dorchester county visitor guide 2012
Post on 30-Mar-2016
214 Views
Preview:
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Guide for visitors
Dorchester county heart of the chesapeake
OutdOOrs • histOry & culture hOmegrOwn gOOdness
visitOr infO • events • maps
Dorchester county, MarylandtourDorchester.org 800.522.toUr
Start here.With its sail soaring 100 feet in the air, the Dorchester County Visitors Center is easy to find. Come for information about the area, exhibits, restrooms, a playground overlooking the river, and a boardwalk. Open daily, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m. at 2 Rose Hill Place in Cambridge, near the Malkus Bridge over the Choptank River. Also visit us at TourDorchester.org for hotel and restaurant listings, museums, events, and more.
Welcome!
hoopers Island
In Dorchester County on Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay, delight in beautiful views of the water. Go on an outdoor adventure and savor fresh seafood. Discover the legends who lived here, and enjoy our Eastern Shore charm. We think you’ll find a lot to love in the Heart of the Chesapeake.
TourDorchester.org 800.522.TOUR
Published by Dorchester County Tourism, 2 Rose Hill Place, Cambridge, MD 21613. TourDorchester.org. 800.522.TOUR, 410.228.1000. Uncredited photos courtesy of Dorchester County Tourism. Designed by Jill Jasuta, jilljasuta@verizon.net. Printed by Delmarva Printing. © Dorchester County Tourism
‘Nature on the throne of her glory’ That’s what Time magazine called Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. No wonder. The refuge’s 27,000 acres offer stunning vistas, incredible sunsets, waterfowl, and wildlife. Eagles, herons, egrets, and endangered Delmarva fox squirrels all make their homes here. As a wintering area for migrating ducks and geese using the Atlantic Flyway, Blackwater draws nature lovers all year long. The refuge made the list of Top Spots for Pros in Outdoor Photographer magazine.
PH
OTO
By
Jil
l JA
SUTA
Outdoors
PAgE 4 Bestpitch ferry Bridge
BicyclingFlat terrain, quiet roads, and spectacular scenery make for terrific bicycling throughout the county. A growing number of cycling events and triathlons draw thousands each year, but cyclists of all ages and skill levels enjoy the ride. Bring your own bicycle or rent one here. Visit TourDorchester.org for details.
Blackwater National Wildlife refuge
PAgE 5
v look for this symbol for free guides on topics such as cycling, boating, birding, and Harriet Tubman. To order a guide, email info@TourDorchester.org or download it from TourDorchester.org.
v CyCliNg gUiDE
TourDorchester.org 800.522.TOUR
BirdingHome to a major stop on the Atlantic Flyway, Dorchester is host to more than 250 species of birds, including bald eagles (Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge has one of the nation’s largest breeding populations), ospreys, hawks, herons, egrets, and 20 species of ducks. See a list of birding spots at TourDorchester.org.
BOatingDorchester County offers more than a dozen marinas and more than 20 free boat ramps. The largest marina is the Municipal yacht Basin in Cambridge; it’s a short walk from the historic downtown. See a list of marinas at TourDorchester.org.
On the water Whether you’re sailing, paddling, or fishing, be sure to experience our many waterways up close. Don’t own a boat? Join a skipjack sail, cruise on a paddlewheeler, or rent a boat here. Browse the options at TourDorchester.org.
PAgE 6
v BiRDiNg gUiDE
v BOATiNg gUiDE
PH
OTO
By
Jil
l JA
SUTA
Outdoors
sailing on the choptank river
fishing & huntingAnglers find rockfish, croaker, white perch, and more in our waters. For hunters, there’s duck, goose, turkey, and white-tailed and sika deer. For hunting outfitters and fishing charters and info, go to TourDorchester.org.
gOlfDorchester’s golf courses include River Marsh at the Hyatt, which made Golf Magazine’s list of the 10 best public golf courses in Maryland.
paddlingWith meandering waterways and dramatic marshland, Dorchester offers plenty to explore, whether you’re paddling a kayak, a canoe, or a stand-up paddleboard. For outfitters, go to TourDorchester.org.
PAgE 7
v PADDliNg gUiDE
TourDorchester.org 800.522.TOUR
Dorchester’s heroinesSome remarkable heroines have called Dorchester County home, including famed Under-ground Railroad “conductor” Harriet Tubman, sharpshooter Annie Oakley, and 19th century political pioneer Anna Ella Carroll, the secret member of President lincoln’s cabinet who provided military strategy during the Civil War.
Birthplace Of harriet tuBmanUnderground Railroad “conductor” Harriet Tubman was born and grew up in Dorchester County. it was from here that she escaped from slavery in 1849. She returned a documented 13 times to lead other enslaved people to freedom through a secret network of people, places, and routes known as the Underground Railroad.
To experience the Tubman story, take the Finding a Way to Freedom Self-guided Driving Tour along the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. Highlights include the Harriet Tubman Museum and Education Center and the Bucktown Village Store.
PAgE 8
v FiNDiNg A WAy TO FREEDOM gUiDE
History & Culture
harriet tubman re-enactor
Bucktown Village store on the tubman Byway
PAgE 9
The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park and Visitor Center are to be constructed near Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. it is anticipated that groundbreaking will take place in 2013, honoring Tubman’s achievements 100 years after her death.
PH
OTO
By
Jil
l JA
SUTA
TourDorchester.org 800.522.TOUR
heritage Of land and seaEstablished in 1669, Dorchester County is one of Maryland’s oldest. in the past few hundred years, the lands here have been an agricultural, seafood, and canning powerhouse; a hub for boatbuilding; and home to thriving communities of Native Americans, African Americans and Colonial settlers. More Maryland governors hailed from these parts than anywhere else besides Baltimore City. Dorchester served as the setting of James Michener’s epic novel Chesapeake.
A range of self-guided walking tours and driving tours, river excursions, museums, and more help you experience Dorchester’s rich stories and history. For ideas on places to go and things to do, visit TourDorchester.org and click on History.
Of schooners and skipjacksWhile our waterways are home to more recreational boats than workboats these days, you’ll still see watermen and women gathering crab and oyster harvests. We celebrate our maritime heritage during the Schooner Rendezvous in October, a race of skipjacks (Maryland’s state boat) in September, and public skipjack sails on the Nathan of Dorchester. learn more about our maritime history at Ruark Boatworks and the Richardson Maritime Museum.
PAgE 10
PH
OTO
By
Jil
l JA
SUTA
History & Culture
cambridge schooner rendezvous
PAgE 11
the artsThere’s a vibrant community of artists and galleries in Dorchester County. Downtown Cambridge has art galleries featuring a range of interesting work— contemporary multimedia, folk art, traditional Chesapeake landscapes, decoy carving, and more. For current exhibits, visit CambridgeMainStreet.com.
PH
OTO
By
Jil
l JA
SUTA
TourDorchester.org 800.522.TOUR
plein-air artist
From seafood to produce to wineBe sure to sample the local bounty while you’re in Dorchester County. We’re known for our fresh and delicious Maryland blue crabs, oysters, and rockfish (some say our seafood is second to none). Our local farmers bring us everything from sweet corn and tomatoes to wine and bison.
Enjoy the local tastes by dining out, by stopping at a produce stand, or by coming to an event such as the Seafood Feast-i-val, the Taste of Cambridge Crab Cook-Off, or the strawberry, peach, and apple festivals.
PAgE 12
Homegrown Goodness P
HO
TO B
y J
ill
JASU
TA
PH
OTO
By
Jil
l JA
SUTA
Vintage sign artist Kevin Davidson, Country Store gallery, Cambridge
layton’s Chance Winery, Vienna
Bistro Poplar, Cambridge
Waterman with Maryland blue crabs
locally grown watermelon
Homegrown Goodness TourDorchester.org 800.522.TOUR
PH
OTO
By
KA
TiE
TO
llE
y
PAgE 13
Vintage sign artist Kevin Davidson, Country Store gallery, Cambridge
Fun all year longFor a quiet county, Dorchester hosts an incredible range of events. From the National Outdoor Show in February (with both muskrat skinning championships and the Miss Outdoors pageant) to Taste of Cambridge (with a crab-picking contest and a crab cook-off), Dorchester comes together for fun all year long. For highlights, turn to page 20; for the full calendar, go to TourDorchester.org.
hyatt regency chesapeake Bay resort, cambridge
PAgE 14
PH
OTO
By
Jil
l JA
SUTA
Visitor Info
where tO stayWith its natural beauty and friendly pace of life, Dorchester County makes a great getaway. you’ll find cozy bed and breakfasts, a campground, vacation rentals, and a four-diamond waterfront resort. For descriptions, visit TourDorchester.org.
where tO wine & dineMany of our restaurants are waterside—and some are accessible by land and by boat. Discover down-home meals and sophisticated restaurants tucked away in small towns. Our restaurants’ crab cakes have garnered raves in Southern Living and USA Today. For locally produced wine, head to layton’s Chance, a family-owned winery and vineyard. Browse descriptions of the dining options at TourDorchester.org.
taste of cambridge
special deals: find deals on lodging and dining at tourDorchester.org. our website also offers listings of accommodations, restaurants, shops, and more.
PAgE 15
TourDorchester.org 800.522.TOUR
Endurance eventsDorchester has become an increasingly popular place for cycling, running, and triathlon events. it’s also a great spot to train—or just to have fun. The largest events include the Six Pillars Century Cycling Event, the Eagleman ironman 70.3 Triathlon, and the Wild goose Chase Women’s Cycling Event. Other 5K, 10K, half-marathon, and cycling events round out the calendar. View the full list at TourDorchester.org (click on Outdoors).
sunnyside shop, cambridge
PH
OTO
By
Jil
l JA
SUTA
Visitor Info
PAgE 16
where tO shOpFrom antique stores to boutiques to country stores, you’ll find treasures old and new, traditional and contemporary. Many of our small businesses are independently owned and offer one-of-a-kind items created by area artists and artisans—not to mention friendly, old-fashioned customer service.
toursEnjoy walking tours in historic communities, driving tours to quaint waterfront villages and islands, and tours by boat—all in the Heart of the Chesapeake. Tour themes range from watermen and crabbing to Harriet Tubman to historic churches. For details, go to TourDorchester.org and click on Tours. Tour guides are available to help you plan your itinerary; call 800.522.TOUR for details.
PAgE 17
eagleMan Ironman 70.3 triathlon
TourDorchester.org 800.522.TOUR
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
��
��
�
�
�
�
�
BAY BRIDGE
OCEANCITY
�
HANDSELL
FUTURE SITE OF TUBMAN STATE PARK
OLD TRINITY CHURCH
FUTURE SITE OF CHOPTANK RIVER
LIGHTHOUSE
SPOCOTT WINDMILL
HARRIET TUBMAN CHILDHOOD SITE
BUCKTOWN VILLAGE STORE
KEY
WASHINGTON, DC
BALTIMORE
Bay Bridge
OCEANCITY
Dorchester County is on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, less than an hour from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Pick up a detailed map showing attractions and more at the Dorchester Visitor Center.
STANLEY INSTITUTE
VIENNA HERITAGE
MUSEUM
RICHARDSON MARITIME
MUSEUM
RUARK BOATWORKS
TUBMAN MUSEUM
Town
Golf
Airport
Visitor Information Center
Nature Area
� Public Boat Landing/Kayak Launch
Heritage Area BoundaryUnderground Railroad Scenic Byway
Wildlife Corridor
Attraction
HAY
WA
RD
ST
DO
RC
HE
ST
ER
AV
E
CHOPTANK RIVER
WATER ST
TR
EN
TON
ST
HIGH S
TMIL
L ST
CEDAR ST
MARYLAND AV
ROSLYN AV
MARYLAND
RA
CE
ST
341
Dorchester Visitor Center
To Cambridge
hotels
Long WharfPark
P
PP
PP
P
AC
AD
EM
Y S
T
343 WASHINGTON ST
PIN
E S
T
MUIR ST
PO
PLA
R
GAY ST
GLASGOW ST
LOCUST ST
CHURCH ST
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CAMBRIDGE
RICHARDSON MARITIME
MUSEUMHARRIET TUBMAN MUSEUM
RUARK BOAT
WORKS
LA GRANGE PLANTATION
FUTURE SITE OF CHOPTANK RIVER LIGHTHOUSE
SKIPJACK NATHAN OF DORCHESTER
Cam
brid
ge C
reek
Cambridge Marina
DORCHESTER COUNTY
Map
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
�
��
��
�
�
�
�
�
BAY BRIDGE
OCEANCITY
�
HANDSELL
FUTURE SITE OF TUBMAN STATE PARK
OLD TRINITY CHURCH
FUTURE SITE OF CHOPTANK RIVER
LIGHTHOUSE
SPOCOTT WINDMILL
HARRIET TUBMAN CHILDHOOD SITE
BUCKTOWN VILLAGE STORE
KEY
WASHINGTON, DC
BALTIMORE
Bay Bridge
OCEANCITY
Dorchester County is on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, less than an hour from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. Pick up a detailed map showing attractions and more at the Dorchester Visitor Center.
STANLEY INSTITUTE
VIENNA HERITAGE
MUSEUM
RICHARDSON MARITIME
MUSEUM
RUARK BOATWORKS
TUBMAN MUSEUM
Town
Golf
Airport
Visitor Information Center
Nature Area
� Public Boat Landing/Kayak Launch
Heritage Area BoundaryUnderground Railroad Scenic Byway
Wildlife Corridor
Attraction
HAY
WA
RD
ST
DO
RC
HE
ST
ER
AV
E
CHOPTANK RIVER
WATER ST
TR
EN
TON
ST
HIGH S
TMIL
L ST
CEDAR ST
MARYLAND AV
ROSLYN AV
MARYLAND
RA
CE
ST
341
Dorchester Visitor Center
To Cambridge
hotels
Long WharfPark
P
PP
PP
P
AC
AD
EM
Y S
T
343 WASHINGTON ST
PIN
E S
T
MUIR ST
PO
PLA
R
GAY ST
GLASGOW ST
LOCUST ST
CHURCH ST
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CAMBRIDGE
RICHARDSON MARITIME
MUSEUMHARRIET TUBMAN MUSEUM
RUARK BOAT
WORKS
LA GRANGE PLANTATION
FUTURE SITE OF CHOPTANK RIVER LIGHTHOUSE
SKIPJACK NATHAN OF DORCHESTER
Cam
brid
ge C
reek
Cambridge Marina
DORCHESTER COUNTY
TourDorchester.org 800.522.TOUR
By the Season
SPRiNg EVENTSSpocott Windmill Day (Apr. 21, 2012)
Beckwith Strawberry Festival (May 12, 2012)
Antique Fly-in (May 19, 2012)
All year long, historic downtown Cambridge hosts Second Saturday fun when shops and galleries stay open late with specials and free receptions. For details, visit CambridgeMain Street.com.
Antique Fly-in
sprINg hIghlIghts: Return of the osprey • Cambridge historic tours (April-October) • hiking at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge • picnics at Layton’s Chance Winery
PH
OTO
By
TO
M l
OR
SUN
g
lors
ung
pho
tos.
com
PAgE 20
SUMMER EVENTSNanticoke Jamboree (June 23, 2012)
Taste of Cambridge (July 14, 2012)
Cambridge Classic Powerboat Regatta (July 28–29, 2012)
Peach Festival (Aug. 11, 2012)
Seafood Feast-i-Val (Aug. 11, 2012)
Anna Ella Carroll Day (Aug. 25, 2012)
Native American Festival (Sept. 15–16, 2012)
Summer Send-Off: Blues, Brews & BBQ (Sept. 15, 2012)
sUMMer hIghlIghts: Public sails on the skipjack Nathan of Dorchester • blooming of marsh hibiscus • local sweet corn, tomatoes, and other goodies at produce stands and farmers markets • Free tours of Horn Point Laboratory • Tuesday Evening Sailboat Races on the Choptank River
Summer Send-Off: Blues, Brews & BBQ
full events calendar at tourDorchester.org.
TourDorchester.org 800.522.TOUR
PAgE 21
By the Season
FAll EVENTSChesapeake Film Festival (Sept. 21–24, 2012)
Crabtoberfest (Sept. 21–23, 2012)
Choptank Heritage Skipjack Race (Sept. 22, 2012)
Dorchester Center for the Arts Showcase (Sept. 23, 2012)
East New Market Heritage Day (Oct. 6, 2012)
Sailwinds Park East Kite Festival (Oct. 14, 2012)
Beckwith Apple Festival (Oct. 20, 2012)
Schooner Rendezvous (Oct. 20–21, 2012)
Dorchester Center for the Arts Showcase
fall hIghlIghts: local crabs at their plumpest and tastiest • fishing for rockfish and white perch • oyster fritters and oyster stew • Canada geese on the move
PH
OTO
By
Jil
l JA
SUTA
WiNTER EVENTSChristmas Train garden (Dec. 1–30, 2011 and 2012)
Cambridge-Dorchester Christmas Parade (Dec. 3, 2011; Dec. 1, 2012)
Small Town Christmas (Dec. 10, 2011; Dec. 8, 2012)
Vienna luminaries and House Tours (Dec. 17, 2011; Dec. 22, 2012)
National Outdoor Show (Feb. 25–26, 2012)
Eagle Festival (March 10, 2012)
Christmas Train garden
WINter hIghlIghts: Dramatic winter sunsets • great bird-watching (snow geese, tundra swans, eagles, canvasback ducks, more) • cozying up by a fireplace
for events marking the bicentennial of the
War of 1812, visit tourDorchester.org.
TourDorchester.org 800.522.TOUR
PAgE 23
Do
rche
ster
Co
unty
To
uris
m2
Ro
se H
ill P
lace
Cam
bri
dg
e, M
D 2
1613
Wel
com
e to
the
Hea
rt o
f the
Che
sape
ake.
PHOTO By TOM HANNAN
top related