Have a day to get away? Or looking to find the best things to do in our small towns along the Chesapeake Bay to plan a weekend getaway. We pulled together some great tips on how to spend a day in our towns with a focus on getting the true “local” experience.
Cambridge, MD
A great day in Cambridge would include breakfast at Black Water Bakery for local coffee and breakfast in a stylist atmosphere, a walk to The Choptank River Lighthouse for a tour of the waterfront, a trip to RAR to taste local craft beer, a visit to Dorchester Center for the Arts gallery and shop, strolls to Main Street Gallery and shops like Groove City Funk, Sunnyside Shop, Maiden Maryland, The Blue Awning, Honey Bee Trading for shopping with many including local products and artists. We’d stop for dinner and a cocktail at Bistro Poplar or Ava’s Pizzaria. Could also include a walk to Portside or Snappers for waterfront dining on the Cambridge Creek!
Centreville, MD
Located in the center of Queen Anne’s County on the Corsica River, Centreville is steeped in history and chock full of small town charm. Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Commerce Street Creamery, stop by the Queen Anne’s County Centre for the Arts where they highlight local, state and national artists or take a stroll over to Bull & Goat and relax with craft brew. Enjoy the best produce and seafood that the eastern shore has to offer at the Centreville Farmers Market or Bay Shore Steam Pot. With signature events like Drink MD, historic sites, a waterfront park, shops and outdoor activities like free music concerts, biking trails and kayaking on the Corsica River, you will discover why so many people choose Centreville as their destination to raise a family, start a business or retire!
Denton, MD
Start your day in Denton at the Wharves of Choptank Visitor Center on the Choptank River. While you’re there, check out the “Snapshot in Time” murals beneath the the bridge that show what life was like on the bustling steamboat wharf.
Next, make your way into Downtown Denton – just a short walk up from the river. You’ll find delectable pastries and treats made by Food Network finalist Chef Steve Konopelski at the Turnbridge Point Shop. Chef Steve also offers baking classes, so roll up your sleeves and learn something new!
A short walk to the Denton Artsway will bring you to the Foundry Community Arts Gallery and the Fiber Arts Center of the Eastern Shore (FACES). Home of the Caroline County Council of Arts, the Foundry features works in all media by local artists. At FACES, you’ll find rotating exhibits of historic and contemporary works by fiber artists from throughout the Delmarva Peninsula.
For lunch, head to the Market Street Public House – a local favorite that serves up a delectable fusion of Irish-American fare. The Pub is located right on the Courthouse Green in the heart of Denton. Be sure to check out the surrounding shops, including Joviality, which features gifts, home decor and more!
History buffs will want to be sure to visit the Museum of Rural Life, which offers visitors a rare glimpse into Caroline County’s agrarian history. The exhibits feature portions of four historic houses, including an entire circa 1824 log cabin.
Next, make your way to Shore Gourmet Denton Market, located within the Chesapeake Culinary Center. Here you’ll find specialty food items grown and produced in the Chesapeake region. From cheese to chocolate, you’ll find a variety of delicious treats to take home.
Those looking for an outdoor adventure can rent a kayak or Boston Whaler from Mathews Landing Rentals and explore the upper reaches of the winding Choptank River,
End your perfect day with handcrafted cocktails and fine dining at Harry’s Food & Spirits. Enjoy the views from the wrap-around porch, or sit by the crackling fire and recount the day’s adventures. You belong here.
Stevensville, MD
Travel through the region on the Chesapeake Country National Scenic Byway for a picturesque view of Maryland’s eastern shore and countryside. The beauty of nature and the pristine waterfront vistas add to the allure of the region. History is plentiful in the over three-hundred year- old county of Queen Anne’s. Kent Island, situated at the foot of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, is Maryland’s 1st English settlement (1631) and 3rd in the country! Discover colonial history on the guided site tour of the county’s twenty historic sites.
Take the byway to Historic Stevensville Arts & Entertainment District. Downtown Historic Stevensville is home to five historic sites, artist galleries, studios, antique shops and Rustico Restaurant & Wine Bar. Relax, dine and unwind in one of Queen Anne’s County quaint and historic neighborhoods.
Historic sites are open for touring, with live docents, on 1st Saturdays April – November or by appointment.
Cray House (1694): Rare remaining example of “post and plank” construction. Kent Island Heritage Society restored and furnished home with time period appropriate material
Stevensville Bank (1903): Oldest Bank of Kent Island and earliest surviving in the county
Other sites include:
Train Depot (1902); Stevensville Post Office (1877); Historic Christ Church (1880)
Celebrate history, heritage, art and music with two signature events:
Kent Island Day: Occurs every 3rd Saturday in May. A day to celebrate the history of the Bay’s largest island. Music, parade, food, vendors & so much more.
ArtoberFest: 1st Saturday in October. Celebration of art music & culture. Live music, food, artisans, spirits, brew & wine too.
Kent Narrows
The scenic byway in Queen Anne’s County passes right through one of the most scenic areas on the Eastern Shore, the Kent Narrows Waterfront. https://www.kentnarrowsmd.com.
Plan to spend the night at one of our waterfront hotels.
All have views of the water. Take your pick of one or more of the award-winning waterfront seafood restaurants that line the destination’s waterfront. Local watermen deliver their fresh catches right to our docks.
Two venues offer entertainment here throughout the year. Both the Jetty Dock Bar and Bridges offer dockside dining, as well as, dock and dine facilities.
Music of all kinds rings across our waterfront in during the evening hours during boating season!
Have a crab feast complete with corn on the cob and a mug of cold beer while listening to local and regional bands at Fisherman’s Crab Deck and the Jetty .
Concerts are offered at Red Eyes Dock Bar during the afternoons, and during the weekends and bands perform right on the dock at Big Owl’s Tiki Bar.
Find local arts and crafts at “The O” located next to the Hilton Garden Inn or check out one of the changing exhibits at the Chesapeake Heritage and Visitor’s Center.
Just down Rt. 18 in Grasonville you will find a coop of local crafters at Anchors and Oars. If you want to create something yourself Harris Crab House offers Paint Night specials on a regular basis through out the year. Local and regional Plain Air groups often stop here to paint the scenery.
Arrive at all of these locations by boat or by car! For more information contact the Kent Narrows Development Foundation .
Stevensville, MD
Explore a variety of art galleries and shops offering fine art, pottery, jewelry, furniture and other handcrafted gifts of distinction as you stroll along the streets of historic Stevensville. Step back in time as you tour historic sites with period attire docents, enjoy outdoor fun at the nearby Terrapin Beach Park and Cross Island Trail or embrace your artistic side with a class at the Kent Island Federation of Arts. Stevensville comes alive the 1st Saturday of each month (April thru December) for family-friendly community events in addition to annual events including Kent Island Day and Artoberfest (a celebration of local artists and craft breweries). Visit Stevensville to shop, dine and discover the charming art culture and history in Queen Anne’s County.
Be sure to let us know if you visit these towns. Post your best photo and tag us @eat.drink.buyart!
