Eastern Shore, Delmarva Peninsula Top 10 List
Bonnie grew up on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. She didn’t have pizza delivery or cable TV. She couldn’t wait to leave and venture out into the big world and live in a big city.
Funny, how life works, you can’t change your roots. She has a new found appreciation for the place she grew up. After living on the Eastern Shore for 18 years she will share her personal top 10 list of things to do with you.
Maryland is known as “America in miniature”; because Maryland has everything from mountains, lakes, ocean, beaches, and a diverse ethnic culture. The Eastern Shore is called the Delmarva Peninsula is because three states make up this small peninsula, Maryland, Delaware, and Virginia.
How to Get There
There are two ways to reach the Eastern Shore by car.
The Maryland Bay Bridge and the Bay Bridge Tunnel in Virginia.
The Maryland Bay Bridge which opened the first bridge in 1952. It was the worlds largest continuous bridge made out of steel. It cost 45 million to build. It was considered an engineering triumph. The second bridge was completed in 1973 and cost $148 million to build. The bridge is over 4 miles long miles long. This bridge connects the Maryland Western Shore to the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
The second bridge is the Chesapeake Bay Bridge tunnel from Virginia’s mainland near Virginia Beach and Norfolk. It connects the mainland to Virginia’s Eastern Shore. This bridge is one of the seven engineering modern wonders of the modern world. It opened on April 15, 1964. This bridge is unique because it is made up of trestles, steel bridges, man-made islands, underwater one mile tunnels and causeways. The bridge is 20 miles long and it cost $200 million to build. It is a strange feeling of driving in a tunnel knowing you are under the water.
You can also reach the Eastern Shore by boat or plane. Fly into one of the small airports such as Salisbury or Easton. A car is the preferred way so you have mobility around the shore, as public transportation is difficult on the Eastern Shore.
Bonnie’s Personal Top Ten List
1. Eat Maryland blue crabs–
The state motto is “ Maryland is for Crabs” Bonnie grew up with bushels of crabs and freshly caught fish every weekend. People on the shore like eating soft shell crabs and blue crabs. It is a Maryland tradition! You can’t travel without trying the local native foods. Most restaurants will have crab dip, fried crab balls, soft shell crab sandwiches and blue crabs. Being a Maryland girl Bonnie prefers to order crab cakes with a nice cold beer.
2. Go to the Beach–
Ocean City, MD This is the place to be in the summer. Route 50 is filled with beach traffic on the weekends. Plan your trip onoff-peakk travel times when visiting the Eastern Shore beaches. If you are stuck in traffic on Rt. 50 stop by Wright’s Market in Mardela Springs, MD for fresh produce. The fruit stands along Rt. 50 are the best place to taste fresh grown fruit and vegetables grown in this area. Stop in Wright’s market because it is one of the largest produce stands in the area and they sell baked goods too.
Ocean City is the place to be in the summer. The boardwalk is filled with teens and tourists. Young kids love riding the rides at Trimper’s Rides and Amusements. Amusements are endless; go karting, mini golf, boardwalk rides and games, boat rides, jet ski rentals, fishing, parasailing and surfing. Don’t miss Thrasher’s French Fries on the boardwalk. The line is worth the wait – but watch those Seagulls because they love Thrasher’s too and will fly overhead just hoping for one of the tasty salt and vinegar French fry.
For the 21 and older crowd, enjoy a cocktail at Secrets- a Jamaican tropical paradise with live music set on a bay side beach with real Palm Trees. They have floats you can sip and float on in the bay during the day. This is an Eastern Shore Paradise. You simply cannot travel to the Eastern Shore and miss Ocean City.
It is great for families because the children will never be bored in Ocean City. The amusements are endless.
Don’t miss Thrasher’s French Fries!
3. Shopping–
Rehoboth Beach, DE- Delaware doesn’t have sales tax. Visit the Tanger Outlets on highway Rt 1. in Rehoboth. There is good shopping near the boardwalk with a White House Black Market, t-shirt stores and shops with unusual, artistic items for sale. Rehoboth is one of Bonnie’s favorite beaches because of it’s superb shopping and upscale restaurants. It is quieter than Ocean City and there isn’t any sales tax on purchases. Her favorite time to visit is early October because the weather is nice, it isn’t crowded. The hotel deals are good and the shops have big sales. Each year, she has been fortunate to see pods of Dolphins traveling near the beach playing in the Ocean in the morning.
4. Take a ferry ride to Cape May–
The town of Lewes, DE is a small, historical waterfront village filled with shops and restaurants. Each year they have a lighted boat parade in Lewes called Boast the Coast in October. From Lewes, take the ferry across to New Jersey. Beautiful Cape May New Jersey is a seaside, resort town filled with boutiques, cafes, and lots of candy stores. It is worth the 85-minute ferry ride to cross over to New Jersey to visit Cape May. If you have a car take it on the ferry and drive to Ocean City NJ or try your luck in Atlantic City on an overnight trip.
5. See the Wild Ponies –
Made famous from the children’s book Misty of Chincoteague. Each year is the famed Pony Swim. The ponies swim across the channel from Assateaque to Chincoteague in late July. This event started in 1925. Over 40,000 people attend this event each year. After the pony swim, there is a local Chincoteague Carnival. The kids can ride rides and adults can try a soft shell crab sandwich and play bingo. At the carnival, they auction some of the yearlings and foals. There aren’t many hotels on the island and the campsites book up fast so plan far in advance. The summers are busy but going to visit Assateaque and Chincogteague on the off-peak season is a great time to explore without the crowds.
Chincoteague, VA– Chincoteague Island is a must when visiting the Eastern Shore. Chincoteague is Virginia’s only resort island. It is a place to unwind and relax. There are many activities here on the island to keep everyone happy from boating, fishing, crabbing, clamming, shopping, golf, and wild pony tours. Wild ponies roam free. Rent a bike and explore the island to burn the calories from eating too much ice cream from splits from Island Creamery. They have interesting flavors and the ice cream is so delicious you will want to go more than once during your stay. The Island Nature Trail is a nice place to walk, bike or run too. Visiting Chincoteague Island will put you in a relaxed state of mind; problem is that you may never want to leave.
Assateague Island is a National Park and the entrance is only 8 miles from Ocean City. The beaches are beautiful; you can drive your 4X4 on the beach and set up a fishing spot for the day. Camp overnight in the park in a tent or RV. Go on a search to find the wild horses. If staying in Ocean City you can visit Assateague Island by boat on the Assateague Adventure. You will see the wild horses, dredge for clams, explore the Island, and have a hands on crab pot demonstration
6. Eat a slice of Smith Island Cake,
Bonnie loves Smith Island cakes. They are a must at any party or event on the Shore. The cakes are 8-12 layers of cake filled with crème or frosting between each layer. It is the official cake of the state of Maryland. One word, delicious! If you don’t have time to visit Smith Island you must at least try one of these incredible cakes. It is an Eastern Shore thing you have to do. In 1608, John Smith discovered the Island. The island was settled between 1659 -1686 by English and Welsh settlers. Many residents can trace their ancestors back at least twelve generations and some back to the original settlers. Some say that visiting Smith Island is like going back in time. The original settlers came here to farm but erosion and salt water made it difficult. Residents make a living by commercial crabbing and selling their famous cakes. There are approximately 240 year round residents that live on this Island. Many of them speak in a Tidewater dialect made up of a mixture of Old English, American Southern, and Coastal accents.
You can take a 45-minute ferry ride from Crisfield, Md or take a ferry from Reedville, VA. The only way to get to this island is by boat. There aren’t any landing strips or bridges. Once you arrive at Smith Island you can buy a slice of Smith Island cake or a whole cake at the Bayside Inn. The Bayside Inn is known for having the best seafood on the Eastern Shore if you are need of a lunch break. They have golf cars and bikes available for rent at Bayside Rentals so that you can explore the island. The kayaking on Smith Island is supposed to be spectacular and you can bring a kayak with you on the ferry. Check with Fishermen’s Rest Cottage for kayak rentals on the island. Things to know before you go; it is a dry island so if you want to enjoy a cold beer or glass of wine it is BYOB.
7. Visit a local Winery–
Small wineries are popping up everywhere on the Eastern Shore. It is a natural place to grow grapes considering how much the this region is predominately farming. Why not grow grapes? The Eastern Shore is a hot spot for new wineries.
Years ago, Bonnie toured the Bordeleau Winery.
This waterfront mansion is picturesque set along the grapevines. They have an elegant spacious tasting room and it is used for special events. Tour this winery from the owner Tom Shelton. When visiting check their website for fun public events.
There are quite a few wineries in this area. Tour the Chesapeake Wine Trail. If you love wine visit some of the local wineries while on the shore and take a bottle or too to sip on the beach.
Try the chocolate wine from the St Michael’s Winery for an unusual experience,
Layton’s Chance is a winery in Vienna and they have offer live music and good food. They are located in Vienna between Cambridge and Mardela Springs off of Rt. 50.
Want to try Eastern Shore wines in one place? Then visit Salisbury, Maryland in October during the Maryland Wine Festival in Pemberton Historical Park.
Virginia’s Eastern Shore Wine Trail: Chatham Vineyards, Bluxom Winery and Holly Grove Vineyards. Southeast Expedition’s Kayak wine tour to Chatham Vineyards. Chatham Vineyards is the only kayak wine tour in the country. Kayaking Church Creek, sipping the local wine, and touring the Chatham Winery sounds like a perfect day on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. The house on the Chatham grounds was built in 1818. The winery began in 2005. The oldest winery on the Eastern Shore is Bluxom Winery. It opened in 2004 and serves freshly baked pizza to complement your wine tasting. At Holly Grove Vineyards you can rent Kayaks to sip wine and enjoy the sunset on the water. In Virginia kayaking and wine make a perfect date. The Eastern Shore of Virginia is now one of the 6th recognized AVA’s (American viticulture Area) in the state.
The first winery on the Eastern Shore of Delaware is in the historical town of Lewes, DE, Nassau Valley Vineyards. The state had Prohibition laws against growing grapes and Bob Raley and his daughter Peg- helped change the laws in 1991. They opened a winery in 1993. They make fruit wines and they are delicious topped over ice cream. Other Delaware wineries are: Pizzadili Vineyard & Winery and Fenwick Wine Cellars
8. Experience live Theatre–
Remember this is a personal favorite on top 10 list. Bonnie was a theater major and she loves to attend live theater all around the world. Go see live theater when visiting the Shore.
The Milford Street Player’s, Milford, DE is a community theater that offers performances and even a summer children’s camp. They offer many shows during the year
The Avalon Theater, Easton, MD- Bonnie always enjoys the historical town of Easton and this theater was built in 1921. They have some famous bands perform here. This is the place to go to see live music. The theater sits across from the historical Tide Water Inn – a brick hotel to stay for it’s quaint, old hotel rooms. Easton has good restaurants and cute shops. Easton ranked 8th in “ 100 Best Small Towns of America”
The Globe Theater, Berlin, MD- This Theater is only 5 miles from Ocean City and is located in the Main Street of Berlin. A small, quiet town with Victorian teashops, antique shops and art galleries. The Globe Theater provides a nightlife atmosphere. The food is excellent and the shows are great.
The Ted Avon Theater Company, Oxford, MD- is a non-profit theater company in the small, picturesque town of Oxford. They have 4-5 productions a year for this small community theater. A night of theater at the Tred Avon and dinner at Latitude 38 would be a romantic date night. The Robert Norris Inn has the best crab cake sandwiches. Dine in the old Salter’s Tavern and it makes for a great lunch spot or casual place to enjoy a nice cold beer after sailing all day.
You can take the Oxford Bellevue Ferry to Oxford from Bellevue every 25 minutes. This ferry is believed to the be the oldest, privately held ferry in the United States. Oxford is one of the oldest towns in Maryland, it was established in 1694. Oxford is one of Bonnie’s personal highlights of towns to visit on the Eastern Shore.
9. Find a Ghost
in a historical Place on the Eastern Shore – If you have ever wanted to find a ghost, the Eastern Shore if the right place to find one. Residents on the Eastern Shore love to tell ghost stories. She still remembers the tales about Ghost Light Road in Hebron, the Patty Cannon House in Reliance, and tales of ghosts that died working on the Bay Bridge. Buy an old home and it most likely comes with a ghost. Especially her grandmother’s house in Onley, VA.
With so many historical places on the Eastern Shore, ghost stories abound. Perhaps the reason so many ghost stories exist on the Eastern Shore is because the Eastern Shore is a historian’s treasure box. Delaware was the first state and many settlers established these towns on the eastern shore in the 1600’s. Homes and Inns are historical and old. It is partly the mystique and beauty of the eastern shore.
You will find historical markers throughout the peninsula. The Mason Dixon markers are located throughout the shore. The Underground Railroad used to help free slaves ran through part of the Eastern Shore. The Robert Norris Inn in Oxford is America’s Oldest Inn built in 1710. You will find historic inns, historical lighthouses, old sailing vessels called Skipjacks, and museums in most of the eastern shore towns, One of the top things to do on the Eastern Shore is to learn about the history of the place you are visiting. Every town on the Eastern Shore will have history about it. Visit a museum, lighthouse, historical house, or inn and at some point you will hear about a ghost story.
10. Get on a boat–
a favorite top ten. The Eastern Shore is a boating mecca. Bonnie’s favorite thing to do when visiting the shore is to be on a boat. In Ocean City many bayside restaurants have boat docks. You dock the boat and dine on fresh Seafood overlooking beautiful views of the bay. On a boat you can catch your own fish, go clamming in the marsh, catch crabs for dinner, waterski, or sail. You haven’t really experienced the Eastern Shore unless you have experienced it by being out on the water. The small, quaint waterfront towns and islands give you a different perspective to see and visit them from the waterfront. The Chesapeake Bay is 195 miles long and 30 miles wide. So much to explore and see by water is why the Eastern Shore a boater’s dream.
Explore the towns of Oxford, and St Michaels, two of my favorite towns on the shore. In 2011 Oxford was chosen by readers of YACHTING as the 2011 Best Town in the World! Chop tank Charters in Oxford has sailboat charters.
In St. Michaels visit the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum.
If you love history take a sail on an old Skipjack from Cambridge there is the Nathan of Dorchester or from St. Michaels sail on the HM Krentz. Skipjacks are historical, wooden, commercial oyster sailing vessels that were once popular on the Eastern Shore in the 1800’s to early 1900’s. Out of the 600-800 built only about 20 exist in working condition. These tours are approximately two hours and they show you how they used to dredge for oysters.
Take a ferry to Tilghman Island, Smith Island or Tangier Island. Take the OC Rocket or book a fishing trip in Ocean City On Chincoteague Island you can take a boat tour, go fishing and clamming.
This is Annapolis, you can charter a boat and sail to the Eastern Shore if you are an experienced sailor.
The Delmarva Peninsula is a getaway that you will never get-away from in your memories. Somehow it will keep calling you back to visit, especially if you are a water lover. Visit the Eastern Shore and you will be haunted of incredible memories until you go back again to create new ones. Create your own top 10 list but try one of Bonnie’s recommendations.
