dorchester county md tourism

Brochures and Guides

Plan your trip to the eastern shore, view or download the pdfs.

Find out more about Dorchester County on Maryland’s beautiful Eastern Shore with our free DIGITAL guides. Click on any image to download a PDF file of that brochure.  You will then need Adobe Reader to open your pdf files. Adobe Reader can be downloaded for free using this link .

Please note, we do not mail brochures; they’re available only digitally. 

Harriet Tubman Byway Guide  (7.4MB) Harriet Tubman Byway Guide (6.7MB)

Dorchester County (Maryland) Events Guide – 2024

Dorchester Dining Guide – Nov 2023

Dorchester Cycling Guide – 2023

Dorchester Paddling Guide

Dorchester Birding Guide

Heritage Trails #1: Cambridge

Heritage Trails #2: Waterfront Villages

Heritage Trails #3: Side Trips off Rt. 50

Pine Street Walking Tour

Downtown Cambridge Walking Tour

Dorchester County Heritage Guide

Chesapeake Mural Trail

Underground Railroad Timeline

Vienna Walking Tour

East New Market Walking Tour

Harriet Tubman Museum & Education Center Rack Card

Spiritual Connections Driving Tour

Self-guided tour of churches on the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway and local churches influential in the Civil Rights movement

Dorchester County Visitor Center

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Dorchester County Visitor Center - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Mon - Fri 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
• Sat - Sun 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• (0.28 mi) Killarney B Inn B
• (0.29 mi) Waterfront Haven in Cambridge, Md - sleeps 10, 4 bedrooms
• (0.53 mi) Cambridge House B'nB
• (1.09 mi) Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa & Marina
• (1.10 mi) Holiday Inn Express Cambridge, an IHG Hotel
• (0.11 mi) River View At The Point
• (0.58 mi) Carmela's Cucina
• (0.46 mi) Ocean Odyssey Crab House & Restaurant
• (0.30 mi) Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen
• (0.34 mi) Dunkin'

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Dorchester County, Maryland Dorchester County Tourism

Find your way to Dorchester County where you’re welcome to see, explore and travel back in time to experience all that Dorchester County has to offer. Visit the birthplace of Harriet Tubman, explore an Indian village and walk the river banks that Captain John Smith explored in the early days of our great nation. Explore our many historic churches, cemeteries and towns, learn about our long history as an agricultural and manufacturing powerhouse and our rich boat building and maritime heritage.

Of course no trip is complete without indulging in our authentic eastern shore cuisine paired with our locally produced beer and wine. With all of this, it is no wonder why Dorchester County is known as the true Heart of the Chesapeake.

Find more ways to explore Dorchester County at www.visitdorchester.org or on Facebook at I love Dorchester county heritage and tourism.. Come to Maryland, travel responsibly, and remember, In Maryland, you’re welcome! For more information www.visitdorchester.org

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Meetings At-A-Glance

Quarterly meetings start at 10 a.m. and end at approximately 2 p.m. with a working lunch.

WHY DORCHESTER

Expand, relocate or return to the heart of the chesapeake.

Home to industrious, innovative and creative individuals, Dorchester County’s landscape defines not only where – but who we are. Shaped and surrounded by water, our community reflects the character and culture of all who live, work and are lured to this place of incomparable beauty. Discover an authentic Chesapeake lifestyle on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Dorchester County boasts attractive and affordable housing options from waterfront estates to rural developments and city condos, townhouses and apartments. Local amenities include shops, restaurants, parks, marinas, and public entertainment venues within walking or biking distance.

Cambridge – Dorchester’s County seat – is an authentic seaport community on the shores of the Choptank River. The city’s rich maritime heritage and working waterfront are on display along the shores where watermen, sail makers, ship chandlers and boat captains make their living among the museums, restaurants and attractions.

Authentic, Affordable & Accessible Eastern Shore Lifestyle

Live and Work in a Year-Round Destination

Surrounded and shaped by water, is it any wonder our county tag line is “water moves us.”

With more than 1,700 miles of shoreline, Dorchester County is a beautiful place to live, work and play. Inspired by our rich maritime history, abundant natural beauty and tranquil waterfront setting, millennials, entrepreneurs and retirees are discovering our authentic Eastern Shore community.

Heart of the Chesapeake, Convenient Location

Dorchester is ideally situated on the central Atlantic seaboard, allowing overnight truck access to one-third of the U.S. population.

New York, Philadelphia and Richmond are within a 200 mile radius. Our close proximity to Baltimore and Washington – less than 90 miles from each city – attracts large and small businesses and entrepreneurs due to cost advantages, business assets, and unrivaled quality of life.

World-Class Assets

From endurance athletes and waterfowl sportsmen to boating enthusiasts and history lovers, Dorchester’s unparalleled natural beauty and signature waterfront attracts people who want to live, work and play in the heart of Chesapeake country. A few of our incomparable destinations and recreational assets include:

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

Enjoy birdwatching, cycling, hiking and paddling in the 28,000 Blackwater NWR, a major stop on the Atlantic flyway for migratory and one of USA Today’s top 10 for places to view wildlife.

Boaters Paradise

From events like the Cambridge Classic and fall Skipjack races to the dozens of public marinas and boating businesses, Dorchester is a boaters paradise.

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay

Situated on the banks of the Choptank River, the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort, Spa and Marina is a 350-acre paradise for family vacations, weekend getaways, and business retreats.

IRONMAN Maryland

The only full distance IRONMAN on the East Coast brings thousands of endurance athletes and supporters to Cambridge each Fall.

Hunting & Birding

Exquisite natural resources and  abundant waterfowl have made Dorchester a magnet for sportsmen and bird watchers alike.

Harriet Tubman

Opened in 2017, the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center in Church Creek has quickly become one of Maryland’s most popular destinations.

Business Assets & Strengths

With more than 700 businesses employing 8,800 people, Dorchester has a strong and diversified mix of sectors in the heart of Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Historically, manufacturing, food processing, fishing and agriculture were dominant industries. Today, tourism, business services and fulfillment operations have created new economic and employment opportunities. Coupled with a thriving entrepreneurial community, Dorchester is a county on the move.

As a federally designated HUBZone, a Dorchester location provides federal contracting opportunities for qualified small businesses located here. The County has two Maryland State designated Enterprise Zones at the Dorchester Regional Technology and Hurlock Industrial parks.

Category leaders and headquarter companies include Amick Farms, Cambridge Engineered Solutions, GKD-USA, Protenergy, LWRC International and the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Golf Resort.

Small businesses are the heart and soul of our economy. Entrepreneurs like JT Merryweather, Chris Brohawn, Adrian Green Holmes, and Adam Xenides have built businesses around their passions.

Learn about Dorchester’s business strengths and employers here :

RAR Brewing

Chris Brohawn and JT Merryweather, Co-Owners

Adrian Green Holmes, Co-Owner

Hoopers Island Expeditions

Adam Xenides, Owner / Operator

Explore our Towns & Communities

Founded in 1706, this quaint town on the Nanticoke River thrived on trade, shipbuilding, and tobacco farming. With a current population of 275, Vienna is known for having miles of beautiful waterfront. Learn more.

Church Creek

Located six miles south of Cambridge, Church Creek is said to be the first established settlement in Dorchester County. Church Creek has a small population of 125 residents, but a large history regarding religion and education. Learn more.

East New Market

East New Market was active during the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War. Originally named “New Market”, the town became a center of commercial crossroads for Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Learn more.

© 2023 Dorchester County Economic Development Office    Powered by G-Net

Getting Here

The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway begins on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, about 80 miles east of Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The Byway winds for 125 miles through Dorchester and Caroline Counties in Maryland before continuing for 98 miles through Delaware and then on to Philadelphia. The largest city located along the Byway in Maryland is Cambridge. In Delaware, the largest city is Wilmington. You can start your journey at the Dorchester County Visitor Center in Cambridge, Maryland,  Stop #1 along the Tubman Byway. The address is 2 Rose Hill Place, Cambridge, MD 21613. Open daily, 8:30am-4:30pm. The phone number is 410-228-1000. Look for the big sail!

If you’re interested in going directly to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center , Stop #13 along the Tubman Byway, the address is 4068 Golden Hill Rd., Church Creek, MD 21622. The phone number is 410-221-2290. It’s located about 20 or 25 minutes from Cambridge.

Traveling by Car

The portion of the Tubman Byway in Maryland is located in a somewhat rural area. Traffic is not usually a problem except in the summer months (particularly June, July, August), when Route 50 can be heavy with beach traffic (people headed to Ocean City, Maryland, and other beaches), especially on weekends. In Delaware, you’ll pass through suburban areas and the City of Wilmington.

Distances to Cambridge, Maryland:

From Baltimore, Maryland: 79 miles From Annapolis, Maryland: 58 miles From Washington, D.C.: 87 miles From Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 140 miles From Ocean City, Maryland: 61 miles

Traveling by Plane

Bay Runner Shuttle offers service to and from Baltimore Greyhound Bus Station. Check the schedule and make reservations at bayrunnershuttle.com .

SBY – Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport Salisbury, Maryland 38 miles from the Tubman Byway

DCA – Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Arlington, Virginia 91 miles from the Tubman Byway

Public Transportation

Public transportation is limited in the area of the Tubman Byway located in Maryland (Tubman Byway Stops #1-36). There are more public transportation options in Delaware and Philadelphia. But since the Tubman Byway is designed as a road trip, driving yourself is the easiest way to go. 

Lodging Options

Because the road trip known as the Harriet Tubman Byway stretches 125 miles across mostly rural Maryland’s Eastern Shore and then another 98 miles through Delaware, it’s best to plan your route and make lodging reservations ahead of time. To see the entire byway route, see the online map  or download the Map & Guide as a PDF . You can also see what lodging is closest to a specific site by browsing the list of sites and clicking on the “lodging options” button, which will bring up a Google map.

IN MARYLAND:

Most of the accommodations along Stops #1-36 of the Tubman Byway are concentrated in Cambridge, Maryland (in Dorchester County). Here you’ll find a waterfront resort, hotels, bed and breakfast, airbnb lodging, and vacation homes. There are a few additional lodging options throughout Dorchester County and Caroline County, Maryland. See the lodging options in Dorchester County, Maryland (Stops #1-21) . See the lodging options in Caroline County, Maryland (Stops #22-36) .

IN DELAWARE: Accommodations are plentiful in and around Dover and Wilmington, Delaware, providing easy access to Stops #37-45 of the byway. See the lodging options in Kent County Delaware  (Stops #37-39) See the lodging options in New Castle County, Delaware (Stops #40-45) .

Dining Along the Byway

Because the road trip known as the Harriet Tubman Byway stretches 125 miles across mostly rural Maryland’s Eastern Shore and then another 98 miles through Delaware, it’s best to plan your route ahead of time when it comes to dining. To see the entire byway route, see the online map  or download the Map & Guide as a PDF . You can also see what restaurants are closest to a specific site by browsing the list of sites and clicking on the “dining options” button, which will bring up a Google map.

IN MARYLAND: Restaurants here are well known for their preparations of local seafood, so don’t miss the crab cakes, oysters, and fish! Most of the restaurants along Stops #1-36 of the Tubman Byway are concentrated in Cambridge (in Dorchester County) and in Denton (in Caroline County). You’ll find waterside restaurants, fine dining, and casual dining. See the dining options in Dorchester County, Maryland (Stops #1-21) . See the dining options in Caroline County, Maryland (Stops #22-36) .

IN DELAWARE: Accommodations are plentiful in and around Dover and Wilmington, Delaware, providing easy access to Stops #37-45 of the byway. See the dining options in Kent County Delaware  (Stops #37-39) See the dining options in New Castle County, Delaware (Stops #40-45) .

While You’re Here

Things to do, itineraries, itineraries for groups, things to do in the area.

While you’re here, we hope you’ll explore and enjoy the beauty and flavor of the Chesapeake Bay region.

Here are a few suggestions on what to do:

EAT LOCAL SEAFOOD AND PRODUCE

This area is famed for its delicious seafood—blue crab, oysters, and rockfish—as well as produce from local farms.

• Delight in crab cakes at one of our legendary restaurants .
• Take in a scenic waterman’s village or stroll through one of the many quaint towns .
• Pick your own produce at one of our farms or pick up produce and other local foods at Emily’s Produce in Cambridge.
• Indulge in local (adult) beverages during a tasting at Layton’s Chance Winery & Vineyard  or RAR Brewing .

GET OUT ON THE WATER

With the Chesapeake Bay and other waterways nearby, this area is a great place to get out on the water.

• Dig into a crabfeast while enjoying the views during a river cruise with either Choptank Riverboat Company or River Run Cruises .
• Sail on a Chesapeake skipjack, Nathan of Dorchester , and hear how oysters shaped the community.
• Charter a fishing boat and let experienced anglers show you the best spots.
• Go paddling with Blackwater Paddle & Pedal , Overboard Paddle & Fitness , or River Run Kayak and Skiff Rentals
• Use your imagination with all the possible ways to enjoy the outdoors in Dorchester County.

GO ON AN OUTDOOR ADVENTURE

• Paddle cycle, or walk through Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge to see wildlife — from bald eagles to great blue herons to Delmarva fox squirrels — and stunning marshland views.
• Plan a biking outing and ride our quiet roads, which range from flat to not-so-flat for mountain bikers. See the Dorchester County Cycling Guide.
• Take a balloon ride with Delmarva Balloon Rides .
• Take in the view at the Choptank River Lighthouse , which includes a mini-museum with maritime history.
• Go to the farm. Visit with the goats, cut your own flowers, and play at Emily’s Produce , or pick your own produce at a number of farms.
• Walk the trails at Adkins Arboretum , Idylwild Wildlife Management Area, Tuckahoe State Park, or Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge .

DISCOVER MORE ABOUT THE REGION’S HISTORY

• Explore the captivating 325-year history of Cambridge on a tour or on a ghost walk along Maryland’s most haunted street. Or try the free Audio Tour Guide .
• Watch boat builders as they build or restore vintage wooden boats at Ruark Boatworks.
• Step back in time at a number of places: – Heritage Museums & Gardens of Dorchester – Celebrating the heritage and lives of Dorchester County people at the home of the Dorchester County Historical Society. – Spocott Windmill & Village – Tiny re-created 1800s village anchored by Maryland’s only post-style windmill. – Handsell National Register Historic Site – 1700s home under restoration, as well as Native American longhouse and garden built using traditional methods. – Museum of Rural Life – Sharing stories of early Americans in Caroline County’s agriculture-based economy.
• Engage the kids and the whole family with the interactive Passport Tour of historic sites in Dorchester County. Pick up a passport book at the Dorchester Visitor Center, and do rubbings at at least 10 sites to win a prize!
• Experience charming and historic communities that offer an authentic taste of Chesapeake life, including Cambridge, Hoopers Island, Vienna, East New Market, Denton, Greensboro, and Federalsburg.

TIME YOUR VISIT WITH AN EVENT

There’s always something going on in the communities along the Byway – Cambridge’s Ice and Oyster Festival in January, Blackwater Wildlife Refuge’s annual Eagle Festival in March, the Cambridge Classic Powerboat Regatta in May,  IRONMAN triathlons in June and September, the Dorchester Arts Showcase in September, the Nanticoke River Jamboree in October in Vienna – and MORE!

Check out the Dorchester Calendar frequently for the latest additions and schedule.

Individuals, Families & Smaller Groups

Explore the options below for some ideas if you’re traveling on your own or with a few friends or family. You can also browse our Things to Do section to create your own itinerary.

More information is available at the Dorchester County Visitor Center , 2 Rose Hill Pl., Cambridge, MD.

Half-Day: Overview of Tubman Country

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center – self-guided tour of the exhibits. Optional walk along the nature trail.

Visit Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge . There is a small fee for the four-mile Wildlife Drive. Admission to the Blackwater Visitor Center is free, and includes exhibits, a butterfly garden, and gift shop.

Make stops at nearby Tubman Byway sites, such as:

• Buttons Creek , near where a woman escaped slavery by disguising herself as a man.
• Brodess Farm , where Harriet lived as a child.
• Bucktown Village Store , open by appointment, where Harriet almost died.

Lunch at one of the award-winning restaurants in downtown Cambridge. Shops and galleries are also there for exploring. While in Cambridge, stop by the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center, where local residents have been promoting and preserving Harriet’s legacy for decades.

One-Day: Connected to the Water

Drive through Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge . There is a small fee for the four-mile Wildlife Drive. Admission to the Blackwater Visitor Center is free.

Lunch at Suicide Bridge Restaurant with award-winning crab cakes. Crab feasts available in season. Waterfront restaurant with views of Cabin Creek located in Hurlock, Maryland.

Join a public cruise on a riverboat out of Suicide Bridge Restaurant. The Choptank Riverboat Company offers sightseeing, crab feast, lunch cruises, and more. See the cruise schedule .

One-Day: Historic Cambridge

Visit Tubman Byway sites in Cambridge:

• Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center , where locals have kept the legacy of Harriet alive for decades.
• Dorchester County Courthouse , site of the escape by Kessiah Bowley (Harriet Tubman’s niece) and her children. Also home to the Beacon of Hope sculpture of Harriet Tubman.
• Long Wharf , where ships carrying enslaved people from Africa docked in the 1700s.

Visit the Choptank River Lighthouse , replica of a historic lighthouse. Stop inside and see the mini-museum and great views of the Choptank River.

Take a self-guided walking tour in Cambridge, with the free Audio Tour app .

Lunch at one of the award-winning restaurants in downtown Cambridge. Shops and galleries are also there for exploring.

Stop by Emily’s Produce , a destination produce stand and market with local foods. Offers a free children’s play area and several U-Pick options in season. Open April through November.

One-Day: Tubman/Underground Railroad Immersion

Drive to nearby sites along the Tubman Byway:

• Buttons Creek
• Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
• Brodess Farm
• Bucktown Village Store (open by appointment only)
• Stanley Institute (open by appointment only)

Lunch at one of the award-winning restaurants in downtown Cambridge. Shops and galleries are also there for exploring. While in Cambridge, stop by the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center , where local residents have been promoting and preserving Harriet’s legacy for decades. Consider reserving ahead for a walking tour hosted by the museum.

Drive to sites related to Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, as escaping slaves made their way north toward freedom, such as:

• Linchester Mill , historic mill where crucial information was secretly shared.
• Poplar Neck , where Harriet Tubman made her most daring escape to rescue her parents.
• Webb Cabin , the restored home of a free black man in the mid-1800s.
• Quaker Meeting House , open by appointment, where local abolitionists gathered.

Stretch your legs at Adkins Arboretum , a 400-acre garden and preserve with walking trails, and listen to their audio guide about nature’s role in the Underground Railroad.

One-Day: Family Friendly

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center – self-guided tour of the multimedia exhibits. Ask about the Junior Ranger program. Optional walk along the nature trail.

To deepen the experience or to make it a homeschool activity, before your trip browse the field trip and curriculum materials and more from the National Park Service on their website .

Explore Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge , which offers a four-mile Wildlife Drive (there is a fee) for driving, walking, or cycling. Look for bald eagles, great blue herons, osprey, egrets, and dramatic marshland views. The free visitor center offers exhibits, a butterfly garden, and gift shop. Kayak, stand-up paddleboard, and bicycle rentals available through Blackwater Adventures .

Stop by Emily’s Produce , a destination produce stand and market with local foods and lite fare. Offers a free children’s play area and seasonal U-Pick options including berries, flowers, and pumpkins. Open April through November.

Lunch at one of the award-winning, family-friendly restaurants in downtown Cambridge. Shops and galleries are also there for exploring.

Visit Choptank River Lighthouse , replica of a historic lighthouse. Stop inside and see the mini-museum and great views of the Choptank River.

Engage the whole family on a historical adventure with the free Dorchester Passport Tour . Find the numbered medallions and make rubbings at each site. Collect 10 and you can win a prize.

Let the kids run around at the playground at the Dorchester County Visitor Center (2 Rose Hill Pl., Cambridge, MD) or Great Marsh Park (Somerset Ave. and Hambrooks Blvd., Cambridge, MD).

Group Itineraries

Whether you are planning to visit for just a half day, or a whole day, with a group, your family, or on your own, there are plenty of ways to make sure you get the most out of your Byway experience. We’ve put together some suggested itineraries that combine the Tubman Byway with other aspects of the area. This tab includes suggested itineraries for larger groups and bus tours. Contact the individual businesses for details on minimum group size.

One-Day: Seafood Extravaganza

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center – 2 hours – ranger-led introduction or program (with advance notice)

Drive through four-mile Wildlife Drive at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge for possible glimpses of bald eagles, great blue herons, osprey, egrets, and dramatic marshland views. Optional stop at the refuge’s Visitor Center.

Lunch at Portside , Snappers or Suicide Bridge restaurants, all with extensive menus, including seafood, and ample bus parking.

Cruise on a riverboat out with the Choptank Riverboat Company , also located at Suicide Bridge Restaurant for a sightseeing cruise.

One-Day: Tubman Immersion Experience

Brief stops at sites related to Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, such as: • Brodess Farm , where Harriet lived as a child. • Bucktown Village Store , open by appointment, where Harriet almost died. • Stanley Institute , open by appointment, the site of the so-called “Stampede of Slaves” and a one-room schoolhouse used by the African American community starting in the 1800s. • Dorchester County Courthouse , site of the escape by Kessiah Bowley (Harriet Tubman’s niece) and her children. Also home to the “Beacon of Hope” sculpture of Harriet Tubman.

Brief stops at sites related to Harriet Tubman and the Underground Railroad, as escaping slaves made their way north toward freedom, such as:

• Linchester Mill , historic mill where crucial information was secretly shared. • Poplar Neck , where Harriet Tubman made her most daring escape to rescue her parents. • Webb Cabin , the restored home of a free black man in the mid-1800s. • Quaker Meeting House , open by appointment, where local abolitionists gathered.

Optional tour and tasting at Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery on a farm near Vienna, MD.

One-Day: Outdoor Adventure

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center – 2 hours – ranger-led introduction or program

Paddling or cycling through Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, a 28,000-acre refuge that includes water trails and the four-mile Wildlife Drive. Check out Blackwater Adventures for equipment rental.

Tasting at RAR Brewing , a microbrewery in downtown Cambridge, Maryland.

Tour and tasting at Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery , on a farm near Vienna, Maryland.

Groups are welcome to explore the Tubman Byway. We’ve put together some suggested itineraries .

• Motorcoaches: Many of the sites along the byway are motor coach accessible. Please see the Tubman Byway Guide for details on which sites offer motor coach access.
• Tours of the Tubman Byway: To arrange for a guided tour of various sites along the Tubman Byway, the scenic driving tour that includes 36 sites in Maryland, contact one of the local tour operators .
• Tours of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park & Visitor Center: If you’re interested in bringing your group to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center and would like to request a tour, fill out and submit the online tour request form . At that link you’ll also see the different options offered by the visitor center. If you have more questions about the visitor center, it’s best to contact the Tubman Visitor Center directly at 410-221-2290.
• Lodging: Group-friendly lodging includes the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort, Holiday Inn Express, Days Inn & Suites, and Comfort Inn; all in Cambridge, Maryland; as well as the Best Western in Denton, MD.
• Dining: Group-friendly restaurants in the Cambridge, MD, area include Portside Restaurant, Snapper’s Waterfront Cafe, Ocean Odyssey Seafood Restaurant, Peking House, River View at the Point, Old Salty’s, and Suicide Bridge Restaurant. For a full list of Dorchester County restaurants, check here .
• Other attractions: There’s plenty to see and do beyond the Tubman Byway. See our suggested Things to Do . Group-friendly attractions include, in the Cambridge area: Choptank River Lighthouse, Handsell National Register Historic Site, Heritage Museums & Gardens of Dorchester and Spocott Windmill.

For School Groups

Field trips.

• The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center welcomes students. Explore the exhibits and film, take a walk in the legacy garden, or request a program from National Park Service or Maryland Park Service staff. To inquire about field trip opportunities, call the park at 410-221-2290. For field trip and curriculum materials, suggested reading, and more, visit the National Park Service website .

Student Research

Are you working on a report or essay about Harriet Tubman? The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center has knowledgeable staff who may be able to help. You can contact:

• Diane Miller Network to Freedom Coordinator [email protected]

Business Partners

The Tubman Byway Business Partners program recognizes those local businesses that have made the effort to become a certified byway business. This means their staff has gone through training about Tubman and the Byway. Some businesses are also offering special promotions for Tubman travelers.

Here are the businesses that are certified Tubman Byway Host Businesses:

Bay Country Shop

Bay Country Welcome Center

Beat the Rush Delivery

Charles C. Powell, Inc. Realtors

Emily’s Produce

Harriet Tubman Tours

Holiday Inn Express Cambridge

Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort

Jan Baker’s Fourth Street Gallery

Law Office of Rene C. Swafford, LLC

Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery

Main Street Gallery

Maryland Department of Commerce

Mason Dixon Welcome Center

National Park Service, Chesapeake Bay

North I-95 Welcome Center

Pickering Creek Audubon Center

Preston Historical Society

Richardson Maritime Museum

Robin Hood Shop

Sideling Hill Welcome Center

South Mountain I-70 Welcome Centers

Tandem Antiques and Fine Arts Center

The Travelnista, LLC

Turnbridge Point

World Black History on Periscope

Youghiogheny Overlook Welcome Center

Top Things to Do in Dorchester County, MD

Places to visit in dorchester county.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge

2. Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Historical Park

3. Layton's Chance Vineyard and Winery

4. Harriet Tubman Museum and Educational Center

5. Choptank River Lighthouse

6. Dorchester County Visitor Center

7. Long Wharf Park

8. Richardson Maritime Museum

9. Spocott Windmill

10. Neild Museum and Herb Garden

11. Harriet Tubman Birthplace Marker

12. Christ Episcopal Church

13. Handsell

14. Main Street Gallery

15. Old Trinity Church

16. Emily’s Produce

17. New Market Plains Vineyards

18. Dorchester County Public Library

19. vienna’s waterfront park, 20. harriet tubman memorial garden, 21. artbar2.0.

22. Bay Country Shop

23. Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh

24. stanley institute museum.

25. Sago Spa & Salon

26. Dorchester Memorial Park

27. Cabin Fever Play Centre

28. Blue Ruin

29. Bay Country Antiques

30. sunnyside

What travellers are saying

Explore beaches and more with historic Black significance around Maryland's Eastern Shore

A new story map chronicles 65 historically black beaches and other places of black historical significance in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation and Chesapeake Conservancy partnered on the study "to empower efforts to conserve such places and ensure that the stories of the Chesapeake’s lack history are told," the groups said in a statement announcing the map.

“It’s so important that we continue to do the hard work of ensuring that the story of the Chesapeake is told through ebony eyes,” said Vince Legget, foundation president and founder. “African-American land conservation and heritage preservation has become the ‘gold standard’ for measuring the future success of the Blacks of the Chesapeake Foundation.”

The story map highlights places spanning from the landing of the first enslaved Africans in English-occupied North America to the creation of Black entertainment venues during the time of Jim Crow.

More on tick season on the Eastern Shore Tick season is here, so here are common Maryland varieties and how to protect yourself

Where are these beaches and more?

Here are several historic spots to visit on the Lower Shore:

• San Domingo, a community of a few hundred people in northwestern Wicomico County, may be one of the oldest surviving black communities in the United States. Founded in 1820, the name and historic records suggest that its founding fathers came from Haiti soon after the 1804 rebellion freed all of its [enslaved people.
• Camp Cal Mar in Dorchester County was the subject of an ad found in the June 29, 1965, Salisbury Daily Times advertising a day camp for boys and girls, inter-cultural and inter-racial swimming lessons.
• Briddletown in Worcester County was land originally bought in 1866 with two-and-a-half acres of Mill Haven Pasture purchased by free black man Benjamin Pitts. Eventually, the small areas of land nearby continued to be purchased and gathered by formerly enslaved people and former free black families as the area grew in size.
• Henry's Beach in Somerset County was the site of a popular day resort for the black community and the general public. Originally from Dames Quarter, businesswoman Lorraine Henry and her husband George purchased the land for the site in 1952 and developed the only resort of its type in Maryland at that time. Families enjoyed ball games, bathing and swimming, crabbing, and home-style cooking. Henry’s Beach was also a venue for premier Black entertainers and musicians of that era.

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Saving 'significant black history' on Maryland's Eastern Shore

The combined efforts included extensive research conducted via online resources such as newspapers, blogs, state web pages and the Negro Motorist Green Book. Locations are either beaches, parks or supporting infrastructures that have significance and are related to nearby waterways.

Chesapeake Conservancy and the foundation acknowledge that the list is not complete and there are even more beaches that are significant to Black history in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

“After partnering with Blacks of the Chesapeake and others to conserve the historically Black Elktonia Beach for a public park in Annapolis, we knew we couldn’t stop there,” said Mark Conway, Chesapeake Conservancy Executive Vice President. “There are so many other places in the Chesapeake that are significant to Black history. Some are painful reminders of the dark days of enslavement, while others are more joyous stories of recreation, entertainment and culture. All of these stories need to be told.”

Leggett noted the foundation's work has become a national case study for heritage preservation and the application of traditional and local ecological histories. Among other issues facing some locations are sea level rise, climate change and the effects of environmental hazards.

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"Many of the sites identified in this study are situated on the water’s edge, and our elders, truth-tellers and griots are disappearing at a rate far surpassing vanishing shoreline,” continued Leggett. "Rescuing African American historical sites is so important today. There are efforts currently underway to erase or minimize the teaching of true African American history."

The Chesapeake Bay watershed spans between the Potomac and Patuxent Rivers on the western shore and the "ancient rivers" of the Choptank and Nanticoke the foundation explained.

Explore the map of historic Black sites for yourself

View the story map chronicling 65 historically Blackbeaches and other places of Black historical significance in the Chesapeake Bay watershed here .

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Maryland Primary Elections 2024: What's on the ballot in each county

WASHINGTON - Maryland’s 2024 primary election will be held on Tuesday, May 14. Voters can cast their ballots for presidential candidates as well as a number of statewide and local races.

RELATED: Maryland 2024 primary election results

Maryland is a closed primary state, meaning that residents must be registered with either the Democratic or Republican Party to vote in the primary election.

There are ten candidates on the Democratic side competing for the Senate chair. Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Rep. David Trone are currently viewed as the leading contenders for the Democratic nomination.

RELATED: Where to vote, who is on the ballot and more in Maryland

On the Republican side, there are a total of seven candidates. Among the group is former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan , who announced his candidacy earlier this year.

Additionally, all eight U.S. House seats are up for election. The 6th District includes all of Allegany, Frederick, Garrett and Washington counties, and a portion of Montgomery County. This is also the most crowded District on the ballot.

Here’s a look at some of the sample ballots across the state:

Allegany County

Anne Arundel County

Baltimore City

Baltimore County

Calvert County

Caroline County

Carroll County

Cecil County

Charles County

Dorchester County

Frederick County

Garrett County

Harford County

Howard County

Kent County

Montgomery County

Prince George's County

Queen Anne's County

St. Mary's County

Somerset County

Talbot County

Washington County

Wicomico County

Worcester County

Where to find primary election results

FOX 5 DC will have live election results after the polls close at 8 p.m.

Here are the latest results for the Maryland 2024 Primary Election.

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• Dorchester County Government Welcomes Jerry Jones as the County Manager

May 13, 2024 | Public Notices

Dorchester County Government Welcomes Jerry Jones as their new County Manager

Mr. Jones was appointed by the Dorchester County Council and will serve as the lead administrator for all government operations. Mr. Jones will be responsible for leading the administration and functions of all departments, agencies, and offices of the Government, as well as, the care and custody of Government buildings and all real property of the County. The Council will rely on Mr. Jones to fully advise them on the financial condition and future needs of the County and make appropriate recommendations.

Mr. Jones graduated from Cambridge South Dorchester High School in 1988, beginning his career as a Maryland State Police Cadet shortly after. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Science degree in Management from Johns Hopkins University and is a graduate of its Police Executive Leadership Program.

In November 2015, Governor Larry Hogan appointed Mr. Jones to the rank of Colonel and named him as Chief of the Maryland Transportation Authority Police. Colonel Jones led more than 600 sworn and civilian police professionals responsible for securing Maryland’s critical infrastructure to include Maryland’s toll roads, tunnels, bridges, BWI Thurgood Marshall Airport and the Port of Baltimore. Colonel Jones was then appointed by Governor Hogan to be the Secretary of the Maryland Department of State Police, and its 20th Superintendent on February 22, 2020. While serving as a cabinet member for Governor Hogan, Colonel Jones led the 2,400 sworn and civilian members of the Maryland Department of State Police until December 31, 2022. Mr. Jones’ career with the Maryland State Police spanned 27 years where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel and Chief of the Field Operations Bureau, a key member of the command staff responsible for leading a patrol force of nearly 1,000 sworn and civilian personnel. His roles with the Maryland State Police included various patrol, investigative, supervisory, and command positions throughout the Department.

“After 35 years in law enforcement serving all over Maryland, it is great to be home, serving the community where I have lived my entire life, and raised my family.”

Since his retirement from law enforcement, Mr. Jones enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, collaborating on leadership development projects, playing saxophone, and boating on the Choptank River.

“I envision advancing relationships within our community, developing ideas together in ways that move our County forward. The most valuable asset of our community is the citizens who call it home. I believe the best ideas to move us forward lie within our citizenry.”

Dorchester County is committed to its citizens and is confident that Mr. Jones will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in public service to Dorchester County. Mr. Jones will begin his role as County Manager on May 20, 2024.

COUNTY COUNCIL OF DORCHESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND By: George L. Pfeffer, Jr., President

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