Spring has arrived in Dorchester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore, bringing warmer weather, blooming landscapes, and many opportunities to explore. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or someone who simply enjoys being outdoors, here are five ways to capture the spirit of spring in Dorchester!

TIP: Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort has a spring special with 20% off room rates for stays booked til June 1, 2026. Use offer code SPRING. 

Tulip picking at Vintage Family Farms.

1. Springtime delights: Pick your own tulips, berries and more

Spring is the perfect time to immerse yourself in Dorchester County’s vibrant farm life! Wander through colorful fields at Vintage Family Farms, where you can hand-pick beautiful tulips (25 varieties!) and soak in the season’s beauty. VFF opens for the season on April 1. But hurry – the tulip season doesn't last long! Check out their website to reserve your spot and see all the fun tulip events. 

A the weather warms, head to Emily’s Produce to pick your own juicy strawberries (and blueberries and blackberries as the weather gets warmer) and enjoy farm-fresh delights; the market opens for the season April 22. 

SIDE TRIP:
Agriculture has been a mainstay in Dorchester County for many generations – back to the days when Native Americans were the earliest farmers and watermen. For some background, head to the Dorchester County Historical Society, Check out the 18th century strong house, beaten biscuit machines, an early McCormick reaper, and other artifacts about farming and canning.

Cycling by Spocott Windmill & Village.

2. Explore the wild side of Dorchester County

Spring is the perfect time to discover the natural beauty of Dorchester County. Whether you're an avid birder or a casual nature lover, Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge offers breathtaking birdwatching opportunities. This time of year you'll see osprey hard at work building their nests (or watch Blackwater's Osprey Cam). Beyond birding, Dorchester is also great for cycling. Pedal along quiet, scenic country roads – see our Dorchester Cycling Guide for suggested routes. Bring your own bike or rent a bike through Blackwater Adventures. If golf is more your thing, head to River Marsh Golf Club at the Hyatt Chesapeake Resort – Maryland's leading Eastern Shore golf course, whose finishing holes offer stunning waterfront vistas.

SIDE TRIP:
There's plenty of fishing in Dorchester. Here you’ll find a mix of freshwater, saltwater, and tidal fish species such as rockfish (also known as striped bass), white perch, croaker, black drum, flounder, and many more. Not to mention invasive species such as the northern snakehead and blue catfish. We have expert anglers who are happy to take you out and show you some prime spots. See the latest Fishing Report from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources.

Chicone Village Day is set for April 25. Photo by Susan McCall.

3. Get festive with spring events

The warm weather brings forth all kinds of events in Dorchester, from powerboat races to history. A few highlights:

Car Show at Johnny's Tavern: Registration begins at 9am; awards at 3pm. Music with DJ Chuckie Love and then Hot Dog Gravy BAnd, 124pm. April 11

Chicone Village Day: Learn about the region’s Native American history and culture at Handsell Historic Site near Vienna. Sit in a replica longhouse. Featuring Daniel Firehawk Abbott and Drew Shuptar-Rayvis, cultural talks and demonstrations, artifact exhibits, more. Plus, you can tour the 1700s Handsell house. $5 admission; children 12 and under free. April 25, 10am-5pm

Burning of the Vines: Head to Layton's Chance Winery for a bonfire of last year’s grapevine growth with s’mores, fresh kettle corn, music by The Rockohlics, and wine. 21 and over. May 2

Powerboat Races: The Cambridge Classic Powerboat Regatta is the nation's oldest! Watch speed on the water as the hydroplanes and jersey skiffs average between 70 and 170mph! Best viewing from Gerry Boyle Park at Great Marsh in Cambridge. There's a fundaising concert with Tranzfusion April 17 at 6pm at VFW Post 7460 in Cambridge, MD. Races are May 23-24, 10am-5pm

See all the spring events.

"Take My Hand" mural by local artist Michael Rosato – at the Harriet Tubman Museum & Education Center in Cambridge. Harriet Tubman was born in Dorchester County. Photo courtesy Maryland Tourism.

4. Explore the Mural Trail

Wandering the back roads of Dorchester County is always fun, but it's even more so when you have a goal! So plan to check out part or all of Dorchester's Mural Trail! It's a great way to experience different parts of the county – and to learn about our local history and culture, too. There are more than two dozen murals, ranging from the nationally known "Take My Hand" Harriet Tubman Mural in Cambridge to the Toddville Mural in the far reaches of rural southern Dorchester to the vibrant Women of Dorchester County mural. The newest murals are being completed this spring inside the Harriet Tubman Museum & Education Center in Downtown Cambridge. Check out the Mural Trail.

PRO TIP: 
Listen to the free Audio Guide to hear insights from mural artist Michael Rosato, who created many of the murals around the county. 

Crab Cake at Old Salty's Restaurant in Hoopers Island.  Photo by Jill Jasuta

5. Savor Dorchester's freshest flavors

With our many waterways and a long history with the seafood history, Dorchester is known for its fresh blue crab, oysters, and fish from local waters. Not to mention local produce such as sweet corn and tomatoes. You’ll find crab cakes, crab balls, crab dip, and crab everything on many Dorchester County restaurant menus. Or go for the authentic Maryland experience of tearing into hardshell crabs. It takes longer, but it’s worth it! For hard-shell crabs, head to Suicide Bridge Restaurant, Ocean Odyssey Crab House & Seafood Restaurant, or join a Choptank Riverboats crab feast cruise (advance reservations required). Oysters are also on the menu in many restaurants – our locally farmed oysters means they’re available all year long.

And yes, we’ve got locally crafted beverages, too. Spend the afternoon at Layton’s Chance Vineyard & Winery – the Mid-Atlantic’s first craft winery – located on a farm that’s been in the Layton family since 1948. Stroll through the vineyard and farmland, relax on a rocker with one of their 20 wines while the kids let loose in their outdoor play area. More of a beer drinker? Founded by Cambridge locals, RAR Brewing creates beers that have become loved nationwide. Stop by their taproom in Downtown Cambridge, where they also offer an eatery (Chessie Burger) with food truck-driven fast food; LabRaRtory, with specialty cocktails in a lounge-like atmosphere; and the Dive Club, a delight for the senses that makes you feel you’ve just stepped aboard Captain Bernard’s old ship.

PRO TIP:
Pick up local tastes to bring home! Starting April 23, Cambridge Farmers Market is open 3-6pm every Thursday at Long Wharf in Cambridge, offering up local produce, meats, cheeses, and more.

Dorchester truly comes alive in the spring, offering an exciting mix of outdoor adventures, fresh flavors, and lively events. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime local, there’s no better time to embrace the season. So get outside, explore, and celebrate spring fever in Dorchester!