It’s been a long winter on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. The winds have howled across the marsh, the days have felt short, and we’ve all been just a little more bundled up than we’d like.

But here in Dorchester County, we know something exciting: spring is just around the corner.

Longer days. Brighter skies. The return of blue crabs. Fields of color. Wildlife on the move. Seasonal favorites reopening their doors.

If you’ve been dreaming of your next visit — or simply looking forward to getting back outside — now’s the time to start planning.

Fresh and local Maryland blue crabs.

Crab Season Is Almost Here

In Maryland, April 1 marks more than the turn of the calendar — it’s the official start of Maryland blue crab season.

There’s nothing quite like that first crab cake of the year, or gathering around a table layered in brown paper and dusted in seasoning, ready to dive into a pile of steamed crabs. Our local watermen take great pride in bringing this Chesapeake Bay tradition to your table, and spring signals the start of another season on the water.

Want to get a head start? Lindy’s Seafood reopens March 20 — just in time to start thinking about your first seafood feast of the year.

Fresh. Local. Unmistakably Dorchester.

Eagles at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Ron Ketter.

The Marsh Comes Alive

Spring may be subtle at first — a hint of green along the shoreline, a new birdsong in the morning — but before long, Dorchester’s landscapes are buzzing with life.

Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge is especially magical this time of year. Migratory birds return, bald eagles soar overhead, and the marsh grasses begin their seasonal transformation. Guided spring birding tours offer an opportunity to explore alongside experts, and the popular Eagle Festival on March 14 is a favorite way to celebrate one of our most iconic residents.

After months indoors, there’s nothing better than breathing in fresh marsh air and watching the seasons shift.

Pick your own tulips at Vintage Family Farms in Hurlock.

A Welcome Burst of Color

It may not be quite warm enough to dip a paddle in just yet, but spring is the perfect time to start mapping out your adventures.

Soon, visitors will be paddling scenic water trails, setting sail aboard the Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester, casting a line with a local charter captain, or cruising aboard a paddlewheeler or buy boat along the Choptank River. Cyclists will once again take to our quiet, flat country roads — ideal for both casual riders and seasoned cyclists.

If winter has you craving wide-open spaces, Dorchester County has plenty waiting for you.

Paddling with Blackwater Adventures. Photo courtesy Maryland Tourism.

Start Dreaming of Warmer Days on the Water

It may not be quite warm enough to dip a paddle in just yet, but spring is the perfect time to start mapping out your adventures.

Soon, visitors will be paddling scenic water trails, setting sail aboard the Skipjack Nathan of Dorchester, casting a line with a local charter captain, or cruising aboard a paddlewheeler or buy boat along the Choptank River. Cyclists will once again take to our quiet, flat country roads — ideal for both casual riders and seasoned cyclists.

If winter has you craving wide-open spaces, Dorchester County has plenty waiting for you.

Spring here isn’t just a change in weather — it’s a shift in rhythm. Seafood returns. Wildlife stirs. Farms bloom. Doors reopen.

Whether you’re a longtime visitor ready for your next Eastern Shore getaway, planning your very first trip, or lucky enough to call Dorchester County home year-round (or part-time), spring is the perfect time to rediscover what makes this place so special.

Start planning your spring adventures now. Browse our upcoming events, explore trip ideas, and see what’s reopening for the season at VisitDorchester.org. Warmer days — and plenty of reasons to explore — are just ahead.