New and expanding businesses enhance Cambridge’s shopping destinations
While ‘old man winter’ tries to keep his icy grip on the Eastern Shore, things are heating up in Dorchester County Maryland with the opening of new businesses in Cambridge in the coming weeks.
“If Spring signals new beginnings, then Dorchester is poised to enjoy the first wave of almost a dozen shops, cafes and attractions opening here in the coming months,” said Amanda Fenstermaker, Director of Tourism. “Beautifully curated, locally owned stores provide another compelling reason for visitors to make Dorchester a destination of choice on the Eastern Shore.”
In the coming weeks, Cambridge cuts the ribbon on three new retailers – The Blue Awning, Rise-Up Coffee, and Artisan Gourmet – and welcomes the expansion of The Wine Bar, a perennial favorite among residents and visitors alike.
The Blue Awning Beautifies City
The Blue Awning Beautifies City Cambridge residents Beth Kline and Mary Ann McNamara will roll out the red-carpet April 14 for The Blue Awning, a new home and garden goods store at 430 Race Street. Showcasing a wide variety of unique gifts and décor, the owners will also feature hands-on workshops in the store’s bright classroom and patio.
“From living wreaths and container gardens to English ‘troughs,’ we want to offer our customers the experience of creating – and taking home – beautiful gifts and garden treasures,” said Beth.
Dorchester ‘weekenders’ for 16 years, Beth – a former Smithsonian executive – and Mary Ann – a retired transportation official who was instrumental in the federal byways program – became full time residents in 2017.
Roaster Lands on Route 50
As coffee lovers throughout the Shore will testify – Rise-Up’s loyal following has yearned for a Dorchester location since the popular roaster launched their ‘humble food truck’ 13 years ago in St. Michaels.
Those cravings will soon be satisfied when the beloved coffee destination opens their sixth café in Cambridge in early May. Planting roots in a former industrial space that once housed “Hot Spot Cool Eats,” the Dorchester site is east of downtown in any easily accessible Route 50 location.
With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, Rise-Up CEO and co-founder Tim Cureton plans to serve a full breakfast and lunch menu, along with their signature slow roasted coffees, at the new outpost.
Groove City Goes Gourmet
Artisan Gourmet, a new specialty store developed by Cambridge proprietors Ed Johnson and Randy Decker, will soon debut at 412 Race Street.
Tucked between The Wine Bar and Cottage Studio, Artisan Gourmet features a large selection of local gourmet foods alongside kitchen and dining room essentials including pots, dishes and glassware.
“We’ve partnered with Candace Christopher — an amazing and accomplished local chef also known as the “Baking Mariner” – to create bite-sized deserts to complement our selection of chocolates and cheeses,” said Johnson.
The Artisan Gourmet specialty food items include cheese, chocolate and condiment collections to enjoy on site or at home. With a grand opening set for Friday, April 27, Johnson and Decker will start welcoming customers to their new shop in time for Second Saturday (April 14).
Wine Bar Stocks Up for Grape Lovers
Further cementing downtown Cambridge’s reputation as a go-to destination for oenophiles across the shore, Artisan Gourmet’s Johnson and Decker are also renovating their signature Wine Bar at 414 Race Street.
Increasing seating, adding a new lounge area, and significantly expanding the wine selection, they’re adding more than 100 new labels to their established shop.
New Restaurants and Shops on the Horizon
At least five additional shops and restaurants are set to open in Cambridge this summer. Sign up for our monthly newsletter and stay up to date with all the good things going on in Dorchester County Maryland.
