There’s nothing like a vacation on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. In Talbot County you can experience the bounty and beauty of nature, relax with great food and outdoor activities, all while reconnecting with the family. Here’s a family guide to help plan a vacation that’s fun for everyone.
Take a Ride on the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry
By car, bike, or on foot, treat the family to a ride on the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry. This 15-minute ride takes you across the nation’s oldest, continually operating, private ferry route, which was established in 1683. From Oxford, you’ll disembark in the small community of Bellevue, which offers a petite beachhead and playground.
Picnic in the Quaint Town of Oxford, Maryland
Make your first stop the Oxford Market to pick up house-made, grab-n-go sandwiches and salads, beverages, and other provisions for a picnic at the Oxford Town Park, which overlooks the Tred Avon River. Kids can work off their energy on the swing set or investigate along the living shoreline, a sandy wading area where they will discover the native creatures that are a part of the ecosystem of the river. Then stop in the Oxford Social Café for a coffee or sweet treat.
Hot Tip: Small-batch, hand-crafted ice cream awaits at the Scottish Highland Creamery, just across the street!
See Easton by Carriage Ride
Travel back to a forgotten pace of clopping horse hooves on the city streets and traveling with no windows! Climb aboard Easton Carriage Tours and hear colorful stories of the people, events, and places that helped build Easton into the city it is today. After the tour, get up close and personal with the horses! You can even bring the family dog along for the ride.
These Folks Make History Engaging
While Talbot County museums touch on many subjects, there is a common theme, which allows visitors to explore how the people of the Eastern Shore made a living from the land and water.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum in St. Michaels provides a stunning, up-close view of the Miles River, as well as a view into the importance of the Chesapeake Bay. See how the Bay sustains the lives of both humans and wildlife, with hands-on displays, interpretive events, water cruises, boat restoration workshops, and so much more. Make sure to grab a selfie at the giant waterman’s boots!
The Water’s Edge Museum in Oxford provides powerful insight through art, music, and stories into the lives of the founding Black families of the Eastern Shore. Be ready for a moving experience, which is also free!
The Tilghman Watermen’s Museum on Tilghman Island chronicles the maritime traditions of the people of Tilghman Island and the unique way of life of the watermen who lived on the island. On your way back, stop at the “Tilghman’s Pride” Mural on your right before crossing the Knapps Narrows Bridge.
The Wye Grist Mill & Museum in Wye Mills began grinding grain in 1682. It even provided flour for George Washington’s Continental Army! See the mill in action and learn how grain was made into flour before the days of commercial factories. You can even bring home a bag of flour for yourself!
Get Outside and Play!
Talbot County’s flat terrain and access to the Chesapeake Bay and its feeder rivers make it the perfect place for outdoor activities such as kayaking, cycling, and fishing. Whatever your preferred family activity, these outfitters are ready to help you enjoy your time on water and land. While you’re out, be on the lookout for blue herons, bald eagles, ospreys, and other species!
Shore Pedal & Paddle in St. Michaels is a full-service kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and bike shop for rental or purchase, plus tours and instruction workshops are available.
Knapps Narrows Marina & Inn on Tilghman Island does it all. This full-service boat yard and inn also rents kayaks and paddleboards, plus trail maps to get you paddling in and around the Chesapeake Bay.
Easton Cycle and Sport is just off RT. 50 in Easton with bikes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and more to rent or buy.
Hot Tip: Map your route using our cycling and waterway trail maps!
Experience the Waterman Way of Life
Go Crabbing! Hop on the crab boat and learn how to catch crabs straight from the Chesapeake Bay. The whole family will enjoy a morning out on the water and devouring the fruits of labor in the afternoon.
Catch the big one! Catch your own dinner with the help of an experienced Captain. Whether your favorite is rockfish, bluefish, croaker, or other, these pros will set you up with the right gear to net a fish fit for the dinner table.
There are Plenty of Ways to Stay
Block time on your calendar then book a stay in Talbot County. Whether you want to spread out with a vacation rental or enjoy the amenities of a hotel/inn, each offering is unique.
Find Hands-on Art Activities and Games
Give everyone’s creative side a workout with a new game or art class at one of these kid-centric hobby shops. Cracker Jacks keeps minds active with board games, building toys, science activities, and so much more. Kiln Born Creations offers kids (and adults!) a chance to take home a piece of pottery they hand-painted themselves, or try their hand at glass fusing or painting on canvas.
Get Back to Nature
Talbot County’s abundant park system offers playgrounds, trails, wading areas, and places to get close to nature.
Kiddos can work off their energy on jungle gyms, swing sets, and slides at Idlewild Park in Easton, Hollis Park in St. Michaels (featuring a pirate ship play structure), or the Bellevue Park (crossing point for the Oxford Bellevue Ferry, sandy beach, picnic tables, and playground). The Claiborne Jetty provides a trail to a small beach and wading area.
Looking for a great hike to get close to nature? You can fish, bird watch, or catch site of a variety of mammals at the Bill Burton State Park, Wye Oak State Park, Frederick Douglass Park on the Tuckahoe, Oxford Conservation Park, St. Michaels Nature Trail, Pickering Creek Audubon Center.
Talbot County Restaurants are Ready for You and Your Family
The Talbot County restaurant scene is hoppin’ with plenty of delicious choices. Whether you’re looking for steamed crabs and seafood, outdoor or waterside dining, or ethnic fare, you can satisfy any palate at these dining spots.
Check Out our Ice Cream Guide!
Whether you happen to be in Easton, Oxford, or St. Michaels when your craving hits, there is an ice cream flavor waiting just for you. From old fashioned ice cream parlors to small-batch creameries, you can easily choose the right place that will make everyone in your party happy. See our quick guide on where you can fill a cone.
*Please call or check the websites of the businesses mentioned regarding hours and reservations. Some businesses open seasonally.
