Welcome to Dorchester County, Maryland!
Updated March 23, 2021
Whether you live in Dorchester County, Maryland or you’re planning to visit, here are some tips to have a safe and fun time here in the Heart of the Chesapeake. The Dorchester Visitor Center is open to the public (daily from 8:30am to 5pm). You can also reach out to us at info@visitdorchester.org or 410-228-1000, or follow the latest on our I Love Dorchester County Facebook page or on our Instagram feed. Dorchester County has been re-opening, with our lodging, restaurants, shops, outfitters, and more taking special care to ensure the safety of their guests.
See the latest statistics on COVID-19 in Dorchester County from the Dorchester County Health Department.
If you need a mask, you’ll find a wide selection at Sunnyside Shop, Bay Country Shop, or Maiden Maryland, both in Cambridge, as well as other shops around the county.
- The Hyatt Regency Chesapeake Bay Resort (NerdWallet on July 27, 2020 gave the Hyatt brand top marks in their response to COVID-19 for health and social distancing factors), Holiday Inn Express Comfort Inn & Suites, Days Inn, and Best Value Inn, are open, and all have instituted procedures and policies to keep their facilities clean and safe.
- Various other accommodations, including Riverside Lodge on Hoopers Island, B&Bs such as Cambridge House Bed & Breakfast, campgrounds and some vacation homes, are accepting guests as well. See our list of Dorchester accommodations, or visit airbnb.com or vrbo.com.
Most Dorchester County restaurants are offering indoor dining (with some restrictions to keep everyone safe) as well as outdoor dining and carry-out. We’ve put together a guide to those restaurants that we update frequently as hours, offerings, and more change. We’ve also included local food producers and farmers who are currently selling their products – fish, oysters, meat, produce, and more – directly to the public. See the DoCo Eats Guide, Pandemic Edition.
Most of Dorchester County’s retail shops and art galleries are open for business. One shop, Thomas’s Fine Jewelry, is open only by appointment. See our list of indie shops and galleries, and then check with the merchant for specifics as the situation continues to evolve.
The Underground Railroad “conductor” who led more than 70 people from slavery to freedom was born here in Dorchester County. The Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center is open to the public with limited hours (10am-4pm, Thursday-Sunday) and advance reservations required (reserve here). The Harriet Tubman Museum & Educational Center is open Thursday–Saturday, 12-3pm; but it’s best to call first at 410-228-0401. Bucktown General Store remains temporarily closed. You can experience Harriet Tubman’s story and legacy through the road trip known as the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway. This self-guided driving tour includes more than 30 sites, many of them with outdoor markers or interpretive signs that share the story of that place. Highlights that you can see include the Harriet Tubman Memorial Garden (Site #2), Harriet Tubman Mural (exterior wall at Site #5, Tubman Museum), Stanley Institute (Site #6; open by appointment), and Webb Cabin (Site #27). For full descriptions and stories of all the sites, go to HarrietTubmanByway.org and check out the Tubman Byway Map & Guide (available as a PDF or hardcopy). Also be sure to download the Tubman Byway Audio Guide to deepen the experience.
Cabin Fever Play Centre
Climbing, obstacle courses, slides, swings, and more for the kids! Plus a new arcade for all ages, as well as a cafe and Cabin Critter’s Workshop (like Build a Bear). Lots of health/safety precautions in place. Masks are required for adults and employees. They are not mandatory for children. They ask no masks on children, who are running around. Children over 5 playing in the arcade must wear masks. Normal hours are Mon 9am-4pm, Wed-Thurs 9-8pm, Fri 9am-5pm, and Sat 9am-6:30pm. (Closed Tues and Sun). Check their Facebook page or call for the latest; 410-228-2122. Advance reservations recommended at cabinfeverplaycentre.com. Details on their Facebook page.
Choptank Bowling Center
Open Tues-Thurs 10:30am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10:30am-10:30pm, and Sun 12-6pm. They have sanitizing procedures in place. Masks and social distancing required. The on-site Paul’s Pub is open with eat-in and carry-out service. See their Facebook page for more info.
These days, wide open spaces and serene nature experiences are sounding mighty inviting. And that’s just what Dorchester County has been offering for generations.
Blackwater Refuge
Wildlife Drive is open (with a nominal fee at the entrance). Walking trails are open. The Blackwater Visitor Center is currently closed. Restroom facilities are limited to port-o-lets at the entrance to the Wildlife Drive and at the Woods Trail parking lot.
Boating
Dorchester is the only county on the Mid-Shore that does not require permits and fees to launch at our 25 public boat ramps. Here’s a guide to boating during COVID-19. Or go for a different on-the-water experience with a crabfeast, lunch, dinner, murder mystery, or sightseeing cruise with Choptank Riverboats. See the schedule.
- Dorchester County YMCA has indoor classes and more, all with safety guidelines. Details.
- Heirloom Athletics has CrossFit and more. Details.
- Fair Winds Cambridge has yoga, acupuncture and nutrition counseling, all with safety guidelines. Reserve ahead.
- Powerhouse Gym Fitness Center Cambridge is open with new policies and procedures. Details on their Facebook page.
- Anahata Yoga is open. Must reserve ahead of time at anahatayogamd.com.
- Over Board Paddle & Fitness offers floating fitness in season. More at overboardpaddleandfitness.com.
- Cambridge Fitness Club is open with 24-hour access. Details.
Some of the major annual events for 2021 are happening; others have been rescheduled or canceled. See below. For the latest on what’s coming up, see our events calendar.
Chesapeake Mural Trail
Grab the family and explore the Chesapeake Mural Trail by car, while listening to the free audio app. You can also take a look at or order our Mural Trail brochure.
Cambridge History
Explore Cambridge through two of our award-winning audio guides. While these were designed as walking tours, you can try them as driving tours; they’re also great for armchair travel. One tells some of the interesting history of downtown Cambridge; the other has locals sharing stories about the historic African-American Pine Street community. Download the apps.
Harriet Tubman
Take the road trip known as the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway, which includes more than 30 sites in Dorchester and Caroline Counties. Don’t forget the free audio guide!
