Dorchester County is known as the Heart of the Chesapeake (it's not only how the county is shaped, it's who we are!), so it's a wonderful place to celebrate with your Valentine or Galentine, whether you're coming to visit or you live here and you're staying at home. Here are a few ideas that we've gathered for you so you can enjoy this beautiful spot on Maryland's Eastern Shore!
Spark some romance with a getaway
Plan a getaway and book a room at one of Dorchester County's quaint B&Bs, hotels, or at the 342-acre Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort with fireplaces to cozy up to, plus treatments at Sago Spa, and the option to order a package that includes rose petals, chocolate-covered strawberries, and champagne! Reserve at 410-901-1234. See more lodging options on our listing of accommodations.
Valentine's Events
Donut Fundraiser for Valentine's Day
Deadline to order: Feb. 2
Emily’s Produce hosts a donut fundraiser to benefit the Mid-Shore Council on Family Violence. Convenient pick up & delivery options available! Order today on their online storefront.
Hearts on Main
Order by Feb. 8
Get into the Valentine spirit with Cambridge Main Street! Purchase a hand-crafted wooden heart for someone special and it’ll be displayed in Downtown Cambridge Feb. 12-28. Then you get to keep the heart! Hearts crafted by Lucky Kat Design. $125 per heart. Order by Feb. 8 by emailing Christina@downtowncambridge.org.
Family Fun Art Day: Valentine Craft
Feb. 7, 11am-1pm
Looking for a family activity for Valentine’s Day? We have it all planned! Join us at DCA where we have a fun project planned. All supplies provided. All children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Drop in, but you must arrive no later than 2:30pm. Free! At the Dorchester Center for the Arts. Register here.
Valentine Candle Making & Craft
Feb. 7, 1-3pm
Design your own Valentine-themed candle and make a bonus holiday craft. Led by Loralie Caciolo of Fairy Awesome Scents. Choose your favorite fragrances, pour a custom candle, decorate it for the season. All materials provided; no experience needed. At the Dorchester Center for the Arts. Register
Stamp a Valentine at Main Street Gallery
Feb. 7, 1:30-4pm
Stop by Main Street Gallery to make a Valentine card for your favorite Valentine with the guidance of jewelry artist and stamping expert, Robin Morgan. Stamp unique cards for an enjoyable, make-and-take afternoon. Children welcomed with an adult. Free!
Needle Felting: Be My Valentine Penguin
Feb. 12, 6-8:30pm
Needle Felting is an art of sculpting wool using special needles! It’s Fun and relaxing as well. Bring a friend and have fun making this very cute Valentine Penguin. No experience necessary. At the Dorchester Center for the Arts. Register.
Galentine Day Paint Night at RAR Brewing
Feb. 12, 6:30-8:30pm
Come join the fun! Create a custom doormat while you’re guided step by step. No experience necessary. At RAR’s LabRARtory, 502 Poplar St., Cambridge.
More info & Tickets. RSVP by Feb 9
Love At First Slice - Wine & Pie Pairing
Feb. 14, 1-4pm
Enjoy four thoughtfully selected Layton’s Chance wines, each paired with a handcrafted mini pie, with flavors carefully chosen to balance, complement, and elevate one another. It’s a match made in wine-and-pie heaven.
Eagles at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Photo by Ron Ketter.
Let your heart soar
Hold hands while you hike with your Valentine on one of the trails at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge or at Robinson Neck Preserve on Taylors Island. Bring binoculars to see the winter birds. There's nothing like watching an eagle or a huge flock of snow geese fly through the air! Blackwater offers free Guided Birding Tours Feb. 9 and 16.
Looking for an easier stroll? Head to Downtown Cambridge, where you can wander the main streets as you browse the shops, explore the art galleries (free art receptions the evening of Feb. 8 at Main Street Gallery, Dorchester Center for the Arts, and 3ten Creative Design & Gift Gallery), stop for a cocktail, and enjoy a meal.
Dorchester County-inspired jewelry at Thomas's Fine Jewelry. Photo courtesy Thomas's.
Give a gift from the heart
Find one-of-a-kind and distinctive gifts for your sweetheart in our galleries and independent shops, or consider a gift card. Friendly shopkeepers will help you find a heartfelt gift, whether it's jewelry, accessories, flowers, or home decor. See a listing of shops. And then there are flowers! Check out specials at Flowers N Things or Florals Unique (this year's special features flowers arranged in a Buc-ee's Valentine's cup or the Stanley Valentine cup), Rebecca's Roses -n- Brianna's Bows (Hurlock) or the Market at Church Creek.
Chocolate-covered strawberries at Market at Church Creek. Photo courtesy Market at Church Creek.
Get sweet
Pick up treats from these bricks-and-mortar spots:
- All kinds of handmade treats, from chocolate-covered strawberries to bacon roses (made with real bacon!) and more at the Market at Church Creek (pre-orders recommended).
- Valentine's-themed cookies and other goodies from Black Water Bakery.
- Simmons Center Market usually has chocolate-covered strawberries and more (call ahead to reserve; 410-228-4313).
- T's Divine Sweets & More has pies, cakes, cheesecakes, and cookies. Order ahead at 443-477-6263.
- All kinds of freshly baked goods at Bay Country Bakery, including Valentine-themed cakes, cookies, and meganuts (huge donuts) (best to call ahead; 410-228-9111).
- Black Water Bakery usually has Valentine's-themed cookies and plenty of other treats.
Plan for a romantic dinner
Browse Dorchester County's restaurants and make your reservations or plan for a to-go feast. Or bring home some local oysters or crabmeat and create your own romantic evening! See our listings of restaurants, seafood producers, and markets. Some restaurants have announced special Valentine's menus, and we've listed those below. We'll keep updating this list as restaurants finalize their plans and announce more Valentine's specials.
-
Suicide Bridge Restaurant has Valentine's specials available Feb. 11-15, including salmon, Rockfish Oscar, lobster tail, surf and turf, shrimp and scallops, and more. Reserve at 410-943-4689.
- Mom - N - Pop's in Hurlock is offering Valentine's specials including surf and turf, spare ribs, pork chops, salmon, and more. Feb. 12-13, 4-8pm.
- Taqueria Floritas is offering "Love Boxes" for Valentine's Day (see photo).
For more restaurant options, see our Dorchester Dining Guide.
Have something to add? Email us at jill@visitdorchester.org.
Modal title