- © 2025 Annapolis Home Magazine
- All Rights Reserved
Eastern Shore locals share 10 favorite spots tucked into the quaint towns and coastal countryside of this diverse peninsula.
Referred by Abigail Robson | Cakes by Abby
When was the last time you saw an eagle in the wild? If it has been too long, head over to The Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge and explore nine miles of roads and trails with expansive views of the Chester River, Chesapeake Bay, and wildlife, including the majestic bald eagle. Visitors can go birding, hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching, and dog walking along any trail, and may also go fishing at Tundra Swan Boardwalk.
1730 Eastern Neck Road, Rock Hall, MD 21661 | fws.gov/refuge/eastern-neck
Referred by Mark McInturff, FAIA | McInturff Architects
Easton is full of surprises. Tucked away in this bustling town is the Pickering Creek Audubon Center. The Center includes 220 acres of hardwood forest, non-tidal wetlands, over four miles of walking trails, and platforms for birding. Plus, the conservational space contains a freshwater pond and canoe and kayak launch access into Pickering Creek in case you need to burn some calories after all that ice cream you ate at lunch.
11450 Audubon Lane, Easton, MD 21601 | pickeringcreek.org
Referred by Liz Wiedemann | Wiedemann Architects
For unusual and elegant tableware, clothing, objects, and gifts, Arrae will surely have both what you need and don’t need, but buy anyway. Browse the quiet aisles filled with a creative selection of high-end products, including gifts for him, her, the littles, the foodie, and the furry friends. You will also find jewelry, stationery, office essentials, and one-of-a-kind soaps that look like miniature art installations crafted by an obsessed artist.
218 N. Washington Street, Easton, MD 21601 | shoparrae.com
Referred by Joni Zimmerman | Design Solutions, Inc.
Some ice cream is worth screaming about. Celebrating 20 years, the Scottish Highland Creamery is an ice cream and dessert hotspot on the Eastern Shore with flavor options that can change within the day or even the hour. Its offerings include Italian Lemon Cookie, Banoffee Pie, Stracciatella, and Old Bay with Potato Chips and Caramel! Additionally, they have specialty soft serve with four daily flavors and many gluten-free and nut-free choices.
103 S. Morris Street, Oxford, MD 21654 | scottishhighlandcreamery.com
Referred by Brad Lundberg | Founder & President, Lundberg Builders
Don’t know what to do with the kids this summer? Your troubles are over! The Sultana Education Foundation’s mission is to educate children and young adults about the ecosystems of the Chesapeake Bay and its natural and human history. Their interactive activities include kayaking, canoeing, sailing, summer camps, summer trips, and hands-on events for toddlers. They also offer sails on the historic replica of the schooner Sultana.
200 S. Cross Street, Chestertown, MD 21620 | sultanaeducation.org
Referred by Nicole Young | Tanglewood Conservatories
If you need a low-key artistic adventure, Kiln Born Creations awaits you. In this bright, interactive pottery store, you may purchase and decorate bisque-fired pottery pieces or attend workshops focused on glass fusing, wheel throwing, canvas painting, and clay hand-building.
114 South Washington Street, #106, Easton, MD 21601 | kilnborncreations.com
Referred by Laura Carney | TTR Sotheby’s International Realty
Oxford is lucky to have a truly historic gem: the Oxford-Bellevue Ferry, which has been plying the waters of the Tred Avon since 1683, first carrying “horses and men,” then automobiles and passengers as the industry evolved. Connecting the town of Oxford with the community of Bellevue, a historic center of maritime commerce, it is the site of two rare African American-owned seafood packing houses that closed in the late 1990s.
101 Strand, Oxford, MD 21654 | oxfordferry.com
Referred by Jamie Merida | Jamie Merida Interiors & Bountiful Home
If you are a shop-until-you-drop kind of person, you will love this new redevelopment project and community space in the heart of historic Easton. Local vendors provide an upscale shopping experience in a remodeled warehouse with a diverse array of art, florals, candy, linens, new products, and antiques. In their brick-lined event space, they plan to offer dance and art classes. A Bistro Café and brewery are coming soon!
500 Dover Road, Easton, MD 21601 | doverstation.com
Referred by Tom Maglio | Discover Easton, Maryland
If you are in search of terrific music and theatre in a gorgeous building, head over to the Avalon Theatre, a historic landmark restored to its original Art Deco grandeur. The premiere live music and theatre venue on the Eastern Shore, the 400-seat theatre presents shows that range from classical plays to local musicians.
40 East Dover Street, Easton, MD 21601 | avalonfoundation.org
Annapolis Home Magazine’s pick on the Eastern Shore
Olivins Tasting Room is a “flavor experience” in the town of St Michaels whose generous owners encourage guests to taste-test an array of balsamic vinegars, olive oils, syrups, and other infused and concentrated cooking condiments. Visitors can dip small bread portions into flavors such as Meyer lemon, maple bourbon, hickory-smoked bacon, and fig, and can try brownies made with blood orange or raspberry-infused olive oils.
110 N. Talbot Street, St. Michaels, MD 21663 | olivins.com
Photo Credits:
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge: Courtesy of Friends of Eastern Neck
Pickering Creek Audubon Center: Richard Orr
Scottish Highland Creamery: Scott Suchman
The Sultana Education Foundation: Chris Cerino
Avalon Theatre: Courtesy of The Avalon Foundation
Oxford-Bellevue Ferry: Mark Summerfield/Alamy Stock Photo
© Annapolis Home Magazine
Vol. 16, No. 4 2025