in Size, Big in Charm
Recognized by a USA Today poll as one of the “10 Best Small Towns for Shopping,” Berlin, Maryland is one of the Eastern Shore’s many hidden gems. Its idyllic Main Street is lined with locally-owned shops. Well known for gifts, antiques and jewelry, it is easy to spend a day exploring more than 50 retail shops and galleries. Stop by the 2nd Friday of the month for an Art Stroll that features vendors, performances, pageants and more.
24 Shop Your Heart’s Desire at Queenstown Outlets
Located just 10 miles east of the Bay Bridge on the route to the Eastern Shore and Ocean City, Queenstown Premium Outlets is destination shopping at its best. You’ll find more than 65 select outlet stores, including Under Armour, J. Crew, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nike and much more. Feel free to shop til you drop— shop and stay packages at nearby hotels are available.
25 Bring the Eastern Shore Home with You.
Since 1970, the staff at Bay Country Shop in Cambridge has welcomed shoppers to explore its one-of-a-kind Eastern Shore gifts. Stop in and you’ll find local artwork, books, and hand-embroidered, timeless clothing and home décor items, including handcrafted decoys—all that capture the essence of the waterfront charm and maritime heritage that is the Eastern Shore.
Events: Three Reasons to Mark Your Calendar
26 Don’t Miss an American Tradition
Witness the musical soul and cultural roots of America come to life at the National Folk Festival. Heritage is the highlight at one of the longest-running celebrations of the arts with three days of strumming, toe-tapping and storytelling fun, all free, each fall in Salisbury.
27 Experience the Crab Capital
Embark on a crab-eating expedition at the National Hard Crab Derby in Crisfield and find out why it’s called the “Crab Capital of the World.” This crab-themed Labor Day festival is served alongside a lineup of crab races and cooking—and good eatin’.
28 Try One for the Birds
Watch an entire community come together for the Waterfowl Festival in the beautiful town of Easton. This Shore-style event in November celebrates the traditions of the Chesapeake and wildlife art while supporting conservation efforts.
SPOTLIGHT
Board a Historic Ferry
The Eastern Shore is defined by the Chesapeake, and to really experience it, you need to get out on the water. Take to the water with America’s oldest privately-owned ferry route. With views of the water like no other place, it is a great way to leave the land.
Founded in 1683, the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry has been carrying travelers across the beautiful Tred Avon River for 335 years. The White Haven Ferry is more of a newcomer. It’s only been taking the trip across the Wicomico River since 1687, making it 89 years older than the United States!
#MDinFocus
Share your Eastern Shore photos to #MDinFocus to be considered for next year’s Destination Maryland.
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TRIPADVISOR TOP DINING DESTINATIONS IN THE EASTERN SHORE
Out of the Fire in Easton
More than good food, this favorite is into doing good too. Committed to sustainability and positively enhancing the community, Out of the Fire serves up creative brick oven pizzas, scallop ceviche and Posole Rojo all made with locally sourced, organic ingredients.
Luisa’s Cucina Italiana in Chestertown
When locals can’t stop recommending a spot, you know you’ve got to try it. Generous portions of traditional Italian favorites like penne caprese, lasagna and pizza, as well as a selection of house-made desserts, make this the perfect spot for a family night out.
Bistro Poplar in Cambridge
This top pick serves up “modern bistro fare with a tapas twist.” According to one diner that means “Consistently perfect” and “Outstanding!” At this downtown Cambridge hot spot everything is meant to be shared: including tapas dishes like lamb chops and lemongrass meatballs.
Plan Your Trip with a Look Inside Each Region.
Start planning your next Maryland adventure with top attractions and travel interests from places to stay, outdoor activities, restaurants and entertainment to historic sites, family vacations and only-in-MD fun.
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