From fresh dining options, expanded spaces and stories, to new ways to experience the water, and events bigger and better than ever – 2026 is the year to visit Talbot County, Maryland!
From acclaimed dining and expanded waterfront access to powerful new exhibitions and milestone celebrations, Talbot County continues to evolve while staying true to its roots. Here’s a look at what’s new—and worth planning a trip around—in 2026
2026 Fresh Dining Options: Culinary Highlights
The food scene in Talbot County has received accolades from The Washington Post, The New York Times, Washingtonian, and Food & Wine. It continues to be a hotspot for food lovers, with chef-driven restaurants that rival those found in major cities.
What’s New in Easton
In Easton, a beloved favorite re-opened its doors under new ownership. The Washington Street Pub’s refreshed interior includes downtown’s only raw bar. Don’t forget to order the famous pub chips with your raw oysters.
Just across the street, the Wardroom transformed into an artisanal Italian dining experience, offering seasonal pastas and entrees along with Italian wines and cocktails.
Gay’s Seafood expanded its offerings and set-up shop in a new location. Their fresh, locally caught seafood options remain. Carry out is available for breakfast, lunch, and baked goods – which sometimes include house-made donuts.
4 Dogs Brewing also moved to a new location, and the brew crew is waiting to welcome you with locally brewed beer on tap.
If you’re craving General Tso’s or other popular Asian dishes, try out Chopsticks Asian Bistro & Sushi. Raku Sushi & Seafood offers more than their name suggests, with a menu including traditional sushi and hibachi options as well as fried seafood baskets and seafood boils.
If you’re seeking a quick bite or prefer to eat at home, grab a pie from Villa Italia Grill, or a taco – as this new addition to Talbot County also serves authentic Mexican dishes.
What’s New in St. Michaels
In St. Michaels, Executive Chef Michael Correll’s fresh approach to Eastern Shore cuisine earned him recognition from the James Beard Foundation as a semi-finalist in the Best Chef: Mid-Atlantic category. You can enjoy his creations at Ruse Restaurant located within the Wildset Hotel.
A few staples in Easton expanded into St. Michaels. The owners of the popular Bāgery took over the Blue Crab Café, bringing an expanded breakfast menu including quiche, avocado toast, and seafood creations. Our Greek Market opened a satellite location. The Olive Branch offers authentic Greek dishes and wines.
For your morning pick-me-up, enjoy the expanded seating area at Blue Heron Coffee where their expertly brewed coffee and hot chocolate are served in signature tie-dyed cups. Healing Grounds Coffee Shop offers a sanctuary of positive energy to recharge your soul while caffeinating.
Windon Distilling / LYON RUM celebrated a decade in business as Maryland’s oldest rum producer with a newly expanded tasting room. Just next door, the St. Michaels Winery continues to create unique blends under its new ownership, who is embracing the tasting room’s proximity to the Chesapeake Bay.
For a sweet treat, stop by Arnaiz Chocolate for a handmade Belgian chocolate and confections.
Dine by the Water
The addition of an upper deck at Doc’s Sunset Grille in Oxford, MD has elevated its sunset viewing options. For a sandy oasis, stop at Buddy’s on the Bay for fresh food and waterfront views.
On Tilghman Island, Big Mack’s Kitchen & Dock Bar offers classic American barbecue along with brick oven pizza and fresh seafood. While already a staple in St. Michaels, Gina’s Café is bringing its seafood with a Tex-Mex twist to Tilghman Island, with the opening of Gina’s at the Bridge.
2026 Expanded Spaces and Stories
Expanded Spaces: Stay in Style
Whether you’re planning a romantic escape, creative retreat, or group celebration, Talbot County’s accommodation offerings continue to expand in style and experience.
Start or end your evening with a cocktail at the Hummingbird Inn’s new Charm Bar in Easton. In Oxford, Sandaway Suites & Beach, under its next generation of leadership, is calling all artists to find inspiration with them through special rates, workshops and retreats.
The Wildset expanded its presence in St. Michaels with a new event space. The Milk Truck Garage’s full bar and kitchen can accommodate brunches, cocktail receptions, corporate events, and celebratory dinners. Just past St. Michaels, in Sherwood, Lowe’s Wharf Inn has re-opened under new ownership.
Expanded Spaces: Stories and Collections
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum will expand its storytelling this summer with the opening of Stories of the Shoreline. The new long-term exhibit celebrates life on and around the Chesapeake Bay, by sharing firsthand accounts from people and communities about their connection to this unique landscape where water and land intertwine.
The Academy Art Museum (AAM) will soon have a new research facility. The Henry and James Freeman Annex and Hormel Research Center will offer a custom-built space designed to preserve and expand access to the Museum’s permanent collection, which includes over 1,700 works of art.
A new exhibition opens in the main AAM building in March. Teddy Johnson: Window Views pairs paintings by the artist, with some made at the artist’s home in Baltimore County and others from Chainti, Italy where Johnson is a frequent artist in residence.
A Powerful New Look at Frederick Douglass’s Talbot County Roots
Born enslaved in Talbot County, Frederick Douglass spent his early years here. That time left a lasting impression, and in 2026, two new exhibits will explore this connection.
Bear Me Into Freedom: The Talbot County of Frederick Douglass opens Feb. 27, 2026 at the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. The exhibit explores Douglass’ early life and how his experiences in Talbot County shaped his journey to become a prominent abolitionist, writer, and orator. A highlight includes a new interactive, which relies on closed-loop AI. The interactive experience allows visitors to ask questions of a holographic representation of Frederick Douglass and receive responses grounded in historical source material.
The exhibit includes black and white photography captured by Jeff McGuiness. These same images, along with video, are being used in a new installation by the Bear Me Into Freedom Project team, which includes McGuiness. Marrying imagery with Douglass’ own words, Bear Me Into Freedom: The Chesapeake Odyssey of Frederick Douglass will launch in celebration of Maryland 250.
New Ways to Get on the Water
With miles of shoreline and countless coves, Talbot County is best experienced from the water, and now there are even more ways to do so.
The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s 1920s buyboat Winnie Estelle will return to the water in the Spring. The boat will serve as an on-water platform for educational heritage and ecotourism experiences.
St. Michaels Sailing Charters has expanded their fleet. Owners Captain GM and Laura Bell have brought the Lady Patty back to the Eastern Shore. Tours on either the Lady Patty or the luxury catamaran the Epiphany can be boarded from the St. Michaels Harbour Inn, Marina & Spa dock.
The Oxford-Bellevue Ferry is certainly not new, as it’s the oldest privately operated ferry route in the nation, but it is under new ownership. Taking a trip across the Tred Avon River is easy with the introduction of their advanced booking system.
Save the Date: New and Expanding Events
From waterfront parades to celebrations of seafood and music, Talbot County’s festivals and events will bring you back year after year, and in 2026 they will be bigger and better than ever.
Talbot250
Talbot County joins America250 and Maryland250 in commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary with a variety of events throughout 2026. Events will be held throughout the year.
Taste of Easton, April 26
Save the date for Easton’s newest event, which embraces its growing reputation as a foodie destination. A Taste of Easton is slated for April 26. The culinary celebration of excellence includes live music, sample bites, and raffle prizes.
Plein Air Easton, July 9 – 19
During Plein Air Easton, the nation’s largest outdoor art competition, 58 artists come together in competition. The festival continues to grow in its 22nd year. Nationally recognized for his luminous landscapes, Mark Boedges will serve as this year’s juror and take on the honor of selecting this year’s artists.
Waterfowl Festival, Nov. 13-15, 2026
The Waterfowl Festival’s 3-day celebration of Eastern Shore heritage has even more reason to celebrate this year – as 2026 marks the event’s 55th anniversary.
2026 – An Unforgettable Year in Talbot County
With milestone celebrations, new culinary events, and beloved festivals reaching new heights, 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable year in Talbot County. Use our official Talbot County Travel Guide to plan your trip.
