Winter in Dorchester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore is quieter, wilder, and full of simple pleasures. With fewer crowds and off-season lodging rates, it’s an ideal time to slow down and experience the region’s landscapes, history, and food traditions in a more intimate way. From soaring flocks of birds and cozy firesides to fresh local oysters and one-of-a-kind cultural events, here are 10 great ways to embrace winter in Dorchester County.

1. Chill out at Eastern Shore-centric events.

There’s nothing like experiencing a place through its unique events, and Dorchester County has some great happenings this winter!

• Cambridge Ice & Oyster Festival, Jan. 16-17. Ice sculptures, delicious oysters, fire pits and s’mores, live music, cocktails, and more make this outdoor event a winner. 
• National Outdoor Show, Feb. 27-28. Truly a slice of classic Dorchester County culture, the National Outdoor Show features world championship muskrat skinning, muskrat dishes on the menu, contests from turkey calling to log sawing, and much more celebrating the outdoors.

2. Warm your belly with oysters and... muskrat?!

This time of year you have your choice of local oysters – both wild harvested and farmed. You'll find oyster specials in many of our restaurants – oysters on the half shell, fried oysters, oysters Rockefeller, oyster stew, and more!  Enjoy dine-in or carry-out; you can even take home oysters in the shell or already shucked direct from the harvester.

Muskrat – a tradition you won’t find many other places! Winter is muskrat season – long a traditional dish here in Dorchester County. A handful of local restaurants, including Cindy's Kitchen in Cambridge and Mom -n- Pop's in Hurlock serve up occasional muskrat specials. You can also get a taste of muskrat at the National Outdoor Show Feb. 27-28. If you're feeling ambitious, pick up some muskrat to cook yourself. Check with Choptank River Crab & Oyster Co. or Kool Ice & Seafood.

3. See birds soar.

Look to the skies, the waters, and the fields this winter! Here are some don't miss views:

Snow geese: A winter-only spectacle is watching a flock of snow geese swirling and soaring. A great spot to see them is Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge.

Eagles and more: Drive, bike or walk Wildlife Drive at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, which hosts about 150 bald eagles during the winter. Join a free Guided Birding Tour with Blackwater. And see eagles and other birds of prey up close at the Eagle Festival on March 14.  

Ducks in an unexpected spot: See them at Blackwater Refuge, or up close at a tiny spot in the midst of a Cambridge neighborhood – where Oakley Street meets the Choptank River in the West End neighborhood. Canvasback, American wigeon, scaups, redheads, mallards have all been seen there. You'll probably be sharing the space with wildlife photographers from all over. 

Plan your birding: Check out our Dorchester Birding Guide. 

4. Step back in time for the country’s 250th.

As the country begins celebrating its 250th, it’s a great time to lean into Dorchester County’s rich history – including maritime, Underground Railroad, Native American, seafood harvesting, boating, and more. Learn about the county’s history at the Dorchester County Historical Society and their museum campus. Step into an authentically built Native American longhouse at Handsell Historic Site in Vienna, where you can stroll the grounds and learn about three cultures that have lived and worked on the land over the centuries. Make exploring Dorchester history a treasure hunt for the family by taking our self-guided Passport Tour!
 

5. Take the Harriet Tubman road trip.

Harriet Tubman of Underground Railroad fame was born here in Dorchester County in 1822. Her life story is much more fascinating than you may have learned in a history textbook as a kid. Her bravery and selflessness will inspire you. Take the scenic road trip known as the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, with more than 30 sites on Maryland's Eastern Shore.

6. Take a winter hike.

Explore one of Dorchester's trails while the weather is cool and free of bugs. There are four walking trails at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Or try an off-the-beaten-path trail, such as the one at Robinson Neck Preserve on Taylors Island. Learn more.

BONUS: Try a different kind of exploration during a Night Sky Tour at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge and see planets, their satellites, star clusters, colorful multiple star systems, gaseous nebulae, and distant galaxies in real time!

7. Discover color and history along the Chesapeake Mural Trail.

Dorchester County is now home to 25 murals! Experience the fun of getting to the next mural, and learn a bit about Dorchester County's history while you're at it. There's also an audio guide that highlights the murals created by local (and nationally known) artist Michael Rosato. Learn more about the murals.

8. Go hunting.

Dorchester County is known for excellent waterfowl and deer hunting on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Here you’ll find adventure, challenge, and reward in hunting a range of ducks, snow geese, Canada geese, turkey, and deer (including the elusive sika deer). Arrange for a guide. Also, don’t miss the Explore the Shore Outdoor Expo Feb. 21 at the Packing House in Cambridge with gear, demos, workshops, and more. 

9. Cozy up to a fireplace.

Sip on a cocktail by the huge, stately fireplaces in Michener's Library at the Hyatt Chesapeake Resort, or grab a s'mores kit to toast marshmallows at their outdoor fireplace. You can also warm up by one of several fireplaces at Suicide Bridge Restaurant.

10. Explore from home.

If you prefer to settle in to your cozy armchair, here are some great virtual experiences of Dorchester County to inspire your in-person visit in warmer weather:

• The waterfowl cam at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge
• Our three audio guides on the Chesapeake Mural Trail, Downtown Cambridge, and Pine Street
• View 360-degree video tours of the Bucktown General Store, Stanley Institute, Dorchester County Historical Society, and Handsell Historic Site. 
• The Harriet Tubman Byway audio guide
• Videos from the Tubman Visitor Center, including the 16-minute introductory film, "Soldier of  Freedom." and virtual ranger tours.
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