Consider this your guide for unique gifts made right here in Talbot County, designed to make this season as special as the place you love.
Shop for Original Ornaments
The Christmas Shop is a two-story fantasy emporium of all things holiday. From classic to quirky to customized, this is the place to go when you’re serious about decking your halls. Located at 216 S. Talbot St., St. Michaels; 410-745-9346..
The Tilghman Watermen’s Museum issues a commemorative ornament each year. 2023’s version depicts the iconic Knapp’s Narrows drawbridge that has connected the island with the mainland since 1934. You can pick one up for $25 on weekends throughout December at 6031 Tilghman Island Rd., Tilghman; 410-886-1025 or order online.
Now in its 35th year, Christmas in St. Michaels issues its very own ornament, this year highlighting the historic town under a coating of snow. The ornaments cost $31.50 each, and the proceeds supporting the organization’s charitable works.
The Tidewater Inn, a fixture at the heart of Talbot County since 1949, offers a porcelain ornament and a glass globe depicting the iconic hotel for $26 and $46, respectively. Stop in at 101 E. Dover St., Easton; 410-822-1300 or order online.
Bluepoint Hospitality, the parent company of some of Talbot County’s finest establishments, such as The Wardroom, a sophisticated wine bar, Flying Cloud Booksellers and The Benjamin, a boutique featuring imported glassware, has issued a limited-edition ornament depicting downtown Easton for $25.
Shop for a Taste of Talbot County
Chapel’s Country Creamery Fresh, tasty cheese, including a cheddar flecked with a hint of crab seasoning, is made by a husband-wife duo Trisha and Jarred Boyce and their herd of free-range cows in Cordova. A box set ($35 for three wedges) makes a perfect gift and can be shipped anywhere in the country.
Shore Boys Cream of Crab Soup This classic, rich, award-winning soup doesn’t skimp on plump crab meat. Pick up a pint or two at Easton Antiques (25 N. Harrison Street, Easton, 410-763-9258) or order online for shipping anywhere in the United States.
Eastern Shore Pub Sauce An addictive pub sauce, a little bit sweet and a little bit savory, is totally delicious on everything from crab cakes to steak. Pick it up at the historic Robert Morris Inn (314 N. Morris St., Oxford, 410-226-5111) or order online.
Chesapeake Bay Oysters Winter is synonymous with Chesapeake Bay oysters. Grab a fresh haul—shucked or in shell — at Gay’s Seafood, a local go-to near the marina in Easton. Call ahead to reserve at 410-822-5019; 896 Port St. Chesapeake Landing, an authentic Eastern Shore restaurant and market, will ship fresh oysters anywhere in the United States; 23713 St. Michaels Rd. St. Michaels, 410-745-9600,) Stop in at www.chesapeakemarkets.com, a chic market with a multigenerational waterman’s pedigree; 1216 S. Talbot St., St. Michaels; 410-745-5056.
BeeGeorge Honey At a time when local honey is scarce, BeeGeorge is thriving with 150 bee colonies throughout Talbot County. You can purchase this nectar at stores like Graul’s Market (1212 S. Talbot., St. Michaels; 410-745-3537); Oxford Market (203 S. Morris St., Oxford; 410-226-0015); Town and Country Wine, Liquor, Etc. (28248 St. Michaels Rd., Easton; 410-822-1433; ) and Garden Treasures (29350 Matthewstown Run, Easton; 410-822-1604; ), as well as directly from the source at
Eastern Shore Brewing The Shore’s oldest brewery offers six-packs and growlers of their award-winning lager and IPAs, along with some hip merch. Drop by the tasting room at 605 S. Talbot St., St. Michaels; 410-714-1999 or call for a delivery order.
Lyon Rum Rum warms the heart and soul. No one north of the Caribbean does it better than Windon Distillery, which makes LYON RUM, plus some fun twists such as rum infused with blackberry. Visit the distillery at 605 S. Talbot., Unit 6, St. Michaels; 443-333-9181. or order online.
Rise Up Coffee This fair-trade coffee, including December’s Snowy House roast, a creamy blend with cocoa notes, is roasted onsite. Grab a few bags and check out the seasonal swag like the retro “holidaze” campfire mug at Rise Up Coffee’s original location inside an old gas station. (618 Dover St., Easton; 410-310-0998 or order online,
Blue Heron Coffee Choose from 13 house blends and an impressive single origin lineup, all roasted onsite and packaged in environmentally friendly bags. For the crafty coffee lover, you can purchase the charming international burlap bags that the green coffee beans are delivered in. ($7). Bonus: Orders over $50 get free shipping. Located at 500 S. Talbot St., St. Michaels; 410-841-9065.
World Class Artisans
Jan Kirsh Studio Famous for her witty fruit and vegetable sculptures, local artist and designer Jan Kirsch also has a jewelry line based on her charismatic compositions.
McMartin & Beggins Jim McMartin and Jim Beggins handcraft each piece using traditional methods (i.e. dovetailing) to create heirloom quality furniture that’s coveted around the nation. Visit their studio at 9027 Tilghman Island Rd. Wittman, 410-745-5715 or online.
Salisbury Pewter A team of silversmiths has been crafting gifts — from julep cups to baby rattles to statement platters — since 1979. Holiday note: Engrave anything for free until December 15th. Order online or at the factory outlet at 29089 Airpark Drive in Easton, 410-770-4901.
Jamie Merida Collection for Chelsea Home One of the Mid-Atlantic’s most celebrated interior designers has introduced his own stylish line of furniture and accessories. Stop in at Bountiful, Jamie Merida’s 16,000-square-foot store, at 803 Goldsborough St., Easton; 410-819-8666.
