Dorchester County on Maryland’s Eastern Shore offers up some great ways to enjoy the winter months!
1. Go birding.
Grab your binoculars and look to the skies, the waters, and the fields for views of bald eagles, tundra swans, ducks of many types, Canada geese, snow geese, great blue herons, and more. One of the ultimate experiences is watching a flock of snow geese swirling and soaring. Drive, bike or walk Wildlife Drive at Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge. Learn more and check out the Dorchester Birding Guide. Also, here are some tips for winter birding from the Chesapeake Bay Program.
2. Take the Harriet Tubman road trip.
Harriet Tubman of Underground Railroad fame was born here in Dorchester County in 1822 – that’s 200 years ago! Which makes 2022 – the bicentennial of her birth – the perfect time to take the scenic road trip known as the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, with more than 30 sites on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.
3. Eat 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. MORE
This is also muskrat season, and a handful of local restaurants, including Cindy’s Kitchen, River View at the Point (both in Cambridge) and Mom -n- Pop’s in Hurlock serve up occasional muskrat specials.
4. Take a hike.
Explore one of Dorchester’s trails while the weather isn’t too hot and the trails aren’t too buggy. 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. MORE
5. Cozy up to a fireplace.
Sip on a cocktail by the huge, stately fireplaces in Michener’s Library at the Hyatt Chesapeake, or head outside with a s’mores kit and toast marshmallows by the outdoor fireplace. You can also warm up by one of several fireplaces at Suicide Bridge Restaurant.
6. Take advantage of special lodging deals.
Hotels, resorts, and vacation homes have off-season rates now. For instance, the Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort is offering specials for Delmarva residents through January 2022 (book by January 19); use offer code DELMAB and reserve at 410-901-1234 or HyattRegencyChesapeakeBay.com.
7. 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). MORE
8. Explore from home.
If you prefer to settle in to your cozy armchair, here are some great virtual experiences of Dorchester County:
- The waterfowl cam at Blackwater
- Our three audio guides on the Chesapeake Mural Trail, Downtown Cambridge, and Pine Street
- 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. Plus this brief virtual tour of the Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center.
- We also have 360-degree videos of Bucktown Store, Stanley Institute, Meredith House, and Handsell Historic Site.